[Title 50 CFR ]
[Code of Federal Regulations (annual edition) - October 1, 2023 Edition]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]



[[Page i]]

          
          
          Title 50

Wildlife and Fisheries


________________________

Parts 600 to 659

                         Revised as of October 1, 2023

          Containing a codification of documents of general 
          applicability and future effect

          As of October 1, 2023
                    Published by the Office of the Federal Register 
                    National Archives and Records Administration as a 
                    Special Edition of the Federal Register

[[Page ii]]

          U.S. GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL EDITION NOTICE

          Legal Status and Use of Seals and Logos
          
          
          The seal of the National Archives and Records Administration 
              (NARA) authenticates the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) as 
              the official codification of Federal regulations established 
              under the Federal Register Act. Under the provisions of 44 
              U.S.C. 1507, the contents of the CFR, a special edition of the 
              Federal Register, shall be judicially noticed. The CFR is 
              prima facie evidence of the original documents published in 
              the Federal Register (44 U.S.C. 1510).

          It is prohibited to use NARA's official seal and the stylized Code 
              of Federal Regulations logo on any republication of this 
              material without the express, written permission of the 
              Archivist of the United States or the Archivist's designee. 
              Any person using NARA's official seals and logos in a manner 
              inconsistent with the provisions of 36 CFR part 1200 is 
              subject to the penalties specified in 18 U.S.C. 506, 701, and 
              1017.

          Use of ISBN Prefix

          This is the Official U.S. Government edition of this publication 
              and is herein identified to certify its authenticity. Use of 
              the 0-16 ISBN prefix is for U.S. Government Publishing Office 
              Official Editions only. The Superintendent of Documents of the 
              U.S. Government Publishing Office requests that any reprinted 
              edition clearly be labeled as a copy of the authentic work 
              with a new ISBN.

              
              
          U . S . G O V E R N M E N T P U B L I S H I N G O F F I C E

          ------------------------------------------------------------------

          U.S. Superintendent of Documents  Washington, DC 
              20402-0001

          http://bookstore.gpo.gov

          Phone: toll-free (866) 512-1800; DC area (202) 512-1800

[[Page iii]]




                            Table of Contents



                                                                    Page
  Explanation.................................................       v

  Title 50:
          Chapter VI--Fishery Conservation and Management, 
          National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 
          Department of Commerce                                     3
  Finding Aids:
      Table of CFR Titles and Chapters........................    1029
      Alphabetical List of Agencies Appearing in the CFR......    1049
      List of CFR Sections Affected...........................    1059

[[Page iv]]





                     ----------------------------

                     Cite this Code: CFR
                     To cite the regulations in 
                       this volume use title, 
                       part and section number. 
                       Thus, 50 CFR 600.5 refers 
                       to title 50, part 600, 
                       section 5.

                     ----------------------------

[[Page v]]



                               EXPLANATION

    The Code of Federal Regulations is a codification of the general and 
permanent rules published in the Federal Register by the Executive 
departments and agencies of the Federal Government. The Code is divided 
into 50 titles which represent broad areas subject to Federal 
regulation. Each title is divided into chapters which usually bear the 
name of the issuing agency. Each chapter is further subdivided into 
parts covering specific regulatory areas.
    Each volume of the Code is revised at least once each calendar year 
and issued on a quarterly basis approximately as follows:

Title 1 through Title 16.................................as of January 1
Title 17 through Title 27..................................as of April 1
Title 28 through Title 41...................................as of July 1
Title 42 through Title 50................................as of October 1

    The appropriate revision date is printed on the cover of each 
volume.

LEGAL STATUS

    The contents of the Federal Register are required to be judicially 
noticed (44 U.S.C. 1507). The Code of Federal Regulations is prima facie 
evidence of the text of the original documents (44 U.S.C. 1510).

HOW TO USE THE CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS

    The Code of Federal Regulations is kept up to date by the individual 
issues of the Federal Register. These two publications must be used 
together to determine the latest version of any given rule.
    To determine whether a Code volume has been amended since its 
revision date (in this case, October 1, 2023), consult the ``List of CFR 
Sections Affected (LSA),'' which is issued monthly, and the ``Cumulative 
List of Parts Affected,'' which appears in the Reader Aids section of 
the daily Federal Register. These two lists will identify the Federal 
Register page number of the latest amendment of any given rule.

EFFECTIVE AND EXPIRATION DATES

    Each volume of the Code contains amendments published in the Federal 
Register since the last revision of that volume of the Code. Source 
citations for the regulations are referred to by volume number and page 
number of the Federal Register and date of publication. Publication 
dates and effective dates are usually not the same and care must be 
exercised by the user in determining the actual effective date. In 
instances where the effective date is beyond the cut-off date for the 
Code a note has been inserted to reflect the future effective date. In 
those instances where a regulation published in the Federal Register 
states a date certain for expiration, an appropriate note will be 
inserted following the text.

OMB CONTROL NUMBERS

    The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (Pub. L. 96-511) requires 
Federal agencies to display an OMB control number with their information 
collection request.

[[Page vi]]

Many agencies have begun publishing numerous OMB control numbers as 
amendments to existing regulations in the CFR. These OMB numbers are 
placed as close as possible to the applicable recordkeeping or reporting 
requirements.

PAST PROVISIONS OF THE CODE

    Provisions of the Code that are no longer in force and effect as of 
the revision date stated on the cover of each volume are not carried. 
Code users may find the text of provisions in effect on any given date 
in the past by using the appropriate List of CFR Sections Affected 
(LSA). For the convenience of the reader, a ``List of CFR Sections 
Affected'' is published at the end of each CFR volume. For changes to 
the Code prior to the LSA listings at the end of the volume, consult 
previous annual editions of the LSA. For changes to the Code prior to 
2001, consult the List of CFR Sections Affected compilations, published 
for 1949-1963, 1964-1972, 1973-1985, and 1986-2000.

``[RESERVED]'' TERMINOLOGY

    The term ``[Reserved]'' is used as a place holder within the Code of 
Federal Regulations. An agency may add regulatory information at a 
``[Reserved]'' location at any time. Occasionally ``[Reserved]'' is used 
editorially to indicate that a portion of the CFR was left vacant and 
not dropped in error.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

    What is incorporation by reference? Incorporation by reference was 
established by statute and allows Federal agencies to meet the 
requirement to publish regulations in the Federal Register by referring 
to materials already published elsewhere. For an incorporation to be 
valid, the Director of the Federal Register must approve it. The legal 
effect of incorporation by reference is that the material is treated as 
if it were published in full in the Federal Register (5 U.S.C. 552(a)). 
This material, like any other properly issued regulation, has the force 
of law.
    What is a proper incorporation by reference? The Director of the 
Federal Register will approve an incorporation by reference only when 
the requirements of 1 CFR part 51 are met. Some of the elements on which 
approval is based are:
    (a) The incorporation will substantially reduce the volume of 
material published in the Federal Register.
    (b) The matter incorporated is in fact available to the extent 
necessary to afford fairness and uniformity in the administrative 
process.
    (c) The incorporating document is drafted and submitted for 
publication in accordance with 1 CFR part 51.
    What if the material incorporated by reference cannot be found? If 
you have any problem locating or obtaining a copy of material listed as 
an approved incorporation by reference, please contact the agency that 
issued the regulation containing that incorporation. If, after 
contacting the agency, you find the material is not available, please 
notify the Director of the Federal Register, National Archives and 
Records Administration, 8601 Adelphi Road, College Park, MD 20740-6001, 
or call 202-741-6010.

CFR INDEXES AND TABULAR GUIDES

    A subject index to the Code of Federal Regulations is contained in a 
separate volume, revised annually as of January 1, entitled CFR Index 
and Finding Aids. This volume contains the Parallel Table of Authorities 
and Rules. A list of CFR titles, chapters, subchapters, and parts and an 
alphabetical list of agencies publishing in the CFR are also included in 
this volume.
    An index to the text of ``Title 3--The President'' is carried within 
that volume.

[[Page vii]]

    The Federal Register Index is issued monthly in cumulative form. 
This index is based on a consolidation of the ``Contents'' entries in 
the daily Federal Register.
    A List of CFR Sections Affected (LSA) is published monthly, keyed to 
the revision dates of the 50 CFR titles.

REPUBLICATION OF MATERIAL

    There are no restrictions on the republication of material appearing 
in the Code of Federal Regulations.

INQUIRIES

    For a legal interpretation or explanation of any regulation in this 
volume, contact the issuing agency. The issuing agency's name appears at 
the top of odd-numbered pages.
    For inquiries concerning CFR reference assistance, call 202-741-6000 
or write to the Director, Office of the Federal Register, National 
Archives and Records Administration, 8601 Adelphi Road, College Park, MD 
20740-6001 or e-mail [email protected].

SALES

    The Government Publishing Office (GPO) processes all sales and 
distribution of the CFR. For payment by credit card, call toll-free, 
866-512-1800, or DC area, 202-512-1800, M-F 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. e.s.t. or 
fax your order to 202-512-2104, 24 hours a day. For payment by check, 
write to: US Government Publishing Office - New Orders, P.O. Box 979050, 
St. Louis, MO 63197-9000.

ELECTRONIC SERVICES

    The full text of the Code of Federal Regulations, the LSA (List of 
CFR Sections Affected), The United States Government Manual, the Federal 
Register, Public Laws, Public Papers of the Presidents of the United 
States, Compilation of Presidential Documents and the Privacy Act 
Compilation are available in electronic format via www.govinfo.gov. For 
more information, contact the GPO Customer Contact Center, U.S. 
Government Publishing Office. Phone 202-512-1800, or 866-512-1800 (toll-
free). E-mail, [email protected].
    The Office of the Federal Register also offers a free service on the 
National Archives and Records Administration's (NARA) website for public 
law numbers, Federal Register finding aids, and related information. 
Connect to NARA's website at www.archives.gov/federal-register.
    The eCFR is a regularly updated, unofficial editorial compilation of 
CFR material and Federal Register amendments, produced by the Office of 
the Federal Register and the Government Publishing Office. It is 
available at www.ecfr.gov.

    Oliver A. Potts,
    Director,
    Office of the Federal Register
    October 1, 2023







[[Page ix]]



                               THIS TITLE

    Title 50--Wildlife and Fisheries is composed of thirteen volumes. 
The parts in these volumes are arranged in the following order: Parts 1-
16; part 17 (17.1 to 17.95(a)), part 17 (17.95(b)), part 17 (17.95(c) to 
(e)), part 17 (17.95(f) to end of 17.95), part 17 (17.96 to 17.98), part 
17 (17.99(a) to (h)), part 17 (17.99(i) to end of part 17), parts 18-
199, parts 200-227, parts 228-599, parts 600-659, and part 660 to end. 
The first nine volumes consist of parts 1-16, part 17 (17.1 to 
17.95(a)), part 17 (17.95(b)), part 17 (17.95(c) to (e)), part 17 
(17.95(f) to end of 17.95), part 17 (17.96 to 17.98), part 17 (17.99(a) 
to 17.99(h)), part 17 (17.99(i) to end of part 17), and parts 18-199 and 
contain the current regulations issued under chapter I--United States 
Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior. The tenth volume 
(parts 200-227) contains the current regulations issued under chapter 
II--National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, Department of Commerce. The eleventh volume (parts 228-
599) contains the remaining current regulations issued under chapter 
II--National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, Department of Commerce; and the current regulations 
issued under chapter III--International Fishing and Related Activities; 
chapter IV--Joint Regulations (United States Fish and Wildlife Service, 
Department of the Interior and National Marine Fisheries Service, 
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of 
Commerce); Endangered Species Committee regulations; and chapter V--
Marine Mammal Commission. The twelfth and thirteenth volumes (parts 600-
659 and part 660 to end) contain the current regulations issued under 
chapter VI--Fishery Conservation and Management, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, Department of Commerce. The contents of 
these volumes represent all current regulations codified under this 
title of the CFR as of October 1, 2023.

    Alphabetical listings of endangered and threatened wildlife and 
plants appear in Sec. Sec.  17.11 and 17.12.

    The OMB control numbers for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration appear in 15 CFR 902.1.

    For this volume, Robert J. Sheehan, III was Chief Editor. The Code 
of Federal Regulations publication program is under the direction of 
John Hyrum Martinez, assisted by Stephen J. Frattini.

[[Page 1]]



                    TITLE 50--WILDLIFE AND FISHERIES




                  (This book contains parts 600 to 659)

  --------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                    Part

chapter vi--Fishery Conservation and Management, National 
  Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of 
  Commerce..................................................         600

[[Page 3]]



 CHAPTER VI--FISHERY CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT, NATIONAL OCEANIC AND 
           ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE




  --------------------------------------------------------------------


  Editorial Note: Nomenclature changes to chapter VI appear at 69 FR 
53361, 53362, Sept. 1, 2004.
Part                                                                Page
600             Magnuson-Stevens Act provisions.............           5
622             Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, 
                    and South Atlantic......................         233
635             Atlantic highly migratory species...........         484
644

[Reserved]

648             Fisheries of the Northeastern United States.         580
655-659

[Reserved]

[[Page 5]]



PART 600_MAGNUSON-STEVENS ACT PROVISIONS--Table of Contents



                            Subpart A_General

Sec.
600.5 Purpose and scope.
600.10 Definitions.
600.15 Other acronyms.

             Subpart B_Regional Fishery Management Councils

600.105 Intercouncil boundaries.
600.110 Intercouncil fisheries.
600.115 Statement of organization, practices, and procedures (SOPP).
600.117 Council coordination committee (CCC).
600.120 Employment practices.
600.125 Budgeting, funding, and accounting.
600.130 Protection of confidentiality of statistics.
600.133 Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC).
600.134 Stipends.
600.135 Meeting procedures.
600.140 Procedure for proposed regulations.
600.150 Disposition of records.
600.155 Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests.

                      Subpart C_Council Membership

600.205 Principal state officials and their designees.
600.207 Pacific Fishery Management Council Tribal Indian representative 
          and alternate.
600.210 Terms of Council members.
600.215 Council nomination and appointment procedures.
600.220 Oath of office.
600.225 Rules of conduct.
600.227 Lobbying.
600.230 Removal.
600.235 Financial disclosure and recusal.
600.240 Security assurances.
600.245 Council member compensation.
600.250 Council member training.

                      Subpart D_National Standards

600.305 General.
600.310 National Standard 1--Optimum Yield.
600.315 National Standard 2--Scientific Information.
600.320 National Standard 3--Management Units.
600.325 National Standard 4--Allocations.
600.330 National Standard 5--Efficiency.
600.335 National Standard 6--Variations and Contingencies.
600.340 National Standard 7--Costs and Benefits.
600.345 National Standard 8--Communities.
600.350 National Standard 9--Bycatch.
600.355 National Standard 10--Safety of Life at Sea.

                 Subpart E_Confidentiality of Statistics

600.405 Types of statistics covered.
600.410 Collection and maintenance of statistics.
600.415 Access to statistics.
600.420 Control system.
600.425 Release of statistics.

                        Subpart F_Foreign Fishing

600.501 Vessel permits.
600.502 Vessel reports.
600.503 Vessel and gear identification.
600.504 Facilitation of enforcement.
600.505 Prohibitions.
600.506 Observers.
600.507 Recordkeeping.
600.508 Fishing operations.
600.509 Prohibited species.
600.510 Gear avoidance and disposal.
600.511 Fishery closure procedures.
600.512 Scientific research.
600.513 Recreational fishing.
600.514 Relation to other laws.
600.515 Interpretation of 16 U.S.C. 1857(4).
600.516 Total allowable level of foreign fishing (TALFF).
600.517 Allocations.
600.518 Fee schedule for foreign fishing.
600.520 Northwest Atlantic Ocean fishery.
600.525 Applicability of Subpart F to Canadian Albacore Fishing Vessels 
          off the West Coast.
600.530 Pacific albacore fishery.

      Subpart G_Preemption of State Authority Under Section 306(b)

600.605 General policy.
600.610 Factual findings for Federal preemption.
600.615 Commencement of proceedings.
600.620 Rules pertaining to the hearing.
600.625 Secretary's decision.
600.630 Application for reinstatement of state authority.

           Subpart H_General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries

600.705 Relation to other laws.
600.710 Permits.
600.715 Recordkeeping and reporting.
600.720 Vessel and gear identification.
600.725 General prohibitions.
600.730 Facilitation of enforcement.
600.735 Penalties.
600.740 Enforcement policy.
600.745 Scientific research activity, exempted fishing, and exempted 
          educational activity.
600.746 Observers.

[[Page 6]]

600.747 Guidelines and procedures for determining new fisheries and 
          gear.
600.748 National Minimum Observer Provider nsurance standard.

                  Subpart I_Fishery Negotiation Panels

600.750 Definitions.
600.751 Determination of need for a fishery negotiation panel.
600.752 Use of conveners and facilitators.
600.753 Notice of intent to establish a fishery negotiation panel.
600.754 Decision to establish a fishery negotiation panel.
600.755 Establishment of a fishery negotiation panel.
600.756 Conduct and operation of a fishery negotiation panel.
600.757 Operational protocols.
600.758 Preparation of report.
600.759 Use of report.
600.760 Fishery Negotiation Panel lifetime.

                 Subpart J_Essential Fish Habitat (EFH)

600.805 Purpose and scope.
600.810 Definitions and word usage.
600.815 Contents of Fishery Management Plans.

      Subpart K_EFH Coordination, Consultation, and Recommendations

600.905 Purpose, scope, and NMFS/Council cooperation.
600.910 Definitions and word usage.
600.915 Coordination for the conservation and enhancement of EFH.
600.920 Federal agency consultation with the Secretary.
600.925 NMFS EFH Conservation Recommendations to Federal and state 
          agencies.
600.930 Council comments and recommendations to Federal and state 
          agencies.

             Subpart L_Fishing Capacity Reduction Framework

600.1000 Definitions.
600.1001 Requests.
600.1002 General requirements.
600.1003 Content of a request for a financed program.
600.1004 Accepting a request for, and determinations about initiating, a 
          financed program.
600.1005 Content of a request for a subsidized program.
600.1006 Accepting a request for, and determinations about conducting, a 
          subsidized program.
600.1007 Reduction amendments.
600.1008 Implementation plan and implementation regulations.
600.1009 Bids.
600.1010 Referenda.
600.1011 Reduction methods and other conditions.
600.1012 Reduction loan.
600.1013 Fee payment and collection.
600.1014 Fee collection deposits, disbursements, records, and reports.
600.1015 Late charges.
600.1016 Enforcement.
600.1017 Prohibitions and penalties.

    Subpart M_Specific Fishery or Program Fishing Capacity Reduction 
                               Regulations

600.1100 General. [Reserved]
600.1101 Inshore fee system for repayment of the loan to harvesters of 
          Pollock from the directed fishing allowance allocated to the 
          inshore component under section 206(b)(1) of the AFA.
600.1102 Pacific Coast groundfish fee.
600.1103 Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI) Crab species program.
600.1104 Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI) crab species fee payment 
          and collection system.
600.1105 Longline catcher processor subsector of the Bering Sea and 
          Aleutian Islands (BSAI) non-pollock groundfish fishery 
          program.
600.1106 Longline catcher processor subsector Bering Sea and Aleutian 
          Islands (BSAI) non-pollock groundfish species fee payment and 
          collection system.
600.1107 Southeast Alaska Purse Seine Salmon Fishery capacity reduction 
          program, including fee payment and collection system.
600.1108 Longline catcher processor subsector of the Bering Sea and 
          Aleutian Islands (BSAI) non-pollock groundfish fishery 
          program.

      Subpart N_Shark Fin Removal, Possession, Transfer and Landing

600.1200 Purpose and scope.
600.1201 Relation to other laws.
600.1202 Definitions.
600.1203 Prohibitions.

               Subpart O_Limited Access Privilege Programs

600.1300-600.1309 [Reserved]
600.1310 New England and Gulf of Mexico Individual Fishing Quota 
          Referenda.

      Subpart P_Marine Recreational Fisheries of the United States

600.1400 Definitions.
600.1405 Angler registration.
600.1410 Registry process.
600.1415 Procedures for designating exempted states-general provisions.

[[Page 7]]

600.1416 Requirements for exempted state designation based on submission 
          of state license holder data.
600.1417 Requirements for exempted state designation based on submission 
          of recreational survey data.

            Subpart Q_Vessel Monitoring System Type-Approval

600.1500 Definitions and acronyms.
600.1501 Vessel Monitoring System type-approval process.
600.1502 Communications functionality.
600.1503 Position report data formats and transmission.
600.1504 Latency requirement.
600.1505 Messaging.
600.1506 Electronic forms.
600.1507 Communications security.
600.1508 Field and technical services.
600.1509 General.
600.1510 Notification of type-approval.
600.1511 Changes or modifications to type-approvals.
600.1512 Type-approval revocation process.
600.1513 Type-approval revocation appeals process.
600.1514 Revocation effective date and notification to vessel owners.
600.1515 Litigation support.
600.1516 Reimbursement opportunities for revoked Vessel Monitoring 
          System type-approval products.

          Subpart R_Standardized Bycatch Reporting Methodology

600.1600 Purpose and scope.
600.1605 Definitions and word usage.
600.1610 Establishing and reviewing standardized bycatch reporting 
          methodologies in fishery management plans.

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 561 and 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.

    Source: 61 FR 32540, June 24, 1996, unless otherwise noted.



                            Subpart A_General



Sec. 600.5  Purpose and scope.

    (a) This part contains general provisions governing the operation of 
the eight Regional Fishery Management Councils established by the 
Magnuson-Stevens Act and describes the Secretary's role and 
responsibilities under the Act. The Councils are institutions created by 
Federal law and must conform to the uniform standards established by the 
Secretary in this part.
    (b) This part also governs all foreign fishing under the Magnuson-
Stevens Act, prescribes procedures for the conduct of preemption 
hearings under section 306(b) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, and collects 
the general provisions common to all domestic fisheries governed by this 
chapter.
    (c) This part also governs fishing capacity reduction programs under 
the Magnuson-Stevens Act.

[61 FR 32540, June 24, 1996, as amended at 63 FR 7075, Feb. 12, 1998; 65 
FR 31443, May 18, 2000]



Sec. 600.10  Definitions.

    Unless defined otherwise in other parts of Chapter VI, the terms in 
this chapter have the following meanings:
    Administrator means the Administrator of NOAA (Under Secretary of 
Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere) or a designee.
    Advisory group means a Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC), 
Fishing Industry Advisory Committee (FIAC), or Advisory Panel (AP) 
established by a Council under the Magnuson-Stevens Act.
    Advisory panel (AP) means a committee formed, selected, and formally 
designated as a Magnuson-Stevens Act Section 302(g)(2) advisory panel by 
the Council's Statement of organization, practices, and procedures 
(SOPP), or by a formal charge to the committee made by the chair and 
recorded in the Council's minutes, to assist it in carrying out its 
functions. An AP may include individuals who are not members of the 
Council.
    Agent, for the purpose of foreign fishing (subpart F), means a 
person appointed and maintained within the United States who is 
authorized to receive and respond to any legal process issued in the 
United States to an owner and/or operator of a vessel operating under a 
permit and of any other vessel of that Nation fishing subject to the 
jurisdiction of the United States. Any diplomatic official accepting 
such an appointment as designated agent waives diplomatic or other 
immunity in connection with such process.
    Aggregate or summary form means confidential data structured in such 
a way that the identity of the submitter cannot be determined either 
from the present release of the data or in combination with other 
releases.

[[Page 8]]

    Albacore means the species Thunnus alalunga, or a part thereof.
    Allocated species means any species or species group allocated to a 
foreign nation under Sec. 600.517 for catching by vessels of that 
Nation.
    Allocation means direct and deliberate distribution of the 
opportunity to participate in a fishery among identifiable, discrete 
user groups or individuals.
    Allowable chemical means a substance, generally used to immobilize 
marine life so it can be captured alive, that, when introduced into the 
water, does not take Gulf and South Atlantic prohibited coral (as 
defined at 50 CFR 622.2) and is allowed by Florida or Hawaii or the U.S. 
Pacific Insular Area for the harvest of tropical fish.
    Anadromous species means species of fish that spawn in fresh or 
estuarine waters of the United States and that migrate to ocean waters.
    Angling means fishing for, attempting to fish for, catching or 
attempting to catch fish by any person (angler) with a hook attached to 
a line that is hand-held or by rod and reel made for this purpose.
    Area of custody means any vessel, building, vehicle, live car, 
pound, pier or dock facility where fish might be found.
    Assistant Administrator means the Assistant Administrator for 
Fisheries, NOAA, or a designee.
    Atlantic tunas means bluefin, albacore, bigeye, skipjack, and 
yellowfin tunas found in the Atlantic Ocean.
    Atlantic Tunas Convention Act means the Atlantic Tunas Convention 
Act of 1975, 16 U.S.C. 971-971h.
    Authorized officer means:
    (1) Any commissioned, warrant, or petty officer of the USCG;
    (2) Any special agent or fishery enforcement officer of NMFS;
    (3) Any officer designated by the head of any Federal or state 
agency that has entered into an agreement with the Secretary and the 
Commandant of the USCG to enforce the provisions of the Magnuson-Stevens 
Act or any other statute administered by NOAA; or
    (4) Any USCG personnel accompanying and acting under the direction 
of any person described in paragraph (1) of this definition.
    Authorized species means any species or species group that a foreign 
vessel is authorized to retain in a joint venture by a permit issued 
under Activity Code 4 as described by Sec. 600.501(c).
    Automatic reel means a reel that remains attached to a vessel when 
in use from which a line and attached hook(s) are deployed. The line is 
payed out from and retrieved on the reel electrically or hydraulically.
    Bandit gear means vertical hook and line gear with rods that are 
attached to the vessel when in use. Lines are retrieved by manual, 
electric, or hydraulic reels.
    Barrier net means a small-mesh net used to capture coral reef or 
coastal pelagic fishes.
    Bigeye tuna means the species Thunnus obesus, or a part thereof.
    Billfish means Atlantic billfish (blue marlin, white marlin, 
sailfish, longbill spearfish, or roundscale spearfish).
    Bluefin tuna means the species Thunnus thynnus, or a part thereof.
    Blue marlin means the species Makaira nigricans, or a part thereof.
    Bully net means a circular frame attached at right angles to a pole 
and supporting a conical bag of webbing.
    Buoy gear means fishing gear consisting of a float and one or more 
lines suspended therefrom. A hook or hooks are on the lines at or near 
the end. The float and line(s) drift freely and are retrieved 
periodically to remove catch and rebait hooks.
    Carcass means a fish in whole condition or that portion of a fish 
that has been gilled and/or gutted and the head and some or all fins 
have been removed, but that is otherwise in whole condition.
    Cast net means a circular net with weights attached to the 
perimeter.
    Catch limit means the total allowable harvest or take from a single 
fishing trip or day, as defined in this section.
    Catch, take, or harvest includes, but is not limited to, any 
activity that results in killing any fish or bringing any live fish on 
board a vessel.
    Center means one of the five NMFS Fisheries Science Centers.
    Charter boat means a vessel less than 100 gross tons (90.8 mt) that 
meets the requirements of the U.S. Coast Guard

[[Page 9]]

to carry six or fewer passengers for hire.
    Coast Guard Commander means one of the commanding officers of the 
Coast Guard units specified in Table 1 of Sec. 600.502, or a designee.
    Codend means the terminal, closed end of a trawl net.
    Compensation fishing means fishing conducted for the purpose of 
recovering costs associated with resource surveys and scientific studies 
that support the management of a fishery, or to provide incentive for 
participation in such studies. Compensation fishing may include fishing 
during or subsequent to such surveys or studies.
    Confidential statistics are those submitted as a requirement of an 
FMP and that reveal the business or identity of the submitter.
    Conservation engineering means the development and assessment of 
fishing technologies and fishing techniques designed to conserve target 
and non-target species, and may include the study of fish behavior and 
the development and testing of new gear technologies and fishing 
techniques to minimize bycatch and any adverse effects on essential fish 
habitat and promote efficient harvest of target species. Conservation 
engineering may include the assessment of existing fishing technologies 
applied in novel ways. An example would be assessing the ability of a 
bycatch reduction device (BRD), designed and proven in one fishery, to 
reduce bycatch in another fishery. Conservation engineering meeting the 
definition of scientific research activity is not fishing.
    Continental shelf fishery resources means the species listed under 
section 3(7) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act.
    Council means one of the eight Regional Fishery Management Councils 
established by the Magnuson-Stevens Act.
    Data, statistics, and information are used interchangeably.
    Dealer means the person who first receives fish by way of purchase, 
barter, or trade.
    Designated representative means the person appointed by a foreign 
nation and maintained within the United States who is responsible for 
transmitting information to and submitting reports from vessels of that 
Nation and establishing observer transfer arrangements for vessels in 
both directed and joint venture activities.
    Dip net means a small mesh bag, sometimes attached to a handle, 
shaped and framed in various ways. It is operated by hand or partially 
by mechanical power to capture the fish.
    Directed fishing, for the purpose of foreign fishing (subpart F), 
means any fishing by the vessels of a foreign nation for allocations of 
fish granted that Nation under Sec. 600.517.
    Director means the Director of the Office of Sustainable Fisheries, 
1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910.
    Discard means to release or return fish to the sea, whether or not 
such fish are brought fully on board a fishing vessel.
    Dredge means a gear consisting of a mouth frame attached to a 
holding bag constructed of metal rings or mesh.
    Drop net means a small, usually circular net with weight around the 
perimeter and a float in the center.
    Essential fish habitat (EFH) means those waters and substrate 
necessary to fish for spawning, breeding, feeding, or growth to 
maturity. For the purpose of interpreting the definition of essential 
fish habitat: ``Waters'' include aquatic areas and their associated 
physical, chemical, and biological properties that are used by fish and 
may include aquatic areas historically used by fish where appropriate; 
``substrate'' includes sediment, hard bottom, structures underlying the 
waters, and associated biological communities; ``necessary'' means the 
habitat required to support a sustainable fishery and the managed 
species' contribution to a healthy ecosystem; and ``spawning, breeding, 
feeding, or growth to maturity'' covers a species' full life cycle.
    Exclusive economic zone (EEZ) means the zone established by 
Presidential Proclamation 5030, 3 CFR part 22, dated March 10, 1983, and 
is that area adjacent to the United States which, except where modified 
to accommodate international boundaries, encompasses all waters from the 
seaward boundary of each of the coastal states to a line on which each 
point is 200 nautical miles (370.40 km) from the baseline from

[[Page 10]]

which the territorial sea of the United States is measured.
    Exempted educational activity means an activity that would otherwise 
be considered fishing, conducted by an educational institution 
accredited by a recognized national or international accreditation body, 
of limited scope and duration, that is otherwise prohibited by this 
chapter VI, but that is authorized by the appropriate Regional 
Administrator or Director for educational purposes, i.e., the 
instruction of an individual or group, and authorized capture of only 
the amount of fish necessary to demonstrate the lesson.
    Exempted or experimental fishing means fishing from a vessel of the 
United States that involves activities otherwise prohibited by this 
chapter VI, but that are authorized under an exempted fishing permit 
(EFP). The regulations in Sec. 600.745 refer exclusively to exempted 
fishing. References elsewhere in this chapter to experimental fishing 
mean exempted fishing under this part.
    Fillet means to remove slices of fish flesh from the carcass by cuts 
made parallel to the backbone.
    Fish means:
    (1) When used as a noun, means any finfish, mollusk, crustacean, or 
parts thereof, and all other forms of marine animal and plant life other 
than marine mammals and birds.
    (2) When used as a verb, means to engage in ``fishing,'' as defined 
below.
    Fishery means:
    (1) One or more stocks of fish that can be treated as a unit for 
purposes of conservation and management and that are identified on the 
basis of geographic, scientific, technical, recreational, or economic 
characteristics, or method of catch; or
    (2) Any fishing for such stocks.
    Fishery management unit (FMU) means a fishery or that portion of a 
fishery identified in an FMP relevant to the FMP's management 
objectives. The choice of an FMU depends on the focus of the FMP's 
objectives, and may be organized around biological, geographic, 
economic, technical, social, or ecological perspectives.
    Fishery resource means any fish, any stock of fish, any species of 
fish, and any habitat of fish.
    Fishing, or to fish means any activity, other than scientific 
research conducted by a scientific research vessel, that involves:
    (1) The catching, taking, or harvesting of fish;
    (2) The attempted catching, taking, or harvesting of fish;
    (3) Any other activity that can reasonably be expected to result in 
the catching, taking, or harvesting of fish; or
    (4) Any operations at sea in support of, or in preparation for, any 
activity described in paragraphs (1), (2), or (3) of this definition.
    Fishing industry advisory committee (FIAC) means an advisory group 
formed and selected by a regional fishery management council under the 
authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Act section 302(g)(3)(A) and formally 
designated in the Council's SOPP or by a formal charge to the FIAC made 
by the chair and recorded in the Council's minutes. A FIAC is not an 
``advisory panel'' as defined under this section.
    Fishing vessel means any vessel, boat, ship, or other craft that is 
used for, equipped to be used for, or of a type that is normally used 
for:
    (1) Fishing; or
    (2) Aiding or assisting one or more vessels at sea in the 
performance of any activity relating to fishing, including, but not 
limited to, preparation, supply, storage, refrigeration, transportation, 
or processing.
    Fish weir means a large catching arrangement with a collecting 
chamber that is made of non-textile material (wood, wicker) instead of 
netting as in a pound net.
    Foreign fishing means fishing by a foreign fishing vessel.
    Foreign fishing vessel (FFV) means any fishing vessel other than a 
vessel of the United States, except those foreign vessels engaged in 
recreational fishing, as defined in this section.
    Gear conflict means any incident at sea involving one or more 
fishing vessels:
    (1) In which one fishing vessel or its gear comes into contact with 
another vessel or the gear of another vessel; and

[[Page 11]]

    (2) That results in the loss of, or damage to, a fishing vessel, 
fishing gear, or catch.
    Gillnet means a panel of netting, suspended vertically in the water 
by floats along the top and weights along the bottom, to entangle fish 
that attempt to pass through it.
    Governing International Fishery Agreement (GIFA) means an agreement 
between the United States and a foreign nation or Nations under section 
201(c) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act.
    Grants Officer means the NOAA official authorized to sign, on behalf 
of the Government, the cooperative agreement providing funds to support 
the Council's operations and functions.
    Greenwich mean time (GMT) means the local mean time at Greenwich, 
England. All times in this part are GMT unless otherwise specified.
    Handgear means handline, harpoon, or rod and reel.
    Hand harvest means harvesting by hand.
    Handline means fishing gear that is set and pulled by hand and 
consists of one vertical line to which may be attached leader lines with 
hooks.
    Harass means to unreasonably interfere with an individual's work 
performance, or to engage in conduct that creates an intimidating, 
hostile, or offensive environment.
    Harpoon or harpoon gear means fishing gear consisting of a pointed 
dart or iron attached to the end of a line several hundred feet in 
length, the other end of which is attached to a floatation device. 
Harpoon gear is attached to a pole or stick that is propelled only by 
hand, and not by mechanical means.
    Headboat means a vessel that holds a valid Certificate of Inspection 
issued by the U.S. Coast Guard to carry passengers for hire.
    Hook and line means one or more hooks attached to one or more lines 
(can include a troll).
    Hoop net means a cone-shaped or flat net which may or may not have 
throats and flues stretched over a series of rings or hoops for support.
    Industry means both recreational and commercial fishing, and 
includes the harvesting, processing, and marketing sectors.
    International radio call sign (IRCS) means the unique radio 
identifier assigned a vessel by the appropriate authority of the flag 
state.
    Joint venture means any operation by a foreign vessel assisting 
fishing by U.S. fishing vessels, including catching, scouting, 
processing and/or support. (A joint venture generally entails a foreign 
vessel processing fish received from U.S. fishing vessels and conducting 
associated support activities.)
    Lampara net means a surround net with the sections of netting made 
and joined to create bagging. It is hauled with purse rings and is 
generally much smaller in size than a purse seine net.
    Land means to begin offloading fish, to offload fish, or to arrive 
in port or at a dock, berth, beach, seawall, or ramp.
    Limited access system means a system that limits participation in a 
fishery to those satisfying certain eligibility criteria or requirements 
contained in a fishery management plan or associated regulation.
    Longbill spearfish means the species Tetrapturus pfluegeri, or a 
part thereof.
    Longline means a line that is deployed horizontally and to which 
gangions and hooks or pots are attached. Longlines can be stationary, 
anchored, or buoyed lines that may be hauled manually, electrically, or 
hydraulically.
    Magnuson-Stevens Act means the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation 
and Management Act, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.), formerly known 
as the Magnuson Act.
    Metric ton (mt) means 1,000 kg (2,204.6 lb).
    nm means nautical mile (6,076 ft (1,852 m)).
    Official number means the documentation number issued by the USCG or 
the certificate number issued by a state or by the USCG for an 
undocumented vessel.
    Operator, with respect to any vessel, means the master or other 
individual aboard and in charge of that vessel.
    Optimum yield (OY) means the amount of fish that:
    (1) Will provide the greatest overall benefit to the Nation, 
particularly with respect to food production and recreational 
opportunities, and taking

[[Page 12]]

into account the protection of marine ecosystems;
    (2) Is prescribed as such on the basis of the maximum sustainable 
yield from the fishery, as reduced by any relevant economic, social, or 
ecological factor; and
    (3) In the case of an overfished fishery, provides for rebuilding to 
a level consistent with producing the maximum sustainable yield in such 
fishery.
    Owner, with respect to any vessel, means:
    (1) Any person who owns that vessel in whole or in part;
    (2) Any charterer of the vessel, whether bareboat, time, or voyage;
    (3) Any person who acts in the capacity of a charterer, including, 
but not limited to, parties to a management agreement, operating 
agreement, or any similar agreement that bestows control over the 
destination, function, or operation of the vessel; or
    (4) Any agent designated as such by a person described in paragraph 
(1), (2), or (3) of this definition.
    Pelagic longline means a longline that is suspended by floats in the 
water column and that is not fixed to or in contact with the ocean 
bottom.
    Plan Team means a Council working group selected from agencies, 
institutions, and organizations having a role in the research and/or 
management of fisheries, whose primary purpose is to assist the Council 
in the preparation and/or review of FMPs, amendments, and supporting 
documents for the Council, and/or SSC and AP.
    Postmark means independently verifiable evidence of the date of 
mailing, such as a U.S. Postal Service postmark, or other private 
carrier postmark, certified mail receipt, overnight mail receipt, or a 
receipt issued upon hand delivery to a representative of NMFS authorized 
to collect fishery statistics.
    Pot means trap.
    Powerhead means any device with an explosive charge, usually 
attached to a spear gun, spear, pole, or stick, that may or may not fire 
a projectile upon contact.
    Predominately means, with respect to fishing in a fishery, that more 
fishing on a stock or stocks of fish covered by the FMP occurs, or would 
occur in the absence of regulations, within or beyond the EEZ than 
occurs in the aggregate within the boundaries of all states off the 
coasts of which the fishery is conducted.
    Processing, for the purpose of foreign fishing (subpart F), means 
any operation by an FFV to receive fish from foreign or U.S. fishing 
vessels and/or the preparation of fish, including, but not limited to, 
cleaning, cooking, canning, smoking, salting, drying, or freezing, 
either on the FFV's behalf or to assist other foreign or U.S. fishing 
vessels.
    Product recovery rate (PRR) means a ratio expressed as a percentage 
of the weight of processed product divided by the round weight of fish 
used to produce that amount of product.
    Prohibited species, with respect to a foreign vessel, means any 
species of fish that that vessel is not specifically allocated or 
authorized to retain, including fish caught or received in excess of any 
allocation or authorization.
    Purchase means the act or activity of buying, trading, or bartering, 
or attempting to buy, trade, or barter.
    Purse seine means a floated and weighted encircling net that is 
closed by means of a drawstring threaded through rings attached to the 
bottom of the net.
    Recreational fishing, with respect to a foreign vessel, means any 
fishing from a foreign vessel not operated for profit and not operated 
for the purpose of scientific research. It may not involve the sale, 
barter, or trade of part or all of the catch (see Sec. 600.513).
    Retain on board means to fail to return fish to the sea after a 
reasonable opportunity to sort the catch.
    Region means one of six NMFS Regional Offices responsible for 
administering the management and development of marine resources of the 
United States in their respective geographical regions.
    Regional Administrator means the Administrator of one of the six 
NMFS Regions described in Table 1 to Sec. 600.502, or a designee.
    Regional Program Officer means the NMFS official designated in the 
terms and conditions of the grant award responsible for monitoring, 
recommending, and reviewing any technical

[[Page 13]]

aspects of the application for Federal assistance and the award.
    Rod and reel means a hand-held (including rod holder) fishing rod 
with a manually or electrically operated reel attached.
    Round means a whole fish--one that has not been gilled, gutted, 
beheaded, or definned.
    Roundscale spearfish means the species Tetrapturus georgii, or a 
part thereof.
    Round weight means the weight of the whole fish before processing or 
removal of any part.
    Sailfish means the species Istiophorus platypterus, or a part 
thereof.
    Sale or sell means the act or activity of transferring property for 
money or credit, trading, or bartering, or attempting to so transfer, 
trade, or barter.
    Science and Research Director (also referred to as ``Center 
Director'') means the Director of one of the six NMFS Fisheries Science 
Centers described in Table 1 to Sec. 600.502, or a designee.
    Scientific cruise means the period of time during which a scientific 
research vessel is operated in furtherance of a scientific research 
project, beginning when the vessel leaves port to undertake the project 
and ending when the vessel completes the project as provided for in the 
applicable scientific research plan.
    Scientific research activity is, for the purposes of this part, an 
activity in furtherance of a scientific fishery investigation or study 
that would meet the definition of fishing under the Magnuson-Stevens 
Act, but for the exemption applicable to scientific research activity 
conducted from a scientific research vessel. Scientific research 
activity includes, but is not limited to, sampling, collecting, 
observing, or surveying the fish or fishery resources within the EEZ, at 
sea, on board scientific research vessels, to increase scientific 
knowledge of the fishery resources or their environment, and to test a 
hypothesis as part of a planned, directed investigation or study 
conducted according to methodologies generally accepted as appropriate 
for scientific research. At-sea scientific fishery investigations 
address one or more topics involving taxonomy, biology, physiology, 
behavior, disease, aging, growth, mortality, migration, recruitment, 
distribution, abundance, ecology, stock structure, bycatch or other 
collateral effects of fishing, conservation engineering, and catch 
estimation of fish species considered to be a component of the fishery 
resources within the EEZ. Scientific research activity does not include 
the collection and retention of fish outside the scope of the applicable 
research plan, or the testing of fishing gear. Data collection designed 
to capture and land quantities of fish for product development, market 
research, and/or public display are not scientific research activities. 
For foreign vessels, such data collection activities are considered 
scientific research if they are carried out in full cooperation with the 
United States.
    Scientific research plan means a detailed, written formulation, 
prepared in advance of the research, for the accomplishment of a 
scientific research project. At a minimum, a sound scientific research 
plan should include:
    (1) A description of the nature and objectives of the project, 
including the hypothesis or hypotheses to be tested.
    (2) The experimental design of the project, including a description 
of the methods to be used, the type and class of any vessel(s) to be 
used, and a description of sampling equipment.
    (3) The geographical area(s) in which the project is to be 
conducted.
    (4) The expected date of first appearance and final departure of the 
research vessel(s) to be employed, and deployment and removal of 
equipment, as appropriate.
    (5) The expected quantity and species of fish to be taken and their 
intended disposition, and, if significant amounts of a managed species 
or species otherwise restricted by size or sex are needed, an 
explanation of such need.
    (6) The name, address, and telephone/telex/fax number of the 
sponsoring organization and its director.
    (7) The name, address, and telephone/telex/fax number, and 
curriculum vitae of the person in charge of the project and, where 
different, the person in charge of the research project on board the 
vessel.
    (8) The identity of any vessel(s) to be used including, but not 
limited to, the

[[Page 14]]

vessel's name, official documentation number and IRCS, home port, and 
name, address, and telephone number of the owner and master.
    Scientific research vessel means a vessel owned or chartered by, and 
controlled by, a foreign government agency, U.S. Government agency 
(including NOAA or institutions designated as federally funded research 
and development centers), U.S. state or territorial agency, university 
(or other educational institution accredited by a recognized national or 
international accreditation body), international treaty organization, or 
scientific institution. In order for a domestic commercial fishing 
vessel to meet this definition, it must be under the control of a 
qualifying agency or institution, and operate in accordance with a 
scientific research plan, for the duration of the scientific research 
activity. In order for a vessel that is owned or chartered and 
controlled by a foreign government to meet this definition, the vessel 
must have scientific research as its exclusive mission during the 
scientific activity in question, and the vessel operations must be 
conducted in accordance with a scientific research plan.
    Scouting means any operation by a vessel exploring (on the behalf of 
an FFV or U.S. fishing vessel) for the presence of fish by visual, 
acoustic, or other means that do not involve the catching of fish.
    Secretary means the Secretary of Commerce or a designee.
    Seine means a net with long narrow wings, that is rigged with floats 
and weights.
    Skipjack tuna means the species Katsuwonus pelamis, or a part 
thereof.
    Slurp gun means a tube-shaped suction device that operates somewhat 
like a syringe by sucking up the fish.
    Snare means a device consisting of a pole to which is attached a 
line forming at its end a loop with a running knot that tightens around 
the fish when the line is pulled.
    Spear means a sharp, pointed, or barbed instrument on a shaft. 
Spears can be operated manually or shot from a gun or sling.
    State means each of the several states, the District of Columbia, 
the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands, 
Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and any other Commonwealth, 
territory, or possession of the United States.
    State employee means any employee of the state agency responsible 
for developing and monitoring the state's program for marine and/or 
anadromous fisheries.
    Statement of Organization, Practices, and Procedures (SOPP) means a 
statement by each Council describing its organization, practices, and 
procedures as required under section 302(f)(6) of the Magnuson-Stevens 
Act.
    Stock assessment means the process of collecting and analyzing 
biological and statistical information to determine the changes in the 
abundance of fishery stocks in response to fishing, and, to the extent 
possible, to predict future trends of stock abundance. Stock assessments 
are based on resource surveys; knowledge of the habitat requirements, 
life history, and behavior of the species; the use of environmental 
indices to determine impacts on stocks; and catch statistics. Stock 
assessments are used as a basis to ``assess and specify the present and 
probable future condition of a fishery'' (as is required by the 
Magnuson-Stevens Act), and are summarized in the Stock Assessment and 
Fishery Evaluation or similar document.
    Stock Assessment and Fishery Evaluation (SAFE) means a document or 
set of documents that provides Councils with a summary of the most 
recent biological condition of species in an FMU, and the social and 
economic condition of the recreational and commercial fishing industries 
and the fish processing industries. It summarizes, on a periodic basis, 
the best available scientific information concerning the past, present, 
and possible future condition of the stocks and fisheries being managed 
under Federal regulation.
    Submersible means a manned or unmanned device that functions or 
operates primarily underwater and is used to harvest fish, i.e., 
precious corals, with mechanical arms.
    Substantially (affects) means, for the purpose of subpart G, with 
respect to whether a state's action or omission will substantially 
affect the carrying out of an FMP for a fishery, that those

[[Page 15]]

effects are important or material, or considerable in degree. The 
effects of a state's action or omission for purposes of this definition 
include effects upon:
    (1) The achievement of the FMP's goals or objectives for the 
fishery;
    (2) The achievement of OY from the fishery on a continuing basis;
    (3) The attainment of the national standards for fishery 
conservation and management (as set forth in section 301(a) of the 
Magnuson-Stevens Act) and compliance with other applicable law; or
    (4) The enforcement of regulations implementing the FMP.
    Support means any operation by a vessel assisting fishing by foreign 
or U.S. vessels, including supplying water, fuel, provisions, fish 
processing equipment, or other supplies to a fishing vessel.
    Swordfish means the species Xiphias gladius, or a part thereof.
    Tangle net dredge means dredge gear consisting of weights and flimsy 
netting that hangs loosely in order to immediately entangle fish.
    Total length (TL) means the straight-line distance from the tip of 
the snout to the tip of the tail (caudal fin) while the fish is lying on 
its side, normally extended.
    Trammel net means a net consisting of two or more panels of netting, 
suspended vertically in the water column by a common float line and a 
common weight line. One panel of netting has a larger mesh size than the 
other(s) in order to entrap fish in a pocket.
    Transship means offloading and onloading or otherwise transferring 
fish or fish products and/or transporting fish or products made from 
fish.
    Trap means a portable, enclosed device with one or more gates or 
entrances and one or more lines attached to surface floats. Also called 
a pot.
    Trawl means a cone or funnel-shaped net that is towed through the 
water, and can include a pair trawl that is towed simultaneously by two 
boats.
    Trip means the time period that begins when a fishing vessel departs 
from a dock, berth, beach, seawall, ramp, or port to carry out fishing 
operations and that terminates with a return to a dock, berth, beach, 
seawall, ramp, or port.
    U.S. observer or observer means any person serving in the capacity 
of an observer employed by NMFS, either directly or under contract, or 
certified as a supplementary observer by NMFS.
    Vessel of the United States or U.S. vessel means:
    (1) Any vessel documented under chapter 121 of title 46, United 
States Code;
    (2) Any vessel numbered under chapter 123 of title 46, United States 
Code, and measuring less than 5 net tons;
    (3) Any vessel numbered under chapter 123 of title 46, United States 
Code, and used exclusively for pleasure; or
    (4) Any vessel not equipped with propulsion machinery of any kind 
and used exclusively for pleasure.
    White Marlin means the species Kajikia albidus, or a part thereof.
    Yellowfin tuna means the species Thunnus albacares, or a part 
thereof.

[61 FR 32540, June 24, 1996, as amended at 62 FR 14646, Mar. 27, 1997; 
62 FR 66551, Dec. 19, 1997; 63 FR 7073, 7075, Feb. 12, 1998; 64 FR 4036, 
Jan. 27, 1999; 64 FR 29133, May 28, 1999; 64 FR 67516, Dec. 2, 1999; 67 
FR 2375, Jan. 17, 2002; 67 FR 64312, Oct. 18, 2002; 69 FR 30240, May 27, 
2004; 73 FR 67810, Nov. 17, 2008; 74 FR 42792, Aug. 25, 2009; 75 FR 
59149, Sept. 27, 2010; 75 FR 57701, Sept. 22, 2010]



Sec. 600.15  Other acronyms.

    (a) Fishery management terms. (1) ABC--acceptable biological catch
    (2) ATCA-Atlantic Tunas Convention Act
    (3) BFT (Atlantic bluefin tuna) means the subspecies of bluefin 
tuna, Thunnus thynnus thynnus, or a part thereof, that occurs in the 
Atlantic Ocean.
    (4) BSD means the ICCAT bluefin tuna statistical document.
    (5) CCC-Council coordination committee
    (6) DAH--estimated domestic annual harvest
    (7) DAP--estimated domestic annual processing
    (8) EIS--environmental impact statement
    (9) EY--equilibrium yield
    (10) FIAC-Fishing industry advisory committee
    (11) FMP--fishery management plan

[[Page 16]]

    (12) ICCAT means the International Commission for the Conservation 
of Atlantic Tunas.
    (13) JVP--joint venture processing
    (14) MSY--maximum sustainable yield
    (15) PMP--preliminary FMP
    (16) TAC--total allowable catch
    (17) TALFF--total allowable level of foreign fishing
    (b) Legislation. (1) APA--Administrative Procedure Act
    (2) CZMA--Coastal Zone Management Act
    (3) ESA--Endangered Species Act
    (4) FACA--Federal Advisory Committee Act
    (5) FOIA--Freedom of Information Act
    (6) FLSA--Fair Labor Standards Act
    (7) MMPA--Marine Mammal Protection Act
    (8) MPRSA--Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act
    (9) NEPA--National Environmental Policy Act
    (10) PA--Privacy Act
    (11) PRA--Paperwork Reduction Act
    (12) RFA--Regulatory Flexibility Act
    (c) Federal agencies. (1) CEQ--Council on Environmental Quality
    (2) DOC--Department of Commerce
    (3) DOI--Department of the Interior
    (4) DOS--Department of State
    (5) EPA--Environmental Protection Agency
    (6) FWS--Fish and Wildlife Service
    (7) GSA--General Services Administration
    (8) NMFS--National Marine Fisheries Service
    (9) NOAA--National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
    (10) OMB--Office of Management and Budget
    (11) OPM--Office of Personnel Management
    (12) SBA--Small Business Administration
    (13) USCG--United States Coast Guard

[61 FR 32540, June 24, 1996, as amended at 63 FR 7073, Feb. 12, 1998; 64 
FR 29134, May 28, 1999; 75 FR 59149, Sept. 27, 2010]



             Subpart B_Regional Fishery Management Councils



Sec. 600.105  Intercouncil boundaries.

    (a) New England and Mid-Atlantic Councils. The boundary begins at 
the intersection point of Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New York at 
41[deg]18[min]16.249[sec] N. lat. and 71[deg]54[min]28.477[sec] W. long. 
and proceeds south 37[deg]22[min]32.75[sec] East to the point of 
intersection with the outward boundary of the EEZ as specified in the 
Magnuson-Stevens Act.
    (b) Mid-Atlantic and South Atlantic Councils. The boundary begins at 
the seaward boundary between the States of Virginia and North Carolina 
(36[deg]33[min]01.0[sec] N. lat), and proceeds due east to the point of 
intersection with the outward boundary of the EEZ as specified in the 
Magnuson-Stevens Act.
    (c) South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico Councils. The boundary 
coincides with the line of demarcation between the Atlantic Ocean and 
the Gulf of Mexico, which begins at the intersection of the outer 
boundary of the EEZ, as specified in the Magnuson-Stevens Act, and 
83[deg]00[min] W. long., proceeds northward along that meridian to 
24[deg]35[min] N. lat., (near the Dry Tortugas Islands), thence eastward 
along that parallel, through Rebecca Shoal and the Quicksand Shoal, to 
the Marquesas Keys, and then through the Florida Keys to the mainland at 
the eastern end of Florida Bay, the line so running that the narrow 
waters within the Dry Tortugas Islands, the Marquesas Keys and the 
Florida Keys, and between the Florida Keys and the mainland, are within 
the Gulf of Mexico.

[61 FR 32540, June 24, 1996, as amended at 63 FR 7075, Feb. 12, 1998; 75 
FR 59149, Sept. 27, 2010]



Sec. 600.110  Intercouncil fisheries.

    If any fishery extends beyond the geographical area of authority of 
any one Council, the Secretary may--
    (a) Designate a single Council to prepare the FMP for such fishery 
and any amendments to such FMP, in consultation with the other Councils 
concerned; or
    (b) Require that the FMP and any amendments be prepared jointly by 
all the Councils concerned.

[[Page 17]]

    (1) A jointly prepared FMP or amendment must be adopted by a 
majority of the voting members, present and voting, of each 
participating Council. Different conservation and management measures 
may be developed for specific geographic areas, but the FMP should 
address the entire geographic range of the stock(s).
    (2) In the case of joint FMP or amendment preparation, one Council 
will be designated as the ``administrative lead.'' The ``administrative 
lead'' Council is responsible for the preparation of the FMP or any 
amendments and other required documents for submission to the Secretary.
    (3) None of the Councils involved in joint preparation may withdraw 
without Secretarial approval. If Councils cannot agree on approach or 
management measures within a reasonable period of time, the Secretary 
may designate a single Council to prepare the FMP or may issue the FMP 
under Secretarial authority.



Sec. 600.115  Statement of organization, practices, and procedures (SOPP).

    (a) Councils are required to publish and make available to the 
public a SOPP in accordance with such uniform standards as are 
prescribed by the Secretary (section 302(f)(6)) of the Magnuson-Stevens 
Act. The purpose of the SOPP is to inform the public how the Council 
operates within the framework of the Secretary's uniform standards.
    (b) Amendments to current SOPPs must be consistent with the 
guidelines in this section, subpart C of this part, the terms and 
conditions of the cooperative agreement (the funding agreement between 
the Council and NOAA that establishes Council funding and mandates 
specific requirements regarding the use of those funds), the statutory 
requirements of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, and other applicable law. Upon 
approval of a Council's SOPP amendment by the Secretary, a notice of 
availability must be published in the Federal Register that includes an 
Internet address from which the amended SOPP may be read and downloaded 
and a mailing address to which the public may write to request copies.
    (c) Councils may deviate, where lawful, from the guidelines with 
appropriate supporting rationale, and Secretarial approval of each 
amendment to a SOPP would constitute approval of any such deviations for 
that particular Council.

[61 FR 32540, June 24, 1996, as amended at 63 FR 7075, Feb. 12, 1998; 75 
FR 59149, Sept. 27, 2010]



Sec. 600.117  Council coordination committee (CCC).

    (a) The Councils may establish a Council coordination committee 
(CCC) consisting of the chairs, vice chairs, and executive directors of 
each of the eight Councils or other Council members or staff, in order 
to discuss issues of relevance to all Councils.
    (b) The CCC is not subject to the requirements of the Federal 
Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App. 2). Procedures for announcing and 
conducting open and closed meetings of the CCC shall be in accordance 
with Sec. 600.135.

[75 FR 59150, Sept. 27, 2010]



Sec. 600.120  Employment practices.

    (a) Council staff positions must be filled solely on the basis of 
merit, fitness for duty, competence, and qualifications. Employment 
actions must be free from discrimination based on race, religion, color, 
national origin, sex, age, disability, reprisal, sexual orientation, 
status as a parent, or on any additional bases protected by applicable 
Federal, state, or local law.
    (b) The annual pay rates for Council staff positions shall be 
consistent with the pay rates established for General Schedule Federal 
employees as set forth in 5 U.S.C. 5332, and the Alternative Personnel 
Management System for the U.S. Department of Commerce (62 FR 67434). The 
Councils have the discretion to adjust pay rates and pay increases based 
on cost of living (COLA) differentials in their geographic locations. 
COLA adjustments in pay rates and pay increases may be provided for 
staff members whose post of duty is located in Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, the 
U.S. Virgin Islands, the Northern Mariana Islands, and Puerto Rico.

[[Page 18]]

    (1) No pay adjustment based on geographic location shall exceed the 
COLA and locality pay adjustments available to Federal employees in the 
same geographic area.
    (2) [Reserved]
    (c) Salary increases funded in lieu of life and medical/dental 
policies are not permitted.
    (d) Unused sick leave may be accumulated without limit, or up to a 
maximum number of days and contribution per day, as specified by the 
Council in its SOPP. Distributions of accumulated funds for unused sick 
leave may be made to the employee upon his or her retirement, or to his 
or her estate upon his or her death, as established by the Council in 
its SOPP.
    (e) Each Council may pay for unused annual leave upon separation, 
retirement, or death of an employee.
    (f) One or more accounts shall be maintained to pay for unused sick 
or annual leave as authorized under paragraphs (d) and (e) of this 
section, and will be funded from the Council's annual operating 
allowances. Councils have the option to deposit funds into these 
account(s) at the end of the budget period if unobligated balances 
remain. Interest earned on these account(s) will be maintained in the 
account(s), along with the principal, for the purpose of payment of 
unused annual and sick leave only. These account(s), including interest, 
may be carried over from year to year. Budgeting for accrued leave will 
be identified in the ``Other'' object class categories section of the 
SF-424A.
    (g) A Council must notify the NOAA Office of General Counsel before 
seeking outside legal advice, which may be for technical assistance not 
available from NOAA. If the Council is seeking legal services in 
connection with an employment practices question, the Council must first 
notify the Department of Commerce's Office of the Assistant General 
Counsel for Administration, Employment and Labor Law Division. A Council 
may not contract for the provision of legal services on a continuing 
basis.

[66 FR 57886, Nov. 19, 2001]



Sec. 600.125  Budgeting, funding, and accounting.

    (a) Council grant activities are governed by 15 CFR part 14 (Uniform 
Administrative Requirements for Grants and Agreements with Institutions 
of Higher Education, Hospitals, and other Non-Profit and Commercial 
Organizations), 2 CFR part 230 (Cost Principles for Non-Profit 
Organizations), 15 CFR part 14 (Audit Requirements for Institutions of 
Higher Education and Other Non-Profit Organizations), and the terms and 
conditions of the cooperative agreement.
    (b) Councils may not independently enter into agreements, including 
grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements, whereby they will receive 
funds for services rendered. All such agreements must be approved and 
entered into by NOAA on behalf of the Councils.
    (c) Councils are not authorized to accept gifts or contributions 
directly. All such donations must be directed to the NMFS Regional 
Administrator in accordance with applicable Department of Commerce 
regulations.

[66 FR 57887, Nov. 19, 2001, as amended at 75 FR 59150, Sept. 27, 2010]



Sec. 600.130  Protection of confidentiality of statistics.

    Each Council must establish appropriate procedures for ensuring the 
confidentiality of the statistics that may be submitted to it by Federal 
or state authorities and may be voluntarily submitted to it by private 
persons, including, but not limited to (also see Sec. 600.405):
    (a) Procedures for the restriction of Council member, employee, or 
advisory group access and the prevention of conflicts of interest, 
except that such procedures must be consistent with procedures of the 
Secretary.
    (b) In the case of statistics submitted to the Council by a state, 
the confidentiality laws and regulations of that state.



Sec. 600.133  Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC).

    (a) Each Council shall establish, maintain, and appoint the members 
of an SSC to assist it in the development, collection, evaluation, and 
peer review

[[Page 19]]

of such statistical, biological, economic, social, and other scientific 
information as is relevant to such Council's development and amendment 
of any fishery management plan.
    (b) Each SSC shall provide its Council ongoing scientific advice for 
fishery management decisions, including recommendations for acceptable 
biological catch, preventing overfishing, maximum sustainable yield, and 
achieving rebuilding targets, and reports on stock status and health, 
bycatch, habitat status, social and economic impacts of management 
measures, and sustainability of fishing practices.
    (c) Members appointed by the Councils to the SSCs shall be Federal 
employees, State employees, academicians, or independent experts and 
shall have strong scientific or technical credentials and experience.
    (d) An SSC shall hold its meetings in conjunction with the meetings 
of the Council, to the extent practicable.

[75 FR 59150, Sept. 27, 2010]



Sec. 600.134  Stipends.

    Stipends are available, subject to the availability of 
appropriations, to members of committees formally designated as SSCs 
under Sec. 301(g)(1)(a) or APs under Sec. 302(g)(2) of the Magnuson-
Stevens Act who are not employed by the Federal Government or a State 
marine fisheries agency. For the purposes of this section, a state 
marine fisheries agency includes any state or tribal agency that has 
conservation, management, or enforcement responsibility for any marine 
fishery resource.

[75 FR 59150, Sept. 27, 2010]



Sec. 600.135  Meeting procedures.

    (a) Regular meetings. Public notice of a regular meeting, including 
the meeting agenda, of each Council, CCC, SSC, AP, FIAC, or other 
committees established under Magnuson-Stevens Act, Sec. 302(g), must be 
published in the Federal Register at least 14 calendar days prior to the 
meeting date. Appropriate notice by any means that will result in wide 
publicity in the major fishing ports of the region (and in other major 
fishing ports having a direct interest in the affected fishery) must be 
given. E-mail notification and website postings alone are not 
sufficient. The published agenda of a regular meeting may not be 
modified to include additional matters for Council action without public 
notice given at least 14 calendar days prior to the meeting date, unless 
such modification is necessary to address an emergency under section 
305(c) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, in which case public notice shall be 
given immediately. Drafts of all regular public meeting notices must be 
received by NMFS headquarters office at least 23 calendar days before 
the first day of the regular meeting. Councils must ensure that all 
public meetings are accessible to persons with disabilities, and that 
the public can make timely requests for language interpreters or other 
auxiliary aids at public meetings.
    (b) Emergency meetings. Drafts of emergency public notices must be 
transmitted to the NMFS headquarters office at least 5 working days 
prior to the first day of the emergency meeting. Although notices of and 
agendas for emergency meetings are not required to be published in the 
Federal Register, notices of emergency meetings must be promptly 
announced through any means that will result in wide publicity in the 
major fishing ports of the region. E-mail notification and website 
postings alone are not sufficient.
    (c) Closed meetings. After proper notification by any means that 
will result in wide publicity in the major fishing ports within the 
region and, having included in the notification the time and place of 
the meeting and the reason for closing any meeting or portion thereof to 
the public, a Council, CCC, SSC, AP, FIAC, or other committees:
    (1) Must close any meeting, or portion thereof, that concerns 
information bearing a national security classification.
    (2) May close any meeting, or portion thereof, that concerns matters 
or information pertaining to national security, employment matters, or 
briefings on litigation in which the Council is interested.
    (3) May close any meeting, or portion thereof, that concerns 
internal administrative matters other than employment. Examples of other 
internal administrative matters include candidates for appointment to 
AP, SSC,

[[Page 20]]

and other subsidiary bodies and public decorum or medical conditions of 
members of a Council or its subsidiary bodies. In deciding whether to 
close a portion of a meeting to discuss internal administrative matters, 
the Council, CCC, SSC, AP, FIAC, or other committees should consider not 
only the privacy interests of individuals whose conduct or 
qualifications may be discussed, but also the interest of the public in 
being informed of Council operations and actions.
    (d) Without the notice required by paragraph (c) of this section, a 
Council, CCC, SSC, AP, FIAC, or other committees may briefly close a 
portion of a meeting to discuss employment or other internal 
administrative matters. The closed portion of a meeting that is closed 
without notice may not exceed two hours.
    (e) Before closing a meeting or portion thereof, the Council, CCC, 
SSC, AP, FIAC, or other committees should consult with the NOAA Office 
of General Counsel to ensure that the matters to be discussed fall 
within the exceptions to the requirement to hold public meetings 
described in paragraph (c) of this section.
    (f) Actions that affect the public, although based on discussions in 
closed meetings, must be taken in public. For example, appointments to 
an AP must be made in the public part of the meeting; however, a 
decision to take disciplinary action against a Council employee need not 
be announced to the public.
    (g) A majority of the voting members of any Council constitute a 
quorum for Council meetings, but one or more such members designated by 
the Council may hold hearings.
    (h) Decisions of any Council are by majority vote of the voting 
members present and voting (except for a vote to propose removal of a 
Council member, see 50 CFR 600.230). Voting by proxy is permitted only 
pursuant to 50 CFR 600.205 (b). An abstention does not affect the 
unanimity of a vote.
    (i) Voting members of the Council who disagree with the majority on 
any issue to be submitted to the Secretary, including principal state 
officials raising federalism issues, may submit a written statement of 
their reasons for dissent. If any Council member elects to file such a 
statement, it should be submitted to the Secretary at the same time the 
majority report is submitted.

[66 FR 57887, Nov. 19, 2001, as amended at 75 FR 59150, Sept. 27, 2010]



Sec. 600.140  Procedure for proposed regulations.

    (a) Each Council must establish a written procedure for proposed 
regulations consistent with section 303(c) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act. 
The procedure must describe how the Council deems proposed regulations 
necessary or appropriate for the purposes of implementing a fishery 
management plan or a plan amendment, or making modifications to 
regulations implementing a fishery management plan or plan amendment. In 
addition, the procedure must describe how the Council submits proposed 
regulations to the Secretary.
    (b) The Councils must include the procedure for proposed regulations 
in its SOPP, see Sec. 600.115, or other written documentation that is 
available to the public.

[75 FR 59150, Sept. 27, 2010]



Sec. 600.150  Disposition of records.

    (a) Council records must be handled in accordance with NOAA records 
management office procedures. All records and documents created or 
received by Council employees while in active duty status belong to the 
Federal Government. When employees leave the Council, they may not take 
the original or file copies of records with them.
    (b) Each Council is required to maintain documents generally 
available to the public on its Internet site. Documents for posting must 
include: fishery management plans and their amendments for the fisheries 
for which the Council is responsible, drafts of fishery management plans 
and plan amendments under consideration, analysis of actions the Council 
has under review, minutes or official reports of past meetings of the 
Council and its committees, materials provided by the Council staff to 
Council members in preparation for meetings, and other Council documents 
of interest to the public. For documents too large to maintain on the 
Web site, not available

[[Page 21]]

electronically, or seldom requested, the Council must provide copies of 
the documents for viewing at the Council office during regular business 
hours or may provide the documents through the mail.

[66 FR 57887, Nov. 19, 2001, as amended at 75 FR 59151, Sept. 27, 2010]



Sec. 600.155  Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests.

    (a) FOIA requests received by a Council should be coordinated 
promptly with the appropriate NMFS Regional Office. The Region will 
forward the request to the NOAA FOIA Officer to secure a FOIA number and 
log the request into FOIAonline. The Region will also obtain clearance 
from the NOAA General Counsel's Office concerning initial determination 
for denial of requested information.
    (b) FOIA request processing will be controlled and documented in the 
Region. The requests should be forwarded to the NOAA FOIA Officer who 
will enter the request into FOIAonline. The request will be assigned an 
official FOIA number and due date. In the event the Region determines 
that the requested information is exempt from disclosure, in full or in 
part, under the FOIA, the denial letter prepared for the Assistant 
Administrator's signature, along with the ``Foreseeable Harm'' Memo and 
list of documents to be withheld, must be cleared through the NMFS FOIA 
Liaison. Upon completion, a copy of the signed letter transmitting the 
information to the requester should be posted to FOIAonline by NMFS.

[80 FR 57738, Sept. 25, 2015]



                      Subpart C_Council Membership



Sec. 600.205  Principal state officials and their designees.

    (a) Only a full-time state employee of the state agency responsible 
for marine and/or anadromous fisheries shall be appointed by a 
constituent state Governor as the principal state official for purposes 
of section 302(b) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act.
    (b) A principal state official may name his/her designee(s) to act 
on his/her behalf at Council meetings. Individuals designated to serve 
as designees of a principal state official on a Council, pursuant to 
section 302(b)(1)(A) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, must be a resident of 
the state and be knowledgeable and experienced, by reason of his or her 
occupational or other experience, scientific expertise, or training, in 
the fishery resources of the geographic area of concern to the Council.
    (c) New or revised appointments by state Governors of principal 
state officials and new or revised designations by principal state 
officials of their designees(s) must be delivered in writing to the 
appropriate NMFS Regional Administrator and the Council chair at least 
48 hours before the individual may vote on any issue before the Council. 
A designee may not name another designee. Written appointment of the 
principal state official must indicate his or her employment status, how 
the official is employed by the state fisheries agency, and whether the 
official's full salary is paid by the state. Written designation(s) by 
the principal state official must indicate how the designee is 
knowledgeable and experienced in fishery resources of the geographic 
area of concern to the Council, the County in which the designee 
resides, and whether the designee's salary is paid by the state.

[66 FR 57888, Nov. 19, 2001]



Sec. 600.207  Pacific Fishery Management Council Tribal Indian representative and alternate.

    (a) The tribal Indian representative to the Pacific Fishery 
Management Council may designate an alternate during the period of the 
representative's term. The designee must be knowledgeable concerning 
tribal rights, tribal law, and the fishery resources of the geographical 
area concerned.
    (b) New or revised designations of an alternate by the tribal Indian 
representative must be delivered in writing to the appropriate NMFS 
Regional Administrator and the Council chair at least 48 hours before 
the designee may vote on any issue before the Council. In that written 
document, the tribal Indian representative must indicate how

[[Page 22]]

the designee meets the knowledge requirements under paragraph (a) of 
this section.

[75 FR 59151, Sept. 27, 2010]



Sec. 600.210  Terms of Council members.

    (a) Voting members (other than principal state officials, the 
Regional Administrators, or their designees) are appointed for a term of 
3 years and, except as discussed in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this 
section, may be reappointed. A voting member's Council service of 18 
months or more during a term of office will be counted as service for 
the entire 3-year term.
    (b) The anniversary date for measuring terms of membership is August 
11. The Secretary may designate a term of appointment shorter than 3 
years, if necessary, to provide for balanced expiration of terms of 
office. Members may not serve more than three consecutive terms.
    (c) A member who has completed three consecutive terms will be 
eligible for appointment to another term one full year after completion 
of the third consecutive term.

[61 FR 32540, June 24, 1996, as amended at 63 FR 7073, Feb. 12, 1998; 75 
FR 59151, Sept. 27, 2010]



Sec. 600.215  Council nomination and appointment procedures.

    (a) General. (1) Each year, the 3-year terms for approximately one-
third of the appointed members of the Councils expire. The Secretary of 
Commerce (Secretary) will appoint or new members or will reappoint 
seated members to another term to fill the seats being vacated.
    (2) There are two categories of seats to which voting members are 
appointed: ``Obligatory'' and ``At-large.''
    (i) Obligatory seats are state specific. Each constituent state is 
entitled to one seat on the Council on which it is a member, except that 
the State of Alaska is entitled to five seats and the State of 
Washington is entitled to two seats on the North Pacific Fishery 
Management Council. When the term of a state's obligatory member is 
expiring or when that seat becomes vacant before the expiration of its 
term, the governor of that state must submit the names of at least three 
qualified individuals to fill that Council seat.
    (ii) The Magnuson-Stevens Act also provides for appointment, by the 
Secretary, of one treaty Indian tribal representative to the Pacific 
Fishery Management Council (Pacific Council). To fill that seat, the 
Secretary solicits written nominations from the heads of governments of 
those Indian Tribes with federally recognized fishing rights from the 
States of California, Oregon, Washington, or Idaho. The list of nominees 
must contain a total of at least three individuals who are knowledgeable 
and experienced regarding the fishery resources under the authority of 
the Pacific Council. The Secretary will appoint one tribal Indian 
representative from this list to the Pacific Council for a term of 3 
years and rotate the appointment among the tribes.
    (iii) At-large seats are regional. When the term of an at-large 
member is expiring or when that seat becomes vacant before the 
expiration of a term, the governors of all constituent states of that 
Council must each submit the names of at least three qualified 
individuals to fill the seat.
    (b) Responsibilities of State Governors. (1) Council members are 
selected by the Secretary from lists of nominees submitted by Governors 
of the constituent states, pursuant to section 302(b)(2)(C) of the 
Magnuson-Stevens Act. For each applicable vacancy, a Governor must 
submit the names of at least three nominees who meet the qualification 
requirements of the Magnuson-Stevens Act. A Governor must provide a 
statement explaining how each of his/her nominees meet the qualification 
requirements, and must also provide appropriate documentation to the 
Secretary that each nomination was made in consultation with commercial 
and recreational fishing interests of that state and that each nominee 
is knowledgeable and experienced by reason of his or her occupational or 
other experience, scientific expertise, or training in one or more of 
the following ways related to the fishery resources of the geographical 
area of concern to the Council:
    (i) Commercial fishing or the processing or marketing of fish, fish 
products, or fishing equipment;

[[Page 23]]

    (ii) Fishing for pleasure, relaxation, or consumption, or experience 
in any business supporting fishing;
    (iii) Leadership in a state, regional, or national organization 
whose members participate in a fishery in the Council's area of 
authority;
    (iv) The management and conservation of natural resources, including 
related interactions with industry, government bodies, academic 
institutions, and public agencies. This includes experience serving as a 
member of a Council, Advisory Panel, Scientific and Statistical 
Committee, or Fishing Industry Advisory Committee;
    (v) Representing consumers of fish or fish products through 
participation in local, state, or national organizations, or performing 
other activities specifically related to the education or protection of 
consumers of marine resources; or
    (vi) Teaching, journalism, writing, consulting, practicing law, or 
researching matters related to fisheries, fishery management, and marine 
resource conservation.
    (2) To assist in identifying qualifications, each nominee must 
furnish to the appropriate governor's office a current resume, or 
equivalent, describing career history--with particular attention to 
experience related to the criteria in paragraph (b)(1) of this section. 
Nominees may provide such information in any format they wish.
    (3) A constituent State Governor must determine the state of 
residency of each of his/her nominees. A Governor may not nominate a 
non-resident of that state for appointment to a Council seat obligated 
to that state. A Governor may nominate residents of another constituent 
state of a Council for appointment to an at large seat on that Council.
    (4) If, at any time during a term, a member changes residency to 
another state that is not a constituent state of that Council, or a 
member appointed to an obligatory seat changes residency to any other 
state, the member may no longer vote and must resign from the Council. 
For purposes of this paragraph, a state resident is an individual who 
maintains his/her principal residence within that constituent state and 
who, if applicable, pays income taxes to that state and/or to another 
appropriate jurisdiction within that state.
    (5) When the terms of both an obligatory member and an at-large 
member expire concurrently, the Governor of the state holding the 
expiring obligatory seat may indicate that the nominees who were not 
selected for appointment to the obligatory seat may be considered for 
appointment to an at-large seat, provided that the resulting total 
number of nominees submitted by that governor for the expiring at-large 
seat is no fewer than three different nominees.
    (c) Nominees to the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council. (1) 
The Governors of States submitting nominees to the Secretary for 
appointment to the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council shall 
include:
    (i) At least one nominee each from the commercial, recreational, and 
charter fishing sectors, except that an individual who owns or operates 
a fish farm outside the United States shall not be considered to be a 
representative of the commercial or recreational sector; and
    (ii) At least one other individual who is knowledgeable regarding 
the conservation and management of fisheries resources in the 
jurisdiction of the Council.
    (2) Notwithstanding the requirements of paragraphs (a) and (b) of 
this section, if the Secretary determines that the list of names 
submitted by the Governor does not meet the requirements of paragraph 
(c)(1) of this section, the Secretary shall:
    (i) Publish a notice in the Federal Register asking the residents of 
that State to submit the names and pertinent biographical data of 
individuals who would meet the requirements of this section that were 
not met for appointment to the Council; and
    (ii) Add the name of any qualified individual submitted by the 
public who meets the requirements of this section that were not met to 
the list of names submitted by the Governor.
    (3) The requirements of this paragraph (c) shall expire at the end 
of fiscal year 2012, meaning through September 30, 2012.

[[Page 24]]

    (d) Responsibilities of eligible tribal Indian governments. The 
tribal Indian representative on the Pacific Council will be selected by 
the Secretary from a list of no fewer than three individuals submitted 
by the tribal Indian governments with federally recognized fishing 
rights from California, Oregon, Washington, and Idaho, pursuant to 
section 302(b)(5) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act. To assist in assessing 
the qualifications of each nominee, each head of an appropriate tribal 
Indian government must furnish to the Assistant Administrator a current 
resume, or equivalent, describing the nominee's qualifications, with 
emphasis on knowledge and experience related to the fishery resources 
affected by recommendations of the Pacific Council. Prior service on the 
Pacific Council in a different capacity will not disqualify nominees 
proposed by tribal Indian governments.
    (e) Nomination deadlines. Nomination packages (governors' letters 
and completed nomination kits) must be forwarded by express mail under a 
single mailing to arrive at the address specified by the Assistant 
Administrator by March 15. For appointments outside the normal cycle, 
the Secretary will provide a deadline for receipt of nominations to the 
affected Council and state governors.
    (1) Obligatory seats. (i) The Governor of the state for which the 
term of an obligatory seat is expiring should submit the names of at 
least three qualified individuals to fill that seat by the March 15 
deadline. The Secretary will appoint to the Pacific Fishery Management 
Council a representative of an Indian tribe from a list of no fewer than 
three individuals submitted by the tribal Indian governments.
    (ii) If the Governor or tribal Indian governments fail to provide a 
nomination letter and at least three complete nomination kits by March 
15, the obligatory seat will remain vacant until all required 
information has been received and processed and the Secretary has made 
the appointment.
    (2) At-large seats. (i) If a Governor chooses to submit nominations 
for an at-large seat, he/she must submit lists that contain at least 
three qualified nominees for each vacant seat. A nomination letter and a 
nomination kit for each qualified nominee must be forwarded by express 
mail under a single mailing to arrive at the address specified by the 
Assistant Administrator by March 15.
    (ii) Nomination packages that are not substantially complete by 
March 15 may be returned to the nominating Governor. At-large members 
will be appointed from among the nominations submitted by the governors 
who complied with the nomination requirements.
    (f) Responsibilities of the Secretary. (1) The Secretary must, to 
the extent practicable, ensure a fair and balanced apportionment, on a 
rotating or other basis, of the active participants (or their 
representatives) in the commercial and recreational fisheries in the 
Council's area of authority. Further, the Secretary must take action to 
ensure, to the extent practicable, that those persons dependent for 
their livelihood upon the fisheries in the Council's area of authority 
are fairly represented as voting members on the Councils.
    (2) The Secretary will review each list submitted by a governor or 
the tribal Indian governments to ascertain whether the individuals on 
the list are qualified for the vacancy. If the Secretary determines that 
a nominee is not qualified, the Secretary will notify the appropriate 
Governor or tribal Indian government of that determination. The Governor 
or tribal Indian government shall then submit a revised list of nominees 
or resubmit the original list with an additional explanation of the 
qualifications of the nominee in question. The Secretary reserves the 
right to determine whether nominees are qualified.
    (3) The Secretary will select the appointees from lists of qualified 
nominees provided by the Governors of the constituent Council states or 
of the tribal Indian governments that are eligible to nominate 
candidates for that vacancy.
    (i) For Governor-nominated seats, the Secretary will select an 
appointee for an obligatory seat from the list of qualified nominees 
submitted by the governor of the state. In filling expiring at-large 
seats, the Secretary will select an appointee(s) for an at-large

[[Page 25]]

seat(s) from the list of all qualified candidates submitted. The 
Secretary will consider only complete slates of nominees submitted by 
the governors of the Council's constituent states. When an appointed 
member vacates his/her seat prior to the expiration of his/her term, the 
Secretary will fill the vacancy for the remainder of the term by 
selecting from complete nomination letters and kits that are timely and 
contain the required number of candidates.
    (ii) For the tribal Indian seat, the Secretary will solicit 
nominations of individuals for the list referred to in paragraph (c) of 
this section only from those Indian tribes with federally recognized 
fishing rights from California, Oregon, Washington, or Idaho. The 
Secretary will consult with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Department of 
the Interior, to determine which Indian tribes may submit nominations. 
Any vacancy occurring prior to the expiration of any term shall be 
filled in the same manner as described in paragraphs (d)(1) and (2) of 
this section, except that the Secretary may use the list referred to in 
paragraph (b)(1) of this section from which the vacating member was 
chosen. The Secretary shall rotate the appointment among the tribes, 
taking into consideration:
    (A) The qualifications of the individuals on the list referred to in 
paragraph (c) of this section.
    (B) The various rights of the Indian tribes involved, and judicial 
cases that set out the manner in which these rights are to be exercised.
    (C) The geographic area in which the tribe of the representative is 
located.
    (D) The limitation that no tribal Indian representative shall serve 
more than three consecutive terms in the Indian tribal seat.

[64 FR 4600, Jan. 29, 1999, as amended at 75 FR 59151, Sept. 27, 2010]



Sec. 600.220  Oath of office.

    As trustees of the nation's fishery resources, all voting members 
must take an oath specified by the Secretary as follows: ``I, [name of 
the person taking oath], as a duly appointed member of a Regional 
Fishery Management Council established under the Magnuson-Stevens 
Fishery Conservation and Management Act, hereby promise to conserve and 
manage the living marine resources of the United States of America by 
carrying out the business of the Council for the greatest overall 
benefit of the Nation. I recognize my responsibility to serve as a 
knowledgeable and experienced trustee of the Nation's marine fisheries 
resources, being careful to balance competing private or regional 
interests, and always aware and protective of the public interest in 
those resources. I commit myself to uphold the provisions, standards, 
and requirements of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and 
Management Act and other applicable law, and shall conduct myself at all 
times according to the rules of conduct prescribed by the Secretary of 
Commerce. This oath is given freely and without mental reservation or 
purpose of evasion.''

[75 FR 59152, Sept. 27, 2010]



Sec. 600.225  Rules of conduct.

    (a) Council members, as Federal office holders, and Council 
employees are subject to most Federal criminal statutes covering 
bribery, conflict-of-interest, disclosure of confidential information, 
and lobbying with appropriated funds.
    (b) The Councils are responsible for maintaining high standards of 
ethical conduct among themselves, their staffs, and their advisory 
groups. In addition to abiding by the applicable Federal conflict of 
interest statutes, both members and employees of the Councils must 
comply with the following standards of conduct:
    (1) No employee of a Council may use his or her official authority 
or influence derived from his or her position with the Council for the 
purpose of interfering with or affecting the result of an election to or 
a nomination for any national, state, county, or municipal elective 
office.
    (2) Council members, employees, and contractors must comply with the 
Federal Cost Principles Applicable to Regional Fishery Management 
Council Grants and Cooperative Agreements, especially with regard to 
lobbying, and other restrictions with regard to lobbying as specified in 
Sec. 600.227 of this part.

[[Page 26]]

    (3) No employee of a Council may be deprived of employment, 
position, work, compensation, or benefit provided for or made possible 
by the Magnuson-Stevens Act on account of any political activity or lack 
of such activity in support of or in opposition to any candidate or any 
political party in any national, state, county, or municipal election, 
or on account of his or her political affiliation.
    (4) No Council member or employee may pay, offer, promise, solicit, 
or receive from any person, firm, or corporation a contribution of money 
or anything of value in consideration of either support or the use of 
influence or the promise of support or influence in obtaining for any 
person any appointive office, place, or employment under the Council.
    (5) No employee of a Council may have a direct or indirect financial 
interest that conflicts with the fair and impartial conduct of his or 
her Council duties.
    (6) No Council member, employee of a Council, or member of a Council 
advisory group may use or allow the use, for other than official 
purposes, of information obtained through or in connection with his or 
her Council employment that has not been made available to the general 
public.
    (7) No Council member or employee of the Council may engage in 
criminal, infamous, dishonest, notoriously immoral, or disgraceful 
conduct.
    (8) No Council member or employee of the Council may use Council 
property on other than official business. Such property must be 
protected and preserved from improper or deleterious operation or use.
    (9)(i) Except as provided in Sec. 600.235(h) or in 18 U.S.C. 208, 
no Council member may participate personally and substantially as a 
member through decision, approval, disapproval, recommendation, the 
rendering of advice, investigation, or otherwise, in a particular matter 
in which the member, the member's spouse, minor child, general partner, 
organization in which the member is serving as officer, director, 
trustee, general partner, or employee, or any person or organization 
with whom the member is negotiating or has any arrangement concerning 
prospective employment, has a financial interest. (Note that this 
financial interest is broader than the one defined in Sec. 600.235(a).)
    (ii) No Council member may participate personally and substantially 
as a member through decision, approval, disapproval, recommendation, the 
rendering of advice, investigation, or otherwise, in a particular matter 
primarily of individual concern, such as a contract, in which he or she 
has a financial interest, even if the interest has been disclosed in 
accordance with Sec. 600.235.

[61 FR 32540, June 24, 1996, as amended at 63 FR 7075, Feb. 12, 1998; 63 
FR 64185, Nov. 19, 1998; 75 FR 59152, Sept. 27, 2010]



Sec. 600.227  Lobbying.

    (a) Council members, employees and contractors must comply with the 
requirements of 31 U.S.C. 1352 and Department of Commerce implementing 
regulations published at 15 CFR part 28, ``New Restrictions on 
Lobbying.'' These provisions generally prohibit the use of Federal funds 
for lobbying the Executive or Legislative Branches of the Federal 
Government in connection with the award. Because the Councils receive in 
excess of $100,000 in Federal funding, the regulations mandate that the 
Councils must complete Form SF-LLL, ``Disclosure of Lobbying 
Activities,'' regarding the use of non Federal funds for lobbying. The 
Form SF-LLL shall be submitted within 30 days following the end of the 
calendar quarter in which there occurs any event that requires 
disclosure or that materially affects the accuracy of the information 
contained in any disclosure form previously filed. The recipient must 
submit the Forms SF-LLL, including those received from subrecipients, 
contractors, and subcontractors, to the Grants Officer.
    (b) Council members, employees, and contractors must comply with the 
Federal Cost Principles Applicable to Regional Fishery Management 
Council Grants and Cooperative Agreements summarized as follows:
    (1) Title 2 CFR part 230 - Cost Principles for Nonprofit 
Organizations (OMB CircularA-122) is applicable to the Federal 
assistance awards issued to the Councils.

[[Page 27]]

    (2) The purpose of the cost principles at 2 CFR part 230 is to 
define what costs can be paid on Federal awards issued to non-profit 
organizations. The regulation establishes both general principles and 
detailed items of costs.
    (3) Under 2 CFR part 230, costs for certain lobbying activities are 
unallowable as charges to Federal awards. These activities would include 
any attempts to influence:
    (i) The introduction of Federal or state legislation;
    (ii) The enactment or modification of any pending legislation by 
preparing, distributing, or using publicity or propaganda, or by urging 
members of the general public to contribute to or to participate in any 
demonstration, march, rally, fundraising drive, lobbying campaign, or 
letter writing or telephone campaign.
    (4) Generally, costs associated with providing a technical and 
factual presentation directly related to the performance of a grant, 
through hearing testimony, statements, or letters to Congress or a state 
legislature are allowable if made in response to a documented request.
    (5) Costs associated with lobbying to influence state legislation in 
order to reduce the cost or to avoid material impairment of the 
organization's authority to perform the grant are also allowable.

[75 FR 59152, Sept. 27, 2010]



Sec. 600.230  Removal.

    The Secretary may remove for cause any Secretarially appointed 
member of a Council in accordance with section 302(b)(6) of the 
Magnuson-Stevens Act, wherein the Council concerned first recommends 
removal of that member by not less than two-thirds of the voting 
members. A recommendation of a Council to remove a member must be made 
in writing to the Secretary and accompanied by a statement of the 
reasons upon which the recommendation is based.

[61 FR 32540, June 24, 1996, as amended at 63 FR 7073, Feb. 12, 1998]



Sec. 600.235  Financial disclosure and recusal.

    (a) Definitions. For purposes of Sec. 600.235:
    Affected individual means an individual who is--
    (1) Nominated by the Governor of a state or appointed by the 
Secretary of Commerce to serve as a voting member of a Council in 
accordance with section 302(b)(2) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act; or
    (2) A representative of an Indian tribe appointed to the Pacific 
Council by the Secretary of Commerce under section 302(b)(5) of the 
Magnuson-Stevens Act who is not subject to disclosure and recusal 
requirements under the laws of an Indian tribal government.
    (3) A member of an SSC shall be treated as an affected individual 
for the purposes of paragraphs (b)(1), (b)(5) through (b)(7), and (i) of 
this section.
    Close causal link means that a Council decision would reasonably be 
expected to directly impact or affect the financial interests of an 
affected individual.
    Council decision means approval of a fishery management plan (FMP) 
or FMP amendment (including any proposed regulations); request for 
amendment to regulations implementing an FMP; finding that an emergency 
exists involving any fishery (including recommendations for responding 
to the emergency); and comments to the Secretary on FMPs or amendments 
developed by the Secretary. It does not include a vote by a committee of 
a Council.
    Designated official means an attorney designated by the NOAA General 
Counsel.
    Expected and substantially disproportionate benefit means a positive 
or negative impact with regard to a Council decision that is likely to 
affect a fishery or sector of a fishery in which the affected individual 
has a significant financial interest.
    Financial Interest Form means NOAA Form 88-195, ``STATEMENT OF 
FINANCIAL INTERESTS For Use By Voting Members of, and Nominees to, the 
Regional Fishery Management Councils, and Members of the Scientific and 
Statistical Committee

[[Page 28]]

(SSC)'' or such other form as the Secretary may prescribe.
    Financial interest in harvesting, processing, lobbying, advocacy, or 
marketing (1) includes:
    (i) Stock, equity, or other ownership interests in, or employment 
with, any company, business, fishing vessel, or other entity or 
employment with any entity that has any percentage ownership in or by 
another entity engaging in any harvesting, processing, lobbying, 
advocacy, or marketing activity in any fishery under the jurisdiction of 
the Council concerned;
    (ii) Stock, equity, or other ownership interests in, or employment 
with, any company or other entity or employment with any entity that has 
any percentage ownership in or by another entity that provides equipment 
or other services essential to harvesting, processing, lobbying, 
advocacy, or marketing activities in any fishery under the jurisdiction 
of the Council concerned, such as a chandler or a dock operation;
    (iii) Employment with, or service as an officer, director, or 
trustee of, an association whose members include companies, vessels, or 
other entities engaged in any harvesting, processing, lobbying, 
advocacy, or marketing activities, or companies or other entities 
providing services essential to harvesting, processing, lobbying, 
advocacy, or marketing activities in any fishery under the jurisdiction 
of the Council concerned; and
    (iv) Employment with an entity that has any percentage ownership in 
or by another entity providing consulting, legal, or representational 
services to any entity engaging in, or providing equipment or services 
essential to harvesting, processing, lobbying, advocacy, or marketing 
activities in any fishery under the jurisdiction of the Council 
concerned, or to any association whose members include entities engaged 
in the activities described in paragraphs (1)(i) and (ii) of this 
definition;
    (2) Does not include stock, equity, or other ownership interests in, 
or employment with, an entity engaging in scientific fisheries research 
in any fishery under the jurisdiction of the Council concerned, unless 
it is covered under paragraph (1) of this definition. A financial 
interest in such entities is covered by 18 U.S.C. 208, the Federal 
conflict-of-interest statute.
    Significant financial interest means:
    (1) A greater than 10-percent interest in the total harvest of the 
fishery or sector of the fishery affected by the Council decision;
    (2) A greater than 10-percent interest in the marketing or 
processing of the total harvest of the fishery or sector of the fishery 
affected by the Council decision; or
    (3) Full or partial ownership of more than 10 percent of the vessels 
using the same gear type within the fishery or sector of the fishery 
affected by the Council decision.
    (b) Reporting. (1) The Magnuson-Stevens Act requires the disclosure 
of any financial interest in harvesting, processing, lobbying, advocacy, 
or marketing activity that is being, or will be, undertaken within any 
fishery over which the Council concerned has jurisdiction. An affected 
individual must disclose such financial interest held by that 
individual; the affected individual's spouse, minor child, partner; or 
any organization (other than the Council) in which that individual is 
serving as an officer, director, trustee, partner, or employee. The 
information required to be reported must be disclosed on the Financial 
Interest Form (as defined in paragraph (a) of this section), or such 
other form as the Secretary may prescribe.
    (2) The Financial Interest Form must be filed by each nominee for 
Secretarial appointment to the Council with the Assistant Administrator 
by April 15 or, if nominated after March 15, one month after nomination 
by the Governor. A seated voting member appointed by the Secretary must 
file a Financial Interest Form with the Executive Director of the 
appropriate Council within 45 days of taking office; must file an update 
of his or her statement with the Executive Director of the appropriate 
Council within 30 days of the time any such financial interest is 
acquired or substantially changed by the affected individual or the 
affected individual's spouse, minor child, partner, or any organization 
(other than the Council) in which that individual is

[[Page 29]]

serving as an officer, director, trustee, partner, or employee; and must 
update his or her form annually and file that update with the Executive 
Director of the appropriate Council by February 1 of each year, 
regardless of whether any information has changed on that form.
    (3) The Executive Director must, in a timely manner, provide copies 
of and updates to the Financial Interest Forms of appointed Council 
members to the NMFS Regional Administrator, the Regional Attorney who 
advises the Council, the Department of Commerce Assistant General 
Counsel for Administration, and the NMFS Office of Sustainable 
Fisheries. These completed Financial Interest Forms shall be kept on 
file in the office of the NMFS Regional Administrator and at the Council 
offices, and shall be made available for public inspection at such 
offices during normal office hours. In addition, the forms shall be made 
available at each Council meeting or hearing and shall be posted for 
download from the Internet on the Council's website.
    (4) Councils must retain the Financial Interest Form for a Council 
member for at least 5 years after the expiration of that individual's 
last term.
    (5) The Regional Administrator must retain the Financial Interest 
Form for a Council member for 20 years from the date the form is signed 
by the Council member or in accordance with the current NOAA records 
schedule.
    (6) An individual being considered for appointment to an SSC must 
file the Financial Interest Form with the Regional Administrator for the 
geographic area concerned within 45 days prior to appointment. A member 
of the SSC must file an update of his or her statement with the Regional 
Administrator for the geographic area concerned within 30 days of the 
time any such financial interest is acquired or substantially changed by 
the SSC member or the SSC member's spouse, minor child, partner, or any 
organization (other than the Council) in which that individual is 
serving as an officer, director, trustee, partner, or employee; and must 
update his or her form annually and file that update with the Regional 
Administrator by February 1 of each year.
    (7) An individual who serves as an SSC member to more than one 
Council shall file Financial Interest Forms with each Regional 
Administrator for the geographic areas concerned.
    (8) The Regional Administrator must retain the Financial Interest 
Forms of all SSC members for at least five years after the expiration of 
that individual's term on the SSC. Such forms are not subject to 
sections 302(j)(5)(B) and (C) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act.
    (c) Restrictions on voting. (1) No affected individual may vote on 
any Council decision that would have a significant and predictable 
effect on a financial interest disclosed in his/her report filed under 
paragraph (b) of this section.
    (2) As used in this section, a Council decision will be considered 
to have a ``significant and predictable effect on a financial interest'' 
if there is a close causal link between the decision and an expected and 
substantially disproportionate benefit to the financial interest in 
harvesting, processing, lobbying, advocacy, or marketing of any affected 
individual or the affected individual's spouse, minor child, partner, or 
any organization (other than the Council) in which that individual is 
serving as an officer, director, trustee, partner, or employee, relative 
to the financial interests of other participants in the same gear type 
or sector of the fishery. The relative financial interests of the 
affected individual and other participants will be determined with 
reference to the most recent fishing year for which information is 
available. However, for fisheries in which IFQs are assigned, the 
percentage of IFQs assigned to the affected individual will be the 
determining factor.
    (3) In making a determination under paragraph (f) of this section as 
to whether a Council decision will have a significant and predictable 
effect on an affected individual's financial interests, the designated 
official will:
    (i) Initially determine whether the action before the Council is a 
Council decision, and whether the affected individual has any financial 
interest in the fishery or sector of the fishery affected by the action.
    (ii) If the designated official determines that the action is not a 
Council

[[Page 30]]

decision or that the affected individual does not have any financial 
interest in the fishery or sector of the fishery affected by the action, 
the designated official's inquiry ends and the designated official will 
determine that a voting recusal is not required under 50 CFR 600.235.
    (iii) However, if the designated official determines that the action 
is a Council decision and that the affected individual has a financial 
interest in the fishery or sector of the fishery affected by the Council 
decision, a voting recusal is required under 50 CFR 600.235 if there is:
    (A) An expected and substantially disproportionate benefit to the 
affected individual's financial interest (see paragraph (c)(5) of this 
section), and
    (B) A close causal link (see paragraph (c)(4) of this section) 
between the Council decision and the expected and substantially 
disproportionate benefit to the affected individual's financial 
interest.
    (4) A close causal link for Council decisions that either require or 
do not require implementing regulations is determined as follows:
    (i) For all Council decisions that require implementing regulations 
and that affect a fishery or sector of a fishery in which an affected 
individual has a financial interest, a close causal link exists unless:
    (A) The chain of causation between the Council decision and the 
affected individual's financial interest is attenuated or is contingent 
on the occurrence of events that are speculative or that are independent 
of and unrelated to the Council decision; or
    (B) There is no real, as opposed to speculative, possibility that 
the Council decision will affect the affected individual's financial 
interest.
    (ii) For Council decisions that do not require implementing 
regulations, a close causal link exists if there is a real, as opposed 
to speculative, possibility that the Council decision will affect the 
affected individual's financial interest.
    (5) A designated official will determine that an expected and 
substantially disproportionate benefit exists if an affected individual 
has a significant financial interest (see paragraph (c)(6) of this 
section) in the fishery or sector of the fishery that is likely to be 
positively or negatively affected by the Council decision. The magnitude 
of the positive or negative impact is not determinative of whether there 
is an expected and substantially disproportionate benefit. The 
determining factor is the affected individual's significant financial 
interest in the fishery or sector of the fishery affected by the Council 
decision.
    (6) When calculating significant financial interest, the designated 
official will rely on certain information.
    (i) The information to be used is as follows:
    (A) The designated official will use the information included in the 
Financial Interest Form and any other reliable and probative information 
provided in writing.
    (B) The designated official may contact an affected individual to 
better understand the reported financial interest or any information 
provided in writing.
    (C) The designated official will presume that the information 
reported on the Financial Interest Form is true and correct and the 
designated official is not responsible for determining the veracity of 
the reported information when preparing a determination under paragraph 
(f) of this section.
    (D) If an affected individual does not provide information 
concerning the specific percentage of ownership of a financial interest 
reported on his or her Financial Interest Form, the designated official 
will attribute all harvesting, processing, or marketing activity of, and 
vessels owned by, the financial interest to the affected individual.
    (ii) The designated official will apply the following principles 
when calculating an affected individual's financial interests relative 
to the significant financial interest thresholds for the fishery or 
sector of the fishery affected by the action. For purposes of this 
paragraph, use of the term ``company'' includes any business, vessel, or 
other entity.
    (A) For attributions concerning direct ownership (companies owned by 
or that employ an affected individual) the designated official will 
attribute to an

[[Page 31]]

affected individual all harvesting, processing, and marketing activity 
of, and all vessels owned by, a company when the affected individual 
owns 100 percent of that company. If an affected individual owns less 
than 100 percent of a company, the designated official will attribute to 
the affected individual the harvesting, processing, and marketing 
activity of, and vessels owned by, the company commensurate with the 
affected individual's percentage of ownership. The designated official 
will attribute to an affected individual all harvesting, processing, and 
marketing activity of, and all vessels owned by, a company that employs 
the affected individual.
    (B) For attributions concerning indirect ownership (companies owned 
by an affected individual's company or employer) the designated official 
will attribute to the affected individual the harvesting, processing, 
and marketing activity of, and vessels owned by, a company that is owned 
by that affected individual's company or employer commensurate with the 
affected individual's percentage ownership in the directly owned 
company, and the directly owned company's ownership in the indirectly 
owned company.
    (C) For attributions concerning parent ownership (companies that own 
some percentage of an affected individual's company or employer) the 
designated official will attribute to an affected individual all 
harvesting, processing, and marketing activity of, and all vessels owned 
by, a company that owns fifty percent or more of a company that is owned 
by the affected individual or that employs the affected individual. The 
designated official will not attribute to an affected individual the 
harvesting, processing, or marketing activity of, or any vessels owned 
by, a company that owns less than fifty percent of a company that is 
owned by the affected individual or that employs the affected 
individual.
    (D) For attributions concerning employment or service with 
associations or organizations, an affected individual may be employed by 
or serve, either compensated or unpaid, as an officer, director, board 
member or trustee of an association or organization. The designated 
official will not attribute to the affected individual the vessels owned 
by, or the harvesting, processing, or marketing activity conducted by, 
the members of that association or organization if such organization or 
association, as an entity separate from its members, does not own any 
vessels and is not directly engaged in harvesting, processing or 
marketing. However, if such organization or association receives from 
NMFS an allocation of harvesting or processing privileges, owns vessels, 
or is directly engaged in harvesting, processing or marketing, the 
designated official will attribute to the affected individual the 
vessels owned by, and all harvesting, processing, and marketing activity 
of, that association or organization.
    (E) For the financial interests of a spouse, partner or minor child, 
the designated official will consider the following factors for 
ownership and employment.
    (1) For the financial interests of a spouse, partner or minor child 
related to ownership, the designated official will attribute to an 
affected individual all harvesting, processing, and marketing activity 
of, and all vessels owned by, a company when the affected individual's 
spouse, partner or minor child owns 100 percent of that company. If an 
affected individual's spouse, partner or minor child owns less than 100 
percent of a company, the designated official will attribute to the 
affected individual the harvesting, processing, and marketing activity 
of, and vessels owned by, the company commensurate with the spouse's, 
partner's or minor child's percentage of ownership.
    (2) For the financial interests of a spouse, partner or minor child 
related to employment, the designated official will not attribute to an 
affected individual the harvesting, processing, or marketing activity 
of, or any vessels owned by, a company that employs the affected 
individual's spouse, partner or minor child when the spouse's, partner's 
or minor child's compensation are not influenced by, or fluctuate with, 
the financial performance of the company. The designated official will 
attribute to an affected individual all harvesting, processing, and 
marketing activity of, and all vessels owned by, a

[[Page 32]]

company that employs the Council member's spouse, partner or minor child 
when the spouse's, partner's or minor child's compensation are 
influenced by, or fluctuate with, the financial performance of the 
company.
    (7) A member of an SSC is not subject to the restrictions on voting 
under this section.
    (d) Voluntary recusal. An affected individual who believes that a 
Council decision would have a significant and predictable effect on that 
individual's financial interest disclosed under paragraph (b) of this 
section may, at any time before a vote is taken, announce to the Council 
an intent not to vote on the decision and identify the financial 
interest that would be affected.
    (e) Participation in deliberations. Notwithstanding paragraph (c) of 
this section, an affected individual who is recused from voting under 
this section may participate in Council and committee deliberations 
relating to the decision, after notifying the Council of the voting 
recusal and identifying the financial interest that would be affected.
    (f) Process and procedure for determination. (1) At the request of 
an affected individual, and as provided under paragraphs (c)(3)-(6) of 
this section, the designated official shall determine for the record 
whether a Council decision would have a significant and predictable 
effect on that individual's financial interest. Unless subject to 
confidentiality requirements, all information considered will be made 
part of the public record for the decision. The affected individual may 
request a determination by notifying the designated official--
    (i) Within a reasonable time before the Council meeting at which the 
Council decision will be made; or
    (ii) During a Council meeting before a Council vote on the decision.
    (2) The designated official may initiate a determination on the 
basis of--
    (i) His or her knowledge of the fishery and the financial interests 
disclosed by an affected individual; or
    (ii) Written and signed information received within a reasonable 
time before a Council meeting or, if the issue could not have been 
anticipated before the meeting, during a Council meeting before a 
Council vote on the decision.
    (3) At the beginning of each Council meeting, or during a Council 
meeting at any time reliable and probative information is received, the 
designated official shall announce the receipt of information relevant 
to a determination concerning recusal, the nature of that information, 
and the identity of the submitter of such information.
    (4) If the designated official determines that the affected 
individual may not vote, the individual may state for the record how he 
or she would have voted. A Council Chair may not allow such an 
individual to cast a vote.
    (5) A reversal of a determination under paragraph (g) of this 
section may not be treated as cause for invalidation or reconsideration 
by the Secretary of a Council's decision.
    (6) Regional Recusal Determination Procedure Handbooks shall be 
developed for reach NMFS Region.
    (i) Each NMFS Regional Office, in conjunction with NOAA Office of 
General Counsel, will publish and make available to the public its 
Regional Recusal Determination Procedure Handbook, which explains the 
process and procedure typically followed in preparing and issuing 
recusal determinations.
    (ii) A Regional Recusal Determination Procedure Handbook must 
include:
    (A) A statement that the Regional Recusal Determination Procedure 
Handbook is intended as guidance to describe the recusal determination 
process and procedure typically followed within the region.
    (B) Identification of the Council(s) to which the Regional Recusal 
Determination Procedure Handbook applies. If the Regional Recusal 
Determination Procedure Handbook applies to multiple Councils, any 
procedure that applies to a subset of those Councils should clearly 
identify the Council(s) to which the procedure applies.
    (C) A description of the process for identifying the fishery or 
sector of the fishery affected by the action before the Council.

[[Page 33]]

    (D) A description of the process for preparing and issuing a recusal 
determination relative to the timing of a Council decision.
    (E) A description of the process by which the Council, Council 
members, and the public will be made aware of recusal determinations.
    (F) A description of the process for identifying the designated 
official(s) who will prepare recusal determinations and attend Council 
meetings.
    (iii) A Regional Recusal Determination Procedure Handbook may 
include additional material related to the region's process and 
procedure for recusal determinations not specifically identified in 
paragraph (f)(6)(ii) of this section. A Regional Recusal Determination 
Procedure Handbook may be revised at any time upon agreement by the NMFS 
Regional Office and NOAA Office of General Counsel.
    (g) Review of determinations. (1) Any Council member may file a 
written request to the NOAA General Counsel for review of the designated 
official's determination. A request for review must be received within 
10 days of the determination.
    (2) A Council member may request a review of any aspect of the 
recusal determination, including but not limited to, whether the action 
is a Council decision, the description of the fishery or sector of the 
fishery affected by the Council action, the calculation of an affected 
individual's financial interests or the finding of a significant 
financial interest, and the existence of a close causal link. A request 
for review must include a full statement in support of the review, 
including a concise statement as to why the Council member believes that 
the recusal determination is in error and why the designated official's 
determination should be reversed.
    (3) If the request for review is from a Council member other than 
the affected individual whose vote is at issue, the requester must 
provide a copy of the request to the affected individual at the same 
time it is submitted to the NOAA General Counsel. The affected 
individual may submit a response to the NOAA General Counsel within 10 
days from the date of his/her receipt of the request for review.
    (4) The NOAA General Counsel must complete the review and issue a 
decision within 30 days from the date of receipt of the request for 
review. The NOAA General Counsel will limit the review to the record 
before the designated official at the time of the determination, the 
request, and any response.
    (h) The provisions of 18 U.S.C. 208 regarding conflicts of interest 
do not apply to an affected individual who is a voting member of a 
Council appointed by the Secretary, as described under section 
302(j)(1)(A)(ii) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, and who is in compliance 
with the requirements of this section for filing a Financial Interest 
Form. The provisions of 18 U.S.C. 208 do not apply to a member of an 
SSC, unless that individual is an officer or employee of the United 
States or is otherwise covered by the requirements of 18 U.S.C. 208.
    (i) It is unlawful for an affected individual to knowingly and 
willfully fail to disclose, or to falsely disclose, any financial 
interest as required by this section, or to knowingly vote on a Council 
decision in violation of this section. In addition to the penalties 
applicable under Sec. 600.735, a violation of this provision may result 
in removal of the affected individual from Council or SSC membership.

[63 FR 64185, Nov. 19, 1998, as amended at 75 FR 59152, Sept. 27, 2010; 
85 FR 56182, Sept. 11, 2020]



Sec. 600.240  Security assurances.

    (a) DOC Office of Security will issue security assurances to Council 
members following completion of favorable background investigations. A 
Council member's appointment is conditional until such time as the 
background investigation has been favorably adjudicated. The Secretary 
will revoke the member's appointment if that member receives an 
unfavorable background investigation. In instances in which Council 
members may need to discuss, at closed meetings, materials classified 
for national security purposes, the agency or individual (e.g., 
Department of State, U.S. Coast Guard) providing such classified 
information will be responsible for ensuring that Council

[[Page 34]]

members and other attendees have the appropriate security clearances.
    (b) Each nominee to a Council is required to complete a 
Certification of Status form (``form''). All nominees must certify, 
pursuant to the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, whether they 
serve as an agent of a foreign principal. Each nominee must certify, 
date, sign, and return the form with his or her completed nomination 
kit. Nominees will not be considered for appointment to a Council if 
they have not filed this form. Any nominee who currently is an agent of 
a foreign principal will not be eligible for appointment to a Council, 
and therefore should not be nominated by a Governor for appointment.

[61 FR 32540, June 24, 1996, as amended 75 FR 59153, Sept. 27, 2010]



Sec. 600.245  Council member compensation.

    (a) All voting Council members whose eligibility for compensation 
has been established in accordance with NOAA guidelines will be paid 
through the cooperative agreement as a direct line item on a contractual 
basis without deductions being made for Social Security or Federal and 
state income taxes. A report of compensation will be furnished each year 
by the member's Council to the proper Regional Program Officer, as 
required by the Internal Revenue Service. Such compensation may be paid 
on a full day's basis, whether in excess of 8 hours a day or less than 8 
hours a day. The time is compensable where the individual member is 
required to expend a significant private effort that substantially 
disrupts the daily routine to the extent that a work day is lost to the 
member. ``Homework'' time in preparation for formal Council meetings is 
not compensable.
    (b) Non-government Council members receive compensation for:
    (1) Days spent in actual attendance at a meeting of the Council or 
jointly with another Council.
    (2) Travel on the day preceding or following a scheduled meeting 
that precluded the member from conducting his normal business on the day 
in question.
    (3) Meetings of standing committees of the Council if approved in 
advance by the Chair.
    (4) Individual member meeting with scientific and technical 
advisors, when approved in advance by the Chair and a substantial 
portion of any day is spent at the meeting.
    (5) Conducting or attending hearings, when authorized in advance by 
the Chair.
    (6) Other meetings involving Council business when approved in 
advance by the Chair.
    (c) The Executive Director of each Council must submit to the 
appropriate Regional Office annually a report, approved by the Council 
Chair, of Council member compensation authorized. This report shall 
identify, for each member, amount paid, dates, and location and purpose 
of meetings attended.

[61 FR 32540, June 24, 1996, as amended at 63 FR 7075, Feb. 12, 1998; 66 
FR 57888, Nov. 19, 2001]



Sec. 600.250  Council member training.

    (a) The Secretary shall provide a training course covering a variety 
of topics relevant to matters before the Councils and shall make the 
training course available to all Council members and staff and staff 
from NMFS regional offices and science centers. To the extent resources 
allow, the Secretary will make the training available to Council 
committee and advisory panel members.
    (b) Council members appointed after January 12, 2007, shall, within 
one year of appointment, complete the training course developed by the 
Secretary. Any Council member who completed such a training course 
within 24 months of January 12, 2007, is considered to have met the 
training requirement of this section.

[75 FR 59154, Sept. 27, 2010]



                      Subpart D_National Standards



Sec. 600.305  General.

    (a) Purpose. (1) This subpart establishes guidelines, based on the 
national standards, to assist in the development and review of FMPs, 
amendments, and

[[Page 35]]

regulations prepared by the Councils and the Secretary.
    (2) In developing FMPs, the Councils have the initial authority to 
ascertain factual circumstances, to establish management objectives, and 
to propose management measures that will achieve the objectives. The 
Secretary will determine whether the proposed management objectives and 
measures are consistent with the national standards, other provisions of 
the Magnuson-Stevens Act (MSA), and other applicable law. The Secretary 
has an obligation under section 301(b) of the MSA to inform the Councils 
of the Secretary's interpretation of the national standards so that they 
will have an understanding of the basis on which FMPs will be reviewed.
    (3) The national standards are statutory principles that must be 
followed in any FMP. The guidelines summarize Secretarial 
interpretations that have been, and will be, applied under these 
principles. The guidelines are intended as aids to decision-making; FMPs 
formulated according to the guidelines will have a better chance for 
expeditious Secretarial review, approval, and implementation. FMPs that 
are not formulated according to the guidelines may not be approved by 
the Secretary if the FMP or FMP amendment is inconsistent with the MSA 
or other applicable law (16 U.S.C. 1854(a)(3)).
    (b) Fishery management objectives. (1) Each FMP, whether prepared by 
a Council or by the Secretary, should identify what the FMP is designed 
to accomplish (i.e., the management objectives to be attained in 
regulating the fishery under consideration). In establishing objectives, 
Councils balance biological constraints with human needs, reconcile 
present and future costs and benefits, and integrate the diversity of 
public and private interests. If objectives are in conflict, priorities 
should be established among them.
    (2) To reflect the changing needs of the fishery over time, Councils 
should reassess the FMP's management objectives on a regular basis.
    (3) How objectives are defined is important to the management 
process. Objectives should address the problems of a particular fishery. 
The objectives should be clearly stated, practicably attainable, framed 
in terms of definable events and measurable benefits, and based upon a 
comprehensive rather than a fragmentary approach to the problems 
addressed. An FMP should make a clear distinction between objectives and 
the management measures chosen to achieve them. The objectives of each 
FMP provide the context within which the Secretary will judge the 
consistency of an FMP's conservation and management measures with the 
national standards.
    (c) Stocks that require conservation and management. (1) Magnuson-
Stevens Act section 302(h)(1) requires a Council to prepare an FMP for 
each fishery under its authority that requires (or in other words, is in 
need of) conservation and management. 16 U.S.C. 1852(h)(1). Not every 
fishery requires Federal management. Any stocks that are predominately 
caught in Federal waters and are overfished or subject to overfishing, 
or likely to become overfished or subject to overfishing, are considered 
to require conservation and management. Beyond such stocks, Councils may 
determine that additional stocks require ``conservation and 
management.'' (See Magnuson-Stevens Act definition at 16 U.S.C. 
1802(5)). Based on this definition of conservation and management, and 
other relevant provisions of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, a Council should 
consider the following non-exhaustive list of factors when deciding 
whether additional stocks require conservation and management:
    (i) The stock is an important component of the marine environment.
    (ii) The stock is caught by the fishery.
    (iii) Whether an FMP can improve or maintain the condition of the 
stock.
    (iv) The stock is a target of a fishery.
    (v) The stock is important to commercial, recreational, or 
subsistence users.
    (vi) The fishery is important to the Nation or to the regional 
economy.
    (vii) The need to resolve competing interests and conflicts among 
user groups and whether an FMP can further that resolution.
    (viii) The economic condition of a fishery and whether an FMP can 
produce more efficient utilization.

[[Page 36]]

    (ix) The needs of a developing fishery, and whether an FMP can 
foster orderly growth.
    (x) The extent to which the fishery is already adequately managed by 
states, by state/Federal programs, or by Federal regulations pursuant to 
other FMPs or international commissions, or by industry self-regulation, 
consistent with the requirements of the Magnuson-Stevens Act and other 
applicable law.
    (2) In evaluating factors in paragraphs (c)(1)(i) through (x) of 
this section, a Council should consider the specific circumstances of a 
fishery, based on the best scientific information available, to 
determine whether there are biological, economic, social and/or 
operational concerns that can and should be addressed by Federal 
management.
    (3) When considering adding a stock to an FMP, no single factor is 
dispositive or required. One or more of the above factors, and any 
additional considerations that may be relevant to the particular stock, 
may provide the basis for determining that a stock requires conservation 
and management. Based on the factor in paragraph (c)(1)(iii) of this 
section, if the amount and/or type of catch that occurs in Federal 
waters is a significant contributing factor to the stock's status, such 
information would weigh heavily in favor of adding a stock to an FMP. 
However, Councils should consider the factor in paragraph (c)(1)(x) of 
this section before deciding to include a stock in an FMP. In many 
circumstances, adequate management of a fishery by states, state/Federal 
programs, or another Federal FMP would weigh heavily against a Federal 
FMP action. See, e.g., 16 U.S.C. 1851(a)(7) and 1856(a)(3).
    (4) When considering removing a stock from, or continuing to include 
a stock in, an FMP, Councils should prepare a thorough analysis of 
factors in paragraphs (c)(1)(i) through (x) of this section, and any 
additional considerations that may be relevant to the particular stock. 
As mentioned in paragraph (c)(3) of this section, if the amount and/or 
type of catch that occurs in Federal waters is a significant 
contributing factor to the stock's status, such information would weigh 
heavily in favor of continuing to include a stock in an FMP. Councils 
should consider weighting the factors as follows. Factors in paragraphs 
(c)(1)(i) through (iii) of this section should be considered first, as 
they address maintaining a fishery resource and the marine environment. 
See 16 U.S.C. 1802(5)(A). These factors weigh in favor of continuing to 
include a stock in an FMP. Councils should next consider factors in 
paragraphs (c)(1)(iv) through (ix) of this section, which set forth key 
economic, social, and other reasons contained within the MSA for an FMP 
action. See 16 U.S.C. 1802(5)(B). Finally, a Council should consider the 
factor in paragraph (c)(1)(x) of this section before deciding to remove 
a stock from, or continue to include a stock in, an FMP. In many 
circumstances, adequate management of a fishery by states, state/Federal 
programs, or another Federal FMP would weigh in favor of removing a 
stock from an FMP. See e.g., 16 U.S.C. 1851(a)(7) and 1856(a)(3).
    (5) Councils may choose to identify stocks within their FMPs as 
ecosystem component (EC) species (see Sec. Sec. 600.305(d)(13) and 
600.310(d)(1)) if a Council determines that the stocks do not require 
conservation and management based on the considerations and factors in 
paragraph (c)(1) of this section. EC species may be identified at the 
species or stock level, and may be grouped into complexes. Consistent 
with National Standard 9, MSA section 303(b)(12), and other applicable 
MSA sections, management measures can be adopted in order to, for 
example, collect data on the EC species, minimize bycatch or bycatch 
mortality of EC species, protect the associated role of EC species in 
the ecosystem, and/or to address other ecosystem issues.
    (6) A stock or stock complex may be identified in more than one FMP. 
In this situation, the relevant Councils should choose which FMP will be 
the primary FMP in which reference points for the stock or stock complex 
will be established. In other FMPs, the stock or stock complex may be 
identified as ``other managed stocks'' and management measures that are 
consistent with the objectives of the primary FMP can be established.

[[Page 37]]

    (7) Councils should periodically review their FMPs and the best 
scientific information available and determine if the stocks are 
appropriately identified. As appropriate, stocks should be reclassified 
within an FMP, added to or removed from an existing FMP, or added to a 
new FMP, through an FMP amendment that documents the rationale for the 
decision.
    (d) Word usage within the National Standard Guidelines. The word 
usage refers to all regulations in this subpart.
    (1) Must is used, instead of ``shall'', to denote an obligation to 
act; it is used primarily when referring to requirements of the 
Magnuson-Stevens Act, the logical extension thereof, or of other 
applicable law.
    (2) Shall is used only when quoting statutory language directly, to 
avoid confusion with the future tense.
    (3) Should is used to indicate that an action or consideration is 
strongly recommended to fulfill the Secretary's interpretation of the 
Magnuson-Stevens Act, and is a factor reviewers will look for in 
evaluating a statement of organization, practices, and procedures (SOPP) 
or an FMP.
    (4) May is used in a permissive sense.
    (5) Will is used descriptively, as distinguished from denoting an 
obligation to act or the future tense.
    (6) Could is used when giving examples, in a hypothetical, 
permissive sense.
    (7) Can is used to mean ``is able to,'' as distinguished from 
``may.''
    (8) Examples are given by way of illustration and further 
explanation. They are not inclusive lists; they do not limit options.
    (9) Analysis, as a paragraph heading, signals more detailed guidance 
as to the type of discussion and examination an FMP should contain to 
demonstrate compliance with the standard in question.
    (10) Council includes the Secretary, as applicable, when preparing 
FMPs or amendments under section 304(c) and (g) of the Magnuson-Stevens 
Act.
    (11) Target stocks are stocks or stock complexes that fishers seek 
to catch for sale or personal use, including such fish that are 
discarded for economic or regulatory reasons as defined under Magnuson-
Stevens Act section 3(9) and 3(38).
    (12) Non-target species and non-target stocks are fish caught 
incidentally during the pursuit of target stocks in a fishery. Non-
target stocks may require conservation and management and, if so, must 
be included in a FMP and be identified at the stock or stock complex 
level. If non-target species are not in need of conservation and 
management, they may be identified in an FMP as ecosystem component 
species.
    (13) Ecosystem Component Species (see Sec. Sec. 600.305(c)(5) and 
600.310(d)(1)) are stocks that a Council or the Secretary has determined 
do not require conservation and management, but desire to list in an FMP 
in order to achieve ecosystem management objectives.
    (e) Relationship of National Standard 1 to other national 
standards--General. National Standard 1 addresses preventing overfishing 
and achieving optimum yield. See 16 U.S.C. 1851(a)(1) and 50 CFR 
600.310. National Standards 2 through 10 provide further requirements 
for conservation and management measures in FMPs. See 16 U.S.C. 
1851(a)(2) through (10) and 50 CFR 600.315 through 600.355. Below is a 
description of how some of the other National Standards intersect with 
National Standard 1.
    (1) National Standard 2 (see Sec. 600.315). Management measures and 
reference points to implement NS1 must be based on the best scientific 
information available. When data are insufficient to estimate reference 
points directly, Councils should develop reasonable proxies to the 
extent possible (also see Sec. 600.310(e)(1)(v)(B)). In cases where 
scientific data are severely limited, effort should also be directed to 
identifying and gathering the needed data. SSCs should advise their 
Councils regarding the best scientific information available for fishery 
management decisions.
    (2) National Standard 3 (see Sec. 600.320). Reference points should 
generally be specified in terms of the level of stock aggregation for 
which the best scientific information is available (also see Sec. 
600.310(e)(1)(ii) and (iii)).
    (3) National Standard 6 (see Sec. 600.335). Councils must build 
into the reference points and control rules appropriate

[[Page 38]]

consideration of risk, taking into account uncertainties in estimating 
harvest, stock conditions, life history parameters, or the effects of 
environmental factors.
    (4) National Standard 8 (see Sec. 600.345). National Standard 8 
addresses economic and social considerations and minimizing to the 
extent practicable adverse economic impacts on fishing communities 
within the context of preventing overfishing and rebuilding overfished 
stocks as required under National Standard 1 and other MSA provisions. 
Calculation of OY as reduced from maximum sustainable yield (MSY) also 
includes consideration of economic and social factors, but the 
combination of management measures chosen to achieve the OY must 
principally be designed to prevent overfishing and rebuild overfished 
stocks.
    (5) National Standard 9 (see Sec. 600.350). Evaluation of stock 
status with respect to reference points must take into account mortality 
caused by bycatch. In addition, the estimation of catch should include 
the mortality of fish that are discarded.

[81 FR 71893, Oct. 18, 2016]



Sec. 600.310  National Standard 1--Optimum Yield.

    (a) Standard 1. Conservation and management measures shall prevent 
overfishing while achieving, on a continuing basis, the optimum yield 
(OY) from each fishery for the U.S. fishing industry.
    (b) General. (1) The guidelines set forth in this section describe 
fishery management approaches to meet the objectives of National 
Standard 1 (NS1), and include guidance on:
    (i) Specifying maximum sustainable yield (MSY) and OY;
    (ii) Specifying status determination criteria (SDC) so that 
overfishing and overfished determinations can be made for stocks and 
stock complexes in an FMP;
    (iii) Preventing overfishing and achieving OY, incorporation of 
scientific and management uncertainty in control rules, and adaptive 
management using annual catch limits (ACL) and measures to ensure 
accountability (i.e., accountability measures (AMs)); and
    (iv) Rebuilding stocks and stock complexes.
    (2) Overview of Magnuson-Stevens Act concepts and provisions related 
to NS1--(i) MSY. The Magnuson-Stevens Act establishes MSY as the basis 
for fishery management and requires that: The fishing mortality rate 
must not jeopardize the capacity of a stock or stock complex to produce 
MSY; the abundance of an overfished stock or stock complex must be 
rebuilt to a level that is capable of producing MSY; and OY must not 
exceed MSY.
    (ii) OY. The determination of OY is a decisional mechanism for 
resolving the Magnuson-Stevens Act's conservation and management 
objectives, achieving an FMP's objectives, and balancing the various 
interests that comprise the greatest overall benefits to the Nation. OY 
is based on MSY as reduced under paragraphs (e)(3)(iii)(A) and (B) of 
this section. The most important limitation on the specification of OY 
is that the choice of OY and the conservation and management measures 
proposed to achieve it must prevent overfishing.
    (iii) ACLs and AMs. Any FMP shall establish a mechanism for 
specifying ACLs in the FMP (including a multiyear plan), implementing 
regulations, or annual specifications, at a level such that overfishing 
does not occur in the fishery, including measures to ensure 
accountability (Magnuson-Stevens Act section 303(a)(15)).
    (iv) Reference points. SDC, MSY, OY, acceptable biological catch 
(ABC), and ACL, which are described further in paragraphs (e) and (f) of 
this section, are collectively referred to as ``reference points.''
    (v) Scientific advice. The Magnuson-Stevens Act has requirements 
regarding scientific and statistical committees (SSC) of the Regional 
Fishery Management Councils, including but not limited to, the following 
provisions (paragraphs (b)(2)(v)(A) through (D) of this section). See 
the National Standard 2 guidelines for further guidance on SSCs and the 
peer review process (Sec. 600.315).
    (A) Each Regional Fishery Management Council shall establish an SSC 
as described in section 302(g)(1)(A) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act.

[[Page 39]]

    (B) Each SSC shall provide its Regional Fishery Management Council 
recommendations for ABC as well as other scientific advice, as described 
in Magnuson-Stevens Act section 302(g)(1)(B).
    (C) The Secretary and each Regional Fishery Management Council may 
establish a peer review process for that Council for scientific 
information used to advise the Council about the conservation and 
management of a fishery (see Magnuson-Stevens Act section 302(g)(1)(E)). 
If a peer review process is established, it should investigate the 
technical merits of stock assessments and other scientific information 
to be used by the SSC or agency or international scientists, as 
appropriate. For Regional Fishery Management Councils, the peer review 
process is not a substitute for the SSC and both the SSC and peer review 
process should work in conjunction with each other. For the Secretary, 
which does not have an SSC, the peer review process should provide the 
scientific information necessary.
    (D) Each Council shall develop ACLs for each of its managed 
fisheries that may not exceed the ``fishing level recommendations'' of 
its SSC or peer review process (Magnuson-Stevens Act section 302(h)(6)). 
The SSC recommendation that is the most relevant to ACLs is ABC, as both 
ACL and ABC are levels of annual catch.
    (3) Approach for setting limits and accountability measures, 
including targets, for consistency with NS1. When specifying limits and 
accountability measures, Councils must take an approach that considers 
uncertainty in scientific information and management control of the 
fishery. These guidelines describe how the Councils could address 
uncertainty such that there is a low risk that limits are exceeded as 
described in paragraphs (f)(2) and (g)(4) of this section.
    (4) Vulnerability. A stock's vulnerability to fishing pressure is a 
combination of its productivity, which depends upon its life history 
characteristics, and its susceptibility to the fishery. Productivity 
refers to the capacity of the stock to produce MSY and to recover if the 
population is depleted, and susceptibility is the potential for the 
stock to be impacted by the fishery, which includes direct captures, as 
well as indirect impacts of the fishery (e.g., loss of habitat quality).
    (c) Summary of items to include in FMPs related to NS1. This section 
provides a summary of items that Councils must include in their FMPs and 
FMP amendments in order to address ACL, AM, and other aspects of the NS1 
guidelines. Councils must describe fisheries data for the stocks and 
stock complexes in their FMPs, or associated public documents such as 
Stock Assessment and Fishery Evaluation (SAFE) Reports. For all stocks 
and stock complexes that require conservation and management (see Sec. 
600.305(c)), the Councils must evaluate and describe the following items 
in their FMPs and amend the FMPs, if necessary, to align their 
management objectives to end or prevent overfishing and to achieve OY:
    (1) MSY and SDC (see paragraphs (e)(1) and (2) of this section).
    (2) OY at the stock, stock complex, or fishery level and provide the 
OY specification analysis (see paragraph (e)(3) of this section).
    (3) ABC control rule (see paragraph (f)(2) of this section).
    (4) Mechanisms for specifying ACLs (see paragraph (f)(4) of this 
section).
    (5) AMs (see paragraph (g) of this section).
    (6) Stocks and stock complexes that have statutory exceptions from 
ACLs and AMs (see paragraph (h)(1) of this section) or which fall under 
limited circumstances which require different approaches to meet the 
Magnuson-Stevens Act requirements (see paragraph (h)(2) of this 
section).
    (d) Stocks and stock complexes--
    (1) Introduction. As described in Sec. 600.305(c), Councils should 
identify in their FMPs the stocks that require conservation and 
management. Such stocks must have ACLs, other reference points, and 
accountability measures. Other stocks that are identified in an FMP 
(i.e., EC species or stocks that the fishery interacts with but are 
managed primarily under another FMP, see Sec. 600.305(c)(5) through 
(6)) do not require ACLs, other reference points, or accountability 
measures.

[[Page 40]]

    (2) Stock complex. Stocks that require conservation and management 
can be grouped into stock complexes. A ``stock complex'' is a tool to 
manage a group of stocks within a FMP.
    (i) At the time a stock complex is established, the FMP should 
provide, to the extent practicable, a full and explicit description of 
the proportional composition of each stock in the stock complex. Stocks 
may be grouped into complexes for various reasons, including where 
stocks in a multispecies fishery cannot be targeted independent of one 
another; where there is insufficient data to measure a stock's status 
relative to SDC; or when it is not feasible for fishermen to distinguish 
individual stocks among their catch. Where practicable, the group of 
stocks should have a similar geographic distribution, life history 
characteristics, and vulnerabilities to fishing pressure such that the 
impact of management actions on the stocks is similar. The vulnerability 
of individual stocks should be considered when determining if a 
particular stock complex should be established or reorganized, or if a 
particular stock should be included in a complex.
    (ii) Indicator stocks. (A) An indicator stock is a stock with 
measurable and objective SDC that can be used to help manage and 
evaluate more poorly known stocks that are in a stock complex.
    (B) Where practicable, stock complexes should include one or more 
indicator stocks (each of which has SDC and ACLs). Otherwise, stock 
complexes may be comprised of: Several stocks without an indicator stock 
(with SDC and an ACL for the complex as a whole), or one or more 
indicator stocks (each of which has SDC and management objectives) with 
an ACL for the complex as a whole (this situation might be applicable to 
some salmon species). Councils should review the available quantitative 
or qualitative information (e.g., catch trends, changes in 
vulnerability, fish health indices, etc.) of stocks within a complex on 
a regular basis to determine if they are being sustainably managed.
    (C) If an indicator stock is used to evaluate the status of a 
complex, it should be representative of the typical vulnerability of 
stocks within the complex. If the stocks within a stock complex have a 
wide range of vulnerability, they should be reorganized into different 
stock complexes that have similar vulnerabilities; otherwise the 
indicator stock should be chosen to represent the more vulnerable stocks 
within the complex. In instances where an indicator stock is less 
vulnerable than other members of the complex, management measures should 
be more conservative so that the more vulnerable members of the complex 
are not at risk from the fishery.
    (D) More than one indicator stock can be selected to provide more 
information about the status of the complex.
    (E) When indicator stocks are used, the stock complex's MSY could be 
listed as ``unknown,'' while noting that the complex is managed on the 
basis of one or more indicator stocks that do have known stock-specific 
MSYs, or suitable proxies, as described in paragraph (e)(1)(v) of this 
section.
    (e) Features of MSY, SDC, and OY-- (1) MSY. Each FMP must include an 
estimate of MSY for the stocks and stock complexes that require 
conservation and management. MSY may also be specified for the fishery 
as a whole.
    (i) Definitions. (A) MSY is the largest long-term average catch or 
yield that can be taken from a stock or stock complex under prevailing 
ecological, environmental conditions and fishery technological 
characteristics (e.g., gear selectivity), and the distribution of catch 
among fleets.
    (B) MSY fishing mortality rate (Fmsy) is the fishing 
mortality rate that, if applied over the long term, would result in MSY.
    (C) MSY stock size (Bmsy) means the long-term average 
size of the stock or stock complex, measured in terms of spawning 
biomass or other appropriate measure of the stock's reproductive 
potential that would be achieved by fishing at Fmsy.
    (ii) MSY for stocks. MSY should be estimated for each stock based on 
the best scientific information available (see Sec. 600.315).
    (iii) MSY for stock complexes. When stock complexes are used, MSY 
should be estimated for one or more indicator

[[Page 41]]

stocks or for the complex as a whole (see paragraph (d)(2)(ii)).
    (iv) Methods of estimating MSY for an aggregate group of stocks. 
Estimating MSY for an aggregate group of stocks (including stock 
complexes and the fishery as a whole) can be done using models that 
account for multi-species interactions, composite properties for a group 
of similar species, biomass (energy) flow and production patterns, or 
other relevant factors (see paragraph (e)(3)(iv)(C) of this section).
    (v) Specifying MSY. (A) Because MSY is a long-term average, it need 
not be estimated annually, but it must be based on the best scientific 
information available (see Sec. 600.315), and should be re-estimated as 
required by changes in long-term environmental or ecological conditions, 
fishery technological characteristics, or new scientific information.
    (B) When data are insufficient to estimate MSY directly, Councils 
should adopt other measures of reproductive potential that can serve as 
reasonable proxies for MSY, Fmsy, and Bmsy.
    (C) The MSY for a stock or stock complex is influenced by its 
interactions with other stocks in its ecosystem and these interactions 
may shift as multiple stocks in an ecosystem are fished. Ecological and 
environmental information should be taken into account, to the extent 
practicable, when assessing stocks and specifying MSY. Ecological and 
environmental information that is not directly accounted for in the 
specification of MSY can be among the ecological factors considered when 
setting OY below MSY.
    (D) As MSY values are estimates or are based on proxies, they will 
have some level of uncertainty associated with them. The degree of 
uncertainty in the estimates should be identified, when practicable, 
through the stock assessment process and peer review (see Sec. 
600.335), and should be taken into account when specifying the ABC 
Control rule (see paragraph (f)(2) of this section).
    (2) Status determination criteria--(i) Definitions. (A) Status 
determination criteria (SDC) mean the measurable and objective factors, 
MFMT, OFL, and MSST, or their proxies, that are used to determine if 
overfishing has occurred, or if the stock or stock complex is 
overfished. Magnuson-Stevens Act (section 3(34)) defines both 
``overfishing'' and ``overfished'' to mean a rate or level of fishing 
mortality that jeopardizes the capacity of a fishery to produce the MSY 
on a continuing basis. To avoid confusion, this section clarifies that 
``overfished'' relates to biomass of a stock or stock complex, and 
``overfishing'' pertains to a rate or level of removal of fish from a 
stock or stock complex.
    (B) Overfishing occurs whenever a stock or stock complex is 
subjected to a level of fishing mortality or total catch that 
jeopardizes the capacity of a stock or stock complex to produce MSY on a 
continuing basis.
    (C) Maximum fishing mortality threshold (MFMT) means the level of 
fishing mortality (i.e. F), on an annual basis, above which overfishing 
is occurring. The MFMT or reasonable proxy may be expressed either as a 
single number (a fishing mortality rate or F value), or as a function of 
spawning biomass or other measure of reproductive potential.
    (D) Overfishing limit (OFL) means the annual amount of catch that 
corresponds to the estimate of MFMT applied to a stock or stock 
complex's abundance and is expressed in terms of numbers or weight of 
fish.
    (E) Overfished. A stock or stock complex is considered 
``overfished'' when its biomass has declined below MSST.
    (F) Minimum stock size threshold (MSST) means the level of biomass 
below which the capacity of the stock or stock complex to produce MSY on 
a continuing basis has been jeopardized.
    (G) Approaching an overfished condition. A stock or stock complex is 
approaching an overfished condition when it is projected that there is 
more than a 50 percent chance that the biomass of the stock or stock 
complex will decline below the MSST within two years.
    (ii) Specification of SDC and overfishing and overfished 
determinations. Each FMP must describe how objective and measurable SDCs 
will be specified, as described in paragraphs (e)(2)(ii)(A)

[[Page 42]]

and (B) of this section. To be measurable and objective, SDC must be 
expressed in a way that enables the Council to monitor the status of 
each stock or stock complex in the FMP. Applying the SDC set forth in 
the FMP, the Secretary determines if overfishing is occurring and 
whether the stock or stock complex is overfished (Magnuson-Stevens Act 
section 304(e)). SDCs are often based on fishing rates or biomass levels 
associated with MSY or MSY based proxies. When data are not available to 
specify SDCs based on MSY or MSY proxies, alternative types of SDCs that 
promote sustainability of the stock or stock complex can be used. For 
example, SDC could be based on recent average catch, fish densities 
derived from visual census surveys, length/weight frequencies, or other 
methods. In specifying SDC, a Council must provide an analysis of how 
the SDC were chosen and how they relate to reproductive potential of 
stocks of fish within the fishery. If alternative types of SDCs are 
used, the Council should explain how the approach will promote 
sustainability of the stock or stock complex on a long term basis. A 
Council should consider a process that allows SDCs to be quickly updated 
to reflect the best scientific information available. In the case of 
internationally-managed stocks, the Council may decide to use the SDCs 
defined by the relevant international body. In this instance, the SDCs 
should allow the Council to monitor the status of a stock or stock 
complex, recognizing that the SDCs may not be defined in such a way that 
a Council could monitor the MFMT, OFL, or MSST as would be done with a 
domestically managed stock or stock complex.
    (A) SDC to Determine Overfishing Status. Each FMP must specify a 
method used to determine the overfishing status for each stock or stock 
complex. For domestically-managed stocks or stock complexes, one of the 
following methods (described in (e)(2)(ii)(A)(1) and (2) of this 
section) should be specified. If the necessary data to use one of the 
methods described in either subparagraph (e)(2)(ii)(A)(1) or (2) is not 
available, a Council may use an alternate type of overfishing SDC as 
described in paragraph (e)(2)(ii).
    (1) Fishing Mortality Rate Exceeds MFMT. Exceeding the MFMT for a 
period of 1 year constitutes overfishing.
    (2) Catch Exceeds the OFL. Exceeding the annual OFL for 1 year 
constitutes overfishing.
    (3) Multi-Year Approach to Determine Overfishing Status. 
Subparagraphs (e)(2)(ii)(A) (1) and (2) establish methods to determine 
overfishing status based on a period of 1 year. As stated in paragraph 
(e)(2)(ii)(A), a Council should specify, within the FMP, which of these 
methods will be used to determine overfishing status. However, in 
certain circumstances, a Council may utilize a multi-year approach to 
determine overfishing status based on a period of no more than 3 years. 
The Council should identify in its FMP or FMP amendment, circumstances 
when the multi-year approach is appropriate and will be used. Such 
circumstances may include situations where there is high uncertainty in 
the estimate of F in the most recent year, cases where stock abundance 
fluctuations are high and assessments are not timely enough to forecast 
such changes, or other circumstances where the most recent catch or F 
data does not reflect the overall status of the stock. The multi-year 
approach to determine overfishing status may not be used to specify 
future annual catch limits at levels that do not prevent overfishing.
    (B) SDC to determine overfished status. The MSST or reasonable proxy 
must be expressed in terms of spawning biomass or other measure of 
reproductive potential. MSST should be between \1/2\ Bmsy and 
Bmsy, and could be informed by the life history of the stock, 
the natural fluctuations in biomass associated with fishing at MFMT over 
the long-term, the requirements of internationally-managed stocks, or 
other considerations.
    (C) Where practicable, all sources of mortality including that 
resulting from bycatch, scientific research catch, and all fishing 
activities should be accounted for in the evaluation of stock status 
with respect to reference points.
    (iii) Relationship of SDC to environmental and habitat change. Some 
short-term environmental changes can alter the size of a stock or stock 
complex

[[Page 43]]

without affecting its long-term reproductive potential. Long-term 
environmental changes may affect both the short-term size of the stock 
or stock complex and the long-term reproductive potential of the stock 
or stock complex.
    (A) If environmental changes cause a stock or stock complex to fall 
below its MSST without affecting its long-term reproductive potential, 
fishing mortality must be constrained sufficiently to allow rebuilding 
within an acceptable time frame (see also paragraph (j)(3)(i) of this 
section). SDC should not be respecified.
    (B) If environmental, ecosystem, or habitat changes affect the long-
term reproductive potential of the stock or stock complex, one or more 
components of the SDC must be respecified. Once SDC have been 
respecified, fishing mortality may or may not have to be reduced, 
depending on the status of the stock or stock complex with respect to 
the new criteria.
    (C) If manmade environmental changes are partially responsible for a 
stock or stock complex's biomass being below MSST, in addition to 
controlling fishing mortality, Councils should recommend restoration of 
habitat and other ameliorative programs, to the extent possible (see 
also the guidelines issued pursuant to section 305(b) of the Magnuson-
Stevens Act for Council actions concerning essential fish habitat).
    (iv) Secretarial approval of SDC. Secretarial approval or 
disapproval of proposed SDC will be based on consideration of whether 
the proposal:
    (A) Is based on the best scientific information available;
    (B) Contains the elements described in paragraph (e)(2)(ii) of this 
section;
    (C) Provides a basis for objective measurement of the status of the 
stock or stock complex against the criteria; and
    (D) Is operationally feasible.
    (3) Optimum yield. For stocks that require conservation and 
management, OY may be established at the stock, stock complex, or 
fishery level.
    (i) Definitions-- (A) Optimum yield (OY). Magnuson-Stevens Act 
section (3)(33) defines ``optimum,'' with respect to the yield from a 
fishery, as the amount of fish that will provide the greatest overall 
benefit to the Nation, particularly with respect to food production and 
recreational opportunities and taking into account the protection of 
marine ecosystems; that is prescribed on the basis of the MSY from the 
fishery, as reduced by any relevant economic, social, or ecological 
factor; and, in the case of an overfished fishery, that provides for 
rebuilding to a level consistent with producing the MSY in such fishery.
    (B) In NS1, use of the phrase ``achieving, on a continuing basis, 
the OY from each fishery'' means: producing, from each stock, stock 
complex, or fishery, an amount of catch that is, on average, equal to 
the Council's specified OY; prevents overfishing; maintains the long 
term average biomass near or above Bmsy; and rebuilds 
overfished stocks and stock complexes consistent with timing and other 
requirements of section 304(e)(4) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act and 
paragraph (j) of this section.
    (ii) General. OY is a long-term average amount of desired yield from 
a stock, stock complex, or fishery. An FMP must contain conservation and 
management measures, including ACLs and AMs, to achieve OY on a 
continuing basis, and provisions for information collection that are 
designed to determine the degree to which OY is achieved. These measures 
should allow for practical and effective implementation and enforcement 
of the management regime. If these measures cannot meet the dual 
requirements of NS1 (preventing overfishing while achieving, on a 
continuing basis, OY), Councils should either modify the measures or 
reexamine their OY specifications to ensure that the dual NS1 
requirements can be met.
    (iii) Assessing OY. An FMP must contain an assessment and 
specification of OY (MSA section 303(a)(3)). The assessment should 
include: a summary of information utilized in making such specification; 
an explanation of how the OY specification will produce the greatest 
benefits to the nation and prevent overfishing and rebuild overfished 
stocks; and a consideration of the economic, social, and ecological 
factors

[[Page 44]]

relevant to the management of a particular stock, stock complex, or 
fishery. Consistent with Magnuson-Stevens Act section 302(h)(5), the 
assessment and specification of OY should be reviewed on a continuing 
basis, so that it is responsive to changing circumstances in the 
fishery.
    (A) Determining the greatest benefit to the Nation. In determining 
the greatest benefit to the Nation, the values that should be weighed 
and receive serious attention when considering the economic, social, or 
ecological factors used in reducing MSY, or its proxy, to obtain OY are:
    (1) The benefits of food production derived from providing seafood 
to consumers; maintaining an economically viable fishery together with 
its attendant contributions to the national, regional, and local 
economies; and utilizing the capacity of the Nation's fishery resources 
to meet nutritional needs.
    (2) The benefits of recreational opportunities reflect the quality 
of both the recreational fishing experience and non-consumptive fishery 
uses such as ecotourism, fish watching, and recreational diving. 
Benefits also include the contribution of recreational fishing to the 
national, regional, and local economies and food supplies.
    (3) The benefits of protection afforded to marine ecosystems are 
those resulting from maintaining viable populations (including those of 
unexploited species), maintaining adequate forage for all components of 
the ecosystem, maintaining evolutionary and ecological processes (e.g., 
disturbance regimes, hydrological processes, nutrient cycles), 
maintaining productive habitat, maintaining the evolutionary potential 
of species and ecosystems, and accommodating human use.
    (B) Economic, Ecological, and Social Factors. Councils should 
consider the management objectives of their FMPs and their management 
framework to determine the relevant social, economic, and ecological 
factors used to determine OY. There will be inherent trade-offs when 
determining the objectives of the fishery. The following is a non-
exhaustive list of potential considerations for social, economic, and 
ecological factors.
    (1) Social factors. Examples are enjoyment gained from recreational 
fishing, avoidance of gear conflicts and resulting disputes, 
preservation of a way of life for fishermen and their families, and 
dependence of local communities on a fishery (e.g., involvement in 
fisheries and ability to adapt to change). Consideration may be given to 
fishery-related indicators (e.g., number of fishery permits, number of 
commercial fishing vessels, number of party and charter trips, landings, 
ex-vessel revenues etc.) and non-fishery related indicators (e.g., 
unemployment rates, percent of population below the poverty level, 
population density, etc.), and preference for a particular type of 
fishery (e.g., size of the fishing fleet, type of vessels in the fleet, 
permissible gear types). Other factors that may be considered include 
the effects that past harvest levels have had on fishing communities, 
the cultural place of subsistence fishing, obligations under tribal 
treaties, proportions of affected minority and low-income groups, and 
worldwide nutritional needs.
    (2) Economic factors. Examples are prudent consideration of the risk 
of overharvesting when a stock's size or reproductive potential is 
uncertain (see Sec. 600.335(c)(2)(i)), satisfaction of consumer and 
recreational needs, and encouragement of domestic and export markets for 
U.S. harvested fish. Other factors that may be considered include: The 
value of fisheries, the level of capitalization, the decrease in cost 
per unit of catch afforded by an increase in stock size, the attendant 
increase in catch per unit of effort, alternate employment 
opportunities, and economic contribution to fishing communities, coastal 
areas, affected states, and the nation.
    (3) Ecological factors. Examples include impacts on EC species, 
forage fish stocks, other fisheries, predator-prey or competitive 
interactions, marine mammals, threatened or endangered species, and 
birds. Species interactions that have not been explicitly taken into 
account when calculating MSY should be considered as relevant factors 
for setting OY below MSY. In addition, consideration should be given

[[Page 45]]

to managing forage stocks for higher biomass than Bmsy to 
enhance and protect the marine ecosystem. Also important are ecological 
or environmental conditions that stress marine organisms or their 
habitat, such as natural and manmade changes in wetlands or nursery 
grounds, and effects of pollutants on habitat and stocks.
    (iv) Specifying OY. If the estimates of MFMT and current biomass are 
known with a high level of certainty and management controls can 
accurately limit catch, then OY could be set very close to MSY, assuming 
no other reductions are necessary for social, economic, or ecological 
factors. To the degree that such MSY estimates and management controls 
are lacking or unavailable, OY should be set farther from MSY.
    (A) The OY can be expressed in terms of numbers or weight of fish, 
and either as a single value or a range. When it is not possible to 
specify OY quantitatively, OY may be described qualitatively.
    (B) The determination of OY is based on MSY, directly or through 
proxy. However, even where sufficient scientific data as to the 
biological characteristics of the stock do not exist, or where the 
period of exploitation or investigation has not been long enough for 
adequate understanding of stock dynamics, or where frequent large-scale 
fluctuations in stock size diminish the meaningfulness of the MSY 
concept, OY must still be established based on the best scientific 
information available.
    (C) An OY established at a fishery level may not exceed the sum of 
the MSY values for each of the stocks or stocks complexes within the 
fishery. Aggregate level MSY estimates could be used as a basis for 
specifying OY for the fishery (see paragraph (e)(1)(iv) of this 
section). When aggregate level MSY is estimated, single stock MSY 
estimates can also be used to inform single stock management. For 
example, OY could be specified for a fishery, while other reference 
points are specified for individual stocks in order to prevent 
overfishing on each stock within the fishery.
    (D) For internationally-managed stocks, fishing levels that are 
agreed upon by the U.S. at the international level are considered to be 
consistent with OY requirements under the MSA and these guidelines.
    (v) OY and foreign fishing. Section 201(d) of the Magnuson-Stevens 
Act provides that fishing by foreign nations is limited to that portion 
of the OY that will not be harvested by vessels of the United States. 
The FMP must include an assessment to address the following, as required 
by section 303(a)(4) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act:
    (A) The OY specification is the basis for establishing any total 
allowable level of foreign fishing (TALFF).
    (B) Part of the OY may be held as a reserve to allow for domestic 
annual harvest (DAH). If an OY reserve is established, an adequate 
mechanism should be included in the FMP to permit timely release of the 
reserve to domestic or foreign fishermen, if necessary.
    (C) DAH. Councils and/or the Secretary must consider the capacity 
of, and the extent to which, U.S. vessels will harvest the OY on an 
annual basis. Estimating the amount that U.S. fishing vessels will 
actually harvest is required to determine the surplus.
    (D) Domestic annual processing (DAP). Each FMP must assess the 
capacity of U.S. processors. It must also assess the amount of DAP, 
which is the sum of two estimates: The estimated amount of U.S. harvest 
that domestic processors will process, which may be based on historical 
performance or on surveys of the expressed intention of manufacturers to 
process, supported by evidence of contracts, plant expansion, or other 
relevant information; and the estimated amount of fish that will be 
harvested by domestic vessels, but not processed (e.g., marketed as 
fresh whole fish, used for private consumption, or used for bait).
    (E) Joint venture processing (JVP). When DAH exceeds DAP, the 
surplus is available for JVP.
    (f) Acceptable biological catch and annual catch limits--(1) 
Definitions.-- (i) Catch is the total quantity of fish, measured in 
weight or numbers of fish, taken in commercial, recreational, 
subsistence, tribal, and other fisheries. Catch includes fish that are 
retained for any purpose, as well as mortality of fish that are 
discarded.

[[Page 46]]

    (ii) Acceptable biological catch (ABC) is a level of a stock or 
stock complex's annual catch, which is based on an ABC control rule that 
accounts for the scientific uncertainty in the estimate of OFL, any 
other scientific uncertainty, and the Council's risk policy.
    (iii) Annual catch limit (ACL) is a limit on the total annual catch 
of a stock or stock complex, which cannot exceed the ABC, that serves as 
the basis for invoking AMs. An ACL may be divided into sector-ACLs (see 
paragraph (f)(4) of this section).
    (iv) Control rule is a policy for establishing a limit or target 
catch level that is based on the best scientific information available 
and is established by the Council in consultation with its SSC.
    (v) Management uncertainty refers to uncertainty in the ability of 
managers to constrain catch so that the ACL is not exceeded, and the 
uncertainty in quantifying the true catch amounts (i.e., estimation 
errors). The sources of management uncertainty could include: Late catch 
reporting; misreporting; underreporting of catches; lack of sufficient 
inseason management, including inseason closure authority; or other 
factors.
    (vi) Scientific uncertainty refers to uncertainty in the information 
about a stock and its reference points. Sources of scientific 
uncertainty could include: Uncertainty in stock assessment results; 
uncertainty in the estimates of MFMT, MSST, the biomass of the stock, 
and OFL; time lags in updating assessments; the degree of retrospective 
revision of assessment results; uncertainty in projections; 
uncertainties due to the choice of assessment model; longer-term 
uncertainties due to potential ecosystem and environmental effects; or 
other factors.
    (2) ABC control rule.-- (i) For stocks and stock complexes required 
to have an ABC, each Council must establish an ABC control rule that 
accounts for scientific uncertainty in the OFL and for the Council's 
risk policy, and that is based on a comprehensive analysis that shows 
how the control rule prevents overfishing. The Council's risk policy 
could be based on an acceptable probability (at least 50 percent) that 
catch equal to the stock's ABC will not result in overfishing, but other 
appropriate methods can be used. When determining the risk policy, 
Councils could consider the economic, social, and ecological trade-offs 
between being more or less risk averse. The Council's choice of a risk 
policy cannot result in an ABC that exceeds the OFL. The process of 
establishing an ABC control rule may involve science advisors or the 
peer review process established under Magnuson-Stevens Act section 
302(g)(1)(E).
    (ii) The ABC control rule must articulate how ABC will be set 
compared to the OFL based on the scientific knowledge about the stock or 
stock complex and taking into account scientific uncertainty (see 
paragraph (f)(1)(vi) of this section). The ABC control rule should 
consider reducing fishing mortality as stock size declines below 
Bmsy and as scientific uncertainty increases, and may 
establish a stock abundance level below which fishing would not be 
allowed. When scientific uncertainty cannot be directly calculated, such 
as when proxies are used, then a proxy for the uncertainty should be 
established based on the best scientific information, including 
comparison to other stocks. The control rule may be used in a tiered 
approach to address different levels of scientific uncertainty. Councils 
can develop ABC control rules that allow for changes in catch limits to 
be phased-in over time or to account for the carry-over of some of the 
unused portion of the ACL from one year to the next. The Council must 
articulate within its FMP when the phase-in and/or carry-over provisions 
of the control rule can and cannot be used and how each provision 
prevents overfishing, based on a comprehensive analysis.
    (A) Phase-in ABC control rules. Large changes in catch limits due to 
new scientific information about the status of the stock can have 
negative short-term effects on a fishing industry. To help stabilize 
catch levels as stock assessments are updated, a Council may choose to 
develop a control rule that phases in changes to ABC over a period of 
time, not to exceed 3 years, as long as overfishing is prevented each 
year (i.e., the phased-in catch level cannot

[[Page 47]]

exceed the OFL in any year). In addition, the Councils should evaluate 
the appropriateness of phase-in provisions for stocks that are 
overfished and/or rebuilding, as the overriding goal for such stocks is 
to rebuild them in as short a time as possible.
    (B) Carry-over ABC control rules. An ABC control rule may include 
provisions for the carry-over of some of the unused portion of an ACL 
(i.e., an ACL underage) from one year to increase the ABC for the next 
year, based on the increased stock abundance resulting from the fishery 
harvesting less than the full ACL. The resulting ABC recommended by the 
SSC must prevent overfishing and must consider scientific uncertainty 
consistent with the Council's risk policy. Carry-over provisions could 
also allow an ACL to be adjusted upwards as long as the revised ACL does 
not exceed the specified ABC. When considering whether to use a carry-
over provision, Councils should consider the likely reason for the ACL 
underage. ACL underages that result from management uncertainty (e.g., 
premature fishery closure) may be appropriate circumstances for 
considering a carry-over provision. ACL underages that occur as a result 
of poor or unknown stock status may not be appropriate to consider in a 
carry-over provision. In addition, the Councils should evaluate the 
appropriateness of carry-over provisions for stocks that are overfished 
and/or rebuilding, as the overriding goal for such stocks is to rebuild 
them in as short a time as possible.
    (3) Specification of ABC. ABC may not exceed OFL (see paragraph 
(e)(2)(i)(D) of this section). Councils and their SSC should develop a 
process by which the SSC can access the best scientific information 
available when implementing the ABC control rule (i.e., specifying the 
ABC). The SSC must recommend the ABC to the Council. An SSC may 
recommend an ABC that differs from the result of the ABC control rule 
calculation, based on factors such as data uncertainty, recruitment 
variability, declining trends in population variables, and other 
factors, but must provide an explanation for the deviation. For 
Secretarial FMPs or amendments, agency scientists or a peer review 
process would provide the scientific advice to establish ABC. For 
internationally-assessed stocks, an ABC as defined in these guidelines 
is not required if stocks fall under the international exception (see 
paragraph (h)(1)(ii) of this section). While the ABC is allowed to equal 
OFL, NMFS expects that in most cases ABC will be reduced from OFL to 
reduce the probability that overfishing might occur.
    (i) Expression of ABC. ABC should be expressed in terms of catch, 
but may be expressed in terms of landings as long as estimates of 
bycatch and any other fishing mortality not accounted for in the 
landings are incorporated into the determination of ABC.
    (ii) ABC for overfished stocks. For overfished stocks and stock 
complexes, a rebuilding ABC must be set to reflect the annual catch that 
is consistent with the schedule of fishing mortality rates (i.e., 
Frebuild) in the rebuilding plan.
    (4) Setting the annual catch limit-- (i) General. ACL cannot exceed 
the ABC and may be set annually or on a multiyear plan basis. ACLs in 
coordination with AMs must prevent overfishing (see MSA section 
303(a)(15)). If an Annual Catch Target (ACT), or functional equivalent, 
is not used, management uncertainty should be accounted for in the ACL. 
If a Council recommends an ACL which equals ABC, and the ABC is equal to 
OFL, the Secretary may presume that the proposal would not prevent 
overfishing, in the absence of sufficient analysis and justification for 
the approach. A ``multiyear plan'' as referenced in section 303(a)(15) 
of the Magnuson-Stevens Act is a plan that establishes harvest 
specifications or harvest guidelines for each year of a time period 
greater than 1 year. A multiyear plan must include a mechanism for 
specifying ACLs for each year with appropriate AMs to prevent 
overfishing and maintain an appropriate rate of rebuilding if the stock 
or stock complex is in a rebuilding plan. A multiyear plan must provide 
that, if an ACL is exceeded for a year, then AMs are implemented for the 
next year consistent with paragraph (g)(3) of this section.
    (ii) Sector-ACLs. A Council may, but is not required to, divide an 
ACL into

[[Page 48]]

sector-ACLs. If sector-ACLs are used, sector-AMs should also be 
specified. ``Sector,'' for purposes of this section, means a distinct 
user group to which separate management strategies and separate catch 
quotas apply. Examples of sectors include the commercial sector, 
recreational sector, or various gear groups within a fishery. If the 
management measures for different sectors differ in the degree of 
management uncertainty, then sector-ACLs may be necessary so that 
appropriate AMs can be developed for each sector. If a Council chooses 
to use sector-ACLs, the sum of sector-ACLs must not exceed the stock or 
stock complex level ACL. The system of ACLs and AMs designed must be 
effective in protecting the stock or stock complex as a whole. Even if 
sector-ACLs and sector-AMs are established, additional AMs at the stock 
or stock complex level may be necessary.
    (iii) ACLs for State-Federal Fisheries. For stocks or stock 
complexes that have harvest in state or territorial waters, FMPs and FMP 
amendments should include an ACL for the overall stock that may be 
further divided. For example, the overall ACL could be divided into a 
Federal-ACL and state-ACL. However, NMFS recognizes that Federal 
management is limited to the portion of the fishery under Federal 
authority. See 16 U.S.C. 1856. When stocks are co-managed by Federal, 
state, tribal, and/or territorial fishery managers, the goal should be 
to develop collaborative conservation and management strategies, and 
scientific capacity to support such strategies (including AMs for state 
or territorial and Federal waters), to prevent overfishing of shared 
stocks and ensure their sustainability.
    (iv) Relationship between OY and the ACL framework. The dual goals 
of NS1 are to prevent overfishing and achieve OY on a continuing basis. 
The ABC is an upper limit on catch that prevents overfishing within an 
established framework of risk and other considerations. As described in 
paragraph (e)(3) of this section, ecological, economic, and social 
factors, as well as values associated with determining the greatest 
benefit to the Nation, are important considerations in specifying OY. 
These types of considerations can also be considered in the ACL 
framework. For example, an ACL (or ACT) could be set lower than the ABC 
to account for ecological, economic, and social factors (e.g., needs of 
forage fish, promoting stability, addressing market conditions, etc.). 
Additionally, economic, social, or ecological trade-offs could be 
evaluated when determining the risk policy for an ABC control rule (see 
paragraph (f)(2) of this section). While OY is a long-term average 
amount of desired yield, there is, for each year, an amount of fish that 
is consistent with achieving the long-term OY. A Council can choose to 
express OY on an annual basis, in which case the FMP or FMP amendment 
should indicate that the OY is an ``annual OY.'' An annual OY cannot 
exceed the ACL.
    (g) Accountability measures (AMs)--(1) Introduction. AMs are 
management controls to prevent ACLs, including sector-ACLs, from being 
exceeded, and to correct or mitigate overages of the ACL if they occur. 
AMs should address and minimize both the frequency and magnitude of 
overages and correct the problems that caused the overage in as short a 
time as possible. NMFS identifies two categories of AMs, inseason AMs 
and AMs for when the ACL is exceeded. The FMP should identify what 
sources of data will be used to implement AMs (e.g., inseason data, 
annual catch compared to the ACL, or multi-year averaging approach).
    (2) Inseason AMs. Whenever possible, FMPs should include inseason 
monitoring and management measures to prevent catch from exceeding ACLs. 
Inseason AMs could include, but are not limited to: An annual catch 
target (see paragraph (g)(4) of this section); closure of a fishery; 
closure of specific areas; changes in gear; changes in trip size or bag 
limits; reductions in effort; or other appropriate management controls 
for the fishery. If final data or data components of catch are delayed, 
Councils should make appropriate use of preliminary data, such as landed 
catch, in implementing inseason AMs. FMPs should contain inseason 
closure authority giving NMFS the ability to close fisheries if it 
determines, based on data that it deems sufficiently reliable, that an 
ACL has been exceeded or

[[Page 49]]

is projected to be reached, and that closure of the fishery is necessary 
to prevent overfishing. For fisheries without inseason management 
control to prevent the ACL from being exceeded, AMs should utilize ACTs 
that are set below ACLs so that catches do not exceed the ACL.
    (3) AMs for when the ACL is exceeded. On an annual basis, the 
Council must determine as soon as possible after the fishing year if an 
ACL was exceeded. If an ACL was exceeded, AMs must be implemented as 
soon as possible to correct the operational issue that caused the ACL 
overage, as well as any biological consequences to the stock or stock 
complex resulting from the overage when it is known. These AMs could 
include, among other things, modifications of inseason AMs, the use or 
modification of ACTs, or overage adjustments. The type of AM chosen by a 
Council will likely vary depending on the sector of the fishery, status 
of the stock, the degree of the overage, recruitment patterns of the 
stock, or other pertinent information. If an ACL is set equal to zero 
and the AM for the fishery is a closure that prohibits fishing for a 
stock, additional AMs are not required if only small amounts of catch 
(including bycatch) occur, and the catch is unlikely to result in 
overfishing. For stocks and stock complexes in rebuilding plans, the AMs 
should include overage adjustments that reduce the ACLs in the next 
fishing year by the full amount of the overage, unless the best 
scientific information available shows that a reduced overage 
adjustment, or no adjustment, is needed to mitigate the effects of the 
overage.
    (4) Annual Catch Target (ACT) and ACT control rule. ACTs, or the 
functional equivalent, are recommended in the system of AMs so that ACL 
is not exceeded. An ACT is an amount of annual catch of a stock or stock 
complex that is the management target of the fishery, and accounts for 
management uncertainty in controlling the catch at or below the ACL. ACT 
control rules can be used to articulate how management uncertainty is 
accounted for in setting the ACT. ACT control rules can be developed by 
the Council, in coordination with the SSC, to help the Council account 
for management uncertainty.
    (5) AMs based on multi-year average data. Some fisheries have highly 
variable annual catches and lack reliable inseason or annual data on 
which to base AMs. If there are insufficient data upon which to compare 
catch to ACL, AMs could be based on comparisons of average catch to 
average ACL over a three-year moving average period or, if supported by 
analysis, some other appropriate multi-year period. Councils should 
explain why basing AMs on a multi-year period is appropriate. Evaluation 
of the moving average catch to the average ACL must be conducted 
annually, and if the average catch exceeds the average ACL, appropriate 
AMs should be implemented consistent with paragraph (g)(3) of this 
section.
    (6) AMs for State-Federal Fisheries. For stocks or stock complexes 
that have harvest in state or territorial waters, FMPs and FMP 
amendments must, at a minimum, have AMs for the portion of the fishery 
under Federal authority. Such AMs could include closing the EEZ when the 
Federal portion of the ACL is reached, or the overall stock's ACL is 
reached, or other measures.
    (7) Performance Standard. If catch exceeds the ACL for a given stock 
or stock complex more than once in the last four years, the system of 
ACLs and AMs should be reevaluated, and modified if necessary, to 
improve its performance and effectiveness. If AMs are based on multi-
year average data, the performance standard is based on a comparison of 
the average catch to the average ACL. A Council could choose a higher 
performance standard (e.g., a stock's catch should not exceed its ACL 
more often than once every five or six years) for a stock that is 
particularly vulnerable to the effects of overfishing, if the 
vulnerability of the stock has not already been accounted for in the ABC 
control rule.
    (h) Establishing ACL mechanisms and AMs in FMPs. FMPs or FMP 
amendments must establish ACL mechanisms and AMs for all stocks and 
stock complexes that require conservation and management (see Sec. 
600.305(c)), unless paragraph (h)(1) of this section is applicable. 
These mechanisms should describe the annual or multiyear process

[[Page 50]]

by which ACLs, AMs, and other reference points such as OFL and ABC will 
be established.
    (1) Exceptions from ACL and AM requirements--(i) Life cycle. Section 
303(a)(15) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act ``shall not apply to a fishery 
for species that have a life cycle of approximately 1 year unless the 
Secretary has determined the fishery is subject to overfishing of that 
species'' (Pub. L. 109-479 104(b)(2)). This exception applies to a stock 
for which the average age of spawners in the population is approximately 
1 year or less. While exempt from the ACL and AM requirements, FMPs or 
FMP amendments for these stocks must have SDC, MSY, OY, ABC, and an ABC 
control rule.
    (ii) International fishery agreements. Section 303(a)(15) of the 
Magnuson-Stevens Act applies ``unless otherwise provided for under an 
international agreement in which the United States participates'' (Pub. 
L. 109-479 104(b)(1)). This exception applies to stocks or stock 
complexes subject to management under an international agreement, which 
is defined as ``any bilateral or multilateral treaty, convention, or 
agreement which relates to fishing and to which the United States is a 
party'' (see Magnuson-Stevens Act section 3(24)). These stocks would 
still need to have SDC, MSY, and OY.
    (2) Flexibility in application of NS1 guidelines. There are limited 
circumstances that may not fit the standard approaches to specification 
of reference points and management measures set forth in these 
guidelines. These include, among other things, conservation and 
management of Endangered Species Act listed species, harvests from 
aquaculture operations, stocks with unusual life history characteristics 
(e.g., Pacific salmon, where the spawning potential for a stock is 
spread over a multi-year period), and stocks for which data are not 
available either to set reference points based on MSY or MSY proxies, or 
to manage to reference points based on MSY or MSY proxies. In these 
circumstances, Councils may propose alternative approaches for 
satisfying requirements of the Magnuson-Stevens Act other than those set 
forth in these guidelines. Councils must document their rationale for 
any alternative approaches in an FMP or FMP amendment, which will be 
reviewed for consistency with the Magnuson-Stevens Act.
    (i) Fisheries data. In their FMPs, or associated public documents 
such as SAFE reports as appropriate, Councils must describe general data 
collection methods, as well as any specific data collection methods used 
for all stocks and stock complexes in their FMPs, including:
    (1) Sources of fishing mortality (both landed and discarded), 
including commercial and recreational catch and bycatch in other 
fisheries;
    (2) Description of the data collection and estimation methods used 
to quantify total catch mortality in each fishery, including information 
on the management tools used (e.g., logbooks, vessel monitoring systems, 
observer programs, landings reports, fish tickets, processor reports, 
dealer reports, recreational angler surveys, or other methods); the 
frequency with which data are collected and updated; and the scope of 
sampling coverage for each fishery; and
    (3) Description of the methods used to compile catch data from 
various catch data collection methods and how those data are used to 
determine the relationship between total catch at a given point in time 
and the ACL for stocks and stock complexes that require conservation and 
management.
    (j) Council actions to address overfishing and rebuilding for stocks 
and stock complexes--
    (1) Notification. The Secretary will immediately notify in writing a 
Regional Fishery Management Council whenever the Secretary determines 
that:
    (i) Overfishing is occurring;
    (ii) A stock or stock complex is overfished;
    (iii) A stock or stock complex is approaching an overfished 
condition; or
    (iv) Existing remedial action taken for the purpose of ending 
previously identified overfishing or rebuilding a previously identified 
overfished stock or stock complex has not resulted in adequate progress 
(see MSA section 304(e)).
    (2) Timing of actions--(i) If a stock or stock complex is undergoing 
overfishing.

[[Page 51]]

Upon notification that a stock or stock complex is undergoing 
overfishing, a Council should immediately begin working with its SSC (or 
agency scientists or peer review processes in the case of Secretarially-
managed fisheries) to ensure that the ABC is set appropriately to end 
overfishing. Councils should evaluate the cause of overfishing, address 
the issue that caused overfishing, and reevaluate their ACLs and AMs to 
make sure they are adequate.
    (ii) If a stock or stock complex is overfished or approaching an 
overfished condition. Upon notification that a stock or stock complex is 
overfished or approaching an overfished condition, a Council must 
prepare and implement an FMP, FMP amendment, or proposed regulations 
within two years of notification, consistent with the requirements of 
section 304(e)(3) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act. Council actions should be 
submitted to NMFS within 15 months of notification to ensure sufficient 
time for the Secretary to implement the measures, if approved.
    (3) Overfished fishery.--(i) Where a stock or stock complex is 
overfished, a Council must specify a time period for rebuilding the 
stock or stock complex based on factors specified in Magnuson-Stevens 
Act section 304(e)(4). This target time for rebuilding 
(Ttarget) shall be as short as possible, taking into account: 
The status and biology of any overfished stock, the needs of fishing 
communities, recommendations by international organizations in which the 
U.S. participates, and interaction of the stock within the marine 
ecosystem. In addition, the time period shall not exceed 10 years, 
except where biology of the stock, other environmental conditions, or 
management measures under an international agreement to which the U.S. 
participates, dictate otherwise. SSCs (or agency scientists or peer 
review processes in the case of Secretarial actions) shall provide 
recommendations for achieving rebuilding targets (see Magnuson-Stevens 
Act section 302(g)(1)(B)). The above factors enter into the 
specification of Ttarget as follows:
    (A) The minimum time for rebuilding a stock (Tmin). 
Tmin means the amount of time the stock or stock complex is 
expected to take to rebuild to its MSY biomass level in the absence of 
any fishing mortality. In this context, the term ``expected'' means to 
have at least a 50 percent probability of attaining the Bmsy, 
where such probabilities can be calculated. The starting year for the 
Tmin calculation should be the first year that the rebuilding 
plan is expected to be implemented.
    (B) The maximum time for rebuilding a stock or stock complex to its 
Bmsy (Tmax).
    (1) If Tmin for the stock or stock complex is 10 years or 
less, then Tmax is 10 years.
    (2) If Tmin for the stock or stock complex exceeds 10 
years, then one of the following methods can be used to determine 
Tmax:
    (i) Tmin plus the length of time associated with one 
generation time for that stock or stock complex. ``Generation time'' is 
the average length of time between when an individual is born and the 
birth of its offspring,
    (ii) The amount of time the stock or stock complex is expected to 
take to rebuild to Bmsy if fished at 75 percent of MFMT, or
    (iii) Tmin multiplied by two.
    (3) In situations where Tmin exceeds 10 years, 
Tmax establishes a maximum time for rebuilding that is linked 
to the biology of the stock. When selecting a method for determining 
Tmax, a Council, in consultation with its SSC, should 
consider the relevant biological data and scientific uncertainty of that 
data, and must provide a rationale for its decision based on the best 
scientific information available. One of the methods listed in 
subparagraphs (j)(3)(i)(B)(2)(ii) and (iii) may be appropriate, for 
example, if given data availability and the life history characteristics 
of the stock, there is high uncertainty in the estimate of generation 
time, or if generation time does not accurately reflect the productivity 
of the stock.
    (C) Target time to rebuilding a stock or stock complex 
(Ttarget). Ttarget is the specified time period 
for rebuilding a stock that is considered to be as short a time as 
possible, taking into account the factors described in paragraph 
(j)(3)(i) of this section. Ttarget shall not exceed

[[Page 52]]

Tmax, and the fishing mortality associated with achieving 
Ttarget is referred to as Frebuild.
    (ii) Council action addressing an overfished fishery must allocate 
both overfishing restrictions and recovery benefits fairly and equitably 
among sectors of the fishery.
    (iii) For fisheries managed under an international agreement, 
Council action addressing an overfished fishery must reflect traditional 
participation in the fishery, relative to other nations, by fishermen of 
the United States.
    (iv) Adequate Progress. The Secretary shall review rebuilding plans 
at routine intervals that may not exceed two years to determine whether 
the plans have resulted in adequate progress toward ending overfishing 
and rebuilding affected fish stocks (MSA section 304(e)(7)). Such 
reviews could include the review of recent stock assessments, 
comparisons of catches to the ACL, or other appropriate performance 
measures. The Secretary may find that adequate progress is not being 
made if Frebuild or the ACL associated with 
Frebuild is exceeded, and AMs are not correcting the 
operational issue that caused the overage, nor addressing any biological 
consequences to the stock or stock complex resulting from the overage 
when it is known (see paragraph (g)(3) of this section). A lack of 
adequate progress may also be found when the rebuilding expectations of 
a stock or stock complex are significantly changed due to new and 
unexpected information about the status of the stock. If a determination 
is made under this provision, the Secretary will notify the appropriate 
Council and recommend further conservation and management measures, and 
the Council must develop and implement a new or revised rebuilding plan 
within two years (see MSA sections 304(e)(3) and (e)(7)(B)). For 
Secretarially-managed fisheries, the Secretary would take immediate 
action necessary to achieve adequate progress toward rebuilding and 
ending overfishing.
    (v) While a stock or stock complex is rebuilding, revising 
rebuilding timeframes (i.e., Ttarget and Tmax) or 
Frebuild is not necessary, unless the Secretary finds that 
adequate progress is not being made.
    (vi) If a stock or stock complex has not rebuilt by Tmax, 
then the fishing mortality rate should be maintained at its current 
Frebuild or 75 percent of the MFMT, whichever is less, until 
the stock or stock complex is rebuilt or the fishing mortality rate is 
changed as a result of the Secretary finding that adequate progress is 
not being made.
    (4) Emergency actions and interim measures. If a Council is 
developing a rebuilding plan or revising an existing rebuilding plan due 
to a lack of adequate progress (see MSA section 304(e)(7)), the 
Secretary may, in response to a Council request, implement interim 
measures that reduce, but do not necessarily end, overfishing (see MSA 
section 304(e)(6)) if all of the following criteria are met:
    (i) The interim measures are needed to address an unanticipated and 
significantly changed understanding of the status of the stock or stock 
complex;
    (ii) Ending overfishing immediately is expected to result in severe 
social and/or economic impacts to a fishery; and
    (iii) The interim measures will ensure that the stock or stock 
complex will increase its current biomass through the duration of the 
interim measures.
    (5) Discontinuing a rebuilding plan based on new scientific 
information. A Council may discontinue a rebuilding plan for a stock or 
stock complex before it reaches Bmsy if the Secretary 
determines that the stock was not overfished in the year that the 
overfished determination (see MSA section 304(e)(3)) was based on and 
has never been overfished in any subsequent year including the current 
year.
    (k) International overfishing. If the Secretary determines that a 
fishery is overfished or approaching a condition of being overfished due 
to excessive international fishing pressure, and for which there are no 
management measures (or no effective measures) to end overfishing under 
an international agreement to which the United States is a party, then 
the Secretary and/or

[[Page 53]]

the appropriate Council shall take certain actions as provided under 
Magnuson-Stevens Act section 304(i). The Secretary, in cooperation with 
the Secretary of State, must immediately take appropriate action at the 
international level to end the overfishing. In addition, within one year 
after the determination, the Secretary and/or appropriate Council shall:
    (1) Develop recommendations for domestic regulations to address the 
relative impact of the U.S. fishing vessels on the stock. Council 
recommendations should be submitted to the Secretary.
    (2) Develop and submit recommendations to the Secretary of State, 
and to the Congress, for international actions that will end overfishing 
in the fishery and rebuild the affected stocks, taking into account the 
relative impact of vessels of other nations and vessels of the United 
States on the relevant stock. Councils should, in consultation with the 
Secretary, develop recommendations that take into consideration relevant 
provisions of the Magnuson-Stevens Act and NS1 guidelines, including 
section 304(e) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act and paragraph (j)(3)(iii) of 
this section, and other applicable laws. For highly migratory species in 
the Pacific, recommendations from the Western Pacific, North Pacific, or 
Pacific Councils must be developed and submitted consistent with 
Magnuson-Stevens Reauthorization Act section 503(f), as appropriate.
    (3) Considerations for assessing ``relative impact.'' ``Relative 
impact'' under paragraphs (k)(1) and (2) of this section may include 
consideration of factors that include, but are not limited to: Domestic 
and international management measures already in place, management 
history of a given nation, estimates of a nation's landings or catch 
(including bycatch) in a given fishery, and estimates of a nation's 
mortality contributions in a given fishery. Information used to 
determine relative impact must be based upon the best available 
scientific information.
    (l) Exceptions to requirements to prevent overfishing. Exceptions to 
the requirement to prevent overfishing could apply under certain limited 
circumstances. Harvesting one stock at its optimum level may result in 
overfishing of another stock when the two stocks tend to be caught 
together (This can occur when the two stocks are part of the same 
fishery or if one is bycatch in the other's fishery). Before a Council 
may decide to allow this type of overfishing, an analysis must be 
performed and the analysis must contain a justification in terms of 
overall benefits, including a comparison of benefits under alternative 
management measures, and an analysis of the risk of any stock or stock 
complex falling below its MSST. The Council may decide to allow this 
type of overfishing if the fishery is not overfished and the analysis 
demonstrates that all of the following conditions are satisfied:
    (1) Such action will result in long-term net benefits to the Nation;
    (2) Mitigating measures have been considered and it has been 
demonstrated that a similar level of long-term net benefits cannot be 
achieved by modifying fleet behavior, gear selection/configuration, or 
other technical characteristics in a manner such that no overfishing 
would occur; and
    (3) The resulting rate of fishing mortality will not cause any stock 
or stock complex to fall below its MSST more than 50 percent of the time 
in the long term, although it is recognized that persistent overfishing 
is expected to cause the affected stock to fall below its 
Bmsy more than 50 percent of the time in the long term.

[81 FR 71895, Oct. 18, 2016]



Sec. 600.315  National Standard 2--Scientific Information.

    (a) Standard 2. Conservation and management measures shall be based 
upon the best scientific information available.
    (1) Fishery conservation and management require high quality and 
timely biological, ecological, environmental, economic, and sociological 
scientific information to effectively conserve and manage living marine 
resources. Successful fishery management depends, in part, on the 
thorough analysis of this information, and the extent to which the 
information is applied for:
    (i) Evaluating the potential impact that conservation and management 
measures will have on living marine resources, essential fish habitat 
(EFH),

[[Page 54]]

marine ecosystems, fisheries participants, fishing communities, and the 
nation; and
    (ii) Identifying areas where additional management measures are 
needed.
    (2) Scientific information that is used to inform decision making 
should include an evaluation of its uncertainty and identify gaps in the 
information. Management decisions should recognize the biological (e.g., 
overfishing), ecological, sociological, and economic (e.g., loss of 
fishery benefits) risks associated with the sources of uncertainty and 
gaps in the scientific information.
    (3) Information-limited fisheries, commonly referred to as ``data-
poor'' fisheries, may require use of simpler assessment methods and 
greater use of proxies for quantities that cannot be directly estimated, 
as compared to data-rich fisheries.
    (4) Scientific information includes, but is not limited to, factual 
input, data, models, analyses, technical information, or scientific 
assessments. Scientific information includes data compiled directly from 
surveys or sampling programs, and models that are mathematical 
representations of reality constructed with primary data. The complexity 
of the model should not be the defining characteristic of its value; the 
data requirements and assumptions associated with a model should be 
commensurate with the resolution and accuracy of the available primary 
data. Scientific information includes established and emergent 
scientific information. Established science is scientific knowledge 
derived and verified through a standard scientific process that tends to 
be agreed upon often without controversy. Emergent science is relatively 
new knowledge that is still evolving and being verified, therefore, may 
potentially be uncertain and controversial. Emergent science should be 
considered more thoroughly, and scientists should be attentive to 
effective communication of emerging science.
    (5) Science is a dynamic process, and new scientific findings 
constantly advance the state of knowledge. Best scientific information 
is, therefore, not static and ideally entails developing and following a 
research plan with the following elements: Clear statement of 
objectives; conceptual model that provides the framework for 
interpreting results, making predictions, or testing hypotheses; study 
design with an explicit and standardized method of collecting data; 
documentation of methods, results, and conclusions; peer review, as 
appropriate; and communication of findings.
    (6) Criteria to consider when evaluating best scientific information 
are relevance, inclusiveness, objectivity, transparency and openness, 
timeliness, verification and validation, and peer review, as 
appropriate.
    (i) Relevance. Scientific information should be pertinent to the 
current questions or issues under consideration and should be 
representative of the fishery being managed. In addition to the 
information collected directly about the fishery being managed, relevant 
information may be available about the same species in other areas, or 
about related species. For example, use of proxies may be necessary in 
data-poor situations. Analysis of related stocks or species may be a 
useful tool for inferring the likely traits of stocks for which stock-
specific data are unavailable or are not sufficient to produce reliable 
estimates. Also, if management measures similar to those being 
considered have been introduced in other regions and resulted in 
particular behavioral responses from participants or business decisions 
from industry, such social and economic information may be relevant.
    (ii) Inclusiveness. Three aspects of inclusiveness should be 
considered when developing and evaluating best scientific information:
    (A) The relevant range of scientific disciplines should be consulted 
to encompass the scope of potential impacts of the management decision.
    (B) Alternative scientific points of view should be acknowledged and 
addressed openly when there is a diversity of scientific thought.
    (C) Relevant local and traditional knowledge (e.g., fishermen's 
empirical knowledge about the behavior and distribution of fish stocks) 
should be obtained, where appropriate, and considered when evaluating 
the BSIA.

[[Page 55]]

    (iii) Objectivity. Scientific information should be accurate, with a 
known degree of precision, without addressable bias, and presented in an 
accurate, clear, complete, and balanced manner. Scientific processes 
should be free of undue nonscientific influences and considerations.
    (iv) Transparency and openness. (A) The Magnuson-Stevens Act 
provides broad public and stakeholder access to the fishery conservation 
and management process, including access to the scientific information 
upon which the process and management measures are based. Public comment 
should be solicited at appropriate times during the review of scientific 
information. Communication with the public should be structured to 
foster understanding of the scientific process.
    (B) Scientific information products should describe data collection 
methods, report sources of uncertainty or statistical error, and 
acknowledge other data limitations. Such products should explain any 
decisions to exclude data from analysis. Scientific products should 
identify major assumptions and uncertainties of analytical models. 
Finally, such products should openly acknowledge gaps in scientific 
information.
    (v) Timeliness. Mandatory management actions should not be delayed 
due to limitations in the scientific information or the promise of 
future data collection or analysis. In some cases, due to time 
constraints, results of important studies or monitoring programs may be 
considered for use before they are fully complete. Uncertainties and 
risks that arise from an incomplete study should be acknowledged, but 
interim results may be better than no results to help inform a 
management decision. Sufficient time should be allotted to audit and 
analyze recently acquired information to ensure its reliability. Data 
collection methods are expected to be subjected to appropriate review 
before providing data used to inform management decisions.
    (A) For information that needs to be updated on a regular basis, the 
temporal gap between information collection and management 
implementation should be as short as possible, subject to regulatory 
constraints, and such timing concerns should be explicitly considered 
when developing conservation and management measures. Late submission of 
scientific information to the Council process should be avoided if the 
information has circumvented the review process. Data collection is a 
continuous process, therefore analysis of scientific information should 
specify a clear time point beyond which new information would not be 
considered in that analysis and would be reserved for use in subsequent 
analytical updates.
    (B) Historical information should be evaluated for its relevance to 
inform the current situation. For example, some species' life history 
characteristics might not change over time. Other historical data (e.g., 
abundance, environmental, catch statistics, market and trade trends) 
provide time-series information on changes in fish populations, fishery 
participation, and fishing effort that may inform current management 
decisions.
    (vi) Verification and validation. Methods used to produce scientific 
information should be verified and validated to the extent possible.
    (A) Verification means that the data and procedures used to produce 
the scientific information are documented in sufficient detail to allow 
reproduction of the analysis by others with an acceptable degree of 
precision. External reviewers of scientific information require this 
level of documentation to conduct a thorough review.
    (B) Validation refers to the testing of analytical methods to ensure 
that they perform as intended. Validation should include whether the 
analytical method has been programmed correctly in the computer 
software, the accuracy and precision of the estimates is adequate, and 
the estimates are robust to model assumptions. Models should be tested 
using simulated data from a population with known properties to evaluate 
how well the models estimate those characteristics and to correct for 
known bias to achieve accuracy. The concept of validation using 
simulation testing should be used, to the extent possible, to evaluate 
how well a management strategy meets management objectives.
    (vii) Peer review. Peer review is a process used to ensure that the 
quality

[[Page 56]]

and credibility of scientific information and scientific methods meet 
the standards of the scientific and technical community. Peer review 
helps ensure objectivity, reliability, and integrity of scientific 
information. The peer review process is an organized method that uses 
peer scientists with appropriate and relevant expertise to evaluate 
scientific information. The scientific information that supports 
conservation and management measures considered by the Secretary or a 
Council should be peer reviewed, as appropriate. Factors to consider 
when determining whether to conduct a peer review and if so, the 
appropriate level of review, include the novelty and complexity of the 
scientific information to be reviewed, the level of previous review and 
the importance of the information to be reviewed to the decision making 
process. Routine updates based on previously reviewed methods require 
less review than novel methods or data. If formal peer review is not 
practicable due to time or resource constraints, the development and 
analysis of scientific information used in or in support of fishery 
management actions should be as transparent as possible, in accordance 
with paragraph (a)(6)(iv) of this section. Other applicable guidance on 
peer review can be found in the Office of Management and Budget Final 
Information Quality Bulletin for Peer Review.
    (b) Peer review process. The Secretary and each Council may 
establish a peer review process for that Council for scientific 
information used to advise about the conservation and management of the 
fishery. 16 U.S.C. 1852(g)(1)(E). A peer review process is not a 
substitute for an SSC and should work in conjunction with the SSC (see 
Sec. 600.310(b)(2)(v)(C)). This section provides guidance and standards 
that should be followed in order to establish a peer review process per 
Magnuson-Stevens Act section 302(g)(1)(E).
    (1) The objective or scope of the peer review, the nature of the 
scientific information to be reviewed, and timing of the review should 
be considered when selecting the type of peer review to be used. The 
process established by the Secretary and Council should focus on 
providing review for information that has not yet undergone rigorous 
peer review, but that must be peer reviewed in order to provide 
reliable, high quality scientific advice for fishery conservation and 
management. Duplication of previously conducted peer review should be 
avoided.
    (i) Form of process. The peer review process may include or consist 
of existing Council committees or panels if they meet the standards 
identified herein. The Secretary and Council have discretion to 
determine the appropriate peer review process for a specific information 
product. A peer review can take many forms, including individual letter 
or written reviews and panel reviews.
    (ii) Timing. The peer review should, to the extent practicable, be 
conducted early in the process of producing scientific information or a 
work product, so peer review reports are available for the SSC to 
consider in its evaluation of scientific information for its Council and 
the Secretary. The timing will depend in part on the scope of the 
review. For instance, the peer review of a new or novel method or model 
should be conducted before there is an investment of time and resources 
in implementing the model and interpreting the results. The results of 
this type of peer review may contribute to improvements in the model or 
assessment.
    (iii) Scope of work. The scope of work or charge (sometimes called 
the terms of reference) of any peer review should be determined in 
advance of the selection of reviewers. The scope of work contains the 
objectives of the peer review, evaluation of the various stages of the 
science, and specific recommendations for improvement of the science. 
The scope of work should be carefully designed, with specific technical 
questions to guide the peer review process; it should ask peer reviewers 
to ensure that scientific uncertainties are clearly identified and 
characterized, it should allow peer reviewers the opportunity to offer a 
broad evaluation of the overall scientific or technical product under 
review, as well as to make recommendations regarding areas of missing 
information, future research, data collection, and improvements in 
methodologies, and it must

[[Page 57]]

not change during the course of the peer review. The scope of work may 
not request reviewers to provide advice on policy or regulatory issues 
(e.g., amount of precaution used in decision-making) which are within 
the purview of the Secretary and the Councils, or to make formal fishing 
level recommendations which are within the purview of the SSC.
    (2) Peer reviewer selection. The selection of participants in a peer 
review should be based on expertise, independence, and a balance of 
viewpoints, and be free of conflicts of interest.
    (i) Expertise and balance. Peer reviewers must be selected based on 
scientific expertise and experience relevant to the disciplines of 
subject matter to be reviewed. The group of reviewers that constitute 
the peer review should reflect a balance in perspectives, to the extent 
practicable, and should have sufficiently broad and diverse expertise to 
represent the range of relevant scientific and technical perspectives to 
complete the objectives of the peer review.
    (ii) Conflict of interest. Peer reviewers who are federal employees 
must comply with all applicable federal ethics requirements. Potential 
reviewers who are not federal employees must be screened for conflicts 
of interest in accordance with the NOAA Policy on Conflicts of Interest 
for Peer Review Subject to OMB's Peer Review Bulletin or other 
applicable rules or guidelines.
    (A) Under the NOAA policy, peer reviewers must not have any 
conflicts of interest with the scientific information, subject matter, 
or work product under review, or any aspect of the statement of work for 
the peer review. For purposes of this section, a conflict of interest is 
any financial or other interest which conflicts with the service of the 
individual on a review panel because it: could significantly impair the 
reviewer's objectivity, or could create an unfair competitive advantage 
for a person or organization.
    (B) No individual can be appointed to a review panel if that 
individual has a conflict of interest that is relevant to the functions 
to be performed. For reviews requiring highly specialized expertise, the 
limited availability of qualified reviewers might result in an exception 
when a conflict of interest is unavoidable; in this situation, the 
conflict must be promptly and publicly disclosed. Conflicts of interest 
include, but are not limited to, the personal financial interests and 
investments, employer affiliations, and consulting arrangements, grants, 
or contracts of the individual and of others with whom the individual 
has substantial common financial interests, if these interests are 
relevant to the functions to be performed.
    (iii) Independence. Peer reviewers must not have contributed or 
participated in the development of the work product or scientific 
information under review. For peer review of products of higher novelty 
or controversy, a greater degree of independence is necessary to ensure 
credibility of the peer review process. Peer reviewer responsibilities 
should rotate across the available pool of qualified reviewers or among 
the members on a standing peer review panel to prevent a peer reviewer 
from repeatedly reviewing the same scientific information, recognizing 
that, in some cases, repeated service by the same reviewer may be needed 
because of limited availability of specialized expertise.
    (3) Transparency. A transparent process is one that ensures that 
background documents and reports from peer review are publicly 
available, subject to Magnuson-Stevens Act confidentiality requirements, 
and allows the public full and open access to peer review panel 
meetings. The evaluation and review of scientific information by the 
Councils, SSCs or advisory panels must be conducted in accordance with 
meeting procedures at Sec. 600.135. Consistent with that section, 
public notice of peer review panel meetings should be announced in the 
Federal Register with a minimum of 14 days and with an aim of 21 days 
before the review to allow public comments during meetings. Background 
documents should be available for public review in a timely manner prior 
to meetings. Peer review reports describing the scope and objectives of 
the review, findings in accordance with each objective, and conclusions 
should be publicly available. Names and organizational affiliations

[[Page 58]]

of reviewers also should be publicly available.
    (4) Publication of the peer review process. The Secretary will 
announce the establishment of a peer review process under Magnuson-
Stevens Act section 302(g)(1)(E) in the Federal Register along with a 
brief description of the process. In addition, detailed information on 
such processes will be made publicly available on the Council's Web 
site, and updated as necessary.
    (c) SSC scientific evaluation and advice to the Council. Each 
scientific and statistical committee shall provide its Council ongoing 
scientific advice for fishery management decisions, including 
recommendations for acceptable biological catch, preventing overfishing, 
maximum sustainable yield, achieving rebuilding targets, and reports on 
stock status and health, bycatch, habitat status, social and economic 
impacts of management measures, and sustainability of fishing practices. 
16 U.S.C. 1852(g)(1)(B).
    (1) SSC scientific advice and recommendations to its Council are 
based on scientific information that the SSC determines to meet the 
guidelines for best scientific information available as described in 
paragraph (a) of this section. SSCs may conduct peer reviews or evaluate 
peer reviews to provide clear scientific advice to the Council. Such 
scientific advice should attempt to resolve conflicting scientific 
information, so that the Council will not need to engage in debate on 
technical merits. Debate and evaluation of scientific information is the 
role of the SSC.
    (2) An SSC member may participate in a peer review when such 
participation is beneficial to the peer review due to the expertise and 
institutional memory of that member, or beneficial to the Council's 
advisory body by allowing that member to make a more informed evaluation 
of the scientific information. Participation of an SSC member in a peer 
review should not impair the ability of that member to fulfill his or 
her responsibilities to the SSC.
    (3) If an SSC as a body conducts a peer review established under 
Magnuson-Stevens Act section 302(g)(1)(E) or individual members of an 
SSC participate in such a peer review, the SSC members must meet the 
peer reviewer selection criteria as described in paragraph (b)(2) of 
this section. In addition, the financial disclosure requirements under 
Sec. 600.235, Financial Disclosure for Councils and Council committees, 
apply. When the SSC as a body is conducting a peer review, it should 
strive for consensus and must meet the transparency guidelines under 
paragraphs (a)(6)(iv) and (b)(3) of this section. If consensus cannot be 
reached, minority viewpoints should be recorded.
    (4) The SSC's evaluation of a peer review conducted by a body other 
than the SSC should consider the extent and quality of peer review that 
has already taken place. For Councils with extensive and detailed peer 
review processes (e.g., a process established pursuant to Magnuson-
Stevens Act section 302(g)(1)(E)), the evaluation by the SSC of the peer 
reviewed information should not repeat the previously conducted and 
detailed technical peer review. However, SSCs must maintain their role 
as advisors to the Council about scientific information that comes from 
a peer review process. Therefore, the peer review of scientific 
information used to advise the Council, including a peer review process 
established by the Secretary and the Council under Magnuson-Stevens Act 
section 302(g)(1)(E), should be conducted early in the scientific 
evaluation process in order to provide the SSC with reasonable 
opportunity to consider the peer review report and make recommendations 
to the Council as required under Magnuson-Stevens Act section 
302(g)(1)(B).
    (5) If an SSC disagrees with the findings or conclusions of a peer 
review, in whole or in part, the SSC must prepare a report outlining the 
areas of disagreement, and the rationale and information used by the SSC 
for making its determination. This report must be made publicly 
available.
    (6) Annual catch limits (ACLs) developed by a Council may not exceed 
its SSC's fishing level recommendations. 16 U.S.C. 1852(h)(6). Per the 
National Standard 1 Guidelines, the SSC fishing level recommendation 
that is most relevant to ACLs is acceptable biological catch (ABC), as 
both ACL and ABC are levels of annual catch (see

[[Page 59]]

Sec. 600.310(b)(2)(v)(D)). The SSC is expected to take scientific 
uncertainty into account when making its ABC recommendation (Sec. 
600.310(f)(4)). The ABC recommendation may be based upon input and 
recommendations from the peer review process. Any such peer review 
related to such recommendations should be conducted early in the process 
as described in paragraph (c)(4) of this section. The SSC should resolve 
differences between its recommendations and any relevant peer review 
recommendations per paragraph (c)(5) of this section.
    (d) SAFE Report. The term SAFE (Stock Assessment and Fishery 
Evaluation) report, as used in this section, refers to a public document 
or a set of related public documents, that provides the Secretary and 
the Councils with a summary of scientific information concerning the 
most recent biological condition of stocks, stock complexes, and marine 
ecosystems in the fishery management unit (FMU), essential fish habitat 
(EFH), and the social and economic condition of the recreational and 
commercial fishing interests, fishing communities, and the fish 
processing industries. Each SAFE report must be scientifically based 
with appropriate citations of data sources and information. Each SAFE 
report summarizes, on a periodic basis, the best scientific information 
available concerning the past, present, and possible future condition of 
the stocks, EFH, marine ecosystems, and fisheries being managed under 
Federal regulation.
    (1) The Secretary has the responsibility to ensure that SAFE reports 
are prepared and updated or supplemented as necessary whenever new 
information is available to inform management decisions such as status 
determination criteria (SDC), overfishing level (OFL), optimum yield, or 
ABC values (Sec. 600.310(c)). The SAFE report and any comments or 
reports from the SSC must be available to the Secretary and Council for 
making management decisions for each FMP to ensure that the best 
scientific information available is being used. The Secretary or 
Councils may utilize any combination of personnel from Council, State, 
Federal, university, or other sources to acquire and analyze data and 
produce the SAFE report.
    (2) The SAFE report provides information to the Councils and the 
Secretary for determining annual catch limits (Sec. 600.310(f)(5)) for 
each stock in the fishery; documenting significant trends or changes in 
the resource, marine ecosystems, and fishery over time; implementing 
required EFH provisions (Sec. 600.815(a)(10)); and assessing the 
relative success of existing relevant state and Federal fishery 
management programs. The SAFE report should contain an explanation of 
information gaps and highlight needs for future scientific work. 
Information on bycatch and safety for each fishery should also be 
summarized. In addition, the SAFE report may be used to update or expand 
previous environmental and regulatory impact documents and ecosystem 
descriptions.
    (3) Each SAFE report should contain the following scientific 
information when it exists:
    (i) Information on which to base catch specifications and status 
determinations, including the most recent stock assessment documents and 
associated peer review reports, and recommendations and reports from the 
Council's SSC.
    (A) A description of the SDC (e.g., maximum fishing mortality rate 
threshold and minimum stock size threshold for each stock or stock 
complex in the fishery) (Sec. 600.310(e)(2)).
    (B) Information on OFL and ABC, preventing overfishing, and 
achieving rebuilding targets. Documentation of the data collection, 
estimation methods, and consideration of uncertainty in formulating 
catch specification recommendations should be included (Sec. 
600.310(f)(2)). The best scientific information available to determine 
whether overfishing is occurring with respect to any stock or stock 
complex, whether any stock or stock complex is overfished, whether the 
rate or level of fishing mortality applied to any stock or stock complex 
is approaching the maximum fishing mortality threshold, and whether the 
size of any stock or stock complex is approaching the minimum stock size 
threshold; and
    (C) The best scientific information available in support of 
management

[[Page 60]]

measures necessary to rebuild an overfished stock or stock complex (if 
any) in the fishery to a level consistent with producing the MSY in that 
fishery.
    (ii) Information on sources of fishing mortality (both landed and 
discarded), including commercial and recreational catch and bycatch in 
other fisheries and a description of data collection and estimation 
methods used to quantify total catch mortality, as required by the 
National Standard 1 Guidelines (Sec. 600.310(i)).
    (iii) Information on bycatch of non-target species for each fishery.
    (iv) Information on EFH to be included in accordance with the EFH 
provisions (Sec. 600.815(a)(10)) .
    (v) Pertinent economic, social, community, and ecological 
information for assessing the success and impacts of management measures 
or the achievement of objectives of each FMP.
    (4) Transparency in the fishery management process is enhanced by 
complementing the SAFE report with the documentation of previous 
management actions taken by the Council or Secretary including a summary 
of the previous ACLs, ACTs, and accountability measures (AMs), and 
assessment of management uncertainty.
    (5) To facilitate the use of the information in the SAFE report, and 
its availability to the Council, NMFS, and the public:
    (i) The SAFE report should contain, or be supplemented by, a summary 
of the information and an index or table of contents to the components 
of the report. Sources of information in the SAFE report should be 
referenced, unless the information is proprietary.
    (ii) The SAFE report or compilation of documents that comprise the 
SAFE report and index must be made available by the Council or NMFS on a 
readily accessible Web site.
    (e) FMP development. (1) FMPs must take into account the best 
scientific information available at the time of preparation. Between the 
initial drafting of an FMP and its submission for final review, new 
information often becomes available. This new information should be 
incorporated into the final FMP where practicable; but it is unnecessary 
to start the FMP process over again, unless the information indicates 
that drastic changes have occurred in the fishery that might require 
revision of the management objectives or measures.
    (2) The fact that scientific information concerning a fishery is 
incomplete does not prevent the preparation and implementation of an FMP 
(see related Sec. Sec. 600.320(d)(2) and 600.340(b)).
    (3) An FMP must specify whatever information fishermen and 
processors will be required or requested to submit to the Secretary. 
Information about harvest within state waters, as well as in the EEZ, 
may be collected if it is needed for proper implementation of the FMP 
and cannot be obtained otherwise. Scientific information collections for 
stocks managed cooperatively by Federal and State governments should be 
coordinated with the appropriate state jurisdictions, to the extent 
practicable, to ensure harvest information is available for the 
management of stocks that utilize habitats in state and federal managed 
waters. The FMP should explain the practical utility of the information 
specified in monitoring the fishery, in facilitating inseason management 
decisions, and in judging the performance of the management regime; it 
should also consider the effort, cost, or social impact of obtaining it.
    (4) An FMP should identify scientific information needed from other 
sources to improve understanding and management of the resource, marine 
ecosystem, the fishery, and fishing communities.
    (5) The information submitted by various data suppliers should be 
comparable and compatible, to the maximum extent possible.
    (6) FMPs should be amended on a timely basis, as new information 
indicates the necessity for change in objectives or management measures 
consistent with the conditions described in paragraph (d) of this 
section (SAFE reports). Paragraphs (e)(1) through (5) of this section 
apply equally to FMPs and FMP amendments.

[78 FR 43086, July 19, 2013]



Sec. 600.320  National Standard 3--Management Units.

    (a) Standard 3. To the extent practicable, an individual stock of 
fish

[[Page 61]]

shall be managed as a unit throughout its range, and interrelated stocks 
of fish shall be managed as a unit or in close coordination.
    (b) General. The purpose of this standard is to induce a 
comprehensive approach to fishery management. The geographic scope of 
the fishery, for planning purposes, should cover the entire range of the 
stocks(s) of fish, and not be overly constrained by political 
boundaries.
    (c) Unity of management. Cooperation and understanding among 
entities concerned with the fishery (e.g., Councils, states, Federal 
Government, international commissions, foreign nations) are vital to 
effective management. Where management of a fishery involves multiple 
jurisdictions, coordination among the several entities should be sought 
in the development of an FMP. Where a range overlaps Council areas, one 
FMP to cover the entire range is preferred.
    (d) Management unit. The term ``management unit'' means a fishery or 
that portion of a fishery identified in an FMP as relevant to the FMP's 
management objectives.
    (1) Basis. The choice of a management unit depends on the focus of 
the FMP's objectives, and may be organized around biological, 
geographic, economic, technical, social, or ecological perspectives.
    (2) Conservation and management measures. FMPs should include 
conservation and management measures for that part of the management 
unit within U.S. waters, although the Secretary can ordinarily implement 
them only within the EEZ. The measures need not be identical for each 
geographic area within the management unit, if the FMP justifies the 
differences. A management unit may contain stocks of fish for which 
there is not enough information available to specify MSY and OY or their 
proxies.
    (e) Analysis. An FMP should include discussion of the following:
    (1) The range and distribution of the stocks, as well as the 
patterns of fishing effort and harvest.
    (2) Alternative management units and reasons for selecting a 
particular one. A less-than-comprehensive management unit may be 
justified if, for example, complementary management exists or is planned 
for a separate geographic area or for a distinct use of the stocks, or 
if the unmanaged portion of the resource is immaterial to proper 
management.
    (3) Management activities and habitat programs of adjacent states 
and their effects on the FMP's objectives and management measures. Where 
state action is necessary to implement measures within state waters to 
achieve FMP objectives, the FMP should identify what state action is 
necessary, discuss the consequences of state inaction or contrary 
action, and make appropriate recommendations. The FMP should also 
discuss the impact that Federal regulations will have on state 
management activities.
    (4) Management activities of other countries having an impact on the 
fishery, and how the FMP's management measures are designed to take into 
account these impacts. International boundaries may be dealt with in 
several ways. For example:
    (i) By limiting the management unit's scope to that portion of the 
stock found in U.S. waters;
    (ii) By estimating MSY for the entire stock and then basing the 
determination of OY for the U.S. fishery on the portion of the stock 
within U.S. waters; or
    (iii) By referring to treaties or cooperative agreements.

[81 FR 71903, Oct. 18, 2016]



Sec. 600.325  National Standard 4--Allocations.

    (a) Standard 4. Conservation and management measures shall not 
discriminate between residents of different states. If it becomes 
necessary to allocate or assign fishing privileges among various U.S. 
fishermen, such allocation shall be:
    (1) Fair and equitable to all such fishermen.
    (2) Reasonably calculated to promote conservation.
    (3) Carried out in such manner that no particular individual, 
corporation, or other entity acquires an excessive share of such 
privileges.

[[Page 62]]

    (b) Discrimination among residents of different states. An FMP may 
not differentiate among U.S. citizens, nationals, resident aliens, or 
corporations on the basis of their state of residence. An FMP may not 
incorporate or rely on a state statute or regulation that discriminates 
against residents of another state. Conservation and management measures 
that have different effects on persons in various geographic locations 
are permissible if they satisfy the other guidelines under Standard 4. 
Examples of these precepts are:
    (1) An FMP that restricted fishing in the EEZ to those holding a 
permit from state X would violate Standard 4 if state X issued permits 
only to its own citizens.
    (2) An FMP that closed a spawning ground might disadvantage 
fishermen living in the state closest to it, because they would have to 
travel farther to an open area, but the closure could be justified under 
Standard 4 as a conservation measure with no discriminatory intent.
    (c) Allocation of fishing privileges. An FMP may contain management 
measures that allocate fishing privileges if such measures are necessary 
or helpful in furthering legitimate objectives or in achieving the OY, 
and if the measures conform with paragraphs (c)(3)(i) through 
(c)(3)(iii) of this section.
    (1) Definition. An ``allocation'' or ``assignment'' of fishing 
privileges is a direct and deliberate distribution of the opportunity to 
participate in a fishery among identifiable, discrete user groups or 
individuals. Any management measure (or lack of management) has 
incidental allocative effects, but only those measures that result in 
direct distributions of fishing privileges will be judged against the 
allocation requirements of Standard 4. Adoption of an FMP that merely 
perpetuates existing fishing practices may result in an allocation, if 
those practices directly distribute the opportunity to participate in 
the fishery. Allocations of fishing privileges include, for example, 
per-vessel catch limits, quotas by vessel class and gear type, different 
quotas or fishing seasons for recreational and commercial fishermen, 
assignment of ocean areas to different gear users, and limitation of 
permits to a certain number of vessels or fishermen.
    (2) Analysis of allocations. Each FMP should contain a description 
and analysis of the allocations existing in the fishery and of those 
made in the FMP. The effects of eliminating an existing allocation 
system should be examined. Allocation schemes considered, but rejected 
by the Council, should be included in the discussion. The analysis 
should relate the recommended allocations to the FMP's objectives and OY 
specification, and discuss the factors listed in paragraph (c)(3) of 
this section.
    (3) Factors in making allocations. An allocation of fishing 
privileges must be fair and equitable, must be reasonably calculated to 
promote conservation, and must avoid excessive shares. These tests are 
explained in paragraphs (c)(3)(i) through (c)(3)(iii) of this section:
    (i) Fairness and equity. (A) An allocation of fishing privileges 
should be rationally connected to the achievement of OY or with the 
furtherance of a legitimate FMP objective. Inherent in an allocation is 
the advantaging of one group to the detriment of another. The motive for 
making a particular allocation should be justified in terms of the 
objectives of the FMP; otherwise, the disadvantaged user groups or 
individuals would suffer without cause. For instance, an FMP objective 
to preserve the economic status quo cannot be achieved by excluding a 
group of long-time participants in the fishery. On the other hand, there 
is a rational connection between an objective of harvesting shrimp at 
their maximum size and closing a nursery area to trawling.
    (B) An allocation of fishing privileges may impose a hardship on one 
group if it is outweighed by the total benefits received by another 
group or groups. An allocation need not preserve the status quo in the 
fishery to qualify as ``fair and equitable,'' if a restructuring of 
fishing privileges would maximize overall benefits. The Council should 
make an initial estimate of the relative benefits and hardships imposed 
by the allocation, and compare its consequences with those of 
alternative allocation schemes, including the status quo. Where 
relevant, judicial guidance

[[Page 63]]

and government policy concerning the rights of treaty Indians and 
aboriginal Americans must be considered in determining whether an 
allocation is fair and equitable.
    (ii) Promotion of conservation. Numerous methods of allocating 
fishing privileges are considered ``conservation and management'' 
measures under section 303 of the Magnuson-Stevens Act. An allocation 
scheme may promote conservation by encouraging a rational, more easily 
managed use of the resource. Or, it may promote conservation (in the 
sense of wise use) by optimizing the yield in terms of size, value, 
market mix, price, or economic or social benefit of the product. To the 
extent that rebuilding plans or other conservation and management 
measures that reduce the overall harvest in a fishery are necessary, any 
harvest restrictions or recovery benefits must be allocated fairly and 
equitably among the commercial, recreational, and charter fishing 
sectors of the fishery.
    (iii) Avoidance of excessive shares. An allocation scheme must be 
designed to deter any person or other entity from acquiring an excessive 
share of fishing privileges, and to avoid creating conditions fostering 
inordinate control, by buyers or sellers, that would not otherwise 
exist.
    (iv) Other factors. In designing an allocation scheme, a Council 
should consider other factors relevant to the FMP's objectives. Examples 
are economic and social consequences of the scheme, food production, 
consumer interest, dependence on the fishery by present participants and 
coastal communities, efficiency of various types of gear used in the 
fishery, transferability of effort to and impact on other fisheries, 
opportunity for new participants to enter the fishery, and enhancement 
of opportunities for recreational fishing.

[61 FR 32540, June 24, 1996, as amended at 63 FR 24234, May 1, 1998]



Sec. 600.330  National Standard 5--Efficiency.

    (a) Standard 5. Conservation and management measures shall, where 
practicable, consider efficiency in the utilization of fishery 
resources; except that no such measure shall have economic allocation as 
its sole purpose.
    (b) Efficiency in the utilization of resources--(1) General. The 
term ``utilization'' encompasses harvesting, processing, marketing, and 
non-consumptive uses of the resource, since management decisions affect 
all sectors of the industry. In considering efficient utilization of 
fishery resources, this standard highlights one way that a fishery can 
contribute to the Nation's benefit with the least cost to society: Given 
a set of objectives for the fishery, an FMP should contain management 
measures that result in as efficient a fishery as is practicable or 
desirable.
    (2) Efficiency. In theory, an efficient fishery would harvest the OY 
with the minimum use of economic inputs such as labor, capital, 
interest, and fuel. Efficiency in terms of aggregate costs then becomes 
a conservation objective, where ``conservation'' constitutes wise use of 
all resources involved in the fishery, not just fish stocks.
    (i) In an FMP, management measures may be proposed that allocate 
fish among different groups of individuals or establish a system of 
property rights. Alternative measures examined in searching for an 
efficient outcome will result in different distributions of gains and 
burdens among identifiable user groups. An FMP should demonstrate that 
management measures aimed at efficiency do not simply redistribute gains 
and burdens without an increase in efficiency.
    (ii) Management regimes that allow a fishery to operate at the 
lowest possible cost (e.g., fishing effort, administration, and 
enforcement) for a particular level of catch and initial stock size are 
considered efficient. Restrictive measures that unnecessarily raise any 
of those costs move the regime toward inefficiency. Unless the use of 
inefficient techniques or the creation of redundant fishing capacity 
contributes to the attainment of other social or biological objectives, 
an FMP may not contain management measures that impede the use of cost-
effective techniques of harvesting, processing, or marketing, and should 
avoid creating strong incentives for excessive investment in private 
sector fishing capital and labor.

[[Page 64]]

    (c) Limited access. A ``system for limiting access,'' which is an 
optional measure under section 303(b) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, is a 
type of allocation of fishing privileges that may be considered to 
contribute to economic efficiency or conservation. For example, limited 
access may be used to combat overfishing, overcrowding, or 
overcapitalization in a fishery to achieve OY. In an unutilized or 
underutilized fishery, it may be used to reduce the chance that these 
conditions will adversely affect the fishery in the future, or to 
provide adequate economic return to pioneers in a new fishery. In some 
cases, limited entry is a useful ingredient of a conservation scheme, 
because it facilitates application and enforcement of other management 
measures.
    (1) Definition. Limited access (or limited entry) is a management 
technique that attempts to limit units of effort in a fishery, usually 
for the purpose of reducing economic waste, improving net economic 
return to the fishermen, or capturing economic rent for the benefit of 
the taxpayer or the consumer. Common forms of limited access are 
licensing of vessels, gear, or fishermen to reduce the number of units 
of effort, and dividing the total allowable catch into fishermen's 
quotas (a stock-certificate system). Two forms (i.e., Federal fees for 
licenses or permits in excess of administrative costs, and taxation) are 
not permitted under the Magnuson-Stevens Act, except for fees allowed 
under section 304(d)(2).
    (2) Factors to consider. The Magnuson-Stevens Act ties the use of 
limited access to the achievement of OY. An FMP that proposes a limited 
access system must consider the factors listed in section 303(b)(6) of 
the Magnuson-Stevens Act and in Sec. 600.325(c)(3). In addition, it 
should consider the criteria for qualifying for a permit, the nature of 
the interest created, whether to make the permit transferable, and the 
Magnuson-Stevens Act's limitations on returning economic rent to the 
public under section 304(d). The FMP should also discuss the costs of 
achieving an appropriate distribution of fishing privileges.
    (d) Analysis. An FMP should discuss the extent to which 
overcapitalization, congestion, economic waste, and inefficient 
techniques in the fishery reduce the net benefits derived from the 
management unit and prevent the attainment and appropriate allocation of 
OY. It should also explain, in terms of the FMP's objectives, any 
restriction placed on the use of efficient techniques of harvesting, 
processing, or marketing. If, during FMP development, the Council 
considered imposing a limited-entry system, the FMP should analyze the 
Council's decision to recommend or reject limited access as a technique 
to achieve efficient utilization of the resources of the fishing 
industry.
    (e) Economic allocation. This standard prohibits only those measures 
that distribute fishery resources among fishermen on the basis of 
economic factors alone, and that have economic allocation as their only 
purpose. Where conservation and management measures are recommended that 
would change the economic structure of the industry or the economic 
conditions under which the industry operates, the need for such measures 
must be justified in light of the biological, ecological, and social 
objectives of the FMP, as well as the economic objectives.

[61 FR 32540, June 24, 1996, as amended at 63 FR 7075, Feb. 12, 1998; 63 
FR 24234, May 1, 1998]



Sec. 600.335  National Standard 6--Variations and Contingencies.

    (a) Standard 6. Conservation and management measures shall take into 
account and allow for variations among, and contingencies in, fisheries, 
fishery resources, and catches.
    (b) Conservation and management. Each fishery exhibits unique 
uncertainties. The phrase ``conservation and management'' implies the 
wise use of fishery resources through a management regime that includes 
some protection against these uncertainties. The particular regime 
chosen must be flexible enough to allow timely response to resource, 
industry, and other national and regional needs. Continual data 
acquisition and analysis will help the development of management 
measures to compensate for variations and

[[Page 65]]

to reduce the need for substantial buffers. Flexibility in the 
management regime and the regulatory process will aid in responding to 
contingencies.
    (c) Variations. (1) In fishery management terms, variations arise 
from biological, social, and economic occurrences, as well as from 
fishing practices. Biological uncertainties and lack of knowledge can 
hamper attempts to estimate stock size and strength, stock location in 
time and space, environmental/habitat changes, and ecological 
interactions. Economic uncertainty may involve changes in foreign or 
domestic market conditions, changes in operating costs, drifts toward 
overcapitalization, and economic perturbations caused by changed fishing 
patterns. Changes in fishing practices, such as the introduction of new 
gear, rapid increases or decreases in harvest effort, new fishing 
strategies, and the effects of new management techniques, may also 
create uncertainties. Social changes could involve increases or 
decreases in recreational fishing, or the movement of people into or out 
of fishing activities due to such factors as age or educational 
opportunities.
    (2) Every effort should be made to develop FMPs that discuss and 
take into account these vicissitudes. To the extent practicable, FMPs 
should provide a suitable buffer in favor of conservation. Allowances 
for uncertainties should be factored into the various elements of an 
FMP. Examples are:
    (i) Reduce OY. Lack of scientific knowledge about the condition of a 
stock(s) could be reason to reduce OY.
    (ii) Establish a reserve. Creation of a reserve may compensate for 
uncertainties in estimating domestic harvest, stock conditions, or 
environmental factors.
    (iii) Adjust management techniques. In the absence of adequate data 
to predict the effect of a new regime, and to avoid creating unwanted 
variations, a Council could guard against producing drastic changes in 
fishing patterns, allocations, or practices.
    (iv) Highlight habitat conditions. FMPs may address the impact of 
pollution and the effects of wetland and estuarine degradation on the 
stocks of fish; identify causes of pollution and habitat degradation and 
the authorities having jurisdiction to regulate or influence such 
activities; propose recommendations that the Secretary will convey to 
those authorities to alleviate such problems; and state the views of the 
Council on unresolved or anticipated issues.
    (d) Contingencies. Unpredictable events--such as unexpected resource 
surges or failures, fishing effort greater than anticipated, disruptive 
gear conflicts, climatic conditions, or environmental catastrophes--are 
best handled by establishing a flexible management regime that contains 
a range of management options through which it is possible to act 
quickly without amending the FMP or even its regulations.
    (1) The FMP should describe the management options and their 
consequences in the necessary detail to guide the Secretary in 
responding to changed circumstances, so that the Council preserves its 
role as policy-setter for the fishery. The description should enable the 
public to understand what may happen under the flexible regime, and to 
comment on the options.
    (2) FMPs should include criteria for the selection of management 
measures, directions for their application, and mechanisms for timely 
adjustment of management measures comprising the regime. For example, an 
FMP could include criteria that allow the Secretary to open and close 
seasons, close fishing grounds, or make other adjustments in management 
measures.
    (3) Amendment of a flexible FMP would be necessary when 
circumstances in the fishery change substantially, or when a Council 
adopts a different management philosophy and objectives.



Sec. 600.340  National Standard 7--Costs and Benefits.

    (a) Standard 7. Conservation and management measures shall, where 
practicable, minimize costs and avoid unnecessary duplication.
    (b) Alternative management measures. Management measures should not 
impose unnecessary burdens on the economy, on individuals, on private or 
public organizations, or on Federal, state, or local governments. 
Factors such as fuel costs, enforcement costs, or the

[[Page 66]]

burdens of collecting data may well suggest a preferred alternative.
    (c) Analysis. The supporting analyses for FMPs should demonstrate 
that the benefits of fishery regulation are real and substantial 
relative to the added research, administrative, and enforcement costs, 
as well as costs to the industry of compliance. In determining the 
benefits and costs of management measures, each management strategy 
considered and its impacts on different user groups in the fishery 
should be evaluated. This requirement need not produce an elaborate, 
formalistic cost/benefit analysis. Rather, an evaluation of effects and 
costs, especially of differences among workable alternatives, including 
the status quo, is adequate. If quantitative estimates are not possible, 
qualitative estimates will suffice.
    (1) Burdens. Management measures should be designed to give 
fishermen the greatest possible freedom of action in conducting business 
and pursuing recreational opportunities that are consistent with 
ensuring wise use of the resources and reducing conflict in the fishery. 
The type and level of burden placed on user groups by the regulations 
need to be identified. Such an examination should include, for example: 
Capital outlays; operating and maintenance costs; reporting costs; 
administrative, enforcement, and information costs; and prices to 
consumers. Management measures may shift costs from one level of 
government to another, from one part of the private sector to another, 
or from the government to the private sector. Redistribution of costs 
through regulations is likely to generate controversy. A discussion of 
these and any other burdens placed on the public through FMP regulations 
should be a part of the FMP's supporting analyses.
    (2) Gains. The relative distribution of gains may change as a result 
of instituting different sets of alternatives, as may the specific type 
of gain. The analysis of benefits should focus on the specific gains 
produced by each alternative set of management measures, including the 
status quo. The benefits to society that result from the alternative 
management measures should be identified, and the level of gain 
assessed.

[81 FR 71904, Oct. 18, 2016]



Sec. 600.345  National Standard 8--Communities.

    (a) Standard 8. Conservation and management measures shall, 
consistent with the conservation requirements of the Magnuson-Stevens 
Act (including the prevention of overfishing and rebuilding of 
overfished stocks), take into account the importance of fishery 
resources to fishing communities by utilizing economic and social data 
that are based upon the best scientific information available in order 
to:
    (1) Provide for the sustained participation of such communities; and
    (2) To the extent practicable, minimize adverse economic impacts on 
such communities.
    (b) General. (1) This standard requires that an FMP take into 
account the importance of fishery resources to fishing communities. This 
consideration, however, is within the context of the conservation 
requirements of the Magnuson-Stevens Act. Deliberations regarding the 
importance of fishery resources to affected fishing communities, 
therefore, must not compromise the achievement of conservation 
requirements and goals of the FMP. Where the preferred alternative 
negatively affects the sustained participation of fishing communities, 
the FMP should discuss the rationale for selecting this alternative over 
another with a lesser impact on fishing communities. All other things 
being equal, where two alternatives achieve similar conservation goals, 
the alternative that provides the greater potential for sustained 
participation of such communities and minimizes the adverse economic 
impacts on such communities would be the preferred alternative.
    (2) This standard does not constitute a basis for allocating 
resources to a specific fishing community nor for providing preferential 
treatment based on residence in a fishing community.
    (3) The term ``fishing community'' means a community that is 
substantially dependent on or substantially engaged in the harvest or 
processing of fishery resources to meet social and

[[Page 67]]

economic needs, and includes fishing vessel owners, operators, and crew, 
and fish processors that are based in such communities. A fishing 
community is a social or economic group whose members reside in a 
specific location and share a common dependency on commercial, 
recreational, or subsistence fishing or on directly related fisheries-
dependent services and industries (for example, boatyards, ice 
suppliers, tackle shops).
    (4) The term ``sustained participation'' means continued access to 
the fishery within the constraints of the condition of the resource.
    (c) Analysis. (1) FMPs must examine the social and economic 
importance of fisheries to communities potentially affected by 
management measures. For example, severe reductions of harvests for 
conservation purposes may decrease employment opportunities for 
fishermen and processing plant workers, thereby adversely affecting 
their families and communities. Similarly, a management measure that 
results in the allocation of fishery resources among competing sectors 
of a fishery may benefit some communities at the expense of others.
    (2) An appropriate vehicle for the analyses under this standard is 
the fishery impact statement required by section 303(a)(9) of the 
Magnuson-Stevens Act. Qualitative and quantitative data may be used, 
including information provided by fishermen, dealers, processors, and 
fisheries organizations and associations. In cases where data are 
severely limited, effort should be directed to identifying and gathering 
needed data.
    (3) To address the sustained participation of fishing communities 
that will be affected by management measures, the analysis should first 
identify affected fishing communities and then assess their differing 
levels of dependence on and engagement in the fishery being regulated. 
The analysis should also specify how that assessment was made. The best 
available data on the history, extent, and type of participation of 
these fishing communities in the fishery should be incorporated into the 
social and economic information presented in the FMP. The analysis does 
not have to contain an exhaustive listing of all communities that might 
fit the definition; a judgment can be made as to which are primarily 
affected. The analysis should discuss each alternative's likely effect 
on the sustained participation of these fishing communities in the 
fishery.
    (4) The analysis should assess the likely positive and negative 
social and economic impacts of the alternative management measures, over 
both the short and the long term, on fishing communities. Any particular 
management measure may economically benefit some communities while 
adversely affecting others. Economic impacts should be considered both 
for individual communities and for the group of all affected communities 
identified in the FMP. Impacts of both consumptive and non-consumptive 
uses of fishery resources should be considered.
    (5) A discussion of social and economic impacts should identify 
those alternatives that would minimize adverse impacts on these fishing 
communities within the constraints of conservation and management goals 
of the FMP, other national standards, and other applicable law.

[63 FR 24234, May 1, 1998, as amended at 73 FR 67810, Nov. 17, 2008]



Sec. 600.350  National Standard 9--Bycatch.

    (a) Standard 9. Conservation and management measures shall, to the 
extent practicable:
    (1) Minimize bycatch; and
    (2) To the extent bycatch cannot be avoided, minimize the mortality 
of such bycatch.
    (b) General. This national standard requires Councils to consider 
the bycatch effects of existing and planned conservation and management 
measures. Bycatch can, in two ways, impede efforts to protect marine 
ecosystems and achieve sustainable fisheries and the full benefits they 
can provide to the Nation. First, bycatch can increase substantially the 
uncertainty concerning total fishing-related mortality, which makes it 
more difficult to assess the status of stocks, to set the appropriate OY 
and define overfishing levels, and to ensure that OYs are attained and 
overfishing levels are not exceeded. Second, bycatch may also preclude

[[Page 68]]

other more productive uses of fishery resources.
    (c) Definition--Bycatch. The term ``bycatch'' means fish that are 
harvested in a fishery, but that are not sold or kept for personal use.
    (1) Inclusions. Bycatch includes the discard of whole fish at sea or 
elsewhere, including economic discards and regulatory discards, and 
fishing mortality due to an encounter with fishing gear that does not 
result in capture of fish (i.e., unobserved fishing mortality).
    (2) Exclusions. Bycatch excludes the following:
    (i) Fish that legally are retained in a fishery and kept for 
personal, tribal, or cultural use, or that enter commerce through sale, 
barter, or trade.
    (ii) Fish released alive under a recreational catch-and-release 
fishery management program. A catch-and-release fishery management 
program is one in which the retention of a particular species is 
prohibited. In such a program, those fish released alive would not be 
considered bycatch.
    (iii) Fish harvested in a commercial fishery managed by the 
Secretary under Magnuson-Stevens Act sec. 304(g) or the Atlantic Tunas 
Convention Act of 1975 (16 U.S.C. 971d) or highly migratory species 
harvested in a commercial fishery managed by a Council under the 
Magnuson-Stevens Act or the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries 
Convention Implementation Act, that are not regulatory discards and that 
are tagged and released alive under a scientific tagging and release 
program established by the Secretary.
    (d) Minimizing bycatch and bycatch mortality. The priority under 
this standard is first to avoid catching bycatch species where 
practicable. Fish that are bycatch and cannot be avoided must, to the 
extent practicable, be returned to the sea alive. Any proposed 
conservation and management measure that does not give priority to 
avoiding the capture of bycatch species must be supported by appropriate 
analyses. In their evaluation, the Councils must consider the net 
benefits to the Nation, which include, but are not limited to: Negative 
impacts on affected stocks; incomes accruing to participants in directed 
fisheries in both the short and long term; incomes accruing to 
participants in fisheries that target the bycatch species; environmental 
consequences; non-market values of bycatch species, which include non-
consumptive uses of bycatch species and existence values, as well as 
recreational values; and impacts on other marine organisms. To evaluate 
conservation and management measures relative to this and other national 
standards, as well as to evaluate total fishing mortality, Councils 
must--
    (1) Promote development of a database on bycatch and bycatch 
mortality in the fishery to the extent practicable. A review and, where 
necessary, improvement of data collection methods, data sources, and 
applications of data must be initiated for each fishery to determine the 
amount, type, disposition, and other characteristics of bycatch and 
bycatch mortality in each fishery for purposes of this standard and of 
section 303(a)(11) and (12) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act. Bycatch should 
be categorized to focus on management responses necessary to minimize 
bycatch and bycatch mortality to the extent practicable. When 
appropriate, management measures, such as at-sea monitoring programs, 
should be developed to meet these information needs.
    (2) For each management measure, assess the effects on the amount 
and type of bycatch and bycatch mortality in the fishery. Most 
conservation and management measures can affect the amounts of bycatch 
or bycatch mortality in a fishery, as well as the extent to which 
further reductions in bycatch are practicable. In analyzing measures, 
including the status quo, Councils should assess the impacts of 
minimizing bycatch and bycatch mortality, as well as consistency of the 
selected measure with other national standards and applicable laws. The 
benefits of minimizing bycatch to the extent practicable should be 
identified and an assessment of the impact of the selected measure on 
bycatch and bycatch mortality provided. Due to limitations on the 
information available, fishery managers may not be able to generate 
precise estimates of bycatch and bycatch mortality or other effects for 
each alternative. In the absence of quantitative

[[Page 69]]

estimates of the impacts of each alternative, Councils may use 
qualitative measures. Information on the amount and type of bycatch 
should be summarized in the SAFE reports.
    (3) Select measures that, to the extent practicable, will minimize 
bycatch and bycatch mortality. (i) A determination of whether a 
conservation and management measure minimizes bycatch or bycatch 
mortality to the extent practicable, consistent with other national 
standards and maximization of net benefits to the Nation, should 
consider the following factors:
    (A) Population effects for the bycatch species.
    (B) Ecological effects due to changes in the bycatch of that species 
(effects on other species in the ecosystem).
    (C) Changes in the bycatch of- other species of fish and the 
resulting population and ecosystem effects.
    (D) Effects on marine mammals and birds.
    (E) Changes in fishing, processing, disposal, and marketing costs.
    (F) Changes in fishing practices and behavior of fishermen.
    (G) Changes in research, administration, and enforcement costs and 
management effectiveness.
    (H) Changes in the economic, social, or cultural value of fishing 
activities and nonconsumptive uses of fishery resources.
    (I) Changes in the distribution of benefits and costs.
    (J) Social effects.
    (ii) The Councils should adhere to the precautionary approach found 
in the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) 
Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries (Article 6.5), which is 
available from the Director, Publications Division, FAO, Viale delle 
Terme di Caracalla, 00100 Rome, Italy, when faced with uncertainty 
concerning any of the factors listed in this paragraph (d)(3).
    (4) Monitor selected management measures. Effects of implemented 
measures should be evaluated routinely. Monitoring systems should be 
established prior to fishing under the selected management measures. 
Where applicable, plans should be developed and coordinated with 
industry and other concerned organizations to identify opportunities for 
cooperative data collection, coordination of data management for cost 
efficiency, and avoidance of duplicative effort.
    (e) Other considerations. Other applicable laws, such as the MMPA, 
the ESA, and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, require that Councils 
consider the impact of conservation and management measures on living 
marine resources other than fish; i.e., marine mammals and birds.

[63 FR 24235, May 1, 1998, as amended at 73 FR 67811, Nov. 17, 2008]



Sec. 600.355  National Standard 10--Safety of Life at Sea.

    (a) Standard 10. Conservation and management measures shall, to the 
extent practicable, promote the safety of human life at sea.
    (b) General. (1) Fishing is an inherently dangerous occupation where 
not all hazardous situations can be foreseen or avoided. The standard 
directs Councils to reduce that risk in crafting their management 
measures, so long as they can meet the other national standards and the 
legal and practical requirements of conservation and management. This 
standard is not meant to give preference to one method of managing a 
fishery over another.
    (2) The qualifying phrase ``to the extent practicable'' recognizes 
that regulation necessarily puts constraints on fishing that would not 
otherwise exist. These constraints may create pressures on fishermen to 
fish under conditions that they would otherwise avoid. This standard 
instructs the Councils to identify and avoid those situations, if they 
can do so consistent with the legal and practical requirements of 
conservation and management of the resource.
    (3) For the purposes of this national standard, the safety of the 
fishing vessel and the protection from injury of persons aboard the 
vessel are considered the same as ``safety of human life at sea. The 
safety of a vessel and the people aboard is ultimately the 
responsibility of the master of that vessel. Each master makes many 
decisions about vessel maintenance and loading and about the 
capabilities of the vessel and crew to operate safely in a variety

[[Page 70]]

of weather and sea conditions. This national standard does not replace 
the judgment or relieve the responsibility of the vessel master related 
to vessel safety. The Councils, the USCG, and NMFS, through the 
consultation process of paragraph (d) of this section, will review all 
FMPs, amendments, and regulations during their development to ensure 
they recognize any impact on the safety of human life at sea and 
minimize or mitigate that impact where practicable.
    (c) Safety considerations. The following is a non-inclusive list of 
safety considerations that should be considered in evaluating management 
measures under national standard 10.
    (1) Operating environment. Where and when a fishing vessel operates 
is partly a function of the general climate and weather patterns of an 
area. Typically, larger vessels can fish farther offshore and in more 
adverse weather conditions than smaller vessels. An FMP should try to 
avoid creating situations that result in vessels going out farther, 
fishing longer, or fishing in weather worse than they generally would 
have in the absence of management measures. Where these conditions are 
unavoidable, management measures should mitigate these effects, 
consistent with the overall management goals of the fishery.
    (2) Gear and vessel loading requirements. A fishing vessel operates 
in a very dynamic environment that can be an extremely dangerous place 
to work. Moving heavy gear in a seaway creates a dangerous situation on 
a vessel. Carrying extra gear can also significantly reduce the 
stability of a fishing vessel, making it prone to capsizing. An FMP 
should consider the safety and stability of fishing vessels when 
requiring specific gear or requiring the removal of gear from the water. 
Management measures should reflect a sensitivity to these issues and 
provide methods of mitigation of these situations wherever possible.
    (3) Limited season and area fisheries. Fisheries where time 
constraints for harvesting are a significant factor and with no 
flexibility for weather, often called ``derby'' fisheries, can create 
serious safety problems. To participate fully in such a fishery, 
fishermen may fish in bad weather and overload their vessel with catch 
and/or gear. Where these conditions exist, FMPs should attempt to 
mitigate these effects and avoid them in new management regimes, as 
discussed in paragraph (e) of this section.
    (d) Consultation. During preparation of any FMP, FMP amendment, or 
regulation that might affect safety of human life at sea, the Council 
should consult with the USCG and the fishing industry as to the nature 
and extent of any adverse impacts. This consultation may be done through 
a Council advisory panel, committee, or other review of the FMP, FMP 
amendment, or regulations. Mitigation, to the extent practicable, and 
other safety considerations identified in paragraph (c) of this section 
should be included in the FMP.
    (e) Mitigation measures. There are many ways in which an FMP may 
avoid or provide alternative measures to reduce potential impacts on 
safety of human life at sea. The following is a list of some factors 
that could be considered when management measures are developed:
    (1) Setting seasons to avoid hazardous weather.
    (2) Providing for seasonal or trip flexibility to account for bad 
weather (weather days).
    (3) Allowing for pre- and post-season ``soak time'' to deploy and 
pick up fixed gear, so as to avoid overloading vessels with fixed gear.
    (4) Tailoring gear requirements to provide for smaller or lighter 
gear for smaller vessels.
    (5) Avoiding management measures that require hazardous at-sea 
inspections or enforcement if other comparable enforcement could be 
accomplished as effectively.
    (6) Limiting the number of participants in the fishery.
    (7) Spreading effort over time and area to avoid potential gear and/
or vessel conflicts.
    (8) Implementing management measures that reduce the race for fish 
and the resulting incentives for fishermen to take additional risks with 
respect to vessel safety.

[63 FR 24236, May 1, 1998]

[[Page 71]]



                 Subpart E_Confidentiality of Statistics



Sec. 600.405  Types of statistics covered.

    NOAA is authorized under the Magnuson-Stevens Act and other statutes 
to collect proprietary or confidential commercial or financial 
information. This part applies to all pertinent data required to be 
submitted to the Secretary with respect to any FMP including, but not 
limited to, information regarding the type and quantity of fishing gear 
used, catch by species in numbers of fish or weight thereof, areas in 
which fishing occurred, time of fishing, number of hauls, and the 
estimated processing capacity of, and the actual processing capacity 
utilized by, U.S. fish processors.

[61 FR 32540, June 24, 1996, as amended at 63 FR 7075, Feb. 12, 1998]



Sec. 600.410  Collection and maintenance of statistics.

    (a) General. (1) All statistics required to be submitted to the 
Secretary are provided to the Assistant Administrator.
    (2) After receipt, the Assistant Administrator will remove all 
identifying particulars from the statistics if doing so is consistent 
with the needs of NMFS and good scientific practice.
    (3) Appropriate safeguards as specified by NOAA Directives, or other 
NOAA or NMFS internal procedures, apply to the collection and 
maintenance of all statistics, whether separated from identifying 
particulars or not, so as to ensure their confidentiality.
    (b) Collection agreements with states. (1) The Assistant 
Administrator may enter into an agreement with a state authorizing the 
state to collect statistics on behalf of the Secretary.
    (2) NMFS will not enter into a cooperative collection agreement with 
a state unless the state has authority to protect the statistics from 
disclosure in a manner at least as protective as these regulations.



Sec. 600.415  Access to statistics.

    (a) General. In determining whether to grant a request for access to 
confidential data, the following information will be taken into 
consideration (also see Sec. 600.130):
    (1) The specific types of data required.
    (2) The relevance of the data to conservation and management issues.
    (3) The duration of time access will be required: continuous, 
infrequent, or one-time.
    (4) An explanation of why the availability of aggregate or non-
confidential summaries of data from other sources would not satisfy the 
requested needs.
    (b) Federal employees. Statistics submitted as a requirement of an 
FMP and that reveal the identity of the submitter will only be 
accessible to the following:
    (1) Personnel within NMFS responsible for the collection, 
processing, and storage of the statistics.
    (2) Federal employees who are responsible for FMP development, 
monitoring, and enforcement.
    (3) Personnel within NMFS performing research that requires 
confidential statistics.
    (4) Other NOAA personnel on a demonstrable need-to-know basis.
    (5) NOAA/NMFS contractors or grantees who require access to 
confidential statistics to perform functions authorized by a Federal 
contract or grant.
    (c) State personnel. Upon written request, confidential statistics 
will only be accessible if:
    (1) State employees demonstrate a need for confidential statistics 
for use in fishery conservation and management.
    (2) The state has entered into a written agreement between the 
Assistant Administrator and the head of the state's agency that manages 
marine and/or anadromous fisheries. The agreement shall contain a 
finding by the Assistant Administrator that the state has 
confidentiality protection authority comparable to the Magnuson-Stevens 
Act and that the state will exercise this authority to limit subsequent 
access and use of the data to fishery management and monitoring 
purposes.
    (d) Councils. Upon written request by the Council Executive 
Director, access to confidential data will be granted to:

[[Page 72]]

    (1) Council employees who are responsible for FMP development and 
monitoring.
    (2) A Council for use by the Council for conservation and management 
purposes, with the approval of the Assistant Administrator. In addition 
to the information described in paragraph (a) of this section, the 
Assistant Administrator will consider the following in deciding whether 
to grant access:
    (i) The possibility that Council members might gain personal or 
competitive advantage from access to the data.
    (ii) The possibility that the suppliers of the data would be placed 
at a competitive disadvantage by public disclosure of the data at 
Council meetings or hearings.
    (3) A contractor of the Council for use in such analysis or studies 
necessary for conservation and management purposes, with approval of the 
Assistant Administrator and execution of an agreement with NMFS as 
described by NOAA Administrative Order (NAO) 216-100.
    (e) Prohibitions. Persons having access to these data are prohibited 
from unauthorized use or disclosure and are subject to the provisions of 
18 U.S.C. 1905, 16 U.S.C. 1857, and NOAA/NMFS internal procedures, 
including NAO 216-100.

[61 FR 32540, June 24, 1996, as amended at 63 FR 7075, Feb. 12, 1998]



Sec. 600.420  Control system.

    (a) The Assistant Administrator maintains a control system to 
protect the identity of submitters of statistics required by an FMP. The 
control system:
    (1) Identifies those persons who have access to the statistics.
    (2) Contains procedures to limit access to confidential data to 
authorized users.
    (3) Provides for safeguarding the data.
    (b) This system requires that all persons who have authorized access 
to the data be informed of the confidentiality of the data. These 
persons are required to sign a statement that they:
    (1) Have been informed that the data are confidential.
    (2) Have reviewed and are familiar with the procedures to protect 
confidential statistics.



Sec. 600.425  Release of statistics.

    (a) The Assistant Administrator will not release to the public any 
statistics required to be submitted under an FMP in a form that would 
identify the submitter, except as required by law.
    (b) All requests from the public for statistics submitted in 
response to a requirement of an FMP will be processed consistent with 
the NOAA FOIA regulations (15 CFR part 903), NAO 205-14, Department of 
Commerce Administrative Orders 205-12 and 205-14 and 15 CFR part 4.
    (c) NOAA does not release or allow access to confidential 
information in its possession to members of Council advisory groups, 
except as provided by law.



                        Subpart F_Foreign Fishing



Sec. 600.501  Vessel permits.

    (a) General. (1) Each FFV fishing under the Magnuson-Stevens Act 
must have on board a permit issued under this section, unless it is 
engaged only in recreational fishing.
    (2) Permits issued under this section do not authorize FFV's or 
persons to harass, capture, or kill marine mammals. No marine mammals 
may be taken in the course of fishing unless that vessel has on board a 
currently valid Authorization Certificate under the MMPA. Regulations 
governing the taking of marine mammals incidental to commercial fishing 
operations are contained in 50 CFR part 229 of this title.
    (b) Responsibility of owners and operators. The owners and operators 
of each FFV are jointly and severally responsible for compliance with 
the Magnuson-Stevens Act, the applicable GIFA, this subpart, and any 
permit issued under the Magnuson-Stevens Act and this subpart. The 
owners and operators of each FFV bear civil responsibility for the acts 
of their employees and agents constituting violations, regardless of 
whether the specific acts were authorized or even forbidden by the 
employer or principal, and regardless

[[Page 73]]

of knowledge concerning the occurrence.
    (c) Activity codes. Permits to fish under this subpart may be issued 
by the Assistant Administrator for the activities described in this 
paragraph, but the permits may be modified by regulations of this 
subpart and by the conditions and restrictions attached to the permit 
(see paragraphs (e)(1)(v) and (l) of this section). The Assistant 
Administrator may issue a permit, as appropriate, for one or more of the 
activity codes listed. Only vessels of nations having a GIFA with the 
United States may be issued permits for activity codes 1 through 9. A 
GIFA is not required for a vessel to be issued a permit for activity 
code 10. The activity codes are described as follows:
    (1) Activity Code 1. Catching, scouting, processing, transshipping, 
and supporting foreign vessels. Activity is limited to fish harvested or 
to be harvested by foreign vessels in the EEZ.
    (2) Activity Code 2. Processing, scouting, transshipping, and 
supporting foreign vessels. Activity is limited to fish harvested or to 
be harvested by foreign vessels in the EEZ.
    (3) Activity Code 3. Transshipping, scouting, and supporting foreign 
vessels. Activity is limited to fish harvested or to be harvested by 
foreign vessels in the EEZ.
    (4) Activity Code 4. Processing, scouting, transshipping, and 
supporting U.S. vessels delivering fish to foreign vessels. Activity is 
limited to the receipt of unprocessed fish harvested or to be harvested 
by U.S. vessels.
    (5) Activity Code 5. Transshipping, scouting, and supporting foreign 
vessels. Transshipment limited to fish received or to be received from 
foreign vessels processing fish from U.S. harvesting vessels.
    (6) Activity Code 6. Transshipping, scouting, and supporting U.S. 
vessels. Transshipment limited to U.S.-harvested fish processed on board 
U.S. vessels.
    (7) Activity Code 7. Processing, transshipping, and supporting 
foreign vessels. Activity limited to fish harvested or to be harvested 
by foreign vessels seaward of the EEZ.
    (8) Activity Code 8. Transshipping and supporting foreign vessels. 
Activity is limited to fish harvested or to be harvested seaward of the 
EEZ by foreign vessels or fish duly authorized for processing in the 
internal waters of one of the states.
    (9) Activity Code 9. Supporting U.S. fishing vessels and U.S. fish 
processing vessels and any foreign fishing vessels authorized under any 
activity code under paragraph (c) of this subpart.
    (10) Activity Code 10. Transshipping at sea for the purpose of 
transporting fish or fish products from a point within the EEZ or, with 
the concurrence of a state, within the boundaries of that state, to a 
point outside the United States.
    (d) Application. (1) Applications for FFV permits authorizing 
activity codes 1 through 9 must be submitted by an official 
representative of a foreign nation to the DOS. Applications for permits 
authorizing activity codes 1 through 9 are available from, and should be 
submitted to, DOS, OES/OMC, Washington, DC 20520. Applications for FFV 
permits authorizing activity code 10 may be submitted by any person to 
the Assistant Administrator. Applications for permits authorizing 
activity code 10 are available from NMFS, Attn: Office of International 
Affairs, 1315 East West Highway, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910. All 
applicants should allow 90 days for review and comment by the public, 
involved governmental agencies, and appropriate Councils and for 
processing before the anticipated date to begin fishing. The permit 
application fee must be paid at the time of application according to 
Sec. 600.518.
    (2) Applicants must provide complete and accurate information 
requested on the permit application form.
    (3) Applicants for FFV's that will support U.S. vessels in joint 
ventures (Activity Code 4) must provide the additional information 
specified by the permit application form.
    (4) Each applicant may request to substitute one FFV for another of 
the same flag by submitting a new application form and a short 
explanation of the reason for the substitution to the appropriate 
address listed at paragraph (d)(1) of this section. Each substitution is 
considered a new application, and a new application fee must be paid.

[[Page 74]]

NMFS will promptly process an application for a vessel replacing a 
permitted FFV that is disabled or decommissioned, once the appropriate 
Council(s) and governmental agencies have been notified of the 
substituted application.
    (e) Issuance. (1) Permits may be issued to an FFV by the Assistant 
Administrator after--
    (i) The Assistant Administrator determines that the fishing 
described in the application will meet the requirements of the Magnuson-
Stevens Act and approves the permit application.
    (ii) The applicant has paid the fees and provided any assurances 
required by the Secretary in accordance with the provisions of Sec. 
600.518.
    (iii) The applicant has appointed an agent.
    (iv) The applicant has identified a designated representative.
    (v) The applicant has accepted the general ``conditions and 
restrictions'' of receiving permits, as required by section 204(b)(7) of 
the Magnuson-Stevens Act, and any ``additional restrictions'' attached 
to the permit for the conservation and management of fishery resources 
or for the prevention of significant impairment of the national defense 
or security interests.
    (2) The DOS will provide permits for activity codes 1 through 9 to 
the official representative of the applicant foreign nation. The 
Assistant Administrator will provide permits for activity code 10 
directly to the applicant.
    (3) An approved permit will contain--
    (i) The name and IRCS of the FFV and its permit number.
    (ii) The permitted fisheries and/or activity codes.
    (iii) The date of issuance and expiration date, if other than 
December 31.
    (iv) All conditions and restrictions, and any additional 
restrictions and technical modifications appended to the permit.
    (4) Permits are not issued for boats that are launched from larger 
vessels. Any enforcement action that results from the activities of a 
launched boat will be taken against the permitted vessel.
    (f) Duration. A permit is valid from its date of issuance to its 
date of expiration, unless it is revoked or suspended or the nation 
issuing the FFV's documents does not accept amendments to the permit 
made by the Assistant Administrator in accordance with the procedures of 
paragraph (l) of this section. The permit will be valid for no longer 
than the calendar year in which it was issued.
    (g) Transfer. Permits are not transferable or assignable. A permit 
is valid only for the FFV to which it is issued.
    (h) Display. Each FFV operator must have a properly completed permit 
form available on board the FFV when engaged in fishing activities and 
must produce it at the request of an authorized officer or observer.
    (i) Suspension and revocation. NMFS may apply sanctions to an FFV's 
permit by revoking, suspending, or imposing additional permit 
restrictions on the permit under 15 CFR part 904, if the vessel is 
involved in the commission of any violation of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, 
the GIFA, or this subpart; if an agent and a designated representative 
are not maintained in the United States; if a civil penalty or criminal 
fine imposed under the Magnuson-Stevens Act has become overdue; or as 
otherwise specified in the Magnuson-Stevens Act.
    (j) Fees. Permit application fees are described in Sec. 600.518.
    (k) Change in application information. The applicant must report, in 
writing, any change in the information supplied under paragraph (d) of 
this section to the Assistant Administrator within 15 calendar days 
after the date of the change. Failure to report a change in the 
ownership from that described in the current application within the 
specified time frame voids the permit, and all penalties involved will 
accrue to the previous owner.
    (l) Permit amendments. (1) The Assistant Administrator may amend a 
permit by adding ``additional restrictions'' for the conservation and 
management of fishery resources covered by the permit, or for the 
national defense or security if the Assistant Administrator determines 
that such interests would be significantly impaired without such 
restrictions. Compliance with the added additional restrictions is a 
condition of the permit. Violations of

[[Page 75]]

added additional restrictions will be treated as violations of this 
subpart.
    (2) The Assistant Administrator may make proposed additional 
restrictions effective immediately, if necessary, to prevent substantial 
harm to a fishery resource of the United States, to allow for the 
continuation of ongoing fishing operations, or to allow for fishing to 
begin at the normal time for opening of the fishery.
    (3) The Assistant Administrator will send proposed additional 
restrictions to each Nation whose vessels are affected (via the 
Secretary of State), to the appropriate Councils, and to the Commandant 
of the Coast Guard. NMFS will, at the same time, publish a document of 
any significant proposed additional restrictions in the Federal 
Register. The document will include a summary of the reasons underlying 
the proposal, and the reasons that any proposed additional restrictions 
are made effective immediately.
    (4) The Nation whose vessels are involved, the owners of the 
affected vessels, their representatives, the agencies specified in 
paragraph (l)(3) of this section, and the public may submit written 
comments on the proposed additional restrictions within 30 days after 
publication in the Federal Register.
    (5) The Assistant Administrator will make a final decision regarding 
the proposed additional restrictions as soon as practicable after the 
end of the comment period. The Assistant Administrator will provide the 
final additional restrictions to the Nation whose vessels are affected 
(via the Secretary of State) according to the procedures of paragraph 
(e) of this section. The Assistant Administrator will include with the 
final additional restrictions to the Nation, a response to comments 
submitted.
    (6) Additional restrictions may be modified by following the 
procedures of paragraphs (l)(2) through (l)(5) of this section.

[61 FR 32540, June 24, 1996, as amended at 63 FR 7075, Feb. 12, 1998; 64 
FR 39019, July 21, 1999; 76 FR 59305, Sept. 26, 2011]



Sec. 600.502  Vessel reports.

    (a) The operator of each FFV must report the FFV's activities to the 
USCG and NMFS as specified in this section.
    (b) All reports required by this section must be in English and in 
the formats specified in the permit additions and restrictions. Reports 
must be delivered via private or commercial communications facilities, 
facsimile, or other electronic means acceptable to NMFS and the USCG, 
directly to the appropriate NMFS Region or Center and USCG commander. 
Weekly reports must also be delivered directly to the appropriate NMFS 
Region or Center (see tables 1 and 2 of this section). (The required 
reports may be delivered to the closest USCG communication station as 
indicated in table 3 of this section or other USCG communication station 
only if adequate private or commercial communications facilities have 
not been successfully contacted.) Radio reports must be made via 
radiotelegraphy, Telex, or facsimile where available. For the purposes 
of this section, a message is considered ``transmitted'' when its 
receipt is acknowledged by a communications facility and considered 
``delivered'' upon its receipt by the offices of the appropriate USCG 
commander, NMFS Regional Office, or NMFS Center identified in table 2 of 
this section. Reports required by this section may be submitted by the 
vessel's designated representative; however, the operator of the FFV is 
responsible for the correct and timely filing of all required reports.
    (c) Activity reports. The operator of each FFV must report the FFV's 
movements and activities before or upon the event, as specified in this 
paragraph (c). Appropriate forms, instructions, codes, and examples are 
contained in the conditions and restrictions of the FFV's permit. Each 
FFV report must contain the following information: The message 
identifier ``VESREP'' to indicate it is a vessel activity report, FFV 
name, international radio call sign IRCS, date (month and day based on 
GMT), time (hour and minute GMT), position (latitude and longitude to 
the nearest degree and minute) where required, area (by fishing area 
code) where required, the appropriate action

[[Page 76]]

code, confirmation codes where required, and the other information 
specified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (c)(11) of this section.
    (1) ``BEGIN''. Each operator must specify the date, time, position, 
and area the FFV will actually ``BEGIN'' fishing in the EEZ and the 
species (by species code), product (by product code), and quantity of 
all fish and fish products (by product weight to the nearest hundredth 
of a metric ton) on board when entering the EEZ (action code ``BEGIN''). 
The message must be delivered at least 24 hours before the vessel begins 
to fish.
    (2) ``DEPART''. Each operator must specify the date, time, position, 
and area the FFV will ``DEPART'' the EEZ to embark or debark an 
observer, to visit a U.S. port, to conduct a joint venture in internal 
waters, or to otherwise temporarily leave an authorized fishing area, 
but not depart the seaward limit of the EEZ (action code ``DEPART''). 
The message must be transmitted before the FFV departs the present 
fishing area and delivered within 24 hours of its transmittal.
    (3) ``RETURN''. Each operator must specify the date, time, position, 
and area the FFV will ``RETURN'' to the EEZ following a temporary 
departure, and the species (by species code), product (by product code), 
and quantity of all fish and fish products (by product weight to the 
nearest hundredth of a metric ton) on board that were received in a 
joint venture in internal waters (action code ``RETURN''). The message 
must be transmitted before returning to the EEZ and delivered within 24 
hours of its transmittal.
    (4) ``SHIFT''. Each operator must report each SHIFT in fishing area 
(as described for each fishery) by specifying the date, time, and 
position the FFV will start fishing, and the new area (action code 
``SHIFT''). The message must be transmitted before leaving the original 
area and delivered within 24 hours of its transmittal. If a foreign 
vessel operates within 20 nautical miles (37.04 km) of a fishing area 
boundary, its operator may submit in one message the shift reports for 
all fishing area shifts occurring during 1 fishing day (0001-2400 GMT). 
This message must be transmitted prior to the last shift expected to be 
made in the day and delivered within 24 hours of its transmittal.
    (5) ``JV OPS''. Each operator must specify the date, time, position, 
and area at which the FFV will ``START'' joint venture operations 
(action code ``START JV OPS'') or ``END'' joint venture operations 
(action code ``END JV OPS''). These reports must be made in addition to 
other activity reports made under this section. Each message must be 
transmitted before the event and delivered within 24 hours of its 
transmittal.
    (6) ``TRANSFER''. The operator of each FFV that anticipates a 
transshipping operation in which the FFV will receive fish or fisheries 
products must specify the date, time, position and area the FFV will 
conduct the ``TRANSFER'' and the name and IRCS of the other FFV or U.S. 
vessel involved (action code ``TRANSFER''). The report must include the 
permit activity code under which the transfer will be made. The message 
must be transmitted prior to the transfer and delivered within 24 hours 
of its transmittal. The movement of raw fish from a permitted foreign 
catching vessel or, under an Activity Code 4, from a U.S. fishing vessel 
to the reporting processing vessel and the return of nets or codends is 
not considered a transfer.
    (7) ``OFFLOADED''. Each operator must specify the date, time, 
position, and area the FFV ``OFFLOADED'' fish or fisheries products TO 
another FFV or a U.S. vessel in a transfer, the other FFV's or U.S. 
vessel's name, IRCS, Permit Activity Code under which the transfer was 
made, species (by species code) and quantity of fish and fisheries 
products (by product code and by product weight, to the nearest 
hundredth of a metric ton) offloaded (action code ``OFFLOADED TO''). The 
message must be transmitted within 12 hours after the transfer is 
completed and delivered within 24 hours of its transmittal and before 
the FFV ceases fishing in the EEZ.
    (8) ``RECEIVED''. Each operator must specify the date, time, 
position and area the vessel ``RECEIVED'' fish or fisheries products 
FROM another FFV in a transfer, the other FFV's or U.S. vessel's name, 
IRCS, Permit Activity Code under which the receipt was

[[Page 77]]

made, species (by species code) and quantity of fish and fisheries 
products (by product code and by product weight, to the nearest 
hundredth of a metric ton) received (action code ``RECEIVED FROM''). The 
message must be transmitted within 12 hours after the transfer is 
completed and delivered within 24 hours of its transmittal and before 
the vessel ceases fishing in the EEZ.
    (9) ``CEASE''. Each operator must specify the date, time, position, 
and area the FFV will ``CEASE'' fishing in order to leave the EEZ 
(action code ``CEASE''). The message must be delivered at least 24 hours 
before the FFV's departure.
    (10) ``CHANGE''. Each operator must report any ``CHANGE'' TO the 
FFV's operations if the position or time of an event specified in an 
activity report will vary more than 5 nautical miles (9.26 km) or 4 
hours from that previously reported, by sending a revised message 
inserting the word ``CHANGE'' in front of the previous report, repeating 
the name, IRCS, date, and time of the previous report, adding the word 
``TO'' and the complete revised text of the new report (action code 
``CHANGE TO''). Changes to reports specifying an early beginning of 
fishing by an FFV or other changes to reports contained in paragraphs 
(c)(1) through (c)(9) of this section must be transmitted and delivered 
as if the ``CHANGE'' report were the original message.
    (11) ``CANCEL''. Each operator wanting to ``CANCEL'' a previous 
report may do so by sending a revised message, and inserting the word 
``CANCEL'' in front of the previous report's vessel name, IRCS, date, 
time and action code canceled (action code ``CANCEL''). The message must 
be transmitted and delivered prior to the date and time of the event in 
the original message.
    (d) The operator of an FFV will be in violation of paragraphs (c)(1) 
through (c)(9) of this section if the FFV does not pass within 5 
nautical miles (9.26 km) of the position given in the report within 4 
hours of the time given in the report.
    (e) The notices required by this section may be provided for 
individual or groups of FFV's (on a vessel-by-vessel basis) by 
authorized persons. An FFV operator may retransmit reports on the behalf 
of another FFV, if authorized by that FFV's operator. This does not 
relieve the individual vessel operator of the responsibility of filing 
required reports. In these cases, the message format should be modified 
so that each line of text under ``VESREP'' is a separate vessel report.
    (f) Weekly reports. (1) The operator of each FFV in the EEZ must 
submit appropriate weekly reports through the Nation's designated 
representative. The report must arrive at the address and time specified 
in paragraph (g) of this section. The reports may be sent by facsimile 
or Telex, but a completed copy of the report form must be mailed or hand 
delivered to confirm the Telex. Appropriate forms, instructions, codes, 
and examples are contained in the conditions and restrictions of the 
FFV's permit. Designated representatives may include more than one 
vessel report in a facsimile or Telex message, if the information is 
submitted on a vessel-by-vessel basis. Requests for corrections to 
previous reports must be submitted through the Nation's designated 
representative and mailed or hand-delivered, together with a written 
explanation of the reasons for the errors. The appropriate Regional 
Administrator or Science and Research Director may accept or reject any 
correction and initiate any appropriate civil penalty actions.
    (2) Weekly catch report (CATREP). The operator of each FFV must 
submit a weekly catch report stating any catch (Activity Code 1) in 
round weight of each species or species group allocated to that Nation 
by area and days fished in each area for the weekly period Sunday 
through Saturday, GMT, as modified by the fishery in which the FFV is 
engaged. Foreign vessels delivering unsorted, unprocessed fish to a 
processing vessel are not required to submit CATREP's, if that 
processing vessel (Activity Code 2) submits consolidated CATREP's for 
all fish received during each weekly period. No report is required for 
FFV's that do not catch or receive foreign-caught fish during the 
reporting period.
    (3) Weekly receipts report (RECREP). The operator of each FFV must 
submit

[[Page 78]]

a weekly report stating any receipts of U.S.-harvested fish in a joint 
venture (Activity Code 4) for the weekly period Sunday through Saturday, 
GMT, as modified by the fishery in which the FFV is engaged, for each 
fishing area, by authorized or prohibited species or species group; days 
fish received; round weight retained or returned to the U.S. fishing 
vessel; number of codends received; and number of vessels transferring 
codends. The report must also include the names of U.S. fishing vessels 
transferring codends during the week. No report is required for FFV's 
that do not receive any U.S.-harvested fish during the reporting period.
    (4) Marine mammal report (MAMREP). The operator of each FFV must 
submit a weekly report stating any incidental catch or receipt of marine 
mammals (Activity Codes 1 or 2 and/or 4), the geographical position 
caught, the condition of the animal, number caught (if more than one of 
the same species and condition), and nationality of the catching vessel 
for the period Sunday through Saturday, GMT, as modified by the fishery 
in which the vessel is engaged. Foreign catching vessels delivering 
unsorted, unprocessed fish to processing vessel are not required to 
submit MAMREP's, provided that the processing or factory vessel 
(Activity Code 2) submits consolidated MAMREP's for all fish received 
during each weekly period. FFV's receiving U.S.-harvested fish in a 
joint venture (Activity Code 4) must submit consolidated reports for 
U.S. vessels operating in the joint venture. No report is required for 
FFV's that do not catch or receive marine mammals during the reporting 
period.
    (g) Submission instructions for weekly reports. The designated 
representative for each FFV must submit weekly reports in the prescribed 
format to the appropriate Regional Administrator or Science and Research 
Director of NMFS by 1900 GMT on the Wednesday following the end of the 
reporting period. However, by agreement with the appropriate Regional 
Administrator or Science and Research Director, the designated 
representative may submit weekly reports to some other facility of NMFS.
    (h) Alternative reporting procedures. As an alternative to the use 
of the specific procedures provided, an applicant may submit proposed 
reporting procedures for a general type of fishery operation (i.e., 
transshipments under Activity Code 10) to the appropriate Regional 
Administrator and the USCG commander (see tables 1 and 2 to Sec. 
600.502 of this chapter). With the agreement of the USCG commander, the 
Regional Administrator may authorize the use of alternative reporting 
procedures.

                  Table 1 to Sec. 600.502--Addresses
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                NMFS science and      U.S. Coast Guard
NMFS regional administrators   research directors        commanders
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Administrator, Northeast      Director, Northeast   Commander, Atlantic
 Region, National Marine       Fisheries Science     Area, U.S. Coast
 Fisheries Service, NOAA,      Center, National      Guard, 431 Crawford
 One Blackburn Drive,          Marine Fisheries      St., Portsmouth, VA
 Gloucester, MA 01930-2298.    Service, NOAA, 166    23704.
                               Water St., Woods
                               Hole, MA 02543-1097.
Administrator, Southeast      Director, Southeast   Commander, Atlantic
 Region, National Marine       Fisheries Science     Area, U.S. Coast
 Fisheries Service, 263 13th   Center, National      Guard, Governor's
 Ave. South, St. Petersburg,   Marine Fisheries      Island, New York
 FL 33701.                     Service, NOAA, 75     10004.
                               Virginia Beach
                               Drive, Miami, FL
                               33149.
Administrator, Northwest      Director, Northwest   Commander, Pacific
 Region, National Marine       Fisheries Science     Area, U.S. Coast
 Fisheries Service, NOAA,      Center, National      Guard, Government
 7600 Sand Point Way, NE,      Marine Fisheries      Island, Alameda, CA
 BIN C15700, Bldg. 1,          Service, NOAA, 2725   94501.
 Seattle, WA 98115.            Montlake Blvd.
                               East, Seattle, WA
                               98112-2097.
Administrator, Alaska         Director, Alaska      Commander,
 Region, National Marine       Fisheries Science     Seventeenth Coast
 Fisheries Service, NOAA,      Center, National      Guard District,
 P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK    Marine Fisheries      P.O. Box 25517,
 99802-1668.                   Service, NOAA, 7600   Juneau, AK 99802.
                               Sand Point Way, NE,
                               BIN C15700, Bldg.
                               4, Seattle, WA
                               98115-0070.
Administrator, Southwest      Director, Southwest   Commander,
 Region, National Marine       Fisheries Science     Fourteenth Coast
 Fisheries Service, NOAA,      Center, National      Guard District, 300
 501 West Ocean Blvd., Suite   Marine Fisheries      Ala Moana Blvd.,
 4200, Long Beach, CA 90802-   Service, NOAA, P.O.   Honolulu, HI 96850.
 4213.                         Box 271, La Jolla,
                               CA 92038-0271.

[[Page 79]]

 
Administrator, Pacific        Director, Pacific     Commander,
 Islands Region, National      Islands Fisheries     Fourteenth Coast
 Marine Fisheries Service,     Science Center,       Guard District, 300
 NOAA, 1845 Wasp Blvd.,        National Marine       Ala Moana Blvd.,
 Bldg. 176, Honolulu, HI       Fisheries Service,    Honolulu, HI 96850.
 96818.                        NOAA, 1845 Wasp
                               Blvd., Bldg. 176,
                               Honolulu, HI 96818.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


   Table 2 to Sec. 600.502--Areas of Responsibility of NMFS and U.S.
                           Coast Guard Offices
------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Area of responsibility/       National Marine
           fishery              Fisheries Service     U.S. Coast Guard
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Atlantic Ocean North of Cape  Director, Northeast   Commander, Atlantic
 Hatteras.                     Science Center,       Area.
                               Attn: Observer
                               Program.
Atlantic Ocean South of Cape  Director, Northeast   Commander, Atlantic
 Hatteras.                     Science Center,       Area.
                               Attn: Observer
                               Program.
Atlantic Tunas, Swordfish,    Director, Office of   Commander, Atlantic
 Billfish and Sharks.          Sustainable           Area.
                               Fisheries.
Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean  Administrator,        Commander, Atlantic
 Sea.                          Southeast Region.     Area.
Pacific Ocean off the States  Administrator,        Commander, Pacific
 of California, Oregon, and    Northwest Region.     Area.
 Washington.
North Pacific Ocean and       Administrator,        Commander,
 Bering Sea off Alaska.        Alaska Region.        Seventeenth Coast
                                                     Guard District.
Pacific Ocean off Hawaii,     Administrator,        Commander,
 American Samoa, Guam,         Pacific Islands       Fourteenth Coast
 Commonwealth of the           Region.               Guard District.
 Northern Mariana Islands,
 and U.S. Insular
 Possessions in the Central
 and Western Pacific.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


               Table 3 to Sec. 600.502--U.S. Coast Guard Communications Stations and Frequencies
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                    Radiotelephone
   U.S. Coast Guard communications   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
               station                         IRCS                 Channel \1\                GMT time
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boston..............................  NMF                     A-E                     2330-1100.
                                      ......................  B,C                     All.
                                      ......................  D                       1100-2330.
                                      ......................  E                       (On request).
CAMSLANT Chesapeake (Portsmouth, VA)  NMN                     A                       2330-1100.
                                      ......................  B,C                     All.
                                      ......................  D                       1100-2330.
                                      ......................  E                       (On request).
New Orleans.........................  NMG                     A                       2330-1100.
                                      ......................  B,C                     All.
                                      ......................  D                       1100-2330.
                                      ......................  E                       (On request).
CAMSPAC Point Reyes (San Francisco,   NMC                     A-D                     All.
 CA).
                                      ......................  E                       (On request).
Honolulu............................  NMO                     A-D                     All.
                                      ......................  E                       (On request).
Kodiak..............................  NOJ                     A-D                     All.
                                      ......................  E                       (On request).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Carrier frequencies of duplex, high-frequency single-sideband channels are:


------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Letter                  Shore transmit     Ship transmit
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A.................................             4426.0             4134.0
B.................................             6501.0             6200.0
C.................................             8764.0             8240.0
D.................................            13089.0            12242.0
E.................................            17314.0            16432.0
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[61 FR 32540, June 24, 1996, as amended at 63 FR 7073, Feb. 12, 1998; 64 
FR 39020, July 21, 1999; 69 FR 8341, Feb. 24, 2004; 76 FR 34902, June 
15, 2011; 79 FR 64111, Oct. 28, 2014]

[[Page 80]]



Sec. 600.503  Vessel and gear identification.

    (a) Vessel identification. (1) The operator of each FFV assigned an 
IRCS must display that call sign amidships on both the port and 
starboard sides of the deckhouse or hull, so that it is visible from an 
enforcement vessel, and on an appropriate weather deck so it is visible 
from the air.
    (2) The operator of each FFV not assigned an IRCS, such as a small 
trawler associated with a mothership or one of a pair of trawlers, must 
display the IRCS of the associated vessel, followed by a numerical 
suffix. (For example, JCZM-1, JCZM-2, etc., would be displayed on small 
trawlers not assigned an IRCS operating with a mothership whose IRCS is 
JCZM; JANP-1 would be displayed by a pair trawler not assigned an IRCS 
operating with a trawler whose IRCS is JANP.)
    (3) The vessel identification must be in a color in contrast to the 
background and must be permanently affixed to the FFV in block Roman 
alphabet letters and Arabic numerals at least 1 m in height for FFV's 
over 20 m in length, and at least 0.5 m in height for all other FFV's.
    (b) Navigational lights and shapes. Each FFV must display the lights 
and shapes prescribed by the International Regulations for Preventing 
Collisions at Sea, 1972 (TIAS 8587, and 1981 amendment TIAS 10672), for 
the activity in which the FFV is engaged (as described at 33 CFR part 
81).
    (c) Gear identification. (1) The operator of each FFV must ensure 
that all deployed fishing gear that is not physically and continuously 
attached to an FFV:
    (i) Is clearly marked at the surface with a buoy displaying the 
vessel identification of the FFV (see paragraph (a) of this section) to 
which the gear belongs.
    (ii) Has attached a light visible for 2 nautical miles (3.70 km) at 
night in good visibility.
    (iii) Has a radio buoy.
    Trawl codends passed from one vessel to another are considered 
continuously attached gear and are not required to be marked.
    (2) The operator of each FFV must ensure that deployed longlines, 
strings of traps or pots, and gillnets are marked at the surface at each 
terminal end with: (see paragraphs (c)(1)(i) through (c)(1)(iii) of this 
section).
    (3) Additional requirements may be specified for the fishery in 
which the vessel is engaged.
    (4) Unmarked or incorrectly identified fishing gear may be 
considered abandoned and may be disposed of in accordance with 
applicable Federal regulations by any authorized officer.
    (d) Maintenance. The operator of each FFV must--
    (1) Keep the vessel and gear identification clearly legible and in 
good repair.
    (2) Ensure that nothing on the FFV obstructs the view of the 
markings from an enforcement vessel or aircraft.
    (3) Ensure that the proper navigational lights and shapes are 
displayed for the FFV's activity and are properly functioning.



Sec. 600.504  Facilitation of enforcement.

    (a) General. (1) The owner, operator, or any person aboard any FFV 
subject to this subpart must immediately comply with instructions and 
signals issued by an authorized officer to stop the FFV; to move the FFV 
to a specified location; and to facilitate safe boarding and inspection 
of the vessel, its gear, equipment, records, and fish and fish products 
on board for purposes of enforcing the Magnuson-Stevens Act and this 
subpart.
    (2) The operator of each FFV must provide vessel position or other 
information when requested by an authorized officer within the time 
specified in the request.
    (b) Communications equipment. (1) Each FFV must be equipped with a 
VHF-FM radiotelephone station located so that it may be operated from 
the wheelhouse. Each operator must maintain a continuous listening watch 
on channel 16 (156.8 mHz).
    (2) Each FFV must be equipped with a radiotelephone station capable 
of communicating via 2182 kHz (SSB) radiotelephony and at least one set 
of working frequencies identified in table 3 to Sec. 600.502 
appropriate to the fishery in which the FFV is operating. Each operator 
must monitor and be ready to

[[Page 81]]

communicate via 2182 kHz (SSB) radiotelephone each day from 0800 GMT to 
0830 GMT and 2000 to 2030 GMT, and in preparation for boarding.
    (3) FFV's that are not equipped with processing facilities and that 
deliver all catches to a foreign processing vessel are exempt from the 
requirements of paragraph (b)(2) of this section.
    (4) FFV's with no IRCS that do not catch fish and are used as 
auxiliary vessels to handle codends, nets, equipment, or passengers for 
a processing vessel are exempt from the requirements of paragraphs 
(b)(1) and (b)(2) of this section.
    (5) The appropriate Regional Administrator, with the agreement of 
the appropriate USCG commander, may, upon request by a foreign nation, 
accept alternatives to the radio requirements of this section to certain 
FFV's or types of FFV's operating in a fishery, provided they are 
adequate for the communications needs of the fishery.
    (c) Communications procedures. (1) Upon being approached by a USCG 
vessel or aircraft, or other vessel or aircraft with an authorized 
officer aboard, the operator of any FFV subject to this subpart must be 
alert for communications conveying enforcement instructions. The 
enforcement unit may communicate by channel 16 VHF-FM radiotelephone, 
2182 kHz (SSB) radiotelephone, message block from an aircraft, flashing 
light or flag signals from the International Code of Signals, hand 
signal, placard, loudhailer, or other appropriate means. The following 
signals, extracted from the International Code of Signals, are among 
those that may be used.
    (i) ``AA, AA, AA, etc.'', which is the call for an unknown station. 
The signaled vessel should respond by identifying itself or by 
illuminating the vessel identification required by Sec. 600.505.
    (ii) ``RY-CY'', meaning ``You should proceed at slow speed, a boat 
is coming to you''.
    (iii) ``SQ3'', meaning ``You should stop or heave to; I am going to 
board you''.
    (iv) ``L'', meaning ``You should stop your vessel instantly.''
    (2) Failure of an FFV's operator to stop the vessel when directed to 
do so by an authorized officer using VHF-FM radiotelephone (channel 16), 
2182 kHz (SSB) radiotelephone (where required), message block from an 
aircraft, flashing light signal, flaghoist, or loudhailer constitutes a 
violation of this subpart.
    (3) The operator of or any person aboard an FFV who does not 
understand a signal from an enforcement unit and who is unable to obtain 
clarification by radiotelephone or other means must consider the signal 
to be a command to stop the FFV instantly.
    (d) Boarding. The operator of an FFV signaled for boarding must--
    (1) Monitor 2182 kHz (SSB) radiotelephone and channel 16 (156.8 mHz) 
VHF-FM radiotelephone.
    (2) Stop immediately and lay to or maneuver in such a way as to 
maintain the safety of the FFV and facilitate boarding by the authorized 
officer and the boarding party or an observer.
    (3) Provide the authorized officer, boarding party, or observer a 
safe pilot ladder. The operator must ensure the pilot ladder is securely 
attached to the FFV and meets the construction requirements of 
Regulation 17, Chapter V of the International Convention for the Safety 
of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974 (TIAS 9700 and 1978 Protocol, TIAS 10009), 
or a substantially equivalent national standard approved by letter from 
the Assistant Administrator, with agreement with the USCG. Safe pilot 
ladder standards are summarized below:
    (i) The ladder must be of a single length of not more than 9 m (30 
ft), capable of reaching the water from the point of access to the FFV, 
accounting for all conditions of loading and trim of the FFV and for an 
adverse list of 15[deg]. Whenever the distance from sea level to the 
point of access to the ship is more than 9 m (30 ft), access must be by 
means of an accommodation ladder or other safe and convenient means.
    (ii) The steps of the pilot ladder must be--
    (A) Of hardwood, or other material of equivalent properties, made in 
one piece free of knots, having an efficient non-slip surface; the four 
lowest steps may be made of rubber of sufficient strength and stiffness 
or of other suitable material of equivalent characteristics.

[[Page 82]]

    (B) Not less than 480 mm (19 inches) long, 115 mm (4.5 inches) wide, 
and 25 mm (1 inch) in depth, excluding any non-slip device.
    (C) Equally spaced not less than 300 millimeters (12 inches) nor 
more than 380 mm (15 inches) apart and secured in such a manner that 
they will remain horizontal.
    (iii) No pilot ladder may have more than two replacement steps that 
are secured in position by a method different from that used in the 
original construction of the ladder.
    (iv) The side ropes of the ladder must consist of two uncovered 
manila ropes not less than 60 mm (2.25 inches) in circumference on each 
side (or synthetic ropes of equivalent size and equivalent or greater 
strength). Each rope must be continuous, with no joints below the top 
step.
    (v) Battens made of hardwood, or other material of equivalent 
properties, in one piece and not less than 1.80 m (5 ft 10 inches) long 
must be provided at such intervals as will prevent the pilot ladder from 
twisting. The lowest batten must be on the fifth step from the bottom of 
the ladder and the interval between any batten and the next must not 
exceed nine steps.
    (vi) Where passage onto or off the ship is by means of a bulwark 
ladder, two handhold stanchions must be fitted at the point of boarding 
or leaving the FFV not less than 0.70 m (2 ft 3 inches) nor more than 
0.80 m (2 ft 7 inches) apart, not less than 40 mm (2.5 inches) in 
diameter, and must extend not less than 1.20 m (3 ft 11 inches) above 
the top of the bulwark.
    (4) When necessary to facilitate the boarding or when requested by 
an authorized officer or observer, provide a manrope, safety line, and 
illumination for the ladder; and
    (5) Take such other actions as necessary to ensure the safety of the 
authorized officer and the boarding party and to facilitate the boarding 
and inspection.
    (e) Access and records. (1) The owner and operator of each FFV must 
provide authorized officers access to all spaces where work is conducted 
or business papers and records are prepared or stored, including but not 
limited to, personal quarters and areas within personal quarters.
    (2) The owner and operator of each FFV must provide to authorized 
officers all records and documents pertaining to the fishing activities 
of the vessel, including but not limited to, production records, fishing 
logs, navigation logs, transfer records, product receipts, cargo stowage 
plans or records, draft or displacement calculations, customs documents 
or records, and an accurate hold plan reflecting the current structure 
of the vessel's storage and factory spaces.
    (f) Product storage. The operator of each permitted FFV storing fish 
or fish products in a storage space must ensure that all non-fish 
product items are neither stowed beneath nor covered by fish products, 
unless required to maintain the stability and safety of the vessel. 
These items include, but are not limited to, portable conveyors, exhaust 
fans, ladders, nets, fuel bladders, extra bin boards, or other movable 
non-product items. These items may be in the space when necessary for 
safety of the vessel or crew or for storage of the product. Lumber, bin 
boards, or other dunnage may be used for shoring or bracing of product 
to ensure safety of crew and to prevent shifting of cargo within the 
space.

[61 FR 32540, June 24, 1996, as amended at 63 FR 7075, Feb. 12, 1998]



Sec. 600.505  Prohibitions.

    (a) It is unlawful for any person to do any of the following:
    (1) Ship, transport, offer for sale, sell, purchase, import, export, 
or have custody, control, or possession of any fish taken or retained in 
violation of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, the applicable GIFA, this 
subpart, or any permit issued under this subpart;
    (2) Refuse to allow an authorized officer to board an FFV for 
purposes of conducting any search or inspection in connection with the 
enforcement of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, the applicable GIFA, this 
subpart, or any other permit issued under this subpart;
    (3) Assault, resist, oppose, impede, intimidate, or interfere with 
any authorized officer in the conduct of any inspection or search 
described in paragraph (a)(2) of this section;

[[Page 83]]

    (4) Resist a lawful arrest for any act prohibited by the Magnuson-
Stevens Act, the applicable GIFA, this subpart, or any permit issued 
under this subpart;
    (5) Interfere with, delay, or prevent by any means the apprehension 
or arrest of another person with the knowledge that such other person 
has committed any act prohibited by the Magnuson-Stevens Act, the 
applicable GIFA, this subpart, or any permit issued under this subpart;
    (6) Interfere with, obstruct, delay, oppose, impede, intimidate, or 
prevent by any means any boarding, investigation or search, wherever 
conducted, in the process of enforcing the Magnuson-Stevens Act, the 
applicable GIFA, this subpart, or any permit issued under this subpart;
    (7) Engage in any fishing activity for which the FFV does not have a 
permit as required under Sec. 600.501;
    (8) Engage in any fishing activity within the EEZ without a U.S. 
observer aboard the FFV, unless the requirement has been waived by the 
Assistant Administrator or appropriate Regional Administrator;
    (9) Retain or attempt to retain, directly or indirectly, any U.S. 
harvested fish, unless the FFV has a permit for Activity Codes 4, 6, or 
10;
    (10) Use any fishing vessel to engage in fishing after the 
revocation, or during the period of suspension, of an applicable permit 
issued under this subpart;
    (11) Violate any provision of the applicable GIFA;
    (12) Falsely or incorrectly complete (including by omission) a 
permit application or permit form as specified in Sec. 600.501 (d) and 
(k);
    (13) Fail to report to the Assistant Administrator within 15 days 
any change in the information contained in the permit application for a 
FFV, as specified in Sec. 600.501(k);
    (14) Assault, resist, oppose, impede, intimidate, or interfere with 
an observer placed aboard an FFV under this subpart;
    (15) Interfere with or bias the sampling procedure employed by an 
observer, including sorting or discarding any catch prior to sampling, 
unless the observer has stated that sampling will not occur; or tamper 
with, destroy, or discard an observer's collected samples, equipment, 
records, photographic film, papers, or effects without the express 
consent of the observer;
    (16) Prohibit or bar by command, impediment, threat, coercion, or 
refusal of reasonable assistance, an observer from collecting samples, 
conducting product recovery rate determinations, making observations, or 
otherwise performing the observer's duties;
    (17) Harass or sexually harass an authorized officer or observer;
    (18) Fail to provide the required assistance to an observer as 
described at Sec. 600.506 (c) and (e);
    (19) Fail to identify, falsely identify, fail to properly maintain, 
or obscure the identification of the FFV or its gear as required by this 
subpart;
    (20) Falsify or fail to make, keep, maintain, or submit any record 
or report required by this subpart;
    (21) Fail to return to the sea or fail to otherwise treat prohibited 
species as required by this subpart;
    (22) Fail to report or falsely report any gear conflict;
    (23) Fail to report or falsely report any loss, jettisoning, or 
abandonment of fishing gear or other article into the EEZ that might 
interfere with fishing, obstruct fishing gear or vessels, or cause 
damage to any fishery resource or marine mammals;
    (24) Continue Activity Codes 1 through 4 after those activity codes 
have been canceled under Sec. 600.511;
    (25) Fail to maintain health and safety standards set forth in Sec. 
600.506(d);
    (26) Violate any provisions of regulations for specific fisheries of 
this subpart;
    (27) On a scientific research vessel, engage in fishing other than 
recreational fishing authorized by applicable state, territorial, or 
Federal regulations;
    (28) Violate any provision of this subpart, the Magnuson-Stevens 
Act, the applicable GIFA, any notice issued under this subpart or any 
permit issued under this subpart; or
    (29) Attempt to do any of the foregoing.
    (b) It is unlawful for any FFV, and for the owner or operator of any 
FFV

[[Page 84]]

except an FFV engaged only in recreational fishing, to fish--
    (1) Within the boundaries of any state, unless:
    (i) The fishing is authorized by the Governor of that state as 
permitted by section 306(c) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act to engage in a 
joint venture for processing and support with U.S. fishing vessels in 
the internal waters of that state; or
    (ii) The fishing is authorized by, and conducted in accordance with, 
a valid permit issued under Sec. 600.501, and the Governor of that 
state has indicated concurrence to allow fishing consisting solely of 
transporting fish or fish products from a point within the boundaries of 
that state to a point outside the United States; or
    (2) Within the EEZ, or for any anadromous species or continental 
shelf fishery resources beyond the EEZ, unless the fishing is authorized 
by, and conducted in accordance with, a valid permit issued under Sec. 
600.501.

[61 FR 32540, June 24, 1996, as amended at 63 FR 7075, Feb. 12, 1998; 64 
FR 39020, July 21, 1999]



Sec. 600.506  Observers.

    (a) General. To carry out such scientific, compliance monitoring, 
and other functions as may be necessary or appropriate to carry out the 
purposes of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, the appropriate Regional 
Administrator or Science and Research Director (see table 2 to Sec. 
600.502) may assign U.S. observers to FFV's. Except as provided for in 
section 201(h)(2) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, no FFV may conduct 
fishing operations within the EEZ unless a U.S. observer is aboard.
    (b) Effort plan. To ensure the availability of an observer as 
required by this section, the owners and operators of FFV's wanting to 
fish within the EEZ will submit to the appropriate Regional 
Administrator or Science and Research Director and also to the Chief, 
Financial Services Division, NMFS, 1315 East West Highway, Silver 
Spring, MD 20910 a schedule of fishing effort 30 days prior to the 
beginning of each quarter. A quarter is a time period of 3 consecutive 
months beginning January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1 of each year. 
The schedule will contain the name and IRCS of each FFV intending to 
fish within the EEZ during the upcoming quarter, and each FFV's expected 
date of arrival and expected date of departure.
    (1) The appropriate Regional Administrator or Science and Research 
Director must be notified immediately of any substitution of vessels or 
any cancellation of plans to fish in the EEZ for FFV's listed in the 
effort plan required by this section.
    (2) If an arrival date of an FFV will vary more than 5 days from the 
date listed in the quarterly schedule, the appropriate Regional 
Administrator or Science and Research Director must be notified at least 
10 days in advance of the rescheduled date of arrival. If the notice 
required by this paragraph (b)(2) is not given, the FFV may not engage 
in fishing until an observer is available and has been placed aboard the 
vessel or the requirement has been waived by the appropriate Regional 
Administrator or Science and Research Director.
    (c) Assistance to observers. To assist the observer in the 
accomplishment of his or her assigned duties, the owner and operator of 
an FFV to which an observer is assigned must--
    (1) Provide, at no cost to the observer or the United States, 
accommodations for the observer aboard the FFV that are equivalent to 
those provided to the officers of that vessel.
    (2) Cause the FFV to proceed to such places and at such times as may 
be designated by the appropriate Regional Administrator or Science and 
Research Director for the purpose of embarking and debarking the 
observer.
    (3) Allow the observer to use the FFV's communications equipment and 
personnel upon demand for the transmission and receipt of messages.
    (4) Allow the observer access to and use of the FFV's navigation 
equipment and personnel upon demand to determine the vessel's position.
    (5) Allow the observer free and unobstructed access to the FFV's 
bridge, trawl, or working decks, holding bins, processing areas, freezer 
spaces, weight scales, cargo holds and any other space that may be used 
to hold, process, weigh, or store fish or fish products at any time.

[[Page 85]]

    (6) Allow the observer to inspect and copy the FFV's daily log, 
communications log, transfer log, and any other log, document, notice, 
or record required by these regulations.
    (7) Provide the observer copies of any records required by these 
regulations upon demand.
    (8) Notify the observer at least 15 minutes before fish are brought 
on board or fish or fish products are transferred from the FFV to allow 
sampling the catch or observing the transfer, unless the observer 
specifically requests not to be notified.
    (9) Provide all other reasonable assistance to enable the observer 
to carry out his or her duties.
    (d) Health and safety standards. All foreign fishing vessels to 
which an observer is deployed must maintain, at all times that the 
vessel is in the EEZ, the following:
    (1) At least one working radar.
    (2) Functioning navigation lights as required by international law.
    (3) A watch on the bridge by appropriately trained and experienced 
personnel while the vessel is underway.
    (4) Lifeboats and/or inflatable life rafts with a total carrying 
capacity equal to or greater than the number of people aboard the 
vessel. Lifeboats and inflatable life rafts must be maintained in good 
working order and be readily available.
    (5) Life jackets equal or greater in number to the total number of 
persons aboard the vessel. Life jackets must be stowed in readily 
accessible and plainly marked positions throughout the vessel, and 
maintained in a state of good repair.
    (6) At least one ring life buoy for each 25 ft (7.6 m) of vessel 
length, equipped with automatic water lights. Ring life buoys must have 
an outside diameter of not more than 32 inches (81.3 cm) nor less than 
30 inches (76.2 cm), and must be maintained in a state of good repair. 
Ring life buoys must be readily available, but not positioned so they 
pose a threat of entanglement in work areas. They must be secured in 
such a way that they can be easily cast loose in the event of an 
emergency.
    (7) At least one VHF-FM radio with a functioning channel 16 (156.8 
mHz), International Distress, Safety and Calling Frequency, and one 
functioning AM radio (SSB-Single Side Band) capable of operating at 2182 
kHz (SSB). Radios will be maintained in a radio room, chartroom, or 
other suitable location.
    (8) At least one Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB), 
approved by the USCG for offshore commercial use, stowed in a location 
so as to make it readily available in the event of an emergency.
    (9) At least six hand-held, rocket-propelled, parachute, red-flare 
distress signals, and three orange-smoke distress signals stowed in the 
pilothouse or navigation bridge in portable watertight containers.
    (10) All lights, shapes, whistles, foghorns, fog bells and gongs 
required by and maintained in accordance with the International 
Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea.
    (11) Clean and sanitary conditions in all living spaces, food 
service and preparation areas and work spaces aboard the vessel.
    (e) Observer transfers. (1) The operator of the FFV must ensure that 
transfers of observers at sea via small boat or raft are carried out 
during daylight hours as weather and sea conditions allow, and with the 
agreement of the observer involved. The FFV operator must provide the 
observer 3 hours advance notice of at-sea transfers, so that the 
observer may collect personal belongings, equipment, and scientific 
samples.
    (2) The FFV's involved must provide a safe pilot ladder and conduct 
the transfer according to the procedures of Sec. 600.504(d) to ensure 
the safety of the during the transfer.
    (3) An experienced crew member must assist the observer in the small 
boat or raft in which the transfer is made.
    (f) Supplementary observers. In the event funds are not available 
from Congressional appropriations of fees collected to assign an 
observer to a foreign fishing vessel, the appropriate Regional 
Administrator or Science and Research Director will assign a 
supplementary observer to that vessel. The costs of supplementary 
observers will be paid for by the owners and operators of foreign 
fishing vessels as provided for in paragraph (h) of this section.

[[Page 86]]

    (g) Supplementary observer authority and duties. (1) A supplementary 
observer aboard a foreign fishing vessel has the same authority and must 
be treated in all respects as an observer who is employed by NMFS, 
either directly or under contract.
    (2) The duties of supplementary observers and their deployment and 
work schedules will be specified by the appropriate Regional 
Administrator or Science and Research Director.
    (3) All data collected by supplementary observers will be under the 
exclusive control of the Assistant Administrator.
    (h) Supplementary observer payment--(1) Method of payment. The 
owners and operators of foreign fishing vessels must pay directly to the 
contractor the costs of supplementary observer coverage. Payment must be 
made to the contractor supplying supplementary observer coverage either 
by letter of credit or certified check drawn on a federally chartered 
bank in U.S. dollars, or other financial institution acceptable to the 
contractor. The letter of credit used to pay supplementary observer fees 
to contractors must be separate and distinct from the letter of credit 
required by Sec. 600.518(b)(2). Billing schedules will be specified by 
the terms of the contract between NOAA and the contractors. Billings for 
supplementary observer coverage will be approved by the appropriate 
Regional Administrator or Science and Research Director and then 
transmitted to the owners and operators of foreign fishing vessels by 
the appropriate designated representative. Each country will have only 
one designated representative to receive observer bills for all vessels 
of that country, except as provided for by the Assistant Administrator. 
All bills must be paid within 10 working days of the billing date. 
Failure to pay an observer bill will constitute grounds to revoke 
fishing permits. All fees collected under this section will be 
considered interim in nature and subject to reconciliation at the end of 
the fiscal year in accordance with paragraph (h)(4) of this section and 
Sec. 600.518(d).
    (2) Contractor costs. The costs charged for supplementary observer 
coverage to the owners and operators of foreign fishing vessels may not 
exceed the costs charged to NMFS for the same or similar services, 
except that contractors may charge to the owners and operators of 
foreign fishing vessels an additional fee to cover the administrative 
costs of the program not ordinarily part of contract costs charged to 
NMFS. The costs charged foreign fishermen for supplementary observers 
may include, but are not limited to the following:
    (i) Salary and benefits, including overtime, for supplementary 
observers.
    (ii) The costs of post-certification training required by paragraph 
(j)(2) of this section.
    (iii) The costs of travel, transportation, and per diem associated 
with deploying supplementary observers to foreign fishing vessels 
including the cost of travel, transportation, and per diem from the 
supplementary observer's post of duty to the point of embarkation to the 
foreign fishing vessel, and then from the point of disembarkation to the 
post of duty from where the trip began. For the purposes of these 
regulations, the appropriate Regional Administrator or Science and 
Research Director will designate posts of duty for supplementary 
observers.
    (iv) The costs of travel, transportation, and per diem associated 
with the debriefing following deployment of a supplementary observer by 
NMFS officials.
    (v) The administrative and overhead costs incurred by the contractor 
and, if appropriate, a reasonable profit.
    (3) NMFS costs. The owners and operators of foreign fishing vessels 
must also pay to NMFS as part of the surcharge required by section 
201(i)(4) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, the following costs:
    (i) The costs of certifying applicants for the position of 
supplementary observer.
    (ii) The costs of any equipment, including safety equipment, 
sampling equipment, operations manuals, or other texts necessary to 
perform the duties of a supplementary observer. The equipment will be 
specified by the appropriate Regional Administrator or Science and 
Research Director according to the requirements of the fishery to which 
the supplementary observer will be deployed.

[[Page 87]]

    (iii) The costs associated with communications with supplementary 
observers for transmission of data and routine messages.
    (iv) For the purposes of monitoring the supplementary observer 
program, the costs for the management and analysis of data.
    (v) The costs for data editing and entry.
    (vi) Any costs incurred by NMFS to train, deploy or debrief a 
supplementary observer.
    (vii) The cost for U.S. Customs inspection for supplementary 
observers disembarking after deployment.
    (4) Reconciliation. Fees collected by the contractor in excess of 
the actual costs of supplementary observer coverage will be refunded to 
the owners and operators of foreign fishing vessels, or kept on deposit 
to defray the costs of future supplementary observer coverage. Refunds 
will be made within 60 days after final costs are determined and 
approved by NMFS.
    (i) Supplementary observer contractors--(1) Contractor eligibility. 
Supplementary observers will be obtained by NMFS from persons or firms 
having established contracts to provide NMFS with observers. In the 
event no such contract is in place, NMFS will use established, 
competitive contracting procedures to select persons or firms to provide 
supplementary observers. The services supplied by the supplementary 
observer contractors will be as described within the contract and as 
specified below.
    (2) Supplementary observer contractors must submit for the approval 
of the Assistant Administrator the following:
    (i) A copy of any contract, including all attachments, amendments, 
and enclosures thereto, between the contractor and the owners and 
operators of foreign fishing vessels for whom the contractor will 
provide supplementary observer services.
    (ii) All application information for persons whom the contractor 
desires to employ as certified supplementary observers.
    (iii) Billing schedules and billings to the owners and operators of 
foreign fishing vessels for further transmission to the designated 
representative of the appropriate foreign nation.
    (iv) All data on costs.
    (j) Supplementary observers--certification, training--(1) 
Certification. The appropriate Regional Administrator or Science and 
Research Director will certify persons as qualified for the position of 
supplementary observer once the following conditions are met:
    (i) The candidate is a citizen or national of the United States.
    (ii) The candidate has education or experience equivalent to the 
education or experience required of persons used as observers by NMFS as 
either Federal personnel or contract employees. The education and 
experience required for certification may vary according to the 
requirements of managing the foreign fishery in which the supplementary 
observer is to be deployed. Documentation of U.S. citizenship or 
nationality, and education or experience will be provided from personal 
qualification statements on file with NMFS contractors who provide 
supplementary observer services, and will not require the submission of 
additional information to NMFS.
    (2) Training. Prior to deployment to foreign fishing vessels, 
certified supplementary observers must also meet the following 
conditions:
    (i) Each certified supplementary observer must satisfactorily 
complete a course of training approved by the appropriate Regional 
Administrator or Science and Research Director as equivalent to that 
received by persons used as observers by NMFS as either Federal 
personnel or contract employees. The course of training may vary 
according to the foreign fishery in which the supplementary observer is 
to be deployed.
    (ii) Each certified supplementary observer must agree in writing to 
abide by standards of conduct as set forth in Department of Commerce 
Administrative Order 202-735 (as provided by the contractor).
    (k) Supplementary observer certification suspension or revocation. 
(1) Certification of a supplementary observer may be suspended or 
revoked by the Assistant Administrator under the following conditions:

[[Page 88]]

    (i) A supplementary observer fails to perform the duties specified 
in paragraph (g)(2) of this section.
    (ii) A supplementary observer fails to abide by the standards of 
conduct described by Department of Commerce Administrative Order 202-
735.
    (2) The suspension or revocation of the certification of a 
supplementary observer by the Assistant Administrator may be based on 
the following:
    (i) Boarding inspection reports by authorized officers of the USCG 
or NMFS, or other credible information, that indicate a supplementary 
observer has failed to abide by the established standards of conduct; or
    (ii) An analysis by NMFS of the data collected by a supplementary 
observer indicating improper or incorrect data collection or recording. 
The failure to properly collect or record data is sufficient to justify 
decertification of supplementary observers; no intent to defraud need be 
demonstrated.
    (3) The Assistant Administrator will notify the supplementary 
observer, in writing, of the Assistant Administrator's intent to suspend 
or revoke certification, and the reasons therefor, and provide the 
supplementary observer a reasonable opportunity to respond. If the 
Assistant Administrator determines that there are disputed questions of 
material fact, then the Assistant Administrator may in this respect 
appoint an examiner to make an informal fact-finding inquiry and prepare 
a report and recommendations.

[61 FR 32540, June 24, 1996, as amended at 63 FR 7074, 7075, Feb. 12, 
1998; 64 FR 39020, July 21, 1999]



Sec. 600.507  Recordkeeping.

    (a) General. The owner and operator of each FFV must maintain timely 
and accurate records required by this section as modified by the 
regulations for the fishery in which the FFV is engaged.
    (1) The owner and operator of each FFV must maintain all required 
records in English, based on Greenwich mean time (GMT) unless otherwise 
specified in the regulation, and make them immediately available for 
inspection upon the request of an authorized officer or observer.
    (2) The owner and operator of each FFV must retain all required 
records on board the FFV whenever it is in the EEZ, for 3 years after 
the end of the permit period.
    (3) The owner and operator of each FFV must retain the required 
records and make them available for inspection upon the request of an 
authorized officer at any time during the 3 years after the end of the 
permit period, whether or not such records are on board the vessel.
    (4) The owner and operator of each FFV must provide to the Assistant 
Administrator, in the form and at the times prescribed, any other 
information requested that the Assistant Administrator determines is 
necessary to fulfill the fishery conservation, management and 
enforcement purposes of the Magnuson-Stevens Act.
    (b) Communications log. The owner and operator of each FFV must 
record in a separate communications log, at the time of transmittal, the 
time and content of each notification made under Sec. 600.504.
    (c) Transfer log. Except for the transfer of unsorted, unprocessed 
fish via codend from a catching vessel to a processing vessel (Activity 
Code 2 or 4), the owner and operator of each FFV must record, in a 
separate transfer log, each transfer or receipt of any fish or fishery 
product, including quantities transferred or offloaded outside the EEZ. 
The operator must record in the log within 12 hours of the completion of 
the transfer:
    (1) The time and date (GMT) and location (in geographic coordinates) 
the transfer began and was completed.
    (2) The product weight, by species and product (use species and 
product codes), of all fish transferred, to the nearest 0.01 mt.
    (3) The name, IRCS, and permit number of both the FFV offloading the 
fish and the FFV receiving the fish.
    (d) Daily fishing log. (1) The owner or operator of each FFV 
authorized to catch fish (Activity Code 1) must maintain a daily fishing 
log of the effort, catch and production of the FFV, as modified by 
paragraph (d)(2) of this section and the regulations for the fishery in 
which the FFV is engaged. The operator must maintain on a daily

[[Page 89]]

and cumulative basis for the permit period a separate log for each 
fishery (see table 2 to Sec. 600.502) in which the FFV is engaged 
according to this section and in the format specified in the 
instructions provided with the permit or other format authorized under 
paragraph (i) of this section. Daily effort entries are required for 
each day the vessel conducts fishing operations within the EEZ. Daily 
entries are not required whenever the FFV is in port or engaged in a 
joint venture in the internal waters of a state. Each page of log may 
contain entries pertaining to only one day's fishing operations or one 
gear set, whichever is longer.
    (2) The owner or operator of each FFV authorized to catch fish 
(Activity Code 1) and that delivers all catches to a processing vessel, 
must maintain only ``SECTION ONE-EFFORT'', of the daily fishing log, 
provided the processing vessel maintains a daily consolidated fishing 
log as described in paragraphs (f) and (g) of this section.
    (e) Daily fishing log--contents. The daily fishing log must contain 
the following information, as modified by paragraph (d)(2) of this 
section and the regulations for the fishery in which the FFV is engaged, 
and be completed according to the format and instructions provided with 
the permit or other format authorized under paragraph (i) of this 
section.
    (1) ``SECTION ONE-EFFORT'' must contain on a daily basis--
    (i) A consecutive page number, beginning with the first day the 
vessel started fishing operations within the EEZ and continuing 
throughout the log.
    (ii) The date (based on GMT).
    (iii) The FFV's name.
    (iv) The FFV's IRCS.
    (v) The FFV's U.S. permit number.
    (vi) The FFV's noon (1200 GMT) position in geographic coordinates.
    (vii) The master or operator's signature or title.
    (2) ``SECTION ONE-EFFORT'' must contain, for each trawl or set, as 
appropriate to the gear type employed--
    (i) The consecutive trawl or set number, beginning with the first 
set of the calendar year.
    (ii) The fishing area in which the trawl or set was completed.
    (iii) The gear type.
    (iv) The time the gear was set.
    (v) The position of the set.
    (vi) The course of the set.
    (vii) The sea depth.
    (viii) The depth of the set.
    (ix) The duration of the set.
    (x) The hauling time.
    (xi) The position of the haul.
    (xii) The number of pots or longline units (where applicable).
    (xiii) The average number of hooks per longline unit (where 
applicable).
    (xiv) The trawl speed (where applicable).
    (xv) The mesh size of the trawl's codend (where applicable).
    (xvi) The estimated total weight of the catch for the trawl of set, 
to at least the nearest metric ton round weight.
    (3) ``SECTION TWO-CATCH'' must contain, for each trawl or set--
    (i) The consecutive set or trawl number from ``SECTION ONE''.
    (ii) The catch of each allocated species or species group to at 
least the nearest 0.1 mt round weight.
    (iii) The prohibited species catch to at least the nearest 0.1 mt 
round weight or by number, as required by the regulations for the 
fishery in which the FFV is engaged.
    (iv) The species code of each marine mammal caught and its condition 
when released.
    (4) ``SECTION TWO-CATCH'' must contain, on a daily basis--
    (i) The species codes for all allocated or prohibited species or 
species groups caught.
    (ii) For each allocated species--the amount, to at least the nearest 
0.1 mt, and the daily disposition, either processed for human 
consumption, used for fishmeal, or discarded; the daily catch by fishing 
area; the daily catch for all fishing areas; and the cumulative total 
catch.
    (iii) For the total catch of allocated species--the amount to at 
least the nearest 0.1 mt and the daily disposition, daily total catch by 
fishing area, daily total catch for all fishing areas, and cumulative 
total catch.
    (iv) The catch by fishing area, daily total, and cumulative total of 
each prohibited species.
    (5) ``SECTION THREE--PRODUCTION'' must contain, on a daily basis,

[[Page 90]]

for each allocated species caught and product produced--
    (i) The product by species code and product type.
    (ii) The daily product recovery rate of each species and product.
    (iii) The daily total product produced by species to at least the 
nearest 0.01 mt.
    (iv) The cumulative total of each product to at least the nearest 
0.01 mt.
    (v) The cumulative amount of product transferred.
    (vi) The balance of product remaining aboard the FFV.
    (vii) The total daily amount, cumulative amount, transferred product 
and balance of frozen product aboard the FFV to the nearest 0.01 mt.
    (viii) Transferred amount and balance of fishmeal and fish oil 
aboard to at least the nearest 0.01 mt.
    (f) Daily consolidated fishing or joint venture log. The operator of 
each FFV that receives unsorted, unprocessed fish from foreign catching 
vessels (Activity Code 2) for processing or receives U.S.-harvested fish 
from U.S. fishing vessels in a joint venture (Activity Code 4) must 
maintain a daily joint venture log of the effort, catch and production 
of its associated U.S. or foreign fishing vessels and the processing 
vessel as modified by the regulations for the fishery in which the FFV 
is engaged. This log is separate and in addition to the log required by 
paragraph (d) of this section. The operator must maintain a separate log 
for each fishery in which the FFV is engaged, on a daily and cumulative 
basis, according to this section and in the format specified in the 
instructions provided with the permit or other format authorized under 
paragraph (i) of this section. Receipts of fish caught outside the EEZ 
must be included. Each page of the log may contain entries pertaining to 
only one day's fishing operations.
    (g) Daily joint venture log--contents. Daily joint venture logs must 
contain the following information, as modified by the fishery in which 
the vessel is engaged, and be completed according to the format and 
instructions provided with the permit or other format authorized under 
paragraph (i) of this section.
    (1) ``SECTION ONE-EFFORT'' must contain, on a daily basis, that 
information required in paragraph (e)(1) of this section.
    (2) ``SECTION ONE-EFFORT'' must contain for each receipt of a 
codend--
    (i) The consecutive codend number, beginning with the first codend 
received for the calendar year.
    (ii) The name of the U.S. fishing vessel or the name and IRCS of the 
foreign fishing vessel the codend was received from.
    (iii) The fishing area where the codend was received.
    (iv) The time the codend was received.
    (v) The position the codend was received.
    (vi) The estimated weight of the codend to at least the nearest 
metric ton round weight.
    (3) ``SECTION TWO-CATCH'' must contain, for each codend received--
    (i) The consecutive codend number from ``SECTION ONE''.
    (ii) The receipts of each authorized species or species group and 
its disposition, either processed for human consumption, used for 
fishmeal, discarded, or returned to the U.S. fishing vessel, to at least 
the nearest 0.1 mt round weight.
    (iii) The estimated receipts of each prohibited species or species 
group and its disposition, either discarded or returned to the U.S. 
fishing vessel if authorized in the fishery in which the U.S. vessel is 
engaged, to at least the nearest 0.1 mt round weight.
    (iv) The species code of each marine mammal received and its 
condition when released.
    (4) ``SECTION TWO-CATCH'' must contain on a daily basis--
    (i) The species codes of all authorized or prohibited species or 
species groups received.
    (ii) The daily disposition, as described in paragraph (g)(3)(ii) of 
this section, daily total, and cumulative total receipts of each 
authorized species or species groups.
    (iii) The daily disposition, daily total and cumulative total 
receipts of all authorized species or species groups.
    (iv) The daily and cumulative total receipts of prohibited species 
groups

[[Page 91]]

and their disposition as described in paragraph (g)(3)(iii) of this 
section.
    (5) ``SECTION THREE--PRODUCTION'' must contain, on a daily basis, 
for each authorized species or species group received and product 
produced, that information required in paragraph (e)(5) of this section.
    (h) Daily log maintenance. The logs required by paragraphs (e) 
through (g) of this section must be maintained separately for each 
fishery (see table 2 to Sec. 600.502).
    (1) The effort section (all of ``SECTION ONE'') of the daily logs 
must be updated within 2 hours of the hauling or receipt time. The catch 
or receipt by trawl or set (``SECTION TWO'') must be entered within 12 
hours of the hauling or receipt time. The daily and cumulative total 
catch or receipts (``SECTION TWO'') and the production portion 
(``SECTION THREE'') of the log must be updated within 12 hours of the 
end of the day on which the catch was taken. The date of catch is the 
day and time (GMT) the gear is hauled.
    (2) Entries for total daily and cumulative catch or receipt weights 
(disposition ``C'' or ``M'') must be based on the most accurate method 
available to the vessel, either scale round weights or factory weights 
converted to round weights. Entries for daily and cumulative weights of 
discarded or returned fish (disposition ``D'' or ``R'') must be based on 
the most accurate method available to the vessel, either actual count, 
scale round weight, or estimated deck weights. Entries for product 
weights must be based on the number of production units (pans, boxes, 
blocks, trays, cans, or bags) and the average weight of the production 
unit, with reasonable allowances for water added. Allowances for water 
added cannot exceed 5 percent of the unit weight. Product weights cannot 
be based on the commercial or arbitrary wholesale weight of the product, 
but must be based on the total actual weight of the product as 
determined by representative samples.
    (3) The owner or operator must make all entries in indelible ink, 
with corrections to be accomplished by lining out and rewriting, rather 
than erasure.
    (i) Alternative log formats. As an alternative to the use of the 
specific formats provided, a Nation may submit a proposed log format for 
FFV's of that Nation for a general type of fishery operation in a 
fishery (i.e., joint venture operations) to the appropriate Regional 
Administrator and the USCG commander (see tables 1 and 2 to Sec. 
600.502). With the agreement of the USCG commander, the Regional 
Administrator may authorize the use of that log format for vessels of 
the requesting Nation.

[61 FR 32540, June 24, 1996, as amended at 63 FR 7075, Feb. 12, 1998]



Sec. 600.508  Fishing operations.

    (a) Catching. Each FFV authorized for activity code 1 may catch 
fish. An FFV may retain its catch of any species or species group for 
which there is an unfilled national allocation. All fish caught will be 
counted against the national allocation, even if the fish are discarded, 
unless exempted by the regulations of the fishery in which the FFV is 
engaged. Catching operations may be conducted as specified by the 
regulations of the fishery in which the FFV is engaged and as modified 
by the FFV's permit.
    (b) Scouting. Each FFV authorized for Activity Codes 1 through 6 may 
scout for fish. Scouting may be conducted only in the fisheries area 
authorized by the scouting vessel's permit and under such other 
circumstances as may be designated in this subpart or the permit.
    (c) Processing. Each FFV with Activity Code 1 or 2 may process fish. 
Processing may only be conducted whenever and wherever catching 
operations for FFV's of that Nation are permitted, whenever and wherever 
joint venture operations are authorized by an FFV's permit under 
Activity Code 4, and under such other circumstances as may be designated 
in this subpart or the permit.
    (d) Support. Each FFV with Activity Codes 1, 2, 3, 5, or 8 may 
support other permitted FFV's. Each FFV with Activity Codes 4 or 6 may 
support U.S. vessels. Support operations may be conducted only in the 
fisheries areas authorized by the supporting vessel's permit, and under 
such other circumstances as may be designated in this subpart or the 
permit.

[[Page 92]]

    (e) Joint ventures. Each FFV with Activity Code 4 in addition to 
Activity Codes 1 or 2 may also conduct operations with U.S. fishing 
vessels. These joint venture operations with U.S. fishing vessels may be 
conducted throughout the EEZ, and under such other circumstances as may 
be designated in these regulations or the permit. FFV's with activity 
code 4 may continue operations assisting U.S. fishing vessels, despite 
closures under Sec. 600.511(a).
    (f) Internal waters. For FFV's authorized under section 306(c) of 
the Magnuson-Stevens Act:
    (1) Each FFV may engage in fish processing and support of U.S. 
fishing vessels within the internal waters of that state in compliance 
with terms and conditions set by the authorizing Governor.
    (2) The owner or operator of each FFV must submit weekly reports on 
the amount of fish received from vessels of the United States and the 
location(s) where such fish were harvested.
    (i) Reports must include:
    (A) Vessel identification information for the FFV.
    (B) Date of each receipt of fish.
    (C) Amount of fish received, by species.
    (D) Location(s) from which the fish received were harvested and the 
name and official number of the vessel of the United States that 
harvested the fish.
    (ii) Owners or operators of FFV's processing fish in internal waters 
under the provisions of this paragraph (f) must request, from the 
Regional Administrator, the requirements regarding timing and submission 
of the reports, at least 15 days prior to the first receipt of fish from 
a vessel of the United States. The Regional Administrator shall 
stipulate the timing and submission requirements in writing.
    (g) Transshipping. Each FFV with Activity Code 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 
8, or 10 may transship in accordance with this subpart and the vessel's 
permit.

[61 FR 32540, June 24, 1996, as amended at 62 FR 27183, May 19, 1997; 62 
FR 34397, June 26, 1997; 64 FR 39020, July 21, 1999]



Sec. 600.509  Prohibited species.

    (a) The owner or operator of each FFV must minimize its catch or 
receipt of prohibited species.
    (b) After allowing for sampling by an observer (if any), the owner 
or operator of each FFV must sort its catch of fish received as soon as 
possible and return all prohibited species and species parts to the sea 
immediately with a minimum of injury, regardless of condition, unless a 
different procedure is specified by the regulations for the fishery in 
which the FFV is engaged. All prohibited species must be recorded in the 
daily fishing log and other fishing logs as specified by the regulations 
for the fishery in which the FFV is engaged.
    (c) All species of fish that an FFV has not been specifically 
allocated or authorized under this subpart to retain, including fish 
caught or received in excess of any allocation or authorization, are 
prohibited species.
    (d) It is a rebuttable presumption that any prohibited species or 
species part found on board an FFV was caught and retained in violation 
of this section.



Sec. 600.510  Gear avoidance and disposal.

    (a) Vessel and gear avoidance. (1) FFV's arriving on fishing grounds 
where fishing vessels are already fishing or have set their gear for 
that purpose must ascertain the position and extent of gear already 
placed in the sea and must not place themselves or their fishing gear so 
as to interfere with or obstruct fishing operations already in progress. 
Vessels using mobile gear must avoid fixed fishing gear.
    (2) The operator of each FFV must maintain on its bridge a current 
plot of broadcast fixed-gear locations for the area in which it is 
fishing, as required by the regulations for the fishery in which the FFV 
is engaged.
    (b) Gear conflicts. The operator of each FFV that is involved in a 
conflict or that retrieves the gear of another vessel must immediately 
notify the appropriate USCG commander identified in tables 1 and 2 to 
Sec. 600.502 and request disposal instructions. Each report must 
include:
    (1) The name of the reporting vessel.
    (2) A description of the incident and articles retrieved, including 
the amount, type of gear, condition, and identification markings.
    (3) The location of the incident.

[[Page 93]]

    (4) The date and time of the incident.
    (c) Disposal of fishing gear and other articles. (1) The operator of 
an FFV in the EEZ may not dump overboard, jettison or otherwise discard 
any article or substance that may interfere with other fishing vessels 
or gear, or that may catch fish or cause damage to any marine resource, 
including marine mammals and birds, except in cases of emergency 
involving the safety of the ship or crew, or as specifically authorized 
by communication from the appropriate USCG commander or other authorized 
officer. These articles and substances include, but are not limited to, 
fishing gear, net scraps, bale straps, plastic bags, oil drums, 
petroleum containers, oil, toxic chemicals or any manmade items 
retrieved in an FFV's gear.
    (2) The operator of an FFV may not abandon fishing gear in the EEZ.
    (3) If these articles or substances are encountered, or in the event 
of accidental or emergency placement into the EEZ, the vessel operator 
must immediately report the incident to the appropriate USCG Commander 
indicated in tables 1 and 2 to Sec. 600.502, and give the information 
required in paragraph (b) of this section.



Sec. 600.511  Fishery closure procedures.

    (a) Activity Codes 1 and 2 for a fishery are automatically canceled 
in the following cases, unless otherwise specified by regulations 
specific to a fishery, when--
    (1) The OY for any allocated species or species group has been 
reached in that fishery;
    (2) The TALFF or catch allowance for any allocated species or 
species group has been reached in that fishery;
    (3) The foreign nation's allocation for any allocated species or 
species group has been reached; or
    (4) The letter of credit required in Sec. 600.518(b)(2) is not 
established and maintained.
    (b) Activity Code 4 is automatically canceled when--
    (1) The OY for a species with a JVP amount is reached;
    (2) The JVP amount for a species or species group is reached; or
    (3) The letter of credit required in Sec. 600.518(b)(2) is not 
established and maintained.
    (c) Notification. (1) The Regional Administrator is authorized to 
close a fishery on behalf of NMFS. The Regional Administrator will 
notify each FFV's designated representative of closures.
    (2) If possible, notice will be given 48 hours before the closure. 
However, each Nation and the owners and operators of all FFV's of that 
Nation are responsible for ending fishing operations when an allocation 
is reached.
    (d) Catch reconciliation. Vessel activity reports, U.S. surveillance 
observations, observer reports, and foreign catch and effort reports 
will be used to make the determination listed in paragraphs (a) and (b) 
of this section. If NMFS estimates of catch or other values made during 
the season differ from those reported by the foreign fleets, efforts may 
be initiated by the designated representative of each Nation to resolve 
such differences with NMFS. If, however, differences still persist after 
such efforts have been made, NMFS estimates will be the basis for 
decisions and will prevail.
    (e) Duration. Any closure under this section will remain in effect 
until an applicable new or increased allocation or JVP becomes available 
or the letter of credit required by Sec. 600.518(b)(2) is 
reestablished.

[61 FR 32540, June 24, 1996, as amended at 63 FR 7075, Feb. 12, 1998]



Sec. 600.512  Scientific research.

    (a) Scientific research activity. Persons planning to conduct 
scientific research activities on board a scientific research vessel in 
the EEZ that may be confused with fishing are encouraged to submit to 
the appropriate Regional Administrator or Director, 60 days or as soon 
as practicable prior to its start, a scientific research plan for each 
scientific activity. The Regional Administrator or Director will 
acknowledge notification of scientific research activity by issuing to 
the operator or master of that vessel, or to the sponsoring institution, 
a Letter of Acknowledgment. This Letter of Acknowledgment is separate 
and distinct from any permit or consultation required under the

[[Page 94]]

MMPA, the ESA, or any other applicable law. The Regional Administrator 
or Director will include text in the Letter of Acknowledgment informing 
the applicant that such permits may be required and should be obtained 
from the agency prior to embarking on the activity. If the Regional 
Administrator or Director, after review of a research plan, determines 
that it does not constitute scientific research activity but rather 
fishing, the Regional Administrator or Director will inform the 
applicant as soon as practicable and in writing. In making this 
determination, the Regional Administrator, Director, or designee shall 
consider: the merits of the individual proposal and the institution(s) 
involved; whether the proposed activity meets the definition of 
scientific research activity; and whether the vessel meets all the 
requirements for a scientific research vessel. Foreign vessels that 
qualify as scientific research vessels and which are engaged in a 
scientific research activity may only engage in compensation fishing 
during the scientific research cruise and in accordance with the 
applicable scientific research plan. The Regional Administrator or 
Director may also make recommendations to revise the research plan to 
ensure the activity will be considered to be a scientific research 
activity. The Regional Administrator or Director may designate a Science 
and Research Director, or the Assistant Regional Administrator for 
Sustainable Fisheries, to receive scientific research plans and issue 
Letters of Acknowledgment. In order to facilitate identification of the 
activity as scientific research, persons conducting scientific research 
activities are advised to carry a copy of the scientific research plan 
and the Letter of Acknowledgment on board the scientific research vessel 
and to make it available for inspection upon the request of any 
authorized officer. It is recommended that for any scientific research 
activity, any fish, or parts thereof, retained pursuant to such activity 
be accompanied, during any ex-vessel activities, by a copy of the Letter 
of Acknowledgment. Activities conducted in accordance with a scientific 
research plan acknowledged by such a Letter of Acknowledgment are 
presumed to be scientific research activities. An authorized officer may 
overcome this presumption by showing that an activity does not fit the 
definition of scientific research activity or is outside the scope of 
the scientific research plan.
    (b) Reports. Persons conducting scientific research are requested to 
submit a copy of any cruise report or other publication created as a 
result of the cruise, including the amount, composition, and disposition 
of their catch, to the appropriate Science and Research Director.

[61 FR 32540, June 24, 1996, as amended at 63 FR 7075, Feb. 12, 1998; 74 
FR 42793, Aug. 25, 2009]



Sec. 600.513  Recreational fishing.

    (a) Foreign vessels conducting recreational fishing must comply only 
with this section, and Sec. Sec. 600.10, 600.504(a)(1), and 600.505 (as 
applicable). Such vessels may conduct recreational fishing within the 
EEZ and within the boundaries of a state. Any fish caught may not be 
sold, bartered, or traded.
    (b) The owners or operator and any other person aboard any foreign 
vessel conducting recreational fishing must comply with any Federal laws 
or regulations applicable to the domestic fishery while in the EEZ, and 
any state laws or regulations applicable while in state waters.



Sec. 600.514  Relation to other laws.

    (a) Persons affected by these regulations should be aware that other 
Federal and state statutes may apply to their activities.
    (b) Fishing vessel operators must exercise due care in the conduct 
of fishing activities near submarine cables. Damage to submarine cables 
resulting from intentional acts or from the failure to exercise due care 
in the conduct of fishing operations subjects the fishing vessel 
operator to enforcement action under the International Convention for 
the Protection of Submarine Cables, and to the criminal penalties 
prescribed by the Submarine Cable Act (47 U.S.C. 21) and other laws that 
implement that Convention. Fishing vessel operators also should be aware 
that the Submarine Cable Act prohibits fishing operations at a distance 
of less

[[Page 95]]

than 1 nautical mile (1.85 km) from a vessel engaged in laying or 
repairing a submarine cable; or at a distance of less than 0.25 nautical 
mile (0.46 km) from a buoy or buoys intended to mark the position of a 
cable when being laid, or when out of order, or broken.



Sec. 600.515  Interpretation of 16 U.S.C. 1857(4).

    Section 307(4) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act prohibits any fishing 
vessel other than a vessel of the United States (foreign fishing vessel) 
from operating in the EEZ if all of the fishing gear on board the vessel 
is not stowed in compliance with that section ``unless such vessel is 
authorized to engage in fishing in the area in which the vessel is 
operating.'' If such a vessel has a permit authorization that is limited 
to fishing activities other than catching, taking or harvesting (such as 
support, scouting or processing activities), it must have all of its 
fishing gear stowed at all times while it is in the EEZ. If such a 
vessel has a permit authorization to engage in catching, taking or 
harvesting activities, but such authorization is limited to a specific 
area within the EEZ, and/or to a specific period of time, the vessel 
must have all of its fishing gear stowed while it is in the EEZ, except 
when it is in the specific area authorized, and/or during the specific 
period of time authorized.

[61 FR 32540, June 24, 1996, as amended at 63 FR 7075, Feb. 12, 1998]



Sec. 600.516  Total allowable level of foreign fishing (TALFF).

    (a) The TALFF, if any, with respect to any fishery subject to the 
exclusive fishery management authority of the United States, is that 
portion of the OY of such fishery, which cannot or will not be harvested 
by vessels of the United States. Allocations of TALFF are discretionary, 
except that the total allowable level shall be zero for fisheries 
determined by the Secretary to have adequate or excess domestic harvest 
capacity.
    (b) Each specification of OY and each assessment of the anticipated 
U.S. harvest will be reviewed during each fishing season. Adjustments to 
TALFF's will be made based on updated information relating to status of 
stocks, estimated and actual performance of domestic and foreign fleets, 
and other relevant factors.
    (c) Specifications of OY and the initial estimates of U.S. harvests 
and TALFF's at the beginning of the relevant fishing year will be 
published in the Federal Register. Adjustments to those numbers will be 
published in the Federal Register upon occasion or as directed by 
regulations implementing FMPs. For current apportionments, contact the 
appropriate Regional Administrator or the Director.

[61 FR 32540, June 24, 1996, as amended at 63 FR 7075, Feb. 12, 1998; 73 
FR 67811, Nov. 17, 2008]



Sec. 600.517  Allocations.

    The Secretary of State, in cooperation with the Secretary, 
determines the allocation among foreign nations of fish species and 
species groups. The Secretary of State officially notifies each foreign 
nation of its allocation. The burden of ascertaining and accurately 
transmitting current allocations and status of harvest of an applicable 
allocation to fishing vessels is upon the foreign nation and the owner 
or operator of the FFV.



Sec. 600.518  Fee schedule for foreign fishing.

    (a) Permit application fees. Each vessel permit application 
submitted under Sec. 600.501 must be accompanied by a fee. The amount 
of the fee will be determined in accordance with the procedures for 
determining administrative costs of each special product or service 
contained in the NOAA Finance Handbook, which is available upon request 
from the Office of International Affairs (see address at Sec. 
600.501(d)(1)). The fee is specified with the application form. At the 
time the application is submitted, a check for the fees, drawn on a U.S. 
bank, payable to the order of ``Department of Commerce, NOAA,'' must be 
sent to the Assistant Administrator. The permit fee payment must be 
accompanied by a list of the vessels for which the payment is made. In 
the case of applications for permits authorizing activity code 10, the 
permit application fee will be waived if the applicant provides 
satisfactory documentary proof to the Assistant Administrator that

[[Page 96]]

the foreign nation under which the vessel is registered does not collect 
a fee from a vessel of the United States engaged in similar activities 
in the waters of such foreign nation. The documentation presented (e.g., 
copy of foreign fishing regulations applicable to vessels of the United 
States) must clearly exempt vessels of the United States from such a 
fee.
    (b) Poundage fees--(1) Rates. If a Nation chooses to accept an 
allocation, poundage fees must be paid at the rate specified in the 
following table.

                    Table--Species and Poundage Fees
                        [Dollars per metric ton]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                Poundage
                           Species                                fees
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Northwest Atlantic Ocean fisheries:
  1. Butterfish..............................................     277.96
  2. Herring, Atlantic.......................................      25.75
  3. Herring, River..........................................      49.59
  4. Mackerel, Atlantic......................................      64.76
  5. Other finfish...........................................      45.48
  6. Squid, Illex............................................      97.56
  7. Squid, Loligo...........................................     321.68
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) Method of payment of poundage fees and observer fees. (i) If a 
Nation chooses to accept an allocation, a revolving letter of credit (L/
C) must be established and maintained to cover the poundage fees for at 
least 25 percent of the previous year's total allocation at the rate in 
paragraph (b)(1) of this section, or as determined by the Assistant 
Administrator, plus the observer fees required by paragraph (c) of this 
section. The L/C must--
    (A) Be irrevocable.
    (B) Be with a bank subscribing to ICC Pub. 290.
    (C) Designate ``Department of Commerce, NOAA'' as beneficiary;
    (D) Allow partial withdrawals.
    (E) Be confirmed by a U.S. bank.
    (ii) The customer must pay all commissions, transmission, and 
service charges. No fishing will be allowed until the L/C is 
established, and authorized written notice of its issuance is provided 
to the Assistant Administrator.
    (3) Assessment of poundage fees. Poundage fees will be assessed 
quarterly for the actual catch during January through March, April 
through June, July through September, and October through December. The 
appropriate Regional Administrator will reconcile catch figures with 
each country following the procedures of Sec. 600.511(d). When the 
catch figures are agreed upon, NOAA will present a bill for collection 
as the documentary demand for payment to the confirming bank. If, after 
45 days from the end of the quarter, catches have not been reconciled, 
the estimate of the Regional Administrator will stand and a bill will be 
issued for that amount. If necessary, the catch figures may be refined 
by the Regional Administrator during the next 60 days, and any 
modifications will be reflected in the next quarter's bill.
    (c) Observer fees. The Assistant Administrator will notify the 
owners or operators of FFV's of the estimated annual costs of placing 
observers aboard their vessels. The owners or operators of any such 
vessel must provide for repayment of those costs by including one-fourth 
of the estimated annual observer fee as determined by the Assistant 
Administrator in a L/C as prescribed in Sec. 600.518(b)(2). During the 
fiscal year, payment will be withdrawn from the L/C as required to cover 
anticipated observer coverage for the upcoming fishery. The Assistant 
Administrator will reconcile any differences between the estimated cost 
and actual costs of observer coverage within 90 days after the end of 
the fiscal year.
    (d) Financial assurances. (1) A foreign nation, or the owners and 
operators of certain vessels of that foreign nation, may be required by 
the Assistant Administrator to provide financial assurances. Such 
assurances may be required if--
    (i) Civil and criminal penalties assessed against fishing vessels of 
the Nation have not effectively deterred violations;
    (ii) Vessels of that Nation have engaged in fishing in the EEZ 
without proper authorization to conduct such activities;
    (iii) The Nation's vessel owners have refused to answer 
administrative charges or summons to appear in court; or
    (iv) Enforcement of Magnuson-Stevens Act civil or criminal judgments 
in the courts of a foreign nation is unattainable.

[[Page 97]]

    (2) The level of financial assurances will be guided by the level of 
penalties assessed and costs to the U.S. Government.

[61 FR 32540, June 24, 1996, as amended at 63 FR 7075, Feb. 12, 1998; 64 
FR 39020, July 21, 1999; 66 FR 28132, May 22, 2001; 76 FR 59305, Sept. 
26, 2011]



Sec. 600.520  Northwest Atlantic Ocean fishery.

    (a) Purpose. Sections 600.520 and 600.525 regulate all foreign 
fishing conducted under a GIFA within the EEZ in the Atlantic Ocean 
north of 35[deg]00[min] N. lat.
    (b) Authorized fishery--(1) Allocations. Foreign vessels may engage 
in fishing only in accordance with applicable national allocations.
    (2) Time and area restrictions. (i) Fishing, including processing, 
scouting, and support of foreign or U.S. vessels, is prohibited south of 
35[deg]00[min] N. lat., and north and east of a line beginning at the 
shore at 44[deg]22[min] N. lat., 67[deg]52[min] W. long. and 
intersecting the boundary of the EEZ at 44[deg]11[min]12[sec] N. lat., 
67[deg]16[min]46[sec] W. long.
    (ii) The Regional Administrator will consult with the Council prior 
to giving notice of any area or time restriction. NMFS will also consult 
with the USCG if the restriction is proposed to reduce gear conflicts. 
If NMFS determines after such consultation that the restriction appears 
to be appropriate, NMFS will publish the proposed restriction in the 
Federal Register, together with a summary of the information on which 
the restriction is based. Following a 30-day comment period, NMFS will 
publish a final action.
    (iii) The Regional Administrator may rescind any restriction if he/
she determines that the basis for the restriction no longer exists.
    (iv) Any notice of restriction shall operate as a condition imposed 
on the permit issued to the foreign vessels involved in the fishery.
    (3) TALFF. The TALFFs for the fisheries of the Northwest Atlantic 
Ocean are published in the Federal Register. Current TALFFs are also 
available from the Regional Administrator.
    (4) Species definitions. The category ``other finfish'' used in 
TALFFs and in allocations includes all species except:
    (i) The other allocated species, namely: Short-finned squid, long-
finned squid, Atlantic herring, Atlantic mackerel, river herring 
(includes alewife, blueback herring, and hickory shad), and butterfish.
    (ii) The prohibited species, namely: American plaice, American shad, 
Atlantic cod, Atlantic menhaden, Atlantic redfish, Atlantic salmon, all 
marlin, all spearfish, sailfish, swordfish, black sea bass, bluefish, 
croaker, haddock, ocean pout, pollock, red hake, scup, sea turtles, 
sharks (except dogfish), silver hake, spot, striped bass, summer 
flounder, tilefish, yellowtail flounder, weakfish, white hake, 
windowpane flounder, winter flounder, witch flounder, Continental Shelf 
fishery resources, and other invertebrates (except nonallocated squids).
    (5) Closures. The taking of any species for which a Nation has an 
allocation is permitted, provided that:
    (i) The vessels of the foreign nation have not caught the allocation 
of that Nation for any species or species group (e.g., ``other 
finfish''). When vessels of a foreign nation have caught an applicable 
allocation of any species, all further fishing other than scouting, 
processing, or support by vessels of that Nation must cease, even if 
other allocations have not been reached. Therefore, it is essential that 
foreign nations plan their fishing strategy to ensure that the reaching 
of an allocation for one species does not result in the premature 
closing of a Nation's fishery for other allocated species.
    (ii) The fishery has not been closed for other reasons under Sec. 
600.511.
    (6) Allocation utilization. Foreign fishing vessels may elect to 
retain or discard allocated species; however, the computation of 
allocation utilization and fee refunds will be based on the total 
quantity of that species that was caught. Prohibited species must always 
be returned to the sea as required under Sec. 600.509.
    (c) Fishing areas. For the purposes of the Northwest Atlantic Ocean 
fishery, fishing areas are that portion of the EEZ shown inside the 
boundaries of the ``three digit statistical areas'' described in Figure 
1 to this section.

[[Page 98]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR24JN96.000


[61 FR 32540, June 24, 1996, as amended at 63 FR 7075, Feb. 12, 1998]



Sec. 600.525  Applicability of subpart F to Canadian Albacore Fishing Vessels off the West Coast.

    Fishing by vessels of Canada under the 1981 Treaty Between the 
Government of the United States of America and the Government of Canada 
on Pacific Coast Albacore Tuna Vessels and Port Privileges is regulated 
only under this section and Sec. 600.530 of this subpart F, and is 
exempt from any other requirements of this subpart F. Regulations 
governing fishing by U.S. vessels in waters under the fisheries 
jurisdiction of the Canada more than 12 nautical miles from the baseline 
from which the territorial sea is measured

[[Page 99]]

are found at Sec. Sec. 300.170-300.176 of chapter II of this title.

[69 FR 31535, June 4, 2004]



Sec. 600.530  Pacific albacore fishery.

    (a) Purpose and scope. This section regulates fishing by Canadian 
vessels under the 1981 Treaty Between the Government of the United 
States of America and the Government of Canada on Pacific Coast Albacore 
Tuna Vessels and Port Privileges as amended in 2002. Notwithstanding any 
other provision of this subpart F, fishing vessels of Canada may be 
authorized to fish in waters under the fisheries jurisdiction of the 
United States more than 12 nautical miles from the baseline from which 
the territorial sea is measured in accordance with the Treaty and this 
section, pursuant to Public Law 108-219 (118 Stat. 616; 16 U.S.C. 1821 
note).
    (b) Definitions. In addition to the definitions in the Magnuson-
Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act and Sec. 600.10, the 
terms used in this subpart have the following meanings:
    Fishing under the Treaty as amended in 2002 means to engage in 
fishing for albacore tuna in waters under the fisheries jurisdiction of 
the United States seaward of 12 nautical miles from the baseline from 
which the territorial sea is measured.
    Regional Administrator means the Regional Administrator, Southwest 
Region, NMFS, 501 W. Ocean Boulevard, Suite 4200, Long Beach, CA 90802-
4213, or a designee.
    Reporting Office means the office designated by the Regional 
Administrator to take hail-in and hail-out reports from U.S. and 
Canadian vessel operators.
    Treaty means the 1981 Treaty Between the Government of the United 
States of America and the Government of Canada on Pacific Coast Albacore 
Tuna Vessels and Port Privileges as amended in 2002.
    (c) Vessel list. A Canadian vessel is not eligible to fish for 
albacore in U.S. waters under the Treaty as amended in 2002 unless the 
vessel is on the list provided to NMFS by the Government of Canada of 
vessels authorized by Canada to fish under the Treaty as amended in 
2002.
    (d) Vessel identification. A Canadian vessel fishing under the 
Treaty as amended in 2002 must clearly display its Canadian vessel 
registration number followed by the letter C in the same height and size 
as the numerals, consistent with Canadian vessel marking requirements.
    (e) Hail-in reports. The operator of a Canadian Vessel eligible to 
fish for albacore in U.S. waters under the Treaty as amended in 2002 
must file a hail-in report with the Reporting Office at least 24 hours 
prior to beginning any such fishing.
    (f) Hail-out Reports. The operator of a Canadian vessel that has 
been fishing in U.S. waters under the Treaty as amended in 2002 must 
file a hail-out report with the Reporting Office at least 24 hours prior 
to exiting from U.S. waters.
    (g) Prohibitions. It is prohibited for the operator of a Canadian 
vessel to engage in fishing in U.S. waters if the vessel:
    (1) Is not on the vessel list in paragraph (c) of this section;
    (2) Has not filed a hail-in report to advise of an intent to fish 
under the Treaty as amended in 2002 prior to engaging in such fishing; 
or
    (3) Is not clearly marked in accordance with paragraph (d) of this 
section.

[69 FR 31535, June 4, 2004]



      Subpart G_Preemption of State Authority Under Section 306(b)



Sec. 600.605  General policy.

    It is the policy of the Secretary that preemption proceedings will 
be conducted expeditiously. The administrative law judge and counsel or 
other representative for each party are encouraged to make every effort 
at each stage of the proceedings to avoid delay.



Sec. 600.610  Factual findings for Federal preemption.

    (a) The two factual findings for Federal preemption of state 
management authority over a fishery are:
    (1) The fishing in a fishery that is covered by an FMP implemented 
under the Magnuson-Stevens Act is engaged in predominately within the 
EEZ and beyond such zone.

[[Page 100]]

    (2) A state has taken any action, or omitted to take any action, the 
results of which will substantially and adversely affect the carrying 
out of such FMP.
    (b) Whether fishing is engaged in ``predominately'' within or beyond 
the EEZ will be determined after consideration of relevant factors, 
including but not limited to, the catch (based on numbers, value, or 
weight of fish caught, or other relevant factors) or fishing effort 
during the appropriate period, and in light of historical patterns of 
the distribution of catch or fishing effort for such stock or stocks of 
fish.
    (c) Whether relevant effects are substantial will be determined 
after consideration of the magnitude of such actual or potential 
effects. Relevant to this determination are various factors, including 
but not limited to, the proportion of the fishery (stock or stocks of 
fish and fishing for such stocks) that is subject to the effects of a 
particular state's action or omission, the characteristics and status 
(including migratory patterns and biological condition) of the stock or 
stocks of fish in the fishery, and the similarity or dissimilarity 
between the goals, objectives, or policies of the state's action or 
omission and the management goals or objectives specified in the FMP for 
the fishery or between the state and Federal conservation and management 
measures of the fishery.

[61 FR 32540, June 24, 1996, as amended at 63 FR 7075, Feb. 12, 1998]



Sec. 600.615  Commencement of proceedings.

    (a) Notice of proposed preemption. (1) If a proceeding under this 
part is deemed necessary, the Administrator must issue a notice of 
proposed preemption to the Attorney General of the State or States 
concerned. The notice will contain:
    (i) A recital of the legal authority and jurisdiction for 
instituting the proceeding.
    (ii) A concise statement of the Sec. 600.610 factual findings for 
Federal preemption upon which the notice is based.
    (iii) The time, place, and date of the hearing.
    (2) The notice of proposed preemption will also be published in the 
Federal Register. This notification may be combined with any notice of 
proposed rulemaking published under paragraph (d)(1) of this section.
    (b) Response. The state will have the opportunity to respond in 
writing to the notice of proposed preemption.
    (c) Amendment. The Administrator may, at any time prior to the 
Secretary's decision, withdraw the notice of proposed preemption. Upon 
motion of either party before the record is closed, the administrative 
law judge may amend the notice of proposed preemption.
    (d) Proposed regulations--(1) In general. If additional regulations 
are required to govern fishing within the boundaries of a state, the 
Administrator may publish proposed regulations in the Federal Register 
concurrently with issuing the notification indicated in paragraph (a) of 
this section.
    (2) Emergency actions. Nothing in this section will prevent the 
Secretary from taking emergency action under section 305(c) of the 
Magnuson-Stevens Act.

[61 FR 32540, June 24, 1996, as amended at 63 FR 7075, Feb. 12, 1998]



Sec. 600.620  Rules pertaining to the hearing.

    (a) The civil procedure rules of the NOAA currently set forth in 15 
CFR part 904, subpart C (or as subsequently amended), apply to the 
proceeding after its commencement by service of notice (pursuant to 
Sec. 600.615) and prior to the Secretary's decision (Sec. 600.625), 
except that the following sections will not apply:
    (1) 15 CFR 904.201 (Definitions);
    (2) 15 CFR 904.206(a)(1) (Duties and powers of Judge); and
    (3) 15 CFR 904.272 (Administrative review of decision).
    (b) Additional duties and powers of judge--(1) Time periods. The 
administrative law judge is authorized to modify all time periods 
pertaining to the course of the hearing (under Sec. Sec. 600.615 and 
600.620) to expedite the proceedings, upon application and appropriate 
showing of need or emergency circumstances by a party.
    (2) Intervention. Intervention by persons not parties is not 
allowed.

[[Page 101]]



Sec. 600.625  Secretary's decision.

    (a) The Secretary will, on the basis of the hearing, record the 
administrative law judge's recommended decision:
    (1) Accept or reject any of the findings or conclusions of the 
administrative law judge and decide whether the factual findings exist 
for Federal preemption of a state's authority within its boundaries 
(other than in its internal waters) with respect to the fishery in 
question;
    (2) Reserve decision on the merits or withdraw the notice of 
proposed preemption; or
    (3) Remand the case to the administrative law judge for further 
proceedings as may be appropriate, along with a statement of reasons for 
the remand.
    (b) Notification. (1) If the factual findings for Federal preemption 
are determined to exist, the Secretary will notify in writing the 
Attorney General of that state and the appropriate Council(s) of the 
preemption of that state's authority. The Secretary will also direct the 
Administrator to promulgate appropriate regulations proposed under Sec. 
600.615(d) and otherwise to begin regulating the fishery within the 
state's boundaries (other than in its internal waters).
    (2) If the factual findings for Federal preemption are determined 
not to exist, the Secretary will notify, in writing, the Attorney 
General of the state and the appropriate Council(s) of that 
determination. The Secretary will also direct the Administrator to issue 
a notice withdrawing any regulations proposed under Sec. 600.615(d).



Sec. 600.630  Application for reinstatement of state authority.

    (a) Application or notice. (1) At any time after the promulgation of 
regulations under Sec. 600.625(b)(1) to regulate a fishery within a 
state's boundaries, the affected state may apply to the Secretary for 
reinstatement of state authority. The Secretary may also serve upon such 
state a notice of intent to terminate such Federal regulation. A state's 
application must include a clear and concise statement of:
    (i) The action taken by the State to correct the action or omission 
found to have substantially and adversely affected the carrying out of 
the FMP; or
    (ii) Any changed circumstances that affect the relationship of the 
state's action or omission to take action to the carrying out of the FMP 
(including any amendment to such plan); and
    (iii) Any laws, regulations, or other materials that the state 
believes support the application.
    (2) Any such application received by the Secretary or notice issued 
to the State will be published in the Federal Register.
    (b) Informal response. The Secretary has sole discretion to accept 
or reject the application or response. If the Secretary accepts the 
application or rejects any responses and finds that the reasons for 
regulation of the fishery within the boundaries of the state no longer 
prevail, the Secretary will promptly terminate such regulation and 
publish in the Federal Register any regulatory amendments necessary to 
accomplish that end.
    (c) Hearing. The Secretary has sole discretion to direct the 
Administrator to schedule hearings for the receipt of evidence by an 
administrative law judge. Hearings before the administrative law judge 
to receive such evidence will be conducted in accordance with Sec. 
600.620. Upon conclusion of such hearings, the administrative law judge 
will certify the record and a recommended decision to the Secretary. If 
the Secretary, upon consideration of the state's application or any 
response to the notice published under Sec. 600.630(a)(2), the hearing 
record, the recommended decision, and any other relevant materials finds 
that the reasons for regulation of the fishery within the boundaries of 
the state no longer prevail, the Secretary will promptly terminate such 
regulation and publish in the Federal Register any regulatory amendments 
necessary to accomplish that end.



           Subpart H_General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries



Sec. 600.705  Relation to other laws.

    (a) General. Persons affected by these regulations should be aware 
that other Federal and state statutes and regulations may apply to their 
activities.

[[Page 102]]

Vessel operators may wish to refer to USCG regulations found in the Code 
of Federal Regulations title 33--Navigation and Navigable Waters and 
46--Shipping; 15 CFR part 904, subpart D--Permit Sanctions and Denials; 
and title 43--Public Lands (in regard to marine sanctuaries).
    (b) State responsibilities. Certain responsibilities relating to 
data collection and enforcement may be performed by authorized state 
personnel under a state/Federal agreement for data collection and a 
tripartite agreement among the state, the USCG, and the Secretary for 
enforcement.
    (c) Submarine cables. Fishing vessel operators must exercise due 
care in the conduct of fishing activities near submarine cables. Damage 
to the submarine cables resulting from intentional acts or from the 
failure to exercise due care in the conduct of fishing operations 
subjects the fishing vessel operator to the criminal penalties 
prescribed by the Submarine Cable Act (47 U.S.C. 21) which implements 
the International Convention for the Protection of Submarine Cables. 
Fishing vessel operators also should be aware that the Submarine Cable 
Act prohibits fishing operations at a distance of less than 1 nautical 
mile (1.85 km) from a vessel engaged in laying or repairing a submarine 
cable; or at a distance of less than 0.25 nautical mile (0.46 km) from a 
buoy or buoys intended to mark the position of a cable when being laid 
or when out of order or broken.
    (d) Marine mammals. Regulations governing exemption permits and the 
recordkeeping and reporting of the incidental take of marine mammals are 
set forth in part 229 of this title.
    (e) Halibut fishing. Fishing for halibut is governed by regulations 
of the International Pacific Halibut Commission set forth at part 300 of 
this title.
    (f) Marine sanctuaries. Regulations governing fishing activities 
inside the boundaries of national marine sanctuaries are set forth in 15 
CFR part 922.
    (g) High seas fishing activities. Regulations governing permits and 
requirements for fishing activities on the high seas are set forth in 50 
CFR part 300, subparts A and R. Any vessel operating on the high seas 
must obtain a permit issued pursuant to the High Seas Fishing Compliance 
Act.

[61 FR 32540, June 24, 1996, as amended at 80 FR 62500, Oct. 16, 2015; 
81 FR 51138, Aug. 3, 2016; 85 FR 15392, Mar. 18, 2020]



Sec. 600.710  Permits.

    Regulations pertaining to permits required for certain fisheries are 
set forth in the parts of this chapter governing those fisheries.



Sec. 600.715  Recordkeeping and reporting.

    Regulations pertaining to records and reports required for certain 
fisheries are set forth in the parts of this chapter governing those 
fisheries.



Sec. 600.720  Vessel and gear identification.

    Regulations pertaining to special vessel and gear markings required 
for certain fisheries are set forth in the parts of this chapter 
governing those fisheries.



Sec. 600.725  General prohibitions.

    It is unlawful for any person to do any of the following:
    (a) Possess, have custody or control of, ship, transport, offer for 
sale, sell, purchase, land, import, export or re-export, any fish or 
parts thereof taken or retained in violation of the Magnuson-Stevens Act 
or any other statute administered by NOAA or any regulation or permit 
issued thereunder, or import, export, transport, sell, receive, acquire, 
or purchase in interstate or foreign commerce any fish taken, possessed, 
transported, or sold in violation of any foreign law or regulation, or 
any treaty or in contravention of a binding conservation measure adopted 
by an international agreement or organization to which the United States 
is a party.
    (b) Transfer or attempt to transfer, directly or indirectly, any 
U.S.-harvested fish to any foreign fishing vessel, while such vessel is 
in the EEZ, unless the foreign fishing vessel has been issued a permit 
under section 204 of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, which authorizes the 
receipt by such vessel of U.S.- harvested fish.
    (c) Fail to comply immediately with enforcement and boarding 
procedures specified in Sec. 600.730.

[[Page 103]]

    (d) Refuse to allow an authorized officer to board a fishing vessel 
or to enter areas of custody for purposes of conducting any search, 
inspection, or seizure in connection with the enforcement of the 
Magnuson-Stevens Act or any other statute administered by NOAA.
    (e) Dispose of fish or parts thereof or other matter in any manner, 
after any communication or signal from an authorized officer, or after 
the approach by an authorized officer or an enforcement vessel or 
aircraft.
    (f) Assault, resist, oppose, impede, intimidate, threaten, or 
interfere with any authorized officer in the conduct of any search, 
inspection, or seizure in connection with enforcement of the Magnuson-
Stevens Act or any other statute administered by NOAA.
    (g) Interfere with, delay, or prevent by any means, the apprehension 
of another person, knowing that such person has committed any act 
prohibited by the Magnuson-Stevens Act or any other statute administered 
by NOAA.
    (h) Resist a lawful arrest for any act prohibited under the 
Magnuson-Stevens Act or any other statute administered by NOAA.
    (i) Make any false statement, oral or written, to an authorized 
officer concerning the taking, catching, harvesting, landing, purchase, 
sale, offer of sale, possession, transport, import, export, or transfer 
of any fish, or attempts to do any of the above.
    (j) Interfere with, obstruct, delay, or prevent by any means an 
investigation, search, seizure, or disposition of seized property in 
connection with enforcement of the Magnuson-Stevens Act or any other 
statute administered by NOAA.
    (k) Fish in violation of the terms or conditions of any permit or 
authorization issued under the Magnuson-Stevens Act or any other statute 
administered by NOAA.
    (l) Fail to report catches as required while fishing pursuant to an 
exempted fishing permit.
    (m) On a scientific research vessel, engage in fishing other than 
recreational fishing authorized by applicable state or Federal 
regulations.
    (n) Trade, barter, or sell; or attempt to trade, barter, or sell 
fish possessed or retained while fishing pursuant to an authorization 
for an exempted educational activity.
    (o) Harass or sexually harass an authorized officer or an observer.
    (p) Fail to show proof of passing the USCG Commercial Fishing Vessel 
Safety Examination or the alternate NMFS safety equipment examination, 
or fail to maintain the vessel safety conditions necessary to pass the 
examination, when required by NMFS pursuant to Sec. 600.746.
    (q) Fail to display a Commercial Fishing Vessel Safety Examination 
decal or a valid certificate of compliance or inspection pursuant to 
Sec. 600.746.
    (r) Fail to provide to an observer, a NMFS employee, or a designated 
observer provider information that has been requested pursuant to Sec. 
600.746, or fail to allow an observer, a NMFS employee, or a designated 
observer provider to inspect any item described at Sec. 600.746.
    (s) Fish without an observer when the vessel is required to carry an 
observer.
    (t) Assault, oppose, impede, intimidate, or interfere with a NMFS-
approved observer.
    (u)(1) Prohibit or bar by command, impediment, threat, coercion, 
interference, or refusal of reasonable assistance, an observer from 
conducting his or her duties as an observer; or
    (2) Tamper with or destroy samples or equipment.
    (v) The use of any gear or participation in a fishery not on the 
following list of authorized fisheries and gear is prohibited after 
December 1, 1999. A fish, regardless whether targeted, may be retained 
only if it is taken within a listed fishery, is taken with a gear 
authorized for that fishery, and is taken in conformance with all other 
applicable regulations. Listed gear can only be used in a manner that is 
consistent with existing laws and regulations. The list of fisheries and 
authorized gear does not, in any way, alter or supersede any definitions 
or regulations contained elsewhere in this chapter. A person or vessel 
is prohibited from engaging in fishing or employing fishing gear when 
such fishing gear is prohibited or restricted by regulation under an FMP 
or other applicable law. However, after

[[Page 104]]

December 1, 1999, an individual fisherman may notify the appropriate 
Council, or the Director, in the case of Atlantic highly migratory 
species, of the intent to use a gear or participate in a fishery not 
already on the list. Ninety days after such notification, the individual 
may use the gear or participate in that fishery unless regulatory action 
is taken to prohibit the use of the gear or participate in the fishery 
(e.g., through emergency or interim regulations). The list of authorized 
fisheries and gear is as follows:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Fishery                       Authorized gear types
------------------------------------------------------------------------
            I. New England Fishery Management Council (NEFMC)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery (FMP):
    A. Dredge fishery....................  A. Dredge.
    B. Trawl fishery.....................  B. Trawl.
    C. Hand harvest fishery..............  C. Hand harvest.
    D. Recreational fishery..............  D. Hand harvest.
 2. Iceland Scallop Fishery (Non-FMP):
    A. Dredge fishery....................  A. Dredge.
    B. Trawl fishery.....................  B. Trawl.
 3. Atlantic Salmon Fishery (FMP)          No harvest or possession in
                                            the EEZ.
 4. Striped Bass Fishery (Non-FMP)         No harvest or possession in
                                            the EEZ.
 5. Northeast (NE) Multispecies Fishery
 (FMP):
    A. NE multispecies sink gillnet        A. Gillnet.
     fishery.
    B. North Atlantic bottom trawl         B. Trawl.
     fishery.
    C. Groundfish hook and line fishery..  C. Longline, handline, rod
                                            and reel.
    D. Mixed species trap and pot fishery  D. Trap, pot.
    E. Dredge fishery....................  E. Dredge.
    F. Seine fishery.....................  F. Seine.
    G. Recreational fishery..............  G. Rod and reel, handline,
                                            spear.
 6. American Lobster Fishery (FMP):
    A. Lobster pot and trap fishery......  A. Pot, trap.
    B. North Atlantic bottom trawl         B. Trawl.
     fishery.
    C. Dredge fishery....................  C. Dredge.
    D. Hand harvest fishery..............  D. Hand harvest.
    E. Gillnet fishery...................  E. Gillnet.
    F. Recreational fishery..............  F. Pot, trap, hand harvest.
 7. Atlantic Herring Fishery (FMP):
    A. Trawl fishery.....................  A. Trawl.
    B. Purse seine fishery...............  B. Purse seine.
    C. Gillnet fishery...................  C. Gillnet.
    D. Herring pair trawl fishery........  D. Pair trawl.
    E. Dredge fishery....................  E. Dredge.
    F. Recreational fishery..............  F. Hook and line, gillnet.
 8. Spiny Dogfish Fishery (FMP jointly
 managed by MAFMC and NEFMC):
    A. Gillnet fishery...................  A. Gillnet.
    B. Trawl fishery.....................  B. Trawl.
    C. Hook and line fishery.............  C. Hook and line, rod and
                                            reel, spear.
    D. Dredge fishery....................  D. Dredge.
    E. Longline fishery..................  E. Longline.
    F. Recreational fishery..............  F. Hook and line, rod and
                                            reel, spear.
 9. Atlantic Bluefish Fishery (FMP
 managed by MAFMC):
    A. Pelagic longline and hook and line  A. Longline, handline.
     fishery.
    B. Seine fishery.....................  B. Purse seine, seine.
    C. Mixed species pot and trap fishery  C. Pot, trap.
    D. Bluefish, croaker, flounder trawl   D. Trawl.
     fishery.
    E. Gillnet fishery...................  E. Gillnet.
    F. Dredge fishery....................  F. Dredge.
    G. Recreational fishery..............  G. Rod and reel, handline,
                                            trap, pot, spear.
10. Atlantic Mackerel, Squid and
 Butterfish Fishery (FMP managed by the
 MAFMC):
    A. Mackerel, squid, and butterfish     A. Trawl.
     trawl fishery.
    B. Gillnet fishery...................  B. Gillnet.
    C. Longline and hook-and-line fishery  C. Longline, handline, rod
                                            and reel.
    D. Purse seine fishery...............  D. Purse seine.
    E. Mixed species pot and trap fishery  E. Pot, trap.
    F. Dredge fishery....................  F. Dredge.
    G. Dip net fishery...................  G. Dip net.
    H. Bandit gear fishery...............  H. Bandit gear.
    I. Recreational fishery..............  I. Rod and reel, handline,
                                            pot, spear.
11. Surf Clam and Ocean Quahog Fishery
 (FMP managed by the MAFMC):
    A. Commercial fishery................  A. Dredge, hand harvest.

[[Page 105]]

 
    B. Recreational fishery..............  B. Hand harvest.
12. Atlantic Menhaden Fishery (Non-FMP):
    A. Purse seine fishery...............  A. Purse seine.
    B. Trawl fishery.....................  B. Trawl.
    C. Gillnet fishery...................  C. Gillnet.
    D. Commercial hook-and-line fishery..  D. Hook and line.
    E. Recreational fishery..............  E. Hook and line, snagging,
                                            cast nets.
13. Weakfish Fishery (Non-FMP):
    A. Commercial fishery................  A. Trawl, gillnet, hook and
                                            line.
    B. Recreational fishery..............  B. Hook and line, spear.
14. Atlantic Mussel and Sea Urchin
 Fishery (Non-FMP):
    A. Dredge fishery....................  A. Dredge.
    B. Hand harvest fishery..............  B. Hand harvest.
    C. Recreational fishery..............  C. Hand harvest.
15. Atlantic Skate Fishery (Non-FMP):
    A. Trawl fishery.....................  A. Trawl.
    B. Gillnet fishery...................  B. Gillnet.
    C. Hook-and-line fishery.............  C. Longline and handline.
    D. Dredge fishery....................  D. Dredge.
    E. Recreational fishery..............  E. Rod and reel.
16. Crab Fishery (Non-FMP):
    A. Dredge fishery....................  A. Dredge.
    B. Trawl fishery.....................  B. Trawl.
    C. Trap and pot fishery..............  C. Trap, pot.
17. Northern Shrimp Fishery (Non-FMP):
    A. Shrimp trawl fishery..............  A. Trawl.
    B. Shrimp pot fishery................  B. Pot.
18. Monkfish Fishery (FMP jointly managed
 by NEFMC and MAFMC):
    A. Trawl fishery.....................  A. Trawl.
    B. Gillnet fishery...................  B. Gillnet.
    C. Longline fishery..................  C. Longline.
    D. Dredge fishery....................  D. Dredge.
    E. Trap and pot fishery..............  E. Trap, pot.
    F. Recreational fishery..............  F. Rod and reel, spear.
19. Summer Flounder, Scup, Black Sea Bass
 Fishery (FMP managed by MAFMC):
    A. Trawl fishery.....................  A. Trawl.
    B. Longline and hook and line fishery  B. Longline, handline.
    C. Mixed species pot and trap fishery  C. Pot, trap.
    D. Gillnet fishery...................  D. Gillnet.
    E. Dredge fishery....................  E. Dredge.
    F. Recreational fishery..............  F. Rod and reel, handline,
                                            pot, trap, spear.
20. Hagfish Fishery (Non-FMP)              Trap, pot.
21. Tautog Fishery (Non-FMP):
    A. Gillnet fishery...................  A. Gillnet.
    B. Pot and trap fishery..............  B. Pot, trap.
    C. Rod and reel, hook and line         C. Rod and reel, handline,
     fishery.                               hook and line.
    D. Trawl fishery.....................  D. Trawl.
    E. Spear fishery.....................  E. Spear.
    F. Fyke net fishery..................  F. Fyke net.
    G. Recreational fishery..............  G. Rod and reel, hook and
                                            line, handline, spear.
22. Recreational Fishery (Non-FMP)         Rod and reel, handline,
                                            spear, hook and line, hand
                                            harvest, bandit gear,
                                            powerhead, gillnet, cast
                                            net, pot, trap, dip net,
                                            bully net, snare.
23. Commercial Fishery (Non-FMP)           Trawl, pot, trap, gillnet,
                                            pound net, dredge, seine,
                                            handline, longline, hook and
                                            line, rod and reel, hand
                                            harvest, purse seine, spear,
                                            bandit gear, powerhead, dip
                                            net, bully net, snare, cast
                                            net, barrier net, slurp gun,
                                            allowable chemicals.
24. Dolphin/wahoo fishery (FMP managed by  Automatic reel, bandit gear,
 SAFMC)                                     handline, pelagic longline,
                                            rod and reel, spear
                                            (including powerheads).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
           II. Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. Summer Flounder, Scup, Black Sea Bass
 Fishery (FMP):
    A. Trawl fishery.....................  A. Trawl.
    B. Pelagic longline and hook and line  B. Longline, handline, rod
     fishery.                               and reel.
    C. Mixed species pot and trap fishery  C. Pot, trap.
    D. Gillnet fishery...................  D. Gillnet.
    E. Dredge fishery....................  E. Dredge.
    F. Recreational fishery..............  F. Rod and reel, handline,
                                            pot, trap, spear.
 2. Atlantic Bluefish Fishery (FMP):
    A. Bluefish, croaker, and flounder     A. Trawl.
     trawl fishery.

[[Page 106]]

 
    B. Pelagic longline and hook and line  B. Longline, handline, bandit
     fishery.                               gear, rod and reel.
    C. Mixed species pot and trap fishery  C. Pot, trap.
    D. Gillnet fishery...................  D. Gillnet.
    E. Seine fishery.....................  E. Purse seine, seine.
    F. Dredge fishery....................  F. Dredge.
    G. Recreational fishery..............  G. Rod and reel, handline,
                                            trap, pot, spear.
 3. Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and
 Butterfish Fishery (FMP):
    A. Mackerel, squid, and butterfish     A. Trawl.
     trawl fishery.
    B. Gillnet fishery...................  B. Gillnet.
    C. Longline and hook-and-line fishery  C. Longline, handline, rod
                                            and reel.
    D. Purse seine fishery...............  D. Purse seine.
    E. Mixed species pot and trap fishery  E. Pot, trap.
    F. Dredge fishery....................  F. Dredge.
    G. Dip net fishery...................  G. Dip net.
    H. Bandit gear fishery...............  H. Bandit gear.
    I. Recreational fishery..............  I. Rod and reel, handline,
                                            pot, spear.
 4. Surf Clam and Ocean Quahog Fishery
 (FMP):
    A. Commercial fishery................  A. Dredge, hand harvest.
    B. Recreational fishery..............  B. Hand harvest.
 5. Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery (FMP
 managed by NEFMC):
    A. Dredge fishery....................  A. Dredge.
    B. Trawl fishery.....................  B. Trawl.
    C. Hand harvest fishery..............  C. Hand harvest.
    D. Recreational fishery..............  D. Hand harvest.
 6. Atlantic Menhaden Fishery (Non-FMP):
    A. Purse seine fishery...............  A. Purse seine.
    B. Trawl fishery.....................  B. Trawl.
    C. Gillnet fishery...................  C. Gillnet.
    D. Commercial hook-and-line fishery..  D. Hook and line.
    E. Recreational fishery..............  E. Hook and line, snagging,
                                            cast nets.
 7. Striped Bass Fishery (Non-FMP)         No harvest or possession in
                                            the EEZ.
 8. Northern Shrimp Trawl Fishery (Non-    Trawl.
 FMP)
 9. American Lobster Fishery (FMP managed
 by NEFMC):
    A. Pot and trap fishery..............  A. Pot, trap.
    B. Hand harvest fishery..............  B. Hand harvest.
    C. Trawl fishery.....................  C. Trawl.
    D. Dredge fishery....................  D. Dredge.
    E. Gillnet fishery...................  E. Gillnet.
    F. Recreational fishery..............  F. Pot, trap, hand harvest.
10. Weakfish Fishery (Non-FMP):
    A. Commercial fishery................  A. Trawl, gillnet, hook and
                                            line, rod and reel.
    B. Recreational fishery..............  B. Hook and line, spear.
11. Whelk Fishery (Non-FMP):
    A. Trawl fishery.....................  A. Trawl.
    B. Pot and trap fishery..............  B. Pot, trap.
    C. Dredge............................  C. Dredge.
    D. Pound net, gillnet, seine.........  D. Pound net, gillnet, seine.
    E. Recreational fishery..............  E. Hand harvest.
12. Monkfish Fishery (FMP jointly managed
 by NEFMC and MAFMC):
    A. Trawl fishery.....................  A. Trawl.
    B. Longline fishery..................  B. Longline, rod and reel.
    C. Gillnet fishery...................  C. Gillnet.
    D. Dredge fishery....................  D. Dredge.
    E. Trap and pot fishery..............  E. Trap and pot.
    F. Recreational fishery..............  F. Rod and reel, spear.
13. Tilefish Fishery (Non-FMP):
    A. Groundfish hook-and-line fishery..  A. Longline, handline, rod
                                            and fishery reel.
    B. Trawl fishery.....................  B. Trawl.
    C. Recreational fishery..............  C. Rod and reel, spear.
14. Spiny Dogfish Fishery (FMP jointly
 managed by MAFMC and NEFMC):
    A. Gillnet fishery...................  A. Gillnet.
    B. Trawl fishery.....................  B. Trawl.
    C. Hook and line fishery.............  C. Hook and line, rod and
                                            reel, spear.
    D. Dredge fishery....................  D. Dredge.
    E. Longline fishery..................  E. Longline.
    F. Recreational fishery..............  F. Hook and line, rod and
                                            reel, spear.
15. Tautog Fishery (Non-FMP):
    A. Gillnet fishery...................  A. Gillnet.
    B. Pot and trap fishery..............  B. Pot, trap.
    C. Rod and reel, hook and line         C. Rod and reel, hook and
     handline fishery.                      line, handline.
    D. Trawl fishery.....................  D. Trawl.
    E. Spear fishery.....................  E. Spear.
    F. Fyke net fishery..................  F. Fyke net.

[[Page 107]]

 
    G. Recreational fishery..............  G. Rod and reel, handline,
                                            hook and line, spear.
16. Coastal Gillnet Fishery (Non-FMP)      Gillnet
17. Recreational Fishery (Non-FMP)         Rod and reel, handline,
                                            spear, hook and line, hand
                                            harvest, bandit gear,
                                            powerhead, gillnet, cast
                                            net.
18. NE Multispecies Fishery (FMP managed
 by NEFMC):
    A. NE multispecies sink gillnet        A. Gillnet.
     fishery.
    B. North Atlantic bottom trawl         B. Trawl.
     fishery.
    C. Groundfish hook and line..........  C. Longline, handline, rod
                                            and fishery reel.
    D. Mixed species trap and pot fishery  D. Trap, pot.
    E. Dredge fishery....................  E. Dredge.
    F. Seine fishery.....................  F. Seine.
    G. Recreational fishery..............  G. Rod and reel, handline,
                                            spear.
19. Atlantic Skate Fishery (Non-FMP):
    A. Trawl fishery.....................  A. Trawl.
    B. Gillnet fishery...................  B. Gillnet.
    C. Hook-and-line fishery.............  C. Longline and handline.
    D. Dredge fishery....................  D. Dredge.
    E. Recreational fishery..............  E. Rod and reel.
20. Crab Fishery (Non-FMP):
    A. Dredge fishery....................  A. Dredge.
    B. Trawl fishery.....................  B. Trawl.
    C. Trap and pot fishery..............  C. Trap, pot.
21. Atlantic Herring Fishery (FMP managed
 by the NEFMC):
    A. Trawl fishery.....................  A. Trawl.
    B. Purse seine fishery...............  B. Purse seine.
    C. Gillnet fishery...................  C. Gillnet.
    D. Herring pair trawl fishery........  D. Pair trawl.
    E. Dredge fishery....................  E. Dredge.
    F. Recreational fishery..............  F. Hook and line, gillnet.
22. South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper
 Fishery (FMP managed by the SAFMC):
    A. Commercial fishery................  A. Longline, rod and reel,
                                            bandit gear, handline,
                                            spear, powerhead.
    B. Black sea bass trap and pot         B. Pot, trap.
     fishery.
    C. Wreckfish fishery.................  C. Rod and reel, bandit gear,
                                            handline.
    D. Recreational fishery..............  D. Handline, rod and reel,
                                            bandit gear, spear,
                                            powerhead.
23. South Atlantic Coastal Migratory
 Pelagics Fishery (FMP managed by the
 SAFMC):
    A. Commercial Spanish mackerel         A. Handline, rod and reel,
     fishery.                               bandit gear, gillnet, cast
                                            net.
    B. Commercial king mackerel fishery..  B. Handline, rod and reel,
                                            bandit gear.
    C. Other commercial coastal migratory  C. Longline, handline, rod
     pelagics fishery.                      and reel, bandit gear.
    D. Recreational fishery..............  D. Bandit gear, rod and reel,
                                            handline, spear.
24. Calico Scallops Fishery (Non-FMP):
    A. Trawl fishery.....................  A. Trawl.
    B. Dredge fishery....................  B. Dredge.
    C. Recreational fishery..............  C. Hand harvest.
25. Sargassum Fishery (Non-FMP)            Trawl.
26. South Atlantic Shrimp Fishery (FMP)    Trawl.
27. Commercial Fishery (Non-FMP)           Trawl, pot, trap, gillnet,
                                            pound net, dredge, seine,
                                            handline, longline, hook and
                                            line, rod and reel, spear.
28. Dolphin/wahoo fishery (FMP managed by  Automatic reel, bandit gear,
 SAFMC)                                     handline, pelagic longline,
                                            rod and reel, spear
                                            (including powerheads).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
             III. South Atlantic Fishery Management Council
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. Golden Crab Fishery (FMP)              Trap.
 2. Crab Fishery (Non-FMP):
    A. Dredge fishery....................  A. Dredge.
    B. Trawl fishery.....................  B. Trawl.
    C. Trap and pot fishery..............  C. Trap, pot.
 3. Atlantic Red Drum Fishery (FMP)        No harvest or possession in
                                            the EEZ.
 4. Coral and Coral Reef Fishery (FMP):
    A. Octocoral commercial fishery......  Hand harvest.
    B. Live rock aquaculture fishery.....  Hand harvest.
 5. South Atlantic Shrimp Fishery (FMP)    Trawl.
 6. South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper
 Fishery (FMP):
    A. Commercial fishery................  A. Longline, rod and reel,
                                            bandit gear, handline,
                                            spear, powerhead.
    B. Black sea bass pot fishery........  B. Pot.
    C. Wreckfish fishery.................  C. Rod and reel, bandit gear,
                                            handline.

[[Page 108]]

 
    D. Recreational fishery..............  D. Handline, rod and reel,
                                            bandit gear, spear,
                                            powerhead.
 7. South Atlantic Spiny Lobster Fishery
 (FMP):
    A. Commercial fishery................  A. Trap, pot, dip net, bully
                                            net, snare, hand harvest.
    B. Recreational fishery..............  B. Dip net, bully net, snare,
                                            hand harvest.
 8. South Atlantic Coastal Migratory
 Pelagics Fishery (FMP):
    A. Commercial Spanish mackerel         A. Handline, rod and reel,
     fishery.                               bandit gear, gillnet, cast
                                            net.
    B. Commercial king mackerel fishery..  B. Handline, rod and reel,
                                            bandit gear.
    C. [Reserved]........................
    D. Recreational fishery..............  D. Bandit gear, rod and reel,
                                            handline, spear.
 9. Spiny Dogfish Fishery (FMP jointly
 managed by NEFMC and SAFMC):
    A. Gillnet fishery...................  A. Gillnet.
    B. Trawl fishery.....................  B. Trawl.
    C. Hook and line fishery.............  C. Hook and line, rod and
                                            reel, spear, bandit gear.
    D. Dredge fishery....................  D. Dredge.
    E. Longline fishery..................  E. Longline.
    F. Recreational fishery..............  F. Hook and line, rod and
                                            reel, spear.
10. Smooth Dogfish Fishery (Non-FMP):
    A. Gillnet fishery...................  A. Gillnet.
    B. Trawl fishery.....................  B. Trawl.
    C. Hook and line fishery.............  C. Hook and line, rod and
                                            reel, spear, bandit gear.
    D. Dredge fishery....................  D. Dredge.
    E. Longline fishery..................  E. Longline.
    F. Recreational fishery..............  F. Hook and line, rod and
                                            reel, spear.
11. Atlantic Menhaden Fishery (Non-FMP):
    A. Purse seine fishery...............  A. Purse seine.
    B. Trawl fishery.....................  B. Trawl.
    C. Gillnet fishery...................  C. Gillnet.
    D. Commercial hook-and-line..........  D. Hook and line fishery.
    E. Recreational fishery..............  E. Hook and line, snagging,
                                            cast nets.
12. Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and          Trawl.
 Butterfish Trawl Fishery (Non-FMP)
13. Bait Fisheries (Non-FMP)               Purse seine.
14. Weakfish Fishery (Non-FMP):
    A. Commercial fishery................  A. Trawl, gillnet, hook and
                                            line.
    B. Recreational fishery..............  B. Hook and line, spear.
15. Whelk Fishery (Non-FMP):
    A. Trawl fishery.....................  A. Trawl.
    B. Pot and trap fishery..............  B. Pot, trap.
    C. Dredge fishery....................  C. Dredge.
    D. Recreational fishery..............  D. Hand harvest.
16. Marine Life Aquarium Fishery (Non-     Dip net, slurp gun, barrier
 FMP)                                       net, drop net, allowable
                                            chemical, trap, pot, trawl.
17. Calico Scallop Fishery (Non-FMP):
    A. Dredge fishery....................  A. Dredge.
    B. Trawl fishery.....................  B. Trawl.
    C. Recreational fishery..............  C. Hand harvest.
18. Summer Flounder Fishery (FMP managed
 by MAFMC):
    A. Commercial fishery................  A. Trawl, longline, handline,
                                            rod and reel, pot, trap,
                                            gillnet, dredge.
    B. Recreational fishery..............  B. Rod and reel, handline,
                                            pot, trap, spear.
19. Bluefish, Croaker, and Flounder Trawl  Trawl, gillnet.
 and Gillnet Fishery (Bluefish FMP
 managed by MAFMC)
20. Commercial Fishery (Non-FMP)           Trawl, gillnet, longline,
                                            handline, hook and line, rod
                                            and reel, bandit gear, cast
                                            net, pot, trap, lampara net,
                                            spear.
21. Recreational Fishery (Non-FMP)         Rod and reel, handline,
                                            spear, hook and line, hand
                                            harvest, bandit gear,
                                            powerhead, gillnet, cast
                                            net.
22. Sargassum Fishery (Non-FMP)            Trawl.
23. Octopus Fishery (Non-FMP)              Trap, pot.
24. Dolphin/wahoo fishery (FMP)            Automatic reel, bandit gear,
                                            handline, pelagic longline,
                                            rod and reel, spear
                                            (including powerheads).
25. Atlantic Migratory Group Cobia (Non-
 FMP):
    A. Commercial Fishery................  A. Longline, handline, rod
                                            and reel, bandit gear,
                                            spear.
    B. Recreational Fishery..............  B. Bandit gear, rod and reel,
                                            handline, spear.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
              IV. Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. Gulf of Mexico Red Drum Fishery (FMP)  No harvest or possession in
                                            the EEZ.
 2. Coral Reef Fishery (FMP):
    A. Commercial fishery................  A. Hand harvest.

[[Page 109]]

 
    B. Recreational fishery..............  B. Hand harvest.
 3. Gulf of Mexico Reef Fish Fishery
 (FMP):
    A. Snapper-Grouper reef fish longline  A. Longline, handline, bandit
     and hook and line fishery.             gear, rod and reel, buoy
                                            gear.
    B. Other commercial fishery..........  B. Spear, powerhead, cast
                                            net, trawl.
    C. Recreational fishery..............  C. Spear, powerhead, bandit
                                            gear, handline, rod reel,
                                            cast net.
 4. Gulf of Mexico Shrimp Fishery (FMP):
    A. Gulf of Mexico commercial fishery.  A. Trawl butterfly net,
                                            skimmer, cast net.
    B. Recreational fishery..............  B. Trawl.
 5. Gulf of Mexico Coastal Migratory
 Pelagics Fishery (FMP):
    A. Large pelagics longline fishery...  A. Longline.
    B. King/Spanish mackerel gillnet       B. Gillnet.
     fishery.
    C. Pelagic hook and line fishery.....  C. Bandit gear, handline, rod
                                            and reel.
    D. Pelagic species purse seine         D. Purse seine.
     fishery.
    E. Recreational fishery..............  E. Bandit gear, handline, rod
                                            and reel, spear.
 Gulf of Mexico Spiny Lobster Fishery
 (FMP):
    A. Commercial fishery................  A. Trap, pot, dip net, bully
                                            net, hoop net, trawl, snare,
                                            hand harvest.
    C. Recreational fishery..............  C. Dip net, bully net, pot,
                                            trap, snare, hand harvest.
 6. Stone Crab Fishery (FMP):
    A. Trap and pot fishery..............  A. Trap, pot
    B. Recreational fishery..............  B. Trap, pot, hand harvest.
 7. Blue Crab Fishery (Non-FMP)            Trap, pot.
 8. Golden Crab Fishery (Non-FMP)          Trap.
 9. Mullet Fishery (Non-FMP):
    A. Trawl fishery.....................  A. Trawl.
    B. Gillnet fishery...................  B. Gillnet.
    C. Pair trawl fishery................  C. Pair trawl.
    D. Cast net fishery..................  D. Cast net.
    E. Recreational fishery..............  E. Bandit gear, handline, rod
                                            and reel, spear, cast net.
10. Inshore Coastal Gillnet Fishery (Non-  Gillnet.
 FMP)
11. Octopus Fishery (Non-FMP)              Trap, pot.
12. Marine Life Aquarium Fishery (Non-     Dip net, slurp gun, barrier
 FMP)                                       net, drop net, allowable
                                            chemical, trap, pot, trawl.
13. Coastal Herring Trawl Fishery (Non-    Trawl.
 FMP)
14. Butterfish Trawl Fishery (Non-FMP)     Trawl.
15. Gulf of Mexico Groundfish (Non-FMP):
    A. Commercial fishery................  A. Trawl, purse seine,
                                            gillnet.
    B. Recreational fishery..............  B. Hook and line, rod and
                                            reel, spear.
16. Gulf of Mexico Menhaden Purse Seine    Purse seine.
 Fishery (Non-FMP)
17. Sardine Purse Seine Fishery (Non-FMP)  Purse seine.
18. Oyster Fishery (Non-FMP)               Dredge, tongs.
19. Commercial Fishery (Non-FMP)           Trawl, gillnet, hook and
                                            line, longline, handline,
                                            rod and reel, bandit gear,
                                            cast net, lampara net,
                                            spear.
20. Recreational Fishery (Non-FMP)         Bandit gear, handline, rod
                                            and reel, spear, bully net,
                                            gillnet, dip net, longline,
                                            powerhead, seine, slurp gun,
                                            trap, trawl, harpoon, cast
                                            net, hoop net, hook and
                                            line, hand harvest.
21. Offshore aquaculture (FMP)             Cages, net pens
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 V. Caribbean Fishery Management Council
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Exclusive Economic Zone around Puerto
 Rico.
A. Puerto Rico Reef Fish Fishery (FMP):
    i. Commercial fishery................  i. Automatic reel, bandit
                                            gear, buoy gear, handline,
                                            longline, rod and reel,
                                            trap, pot, spear.
    ii. Recreational fishery.............  ii. Dip net, handline, rod
                                            and reel, slurp gun, spear,
                                            trap, pot.
B. Puerto Rico Pelagic Fishery (FMP):
    i. Commercial fishery................  i. Automatic reel, bandit
                                            gear, buoy gear, handline,
                                            longline, rod and reel,
                                            gillnet.
    ii. Recreational fishery.............  ii. Spear, handline,
                                            longline, rod and reel.
C. Puerto Rico Spiny Lobster Fishery
 (FMP):
    i. Commercial fishery................  i. Trap, pot, dip net, hand
                                            harvest, snare.
    ii. Recreational fishery.............  ii. Trap, pot, dip net, hand
                                            harvest, snare.
D. Puerto Rico Coral Reef Resources        No harvest or possession in
 Fishery (FMP):                             the EEZ.
E. Puerto Rico Queen Conch Fishery (FMP):  No harvest or possession in
                                            the EEZ.
F. Puerto Rico Pelagic Fishery (Non-FMP):
    i. Commercial fishery................  i. Gillnet, automatic reel,
                                            bandit gear, buoy gear,
                                            handline, longline, rod and
                                            reel.
    ii. Recreational fishery.............  ii. Spear, handline,
                                            longline, rod and reel.
G. Puerto Rico Commercial Fishery (Non-    Automatic reel, bandit gear,
 FMP).                                      buoy gear, handline,
                                            longline, rod and reel,
                                            trawl, gillnet, cast net,
                                            spear.

[[Page 110]]

 
H. Puerto Rico Recreational Fishery (Non-  Automatic reel, bandit gear,
 FMP).                                      handline, longline, rod and
                                            reel, spear, powerhead, hand
                                            harvest, cast net.
2. Exclusive Economic Zone around St.
 Croix.
A. St. Croix Reef Fish Fishery (FMP):
    i. Commercial fishery................  i. Automatic reel, bandit
                                            gear, buoy gear, handline,
                                            longline, rod and reel,
                                            trap, pot, spear.
    ii. Recreational fishery.............  ii. Dip net, handline, rod
                                            and reel, slurp gun, spear,
                                            trap, pot.
B. St. Croix Pelagic Fishery (FMP):
    i. Commercial fishery................  i. Gillnet, automatic reel,
                                            bandit gear, buoy gear,
                                            handline, longline, rod and
                                            reel.
    ii. Recreational fishery.............  ii. Spear, handline,
                                            longline, rod and reel.
C. St. Croix Spiny Lobster Fishery (FMP):
    i. Commercial fishery................  i. Trap, pot, dip net, hand
                                            harvest, snare.
    ii. Recreational fishery.............  ii. Trap, pot, dip net, hand
                                            harvest, snare.
D. St. Croix Coral Reef Resource Fishery   No harvest or possession in
 (FMP):                                     the EEZ.
E. St. Croix Queen Conch Fishery (FMP):
    i. Commercial fishery................  i. Hand harvest.
    ii. Recreational fishery.............  ii. Hand harvest.
F. St. Croix Pelagic Fishery (Non-FMP):
    i. Commercial fishery................  i. Gillnet, automatic reel,
                                            bandit gear, buoy gear,
                                            handline, longline, rod and
                                            reel.
    ii. Recreational fishery.............  ii. Spear, handline,
                                            longline, rod and reel.
G. St. Croix Commercial Fishery (Non-FMP)  Automatic reel, bandit gear,
                                            buoy gear, handline,
                                            longline, rod and reel,
                                            trawl, gillnet, cast net,
                                            spear.
H. St. Croix Recreational Fishery (Non-    Automatic reel, bandit gear,
 FMP).                                      handline, longline, rod and
                                            reel, spear, powerhead, hand
                                            harvest, cast net.
3. Exclusive Economic Zone around St.
 Thomas and St. John.
A. St. Thomas and St. John Reef Fish
 Fishery (FMP):
    i. Commercial fishery................  i. Automatic reel, bandit
                                            gear, buoy gear, handline,
                                            longline, rod and reel,
                                            trap, pot, spear.
    ii. Recreational fishery.............  ii. Dip net, handline, rod
                                            and reel, slurp gun, spear,
                                            trap, pot.
B. St. Thomas and St. John Pelagic
 Fishery (FMP):
    i. Commercial fishery................  i. Automatic reel, bandit
                                            gear, buoy gear, handline,
                                            longline, rod and reel,
                                            gillnet.
    ii. Recreational fishery.............  ii. Spear, handline,
                                            longline, rod and reel.
C. St. Thomas and St. John Spiny Lobster
 Fishery (FMP):
    i. Commercial fishery................  i. Trap, pot, dip net, hand
                                            harvest, snare.
    ii. Recreational fishery.............  ii. Trap, pot, dip net, hand
                                            harvest, snare.
D. St. Thomas and St. John Coral Reef      No harvest or possession in
 Resource Fishery (FMP):                    the EEZ.
E. St. Thomas and St. John Queen Conch     No harvest or possession in
 Fishery (FMP):                             the EEZ.
F. St. Thomas and St. John Pelagic
 Fishery (Non-FMP):
    i. Commercial fishery................  i. Gillnet, automatic reel,
                                            bandit gear, buoy gear,
                                            handline, longline, rod and
                                            reel.
    ii. Recreational fishery.............  ii. Spear, handline,
                                            longline, rod and reel.
G. St. Thomas and St. John Commercial      Automatic reel, bandit gear,
 Fishery (Non-FMP).                         buoy gear, handline,
                                            longline, rod and reel,
                                            trawl, gillnet, cast net,
                                            spear.
H. St. Thomas and St. John Recreational    Automatic reel, bandit gear,
 Fishery (Non-FMP).                         handline, longline, rod and
                                            reel, spear, powerhead, hand
                                            harvest, cast net.
                 VI. Pacific Fishery Management Council
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Pacific Coast Salmon Fisheries (FMP):
    A. Commercial........................  A. Hook and line.
    B. Recreational......................  B. Hook and line.
2. Pacific Coast Groundfish Fisheries
 (FMP):
    A. Commercial........................  A. Trawl, hook and line, pot/
                                            trap, demersal seine, set
                                            net, spear, and hand
                                            collection.
    B. Recreational......................  B. Hook and line, spear.
3. Coastal Pelagic Species Fisheries
 (FMP):
    A. Commercial........................  A. Purse seine, lampara net,
                                            brail net, dip net, cast
                                            net, hook and line.
    B. Recreational......................  B. Hook and line, spear, pot/
                                            trap, dip net, cast net,
                                            hand harvest, rake, harpoon,
                                            bow and arrow.
4. Highly Migratory Species Fisheries
 (FMP):
    A. Commercial........................  A. Hook and line, gillnet,
                                            harpoon, purse seine.
    B. Recreational......................  B. Hook and line, spear,
                                            harpoon, bow and arrow.
5. Pacific Halibut Fisheries (Non-FMP):
    A. Commercial........................  A. Hook and line.
    B. Recreational......................  B. Hook and line, spear.
6. Dungeness Crab Fisheries (Non-FMP):

[[Page 111]]

 
    A. Commercial........................  A. Pot/trap.
    B. Recreational North of               B. Pot/trap, dip net, hand
     46[deg]15[min] N. lat.                 harvest.
    C. Recreational South of               C. Pot/trap, hook and line,
     46[deg]15[min] N. lat. and North of    dip net, hand harvest, rake,
     42[deg] N. lat.                        crab loop.
    D. Recreational South of 42[deg] N.    D. Pot/trap, hand harvest,
     lat.                                   hoop net, crab loop.
7. Crab Fisheries for Species other than
 Dungeness crab (Non-FMP):
    A. Commercial Pot/Trap Fisheries       A. Pot/trap.
     South of 46[deg]15[min] N. lat.
    B. Recreational North of               B. Pot/trap, dip net, hand
     46[deg]15[min] N. lat.                 harvest.
    C. Recreational South of               C. Pot/trap, hook and line,
     46[deg]15[min] N. lat. and North of    dip net, hand harvest, rake,
     42[deg] N. lat.                        crab loop.
    D. Recreational South of 42[deg] N.    D. Pot/trap, hand harvest,
     lat.                                   hoop net, crab loop.
8. Shrimp and Prawn Fisheries (Non-FMP):
    A. Commercial spot prawn.............  A. Pot/trap.
    B. Commercial pink shrimp North of     B. Trawl.
     46[deg]15[min] N. lat.
    C. Commercial pink shrimp South of     C. Pot/trap, trawl.
     46[deg]15[min] N. lat.
    D. Commercial coonstripe shrimp South  D. Pot/trap.
     of 46[deg]15[min] N. lat.
    E. Commercial ridgeback prawn South    E. Trawl.
     of 42[deg] N. lat.
    F. Recreational North of               F. Pot/trap, dip net, hand
     46[deg]15[min] N. lat.                 harvest.
    G. Recreational South of               G. Pot/trap, hook and line,
     46[deg]15[min] N. lat. and North of    dip net, hand harvest, rake.
     42[deg] N. lat.
    H. Recreational South of 42[deg] N.    H. Pot/trap, hand harvest,
     lat.                                   dip net.
9. Hagfish Commercial Fisheries (Non-FMP)  Pot/trap.
10. Squid, all spp. except market squid
 or not otherwise prohibited, and Octopus
 Fisheries (Non-FMP):
    A. Commercial........................  A. Hook and line, pot/trap,
                                            dip net, seine, trawl, set
                                            net, spear, hand harvest.
    B. Recreational Squid North of         B. Hook and line, cast net,
     42[deg] N. lat.                        dip net, hand harvest.
    C. Recreational Octopus North of       C. Hook and line, pot/trap,
     42[deg] N. lat.                        dip net, hand harvest.
    D. Recreational South of 42[deg] N.    D. Hook and line, dip net,
     lat.                                   hand harvest.
11. White Sturgeon Fisheries (Non-FMP):
    A. Commercial South of 46[deg]15[min]  A. Trawl, pot/trap, hook and
     N. lat. and North of 42[deg] N. lat.   line, seine, dip net, spear.
    B. Recreational North of 42[deg] N.    B. Hook and line.
     lat.
    C. Recreational South of 42[deg] N.    C. Hook and line, spear.
     lat.
12. Sea Cucumber Fishery (Non-FMP):
    A. Commercial hand harvest fishery     A. Hand harvest.
     South of 46[deg]15[min] N. lat.
    B. Commercial trawl South of 42[deg]   B. Trawl.
     N. lat.
13. Minor Finfish Commercial Fisheries     Trawl, pot/trap, hook and
 South of 46[deg]15[min] N. lat. and        line, seine, dipnet, spear.
 North of 42[deg] N. lat. for: Salmon
 shark, Pacific pomfret, slender sole,
 wolf-eel, eelpout species, Pacific
 sandfish, skilfish, and walleye pollock
 Fisheries (Non-FMP).
14. Weathervane Scallop Commercial         Trawl.
 Fishery South of 46[deg]15[min] N. lat.
 and North of 42[deg] N. lat. (Non-FMP).
15. California Halibut, White Seabass
 Commercial Fisheries South of 42[deg] N.
 lat. (Non-FMP):
    A. California halibut trawl..........  A. Trawl.
    B. California halibut and white        B. Gillnet, trammel net.
     seabass set net.
    C. California halibut hook and line..  C. Hook and line.
    D. White seabass hook and line.......  D. Hook and line.
16. California Barracuda, White Seabass,   Gillnet.
 and Yellowtail Drift-Net Commercial
 Fishery South of 42[deg] N. lat. (Non-
 FMP).
17. Pacific Bonito Commercial Net Fishery  Purse seine.
 South of 42[deg] N. lat. (Non-FMP).
18. Lobster Commercial Pot and Trap        Pot/trap.
 Fishery South of 42[deg] N. lat. (Non-
 FMP).
19. Finfish and Invertebrate Fisheries
 Not Listed Above and Not Otherwise
 Prohibited (Non-FMP):
    A. Commercial South of 46[deg]15[min]  A. Hook and line, pot/trap,
     N. lat.                                spear.
    B. Recreational......................  B. Hook and line, spear, pot/
                                            trap, dip net, cast net,
                                            hand harvest, rake, harpoon,
                                            bow and arrow.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
              VII. North Pacific Fishery Management Council
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. Alaska Scallop Fishery (FMP)           Dredge.
 2. Bering Sea (BS) and Aleutian Islands
 (AI) King and Tanner Crab Fishery (FMP):
    Pot fishery..........................  Pot.
 3. Bering Sea (BS) and Aleutian Islands
 (AI) King and Tanner Crab Fishery (FMP):
    Recreational fishery.................  Pot.
 4. BS and AI Groundfish Fishery (FMP):
    A. Groundfish trawl fishery..........  A. Trawl.
    B. Bottomfish hook-and-line, and       B. Hook and line, handline.
     handline fishery.
    C. Longline fishery..................  C. Longline.

[[Page 112]]

 
    D. BS and AI pot and trap fishery....  D. Pot, trap.
 5. BS and AI Groundfish Recreational      Handline, rod and reel, hook
 Fishery (Non-FMP)                          and line, pot, trap.
 6. Gulf of Alaska (GOA) Groundfish
 Fishery (FMP):
    A. Groundfish trawl fishery..........  A. Trawl.
    B. Bottomfish hook-and-line and        B. Hook and line, handline.
     handline fishery.
    C. Longline fishery..................  C. Longline.
    D. GOA pot and trap fishery..........  D. Pot, trap.
    E. Recreational fishery..............  E. Handline, rod and reel,
                                            hook and line, pot, trap.
 7. Pacific Halibut Fishery (Non-FMP):
    A. Commercial (IFQ and CDQ)..........  A. Hook and line, pot.
    B. Recreational......................  B. Single line with no more
                                            than 2 hooks attached or
                                            spear.
    C. Subsistence.......................  C. Setline gear and hand held
                                            gear of not more than 30
                                            hooks, including longline,
                                            handline, rod and reel,
                                            spear, jig, and hand-troll
                                            gear.
 8. Alaska High Seas Salmon Hook and Line
 Fishery:
    (FMP)................................  Hook and line.
 9. Alaska Salmon Fishery (Non-FMP):
    A. Hook-and-line fishery.............  A. Hook and line.
    B. Gillnet fishery...................  B. Gillnet.
    C. Purse seine fishery...............  C. Purse seine.
    D. Recreational fishery..............  D. Handline, rod and reel,
                                            hook and line.
10. Finfish Purse Seine Fishery (Non-FMP)  Purse seine.
11. Octopus/Squid Longline Fishery (Non-   Longline.
 FMP)
12. Finfish Handline and Hook-and-line     Handline, hook and line.
 Fishery (Non-FMP)
13. Recreational Fishery (Non-FMP)         Handline, rod and reel, hook
                                            line.
14. Commercial Fishery (Non-FMP)           Trawl, gillnet, hook and
                                            line, longline, handline,
                                            rod and reel, bandit gear,
                                            cast net, spear.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
            VIII. Western Pacific Fishery Management Council
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Western Pacific Crustacean Fishery      Trap, hand harvest, hoop net.
 (FMP) (Fishery Ecosystem Plan, FEP)
2. Western Pacific Crustacean Fishery
 (Non-FEP):
    A. Commercial fishery................  A. Gillnet, hand harvest,
                                            hoop net, spear, snare,
                                            trap, trawl.
    B. Recreational fishery..............  B. Gillnet, hand harvest,
                                            hoop net, spear, snare,
                                            trap.
    C. Charter fishery...................  C. Hand harvest, spear.
3. Western Pacific Precious Corals
 Fishery (FEP):
    A. Tangle net dredge fishery.........  A. Tangle net dredge.
    B. Submersible fishery...............  B. Submersible.
    C. Dive fishery......................  C. Hand harvest.
    D. Recreational fishery..............  D. Hand harvest.
4. Western Pacific Precious Corals         Hand harvest, submersible,
 Fishery (Non-FEP)                          tangle net dredge.
5. Western Pacific Bottomfish and
 Seamount Groundfish Fishery (FEP)
    A. Bottomfish hook-and-line fishery..  A. Bandit gear, buoy gear,
                                            handline, hook and line, rod
                                            and reel, hand harvest.
    B. Seamount groundfish fishery.......  B. Longline, trawl.
    C. Bottom longline fishery...........  C. Longline, hook and line.
    D. Trap fishery......................  D. Trap.
    E. Spear fishery.....................  E. Spear, powerhead.
6. Western Pacific Bottomfish and
 Seamount Groundfish Fishery (Non-FEP):
    A. Commercial fishery................  A. Bandit gear, buoy gear,
                                            gillnet, handline, hook-and-
                                            line, longline, rod and
                                            reel, spear, trap.
    B. Recreational fishery..............  B. Bandit gear, buoy gear,
                                            Gillnet, handline, hook and
                                            line, longline, rod and
                                            reel, spear, trap, slurp
                                            gun, hand harvest.
    C. Charter fishery...................  C. Bandit gear, buoy gear,
                                            handline, hook-and-line, rod
                                            and reel, spear.
7. Western Pacific Pelagics Fishery
 (FEP):
    A. Longline Fishery..................  A. Longline.
    B. Hook and line fishery.............  B. Bandit gear, buoy gear,
                                            handline, hook and line, rod
                                            and reel.
    C. Purse seine fishery...............  C. Lampara net, purse seine.
    D. Spear fishery.....................  D. Spear, powerhead.
    E. Squid jig fishery.................  E. Squid jig.
8. Western Pacific Pelagics Fishery (Non-
 FEP):
    A. Recreational fishery..............  A. Bandit gear, buoy gear,
                                            dip net, handline, hook and
                                            line, hoop net, powerhead,
                                            rod and real, spear.
    B. Commercial fishery................  B. Bandit gear, buoy gear,
                                            dip net, handline, hook and
                                            line, hoop net, powerhead,
                                            rod and reel, spear.
    C. Charter fishery...................  C. Bandit gear, buoy gear,
                                            dip net, handline, hook and
                                            line, hoop net, powerhead,
                                            rod and reel, spear.

[[Page 113]]

 
9. Western Pacific Coastal Pelagics        Bandit gear, buoy gear, dip
 Fishery (Non-FEP)                          net, gillnet, handline, hook
                                            and line, hoop net, lampara
                                            net, purse seine, rod and
                                            reel, spear.
10. Western Pacific Squid and Octopus      Bandit gear, hand harvest,
 Fishery (Non-FEP)                          hook and line, rod and reel,
                                            spear, trap.
11. Western Pacific Coral Reef Fishery     Allowable chemical, barrier
 (Non-FEP)                                  net, dip net, gillnet, hand
                                            harvest, seine, slurp gun,
                                            trap, spear, rod and reel,
                                            hook and line.
12. Recreational Fishery (Non-FEP)         Rod and reel, hook and line,
                                            handline, hand harvest,
                                            spear.
13. Commercial Fishery (Non-FEP)           Trawl, gillnet, hook and
                                            line, longline, handline,
                                            rod and reel, bandit gear,
                                            cast net, spear.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        IX. Secretary of Commerce
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. Atlantic Highly Migratory Species
 Fisheries (FMP):
    A. Swordfish handgear fishery........  A. Rod and reel, harpoon,
                                            handline, bandit gear, buoy
                                            gear, green-stick gear.
    B. Swordfish recreational fishery....  B. Rod and reel, handline.
    C. Pelagic longline fishery..........  C. Longline.
    D. Shark gillnet fishery.............  D. Gillnet
    E. Shark bottom longline fishery.....  E. Longline.
    F. Shark handgear fishery............  F. Rod and reel, handline,
                                            bandit gear.
    G. Shark recreational fishery........  G. Rod and reel, handline.
    H. [Reserved]........................
    I. Tuna recreational fishery.........  I. Speargun gear (for bigeye,
                                            albacore, yellowfin, and
                                            skipjack tunas only); Rod
                                            and reel, handline (all
                                            tunas); green-stick gear
                                            (HMS Charter/Headboat
                                            Category only).
    J. Tuna handgear fishery.............  J. Rod and reel, harpoon,
                                            handline, bandit gear.
    K. Tuna harpoon fishery..............  K. Harpoon.
    L. Atlantic billfish recreational      L. Rod and reel.
     fishery.
    M. Tuna green-stick fishery..........  M. Green-stick gear.
    N. Commercial Caribbean Small Boat     N. Rod and reel, handline,
     Fishery.                               harpoon, bandit gear, green-
                                            stick gear, buoy gear.
2. Commercial Fisheries (Non-FMP)          Rod and reel, handline,
                                            longline, gillnet, harpoon,
                                            bandit gear, purse seine,
                                            green-stick gear.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (w) Fail to maintain safe conditions for the protection of observers 
including compliance with all U.S. Coast Guard and other applicable 
rules, regulations, or statutes applicable to the vessel and which 
pertain to safe operation of the vessel.

[61 FR 32540, June 24, 1996]

    Editorial Note: For Federal Register citations affecting Sec. 
600.725, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the 
Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.



Sec. 600.730  Facilitation of enforcement.

    (a) General. The operator of, or any other person aboard, any 
fishing vessel subject to parts 622 through 699 of this chapter must 
immediately comply with instructions and signals issued by an authorized 
officer to stop the vessel and with instructions to facilitate safe 
boarding and inspection of the vessel, its gear, equipment, fishing 
record (where applicable), and catch for purposes of enforcing the 
Magnuson-Stevens Act or any other statute administered by NOAA and this 
chapter.
    (1) For the purposes of this section ``freeboard'' means the working 
distance between the top rail of the gunwale of a vessel and the water's 
surface. Where cut-outs are provided in the bulwarks for the purpose of 
boarding personnel, freeboard means the distance between the threshold 
of the bulwark cut-out and the water's surface.
    (2) For the purposes of this section, ``pilot ladder'' means a 
flexible ladder constructed and approved to meet the U.S. Coast Guard 
standards for pilot ladders at 46 CFR subpart 163.003 entitled Pilot 
Ladder.
    (b) Communications. (1) Upon being approached by a USCG vessel or 
aircraft, or other vessel or aircraft with an authorized officer aboard, 
the operator of a fishing vessel must be alert for communications 
conveying enforcement instructions.
    (2) VHF-FM radiotelephone is the preferred method for communicating

[[Page 114]]

between vessels. If the size of the vessel and the wind, sea, and 
visibility conditions allow, a loudhailer may be used instead of the 
radio. Hand signals, placards, high frequency radiotelephone, or voice 
may be employed by an authorized officer, and message blocks may be 
dropped from an aircraft.
    (3) If other communications are not practicable, visual signals may 
be transmitted by flashing light directed at the vessel signaled. USCG 
units will normally use the flashing light signal ``L'' as the signal to 
stop. In the International Code of Signals, ``L'' (.-..) means ``you 
should stop your vessel instantly.'' (Period (.) means a short flash of 
light; dash (-) means a long flash of light.)
    (4) Failure of a vessel's operator promptly to stop the vessel when 
directed to do so by an authorized officer using loudhailer, 
radiotelephone, flashing light signal, or other means constitutes prima 
facie evidence of the offense of refusal to permit an authorized officer 
to board.
    (5) The operator of a vessel who does not understand a signal from 
an enforcement unit and who is unable to obtain clarification by 
loudhailer or radiotelephone must consider the signal to be a command to 
stop the vessel instantly.
    (c) Boarding. The operator of a vessel directed to stop must:
    (1) Guard Channel 16, VHF-FM, if so equipped.
    (2) Stop immediately and lay to or maneuver in such a way as to 
allow the authorized officer and his/her party to come aboard.
    (3) Except for fishing vessels with a freeboard of 4 feet (1.25 m) 
or less, provide, when requested by an authorized officer or observer 
personnel, a pilot ladder capable of being used for the purpose of 
enabling personnel to embark and disembark the vessel safely. The pilot 
ladder must be maintained in good condition and kept clean.
    (4) When necessary to facilitate the boarding or when requested by 
an authorized officer or observer, provide a manrope or safety line, and 
illumination for the pilot ladder.
    (5) Take such other actions as necessary to facilitate boarding and 
to ensure the safety of the authorized officer and the boarding party.
    (d) Signals. The following signals, extracted from the International 
Code of Signals, may be sent by flashing light by an enforcement unit 
when conditions do not allow communications by loudhailer or 
radiotelephone. Knowledge of these signals by vessel operators is not 
required. However, knowledge of these signals and appropriate action by 
a vessel operator may preclude the necessity of sending the signal ``L'' 
and the necessity for the vessel to stop instantly. (Period (.) means a 
short flash of light; dash (-) means a long flash of light.)
    (1) ``AA'' repeated (.-.-) is the call to an unknown station. The 
operator of the signaled vessel should respond by identifying the vessel 
by radiotelephone or by illuminating the vessel's identification.
    (2) ``RY-CY'' (.-. -.-- -.-. -.--) means ``you should proceed at 
slow speed, a boat is coming to you.'' This signal is normally employed 
when conditions allow an enforcement boarding without the necessity of 
the vessel being boarded coming to a complete stop, or, in some cases, 
without retrieval of fishing gear which may be in the water.
    (3) ``SQ3'' (... --.- ...--) means ``you should stop or heave to; I 
am going to board you.''

[61 FR 32540, June 24, 1996, as amended at 61 FR 37225, July 17, 1996; 
63 FR 7075, Feb. 12, 1998; 73 FR 67809, Nov. 17, 2008; 81 FR 88998, Dec. 
9, 2016]



Sec. 600.735  Penalties.

    Any person committing, or fishing vessel used in the commission of a 
violation of the Magnuson-Stevens Act or any other statute administered 
by NOAA and/or any regulation issued under the Magnuson-Stevens Act, is 
subject to the civil and criminal penalty provisions and civil 
forfeiture provisions of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, to this section, to 
15 CFR part 904 (Civil Procedures), and to other applicable law.

[61 FR 32540, June 24, 1996, as amended at 63 FR 7075, Feb. 12, 1998]



Sec. 600.740  Enforcement policy.

    (a) The Magnuson-Stevens Act provides four basic enforcement 
remedies

[[Page 115]]

for violations, in ascending order of severity, as follows:
    (1) Issuance of a citation (a type of warning), usually at the scene 
of the offense (see 15 CFR part 904, subpart E).
    (2) Assessment by the Administrator of a civil money penalty.
    (3) For certain violations, judicial forfeiture action against the 
vessel and its catch.
    (4) Criminal prosecution of the owner or operator for some offenses. 
It shall be the policy of NMFS to enforce vigorously and equitably the 
provisions of the Magnuson-Stevens Act by utilizing that form or 
combination of authorized remedies best suited in a particular case to 
this end.
    (b) Processing a case under one remedial form usually means that 
other remedies are inappropriate in that case. However, further 
investigation or later review may indicate the case to be either more or 
less serious than initially considered, or may otherwise reveal that the 
penalty first pursued is inadequate to serve the purposes of the 
Magnuson-Stevens Act. Under such circumstances, the Agency may pursue 
other remedies either in lieu of or in addition to the action originally 
taken. Forfeiture of the illegal catch does not fall within this general 
rule and is considered in most cases as only the initial step in 
remedying a violation by removing the ill-gotten gains of the offense.
    (c) If a fishing vessel for which a permit has been issued under the 
Magnuson-Stevens Act is used in the commission of an offense prohibited 
by section 307 of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, NOAA may impose permit 
sanctions, whether or not civil or criminal action has been undertaken 
against the vessel or its owner or operator. In some cases, the 
Magnuson-Stevens Act requires permit sanctions following the assessment 
of a civil penalty or the imposition of a criminal fine. In sum, the 
Magnuson-Stevens Act treats sanctions against the fishing vessel permit 
to be the carrying out of a purpose separate from that accomplished by 
civil and criminal penalties against the vessel or its owner or 
operator.

[61 FR 32540, June 24, 1996, as amended at 63 FR 7075, Feb. 12, 1998]



Sec. 600.745  Scientific research activity, exempted fishing, and exempted educational activity.

    (a) Scientific research activity. Nothing in this part is intended 
to inhibit or prevent any scientific research activity conducted by a 
scientific research vessel. Persons planning to conduct scientific 
research activities on board a scientific research vessel in the EEZ or 
on the high seas are encouraged to submit to the appropriate Regional 
Administrator or Director, 60 days or as soon as practicable prior to 
its start, a scientific research plan for each scientific activity. The 
Regional Administrator or Director will acknowledge notification of 
scientific research activity by issuing to the operator or master of 
that vessel, or to the sponsoring institution, a Letter of 
Acknowledgment. This Letter of Acknowledgment is separate and distinct 
from any permit or consultation required by the MMPA, the ESA, or any 
other applicable law. The Regional Administrator or Director will 
include text in the Letter of Acknowledgment informing the applicant 
that such a permit may be required and should be obtained from the 
agency prior to embarking on the activity. If the Regional Administrator 
or Director, after review of a research plan, determines that it does 
not constitute scientific research but rather fishing, the Regional 
Administrator or Director will inform the applicant as soon as 
practicable and in writing. In making this determination, the Regional 
Administrator, Director, or designee shall consider: the merits of the 
individual proposal and the institution(s) involved; whether the 
proposed activity meets the definition of scientific research activity; 
and whether the vessel meets all the requirements for a scientific 
research vessel. The Regional Administrator or Director may also make 
recommendations to revise the research plan to ensure the activity will 
be considered to be scientific research activity or recommend the 
applicant request an EFP. The Regional Administrator or Director may 
designate a Science and Research Director, or the Assistant Regional 
Administrator for Sustainable Fisheries, to receive scientific research 
plans and issue Letters of Acknowledgment. In

[[Page 116]]

order to facilitate identification of the activity as scientific 
research, persons conducting scientific research activities are advised 
to carry a copy of the scientific research plan and the Letter of 
Acknowledgment on board the scientific research vessel and to make it 
available for inspection upon the request of any authorized officer. It 
is recommended that for any scientific research activity, any fish, or 
parts thereof, retained pursuant to such activity be accompanied, during 
any ex-vessel activities, by a copy of the Letter of Acknowledgment. 
Activity conducted in accordance with a scientific research plan 
acknowledged by such a Letter of Acknowledgment is presumed to be 
scientific research activity. An authorized officer may overcome this 
presumption by showing that an activity does not fit the definition of 
scientific research activity or is outside the scope of the scientific 
research plan.
    (b) Exempted fishing--(1) General. A NMFS Regional Administrator or 
Director may authorize, for limited testing, public display, data 
collection, exploratory fishing, compensation fishing, conservation 
engineering, health and safety surveys, environmental cleanup, and/or 
hazard removal purposes, the target or incidental harvest of species 
managed under an FMP or fishery regulations that would otherwise be 
prohibited. Exempted fishing may not be conducted unless authorized by 
an EFP issued by a Regional Administrator or Director in accordance with 
the criteria and procedures specified in this section. Compensation 
fishing must be conducted under an EFP if the activity would otherwise 
be prohibited by applicable regulations unless the activity is 
specifically authorized under an FMP or a scientific research permit. 
Conservation engineering that does not meet the definition of scientific 
research activity, but does meet the definition of fishing must be 
conducted under an EFP if the activity would otherwise be prohibited by 
applicable regulations. Data collection designed to capture and land 
quantities of fish for product development, market research, and/or 
public display must be permitted under exempted fishing procedures. An 
EFP exempts a vessel only from those regulations specified in the EFP. 
All other applicable regulations remain in effect. The Regional 
Administrator or Director may charge a fee to recover the administrative 
expenses of issuing an EFP. The amount of the fee will be calculated, at 
least annually, in accordance with procedures of the NOAA Handbook for 
determining administrative costs of each special product or service; the 
fee may not exceed such costs. Persons may contact the appropriate 
Regional Administrator or Director to determine the applicable fee.
    (2) Application. An applicant for an EFP shall submit a completed 
application package to the appropriate Regional Administrator or 
Director, as soon as practicable and at least 60 days before the desired 
effective date of the EFP. Submission of an EFP application less than 60 
days before the desired effective date of the EFP may result in a 
delayed effective date because of review requirements. The application 
package must include payment of any required fee as specified by 
paragraph (b)(1) of this section, and a written application that 
includes, but is not limited to, the following information:
    (i) The date of the application.
    (ii) The applicant's name, mailing address, and telephone number.
    (iii) A statement of the purposes and goals of the exempted fishery 
for which an EFP is needed, including justification for issuance of the 
EFP.
    (iv) For each vessel to be covered by the EFP, as soon as the 
information is available and before operations begin under the EFP:
    (A) A copy of the USCG documentation, state license, or registration 
of each vessel, or the information contained on the appropriate 
document.
    (B) The current name, address, and telephone number of the owner and 
master, if not included on the document provided for the vessel.
    (v) The species (target and incidental) expected to be harvested 
under the EFP, the amount(s) of such harvest necessary to conduct the 
exempted fishing, the arrangements for disposition of all regulated 
species harvested under the EFP, and any anticipated impacts on the 
environment, including

[[Page 117]]

impacts on fisheries, marine mammals, threatened or endangered species, 
and EFH.
    (vi) For each vessel covered by the EFP, the approximate time(s) and 
place(s) fishing will take place, and the type, size, and amount of gear 
to be used.
    (vii) The signature of the applicant.
    (viii) The Regional Administrator or Director, as appropriate, may 
request from an applicant additional information necessary to make the 
determinations required under this section. An incomplete application or 
an application for which the appropriate fee has not been paid will not 
be considered until corrected in writing and the fee paid. An applicant 
for an EFP need not be the owner or operator of the vessel(s) for which 
the EFP is requested.
    (3) Issuance. (i) The Regional Administrator or Director, as 
appropriate, will review each application and will make a preliminary 
determination whether the application contains all of the required 
information and constitutes an activity appropriate for further 
consideration. If the Regional Administrator or Director finds that any 
application does not warrant further consideration, both the applicant 
and the affected Council(s) will be notified in writing of the reasons 
for the decision. If the Regional Administrator or Director determines 
that any application warrants further consideration, notification of 
receipt of the application will be published in the Federal Register 
with a brief description of the proposal. Interested persons will be 
given a 15- to 45-day opportunity to comment on the notice of receipt of 
the EFP application. In addition, comments may be requested during 
public testimony at a Council meeting. If the Council intends to take 
comments on EFP applications at a Council meeting, it must include a 
statement to this effect in the Council meeting notice and meeting 
agenda. Multiple applications for EFPs may be published in the same 
Federal Register document and may be discussed under a single Council 
agenda item. The notification may establish a cut-off date for receipt 
of additional applications to participate in the same, or a similar, 
exempted fishing activity. The Regional Administrator or Director will 
also forward copies of the application to the Council(s), the U.S. Coast 
Guard, and the appropriate fishery management agencies of affected 
states, accompanied by the following information:
    (A) The effect of the proposed EFP on the target and incidental 
species, including the effect on any TAC.
    (B) A citation of the regulation or regulations that, without the 
EFP, would prohibit the proposed activity.
    (C) Biological information relevant to the proposal, including 
appropriate statements of environmental impacts, including impacts on 
fisheries, marine mammals, threatened or endangered species, and EFH.
    (ii) If the application is complete and warrants additional 
consultation, the Regional Administrator or Director may consult with 
the appropriate Council(s) concerning the permit application during the 
period in which comments have been requested. The Council(s) or the 
Regional Administrator or Director shall notify the applicant in advance 
of any public meeting at which the application will be considered, and 
offer the applicant the opportunity to appear in support of the 
application.
    (iii) As soon as practicable after receiving a complete application, 
including all required analyses and consultations (e.g., NEPA, EFH, ESA 
and MMPA), and having received responses from the public, the agencies 
identified in paragraph (b)(3)(i) of this section, and/or after the 
consultation, if any, described in paragraph (b)(3)(ii) of this section, 
the Regional Administrator or Director shall issue the EFP or notify the 
applicant in writing of the decision to deny the EFP and the reasons for 
the denial. Grounds for denial of an EFP include, but are not limited 
to, the following:
    (A) The applicant has failed to disclose material information 
required, or has made false statements as to any material fact, in 
connection with his or her application; or
    (B) According to the best scientific information available, the 
harvest to be conducted under the permit would detrimentally affect the 
well-being of the stock of any regulated species of fish, marine mammal, 
threatened or endangered species, or EFH; or

[[Page 118]]

    (C) Issuance of the EFP would have economic allocation as its sole 
purpose (other than compensation fishing); or
    (D) Activities to be conducted under the EFP would be inconsistent 
with the intent of this section, the management objectives of the FMP, 
or other applicable law; or
    (E) The applicant has failed to demonstrate a valid justification 
for the permit; or
    (F) The activity proposed under the EFP could create a significant 
enforcement problem.
    (iv) The decision of a Regional Administrator or Director to grant 
or deny an EFP is the final action of NMFS. If the permit, as granted, 
is significantly different from the original application, or is denied, 
NMFS may publish notification in the Federal Register describing the 
exempted fishing to be conducted under the EFP or the reasons for 
denial.
    (v) The Regional Administrator or Director should attach, as 
applicable, terms and conditions to the EFP, consistent with the purpose 
of the exempted fishing and as otherwise necessary for the conservation 
and management of the fishery resources and the marine environment, 
including, but not limited to:
    (A) The maximum amount of each regulated species that can be 
harvested and landed during the term of the EFP, including trip 
limitations, where appropriate.
    (B) The number, size(s), name(s), and identification number(s) of 
the vessel(s) authorized to conduct fishing activities under the EFP.
    (C) A citation of the regulations from which the vessel is exempted.
    (D) The time(s) and place(s) where exempted fishing may be 
conducted.
    (E) The type, size, and amount of gear that may be used by each 
vessel operated under the EFP.
    (F) Whether observers, a vessel monitoring system, or other 
electronic equipment must be carried on board vessels operating under 
the EFP, and any necessary conditions, such as predeployment 
notification requirements.
    (G) Data reporting requirements necessary to document the 
activities, including catches and incidental catches, and to determine 
compliance with the terms and conditions of the EFP and established time 
frames and formats for submission of the data to NMFS.
    (H) Other conditions as may be necessary to assure compliance with 
the purposes of the EFP, consistent with the objectives of the FMP and 
other applicable law.
    (I) Provisions for public release of data obtained under the EFP 
that are consistent with NOAA confidentiality of statistics procedures 
at set out in subpart E. An applicant may be required to waive the right 
to confidentiality of information gathered while conducting exempted 
fishing as a condition of an EFP.
    (4) Acknowledging permit conditions. Upon receipt of an EFP, the 
permit holder must date and sign the permit, and retain the permit on 
board the vessel(s). The permit is not valid until signed by the permit 
holder. In signing the permit, the permit holder:
    (i) Agrees to abide by all terms and conditions set forth in the 
permit, and all restrictions and relevant regulations; and
    (ii) Acknowledges that the authority to conduct certain activities 
specified in the permit is conditional and subject to authorization and 
revocation by the Regional Administrator or Director.
    (5) Duration. Unless otherwise specified in the EFP or a superseding 
notice or regulation, an EFP is valid for no longer than 1 year. EFPs 
may be renewed following the application procedures in this section.
    (6) Alteration. Any permit that has been altered, erased, or 
mutilated is invalid.
    (7) Inspection. Any EFP issued under this section must be carried on 
board the vessel(s) for which it was issued. The EFP must be presented 
for inspection upon request of any authorized officer. Any fish, or 
parts thereof, retained pursuant to an EFP issued under this paragraph 
must be accompanied, during any ex-vessel activities, by a copy of the 
EFP.
    (8) Inspection. Any EFP issued under this section must be carried on 
board the vessel(s) for which it was issued. The EFP must be presented 
for inspection upon request of any authorized officer.

[[Page 119]]

    (9) Sanctions. Failure of a permittee to comply with the terms and 
conditions of an EFP may be grounds for revocation, suspension, or 
modification of the EFP with respect to all persons and vessels 
conducting activities under the EFP. Any action taken to revoke, 
suspend, or modify an EFP for enforcement purposes will be governed by 
15 CFR part 904, subpart D.
    (c) Reports. (1) NMFS requests that persons conducting scientific 
research activities from scientific research vessels submit a copy of 
any report or other publication created as a result of the activity, 
including the amount, composition, and disposition of their catch, to 
the appropriate Science and Research Director and Regional Administrator 
or Director.
    (2) Upon completion of the activities of the EFP, or periodically as 
required by the terms and conditions of the EFP, persons fishing under 
an EFP must submit a report of their catches and any other information 
required, to the appropriate Regional Administrator or Director, in the 
manner and within the time frame specified in the EFP, but no later than 
6 months after concluding the exempted fishing activity. Persons 
conducting EFP activities are also requested to submit a copy of any 
publication prepared as a result of the EFP activity.
    (d) Exempted educational activities--(1) General. A NMFS Regional 
Administrator or Director may authorize, for educational purposes, the 
target or incidental harvest of species managed under an FMP or fishery 
regulations that would otherwise be prohibited. The trade, barter or 
sale of fish taken under this authorization is prohibited. The decision 
of a Regional Administrator or Director to grant or deny an exempted 
educational activity authorization is the final action of NMFS. Exempted 
educational activities may not be conducted unless authorized in writing 
by a Regional Administrator or Director in accordance with the criteria 
and procedures specified in this section. Such authorization will be 
issued without charge.
    (2) Application. An applicant for an exempted educational activity 
authorization shall submit to the appropriate Regional Administrator or 
Director, at least 15 days before the desired effective date of the 
authorization, a written application that includes, but is not limited 
to, the following information:
    (i) The date of the application.
    (ii) The applicant's name, mailing address, and telephone number.
    (iii) A brief statement of the purposes and goals of the exempted 
educational activity for which authorization is requested, including a 
general description of the arrangements for disposition of all species 
collected.
    (iv) Evidence that the sponsoring institution is a valid educational 
institution, such as accreditation by a recognized national or 
international accreditation body.
    (v) The scope and duration of the activity.
    (vi) For each vessel to be covered by the authorization:
    (A) A copy of the U.S. Coast Guard documentation, state license, or 
registration of the vessel, or the information contained on the 
appropriate document.
    (B) The current name, address, and telephone number of the owner and 
master, if not included on the document provided for the vessel.
    (vii) The species and amounts expected to be caught during the 
exempted educational activity, and any anticipated impacts on the 
environment, including impacts on fisheries, marine mammals, threatened 
or endangered species, and EFH.
    (viii) For each vessel covered by the authorization, the approximate 
time(s) and place(s) fishing will take place, and the type, size, and 
amount of gear to be used.
    (ix) The signature of the applicant.
    (x) The Regional Administrator or Director may request from an 
applicant additional information necessary to make the determinations 
required under this section. An incomplete application will not be 
considered until corrected in writing.
    (3) Issuance. (i) The Regional Administrator or Director, as 
appropriate, will review each application and will make a determination 
whether the application contains all of the required information, is 
consistent with the goals, objectives, and requirements of

[[Page 120]]

the FMP or regulations and other applicable law, and constitutes a valid 
exempted educational activity. The applicant will be notified in writing 
of the decision within 5 working days of receipt of the application.
    (ii) The Regional Administrator or Director should attach, as 
applicable, terms and conditions to the authorization, consistent with 
the purpose of the exempted educational activity and as otherwise 
necessary for the conservation and management of the fishery resources 
and the marine environment, including, but not limited to:
    (A) The maximum amount of each regulated species that may be 
harvested.
    (B) A citation of the regulations from which the vessel is being 
exempted.
    (C) The time(s) and place(s) where the exempted educational activity 
may be conducted.
    (D) The type, size, and amount of gear that may be used by each 
vessel operated under the authorization.
    (E) Data reporting requirements necessary to document the activities 
and to determine compliance with the terms and conditions of the 
exempted educational activity.
    (F) Such other conditions as may be necessary to assure compliance 
with the purposes of the authorization, consistent with the objectives 
of the FMP or regulations.
    (G) Provisions for public release of data obtained under the 
authorization, consistent with NOAA confidentiality of statistics 
procedures in subpart E. An applicant may be required to waive the right 
to confidentiality of information gathered while conducting exempted 
educational activities as a condition of the authorization.
    (iii) The authorization will specify the scope of the authorized 
activity and will include, at a minimum, the duration, vessel(s), 
persons, species, and gear involved in the activity, as well as any 
additional terms and conditions specified under paragraph (d)(3)(ii) of 
this section.
    (4) Duration. Unless otherwise specified, authorization for an 
exempted educational activity is effective for no longer than 1 year, 
unless revoked, suspended, or modified. Authorizations may be renewed 
following the application procedures in this section.
    (5) Alteration. Any authorization that has been altered, erased, or 
mutilated is invalid.
    (6) Transfer. Authorizations issued under this paragraph (d) are not 
transferable or assignable.
    (7) Inspection. Any authorization issued under this paragraph (d) 
must be carried on board the vessel(s) for which it was issued, or be in 
the possession of at least one of the persons identified in the 
authorization, who must be present while the exempted educational 
activity is being conducted. The authorization must be presented for 
inspection upon request of any authorized officer. Activities that meet 
the definition of ``fishing,'' despite an educational purpose, are 
fishing. An authorization may allow covered fishing activities; however, 
fishing activities conducted outside the scope of an authorization for 
exempted educational activities are illegal. Any fish, or parts thereof, 
retained pursuant to an authorization issued under this paragraph must 
be accompanied, during any ex-vessel activities, by a copy of the 
authorization.
    (e) Observers. NMFS-sanctioned observers or biological technicians 
conducting activities within NMFS-approved sea sampling and/or observer 
protocols are exempt from the requirement to obtain an EFP. For purposes 
of this section, NMFS-sanctioned observers or biological technicians 
include NMFS employees, NMFS observers, observers who are employees of 
NMFS-contracted observer providers, and observers who are employees of 
NMFS-permitted observer providers.

[61 FR 32540, June 24, 1996, as amended at 63 FR 7075, Feb. 12, 1998; 74 
FR 42794, Aug. 25, 2009; 80 FR 62500, Oct. 16, 2015]



Sec. 600.746  Observers.

    (a) Applicability. This section applies to any fishing vessel 
required to carry an observer as part of a mandatory observer program or 
carrying an observer as part of a voluntary observer program under the 
Magnuson-Stevens Act, MMPA (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.), the ATCA (16 U.S.C. 
971 et seq.), the South Pacific Tuna Act of 1988 (16 U.S.C. 973 et 
seq.), or any other U.S. law.

[[Page 121]]

    (b) Observer safety. An observer will not be deployed on, or stay 
aboard, a vessel that is inadequate for observer deployment as described 
in paragraph (c) of this section.
    (c) Vessel inadequate for observer deployment. A vessel is 
inadequate for observer deployment if it:
    (1) Does not comply with the applicable regulations regarding 
observer accommodations (see 50 CFR parts 229, 285, 300, 600, 622, 635, 
648, 660, and 679), or
    (2) Has not passed a USCG Commercial Fishing Vessel Safety 
Examination, or for vessels less than 26 ft (8 m) in length, has not 
passed an alternate safety equipment examination, as described in 
paragraph (g) of this section.
    (d) Display or show proof. A vessel that has passed a USCG 
Commercial Fishing Vessel Safety Examination must display or show proof 
of a valid USCG Commercial Fishing Vessel Safety Examination decal that 
certifies compliance with regulations found in 33 CFR Chapter 1 and 46 
CFR Chapter 1, and which was issued within the last 2 years or at a time 
interval consistent with current USCG regulations or policy.
    (1) In situations of mitigating circumstances, which may prevent a 
vessel from displaying a valid safety decal (broken window, etc.), NMFS, 
the observer, or NMFS' designated observer provider may accept the 
following associated documentation as proof of the missing safety decal 
described in paragraph (d) of this section:
    (i) A certificate of compliance issued pursuant to 46 CFR 28.710;
    (ii) A certificate of inspection pursuant to 46 U.S.C. 3311; or
    (iii) For vessels not required to obtain the documents identified in 
(d)(1)(i) and (d)(1)(ii) of this section, a dockside examination report 
form indicating the decal number and date and place of issue.
    (e) Visual inspection. Upon request by an observer, a NMFS employee, 
or a designated observer provider, a vessel owner or operator must 
provide correct information concerning any item relating to any safety 
or accommodation requirement prescribed by law or regulation, in a 
manner and according to a timeframe as directed by NMFS. A vessel owner 
or operator must also allow an observer, a NMFS employee, or a 
designated observer provider to visually examine any such item.
    (f) Vessel safety check. Prior to the initial deployment, the vessel 
owner or operator or the owner or operator's designee must accompany the 
observer in a walk through the vessel's major spaces to ensure that no 
obviously hazardous conditions exist. This action may be a part of the 
vessel safety orientation to be provided by the vessel to the observer 
as required by 46 CFR 28.270. The vessel owner or operator or the owner 
or operator's designee must also accompany the observer in checking the 
following major items as required by applicable USCG regulations:
    (1) Personal flotation devices/ immersion suits;
    (2) Ring buoys;
    (3) Distress signals;
    (4) Fire extinguishing equipment;
    (5) Emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB), when 
required, shall be registered to the vessel at its documented homeport;
    (6) Survival craft, when required, with sufficient capacity to 
accommodate the total number of persons, including the observer(s), that 
will embark on the voyage; and
    (7) Other fishery-area and vessel specific items required by the 
USCG.
    (g) Alternate safety equipment examination. If a vessel is under 26 
ft (8 m) in length, and in a remote location, and NMFS has determined 
that the USCG cannot provide a USCG Commercial Fishing Vessel Safety 
Examination due to unavailability of inspectors or to unavailability of 
transportation to or from an inspection station, the vessel will be 
adequate for observer deployment if it passes an alternate safety 
equipment examination conducted by a NMFS certified observer, observer 
provider, or a NMFS observer program employee, using a checklist of USCG 
safety requirements for commercial fishing vessels under 26 ft (8 m) in 
length. Passage of the alternative examination will only be effective 
for the single trip selected for observer coverage.
    (h) Duration. The vessel owner or operator is required to comply 
with the requirements of this section when the vessel owner or operator 
is notified

[[Page 122]]

orally or in writing by an observer, a NMFS employee, or a designated 
observer provider, that his or her vessel has been selected to carry an 
observer. The requirements of this section continue to apply through the 
time of the observer's boarding, at all times the observer is aboard, 
and at the time the observer disembarks from the vessel at the end of 
the observed trip.
    (i) Effect of inadequate status. A vessel that would otherwise be 
required to carry an observer, but is inadequate for the purposes of 
carrying an observer, as described in paragraph (c) of this section, and 
for allowing operation of normal observer functions, is prohibited from 
fishing without observer coverage.

[63 FR 27217, May 18, 1998, as amended at 67 FR 64312, Oct. 18, 2002; 72 
FR 61818, Nov. 1, 2007]



Sec. 600.747  Guidelines and procedures for determining new fisheries and gear.

    (a) General. Section 305(a) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act requires the 
Secretary to prepare a list of all fisheries under the authority of each 
Council, or the Director in the case of Atlantic highly migratory 
species, and all gear used in such fisheries. This section contains 
guidelines in paragraph (b) for determining when fishing gear or a 
fishery is sufficiently different from those listed in Sec. 600.725(v) 
as to require notification of a Council or the Director in order to use 
the gear or participate in the unlisted fishery. This section also 
contains procedures in paragraph (c) for notification of a Council or 
the Director of potentially new fisheries or gear, and for amending the 
list of fisheries and gear.
    (b) Guidelines. The following guidance establishes the basis for 
determining when fishing gear or a fishery is sufficiently different 
from those listed to require notification of the appropriate Council or 
the Director.
    (1) The initial step in the determination of whether a fishing gear 
or fishery is sufficiently different to require notification is to 
compare the gear or fishery in question to the list of authorized 
fisheries and gear in Sec. 600.725(v) and to the existing gear 
definitions in Sec. 600.10.
    (2) If the gear in question falls within the bounds of a definition 
in Sec. 600.10 for an allowable gear type within that fishery, as 
listed under Sec. 600.725(v), then the gear is not considered 
different, is considered allowable gear, and does not require 
notification of the Council or Secretary 90 days before it can be used 
in that fishery.
    (3) If, for any reason, the gear is not consistent with a gear 
definition for a listed fishery as described in paragraph (b)(2) of this 
section, the gear is considered different and requires Council or 
Secretarial notification as described in paragraph (c) of this section 
90 days before it can be used in that fishery.
    (4) If a fishery falls within the bounds of the list of authorized 
fisheries and gear in Sec. 600.725(v) under the Council's or 
Secretary's authority, then the fishery is not considered different, is 
considered an allowable fishery and does not require notification of the 
Council or Director before that fishery can occur.
    (5) If a fishery is not already listed in the list of authorized 
fisheries and gear in Sec. 600.725(v), then the fishery is considered 
different and requires notification as described in paragraph (c) of 
this section 90 days before it can occur.
    (c) Procedures. If a gear or fishery does not appear on the list in 
Sec. 600.725(v), or if the gear is different from that defined in Sec. 
600.10, the process for notification, and consideration by a Council or 
the Director, is as follows:
    (1) Notification. After July 26, 1999, no person or vessel may 
employ fishing gear or engage in a fishery not included on the list of 
approved gear types in Sec. 600.725(v) without notifying the 
appropriate Council or the Director at least 90 days before the intended 
use of that gear.
    (2) Notification procedures. (i) A signed return receipt for the 
notice serves as adequate evidence of the date that the notification was 
received by the appropriate Council or the Director, in the case of 
Atlantic highly migratory species, and establishes the beginning of the 
90-day notification period, unless required information in the 
notification is incomplete.
    (ii) The notification must include:

[[Page 123]]

    (A) Name, address, and telephone number of the person submitting the 
notification.
    (B) Description of the gear.
    (C) The fishery or fisheries in which the gear is or will be used.
    (D) A diagram and/or photograph of the gear, as well as any 
specifications and dimensions necessary to define the gear.
    (E) The season(s) in which the gear will be fished.
    (F) The area(s) in which the gear will be fished.
    (G) The anticipated bycatch species associated with the gear, 
including protected species, such as marine mammals, sea turtles, sea 
birds, or species listed as endangered or threatened under the ESA.
    (H) How the gear will be deployed and fished, including the portions 
of the marine environment where the gear will be deployed (surface, 
midwater, and bottom).
    (iii) Failure to submit complete and accurate information will 
result in a delay in beginning the 90-day notification period. The 90-
day notification period will not begin until the information received is 
determined to be accurate and complete.
    (3) Action upon receipt of notification--(i) Species other than 
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species. (A) Upon signing a return receipt of 
the notification by certified mail regarding an unlisted fishery or 
gear, a Council must immediately begin consideration of the notification 
and send a copy of the notification to the appropriate Regional 
Administrator.
    (B) If the Council finds that the use of an unlisted gear or 
participation in a new fishery would not compromise the effectiveness of 
conservation and management efforts, it shall:
    (1) Recommend to the RA that the list be amended;
    (2) Provide rationale and supporting analysis, as necessary, for 
proper consideration of the proposed amendment; and
    (3) Provide a draft proposed rule for notifying the public of the 
proposed addition, with a request for comment.
    (C) If the Council finds that the proposed gear or fishery will be 
detrimental to conservation and management efforts, it will recommend to 
the RA that the authorized list of fisheries and gear not be amended, 
that a proposed rule not be published, give reasons for its 
recommendation of a disapproval, and may request NMFS to publish 
emergency or interim regulations, and begin preparation of an FMP or 
amendment to an FMP, if appropriate.
    (D) After considering information in the notification and Council's 
recommendation, NMFS will decide whether to publish a proposed rule. If 
information on the new gear or fishery being considered indicates it is 
likely that it will compromise conservation and management efforts under 
the Magnuson-Stevens Act, and no additional new information is likely to 
be gained from a public comment period, then a proposed rule will not be 
published and NMFS will notify the appropriate Council. In such an 
instance, NMFS will publish emergency or interim regulations to prohibit 
or restrict use of the gear or participation in the fishery. If NMFS 
determines that the proposed amendment is not likely to compromise 
conservation and management efforts under the Magnuson-Stevens Act, NMFS 
will publish a proposed rule in the Federal Register with a request for 
public comment.
    (ii) Atlantic Highly Migratory Species. (A) Upon signing a return 
receipt of the notification by certified mail regarding an unlisted 
fishery or gear for Atlantic highly migratory species (HMS), NMFS will 
immediately begin consideration of the notification.
    (B) Based on information in the notification and submitted by the 
Council, NMFS will make a determination whether the use of an unlisted 
gear or participation in an unlisted HMS fishery will compromise the 
effectiveness of conservation and management efforts under the Magnuson-
Stevens Act. If it is determined that the proposed amendment will not 
compromise conservation and management efforts, NMFS will publish a 
proposed rule.
    (C) If NMFS finds that the proposed gear or fishery will be 
detrimental to conservation and management efforts in this initial stage 
of review, it will not publish a proposed rule and notify

[[Page 124]]

the applicant of the negative determination with the reasons therefor.
    (4) Final determination and publication of a final rule. Following 
public comment, NMFS will approve or disapprove the amendment to the 
list of gear and fisheries.
    (i) If approved, NMFS will publish a final rule in the Federal 
Register and notify the applicant and the Council, if appropriate, of 
the final approval.
    (ii) If disapproved, NMFS will withdraw the proposed rule, notify 
the applicant and the Council, if appropriate, of the disapproval; 
publish emergency or interim regulations, if necessary, to prohibit or 
restrict the use of gear or the participation in a fishery; and either 
notify the Council of the need to amend an FMP or prepare an amendment 
to an FMP in the case of Atlantic highly migratory species.

[64 FR 4043, Jan. 27, 1999]



Sec. 600.748  National Minimum Observer Provider Insurance Standard.

    (a) Applicability. As part of regulations for observer provider 
companies to obtain approval or a permit to deploy a person in any 
mandatory or voluntary observer program, or regulations that specify 
approved or permitted observer provider responsibilities, NMFS must 
reference and ensure compliance with the following national minimum 
insurance standard.
    (b) Policies and Coverage Amounts. (1) Marine General Liability ($1 
million any one occurrence or as provided under paragraph (d) of this 
section).
    (2) Marine Employers Liability ($1 million any one occurrence or as 
provided under paragraph (d) of this section) for an observer provider 
that is authorized, or has applied to be authorized, to deploy observers 
or monitors at-sea.
    (3) State workers' compensation as required by each state in which 
the observer provider is authorized, or has applied to be authorized, to 
deploy observers or monitors at-sea or shoreside.
    (4) U.S. Longshore and Harbor Workers' Act coverage, either as a 
stand-alone policy or as a state workers' compensation policy 
endorsement, if that policy or a policy endorsement is required by the 
respective state(s) in which the observer provider is authorized, or has 
applied to be authorized, to deploy observers or monitors at-sea or 
shoreside.
    (5) Excess or umbrella coverage ($2 million any one occurrence).
    (c) Scope of coverages. Coverage must extend to injury, liability, 
and accidental death during the period of employment, including 
training, of observers or monitors at-sea or shoreside.
    (d) Combined coverage amounts. Coverage amounts specified for Marine 
General Liability and Marine Employers Liability may be higher or lower 
for each respective policy so long as the combined coverage for these 
policies is $2 million.

[87 FR 54909, Sept. 8, 2022]



                  Subpart I_Fishery Negotiation Panels

    Source: 62 FR 23669, May 1, 1997, unless otherwise noted.



Sec. 600.750  Definitions.

    Consensus means unanimous concurrence among the members on a Fishery 
Negotiation Panel established under this rule, unless such Panel:
    (1) Agrees to define such term to mean a general but not unanimous 
concurrence; or
    (2) agrees upon another specified definition.
    Fishery negotiation panel (FNP) means an advisory committee 
established by one or more Councils or the Secretary in accordance with 
these regulations to assist in the development of fishery conservation 
and management measures.
    Interest means, with respect to an issue or matter, multiple parties 
that have a similar point of view or that are likely to be affected in a 
similar manner.
    Report means a document submitted by an FNP in accordance with the 
Magnuson-Stevens Act.

[62 FR 23669, May 1, 1997, as amended at 63 FR 7075, Feb. 12, 1998]



Sec. 600.751  Determination of need for a fishery negotiation panel.

    A Council or NMFS may establish an FNP to assist in the development 
of

[[Page 125]]

specific fishery conservation and management measures. In determining 
whether to establish an FNP, NMFS or the Council, as appropriate, shall 
consider whether:
    (a) There is a need for specific fishery conservation and management 
measures.
    (b) There are a limited number of identifiable interests that will 
be significantly affected by the conservation and management measure.
    (c) There is a reasonable likelihood that an FNP can be convened 
with a balanced representation of persons who:
    (1) Can adequately represent the interests identified under 
paragraph (b) of this section.
    (2) Are willing to negotiate in good faith to reach a consensus on a 
report regarding the issues presented.
    (d) There is a reasonable likelihood that an FNP will reach a 
consensus on a report regarding the issues presented within 1 year from 
date of establishment of the FNP.
    (e) The use of an FNP will not unreasonably delay Council or NMFS 
fishery management plan development or rulemaking procedures.
    (f) The costs of establishment and operation of an FNP are 
reasonable when compared to fishery management plan development or 
rulemaking procedures that do not use FNP procedures.
    (g) The Council or NMFS has adequate resources and is willing to 
commit such resources, including technical assistance, to an FNP.
    (h) The use of an FNP is in the public interest.



Sec. 600.752  Use of conveners and facilitators.

    (a) Purposes of conveners. A Council or NMFS may use the services of 
a trained convener to assist the Council or NMFS in: (1) Conducting 
discussions to identify the issues of concern, and to ascertain whether 
the establishment of an FNP regarding such matter is feasible and 
appropriate.
    (2) Identifying persons who will be significantly affected by the 
issues presented in paragraph (a)(1) of this section.
    (b) Duties of conveners. The convener shall report findings under 
paragraph (a)(2) of this section and shall make recommendations to the 
Council or NMFS. Upon request of the Council or NMFS, the convener shall 
ascertain the names of persons who are willing and qualified to 
represent interests that will be significantly affected by the potential 
conservation and management measures relevant to the issues to be 
negotiated. The report and any recommendations of the convener shall be 
made available to the public upon request.
    (c) Selection of facilitator. Notwithstanding section 10(e) of the 
Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), a Council or NMFS may nominate a 
person trained in facilitation either from the Federal Government or 
from outside the Federal Government to serve as an impartial, neutral 
facilitator for the negotiations of the FNP, subject to the approval of 
the FNP, by consensus. The facilitator may be the same person as the 
convener used under paragraph (a) of this section. If the FNP does not 
approve the nominee of the Council or NMFS for facilitator, the FNP 
shall submit a substitute nomination. If an FNP does not approve any 
nominee of the Council or NMFS for facilitator, the FNP shall select, by 
consensus, a person to serve as facilitator. A person designated to 
represent the Council or NMFS in substantive issues may not serve as 
facilitator or otherwise chair the FNP.
    (d) Roles and duties of facilitator. A facilitator shall:
    (1) Chair the meetings of the FNP in an impartial manner.
    (2) Impartially assist the members of the FNP in conducting 
discussions and negotiations.
    (3) Manage the keeping of minutes and records as required under 
section 10(b) and (c) of FACA.



Sec. 600.753  Notice of intent to establish a fishery negotiation panel.

    (a) Publication of notice. If, after considering the report of a 
convener or conducting its own assessment, a Council or NMFS decides to 
establish an FNP, NMFS shall publish in the Federal Register and, as 
appropriate, in trade or other specialized publications, a document that 
shall include:

[[Page 126]]

    (1) An announcement that the Council or NMFS intends to establish an 
FNP to negotiate and develop a report concerning specific conservation 
and management measures.
    (2) A description of the subject and scope of the conservation and 
management measure, and the issues to be considered.
    (3) A list of the interests that are likely to be significantly 
affected by the conservation and management measure.
    (4) A list of the persons proposed to represent such interests and 
the person or persons proposed to represent the Council or NMFS.
    (5) A proposed agenda and schedule for completing the work of the 
FNP.
    (6) A description of administrative support for the FNP to be 
provided by the Council or NMFS, including technical assistance.
    (7) A solicitation for comments on the proposal to establish the 
FNP, and the proposed membership of the FNP.
    (8) An explanation of how a person may apply or nominate another 
person for membership on the FNP, as provided under paragraph (b) of 
this section.
    (b) Nomination of members and public comment. Persons who may be 
significantly affected by the development of conservation and management 
measure and who believe that their interests will not be adequately 
represented by any person specified in a document under paragraph (a)(4) 
of this section may apply for, or nominate another person for, 
membership on the FNP to represent such interests. Each application or 
nomination shall include:
    (1) The name of the applicant or nominee and a description of the 
interests such person shall represent.
    (2) Evidence that the applicant or nominee is authorized to 
represent parties related to the interests the person proposes to 
represent.
    (3) A written commitment that the applicant or nominee shall 
actively participate in good faith in the development of the 
conservation and management measure under consideration.
    (4) The reasons that the persons specified in the document under 
paragraph (a)(4) of this section do not adequately represent the 
interests of the person submitting the application or nomination.
    (c) Public comment. The Council or NMFS shall provide at least 30 
calendar days for the submission of comments and applications under this 
section.



Sec. 600.754  Decision to establish a fishery negotiation panel.

    (a) Determination to establish an FNP. If, after considering 
comments and applications submitted under Sec. 600.753, the Council or 
NMFS determines that an FNP can adequately represent the interests that 
will be significantly affected and that it is feasible and appropriate 
in the particular case, the Council or NMFS may establish an FNP.
    (b) Determination not to establish FNP. If, after considering such 
comments and applications, the Council or NMFS decides not to establish 
an FNP, the Council or NMFS shall promptly publish notification of such 
decision and the reasons therefor in the Federal Register and, as 
appropriate, in trade or other specialized publications, a copy of which 
shall be sent to any person who applied for, or nominated another person 
for membership on the FNP to represent such interests with respect to 
the issues of concern.



Sec. 600.755  Establishment of a fishery negotiation panel.

    (a) General authority. (1) A Council may establish an FNP to assist 
in the development of specific conservation and management measures for 
a fishery under its authority.
    (2) NMFS may establish an FNP to assist in the development of 
specific conservation and management measures required for:
    (i) A fishery for which the Secretary has authority under section 
304(e)(5) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, regarding rebuilding of 
overfished fisheries;
    (ii) A fishery for which the Secretary has authority under 16 U.S.C. 
section 304(g), regarding highly migratory species; or
    (iii) Any fishery with the approval of the appropriate Council.
    (b) Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) In establishing and 
administering such an FNP, the Council or

[[Page 127]]

NMFS shall comply with the FACA with respect to such FNP.
    (c) Balance. Each potentially affected organization or individual 
does not necessarily have to have its own representative, but each 
interest must be adequately represented. The intent is to have a group 
that as a whole reflects a proper balance and mix of interests. 
Representatives must agree, in writing, to negotiate in good faith.
    (d) Membership. The Council or NMFS shall limit membership on an FNP 
to no more than 25 members, unless the Council or NMFS determines that a 
greater number of members is necessary for the functioning of the FNP or 
to achieve balanced membership. Each FNP shall include at least one 
person representing the Council in addition to at least one person 
representing NMFS.



Sec. 600.756  Conduct and operation of a fishery negotiation panel.

    (a) Roles and duties of an FNP. Each FNP shall consider the issue 
proposed by the Council or NMFS for consideration and shall attempt to 
reach a consensus concerning a report to assist in the development of a 
conservation and management measure with respect to such matter and any 
other matter the FNP determines is relevant to the development of a 
conservation and management measure. An FNP may adopt procedures for the 
operation of the FNP.
    (b) Roles and duties of representative of the council or NMFS. The 
person or persons representing the Council or NMFS on an FNP shall 
participate in the deliberations and activities of the FNP with the same 
rights and responsibilities as other members of the FNP, and shall be 
authorized to fully represent the Council or NMFS in the discussions and 
negotiations of the FNP.



Sec. 600.757  Operational protocols.

    (a) Services of conveners and facilitators. A Council or NMFS may 
employ or enter into contracts for the services of an individual or 
organization to serve as a convener or facilitator for an FNP 
established under Sec. 600.755, or may use the services of a government 
employee to act as a convener or a facilitator for such an FNP.
    (b) Councils. For an FNP proposed and established by one or more 
Councils approved expenses shall be paid out of the Council's operating 
budget.
    (c) Expenses of FNP members. Members of an FNP shall be responsible 
for their own expenses of participation in such an FNP, except that NMFS 
or the Council may, in accordance with section 7(d) of FACA, pay for a 
member's reasonable travel and per diem expenses, and a reasonable rate 
of compensation, if:
    (1) Such member certifies a lack of adequate financial resources to 
participate in the FNP.
    (2) The Council or NMFS determines that such member's participation 
in the FNP is necessary to assure an adequate representation of the 
member's interest.
    (d) Administrative support. The Council or NMFS shall provide 
appropriate administrative support to an FNP including technical 
assistance.



Sec. 600.758  Preparation of report.

    (a) At the conclusion of the negotiations, an FNP may submit a 
report. Such report shall specify:
    (1) All the areas where consensus was reached by the FNP, including, 
if appropriate, proposed conservation and management measures.
    (2) Any other information submitted by members of the FNP.
    (b) Upon receipt of the report, the Council or NMFS shall publish 
such report in the Federal Register for public comment.



Sec. 600.759  Use of report.

    A Council or NMFS may, at its discretion, use all or a part of a 
report prepared in accordance with Sec. 600.758 in the development of 
conservation and management measures. Neither a Council nor NMFS, 
whichever is appropriate, is required to use such report.



Sec. 600.760  Fishery Negotiation Panel lifetime.

    (a) An FNP shall terminate upon either:
    (1) Submission of a report prepared in accordance with Sec. 
600.758; or

[[Page 128]]

    (2) Submission of a written statement from the FNP to the Council or 
NMFS that no consensus can be reached.
    (b) In no event shall an FNP exist for longer than 1 year from the 
date of establishment unless granted an extension. Upon written request 
by the FNP to the Council or NMFS, and written authorization from the 
Council or NMFS (whichever is appropriate), the Secretary may authorize 
an extension for a period not to exceed 6 months. No more than one 
extension may be granted per FNP.



                 Subpart J_Essential Fish Habitat (EFH)

    Source: 67 FR 2376, Jan. 17, 2002, unless otherwise noted.



Sec. 600.805  Purpose and scope.

    (a) Purpose. This subpart provides guidelines for Councils and the 
Secretary to use in adding the required EFH provisions to an FMP, i.e., 
description and identification of EFH, adverse effects on EFH (including 
minimizing, to the extent practicable, adverse effects from fishing), 
and actions to conserve and enhance EFH.
    (b) Scope--(1) Species covered. An EFH provision in an FMP must 
include all fish species in the fishery management unit (FMU). An FMP 
may describe, identify, and protect the habitat of species not in an 
FMU; however, such habitat may not be considered EFH for the purposes of 
sections 303(a)(7) and 305(b) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act.
    (2) Geographic. EFH may be described and identified in waters of the 
United States, as defined in 33 CFR 328.3, and in the exclusive economic 
zone, as defined in Sec. 600.10. Councils may describe, identify, and 
protect habitats of managed species beyond the exclusive economic zone; 
however, such habitat may not be considered EFH for the purposes of 
sections 303(a)(7) and 305(b) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act. Activities 
that may adversely affect such habitat can be addressed through any 
process conducted in accordance with international agreements between 
the United States and the foreign nation(s) undertaking or authorizing 
the action.



Sec. 600.810  Definitions and word usage.

    (a) Definitions. In addition to the definitions in the Magnuson-
Stevens Act and Sec. 600.10, the terms in this subpart have the 
following meanings:
    Adverse effect means any impact that reduces quality and/or quantity 
of EFH. Adverse effects may include direct or indirect physical, 
chemical, or biological alterations of the waters or substrate and loss 
of, or injury to, benthic organisms, prey species and their habitat, and 
other ecosystem components, if such modifications reduce the quality 
and/or quantity of EFH. Adverse effects to EFH may result from actions 
occurring within EFH or outside of EFH and may include site-specific or 
habitat-wide impacts, including individual, cumulative, or synergistic 
consequences of actions.
    Council includes the Secretary, as applicable, when preparing FMPs 
or amendments under sections 304(c) and (g) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act.
    Ecosystem means communities of organisms interacting with one 
another and with the chemical and physical factors making up their 
environment.
    Habitat areas of particular concern means those areas of EFH 
identified pursuant to Sec. 600.815(a)(8).
    Healthy ecosystem means an ecosystem where ecological productive 
capacity is maintained, diversity of the flora and fauna is preserved, 
and the ecosystem retains the ability to regulate itself. Such an 
ecosystem should be similar to comparable, undisturbed ecosystems with 
regard to standing crop, productivity, nutrient dynamics, trophic 
structure, species richness, stability, resilience, contamination 
levels, and the frequency of diseased organisms.
    Overfished means any stock or stock complex, the status of which is 
reported as overfished by the Secretary pursuant to section 304(e)(1) of 
the Magnuson-Stevens Act.
    (b) Word usage. The terms ``must'', ``shall'', ``should'', ``may'', 
``may not'', ``will'', ``could'', and ``can'' are used in the same 
manner as in Sec. 600.305(c).

[[Page 129]]



Sec. 600.815  Contents of Fishery Management Plans.

    (a) Mandatory contents--(1) Description and identification of EFH--
(i) Overview. FMPs must describe and identify EFH in text that clearly 
states the habitats or habitat types determined to be EFH for each life 
stage of the managed species. FMPs should explain the physical, 
biological, and chemical characteristics of EFH and, if known, how these 
characteristics influence the use of EFH by the species/life stage. FMPs 
must identify the specific geographic location or extent of habitats 
described as EFH. FMPs must include maps of the geographic locations of 
EFH or the geographic boundaries within which EFH for each species and 
life stage is found.
    (ii) Habitat information by life stage. (A) Councils need basic 
information to understand the usage of various habitats by each managed 
species. Pertinent information includes the geographic range and habitat 
requirements by life stage, the distribution and characteristics of 
those habitats, and current and historic stock size as it affects 
occurrence in available habitats. FMPs should summarize the life history 
information necessary to understand each species' relationship to, or 
dependence on, its various habitats, using text, tables, and figures, as 
appropriate. FMPs should document patterns of temporal and spatial 
variation in the distribution of each major life stage (defined by 
developmental and functional shifts) to aid in understanding habitat 
needs. FMPs should summarize (e.g., in tables) all available information 
on environmental and habitat variables that control or limit 
distribution, abundance, reproduction, growth, survival, and 
productivity of the managed species. The information should be supported 
with citations.
    (B) Councils should obtain information to describe and identify EFH 
from the best available sources, including peer-reviewed literature, 
unpublished scientific reports, data files of government resource 
agencies, fisheries landing reports, and other sources of information. 
Councils should consider different types of information according to its 
scientific rigor. FMPs should identify species-specific habitat data 
gaps and deficits in data quality (including considerations of scale and 
resolution; relevance; and potential biases in collection and 
interpretation). FMPs must demonstrate that the best scientific 
information available was used in the description and identification of 
EFH, consistent with national standard 2.
    (iii) Analysis of habitat information. (A) The following approach 
should be used to organize the information necessary to describe and 
identify EFH.
    (1) Level 1: Distribution data are available for some or all 
portions of the geographic range of the species. At this level, only 
distribution data are available to describe the geographic range of a 
species (or life stage). Distribution data may be derived from 
systematic presence/absence sampling and/or may include information on 
species and life stages collected opportunistically. In the event that 
distribution data are available only for portions of the geographic area 
occupied by a particular life stage of a species, habitat use can be 
inferred on the basis of distributions among habitats where the species 
has been found and on information about its habitat requirements and 
behavior. Habitat use may also be inferred, if appropriate, based on 
information on a similar species or another life stage.
    (2) Level 2: Habitat-related densities of the species are available. 
At this level, quantitative data (i.e., density or relative abundance) 
are available for the habitats occupied by a species or life stage. 
Because the efficiency of sampling methods is often affected by habitat 
characteristics, strict quality assurance criteria should be used to 
ensure that density estimates are comparable among methods and habitats. 
Density data should reflect habitat utilization, and the degree that a 
habitat is utilized is assumed to be indicative of habitat value. When 
assessing habitat value on the basis of fish densities in this manner, 
temporal changes in habitat availability and utilization should be 
considered.
    (3) Level 3: Growth, reproduction, or survival rates within habitats 
are available. At this level, data are available on habitat-related 
growth, reproduction, and/or survival by life stage. The

[[Page 130]]

habitats contributing the most to productivity should be those that 
support the highest growth, reproduction, and survival of the species 
(or life stage).
    (4) Level 4: Production rates by habitat are available. At this 
level, data are available that directly relate the production rates of a 
species or life stage to habitat type, quantity, quality, and location. 
Essential habitats are those necessary to maintain fish production 
consistent with a sustainable fishery and the managed species' 
contribution to a healthy ecosystem.
    (B) Councils should strive to describe habitat based on the highest 
level of detail (i.e., Level 4). If there is no information on a given 
species or life stage, and habitat usage cannot be inferred from other 
means, such as information on a similar species or another life stage, 
EFH should not be designated.
    (iv) EFH determination. (A) Councils should analyze available 
ecological, environmental, and fisheries information and data relevant 
to the managed species, the habitat requirements by life stage, and the 
species' distribution and habitat usage to describe and identify EFH. 
The information described in paragraphs (a)(1)(ii) and (iii) of this 
section will allow Councils to assess the relative value of habitats. 
Councils should interpret this information in a risk-averse fashion to 
ensure adequate areas are identified as EFH for managed species. Level 1 
information, if available, should be used to identify the geographic 
range of the species at each life stage. If only Level 1 information is 
available, distribution data should be evaluated (e.g., using a 
frequency of occurrence or other appropriate analysis) to identify EFH 
as those habitat areas most commonly used by the species. Level 2 
through 4 information, if available, should be used to identify EFH as 
the habitats supporting the highest relative abundance; growth, 
reproduction, or survival rates; and/or production rates within the 
geographic range of a species. FMPs should explain the analyses 
conducted to distinguish EFH from all habitats potentially used by a 
species.
    (B) FMPs must describe EFH in text, including reference to the 
geographic location or extent of EFH using boundaries such as longitude 
and latitude, isotherms, isobaths, political boundaries, and major 
landmarks. If there are differences between the descriptions of EFH in 
text, maps, and tables, the textual description is ultimately 
determinative of the limits of EFH. Text and tables should explain 
pertinent physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of EFH for 
the managed species and explain any variability in habitat usage 
patterns, but the boundaries of EFH should be static.
    (C) If a species is overfished and habitat loss or degradation may 
be contributing to the species being identified as overfished, all 
habitats currently used by the species may be considered essential in 
addition to certain historic habitats that are necessary to support 
rebuilding the fishery and for which restoration is technologically and 
economically feasible. Once the fishery is no longer considered 
overfished, the EFH identification should be reviewed and amended, if 
appropriate.
    (D) Areas described as EFH will normally be greater than or equal to 
aquatic areas that have been identified as ``critical habitat'' for any 
managed species listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered 
Species Act.
    (E) Ecological relationships among species and between the species 
and their habitat require, where possible, that an ecosystem approach be 
used in determining the EFH of a managed species. EFH must be designated 
for each managed species, but, where appropriate, may be designated for 
assemblages of species or life stages that have similar habitat needs 
and requirements. If grouping species or using species assemblages for 
the purpose of designating EFH, FMPs must include a justification and 
scientific rationale. The extent of the EFH should be based on the 
judgment of the Secretary and the appropriate Council(s) regarding the 
quantity and quality of habitat that are necessary to maintain a 
sustainable fishery and the managed species' contribution to a healthy 
ecosystem.
    (F) If degraded or inaccessible aquatic habitat has contributed to 
reduced yields of a species or assemblage and if, in the judgment of the 
Secretary and

[[Page 131]]

the appropriate Council(s), the degraded conditions can be reversed 
through such actions as improved fish passage techniques (for stream or 
river blockages), improved water quality measures (removal of 
contaminants or increasing flows), and similar measures that are 
technologically and economically feasible, EFH should include those 
habitats that would be necessary to the species to obtain increased 
yields.
    (v) EFH mapping requirements. (A) FMPs must include maps that 
display, within the constraints of available information, the geographic 
locations of EFH or the geographic boundaries within which EFH for each 
species and life stage is found. Maps should identify the different 
types of habitat designated as EFH to the extent possible. Maps should 
explicitly distinguish EFH from non-EFH areas. Councils should confer 
with NMFS regarding mapping standards to ensure that maps from different 
Councils can be combined and shared efficiently and effectively. 
Ultimately, data used for mapping should be incorporated into a 
geographic information system (GIS) to facilitate analysis and 
presentation.
    (B) Where the present distribution or stock size of a species or 
life stage is different from the historical distribution or stock size, 
then maps of historical habitat boundaries should be included in the 
FMP, if known.
    (C) FMPs should include maps of any habitat areas of particular 
concern identified under paragraph (a)(8) of this section.
    (2) Fishing activities that may adversely affect EFH--(i) 
Evaluation. Each FMP must contain an evaluation of the potential adverse 
effects of fishing on EFH designated under the FMP, including effects of 
each fishing activity regulated under the FMP or other Federal FMPs. 
This evaluation should consider the effects of each fishing activity on 
each type of habitat found within EFH. FMPs must describe each fishing 
activity, review and discuss all available relevant information (such as 
information regarding the intensity, extent, and frequency of any 
adverse effect on EFH; the type of habitat within EFH that may be 
affected adversely; and the habitat functions that may be disturbed), 
and provide conclusions regarding whether and how each fishing activity 
adversely affects EFH. The evaluation should also consider the 
cumulative effects of multiple fishing activities on EFH. The evaluation 
should list any past management actions that minimize potential adverse 
effects on EFH and describe the benefits of those actions to EFH. The 
evaluation should give special attention to adverse effects on habitat 
areas of particular concern and should identify for possible designation 
as habitat areas of particular concern any EFH that is particularly 
vulnerable to fishing activities. Additionally, the evaluation should 
consider the establishment of research closure areas or other measures 
to evaluate the impacts of fishing activities on EFH. In completing this 
evaluation, Councils should use the best scientific information 
available, as well as other appropriate information sources. Councils 
should consider different types of information according to its 
scientific rigor.
    (ii) Minimizing adverse effects. Each FMP must minimize to the 
extent practicable adverse effects from fishing on EFH, including EFH 
designated under other Federal FMPs. Councils must act to prevent, 
mitigate, or minimize any adverse effects from fishing, to the extent 
practicable, if there is evidence that a fishing activity adversely 
affects EFH in a manner that is more than minimal and not temporary in 
nature, based on the evaluation conducted pursuant to paragraph 
(a)(2)(i) of this section and/or the cumulative impacts analysis 
conducted pursuant to paragraph (a)(5) of this section. In such cases, 
FMPs should identify a range of potential new actions that could be 
taken to address adverse effects on EFH, include an analysis of the 
practicability of potential new actions, and adopt any new measures that 
are necessary and practicable. Amendments to the FMP or to its 
implementing regulations must ensure that the FMP continues to minimize 
to the extent practicable adverse effects on EFH caused by fishing. FMPs 
must explain the reasons for the Council's conclusions regarding the 
past and/or

[[Page 132]]

new actions that minimize to the extent practicable the adverse effects 
of fishing on EFH.
    (iii) Practicability. In determining whether it is practicable to 
minimize an adverse effect from fishing, Councils should consider the 
nature and extent of the adverse effect on EFH and the long and short-
term costs and benefits of potential management measures to EFH, 
associated fisheries, and the nation, consistent with national standard 
7. In determining whether management measures are practicable, Councils 
are not required to perform a formal cost/benefit analysis.
    (iv) Options for managing adverse effects from fishing. Fishery 
management options may include, but are not limited to:
    (A) Fishing equipment restrictions. These options may include, but 
are not limited to: seasonal and areal restrictions on the use of 
specified equipment, equipment modifications to allow escapement of 
particular species or particular life stages (e.g., juveniles), 
prohibitions on the use of explosives and chemicals, prohibitions on 
anchoring or setting equipment in sensitive areas, and prohibitions on 
fishing activities that cause significant damage to EFH.
    (B) Time/area closures. These actions may include, but are not 
limited to: closing areas to all fishing or specific equipment types 
during spawning, migration, foraging, and nursery activities and 
designating zones for use as marine protected areas to limit adverse 
effects of fishing practices on certain vulnerable or rare areas/
species/life stages, such as those areas designated as habitat areas of 
particular concern.
    (C) Harvest limits. These actions may include, but are not limited 
to, limits on the take of species that provide structural habitat for 
other species assemblages or communities and limits on the take of prey 
species.
    (3) Non-Magnuson-Stevens Act fishing activities that may adversely 
affect EFH. FMPs must identify any fishing activities that are not 
managed under the Magnuson-Stevens Act that may adversely affect EFH. 
Such activities may include fishing managed by state agencies or other 
authorities.
    (4) Non-fishing related activities that may adversely affect EFH. 
FMPs must identify activities other than fishing that may adversely 
affect EFH. Broad categories of such activities include, but are not 
limited to: dredging, filling, excavation, mining, impoundment, 
discharge, water diversions, thermal additions, actions that contribute 
to non-point source pollution and sedimentation, introduction of 
potentially hazardous materials, introduction of exotic species, and the 
conversion of aquatic habitat that may eliminate, diminish, or disrupt 
the functions of EFH. For each activity, the FMP should describe known 
and potential adverse effects to EFH.
    (5) Cumulative impacts analysis. Cumulative impacts are impacts on 
the environment that result from the incremental impact of an action 
when added to other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future 
actions, regardless of who undertakes such actions. Cumulative impacts 
can result from individually minor, but collectively significant actions 
taking place over a period of time. To the extent feasible and 
practicable, FMPs should analyze how the cumulative impacts of fishing 
and non-fishing activities influence the function of EFH on an ecosystem 
or watershed scale. An assessment of the cumulative and synergistic 
effects of multiple threats, including the effects of natural stresses 
(such as storm damage or climate-based environmental shifts) and an 
assessment of the ecological risks resulting from the impact of those 
threats on EFH, also should be included.
    (6) Conservation and enhancement. FMPs must identify actions to 
encourage the conservation and enhancement of EFH, including recommended 
options to avoid, minimize, or compensate for the adverse effects 
identified pursuant to paragraphs (a)(3) through (5) of this section, 
especially in habitat areas of particular concern.
    (7) Prey species. Loss of prey may be an adverse effect on EFH and 
managed species because the presence of prey makes waters and substrate 
function as feeding habitat, and the definition of EFH includes waters 
and substrate necessary to fish for feeding. Therefore, actions that 
reduce the availability of

[[Page 133]]

a major prey species, either through direct harm or capture, or through 
adverse impacts to the prey species' habitat that are known to cause a 
reduction in the population of the prey species, may be considered 
adverse effects on EFH if such actions reduce the quality of EFH. FMPs 
should list the major prey species for the species in the fishery 
management unit and discuss the location of prey species' habitat. 
Adverse effects on prey species and their habitats may result from 
fishing and non-fishing activities.
    (8) Identification of habitat areas of particular concern. FMPs 
should identify specific types or areas of habitat within EFH as habitat 
areas of particular concern based on one or more of the following 
considerations:
    (i) The importance of the ecological function provided by the 
habitat.
    (ii) The extent to which the habitat is sensitive to human-induced 
environmental degradation.
    (iii) Whether, and to what extent, development activities are, or 
will be, stressing the habitat type.
    (iv) The rarity of the habitat type.
    (9) Research and information needs. Each FMP should contain 
recommendations, preferably in priority order, for research efforts that 
the Councils and NMFS view as necessary to improve upon the description 
and identification of EFH, the identification of threats to EFH from 
fishing and other activities, and the development of conservation and 
enhancement measures for EFH.
    (10) Review and revision of EFH components of FMPs. Councils and 
NMFS should periodically review the EFH provisions of FMPs and revise or 
amend EFH provisions as warranted based on available information. FMPs 
should outline the procedures the Council will follow to review and 
update EFH information. The review of information should include, but 
not be limited to, evaluating published scientific literature and 
unpublished scientific reports; soliciting information from interested 
parties; and searching for previously unavailable or inaccessible data. 
Councils should report on their review of EFH information as part of the 
annual Stock Assessment and Fishery Evaluation (SAFE) report prepared 
pursuant to Sec. 600.315(e). A complete review of all EFH information 
should be conducted as recommended by the Secretary, but at least once 
every 5 years.
    (b) Development of EFH recommendations for Councils. After reviewing 
the best available scientific information, as well as other appropriate 
information, and in consultation with the Councils, participants in the 
fishery, interstate commissions, Federal agencies, state agencies, and 
other interested parties, NMFS will develop written recommendations to 
assist each Council in the identification of EFH, adverse impacts to 
EFH, and actions that should be considered to ensure the conservation 
and enhancement of EFH for each FMP. NMFS will provide such 
recommendations for the initial incorporation of EFH information into an 
FMP and for any subsequent modification of the EFH components of an FMP. 
The NMFS EFH recommendations may be provided either before the Council's 
development of a draft EFH document or later as a review of a draft EFH 
document developed by a Council, as appropriate.
    (c) Relationship to other fishery management authorities. Councils 
are encouraged to coordinate with state and interstate fishery 
management agencies where Federal fisheries affect state and interstate 
managed fisheries or where state or interstate fishery regulations 
affect the management of Federal fisheries. Where a state or interstate 
fishing activity adversely affects EFH, NMFS will consider that action 
to be an adverse effect on EFH pursuant to paragraph (a)(3) of this 
section and will provide EFH Conservation Recommendations to the 
appropriate state or interstate fishery management agency on that 
activity.



      Subpart K_EFH Coordination, Consultation, and Recommendations

    Source: 67 FR 2376, Jan. 17, 2002, unless otherwise noted.



Sec. 600.905  Purpose, scope, and NMFS/Council cooperation.

    (a) Purpose. These procedures address the coordination, 
consultation, and

[[Page 134]]

recommendation requirements of sections 305(b)(1)(D) and 305(b)(2-4) of 
the Magnuson-Stevens Act. The purpose of these procedures is to promote 
the protection of EFH in the review of Federal and state actions that 
may adversely affect EFH.
    (b) Scope. Section 305(b)(1)(D) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act requires 
the Secretary to coordinate with, and provide information to, other 
Federal agencies regarding the conservation and enhancement of EFH. 
Section 305(b)(2) requires all Federal agencies to consult with the 
Secretary on all actions or proposed actions authorized, funded, or 
undertaken by the agency that may adversely affect EFH. Sections 
305(b)(3) and (4) direct the Secretary and the Councils to provide 
comments and EFH Conservation Recommendations to Federal or state 
agencies on actions that affect EFH. Such recommendations may include 
measures to avoid, minimize, mitigate, or otherwise offset adverse 
effects on EFH resulting from actions or proposed actions authorized, 
funded, or undertaken by that agency. Section 305(b)(4)(B) requires 
Federal agencies to respond in writing to such comments. The following 
procedures for coordination, consultation, and recommendations allow all 
parties involved to understand and implement the requirements of the 
Magnuson-Stevens Act.
    (c) Cooperation between Councils and NMFS. The Councils and NMFS 
should cooperate closely to identify actions that may adversely affect 
EFH, to develop comments and EFH Conservation Recommendations to Federal 
and state agencies, and to provide EFH information to Federal and state 
agencies. NMFS will work with each Council to share information and to 
coordinate Council and NMFS comments and recommendations on actions that 
may adversely affect EFH. However, NMFS and the Councils also have the 
authority to act independently.



Sec. 600.910  Definitions and word usage.

    (a) Definitions. In addition to the definitions in the Magnuson-
Stevens Act and Sec. 600.10, the terms in this subpart have the 
following meanings:
    Adverse effect means any impact that reduces quality and/or quantity 
of EFH. Adverse effects may include direct or indirect physical, 
chemical, or biological alterations of the waters or substrate and loss 
of, or injury to, benthic organisms, prey species and their habitat, and 
other ecosystem components, if such modifications reduce the quality 
and/or quantity of EFH. Adverse effects to EFH may result from actions 
occurring within EFH or outside of EFH and may include site-specific or 
habitat-wide impacts, including individual, cumulative, or synergistic 
consequences of actions.
    Anadromous fishery resource under Council authority means an 
anadromous species managed under an FMP.
    Federal action means any action authorized, funded, or undertaken, 
or proposed to be authorized, funded, or undertaken by a Federal agency.
    Habitat areas of particular concern means those areas of EFH 
identified pursuant to Sec. 600.815(a)(8).
    State action means any action authorized, funded, or undertaken, or 
proposed to be authorized, funded, or undertaken by a state agency.
    (b) Word usage. The terms ``must'', ``shall'', ``should'', ``may'', 
``may not'', ``will'', ``could'', and ``can'' are used in the same 
manner as in Sec. 600.305(c).



Sec. 600.915  Coordination for the conservation and enhancement of EFH.

    To further the conservation and enhancement of EFH in accordance 
with section 305(b)(1)(D) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, NMFS will compile 
and make available to other Federal and state agencies, and the general 
public, information on the locations of EFH, including maps and/or 
narrative descriptions. NMFS will also provide information on ways to 
improve ongoing Federal operations to promote the conservation and 
enhancement of EFH. Federal and state agencies empowered to authorize, 
fund, or undertake actions that may adversely affect EFH are encouraged 
to contact NMFS and the Councils to become familiar with areas 
designated as EFH, potential threats to EFH, and opportunities to 
promote the conservation and enhancement of EFH.

[[Page 135]]



Sec. 600.920  Federal agency consultation with the Secretary.

    (a) Consultation generally--(1) Actions requiring consultation. 
Pursuant to section 305(b)(2) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, Federal 
agencies must consult with NMFS regarding any of their actions 
authorized, funded, or undertaken, or proposed to be authorized, funded, 
or undertaken that may adversely affect EFH. EFH consultation is not 
required for actions that were completed prior to the approval of EFH 
designations by the Secretary, e.g., issued permits. Consultation is 
required for renewals, reviews, or substantial revisions of actions if 
the renewal, review, or revision may adversely affect EFH. Consultation 
on Federal programs delegated to non-Federal entities is required at the 
time of delegation, review, and renewal of the delegation. EFH 
consultation is required for any Federal funding of actions that may 
adversely affect EFH. NMFS and Federal agencies responsible for funding 
actions that may adversely affect EFH should consult on a programmatic 
level under paragraph (j) of this section, if appropriate, with respect 
to these actions. Consultation is required for emergency Federal actions 
that may adversely affect EFH, such as hazardous material clean-up, 
response to natural disasters, or actions to protect public safety. 
Federal agencies should contact NMFS early in emergency response 
planning, but may consult after-the-fact if consultation on an expedited 
basis is not practicable before taking the action.
    (2) Approaches for conducting consultation. Federal agencies may use 
one of the five approaches described in paragraphs (f) through (j) of 
this section to fulfill the EFH consultation requirements. The selection 
of a particular approach for handling EFH consultation depends on the 
nature and scope of the actions that may adversely affect EFH. Federal 
agencies should use the most efficient approach for EFH consultation 
that is appropriate for a given action or actions. The five approaches 
are: use of existing environmental review procedures, General 
Concurrence, abbreviated consultation, expanded consultation, and 
programmatic consultation.
    (3) Early notification and coordination. The Federal agency should 
notify NMFS in writing as early as practicable regarding actions that 
may adversely affect EFH. Notification will facilitate discussion of 
measures to conserve EFH. Such early coordination should occur during 
pre-application planning for projects subject to a Federal permit or 
license and during preliminary planning for projects to be funded or 
undertaken directly by a Federal agency.
    (b) Designation of lead agency. If more than one Federal agency is 
responsible for a Federal action, the consultation requirements of 
sections 305(b)(2) through (4) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act may be 
fulfilled through a lead agency. The lead agency should notify NMFS in 
writing that it is representing one or more additional agencies. 
Alternatively, if one Federal agency has completed an EFH consultation 
for an action and another Federal agency acts separately to authorize, 
fund, or undertake the same activity (such as issuing a permit for an 
activity that was funded via a separate Federal action), the completed 
EFH consultation may suffice for both Federal actions if it adequately 
addresses the adverse effects of the actions on EFH. Federal agencies 
may need to consult with NMFS separately if, for example, only one of 
the agencies has the authority to implement measures necessary to 
minimize adverse effects on EFH and that agency does not act as the lead 
agency.
    (c) Designation of non-Federal representative. A Federal agency may 
designate a non-Federal representative to conduct an EFH consultation by 
giving written notice of such designation to NMFS. If a non-Federal 
representative is used, the Federal action agency remains ultimately 
responsible for compliance with sections 305(b)(2) and 305(b)(4)(B) of 
the Magnuson-Stevens Act.
    (d) Best available information. The Federal agency and NMFS must use 
the best scientific information available regarding the effects of the 
action on EFH and the measures that can be taken to avoid, minimize, or 
offset such effects. Other appropriate sources of information may also 
be considered.

[[Page 136]]

    (e) EFH Assessments--(1) Preparation requirement. For any Federal 
action that may adversely affect EFH, Federal agencies must provide NMFS 
with a written assessment of the effects of that action on EFH. For 
actions covered by a General Concurrence under paragraph (g) of this 
section, an EFH Assessment should be completed during the development of 
the General Concurrence and is not required for the individual actions. 
For actions addressed by a programmatic consultation under paragraph (j) 
of this section, an EFH Assessment should be completed during the 
programmatic consultation and is not required for individual actions 
implemented under the program, except in those instances identified by 
NMFS in the programmatic consultation as requiring separate EFH 
consultation. Federal agencies are not required to provide NMFS with 
assessments regarding actions that they have determined would not 
adversely affect EFH. Federal agencies may incorporate an EFH Assessment 
into documents prepared for other purposes such as Endangered Species 
Act (ESA) Biological Assessments pursuant to 50 CFR part 402 or National 
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documents and public notices pursuant to 
40 CFR part 1500. If an EFH Assessment is contained in another document, 
it must include all of the information required in paragraph (e)(3) of 
this section and be clearly identified as an EFH Assessment. The 
procedure for combining an EFH consultation with other environmental 
reviews is set forth in paragraph (f) of this section.
    (2) Level of detail. The level of detail in an EFH Assessment should 
be commensurate with the complexity and magnitude of the potential 
adverse effects of the action. For example, for relatively simple 
actions involving minor adverse effects on EFH, the assessment may be 
very brief. Actions that may pose a more serious threat to EFH warrant a 
correspondingly more detailed EFH Assessment.
    (3) Mandatory contents. The assessment must contain:
    (i) A description of the action.
    (ii) An analysis of the potential adverse effects of the action on 
EFH and the managed species.
    (iii) The Federal agency's conclusions regarding the effects of the 
action on EFH.
    (iv) Proposed mitigation, if applicable.
    (4) Additional information. If appropriate, the assessment should 
also include:
    (i) The results of an on-site inspection to evaluate the habitat and 
the site-specific effects of the project.
    (ii) The views of recognized experts on the habitat or species that 
may be affected.
    (iii) A review of pertinent literature and related information.
    (iv) An analysis of alternatives to the action. Such analysis should 
include alternatives that could avoid or minimize adverse effects on 
EFH.
    (v) Other relevant information.
    (5) Incorporation by reference. The assessment may incorporate by 
reference a completed EFH Assessment prepared for a similar action, 
supplemented with any relevant new project specific information, 
provided the proposed action involves similar impacts to EFH in the same 
geographic area or a similar ecological setting. It may also incorporate 
by reference other relevant environmental assessment documents. These 
documents must be provided to NMFS with the EFH Assessment.
    (f) Use of existing environmental review procedures--(1) Purpose and 
criteria. Consultation and commenting under sections 305(b)(2) and 
305(b)(4) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act should be consolidated, where 
appropriate, with interagency consultation, coordination, and 
environmental review procedures required by other statutes, such as 
NEPA, the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, Clean Water Act, ESA, and 
Federal Power Act. The requirements of sections 305(b)(2) and 305(b)(4) 
of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, including consultations that would be 
considered to be abbreviated or expanded consultations under paragraphs 
(h) and (i) of this section, can be combined with existing procedures 
required by other statutes if such processes meet, or are modified to 
meet, the following criteria:
    (i) The existing process must provide NMFS with timely notification 
of actions that may adversely affect EFH.

[[Page 137]]

The Federal agency should notify NMFS according to the same timeframes 
for notification (or for public comment) as in the existing process. 
Whenever possible, NMFS should have at least 60 days notice prior to a 
final decision on an action, or at least 90 days if the action would 
result in substantial adverse impacts. NMFS and the action agency may 
agree to use shorter timeframes provided that they allow sufficient time 
for NMFS to develop EFH Conservation Recommendations.
    (ii) Notification must include an assessment of the impacts of the 
action on EFH that meets the requirements for EFH Assessments contained 
in paragraph (e) of this section. If the EFH Assessment is contained in 
another document, the Federal agency must identify that section of the 
document as the EFH Assessment.
    (iii) NMFS must have made a finding pursuant to paragraph (f)(3) of 
this section that the existing process can be used to satisfy the 
requirements of sections 305(b)(2) and 305(b)(4) of the Magnuson-Stevens 
Act.
    (2) NMFS response to Federal agency. If an existing environmental 
review process is used to fulfill the EFH consultation requirements, the 
comment deadline for that process should apply to the submittal of NMFS 
EFH Conservation Recommendations under section 305(b)(4)(A) of the 
Magnuson-Stevens Act, unless NMFS and the Federal agency agree to a 
different deadline. If NMFS EFH Conservation Recommendations are 
combined with other NMFS or NOAA comments on a Federal action, such as 
NOAA comments on a draft Environmental Impact Statement, the EFH 
Conservation Recommendations will be clearly identified as such (e.g., a 
section in the comment letter entitled ``EFH Conservation 
Recommendations'') and a Federal agency response pursuant to section 
305(b)(4)(B) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act is required for only the 
identified portion of the comments.
    (3) NMFS finding. A Federal agency with an existing environmental 
review process should contact NMFS at the appropriate level (regional 
offices for regional processes, headquarters office for national 
processes) to discuss how to combine the EFH consultation requirements 
with the existing process, with or without modifications. If, at the 
conclusion of these discussions, NMFS determines that the existing or 
modified process meets the criteria of paragraph (f)(1) of this section, 
NMFS will make a finding that the process can be used to satisfy the EFH 
consultation requirements of the Magnuson-Stevens Act. If NMFS does not 
make such a finding, or if there are no existing consultation processes 
relevant to the Federal agency's actions, the agency and NMFS should 
follow one of the approaches for consultation discussed in the following 
sections.
    (g) General Concurrence--(1) Purpose. A General Concurrence 
identifies specific types of Federal actions that may adversely affect 
EFH, but for which no further consultation is generally required because 
NMFS has determined, through an analysis of that type of action, that it 
will likely result in no more than minimal adverse effects individually 
and cumulatively. General Concurrences may be national or regional in 
scope.
    (2) Criteria. (i) For Federal actions to qualify for General 
Concurrence, NMFS must determine that the actions meet all of the 
following criteria:
    (A) The actions must be similar in nature and similar in their 
impact on EFH.
    (B) The actions must not cause greater than minimal adverse effects 
on EFH when implemented individually.
    (C) The actions must not cause greater than minimal cumulative 
adverse effects on EFH.
    (ii) Actions qualifying for General Concurrence must be tracked to 
ensure that their cumulative effects are no more than minimal. In most 
cases, tracking actions covered by a General Concurrence will be the 
responsibility of the Federal agency. However, NMFS may agree to track 
such actions. Tracking should include numbers of actions and the amount 
and type of habitat adversely affected, and should specify the baseline 
against which the actions will be tracked. The agency responsible for 
tracking such actions should make the information available to NMFS, the 
applicable Council(s), and to the public on an annual basis.

[[Page 138]]

    (iii) Categories of Federal actions may also qualify for General 
Concurrence if they are modified by appropriate conditions that ensure 
the actions will meet the criteria in paragraph (g)(2)(i) of this 
section. For example, NMFS may provide General Concurrence for 
additional actions contingent upon project size limitations, seasonal 
restrictions, or other conditions.
    (iv) If a General Concurrence is proposed for actions that may 
adversely affect habitat areas of particular concern, the General 
Concurrence should be subject to a higher level of scrutiny than a 
General Concurrence not involving a habitat area of particular concern.
    (3) General Concurrence development. A Federal agency may request a 
General Concurrence for a category of its actions by providing NMFS with 
an EFH Assessment containing a description of the nature and approximate 
number of the actions, an analysis of the effects of the actions on EFH, 
including cumulative effects, and the Federal agency's conclusions 
regarding the magnitude of such effects. If NMFS agrees that the actions 
fit the criteria in paragraph (g)(2)(i) of this section, NMFS will 
provide the Federal agency with a written statement of General 
Concurrence that further consultation is not required. If NMFS does not 
agree that the actions fit the criteria in paragraph (g)(2)(i) of this 
section, NMFS will notify the Federal agency that a General Concurrence 
will not be issued and that another type of consultation will be 
required. If NMFS identifies specific types of Federal actions that may 
meet the requirements for a General Concurrence, NMFS may initiate and 
complete a General Concurrence.
    (4) Further consultation. NMFS may request notification for actions 
covered under a General Concurrence if NMFS concludes there are 
circumstances under which such actions could result in more than a 
minimal impact on EFH, or if it determines that there is no process in 
place to adequately assess the cumulative impacts of actions covered 
under the General Concurrence. NMFS may request further consultation for 
these actions on a case-by-case basis. Each General Concurrence should 
establish specific procedures for further consultation, if appropriate.
    (5) Notification. After completing a General Concurrence, NMFS will 
provide a copy to the appropriate Council(s) and will make the General 
Concurrence available to the public by posting the document on the 
internet or through other appropriate means.
    (6) Revisions. NMFS will periodically review and revise its General 
Concurrences, as appropriate.
    (h) Abbreviated consultation procedures--(1) Purpose and criteria. 
Abbreviated consultation allows NMFS to determine quickly whether, and 
to what degree, a Federal action may adversely affect EFH. Federal 
actions that may adversely affect EFH should be addressed through the 
abbreviated consultation procedures when those actions do not qualify 
for a General Concurrence, but do not have the potential to cause 
substantial adverse effects on EFH. For example, the abbreviated 
consultation procedures should be used when the adverse effect(s) of an 
action could be alleviated through minor modifications.
    (2) Notification by agency and submittal of EFH Assessment. 
Abbreviated consultation begins when NMFS receives from the Federal 
agency an EFH Assessment in accordance with paragraph (e) of this 
section and a written request for consultation.
    (3) NMFS response to Federal agency. If NMFS determines, contrary to 
the Federal agency's assessment, that an action would not adversely 
affect EFH, or if NMFS determines that no EFH Conservation 
Recommendations are needed, NMFS will notify the Federal agency either 
informally or in writing of its determination. If NMFS believes that the 
action may result in substantial adverse effects on EFH, or that 
additional analysis is needed to assess the effects of the action, NMFS 
will request in writing that the Federal agency initiate expanded 
consultation. Such request will explain why NMFS believes expanded 
consultation is needed and will specify any new information needed. If 
expanded consultation is not necessary, NMFS will provide EFH 
Conservation Recommendations, if appropriate, pursuant to section

[[Page 139]]

305(b)(4)(A) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act.
    (4) Timing. The Federal agency must submit its EFH Assessment to 
NMFS as soon as practicable, but at least 60 days prior to a final 
decision on the action. NMFS must respond in writing within 30 days. 
NMFS and the Federal agency may agree to use a compressed schedule in 
cases where regulatory approvals or emergency situations cannot 
accommodate 30 days for consultation, or to conduct consultation earlier 
in the planning cycle for actions with lengthy approval processes.
    (i) Expanded consultation procedures--(1) Purpose and criteria. 
Expanded consultation allows maximum opportunity for NMFS and the 
Federal agency to work together to review the action's impacts on EFH 
and to develop EFH Conservation Recommendations. Expanded consultation 
procedures must be used for Federal actions that would result in 
substantial adverse effects to EFH. Federal agencies are encouraged to 
contact NMFS at the earliest opportunity to discuss whether the adverse 
effects of an action make expanded consultation appropriate.
    (2) Notification by agency and submittal of EFH Assessment. Expanded 
consultation begins when NMFS receives from the Federal agency an EFH 
Assessment in accordance with paragraph (e) of this section and a 
written request for expanded consultation. Federal agencies are 
encouraged to provide in the EFH Assessment the additional information 
identified under paragraph (e)(4) of this section to facilitate review 
of the effects of the action on EFH.
    (3) NMFS response to Federal agency. NMFS will:
    (i) Review the EFH Assessment, any additional information furnished 
by the Federal agency, and other relevant information.
    (ii) Conduct a site visit, if appropriate, to assess the quality of 
the habitat and to clarify the impacts of the Federal agency action. 
Such a site visit should be coordinated with the Federal agency and 
appropriate Council(s), if feasible.
    (iii) Coordinate its review of the action with the appropriate 
Council(s).
    (iv) Discuss EFH Conservation Recommendations with the Federal 
agency and provide such recommendations to the Federal agency, pursuant 
to section 305(b)(4)(A) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act.
    (4) Timing. The Federal agency must submit its EFH Assessment to 
NMFS as soon as practicable, but at least 90 days prior to a final 
decision on the action. NMFS must respond within 60 days of submittal of 
a complete EFH Assessment unless consultation is extended by agreement 
between NMFS and the Federal agency. NMFS and Federal agencies may agree 
to use a compressed schedule in cases where regulatory approvals or 
emergency situations cannot accommodate 60 days for consultation, or to 
conduct consultation earlier in the planning cycle for actions with 
lengthy approval processes.
    (5) Extension of consultation. If NMFS determines that additional 
data or analysis would provide better information for development of EFH 
Conservation Recommendations, NMFS may request additional time for 
expanded consultation. If NMFS and the Federal agency agree to an 
extension, the Federal agency should provide the additional information 
to NMFS, to the extent practicable. If NMFS and the Federal agency do 
not agree to extend consultation, NMFS must provide EFH Conservation 
Recommendations to the Federal agency using the best scientific 
information available to NMFS.
    (j) Programmatic consultation--(1) Purpose. Programmatic 
consultation provides a means for NMFS and a Federal agency to consult 
regarding a potentially large number of individual actions that may 
adversely affect EFH. Programmatic consultation will generally be the 
most appropriate option to address funding programs, large-scale 
planning efforts, and other instances where sufficient information is 
available to address all reasonably foreseeable adverse effects on EFH 
of an entire program, parts of a program, or a number of similar 
individual actions occurring within a given geographic area.
    (2) Process. A Federal agency may request programmatic consultation 
by

[[Page 140]]

providing NMFS with an EFH Assessment in accordance with paragraph (e) 
of this section. The description of the proposed action in the EFH 
Assessment should describe the program and the nature and approximate 
number (annually or by some other appropriate time frame) of the 
actions. NMFS may also initiate programmatic consultation by requesting 
pertinent information from a Federal agency.
    (3) NMFS response to Federal agency. NMFS will respond to the 
Federal agency with programmatic EFH Conservation Recommendations and, 
if applicable, will identify any potential adverse effects that could 
not be addressed programmatically and require project-specific 
consultation. NMFS may also determine that programmatic consultation is 
not appropriate, in which case all EFH Conservation Recommendations will 
be deferred to project-specific consultations. If appropriate, NMFS' 
response may include a General Concurrence for activities that qualify 
under paragraph (g) of this section.
    (k) Responsibilities of Federal agency following receipt of EFH 
Conservation Recommendations--(1) Federal agency response. As required 
by section 305(b)(4)(B) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, the Federal agency 
must provide a detailed response in writing to NMFS and to any Council 
commenting on the action under section 305(b)(3) of the Magnuson-Stevens 
Act within 30 days after receiving an EFH Conservation Recommendation 
from NMFS. Such a response must be provided at least 10 days prior to 
final approval of the action if the response is inconsistent with any of 
NMFS' EFH Conservation Recommendations, unless NMFS and the Federal 
agency have agreed to use alternative time frames for the Federal agency 
response. The response must include a description of measures proposed 
by the agency for avoiding, mitigating, or offsetting the impact of the 
activity on EFH. In the case of a response that is inconsistent with 
NMFS Conservation Recommendations, the Federal agency must explain its 
reasons for not following the recommendations, including the scientific 
justification for any disagreements with NMFS over the anticipated 
effects of the action and the measures needed to avoid, minimize, 
mitigate, or offset such effects.
    (2) Further review of decisions inconsistent with NMFS or Council 
recommendations. If a Federal agency decision is inconsistent with a 
NMFS EFH Conservation Recommendation, the Assistant Administrator for 
Fisheries may request a meeting with the head of the Federal agency, as 
well as with any other agencies involved, to discuss the action and 
opportunities for resolving any disagreements. If a Federal agency 
decision is also inconsistent with a Council recommendation made 
pursuant to section 305(b)(3) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, the Council 
may request that the Assistant Administrator initiate further review of 
the Federal agency's decision and involve the Council in any interagency 
discussion to resolve disagreements with the Federal agency. The 
Assistant Administrator will make every effort to accommodate such a 
request. NMFS may develop written procedures to further define such 
review processes.
    (l) Supplemental consultation. A Federal agency must reinitiate 
consultation with NMFS if the agency substantially revises its plans for 
an action in a manner that may adversely affect EFH or if new 
information becomes available that affects the basis for NMFS EFH 
Conservation Recommendations.



Sec. 600.925  NMFS EFH Conservation Recommendations to Federal and state agencies.

    (a) General. Under section 305(b)(4)(A) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, 
NMFS is required to provide EFH Conservation Recommendations to Federal 
and state agencies for actions that would adversely affect EFH. NMFS 
will not recommend that state or Federal agencies take actions beyond 
their statutory authority.
    (b) Recommendations to Federal agencies. For Federal actions, EFH 
Conservation Recommendations will be provided to Federal agencies as 
part of EFH consultations conducted pursuant to Sec. 600.920. If NMFS 
becomes aware of a Federal action that would adversely affect EFH, but 
for which a Federal

[[Page 141]]

agency has not initiated an EFH consultation, NMFS may request that the 
Federal agency initiate EFH consultation, or NMFS will provide EFH 
Conservation Recommendations based on the information available.
    (c) Recommendations to state agencies--(1) Establishment of 
procedures. The Magnuson-Stevens Act does not require state agencies to 
consult with the Secretary regarding EFH. NMFS will use existing 
coordination procedures or establish new procedures to identify state 
actions that may adversely affect EFH, and to determine the most 
appropriate method for providing EFH Conservation Recommendations to 
state agencies.
    (2) Coordination with states on recommendations to Federal agencies. 
When an action that would adversely affect EFH is authorized, funded, or 
undertaken by both Federal and state agencies, NMFS will provide the 
appropriate state agencies with copies of EFH Conservation 
Recommendations developed as part of the Federal consultation procedures 
in Sec. 600.920. NMFS will also seek agreements on sharing information 
and copies of recommendations with Federal or state agencies conducting 
similar consultation and recommendation processes to ensure coordination 
of such efforts.
    (d) Coordination with Councils. NMFS will coordinate with each 
Council to identify the types of actions on which Councils intend to 
comment pursuant to section 305(b)(3) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act. For 
such actions NMFS will share pertinent information with the Council, 
including copies of NMFS' EFH Conservation Recommendations.



Sec. 600.930  Council comments and recommendations to Federal and state agencies.

    Under section 305(b)(3) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, Councils may 
comment on and make recommendations to the Secretary and any Federal or 
state agency concerning any activity or proposed activity authorized, 
funded, or undertaken by the agency that, in the view of the Council, 
may affect the habitat, including EFH, of a fishery resource under its 
authority. Councils must provide such comments and recommendations 
concerning any activity that, in the view of the Council, is likely to 
substantially affect the habitat, including EFH, of an anadromous 
fishery resource under Council authority.
    (a) Establishment of procedures. Each Council should establish 
procedures for reviewing Federal or state actions that may adversely 
affect the habitat, including EFH, of a species under its authority. 
Each Council may receive information on actions of concern by methods 
such as directing Council staff to track proposed actions, recommending 
that the Council's habitat committee identify actions of concern, or 
entering into an agreement with NMFS to have the appropriate Regional 
Administrator notify the Council of actions of concern that would 
adversely affect EFH. Federal and state actions often follow specific 
timetables which may not coincide with Council meetings. Therefore, 
Councils should consider establishing abbreviated procedures for the 
development of Council recommendations.
    (b) Early involvement. Councils should provide comments and 
recommendations on proposed state and Federal actions of concern as 
early as practicable in project planning to ensure thorough 
consideration of Council concerns by the action agency. Each Council 
should provide NMFS with copies of its comments and recommendations to 
state and Federal agencies.



             Subpart L_Fishing Capacity Reduction Framework

    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1861a(b)-(e).

    Source: 65 FR 31443, May 18, 2000, unless otherwise noted.



Sec. 600.1000  Definitions.

    In addition to the definitions in the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery 
Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act) and in Sec. 
600.10 of this title, the terms used in this subpart have the following 
meanings:
    Address of Record means the business address of a person, 
partnership, or corporation. Addresses listed on permits or other NMFS 
records are presumed to be business addresses, unless clearly indicated 
otherwise.

[[Page 142]]

    Bid means the price a vessel owner or reduction fishery permit 
holder requests for reduction of his/her fishing capacity. It is an 
irrevocable offer in response to the invitation to bid in Sec. 
600.1009.
    Borrower means, individually and collectively, each post-reduction 
fishing permit holder and/or fishing vessel owner fishing in the 
reduction fishery.
    Business plan means the document containing the information 
specified in Sec. 600.1003(n) and required to be submitted with a 
request for a financed program.
    Business week means a 7-day period, Saturday through Friday.
    Controlling fishery management plan or program (CFMP) means either 
any fishery management plan or any state fishery management plan or 
program, including amendments to the plan or program, pursuant to which 
a fishery is managed.
    Delivery value means:
    (1) For unprocessed fish, all compensation that a fish buyer pays to 
a fish seller in exchange for fee fish; and
    (2) For processed fish, all compensation that a fish buyer would 
have paid to a fish seller in exchange for fee fish if the fee fish had 
been unprocessed fish instead of processed fish.
    Delivery value encompasses fair market value, as defined herein, and 
includes the value of all in-kind compensation or all other goods or 
services exchanged in lieu of cash. It is synonymous with the statutory 
term ``ex-vessel value'' as used in section 312 of the Magnuson Act.
    Deposit principal means all collected fee revenue that a fish buyer 
deposits in a segregated account maintained at a federally insured 
financial institution for the sole purpose of aggregating collected fee 
revenue before sending the fee revenue to NMFS for repaying a reduction 
loan.
    Fair market value means the amount that a buyer pays a seller in an 
arm's length transaction or, alternatively, would pay a seller if the 
transaction were at arm's length.
    Fee means the amount that fish buyers deduct from the delivery value 
under a financed reduction program. The fee is the delivery value times 
the reduction fishery's applicable fee rate under section 600.1013.
    Fee fish means all fish harvested from a reduction fishery involving 
a financed program during the period in which any amount of the 
reduction loan remains unpaid. The term fee fish excludes fish harvested 
incidentally while fishing for fish not included in the reduction 
fishery.
    Final development plan means the document NMFS prepares, under Sec. 
600.1006(b) and based on the preliminary development plan the requester 
submits, for a subsidized program.
    Financed means funded, in any part, by a reduction loan.
    Fish buyer means the first ex-vessel party who:
    (1) In an arm's--length transaction, purchases fee fish from a fish 
seller;
    (2) Takes fish on consignment from a fish seller; or
    (3) Otherwise receives fish from a fish seller in a non arm's-length 
transaction.
    Fish delivery means the point at which a fish buyer first purchases 
fee fish or takes possession of fee fish from a fish seller.
    Fishing capacity reduction specifications means the minimum amount 
of fishing capacity reduction and the maximum amount of reduction loan 
principal specified in a business plan.
    Fish seller means the party who harvests and first sells or 
otherwise delivers fee fish to a fish buyer.
    Fishery Management Plan (FMP) means any Federal fishery management 
plan, including amendments to the plan, that the Secretary of Commerce 
approves or adopts pursuant to section 303 of the Magnuson-Stevens Act.
    Fund means the Fishing Capacity Reduction Fund, and each subaccount 
for each program, established in the U.S. Treasury for the deposit into, 
and disbursement from, all funds, including all reduction loan capital 
and all fee revenue, involving each program.
    Implementation plan means the plan in Sec. 600.1008 for carrying 
out each program.
    Implementation regulations mean the regulations in Sec. 600.1008 
for carrying out each program.

[[Page 143]]

    Net delivery value means the delivery value minus the fee.
    Post-bidding referendum means a referendum that follows bidding 
under Sec. 600.1009.
    Post-reduction means after a program reduces fishing capacity in a 
reduction fishery.
    Pre-bidding referendum means a referendum that occurs at any time 
after a request for a financed program but before a proposal under Sec. 
600.1008 of an implementation plan and implementation regulations.
    Preliminary development plan means the document specified in Sec. 
600.1005(g) and required to be submitted with a request for a subsidized 
program.
    Processed fish means fish in any form different from the form in 
which the fish existed at the time the fish was first harvested, unless 
any such difference in form represents, in the reduction fishery 
involved, the standard ex-vessel form upon which fish sellers and fish 
buyers characteristically base the delivery value of unprocessed fish.
    Program means each instance of reduction under this subpart, in each 
reduction fishery--starting with a request and ending, for a financed 
program, with full reduction loan repayment.
    Reduction means the act of reducing fishing capacity under any 
program.
    Reduction amendment means any amendment, or, where appropriate, 
framework adjustment, to a CFMP that may be necessary for a program to 
meet the requirements of this subpart.
    Reduction amendment specifications mean the reduction amendment to a 
CFMP specified in a business plan.
    Reduction contract means the invitation to bid under Sec. 600.1009, 
together with each bidder's irrevocable offer and NMFS' conditional or 
non-conditional acceptance of each such bid under Sec. 600.1009.
    Reduction cost means the total dollar amount of all reduction 
payments to fishing permit owners, fishing vessel owners, or both, in a 
reduction fishery.
    Reduction fishery means the fishery or portion of a fishery to which 
a program applies. The reduction fishery must specify each included 
species, as well as any limitations by gear type, fishing vessel size, 
geographic area, and any other relevant factor(s).
    Reduction loan means a loan, under section 1111 and section 1112 of 
Title XI of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, as amended (46 U.S.C. 1279f 
and g App.), for financing any portion, or all, of a financed program's 
reduction cost and repayable by a fee under, and in accordance with, 
Sec. 600.1012, Sec. 600.1013, and Sec. 600.1014.
    Reduction payment means the Federal Government's fishing capacity 
reduction payment to a fishing permit owner, fishing vessel owner, or 
both, under a reduction contract. Additionally, it is payment for 
reduction to each bidder whose bid NMFS accepts under Sec. 600.1009. In 
a financed program each reduction payment constitutes a disbursement of 
a reduction loan's proceeds and is for either revoking a fishing permit 
or both revoking a fishing permit and withdrawing a vessel from fishing 
either by scrapping or title restriction.
    Reduction permit means any fishing permit revoked in a program in 
exchange for a reduction payment under a reduction contract.
    Reduction vessel means any fishing vessel withdrawn from fishing 
either by scrapping or title restriction in exchange for a reduction 
payment under a reduction contract.
    Referendum means the voting process under Sec. 600.1010 for 
approving the fee system for repaying a reduction loan.
    Request means a request, under Sec. 600.1001, for a program.
    Requester means a Council for a fishery identified in Sec. 
600.1001(c) or a state governor for a fishery identified in Sec. 
600.1001(d), or a majority of permit holders in the fishery.
    Scrap means to completely and permanently reduce a fishing vessel's 
hull, superstructures, and other fixed structural components to 
fragments having value, if any, only as raw materials for reprocessing 
or for other non-fisheries use.
    Subsidized means wholly funded by anything other than a reduction 
loan.
    Treasury percentage means the annual percentage rate at which NMFS 
must pay interest to the U.S. Treasury on any principal amount that NMFS 
borrows from the U.S. Treasury in order to

[[Page 144]]

generate the funds with which to later disburse a reduction loan's 
principal amount.
    Unprocessed fish means fish in the same form as the fish existed at 
the time the fish was harvested, unless any difference in form 
represents, in the reduction fishery involved, the standard ex-vessel 
form upon which fish sellers and fish buyers characteristically base the 
delivery value of unprocessed fish.
    Vote means a vote in a referendum.

[65 FR 31443, May 18, 2000, as amended at 75 FR 62328, Oct. 8, 2010]



Sec. 600.1001  Requests.

    (a) A Council, the Governor of a State under whose authority a 
proposed reduction fishery is subject, or a majority of permit holders 
in the fishery may request that NMFS conduct a program in that fishery. 
Each request shall be in writing. Each request shall satisfy the 
requirements of Sec. 600.1003 or Sec. 600.1005, as applicable, and 
enable NMFS to make the determinations required by Sec. 600.1004 or 
Sec. 600.1006, as applicable.
    (b) NMFS cannot conduct a program in any fishery subject to the 
jurisdiction of a Council or a state unless NMFS first receives a 
request from the Council or the governor to whose jurisdiction the 
fishery is subject.
    (c) For a fishery subject to the jurisdiction of a Council, only 
that Council can or must make the request. If the fishery is subject to 
the jurisdiction of two or more Councils, those Councils must make a 
joint request. No Council may make a request, or join in making a 
request, until after the Council conducts a public hearing about the 
request.
    (d) For a fishery subject to the jurisdiction of a State, only the 
Governor of that State can make the request. If the fishery is subject 
to the jurisdiction of two or more states, the Governors of those States 
shall make a joint request. No Governor of a State may make a request, 
or join in making a request, until the State conducts a public hearing 
about the request.
    (e) For a fishery under the direct management authority of the 
Secretary, NMFS may conduct a program on NMFS' own motion by fulfilling 
the requirements of this subpart that reasonably apply to a program not 
initiated by a request.
    (f) Where necessary to accommodate special circumstances in a 
particular fishery, NMFS may waive, as NMFS deems necessary and 
appropriate, compliance with any specific requirements under this 
subpart not required by statute.

[65 FR 31443, May 18, 2000, as amended at 75 FR 62328, Oct. 8, 2010]



Sec. 600.1002  General requirements.

    (a) Each program must be:
    (1) Necessary to prevent or end overfishing, rebuild stocks of fish, 
or achieve measurable and significant improvements in the conservation 
and management of the reduction fishery;
    (2) Accompanied by the appropriate environmental, economic and/or 
socioeconomic analyses, in accordance with applicable statutes, 
regulations, or other authorities; and
    (3) Consistent with the CFMP, including any reduction amendment, for 
the reduction fishery.
    (b) Each CFMP for a reduction fishery must:
    (1) Prevent the replacement of fishing capacity removed by the 
program through a moratorium on new entrants, restrictions on vessel 
upgrades, and other effort control measures, taking into account the 
full potential fishing capacity of the fleet;
    (2) Establish a specified or target total allowable catch or other 
measures that trigger closure of the fishery or adjustments to reduce 
catch; and
    (3) Include, for a financed program in a reduction fishery involving 
only a portion of a fishery, appropriate provisions for the post-
reduction allocation of fish between the reduction fishery and the rest 
of the fishery that both protect the borrower's reduction investment in 
the program and support the borrower's ability to repay the reduction 
loan.
    (c) The Secretary may not make a fishing capacity reduction program 
payment with respect to a reduction vessel that will not be scrapped 
unless the Secretary certifies that the vessel will not be used for 
fishing in the

[[Page 145]]

waters of the U.S., a foreign nation, or on the high seas.

[65 FR 31443, May 18, 2000, as amended at 75 FR 62328, Oct. 8, 2010]



Sec. 600.1003  Content of a request for a financed program.

    A request for a financed program shall:
    (a) Specify the reduction fishery.
    (b) Project the amount of the reduction and specify what a reduction 
of that amount achieves in the reduction fishery.
    (c) Specify whether the program is to be wholly or partially 
financed and, if the latter, specify the amount and describe the 
availability of all funding from sources other than a reduction loan.
    (d) Project the availability of all Federal appropriation authority 
or other funding, if any, that the financed program requires, including 
the time at which funding from each source will be available and how 
that relates to the time at which elements of the reduction process are 
projected to occur.
    (e) Demonstrate how the program meets, or will meet after an 
appropriate reduction amendment, the requirements in Sec. 600.1002(a).
    (f) Demonstrate how the CFMP meets, or will meet after an 
appropriate reduction amendment, the requirements in Sec. 600.1002(b).
    (g) If a reduction amendment is necessary, include an actual 
reduction amendment or the requester's endorsement in principle of the 
reduction amendment specifications in the business plan. Endorsement in 
principle is non-binding.
    (h) Request that NMFS conduct, at the appropriate time, a referendum 
under Sec. 600.1010 of this subpart.
    (i) List the names and addresses of record of all fishing permit or 
fishing vessel owners who are currently authorized to harvest fish from 
the reduction fishery, excluding those whose authority is limited to 
incidentally harvesting fish from the reduction fishery during directed 
fishing for fish not in the reduction fishery. The list shall be based 
on the best information available to the requester. The list shall take 
into account any limitation by type of fishing gear operated, size of 
fishing vessel operated, geographic area of operation, or other factor 
that the proposed program involves. The list may include any relevant 
information that NMFS may supply to the requester.
    (j) Specify the aggregate total allowable catch in the reduction 
fishery during each of the preceding 5 years and the aggregate portion 
of such catch harvested by the parties listed under paragraph (i) of 
this section.
    (k) Specify the criteria for determining the types and number of 
fishing permits or fishing permits and fishing vessels that are eligible 
for reduction under the program. The criteria shall take into account:
    (1) The characteristics of the fishery;
    (2) Whether the program is limited to a particular gear type within 
the reduction fishery or is otherwise limited by size of fishing vessel 
operated, geographic area of operation, or other factor;
    (3) Whether the program is limited to fishing permits or involves 
both fishing permits and fishing vessels;
    (4) The reduction amendment required;
    (5) The needs of fishing communities;
    (6) Minimizing the program's reduction cost; and
    (7) All other relevant factors.
    (l) Include the requester's assessment of the program's potential 
impact on fisheries other than the reduction fishery, including an 
evaluation of the likely increase in participation or effort in such 
other fisheries, the general economic impact on such other fisheries, 
and recommendations that could mitigate, or enable such other fisheries 
to mitigate, any undesirable impacts.
    (m) Include any other information or guidance that would assist NMFS 
in developing an implementation plan and implementation regulations.
    (n) Include a business plan, prepared by, or on behalf of, 
knowledgeable and concerned harvesters in the reduction fishery, that:
    (1) Specifies a detailed reduction methodology that accomplishes the 
maximum sustained reduction in the reduction fishery's fishing capacity 
at the least reduction cost and in the minimum period of time, and 
otherwise achieves the program result that the

[[Page 146]]

requester specifies under paragraph (b) of this section. The methodology 
shall:
    (i) Establish the appropriate point for NMFS to conduct a pre-
bidding referendum and be sufficiently detailed to enable NMFS to 
readily:
    (A) Design, propose, and adopt a timely and reliable implementation 
plan,
    (B) Propose and issue timely and reliable implementation 
regulations,
    (C) Invite bids,
    (D) Accept or reject bids, and
    (E) Complete a program in accordance with this subpart, and
    (ii) Address, consistently with this subpart:
    (A) The contents and terms of invitations to bid,
    (B) Bidder eligibility,
    (C) The type of information that bidders shall supply,
    (D) The criteria for accepting or rejecting bids,
    (E) The terms of bid acceptances,
    (F) Any referendum procedures in addition to, but consistent with, 
those in Sec. 600.1010, and
    (G) All other technical matters necessary to conduct a program;
    (2) Projects and supports the reduction fishery's annual delivery 
value during the reduction loan's repayment period based on documented 
analysis of actual representative experience for a reasonable number of 
past years in the reduction fishery;
    (3) Includes the fishing capacity reduction specifications upon 
which both the pre-bidding referendum and the bidding under Sec. 
600.1009 will be based. The reduction loan's maximum principal amount 
cannot, at the interest rate projected to prevail at the time of 
reduction, exceed the principal amount that can be amortized in 20 years 
by 5 percent of the projected delivery value;
    (4) States the reduction loan's repayment term and the fee rate, or 
range of fee rates, prospectively necessary to amortize the reduction 
loan over its repayment term;
    (5) Analyzes and demonstrates the ability to repay the reduction 
loan at the minimum reduction level and at various reduction-level 
increments reasonably greater than the minimum one, based on the:
    (i) Best and most representative historical fishing revenue and 
expense data and any other relevant productivity measures available in 
the reduction fishery, and
    (ii) Projected effect of the program on the post-reduction operating 
economics of typical harvesters in the reduction fishery, with 
particular emphasis on the extent to which the reduction increases the 
ratio of delivery value to fixed cost and improves harvesting's other 
relevant productivity measures;
    (6) Demonstrates how the business plan's proposed program meets, or 
will meet after an appropriate reduction amendment, the requirements in 
Sec. 600.1002(a);
    (7) Demonstrates how the CFMP meets, or will meet after an 
appropriate reduction amendment, the requirements in Sec. 600.1002(b);
    (8) Includes, if a reduction amendment is necessary, the reduction 
amendment specifications upon which the pre-bidding referendum will be 
based;
    (9) Includes an assessment of the program's potential impact on 
fisheries other than the reduction fishery, including an evaluation of 
the likely increase in participation or effort in such other fisheries, 
the general economic impact on such other fisheries, and recommendations 
that could mitigate, or enable such other fisheries to mitigate, any 
undesirable impacts;
    (10) Specifies the names and addresses of record of all fish buyers 
who can, after reduction, reasonably be expected to receive deliveries 
of fee fish. This shall be based on the best information available, 
including any information that NMFS may be able to supply to the 
business planners;
    (11) Specifies, after full consultation with fish buyers, any 
special circumstances in the reduction fishery that may require the 
implementing regulations to contain provisions in addition to, or 
different from, those contained in Sec. 600.1013 and/or Sec. 600.1014 
in order to accommodate the circumstances of, and practices in, the 
reduction fishery while still fulfilling the intent and purpose of Sec. 
600.1013 and/or Sec. 600.1014--including, but not limited to:

[[Page 147]]

    (i) In the case of reduction fisheries in which state data 
confidentiality laws or other impediments may negatively affect the 
efficient and effective conduct of the same, specification of who needs 
to take what action to resolve any such impediments, and
    (ii) In the case of reduction fisheries in which some fish sellers 
sell unprocessed, and other fish sellers sell processed fish to fish 
buyers, specification of an accurate and efficient method of 
establishing the delivery value of processed fish; and
    (12) Demonstrates by a survey of potential voters, or by any other 
convincing means, a substantial degree of potential voter support for 
the business plan and confidence in its feasibility.
    (o) Include the requester's statement of belief that the business 
plan, the CFMP, the reduction amendment specifications, and all other 
request aspects constitute a complete, realistic, and practical prospect 
for successfully completing a program in accordance with this subpart.



Sec. 600.1004  Accepting a request for, and determinations about initiating, a financed program.

    (a) Accepting a request. Once it receives a request, NMFS will 
review any request for a financed program to determine whether the 
request conforms with the requirements of Sec. 600.1003. If the request 
does not conform, NMFS will return the request with guidance on how to 
make the request conform. If the request conforms, NMFS shall accept it 
and publish a notice in the Federal Register requesting public comments 
on the request. Such notice shall state the name and address of record 
of each eligible voter, as well as the basis for having determined the 
eligibility of those voters. This shall constitute notice and 
opportunity to respond about adding eligible voters, deleting ineligible 
voters, and/or correcting any voter's name and address of record. If, in 
NMFS' discretion, the comments received in response to such notice 
warrants it, or other good cause warrants it, NMFS may modify such list 
by publishing another notice in the Federal Register.
    (b) Determination about initiating a financed program. After receipt 
of a conforming request for a financed program, NMFS will, after 
reviewing and responding to any public comments received in response to 
the notice published in the Federal Register under paragraph (a) of this 
section, initiate the program if NMFS determines that:
    (1) The program meets, or will meet after an appropriate reduction 
amendment, the requirements in Sec. 600.1002(a);
    (2) The CFMP meets, or will meet after an appropriate reduction 
amendment, the requirements in Sec. 600.1002(b);
    (3) The program, if successfully implemented, is cost effective;
    (4) The reduction requested constitutes a realistic and practical 
prospect for successfully completing a program in accordance with this 
subpart and the borrower is capable of repaying the reduction loan. This 
includes enabling NMFS to readily design, propose, and adopt a timely 
and reliable implementation plan as well as propose and issue timely and 
reliable implementation regulations and otherwise complete the program 
in accordance with this subpart; and
    (5) The program accords with all other applicable law.



Sec. 600.1005  Content of a request for a subsidized program.

    A request for a subsidized program shall:
    (a) Specify the reduction fishery.
    (b) Project the amount of the reduction and specify what a reduction 
of that amount achieves in the reduction fishery.
    (c) Project the reduction cost, the amount of reduction cost to be 
funded by Federal appropriations, and the amount, if any, to be funded 
by other sources.
    (d) Project the availability of Federal appropriations or other 
funding, if any, that completion of the program requires, including the 
time at which funding from each source will be available and how that 
relates to the time at which elements of the reduction process are 
projected to occur.
    (e) List the names and addresses of record of all fishing permit or 
fishing

[[Page 148]]

vessel owners who are currently authorized to harvest fish from the 
reduction fishery, excluding those whose authority is limited to 
incidentally harvesting fish from the reduction fishery during directed 
fishing for fish not in the reduction fishery. The list shall be based 
on the best information available to the requester, including any 
information that NMFS may supply to the requester, and take into account 
any limitation by type of fishing gear operated, size of fishing vessel 
operated, geographic area of operation, or other factor that the 
proposed program involves.
    (f) Specify the aggregate total allowable catch in the reduction 
fishery during each of the preceding 5 years and the aggregate portion 
of such catch harvested by the parties listed under paragraph (e) of 
this section.
    (g) Include a preliminary development plan that:
    (1) Specifies a detailed reduction methodology that accomplishes the 
maximum sustained reduction in the reduction fishery's fishing capacity 
at the least cost and in a minimum period of time, and otherwise 
achieves the program result that the requester specifies under paragraph 
(b) of this section. The methodology shall:
    (i) Be sufficiently detailed to enable NMFS to prepare a final 
development plan to serve as the basis for NMFS to readily design, 
propose, and adopt a timely and reliable implementation plan and propose 
and issue timely and reliable implementation regulations, and
    (ii) Include:
    (A) The contents and terms of invitations to bid,
    (B) Eligible bidders,
    (C) The type of information that bidders shall supply,
    (D) The criteria for accepting or rejecting bids, and
    (E) The terms of bid acceptances;
    (2) Specifies the criteria for determining the types and numbers of 
fishing permits or fishing permits and fishing vessels that are eligible 
for reduction under the program. The criteria shall take into account:
    (i) The characteristics of the fishery,
    (ii) Whether the program is limited to a particular gear type within 
the reduction fishery, or is otherwise limited by size of fishing vessel 
operated, geographic area of operation, or other factor,
    (iii) Whether the program is limited to fishing permits or involves 
both fishing permits and fishing vessels,
    (iv) The reduction amendment required,
    (v) The needs of fishing communities, and
    (vi) The need to minimize the program's reduction cost; and
    (3) Demonstrates the program's cost effectiveness.
    (h) Demonstrate how the program meets, or will meet after an 
appropriate reduction amendment, the requirements in Sec. 600.1002(a).
    (i) Demonstrate how the CFMP meets, or will meet after an 
appropriate reduction amendment, the requirements in Sec. 
600.1002(b)(1) and (2).
    (j) Specify any other information or guidance that assists NMFS in 
preparing a final development plan and a proposed implementation plan 
and proposed implementation regulations.
    (k) Include the requester's statement of belief that the program 
constitutes a reasonably realistic and practical prospect for 
successfully completing a program in accordance with this subpart.



Sec. 600.1006  Accepting a request for, and determinations about conducting, a subsidized program.

    (a) Accepting a request. NMFS will review any request for a 
subsidized program submitted to NMFS to determine whether the request 
conforms with the requirements of Sec. 600.1005. If the request does 
not conform, NMFS will return it with guidance on how to make the 
request conform. If the request conforms, NMFS shall accept it and 
publish a notice in the Federal Register requesting public comments 
about the request.
    (b) Final development plan. After receipt of a conforming request, 
NMFS will prepare a final development plan if NMFS determines that the 
reduction requested constitutes a realistic and practical prospect for 
successfully completing a program in accordance with this subpart. This 
includes enabling NMFS to readily design, propose, and adopt a timely 
and reliable implementation plan as well as propose and

[[Page 149]]

issue timely and reliable implementation regulations and otherwise 
complete the program in accordance with this subpart. NMFS will, as far 
as possible, base the final development plan on the requester's 
preliminary development plan. Before completing the final development 
plan, NMFS will consult, as NMFS deems necessary, with the requester, 
Federal agencies, state and regional authorities, affected fishing 
communities, participants in the reduction fishery, conservation 
organizations, and other interested parties in preparing the final 
development plan.
    (c) Reaffirmation of the request. After completing the final 
development plan, NMFS will submit the plan to the requester for the 
requester's reaffirmation of the request. Based on the final development 
plan, the reaffirmation shall: (1) Certify that the final development 
plan meets, or will meet after an appropriate reduction amendment, the 
requirements in Sec. 600.1002(a);
    (2) Certify that the CFMP meets, or will meet after an appropriate 
reduction amendment, the requirements in Sec. 600.1002(b)(1) and (2); 
and
    (3) Project the date on which the requester will forward any 
necessary reduction amendment and, if the requester is a Council, 
proposed regulations to implement the reduction amendment. The requester 
shall base any necessary reduction amendment on the final development 
plan.
    (d) Determinations about conducting a subsidized program. After 
NMFS' receipt of the requester's reaffirmation, any required reduction 
amendment, and any proposed regulations required to implement the 
amendment, NMFS will initiate the program if NMFS determines that:
    (1) The program meets, or will meet after an appropriate reduction 
amendment, the requirements in Sec. 600.1002(a);
    (2) The CFMP meets, or will meet after an appropriate reduction 
amendment, the requirements in Sec. 600.1002(b)(1) and (2); and
    (3) The program is reasonably capable of being successfully 
implemented;
    (4) The program, if successfully implemented, will be cost 
effective; and
    (5) The program is in accord with all other applicable provisions of 
the Magnuson-Stevens Act and this subpart.



Sec. 600.1007  Reduction amendments.

    (a) Each reduction amendment may contain provisions that are either 
dependent upon or independent of a program. Each provision of a 
reduction amendment is a dependent provision unless the amendment 
expressly designates the provision as independent.
    (b) Independent provisions are effective without regard to any 
subsequent program actions.
    (c) Dependent provisions are initially effective for the sole 
limited purpose of enabling initiation and completion of the pre-
reduction processing stage of a program.
    (d) All dependent provisions of a reduction amendment for a financed 
program are fully in force and effect for all other purposes only when 
NMFS either:
    (1) For bidding results that conform to the fishing capacity 
reduction specifications and are not subject to any other condition, 
notifies bidders, under Sec. 600.1009(e)(3), that reduction contracts 
then exist between the bidders and the United States; or
    (2) For bidding results that do not conform to the fishing capacity 
reduction specifications or are subject to any other condition, notifies 
bidders whose bids NMFS had conditionally accepted, under Sec. 600.1010 
(d)(8)(iii), that the condition pertaining to the reduction contracts 
between them and the United States is fulfilled.
    (e) If NMFS does not, in accordance with this subpart and any 
special provisions in the implementation regulations, subsequently make 
all reduction payments that circumstances, in NMFS' judgment, reasonably 
permit NMFS to make and, thus, complete a program, no dependent 
provisions shall then have any further force or effect for any purpose 
and all final regulations involving such dependent provisions shall then 
be repealed.



Sec. 600.1008  Implementation plan and implementation regulations.

    (a) As soon as practicable after deciding to initiate a program, 
NMFS will prepare and publish, for a 60-day public

[[Page 150]]

comment period, a proposed implementation plan and implementation 
regulations. During the public comment period, NMFS will conduct a 
public hearing of the proposed implementation plan and implementation 
regulations in each state that the program affects.
    (b) To the greatest extent practicable, NMFS will base the 
implementation plan and implementation regulations for a financed 
program on the business plan. The implementation plan for a financed 
program will describe in detail all relevant aspects of implementing the 
program, including:
    (1) The reduction fishery;
    (2) The reduction methodology;
    (3) The maximum reduction cost;
    (4) The maximum reduction loan amount, if different from the maximum 
reduction cost;
    (5) The reduction cost funding, if any, other than a reduction loan;
    (6) The minimum acceptable reduction level;
    (7) The potential amount of the fee;
    (8) The criteria for determining the types and number of fishing 
permits or fishing permits and fishing vessels eligible to participate 
in the program;
    (9) The invitation to bid and bidding procedures;
    (10) The criteria for determining bid acceptance;
    (11) The referendum procedures; and
    (12) Any relevant post-referendum reduction procedures other than 
those in the implementation regulations or this subpart.
    (c) NMFS will base each implementation plan and implementation 
regulations for a subsidized program on the final development plan. The 
implementation plan will describe in detail all relevant aspects of 
implementing the program, including:
    (1) The reduction fishery;
    (2) The reduction methodology;
    (3) The maximum reduction cost;
    (4) The reduction-cost funding, if any, other than Federal 
appropriations;
    (5) The criteria for determining the types and number of fishing 
permits or fishing permits and fishing vessels eligible to participate 
in the program;
    (6) The invitation to bid and bidding procedures;
    (7) The criteria for determining bid acceptance; and
    (8) Any relevant post-bidding program procedures other than those in 
the implementation regulations or this subpart.
    (d) The implementation regulations will:
    (1) Specify, for invitations to bid, bids, and reduction contracts 
under Sec. 600.1009:
    (i) Bidder eligibility,
    (ii) Bid submission requirements and procedures,
    (iii) A bid opening date, before which a bidder may not bid, and a 
bid closing date, after which a bidder may not bid,
    (iv) A bid expiration date after which the irrevocable offer 
contained in each bid expires unless NMFS, before that date, accepts the 
bid by mailing a written acceptance notice to the bidder at the bidder's 
address of record,
    (v) The manner of bid submission and the information each bidder 
shall supply for NMFS to deem a bid responsive,
    (vi) The conditions under which NMFS will accept or reject a bid,
    (vii) The manner in which NMFS will accept or reject a bid, and
    (viii) The manner in which NMFS will notify each bidder of bid 
acceptance or rejection;
    (2) Specify any other special referendum procedures or criteria; and
    (3) Specify such other provisions, in addition to and consistent 
with those in this subpart, necessary to regulate the individual terms 
and conditions of each program and reduction loan. This includes, but is 
not limited to:
    (i) Provisions for the payment of costs and penalties for non-
payment, non-collection, non-deposit, and/or non-disbursement of the fee 
in accordance with Sec. 600.1013 and Sec. 600.1014,
    (ii) Prospective fee rate determinations, and
    (iii) Any other aspect of fee payment, collection, deposit, 
disbursement, accounting, record keeping, and/or reporting.
    (e) NMFS will issue final implementation regulations and adopt a 
final implementation plan within 45 days of the close of the public-
comment period.
    (f) NMFS may repeal the final implementation regulations for any 
program if:

[[Page 151]]

    (1) For a financed program, the bidding results do not conform to 
the fishing capacity reduction specifications or a post-bidding 
referendum does not subsequently approve an industry fee system based on 
the bidding results;
    (2) For a subsidized program, NMFS does not accept bids; and
    (3) For either a financed program or a subsidized program, if NMFS 
is unable to make all reduction payments due to a material adverse 
change.



Sec. 600.1009  Bids.

    (a) Each invitation to bid, bid, bid acceptance, reduction contract, 
and bidder--or any other party in any way affected by any of the 
foregoing--under this subpart is subject to the terms and conditions in 
this section:
    (1) Each invitation to bid constitutes the entire terms and 
conditions of a reduction contract under which:
    (i) Each bidder makes an irrevocable offer to the United States of 
fishing capacity for reduction, and
    (ii) NMFS accepts or rejects, on behalf of the United States, each 
bidder's offer;
    (2) NMFS may, at any time before the bid expiration date, accept or 
reject any or all bids;
    (3) For a financed program in which bidding results do not conform 
to the fishing capacity reduction specifications, NMFS' acceptance of 
any bid is subject to the condition that the industry fee system 
necessary to repay the reduction loan is subsequently approved by a 
successful post-bidding referendum conducted under Sec. 600.1010. 
Approval or disapproval of the industry fee system by post-bidding 
referendum is an event that neither the United States nor the bidders 
can control. Disapproval of the industry fee system by an unsuccessful 
post-bidding referendum fully excuses both parties from any performance 
and fully discharges all duties under any reduction contract;
    (4) For a financed program in one reduction fishery that is being 
conducted under appropriate implementation regulations simultaneously 
with another financed program in another reduction fishery, where the 
acceptance of bids for each financed program is conditional upon 
successful post-bidding referenda approving industry fee systems for 
both financed programs, NMFS' acceptance of all bids is, in addition to 
any condition under paragraph (a)(3) of this section, also subject to 
the additional conditions that both referenda approve the industry fee 
systems required for both financed programs--all as otherwise provided 
in paragraph (a)(3) of this section;
    (5) Upon NMFS' acceptance of the bid and tender of a reduction 
payment, the bidder consents to:
    (i) The revocation, by NMFS, of any reduction permit, and
    (ii) Where the program also involves the withdrawal of reduction 
vessels from fishing:
    (A) Title restrictions imposed by the U.S. Coast Guard on any 
reduction vessel that is Federally documented to forever prohibit and 
effectively prevent any future use of the reduction vessel for fishing:
    (1) In any area subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, or 
any state, territory, commonwealth, or possession of the United States, 
or
    (2) On the high seas, or
    (3) In the waters of a foreign nation; or
    (B) Scrapping of all reduction vessels involved in a fishing 
capacity reduction program, unless the reduction program vessel has been 
certified by the Secretary, and the requirements established under Sec. 
600.1002(c) are met. Where reduction vessel scrapping is involved and 
the reduction vessel's owner does not comply with the owner's obligation 
under the reduction contract to scrap the reduction vessel, the 
Secretary may take such measures as necessary to cause the reduction 
vessel's prompt scrapping. The scrapping will be at the reduction vessel 
owner's risk and expense. Upon completion of scrapping, NMFS will take 
such action as may be necessary to recover from the reduction vessel 
owner any cost, damages, or other expense NMFS incurred in the scrapping 
of the reduction vessel.
    (6) Money damages not being an adequate remedy for a bidder's breach 
of a reduction contract, the United States is, in all particulars, 
entitled to specific performance of each reduction

[[Page 152]]

contract. This includes, but is not limited to, the scrapping of a 
reduction vessel;
    (7) Any reduction payment is available, upon timely and adequately 
documented notice to NMFS, to satisfy liens, as allowed by law, against 
any reduction permit/and or reduction vessel; provided, however, that:
    (i) No reduction payment to any bidder either relieves the bidder of 
responsibility to discharge the obligation which gives rise to any lien 
or relieves any lien holder of responsibility to protect the lien 
holder's interest,
    (ii) No reduction payment in any way gives rise to any liability of 
the United States for the obligation underlying any lien,
    (iii) No lien holder has any right or standing, not otherwise 
provided by law, against the United States in connection with the 
revocation of any reduction permit or the title restriction or scrapping 
of any reduction vessel under this subpart, and
    (iv) This subpart does not provide any lien holder with any right or 
standing to seek to set aside any revocation of any reduction permit or 
the title restriction or scrapping of any reduction vessel for which the 
United States made, or has agreed to make, any reduction payment. A lien 
holder is limited to recovery against the holder of the reduction permit 
or the owner of the reduction vessel as otherwise provided by law; and
    (8) Each invitation to bid may specify such other terms and 
conditions as NMFS believes necessary to enforce specific performance of 
each reduction contract or otherwise to ensure completing each program. 
This includes, but is not limited to, each bidder's certification, 
subject to the penalties in Sec. 600.1017, of the bidder's full 
authority to submit each bid and to dispose of the property involved in 
the bid in the manner contemplated by each invitation to bid.
    (b) NMFS will not invite bids for any program until NMFS determines 
that:
    (1) Any necessary reduction amendment is fully and finally approved 
and all provisions except those dependent on the completion of reduction 
are implemented;
    (2) The final implementation plan is adopted and the final 
implementation regulations are issued;
    (3) All required program funding is approved and in place, including 
all Federal appropriation and apportionment authority;
    (4) Any reduction loan involved is fully approved;
    (5) Any non-Federal funding involved is fully available at the 
required time for NMFS disbursement as reduction payments; and
    (6) All other actions necessary to disburse reduction payments, 
except for matters involving bidding and post-bidding referenda, are 
completed.
    (c) After making the affirmative determinations required under 
paragraph (b) of this section, NMFS will publish a Federal Register 
notice inviting eligible bidders to offer to the United States, under 
this subpart, fishing capacity for reduction.
    (d) NMFS may extend a bid closing date and/or a bid expiration date 
for a reasonable period. NMFS may also issue serial invitations to bid 
if the result of previous bidding, in NMFS' judgment, warrant this.
    (e) After the bid expiration date, NMFS will:
    (1) Analyze responsive bids;
    (2) Determine which bids, if any, NMFS accepts; and
    (3) Notify, by U.S. mail at each bidder's address of record, those 
bidders whose bids NMFS accepts that a reduction contract now exists 
between them and the United States--subject, where appropriate, to the 
conditions provided for elsewhere in this subpart.
    (f) NMFS will keep confidential the identity of all bidders whose 
bids NMFS does not accept. In financed programs where bidding results do 
not conform to the fishing capacity reduction specifications, NMFS also 
will keep confidential the identity of all bidders whose bids NMFS does 
accept until after completing a successful post-bidding referendum under 
Sec. 600.1010.

[65 FR 31443, May 18, 2000, as amended at 75 FR 62329, Oct. 8, 2010]



Sec. 600.1010  Referenda.

    (a) Referendum success. A referendum is successful if at least a 
majority of

[[Page 153]]

the permit holders in the fishery who participate in the fishery cast 
ballots in favor of an industry fee system.
    (b) Pre-bidding referendum--(1) Initial referendum. An initial pre-
bidding referendum shall be conducted for each financed program. The 
business plan shall, subject to this subpart, determine the 
chronological relationship of the initial pre-bidding referendum to 
other pre-bidding aspects of the reduction process sequence. The initial 
pre-bidding referendum shall be based on the fishing capacity reduction 
specifications. If the initial pre-bidding referendum precedes the 
adoption of any necessary reduction amendment, the initial pre-bidding 
referendum shall also be based on the reduction amendment 
specifications. If the initial pre-bidding referendum follows the 
adoption of any necessary reduction amendment, the initial pre-bidding 
referendum shall also be based on the adopted reduction amendment;
    (2) Successful initial pre-bidding referendum. If the initial pre-
bidding referendum is successful, the reduction process will proceed as 
follows:
    (i) If the initial pre-bidding referendum follows reduction 
amendment adoption, no second pre-bidding referendum shall be conducted,
    (ii) If the initial pre-bidding referendum precedes reduction 
amendment adoption, a second pre-bidding referendum shall be conducted 
if, in NMFS' judgment, the reduction amendment subsequently adopted 
differs, in any respect materially affecting the borrower's reduction 
investment in the program and the borrower's ability to repay the 
reduction loan, from the reduction amendment specifications upon which 
the initial pre-bidding referendum successfully occurred. The sole 
purpose of any second pre-bidding referendum shall be to determine 
whether the voters authorize an industry fee system despite any such 
difference between the reduction amendment specifications and a 
subsequently adopted reduction amendment.
    (3) Unsuccessful initial pre-bidding referendum. If the initial pre-
bidding referendum is unsuccessful, the reduction process will either 
cease or NMFS may suspend the process pending an appropriate amendment 
of the business plan and the request.
    (c) Post-bidding referendum. A post-bidding referendum shall occur 
only if, in NMFS' judgment, the result of bidding under Sec. 600.1009 
does not conform, in any material respect, to the fishing capacity 
reduction specifications and such result justifies, in NMFS' judgment, 
conducting a post-bidding referendum. Bidding that results in reducing 
fishing capacity in any amount not less than the minimum fishing 
capacity reduction amount for any reduction loan amount not more than 
the maximum reduction loan amount, and otherwise achieves all material 
requirements of the fishing capacity reduction specifications, shall 
conform to the fishing capacity reduction specifications. The sole 
purpose of any post-bidding referendum shall be to determine whether 
voters authorize an industry fee system for bidding that results in 
reducing fishing capacity in any amount materially less than the minimum 
amount in the fishing capacity reduction specifications.
    (d) NMFS will conduct referenda in accordance with the following:
    (1) Eligible voters. The parties eligible to vote in each referendum 
are the parties whose names are listed as being eligible to vote in the 
notice published in the Federal Register under Sec. 600.1004(a);
    (2) Ballot issuance. NMFS will mail, by U.S. certified mail, return 
receipt requested, a ballot to each eligible voter. Each ballot will 
bear a randomly derived, 5-digit number assigned to each eligible voter. 
Each ballot will contain a place for the voter to vote for or against 
the proposed industry fee system and a place, adjacent to the 5-digit 
number, for the signature of the fishing permit or fishing vessel owner 
to whom the ballot is addressed or, if the fishing permit or fishing 
vessel owner is an organization, the person having authority to vote and 
cast the ballot on the organization's behalf. Each ballot will contain a 
place for the person signing the ballot to print his or her name. NMFS 
will enclose with each ballot a specially-marked, postage-paid, pre-
addressed envelope that each voter shall use to return the ballot to 
NMFS;

[[Page 154]]

    (3) Voter certification. Each ballot will contain a certification, 
subject to the penalties set forth in Sec. 600.1017, that the person 
signing the ballot is the fishing permit or fishing vessel owner to whom 
the ballot is addressed or, if the fishing permit or fishing vessel 
owner is an organization, the person having authority to vote and cast 
the ballot on the organization's behalf;
    (4) Information included on a ballot. Each ballot mailing will:
    (i) Summarize the referendum's nature and purpose,
    (ii) Specify the date by which NMFS must receive a ballot in order 
for the ballot to be counted as a qualified vote,
    (iii) Identify the place on the ballot for the voter to vote for or 
against the proposed industry fee system, the place on the ballot where 
the voter shall sign the ballot, and the purpose of the return envelope,
    (iv) For each pre-bidding referendum, state:
    (A) The fishing capacity reduction specifications,
    (B) The reduction loan's repayment term, and
    (C) The fee rate, or range of fee rates, prospectively necessary to 
amortize the reduction loan over the loan's term,
    (v) For each initial pre-bidding referendum that precedes reduction 
amendment adoption, state the reduction amendment specifications,
    (vi) For each initial pre-bidding referendum that follows reduction 
amendment adoption, summarize the material aspects of the reduction 
amendment adopted,
    (vii) For each second pre-bidding referendum, summarize how the 
adopted reduction amendment materially differs from the reduction 
amendment specifications upon which a successful initial pre-bidding 
referendum occurred and how this material difference affects the 
borrower's reduction investment in the program and the borrower's 
ability to repay the reduction loan,
    (viii) For each post-bidding referendum, specify the actual bidding 
results that do not conform to the fishing capacity reduction 
specifications, and
    (ix) State or include whatever else NMFS deems appropriate;
    (5) Enclosures to accompany a ballot. Each ballot mailing will 
include:
    (i) A specially-marked, postage-paid, and pre-addressed envelope 
that a voter must use to return the original of a ballot to NMFS by 
whatever means of delivery the voter chooses, and
    (ii) Such other materials as NMFS deems appropriate;
    (6) Vote qualification. A completed ballot qualifies to be counted 
as a vote if the ballot:
    (i) Is physically received by NMFS on or before the last day NMFS 
specifies for receipt of the ballot,
    (ii) Is cast for or against the proposed industry fee system,
    (iii) Is signed by the voter,
    (iv) Is the original ballot NMFS sent to the voter bearing the same 
5-digit number that NMFS assigned to the voter, and
    (v) Was returned to NMFS in the specially-marked envelope that NMFS 
provided for the ballot's return;
    (6) Vote tally and notification. NMFS will:
    (i) Tally all ballots qualified to be counted as referendum votes,
    (ii) Notify, by U.S. mail at the address of record, all eligible 
voters who received ballots of:
    (A) The number of potential voters,
    (B) The number of actual voters who returned a ballot,
    (C) The number of returned ballots that qualified to be counted as 
referendum votes,
    (D) The number of votes for and the number of votes against the 
industry fee system, and
    (E) Whether the referendum was successful and approved the industry 
fee system or unsuccessful and disapproved the industry fee system, and
    (iii) If a successful referendum is a post-bidding referendum, NMFS 
will, at the same time and in the same manner, also notify the bidders 
whose bids were conditionally accepted that the condition pertaining to 
the reduction contracts between them and the United States is fulfilled;
    (7) Conclusiveness of referendum determinations. NMFS' 
determinations about ballot qualifications and about all other 
referendum matters, including,

[[Page 155]]

but not limited to, eligible voters and their addresses of record, are 
conclusive and final as of the date NMFS makes such determinations. No 
matter respecting such determinations shall impair, invalidate, avoid, 
or otherwise render unenforceable any referendum, reduction contract, 
reduction loan, or fee payment and collection obligation under Sec. 
600.1013 and Sec. 600.1014 necessary to repay any reduction loan;
    (8) Ballot confidentiality. NMFS will not voluntarily release the 
name of any party who voted. NMFS will restrict the availability of all 
voter information to the maximum extent allowed by law; and
    (9) Conclusive authorization of industry fee system. Each successful 
referendum conclusively authorizes NMFS' imposition of an industry fee 
system--including the fee payment, collection, and other provisions 
regarding fee payment and collection under Sec. 600.1013 and Sec. 
600.1014--to repay the reduction loan for each financed program that 
NMFS conducts under this subpart.

[65 FR 31443, May 18, 2000, as amended at 75 FR 62329, Oct. 8, 2010]



Sec. 600.1011  Reduction methods and other conditions.

    (a) Reduction permits or reduction permits and reduction vessels. 
Each program may involve either the surrender and revocation of 
reduction permits or both the surrender and revocation of reduction 
permits and the withdrawal from fishing either by title restriction or 
by scrapping of reduction vessels. No financed program may, however, 
require such title restriction or scrapping of reduction vessels unless 
the business plan voluntarily includes the same.
    (b) Reduction permit revocation and surrender. Each reduction permit 
is, upon NMFS' tender of the reduction payment for the reduction permit, 
forever revoked. Each reduction permit holder shall, upon NMFS' tender 
of the reduction payment, surrender the original reduction permit to 
NMFS. The reduction permit holder, upon NMFS' tender of the reduction 
payment, forever relinquishes any claim associated with the reduction 
permit and with the fishing vessel that was used to harvest fishery 
resources under the reduction permit that could qualify the reduction 
permit holder or the fishing vessel owner for any present or future 
limited access system fishing permit in the reduction fishery.
    (c) Reduction vessel title restriction or scrapping. For each 
program that involves reduction vessel title restriction or scrapping:
    (1) Each reduction vessel that is subject to title restriction only 
and is thus not required to be scrapped, is, upon NMFS' tender of the 
reduction payment, forever prohibited from any future use for fishing in 
any area subject to the jurisdiction of the United States or any State, 
territory, possession, or commonwealth of the United States. NMFS will 
request that the U.S. Coast Guard permanently restrict each such 
reduction vessel's title to exclude the reduction vessel's future use 
for fishing in any such area;
    (2) Each reduction vessel owner whose reduction vessel is required 
to be scrapped shall, upon NMFS' tender of the reduction payment, 
immediately cease all further use of the reduction vessel and arrange, 
without delay and at the reduction vessel owner's expense, to scrap the 
reduction vessel to NMFS' satisfaction, including adequate provision for 
NMFS to document the physical act of scrapping; and
    (3) Each reduction vessel owner, upon NMFS' tender of the reduction 
payment, forever relinquishes any claim associated with the reduction 
vessel and with the reduction permit that could qualify the reduction 
vessel owner or the reduction permit holder for any present or future 
limited access system fishing permit in the reduction fishery.
    (d) Fishing permits in a non-reduction fishery. A financed program 
that does not involve the withdrawal from fishing or scrapping of 
reduction vessels may not require any holder of a reduction permit in a 
reduction fishery to surrender any fishing permit in any non-reduction 
fishery or restrict or revoke any fishing permit other than a reduction 
permit in the reduction fishery, except those fishing permits 
authorizing the incidental harvesting of species in any non-reduction 
fishery during, and as a consequence of, directed fishing for species in 
the reduction fishery.

[[Page 156]]

    (e) Reduction vessels disposition. Where a business plan requires 
the withdrawal from fishing of reduction vessels as well as the 
revocation of reduction permits:
    (1) Each reduction vessel that is not documented under Federal law 
must in every case always be scrapped, without regard to whether a 
program is a financed program or a subsidized program;
    (2) No financed program may require any disposition of a reduction 
vessel documented under Federal law other than the title restriction in 
paragraph (b) of this section unless the business plan volunteers to do 
otherwise; and
    (3) Any subsidized program may require the scrapping of reduction 
vessels documented under Federal law.
    (f) Reduction payments. NMFS will disburse all reduction payments in 
the amount and in the manner prescribed in reduction contracts, except 
reduction payments that a bidder's reduction-contract nonperformance 
prevents NMFS from disbursing. In financed programs, the reduction 
loan's principal amount is the total amount of all reduction payments 
that NMFS disburses from the proceeds of a reduction loan. Any reduction 
payment that NMFS, because of a bidder's reduction-contract 
nonperformance, disburses but subsequently recovers, shall reduce the 
principal amount of the reduction loan accordingly.
    (g) Effect of reduction-contract nonperformance. No referendum, no 
reduction contract, no reduction loan, and no fee payment and collection 
obligation under Sec. 600.1013 and Sec. 600.1014 necessary to repay 
any reduction loan, shall be impaired, invalidated, avoided, or 
otherwise rendered unenforceable by virtue of any reduction contract's 
nonperformance. This is without regard to the cause of, or reason for, 
nonperformance. NMFS shall endeavor to enforce the specific performance 
of all reduction contracts, but NMFS' inability, for any reason, to 
enforce specific performance for any portion of such reduction contracts 
shall not relieve fish sellers of their obligation to pay, and fish 
buyers of their obligation to collect, the fee necessary to fully repay 
the full reduction loan balance that results from all reduction payments 
that NMFS actually makes and does not recover.
    (h) Program completion. Other than the payment and collection of the 
fee that repays a reduction loan and any other residual matters 
regarding reduction payments and the disposition of reduction permits 
and reduction vessels, a program shall be completed when NMFS tenders or 
makes all reduction payments under all reduction contracts that 
circumstances, in NMFS' judgment, reasonably permit NMFS to make.



Sec. 600.1012  Reduction loan.

    (a) Obligation. The borrower shall be obligated to repay a reduction 
loan. The borrower's obligation to repay a reduction loan shall be 
discharged by fish sellers paying a fee in accordance with Sec. 
600.1013. Fish buyers shall be obligated to collect the fee in 
accordance with Sec. 600.1013 and to deposit and disburse the fee 
revenue in accordance with Sec. 600.1014.
    (b) Principal amount, interest rate, repayment term, and penalties 
for non-payment or non-collection. The reduction loan shall be:
    (1) In a principal amount that shall be determined by subsequent 
program events under this subpart, but which shall not exceed the 
maximum principal amount in the fishing capacity reduction 
specifications;
    (2) At an annual rate, that shall be determined by subsequent 
events, of simple interest on the reduction loan's principal balance 
that shall equal 2 percent plus the Treasury percentage;
    (3) Repayable over the repayment term specified in the business plan 
or otherwise determined by subsequent events; and
    (4) Subject to such provisions as implementation regulations shall 
specify for the payment of costs and penalties for non-payment, non-
collection, non-deposit, and/or non-disbursement in accordance with 
Sec. 600.1013 and Sec. 600.1014.
    (c) Effect of prospective interest rate. Any difference between a 
prospective interest rate projected, for the purpose of any aspect of 
reduction planning or processing under this subpart, before the U.S. 
Treasury determines the Treasury percentage and an interest

[[Page 157]]

rate first known after the U.S. Treasury determines the Treasury 
percentage shall not void, invalidate, or otherwise impair any reduction 
contract, any reduction loan repayment obligation, or any other aspect 
of the reduction process under this subpart. Should any such difference 
result in a reduction loan that cannot, at the maximum fee rate allowed 
by law, be repaid, as previously projected, within the maximum maturity, 
any amount of the reduction loan remaining unpaid at maturity shall be 
repaid after maturity by continuing fee payment and collection under 
this subpart at such maximum fee rate until the reduction loan's unpaid 
principal balance and accrued interest is fully repaid. The above 
notwithstanding, at the discretion of the Secretary, the reduction 
contract can be voided if a material adverse change affects the 
reduction contract, reduction loan obligation, or any other aspect of 
the reduction process under this subpart.



Sec. 600.1013  Fee payment and collection.

    (a) Amount. The fee amount is the delivery value times the fee rate.
    (b) Rate. NMFS will establish the fee rate. The fee rate may not 
exceed 5 percent of the delivery value. NMFS will establish the initial 
fee rate by calculating the fee revenue annually required to amortize a 
reduction loan over the reduction loan's term, projecting the annual 
delivery value, and expressing such fee revenue as a percentage of such 
delivery value. Before each anniversary of the initial fee rate 
determination, NMFS will recalculate the fee rate reasonably required to 
ensure reduction loan repayment. This will include any changed delivery 
value projections and any adjustment required to correct for previous 
delivery values higher or lower than projected.
    (c) Payment and collection. (1) The full fee is due and payable at 
the time of fish delivery. Each fish buyer shall collect the fee at the 
time of fish delivery by deducting the fee from the delivery value 
before paying, or promising to pay, the net delivery value. Each fish 
seller shall pay the fee at the time of fish delivery by receiving from 
the fish buyer the net delivery value, or the fish buyer's promise to 
pay the net delivery value, rather than the delivery value. Regardless 
of when the fish buyer pays the net delivery value, the fish buyer shall 
collect the fee at the time of fish delivery;
    (2) In the event of any post-delivery payment for fee fish--
including, but not limited to bonuses--whose amount depends on 
conditions that cannot be known until after fish delivery, that either 
first determines the delivery value or later increases the previous 
delivery value, the fish seller shall pay, and the fish buyer shall 
collect, at the time the amount of such post-delivery payment first 
becomes known, the fee that would otherwise have been due and payable as 
if the amount of the post-delivery payment had been known, and as if the 
post-delivery payment had consequently occurred, at the time of initial 
fish delivery;
    (3)(i) Each fish seller shall be deemed to be, for the purpose of 
the fee collection, deposit, disbursement, and accounting requirements 
of this subpart, both the fish seller and the fish buyer, and shall be 
responsible for all requirements and liable for any penalties under this 
subpart applicable to fish sellers and/or fish buyers, each time that a 
fish seller sells fee fish to:
    (A) Any party whose place of business is not located in the United 
States, who does not take delivery or possession of the fee fish in the 
United States, who is not otherwise subject to this subpart, or to whom 
or against whom NMFS cannot otherwise apply or enforce this subpart,
    (B) Any party who is a general food-service wholesaler or supplier, 
a restaurant, a retailer, a consumer, some other type of end-user, or 
some other party not engaged in the business of buying fish from fish 
sellers for the purpose of reselling the fish, either with or without 
processing the fish, or
    (C) Any other party who the fish seller has good reason to believe 
is a party not subject to this subpart or to whom or against whom NMFS 
cannot otherwise apply or enforce this subpart,
    (ii) In each such case the fish seller shall, with respect to the 
fee fish involved in each such case, discharge, in

[[Page 158]]

addition to the fee payment requirements of this subpart, all the fee 
collection, deposit, disbursement, accounting, record keeping, and 
reporting requirements that this subpart otherwise imposes on the fish 
buyer, and the fish seller shall be subject to all the penalties this 
subpart provides for a fish buyer's failure to discharge such 
requirements;
    (4) Fee payment begins on the date NMFS specifies under the 
notification procedures of paragraph (d) of this section and continues 
without interruption at the fee rates NMFS specifies in accordance this 
subpart until NMFS determines that the reduction loan is fully repaid. 
If a reduction loan is, for any reason, not fully repaid at the maturity 
of the reduction loan's original amortization period, fee payment and 
collection shall continue until the reduction loan is fully repaid, 
notwithstanding that the time required to fully repay the reduction loan 
exceeds the reduction loan's initially permissible maturity.
    (d) Notification. (1) At least 30 days before the effective date of 
any fee or of any fee rate change, NMFS will publish a Federal Register 
notice establishing the date from and after which the fee or fee rate 
change is effective. NMFS will then also send, by U.S. mail, an 
appropriate notification to each affected fish seller and fish buyer of 
whom NMFS has notice;
    (2) When NMFS determines that a reduction loan is fully repaid, NMFS 
will publish a Federal Register notice that the fee is no longer in 
effect and should no longer be either paid or collected. NMFS will then 
also send, by U.S. mail, notification to each affected fish seller and 
fish buyer of whom NMFS has knowledge;
    (3) If NMFS fails to notify a fish seller or a fish buyer by U.S. 
mail, or if the fish seller or fish buyer otherwise does not receive the 
notice, of the date fee payments start or of the fee rate in effect, 
each fish seller is, nevertheless, obligated to pay the fee at the fee 
rate in effect and each fish buyer is, nevertheless, obligated to 
collect the fee at the fee rate in effect.
    (e) Failure to pay or collect. (1) If a fish buyer refuses to 
collect the fee in the amount and manner that this subpart requires, the 
fish seller shall then advise the fish buyer of the fish seller's fee 
payment obligation and of the fish buyer's fee collection obligation. If 
the fish buyer still refuses to properly collect the fee, the fish 
seller, within the next 7 calendar days, shall forward the fee to NMFS. 
The fish seller at the same time shall also advise NMFS in writing of 
the full particulars, including:
    (i) The fish buyer's and fish seller's name, address, and telephone 
number,
    (ii) The name of the fishing vessel from which the fish seller made 
fish delivery and the date of doing so,
    (iii) The quantity and delivery value of each species of fee fish 
that the fish seller delivered, and
    (iv) The fish buyer's reason, if known, for refusing to collect the 
fee in accordance with this subpart;
    (2) If a fish seller refuses to pay the fee in the amount and manner 
that this subpart requires, the fish buyer shall then advise the fish 
seller of the fish buyer's collection obligation and of the fish 
seller's payment obligation. If the fish seller still refuses to pay the 
fee, the fish buyer shall then either deduct the fee from the delivery 
value over the fish seller's protest or refuse to buy the fee fish. The 
fish buyer shall also, within the next 7 calendar days, advise NMFS in 
writing of the full particulars, including:
    (i) The fish buyer's and fish seller's name, address, and telephone 
number,
    (ii) The name of the fishing vessel from which the fish seller made 
or attempted to make fish delivery and the date of doing so,
    (iii) The quantity and delivery value of each species of fee fish 
the fish seller delivered or attempted to deliver,
    (iv) Whether the fish buyer deducted the fee over the fish seller's 
protest or refused to buy the fee fish, and
    (v) The fish seller's reason, if known, for refusing to pay the fee 
in accordance with this subpart.
    (f) Implementation regulations at variance with this section. If any 
special circumstances in a reduction fishery require, in NMFS's 
judgment, fee payment and/or collection provisions in addition to, or 
different from, those in this section in order to accommodate the 
circumstances of, and practices in,

[[Page 159]]

a reduction fishery while still fulfilling the intent and purpose of 
this section, NMFS may, notwithstanding this section, include such 
provisions in the implementation regulations for such reduction fishery.



Sec. 600.1014  Fee collection deposits, disbursements, records, and reports.

    (a) Deposit accounts. Each fish buyer that this subpart requires to 
collect a fee shall maintain a segregated account at a federally insured 
financial institution for the sole purpose of depositing collected fee 
revenue and disbursing the fee revenue directly to NMFS in accordance 
with paragraph (c) of this section.
    (b) Fee collection deposits. Each fish buyer, no less frequently 
than at the end of each business week, shall deposit, in the deposit 
account established under paragraph (a) of this section, all fee 
revenue, not previously deposited, that the fish buyer collects through 
a date not more than two calendar days before the date of deposit. 
Neither the deposit account nor the principal amount of deposits in the 
account may be pledged, assigned, or used for any purpose other than 
aggregating collected fee revenue for disbursement to the Fund in 
accordance with paragraph (c) of this section. The fish buyer is 
entitled, at any time, to withdraw deposit interest, if any, but never 
deposit principal, from the deposit account for the fish buyer's own use 
and purposes.
    (c) Deposit principal disbursement. On the last business day of each 
month, or more frequently if the amount in the account exceeds the 
account limit for insurance purposes, the fish buyer shall disburse to 
NMFS the full amount of deposit principal then in the deposit account. 
The fish buyer shall do this by check made payable to the Fund 
subaccount to which the deposit principal relates. The fish buyer shall 
mail each such check to the Fund subaccount lockbox that NMFS 
establishes for the receipt of the disbursements for each program. Each 
disbursement shall be accompanied by the fish buyer's settlement sheet 
completed in the manner and form that NMFS specifies. NMFS will specify 
the Fund subaccount lockbox and the manner and form of settlement sheet 
by means of the notification in Sec. 600.1013(d).
    (d) Records maintenance. Each fish buyer shall maintain, in a secure 
and orderly manner for a period of at least 3 years from the date of 
each transaction involved, at least the following information:
    (1) For all deliveries of fee fish that the fish buyer buys from 
each fish seller:
    (i) The date of delivery,
    (ii) The seller's identity,
    (iii) The weight, number, or volume of each species of fee fish 
delivered,
    (iv) The identity of the fishing vessel that delivered the fee fish,
    (v) The delivery value of each species of fee fish,
    (vi) The net delivery value,
    (vii) The identity of the party to whom the net delivery value is 
paid, if other than the fish seller,
    (viii) The date the net delivery value was paid, and
    (ix) The total fee amount collected;
    (2) For all fee collection deposits to and disbursements from the 
deposit account:
    (i) The dates and amounts of deposits,
    (ii) The dates and amounts of disbursements to the Fund's lockbox 
account, and
    (iii) The dates and amounts of disbursements to the fish buyer or 
other parties of interest earned on deposits.
    (e) Annual report. In each year, on the date to be specified in each 
implementation regulation, succeeding the year during which NMFS first 
implemented a fee, each fish buyer shall submit to NMFS a report, on or 
in the form NMFS specifies, containing the following information for the 
preceding year, or whatever longer period may be involved in the first 
annual report, for all fee fish each fish buyer purchases from fish 
sellers:
    (1) Total weight, number, or volume bought;
    (2) Total delivery value paid;
    (3) Total fee amounts collected;
    (4) Total fee collection amounts deposited by month;
    (5) Dates and amounts of monthly disbursements to each Fund lockbox 
account;

[[Page 160]]

    (6) Total amount of interest earned on deposits; and
    (7) Depository account balance at year-end.
    (f) State records. If landing records that a state requires from 
fish sellers contain some or all of the data that this section requires 
and state confidentiality laws or regulations do not prevent NMFS' 
access to the records maintained for the state, then fish buyers can use 
such records to meet appropriate portions of this section's 
recordkeeping requirements. If, however, state confidentiality laws or 
regulations make such records unavailable to NMFS, then fish buyers 
shall maintain separate records for NMFS that meet the requirements of 
this section. If any state law or regulation prohibits fish buyers, or 
fish sellers where appropriate, from keeping, for the purpose of 
complying with any requirement of this section, separate records that 
involve some or all of the same data elements as the landing records 
that the fish buyers also keep, for state purposes and under state law 
or regulation, then a financed reduction program will not be possible.
    (g) Audits. NMFS or its agents may audit, in whatever manner NMFS 
believes reasonably necessary for the duly diligent administration of 
reduction loans, the financial records of fish buyers and fish sellers 
in each reduction fishery in order to ensure proper fee payment, 
collection, deposit, disbursement, accounting, record keeping, and 
reporting. Fish buyers and fish sellers shall make all records of all 
program transactions involving post-reduction fish harvests, fish 
deliveries, and fee payments, collections, deposits, disbursements, 
accounting, record keeping, and reporting available to NMFS or NMFS' 
agents at reasonable times and places and promptly provide all requested 
information reasonably related to these records that such fish sellers 
and fish buyers may otherwise lawfully provide. Trip tickets (or similar 
accounting records establishing the pounds of fee fish that each fish 
buyer buys from each fish seller each time that each fish buyer does so 
and each price that each fish buyer then pays to each fish seller for 
the fee fish) are essential audit documentation.
    (h) Confidentiality of records. NMFS and NMFS' auditing agents shall 
maintain the confidentiality of all data to which NMFS has access under 
this section and shall neither release the data nor allow the data's use 
for any purpose other than the purpose of this subpart; provided, 
however, that NMFS may aggregate such data so as to preclude their 
identification with any fish buyer or any fish seller and use them in 
the aggregate for other purposes).
    (i) Refunds. When NMFS determines that a reduction loan is fully 
repaid, NMFS will refund any excess fee receipts, on a last-in/first-out 
basis, to the fish buyers. Fish buyers shall return the refunds, on a 
last-in/first-out basis, to the fish sellers who paid the amounts 
refunded.
    (j) Implementation regulations at variance with this section. If any 
special circumstances in a reduction fishery require, in NMFS's 
judgment, fee collection deposit, disbursement, or records provisions in 
addition to, or different from, those in this section in order to 
accommodate the circumstances of, and practices in, a reduction fishery 
while still fulfilling the intent and purpose of this section, NMFS may, 
notwithstanding this section, include such provisions in the 
implementation regulations for such reduction fishery.



Sec. 600.1015  Late charges.

    The late charge to fish buyers for fee payment, collection, deposit, 
and/or disbursement shall be one and one-half (1.5) percent per month, 
or the maximum rate permitted by state law, for the total amount of the 
fee not paid, collected, deposited, and/or disbursed when due to be 
paid, collected, deposited, and/or disbursed. The full late charge shall 
apply to the fee for each month or portion of a month that the fee 
remains unpaid, uncollected, undeposited, and/or undisbursed.



Sec. 600.1016  Enforcement.

    In accordance with applicable law or other authority, NMFS may take 
appropriate action against each fish seller and/or fish buyer 
responsible for non-payment, non-collection, non-deposit, and/or non-
disbursement of the fee in accordance with this subpart to enforce the 
collection from such fish

[[Page 161]]

seller and/or fish buyer of any fee (including penalties and all costs 
of collection) due and owing the United States on account of the loan 
that such fish seller and/or fish buyer should have, but did not, pay, 
collect, deposit, and/or disburse in accordance with this subpart. All 
such loan recoveries shall be applied to reduce the unpaid balance of 
the loan.



Sec. 600.1017  Prohibitions and penalties.

    (a) The following activities are prohibited, and it is unlawful for 
any party to:
    (1) Vote in any referendum under this subpart if the party is 
ineligible to do so;
    (2) Vote more than once in any referendum under this subpart;
    (3) Sign or otherwise cast a ballot on behalf of a voter in any 
referendum under this subpart unless the voter has fully authorized the 
party to do so and doing so otherwise comports with this subpart;
    (4) Interfere with or attempt to hinder, delay, buy, or otherwise 
unduly or unlawfully influence any eligible voter's vote in any 
referendum under this subpart;
    (5) Submit a fraudulent, unauthorized, incomplete, misleading, 
unenforceable by specific performance, or inaccurate bid in response to 
an invitation to bid under this subpart or, in any other way, interfere 
with or attempt to interfere with, hinder, or delay, any invitation to 
bid, any bid submitted under any invitation to bid, any reduction 
contract, or any other reduction process in connection with any 
invitation to bid;
    (6) Revoke or attempt to revoke any bid under this subpart;
    (7) Fail to comply with the terms and conditions of any invitation 
to bid, bid, or reduction contract under this subpart, including NMFS' 
right under such reduction contracts to specific performance;
    (8) Fail to fully and properly pay and collect any fee due payable, 
and collectible under this subpart or otherwise avoid, decrease, 
interfere with, hinder, or delay any such payment and collection,
    (9) Convert, or otherwise use for any purpose other than the purpose 
this subpart intends, any paid or collected fee;
    (10) Fail to fully and properly deposit on time the full amount of 
all fee revenue collected under this subpart into a deposit account and 
disburse the full amount of all deposit principal to the Fund's lockbox 
account--all as this subpart requires;
    (11) Fail to maintain full, timely, and proper fee payment, 
collection, deposit, and/or disbursement records or make full, timely, 
and proper reports of such information to NMFS-all as this subpart 
requires;
    (12) Fail to advise NMFS of any fish seller's refusal to pay, or of 
any fish buyer's refusal to collect, any fee due and payable under this 
subpart;
    (13) Refuse to allow NMFS or agents that NMFS designates to review 
and audit at reasonable times all books and records reasonably pertinent 
to fee payment, collection, deposit, disbursement, and accounting under 
this subpart or otherwise interfere with, hinder, or delay NMFS or it 
agents in the course of their activities under this subpart;
    (14) Make false statements to NMFS, any of the NMFS' employees, or 
any of NMFS' agents about any of the matters in this subpart;
    (15) Obstruct, prevent, or unreasonably delay or attempt to 
obstruct, prevent, or unreasonably delay any audit or investigation NMFS 
or its agents conduct, or attempt to conduct, in connection with any of 
the matters in this subpart; and/or
    (16) Otherwise materially interfere with the efficient and effective 
conduct of reduction and the repayment of reduction loans under this 
subpart.
    (b) Any party who violates one or more of the prohibitions of 
paragraph (a) of this section is subject to the full range of penalties 
the Magnuson-Stevens Act and 15 CFR part 904 provide--including, but not 
limited to: civil penalties, sanctions, forfeitures, and punishment for 
criminal offenses--and to the full penalties and punishments otherwise 
provided by any other applicable law of the United States.
    (c) Additionally, NMFS may take any and all appropriate actions, 
including the communication of action at law, against each party 
responsible for

[[Page 162]]

the non-payment, non-collection, non-deposit, and/or non-disbursement in 
accordance with Sec. 600.1013 and/or Sec. 600.1014 to enforce the 
United States' receipt from such party of any fee--including penalties 
and all costs of collection--due and owing the United States on account 
of the reduction loan that such party should have, but did not, pay, 
collect, deposit, and/or disburse in accordance with Sec. 600.1013 and/
or Sec. 600.1014. All such reduction loan recoveries shall be applied 
to reduce the unpaid balances of reduction loans.



    Subpart M_Specific Fishery or Program Fishing Capacity Reduction 
                               Regulations

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 561, 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq., 16 U.S.C. 1861a(b) 
through (e), 46 App. U.S.C. 53735, section 144(d) of Division B of Pub. 
L. 106-554, section 2201 of Pub. L. 107-20, and section 205 of Pub. L. 
107-117, Pub. L. 107-206, Pub. L. 108-7, Pub. L. 108-199, and Pub. L. 
108-447.

    Source: 69 FR 53361, Sept. 1, 2004, unless otherwise noted.



Sec. 600.1100  [Reserved]



Sec. 600.1101  Inshore fee system for repayment of the loan to harvesters of Pollock from the directed fishing allowance allocated to the inshore component 
          under section 206(b)(1) of the AFA.

    (a) Definition. In addition to the definitions in the Magnuson-
Stevens Act and in Sec. 679.2 of this title, the terms used in this 
subpart have the following meanings:
    American Fisheries Act (AFA) means Title II of Pub.L. 105-277.
    Borrower means (individually and collectively) all persons who, 
after January 1, 2000, harvest fee fish from the IC directed fishing 
allowance.
    Business week means a 7-day period, Saturday through Friday.
    Delivery value means the gross ex-vessel value of all fee fish at 
fish delivery.
    Deposit principal means all collected fee revenue that a fish buyer 
deposits in a segregated deposit account maintained in a federally 
chartered national bank for the sole purpose of aggregating collected 
fee revenue before sending the fee revenue to NMFS for repaying the 
loan.
    Fee means the six-tenths (0.6) of one cent that fish buyers deduct 
at fish delivery from the delivery value of each pound of round weight 
fee fish.
    Fee fish means all pollock harvested from the IC directed fishing 
allowance beginning on February 10, 2000 and ending at such time as the 
loan's principal and interest are fully repaid.
    Fish buyer means the first ex-vessel fish buyer who purchases fee 
fish from a fish seller.
    Fish delivery means the point at which a fish buyer first takes 
delivery or possession of fee fish from a fish seller.
    Fish seller means the harvester who catches and first sells fee fish 
to a fish buyer.
    IC directed fishing allowance means the directed fishing allowance 
allocated to the inshore component under section 206(b)(1) of the AFA.
    Loan means the loan authorized by section 207(a) of the AFA.
    Net delivery value means the delivery value minus the fee.
    Subaccount means the Inshore Component Pollock Subaccount of the 
Fishing Capacity Reduction Fund in the U.S. Treasury for the deposit of 
all funds involving the loan.
    (b) Loan--(1) Principal amount. The loan's principal amount is 
$75,000,000 (seventy five million dollars).
    (2) Interest. Interest shall, from December 30, 1998, when NMFS 
disbursed the loan, until the date the borrower fully repays the loan, 
accrue at a fixed rate of 7.09 percent. Interest shall be simple 
interest and shall accrue on the basis of a 365-day year.
    (3) Repayment. The fee shall be the exclusive source of loan 
repayment. The fee shall be paid on all fee fish.
    (4) Application of fee receipts. NMFS shall apply all fee receipts 
it receives, first, to payment of the loan's accrued interest and, 
second, to reduction of the loan's principal balance.
    (5) Obligation. The borrower shall repay the loan in accordance with 
the AFA and this subpart.
    (c) Fee payment and collection--(1) Payment and collection. (i) The 
fee is due and payable at the time of fish delivery. Each fish buyer 
shall collect the fee at the time of fish delivery by deducting the fee 
from the delivery value

[[Page 163]]

before paying or promising later to pay the net delivery value. Each 
fish seller shall pay the fee at the time of fish delivery by receiving 
from the fish buyer the net delivery value or the fish buyer's promise 
later to pay the net delivery value rather than the delivery value. 
Regardless of when the fish buyer pays the net delivery value, the fish 
buyer shall collect the fee at the time of fish delivery;
    (ii)(A) Each fish seller shall be deemed, for the purpose of the fee 
collection, deposit, disbursement, and accounting requirements of this 
subpart, to be both the fish seller and the fish buyer--and all 
requirements and penalties under this subpart applicable to both a fish 
seller and a fish buyer shall equally apply to the fish seller--each 
time that the fish seller sells fee fish to:
    (1) Any fish buyer whose place of business is not located in the 
United States, who does not take delivery or possession of the fee fish 
in the United States, who is not otherwise subject to this subpart, or 
to whom or against whom NMFS cannot otherwise apply or enforce this 
subpart,
    (2) Any fish buyer who is a general food-service wholesaler or 
supplier, a restaurant, a retailer, a consumer, some other type of end-
user, or some other fish buyer not engaged in the business of buying 
fish from fish sellers for the purpose of reselling the fish, or
    (3) Any other fish buyer who the fish seller has good reason to 
believe is a fish buyer not subject to this subpart or to whom or 
against whom NMFS cannot otherwise apply or enforce this subpart,
    (B) In each such case the fish seller shall, with respect to the fee 
fish involved in each such case, discharge, in addition to the fee 
payment requirements of this subpart, all the fee collection, deposit, 
disbursement, accounting, recordkeeping, and reporting requirements that 
this subpart otherwise imposes on the fish buyer, and the fish seller 
shall be subject to all the penalties this subpart provides for a fish 
buyer's failure to discharge such requirements;
    (2) Notification. (i) NMFS will send an appropriate fee payment and 
collection commencement notification to each affected fish seller and 
fish buyer of whom NMFS has knowledge.
    (ii) When NMFS determines that the loan is fully repaid, NMFS will 
publish a Federal Register notification that the fee is no longer in 
effect and should no longer be either paid or collected. NMFS will then 
also send an appropriate fee termination notification to each affected 
fish seller and fish buyer of whom NMFS has knowledge;
    (3) Failure to pay or collect. (i) If a fish buyer refuses to 
collect the fee in the amount and manner that this subpart requires, the 
fish seller shall then advise the fish buyer of the fish seller's fee 
payment obligation and of the fish buyer's fee collection obligation. If 
the fish buyer still refuses to properly collect the fee, the fish 
seller, within the next 7 calendar days, shall forward the fee to NMFS. 
The fish seller at the same time shall also advise NMFS in writing of 
the full particulars, including:
    (A) The fish buyer's and fish seller's name, address, and telephone 
number,
    (B) The name of the fishing vessel from which the fish seller made 
fish delivery and the date of doing so,
    (C) The quantity and delivery value of fee fish that the fish seller 
delivered, and
    (D) The fish buyer's reason (if known) for refusing to collect the 
fee in accordance with this subpart;
    (ii) If a fish seller refuses to pay the fee in the amount and 
manner that this subpart requires, the fish buyer shall then advise the 
fish seller of the fish buyer's collection obligation and of the fish 
seller's payment obligation. If the fish seller still refuses to pay the 
fee, the fish buyer shall then either deduct the fee from the delivery 
value over the fish seller's protest or refuse to buy the fee fish. The 
fish buyer shall also, within the next 7 calendar days, advise NMFS in 
writing of the full particulars, including:
    (A) The fish buyer's and fish seller's name, address, and telephone 
number,
    (B) The name of the fishing vessel from which the fish seller made 
or attempted to make fish delivery and the date of doing so,
    (C) The quantity and delivery value of fee fish the fish seller 
delivered or attempted to deliver,

[[Page 164]]

    (D) Whether the fish buyer deducted the fee over the fish seller's 
protest or refused to buy the fee fish, and
    (E) The fish seller's reason (if known) for refusing to pay the fee 
in accordance with this subpart.
    (d) Fee collection deposits, disbursements, records, and reports--
(1) Deposit accounts. Each fish buyer that this subpart requires to 
collect a fee shall maintain a segregated account at a federally insured 
financial institution for the sole purpose of depositing collected fee 
revenue and disbursing the fee revenue directly to NMFS in accordance 
with paragraph (c) of this section.
    (2) Fee collection deposits. Each fish buyer, no less frequently 
than at the end of each business week, shall deposit, in the deposit 
account established under paragraph (a) of this section, all fee 
revenue, not previously deposited, that the fish buyer has collected 
through a date not more than 2 calendar days before the date of deposit. 
Neither the deposit account nor the principal amount of deposits in the 
account may be pledged, assigned, or used for any purpose other than 
aggregating collected fee revenue for disbursement to the subaccount in 
accordance with paragraph (c) of this section. The fish buyer is 
entitled, at any time, to withdraw deposit interest, if any, but never 
deposit principal, from the deposit account for the fish buyer's own use 
and purposes.
    (3) Deposit principal disbursement. On the last business day of each 
month, or more frequently if the amount in the account exceeds the 
account limit for insurance purposes, the fish buyer shall disburse to 
NMFS the full amount of deposit principal then in the deposit account. 
The fish buyer shall do this by check made payable to ``NOAA Inshore 
Component Pollock Loan Subaccount.'' The fish buyer shall mail each such 
check to the subaccount lockbox account that NMFS establishes for the 
receipt of the disbursements of deposit principal. Each disbursement 
shall be accompanied by the fish buyer's settlement sheet completed in 
the manner and form that NMFS specifies. NMFS will specify the 
subaccount's lockbox and the manner and form of settlement sheet by 
means of the notification in Sec. 600.1101(c).
    (4) Records maintenance. Each fish buyer shall maintain, in a secure 
and orderly manner for a period of at least 3 years from the date of 
each transaction involved, at least the following information:
    (i) For all deliveries of fee fish that the fish buyer buys from 
each fish seller:
    (A) The date of delivery,
    (B) The fish seller's identity,
    (C) The round weight of fee fish delivered,
    (D) The identity of the fishing vessel that delivered the fee fish,
    (E) The delivery value,
    (F) The net delivery value,
    (G) The identity of the party to whom the net delivery value is 
paid, if other than the fish seller,
    (H) The date the net delivery value was paid, and
    (I) The total fee amount collected;
    (ii) For all fee collection deposits to and disbursements from the 
deposit account:
    (A) The dates and amounts of deposits,
    (B) The dates and amounts of disbursements to the subaccount's 
lockbox account, and
    (C) The dates and amounts of disbursements to the fish buyer or 
other parties of interest earned on deposits.
    (5) Annual report. By January 15, 2001, and by each January 15 
thereafter until the loan is fully repaid, each fish buyer shall submit 
to NMFS a report, on or in the form NMFS specifies, containing the 
following information for the preceding year for all fee fish each fish 
buyer purchases from fish sellers:
    (i) Total round weight bought;
    (ii) Total delivery value paid;
    (iii) Total fee amount collected;
    (iv) Total fee collection amounts deposited by month;
    (v) Dates and amounts of monthly disbursements to the subaccount 
lockbox;
    (vi) Total amount of interest earned on deposits; and
    (vii) Depository account balance at year-end.
    (6) State records. If landing records that a state requires from 
fish sellers contain some or all of the data that this section requires 
and state confidentiality laws or regulations do not

[[Page 165]]

prevent NMFS' access to the records maintained for the state, then fish 
buyers can use such records to meet appropriate portions of this 
section's recordkeeping requirements. If, however, state confidentiality 
laws or regulations make such records unavailable to NMFS, then fish 
buyers shall maintain separate records for NMFS that meet the 
requirements of this section.
    (7) Audits. NMFS or its agents may audit, in whatever manner NMFS 
believes reasonably necessary for the duly diligent administration of 
the loan, the financial records of the fish buyers and the fish sellers 
in order to ensure proper fee payment, collection, deposit, 
disbursement, accounting, recordkeeping, and reporting. Fish buyers and 
fish sellers shall make all records of all transactions involving fee 
fish catches, fish deliveries, and fee payments, collections, deposits, 
disbursements, accounting, recordkeeping, and reporting available to 
NMFS or its agents at reasonable times and places and promptly provide 
all requested information reasonably related to these records that such 
fish sellers and fish buyers may otherwise lawfully provide. Trip 
tickets (or similar accounting records establishing the round weight 
pounds of fee fish that each fish buyer buys from each fish seller each 
time that each fish buyer does so) are essential audit documentation.
    (8) Confidentiality of records. NMFS and its auditing agents shall 
maintain the confidentiality of all data to which NMFS has access under 
this section and shall neither release the data nor allow the data's use 
for any purpose other than the purpose of this subpart, unless otherwise 
required by law; provided, however, that NMFS may aggregate such data so 
as to preclude their identification with any fish buyer or any fish 
seller and use them in the aggregate for other purposes.
    (9) Refunds. When NMFS determines that the loan is fully repaid, 
NMFS will refund any excess fee receipts, on a last-in/first-out basis, 
to the fish buyers. Fish buyers shall return the refunds, on a last-in/
first-out basis, to the fish sellers who paid the amounts refunded.
    (e) Late charges. The late charge to fish buyers for fee payment, 
collection, deposit, and/or disbursement shall be one and one-half (1.5) 
percent per month, or the maximum rate permitted by state law, for the 
total amount of the fee not paid, collected, deposited, and/or disbursed 
when due to be paid, collected, deposited, and/or disbursed within 5 
days of the date due. The full late charge shall apply to the fee for 
each month or portion of a month that the fee remains unpaid, 
uncollected, undeposited, and/or undisbursed.
    (f) Enforcement. In accordance with applicable law or other 
authority, NMFS may take appropriate action against each fish seller 
and/or fish buyer responsible for non-payment, non-collection, non-
deposit, and/or non-disbursement of the fee in accordance with this 
subpart to enforce the collection from such fish seller and/or fish 
buyer of any fee (including penalties and all costs of collection) due 
and owing the United States on account of the loan that such fish seller 
and/or fish buyer should have, but did not, pay, collect, deposit, and/
or disburse in accordance with this subpart. All such loan recoveries 
shall be applied to reduce the unpaid balance of the loan.
    (g) Prohibitions and penalties. (1) The following activities are 
prohibited, and it is unlawful for anyone to:
    (i) Avoid, decrease, interfere with, hinder, or delay payment or 
collection of, or otherwise fail to fully and properly pay or collect, 
any fee due and payable under this subpart or convert, or otherwise use 
for any purpose other than the purpose this subpart intends, any paid or 
collected fee;
    (ii) Fail to fully and properly deposit on time the full amount of 
all fee revenue collected under this subpart into a deposit account and 
disburse the full amount of all deposit principal to the subaccount's 
lockbox account--all as this subpart requires;
    (iii) Fail to maintain full, timely, and proper fee payment, 
collection, deposit, and/or disbursement records or make full, timely, 
and proper reports of such information to NMFS-all as this subpart 
requires;
    (iv) Fail to advise NMFS of any fish seller's refusal to pay, or of 
any fish

[[Page 166]]

buyer's refusal to collect, any fee due and payable under this subpart;
    (v) Refuse to allow NMFS or agents that NMFS designates to review 
and audit at reasonable times all books and records reasonably pertinent 
to fee payment, collection, deposit, disbursement, and accounting under 
this subpart or otherwise interfere with, hinder, or delay NMFS or it 
agents in the course of their activities under this subpart;
    (vi) Make false statements to NMFS, any of the NMFS' employees, or 
any of NMFS' agents about any of the matters in this subpart;
    (vii) Obstruct, prevent, or unreasonably delay or attempt to 
obstruct, prevent, or unreasonably delay any audit or investigation NMFS 
or its agents conduct, or attempt to conduct, in connection with any of 
the matters in this subpart; and/or
    (viii) Otherwise materially interfere with the efficient and 
effective repayment of the loan.
    (2) Anyone who violates one or more of the prohibitions of paragraph 
(a) of this section is subject to the full range of penalties the 
Magnuson-Stevens Act and 15 CFR part 904 provide (including, but not 
limited to: civil penalties, sanctions, forfeitures, and punishment for 
criminal offenses) and to the full penalties and punishments otherwise 
provided by any other applicable law of the United States.



Sec. 600.1102  Pacific Coast groundfish fee.

    (a) Purpose. This section implements the fee for repaying the 
reduction loan financing the Pacific Coast Groundfish Program authorized 
by section 212 of Division B, Title II, of Public Law 108-7 and 
implemented by a final notification in the Federal Register (July 18, 
2003; 68 FR 42613).
    (b) Definitions. Unless otherwise defined in this section, the terms 
defined in Sec. 600.1000 of subpart L expressly apply to this section. 
The following terms have the following meanings for the purpose of this 
section:
    Borrower means, individually and collectively, each post-reduction 
fishing permit holder and/or fishing vessel owner fishing in the 
reduction fishery, in any or all of the fee-share fisheries, or in both 
the reduction fishery and any or all of the fee-share fisheries.
    Deposit principal means all collected fee revenue that a fish buyer 
deposits in an account maintained at a federally insured financial 
institution for the purpose of aggregating collected fee revenue before 
sending the fee revenue to NMFS for repaying the reduction loan.
    Fee fish means all fish harvested from the reduction fishery during 
the period in which any portion of the reduction fishery's subamount is 
outstanding and all fish harvested from each of the fee-share fisheries 
during the period in which any portion of each fee-share fishery's 
subamount is outstanding.
    Fee-share fishery means each of the fisheries for coastal Dungeness 
crab and pink shrimp in each of the States of California and Oregon and 
the fishery for coastal Dungeness crab and ocean pink shrimp in the 
State of Washington.
    Fee-share fishery subaccount means each of the six subaccounts 
established in the groundfish program's fund subaccount in which each of 
the six fee-share fishery subamounts are deposited.
    Reduction fishery means all species in, and that portion of, the 
limited entry trawl fishery under the Federal Pacific Coast Groundfish 
Fishery Management Plan that is conducted under permits, excluding those 
registered to whiting catcher-processors, which are endorsed for trawl 
gear operation.
    Reduction fishery subaccount means the subaccount established in the 
groundfish program's fund subaccount in which the reduction fishery 
subamount is deposited.
    Subamount means each portion of the reduction loan's original 
principal amount which is allocated either to the reduction fishery or 
to any one of the fee-share fisheries.
    (c) Reduction loan amount. The reduction loan's original principal 
amount is $35,662,471.
    (d) Subamounts. The subamounts of the reduction loan amount are:
    (1) Reduction fishery, $28,428,719; and
    (2) Fee-share fisheries:
    (i) California coastal Dungeness crab fee-share fishery, $2,334,334,

[[Page 167]]

    (ii) California pink shrimp fee-share fishery, $674,202,
    (iii) Oregon coastal Dungeness crab fee-share fishery, $1,367,545,
    (iv) Oregon pink shrimp fee-share fishery, $2,228,845,
    (v) Washington coastal Dungeness crab fee-share fishery, $369,426, 
and
    (vi) Washington ocean pink shrimp fee-share fishery, $259,400.
    (e) Interest accrual inception. Interest began accruing on each 
portion of the reduction loan amount on and from the date each such 
portion was disbursed.
    (f) Interest rate. The reduction loan's interest rate is 6.97 
percent. This is a fixed rate of interest for the full term of the 
reduction loan's life.
    (g) Repayment term. For the purpose of determining fee rates, the 
reduction loan's repayment term shall be 30 years from March 1, 2004, 
but each fee shall continue for as long as necessary to fully repay each 
subamount.
    (h) Reduction loan. The reduction loan shall be subject to the 
provisions of Sec. 600.1012 of subpart L, except that:
    (1) The borrower's obligation to repay the reduction loan shall be 
discharged by fish sellers in the reduction fishery and in each of the 
fee-share fisheries paying the fee applicable to each such fishery's 
subamount in accordance with Sec. 600.1013 of subpart L, and
    (2) Fish buyers in the reduction fishery and in each of the fee-
share fisheries shall be obligated to collect the fee applicable to each 
such fishery's subamount in accordance with Sec. 600.1013 of this 
subpart.
    (i) Fee collection, deposits, disbursements, records, and reports. 
Fish buyers in the reduction fishery and in each of the fee share 
fisheries shall deposit and disburse, as well as keep records for and 
submit reports about, the fees applicable to each such fishery in 
accordance with Sec. 600.1014 of this subpart, except that:
    (1) Deposit accounts. Each fish buyer that this section requires to 
collect a fee shall maintain an account at a federally insured financial 
institution for the purpose of depositing collected fee revenue and 
disbursing the deposit principal directly to NMFS in accordance with 
paragraph (i)(3) of this section. The fish buyer may use this account 
for other operational purposes as well, but the fish buyer shall ensure 
that the account separately accounts for all deposit principal collected 
from the reduction fishery and from each of the six fee-share fisheries. 
The fish buyer shall separately account for all fee collections as 
follows:
    (i) All fee collections from the reduction fishery shall be 
accounted for in a reduction fishery subaccount,
    (ii) All fee collections from the California pink shrimp fee-share 
fishery shall be accounted for in a California shrimp fee-share fishery 
subaccount,
    (iii) All fee collections from the California coastal Dungeness crab 
fishery shall be accounted for in a California crab fee-share fishery 
subaccount,
    (iv) All fee collections from the Oregon pink shrimp fee-share 
fishery shall be accounted for in an Oregon shrimp fee-share fishery 
subaccount,
    (v) All fee collections from the Oregon coastal Dungeness crab fee-
share fishery shall be accounted for in an Oregon crab fee-share fishery 
subaccount,
    (vi) All fee collections from the Washington ocean pink shrimp fee-
share fishery shall be accounted for in a Washington ocean shrimp fee-
share fishery subaccount, and
    (vii) All fee collections from the Washington coastal Dungeness crab 
fishery shall be accounted for in a Washington crab fee-share fishery 
subaccount;
    (2) Fee collection deposits. Each fish buyer, no less frequently 
than at the end of each month, shall deposit, in the deposit account 
established under paragraph (i)(1) of this section, all collected fee 
revenue not previously deposited that the fish buyer collects through a 
date not more than two calendar days before the date of deposit. The 
deposit principal may not be pledged, assigned, or used for any purpose 
other than aggregating collected fee revenue for disbursement to the 
fund in accordance with paragraph (i)(3) of this section. The fish buyer 
is entitled, at any time, to withdraw interest (if any) on the deposit 
principal, but never the deposit fee principal itself, for the fish 
buyer's own use and purposes;
    (3) Deposit principal disbursement. Not later than the 14th calendar 
day after the last calendar day of each month, or

[[Page 168]]

more frequently if the amount in the account exceeds the account limit 
for insurance purposes, the fish buyer shall disburse to NMFS the full 
deposit principal then in the deposit account, provided that the deposit 
principal then totals $100 or more. If the deposit principal then totals 
less than $100, the fish buyer need not disburse the deposit principal 
until either the next month during which the deposit principal then 
totals $100 or more, or not later than the 14th calendar day after the 
last calendar day of any year in which the deposit principal has not 
since the last required disbursement totaled $100 or more, whichever 
comes first. The fish buyer shall disburse deposit principal by check 
made payable to the groundfish program's fund subaccount. The fish buyer 
shall mail each such check to the groundfish program's fund subaccount 
lockbox that NMFS establishes for the receipt of groundfish program 
disbursements. Each disbursement shall be accompanied by the fish 
buyer's fee collection report completed in the manner and form which 
NMFS specifies. NMFS will, before fee payment and collection begins, 
specify the groundfish program's fund subaccount lockbox and the manner 
and form of fee collection report. NMFS will do this by means of the 
notification in Sec. 600.1013(d) of subpart L. NMFS' fee collection 
report instructions will include provisions for the fish buyer to 
specify the amount of each disbursement which was disbursed from the 
reduction fishery subaccount and/or from each of the six fee-share 
fishery subaccounts;
    (4) Records maintenance. Each fish buyer shall maintain, in a secure 
and orderly manner for a period of at least 3 years from the date of 
each transaction involved, at least the following information:
    (i) For all deliveries of fee fish that the fish buyer buys from 
each fish seller:
    (A) The date of delivery,
    (B) The fish seller's identity,
    (C) The weight, number, or volume of each species of fee fish 
delivered,
    (D) Information sufficient to specifically identify the fishing 
vessel which delivered the fee fish,
    (E) The delivery value of each species of fee fish,
    (F) The net delivery value of each species of fee fish,
    (G) The identity of the payor to whom the net delivery value is 
paid, if different than the fish seller,
    (H) The date the net delivery value was paid,
    (I) The total fee amount collected as a result of all fee fish, and
    (J) The total fee amount collected as a result of all fee fish from 
the reduction fishery and/or all fee fish from each of the six fee-share 
fisheries; and
    (ii) For all collected fee deposits to, and disbursements of deposit 
principal from, the deposit account include:
    (A) The date of each deposit,
    (B) The total amount deposited,
    (C) The total amount deposited in the reduction fishery subaccount 
and/or in each of the six fee-share fishery subaccounts,
    (D) The date of each disbursement to the Fund's lockbox,
    (E) The total amount disbursed,
    (F) The total amount disbursed from the reduction fishery subaccount 
and/or from each of the six fee-share fishery subaccounts, and
    (G) The dates and amounts of disbursements to the fish buyer, or 
other parties, of interest earned on deposits; and
    (5) Annual report. No fish buyer needs to submit an annual report 
about fee fish collection activities unless, during the course of an 
audit under Sec. 600.1014(g), NMFS requires a fish buyer to submit such 
a report or reports.
    (j) Other provisions. The reduction loan is, in all other respects, 
subject to the provisions of Sec. 600.1012 through applicable portions 
of Sec. 600.1017, except Sec. 600.1014(e).

[70 FR 40229, July 13, 2005, as amended at 71 FR 28, Jan. 3, 2006]



Sec. 600.1103  Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI) Crab species program.

    (a) Purpose. This section's purpose is to implement the program that 
Section 144(d) of Division B of Pub. L. 106-554, as amended by section 
2201 of Pub. L. 107-20 and section 205 of Pub. L. 107-117, enacted for 
BSAI crab species.

[[Page 169]]

    (b) Terms. Unless otherwise defined in this section, the terms 
defined in Sec. 600.1000 expressly apply to the program for BSAI crab. 
Likewise, the terms defined in Sec. 679.2 of this chapter also apply to 
terms not otherwise defined in either Sec. 600.1000 or this section. 
The following terms used in this section have the following meanings for 
the purpose of this section:
    Acceptance means NMFS' acceptance, on behalf of the United States, 
of a bid.
    Bid means a bidder's irrevocable offer, in response to an invitation 
to bid under this section, to surrender, to have revoked, to have 
restricted, to relinquish, to have withdrawn, or to have extinguished by 
other means, in the manner this section requires, the bidder's reduction 
fishing interest.
    Bid amount means the dollar amount of each bid.
    Bidder means either a qualifying bidder bidding alone or a 
qualifying bidder and a co-bidder bidding together who at the time of 
bidding holds the reduction fishing interests specified at Sec. 
600.1018(e).
    Bid crab means the crab that NMFS determines each bidder's 
reduction/history vessel (see definition) harvested, according to the 
State of Alaska's records of the documented harvest of crab, from each 
reduction endorsement fishery and from the Norton Sound fishery during 
the most recent 5 calendar years in which each reduction endorsement 
fishery was for any length of time open for directed crab fishing during 
a 10-calendar-year period beginning on January 1, 1990, and ending on 
December 31, 1999.
    Bid score means the criterion by which NMFS decides in what order to 
accept bids in the reverse auction this section specifies.
    Co-bidder means a person who is not a qualifying bidder, but who at 
the time of bidding owns the reduction/privilege vessel this section 
requires to be included in a bid and is bidding together with a 
qualifying bidder.
    Crab means the crab species covered by the Fishery Management Plan 
for the Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands King and Tanner Crabs pursuant to 
Sec. 679.2 of this chapter.
    Crab license means a License Limitation Program license for crab 
issued pursuant to Sec. 679.4(k)(5) of this chapter.
    Crab reduction permit means a non-interim crab license endorsed for 
one or more reduction endorsement fisheries, regardless of whether it is 
also endorsed for the Norton Sound fishery.
    FSD means NMFS' Financial Services Division, located in NMFS' Silver 
Spring, MD, headquarters office.
    Non-crab reduction permit means a fishing license, including all of 
its predecessor history, for which a bidder is the holder of record on 
December 12, 2003 and which was issued based on the fishing history of 
the bidder's -reduction/history vessel.
    Norton Sound fishery means the non-reduction fishery defined in 
Sec. 679.2 of this chapter as the area/species endorsement for Norton 
Sound red king and Norton Sound blue king crab.
    NVDC means the U.S. Coast Guard's National Vessel Documentation 
Center located in Falling Waters, WV.
    Qualifying bidder means a person who at the time of bidding is the 
license holder of record of a crab reduction permit.
    Qualifying voter means a person who at the time of voting in a 
referendum is the license holder of record either of an interim or a 
non-interim crab license, except a crab license whose sole area/species 
endorsement is for the Norton Sound fishery.
    RAM Program means NMFS' Restricted Access Management Program located 
in NMFS' Juneau, AK, regional office.
    Reduction endorsement fishery means any of the seven fisheries that 
Sec. 679.2 of this chapter defines as area/species endorsements except 
the area/species endorsement for the Norton Sound fishery.
    Reduction fishery means the fishery for all crab covered by the 
Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands King and Tanner Crabs Fishery Management 
Plan under all area/species endorsements that section 679.2 of the 
chapter defines, except the area/species endorsement for the Norton 
Sound fishery.
    Reduction fishing history means, for each bid, the complete 
documented harvest of the bidder's reduction/history vessel, upon any 
part of which

[[Page 170]]

such harvest NMFS based issuance of the crab license included in the bid 
as a crab reduction permit, plus such fishing history, after the 
issuance of such crab license, of any other vessel upon which the bidder 
used such crab license.
    Reduction fishing interest means, for each bid, the bidder's:
    (1) Reduction fishing privilege (see definition);
    (2) Crab reduction permit;
    (3) Non-crab reduction permit;
    (4) Reduction fishing history (see definition); and
    (5) Any other claim that could in any way qualify the owner, holder, 
or retainer of any of the reduction components, or any person claiming 
under such owner, holder, or retainer, for any present or future limited 
access system fishing license or permit in any United States fishery 
(including, but not limited to, any harvesting privilege or quota 
allocation under any present or future individual fishing quota system).
    Reduction fishing privilege means the worldwide fishing privileges 
of a bid's reduction/privilege vessel (see definition).
    Reduction/history vessel means the vessel or vessels which generated 
the reduction fishing history.
    Reduction loan sub-amount means the portion of the original 
principal amount of reduction loan this section specifies each reduction 
endorsement fishery must repay with interest.
    Reduction/privilege vessel means the vessel designated on a crab 
license on December 12, 2003.
    Referendum means a referendum under this section to determine 
whether voters approve the fee required to repay this program's 
reduction loan.
    Replacement vessel means a reduction/history vessel which replaced 
the lost or destroyed one whose reduction fishing history qualified 
during the general qualification period and the endorsement 
qualification period and, which under the exceptions in Amendment 10, 
qualified during the recent participation period.
    (c) Relationship to this subpart--(1) Provisions that apply. The 
provisions of Sec. 600.1000 through Sec. 600.1017 of this subpart 
apply to this program except as paragraph (c)(2) of this section 
provides; and
    (2) Provisions that do not apply. The following sections, or 
portions of them, of this subpart do not apply to this program:
    (i) All of:
    (A) Section 600.1001,
    (B) Section 600.1002,
    (C) Section 600.1003,
    (D) Section 600.1004,
    (E) Section 600.1005,
    (F) Section 600.1006, and
    (G) Section 600.1007,
    (ii) The portions of Sec. 600.1008:
    (A) Pertaining to an implementation plan,
    (B) Pertaining to a 60-day comment period for a proposed 
implementation regulation,
    (C) Pertaining to public hearings in each State that the this 
program affects,
    (D) Pertaining to basing the implementation regulation on a business 
plan,
    (E) Within paragraphs (d)(1)(ii) through (viii),
    (F) Within paragraph (d)(2)(ii),
    (G) Within paragraph (e), and
    (H) Within paragraph (f) and pertaining to fishing capacity 
reduction specifications and a subsidized program,
    (iii) The portions of Sec. 600.1009:
    (A) Pertaining to fishing capacity reduction specifications,
    (B) Within paragraph (a)(4),
    (C) Pertaining to a reduction amendment,
    (D) Within paragraph (a)(5)(ii), to the extent that the paragraph is 
inconsistent with the requirements of this section,
    (E) Within paragraph (b)(i), and
    (F) Pertaining to an implementation plan,
    (iv) The portions of Sec. 600.1010:
    (A) Within paragraph (b),
    (B) Pertaining to fishing capacity reduction specifications,
    (C) Within paragraph (d)(1), and
    (D) Within paragraphs (d)(4))(iv) through (vii),
    (v) The portions of Sec. 600.1011:
    (A) That comprise the last sentence of paragraph (a),
    (B) Within paragraph (d), and
    (C) Within paragraph (e)(2),

[[Page 171]]

    (vi) The portions of Sec. 600.1012:
    (A) Within paragraph (b)(3) following the word ``subpart'', and
    (B) Within paragraph (b)(3), and
    (vii) The last sentence of Sec. 600.1014(f).
    (d) Reduction cost financing. NMFS will use the proceeds of a 
reduction loan, authorized for this purpose, to finance 100 percent of 
the reduction cost. The original principal amount of the reduction loan 
will be the total of all reduction payments that NMFS makes under 
reduction contracts. This amount shall not exceed $100 million.
    (e) Who constitutes a bidder. A bidder is a person or persons who is 
the:
    (1) Holder of record and person otherwise fully and legally entitled 
to offer, in the manner this section requires, the bid's crab reduction 
permit and the bid's non-crab reduction permit;
    (2) Reduction/privilege vessel owner, title holder of record, and 
person otherwise fully and legally entitled to offer, in the manner this 
section requires, the bid's reduction fishing privilege; and
    (3) Retainer and person otherwise fully and legally entitled to 
offer, in the manner this section requires, the bid's reduction fishing 
history.
    (f) How crab licenses determine qualifying bidders and qualifying 
voters--(1) Non-interim crab licenses. Each person who is the record 
holder of a non-interim crab license endorsed for one or more reduction 
endorsement fisheries is both a qualifying bidder and a qualifying voter 
and can both bid and vote;
    (2) Interim crab licenses. Each person who is the record holder of 
an interim crab license endorsed for one or more reduction endorsement 
fisheries is a qualifying voter but not a qualifying bidder and can vote 
but not bid;
    (3) Crab licenses endorsed solely for the Norton Sound Fishery. Each 
person who is the record holder of any crab license endorsed solely for 
the Norton Sound fishery is neither a qualifying bidder nor a qualifying 
voter and can neither bid nor vote; and
    (4) Time at which qualifying bidders and voters must hold required 
crab licenses. A qualifying bidder must be the record holder of the 
required crab license at the time the qualifying bidder submits its bid. 
A qualifying voter must be the record holder of the required crab 
license at the time the qualifying voter submits its referendum ballot.
    (g) Qualifying bidders and co-bidders--(1) Qualifying bidders 
bidding alone. There is no co-bidder when a qualifying bidder owns, 
holds, or retains all the required components of the reduction fishing 
interest;
    (2) Qualifying bidders bidding together with co-bidders. When a 
qualifying bidder does not own the reduction/privilege vessel, the 
person who does may be the qualifying bidder's co-bidder; and
    (3) Minimum reduction components that qualifying bidders must hold 
or retain when bidding with co-bidders. At a minimum, a qualifying 
bidder must hold the crab reduction permit and the non-crab reduction 
permit and retain the reduction fishing history. The reduction/privilege 
vessel may, however, be owned by another person who is a co-bidder.
    (h) Reduction fishing interest--(1) General requirements. Each 
bidder must:
    (i) In its bid, offer to surrender, to have revoked, to have 
restricted, to relinquish, to have withdrawn, or to have extinguished by 
other means, in the manner that this section requires, the reduction 
fishing interest,
    (ii) At the time of bidding, hold, own, or retain the reduction 
fishing interest and be fully and legally entitled to offer, in the 
manner that this section requires, the reduction fishing interest, and
    (iii) Continuously thereafter hold, own, or retain the reduction 
fishing interest and remain fully and legally entitled to offer, in the 
manner that this section requires, the reduction fishing interest until:
    (A) The bid expires without NMFS first having accepted the bid,
    (B) NMFS notifies the bidder that NMFS rejects the bid,
    (C) NMFS notifies the bidder that a reduction contract between the 
bidder and the United States no longer exists, or
    (D) NMFS tenders reduction payment to the bidder;
    (2) Reduction/privilege vessel requirements. The reduction/privilege 
vessel in each bid must be:

[[Page 172]]

    (i) The vessel designated, at the time this final rule is published 
in the Federal Register, on a crab license which becomes a bid's crab 
reduction permit, and
    (ii) Be neither lost nor destroyed at the time of bidding;
    (3) Reduction fishing privilege requirements. The reduction fishing 
privilege in each bid must be the reduction/privilege vessel's:
    (i) Fisheries trade endorsement under the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 
(46 U.S.C.A. 12108),
    (ii) Qualification for any present or future U.S. Government 
approval under section (9)(c)(2) of the Shipping Act, 1916 (46 U.S.C. 
App. 808(c)(2)) for placement under foreign registry or operation under 
the authority of a foreign country, and
    (iii) Any other privilege to ever fish anywhere in the world;
    (4) Crab reduction permit requirements. (i) Except as otherwise 
provided in paragraph (i) of this section, the crab reduction permit 
must in each bid:
    (A) Be the crab license that NMFS issued on the basis of the 
bidder's reduction fishing history,
    (B) Be non-interim at the time each bidder submits its bid, and
    (C) Include an area/species endorsement for any one or more 
reduction endorsement fisheries,
    (ii) Although the Norton Sound fishery is not a reduction 
endorsement fishery, an area/species endorsement for the Norton Sound 
fishery occurring on a crab reduction permit must be surrendered and 
revoked (and all fishing history involving it relinquished) in the same 
manner as all other reduction endorsement fisheries occurring on the 
crab reduction permit;
    (5) Non-crab reduction permit requirements. The non-crab reduction 
permit must in each bid be every license, permit, or other harvesting 
privilege that:
    (i) NMFS issued on the basis of the fishing history of the bidder's 
reduction/history vessel, and
    (ii) For which the bidder was the license holder of record on the 
effective date of this section; and
    (6) Reduction fishing history requirements. Except as otherwise 
provided in paragraph (i) of this section, the reduction fishing history 
in each bid must that of a single reduction/history vessel.
    (i) Exceptions to the reduction fishing interest requirements--(1) 
Lost or destroyed vessel salvaged. When a bidder has salvaged a lost or 
destroyed vessel and has made from the salvaged vessel the documented 
harvest of crab Sec. 679.4(k)(5)(iii)(B)(3) of this chapter requires, 
the crab portion of the reduction fishing history is the salvaged 
vessel's documented harvest of crab; and
    (2) Lost or destroyed vessel not salvaged. When a bidder has not 
salvaged the lost or destroyed vessel but has made from a replacement 
vessel the documented harvest of crab Sec. 679.4(k)(5)(iii)(B)(3) of 
this chapter requires:
    (i) The crab portion of the reduction fishing history is the total 
of the lost or destroyed vessel's documented harvest of crab through the 
date of such vessel's loss or destruction plus the replacement vessel's 
documented harvest of crab after such date, and
    (ii) For the purposes of this program, the lost or destroyed 
vessel's documented harvest of crab merges with, and becomes a part of, 
the replacement vessel's documented harvest of crab; and
    (3) Acquired crab fishing history. When a bidder, in the manner 
Sec. 679.4(k)(5)(iv) of this chapter requires, has made a documented 
harvest of crab from one vessel and has acquired a replacement vessel's 
documented harvest of crab:
    (i) The crab portion of the reduction fishing history is the total 
of the acquired documented harvest of crab through December 31, 1994, 
plus the documented harvest of crab after December 31, 1994, of the 
vessel from which the bidder made the documented crab harvest Sec. 
679.4(k)(5)(iv) of this chapter requires, and
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (iii) For the purposes of this program, the acquired documented 
harvest of crab merges with, and becomes a part of, the non-acquired 
documented harvest of crab.
    (j) Determining value of reduction/history vessels' bid crab--(1) In 
each fishery. NMFS will determine the dollar value of each reduction/
history vessel's bid crab in each reduction endorsement

[[Page 173]]

fishery and in the Norton Sound Fishery by multiplying each reduction/
history vessel's number of pounds of each species of bid crab by the 
average ex-vessel price per pound that the State of Alaska annually 
publishes for each crab species in the bid crab; and
    (2) In all fisheries. NMFS will determine the dollar value of each 
reduction/history vessel's bid crab in all reduction endorsement 
fisheries and in the Norton Sound fishery by adding each of the products 
of the multiplications in paragraph (j)(1) of this section; and
    (3) Crab excluded from bid crab. A reduction/history vessel's bid 
crab may not include, to the extent that NMFS has knowledge:
    (i) Triangle tanner crab, grooved tanner crab, and any other crab 
not involved in the various area/species endorsements,
    (ii) Discarded crab,
    (iii) Crab caught for personal use,
    (iv) Unspecified crab, and
    (v) Any other crab for which the dollar value, crab fishery, landing 
date, or harvesting vessel NMFS cannot, for whatever reason, determine.
    (k) Determining bid score. NMFS will determine each bid score by 
dividing each bid amount by the sum in paragraph (j)(2) of this section.
    (l) Determining reduction loan sub-amount--(1) Value of all bid crab 
in each fishery. NMFS will add the dollar value of bid crab of all 
accepted bidders' reduction/history vessels in each reduction 
endorsement fishery;
    (2) Value of all bid crab in all fisheries. NMFS will add the dollar 
value of bid crab of all accepted bidders' reduction/history vessels in 
all reduction endorsement fisheries plus the Norton Sound fishery;
    (3) Each fishery as a percentage of all fisheries. NMFS will divide 
each of the sums in paragraph (l)(1) of this section by the sum in 
paragraph (l)(2) of this section. The result of this calculation will be 
the dollar value of all bid crab in each reduction endorsement fishery 
as a percentage of the dollar value of all bid crab in all reduction 
endorsement fisheries plus the Norton Sound fishery;
    (4) Applying percentages to loan amount. NMFS will multiply the 
reduction loan's full original principal amount by each of the yields in 
paragraph (l)(3) of this section; and
    (5) Loan sub-amount. Each of the amounts resulting from the 
calculation in paragraph (l)(4) of this section will be the reduction 
loan subamount that a reduction endorsement fishery must repay.
    (m) Prospectively qualifying bidder and voter notification--(1) 
General. At the appropriate point before issuing an invitation to bid, 
NMFS will publish a notification in the Federal Register listing all 
persons who at the time of publishing the notification prospectively are 
qualifying bidders and qualifying voters;
    (2) Qualifying bidder list. The prospectively qualifying bidder list 
will include the names and addresses of record of each license holder of 
record for all non-interim crab licenses except only crab licenses whose 
sole area/species endorsement is for the Norton Sound fishery;
    (3) Qualifying voter list. The prospectively qualifying voter list 
will include the names and addresses of record of each license holder of 
record for all non-interim and interim crab licenses except only crab 
licenses whose sole area/species endorsement is for the Norton Sound 
fishery;
    (4) Basis of lists. NMFS will base both the lists on the RAM 
Program's license holder records for crab licenses meeting the 
requirements of Sec. 679.4(k)(5) of this chapter as well as the 
requirements of this section;
    (5) Purpose. The purpose of the notification is to provide the 
public notice of:
    (i) The prospectively qualifying bidders, and
    (ii) The prospectively qualifying voters; and
    (6) Public comment. Any person who wants to comment about the 
notification has 30 days from the notification's publication date to do 
so. Persons should send their comments to both FSD and the RAM Program 
(at addresses that the notification will specify). Comments may address:
    (i) Persons who appear on one or more lists but should not,
    (ii) Persons who do not appear on one or more lists but should, and

[[Page 174]]

    (iii) Persons who believe their names and/or business mailing 
addresses appearing on one or more lists are incorrect.
    (n) Invitation to bid--(1) Notification. At the appropriate point 
after issuing the notification in paragraph (m) of this section, NMFS 
will publish the invitation to bid in the Federal Register notification 
further specified in Sec. 600.1009(c) of this subpart, along with a 
bidding form and terms of capacity reduction agreement. No person may, 
however, bid at this stage;
    (2) Notification contents. The invitation to bid notification will 
state all applicable bid submission requirements and procedures 
(including, but not limited to, those included in this section). In 
particular, the invitation to bid notification will:
    (i) State the date on which NMFS will invite bids by mailing an 
invitation to bid to each person on the prospectively qualifying bidder 
list,
    (ii) State a bid opening date, before which a bidder may not bid, 
and a bid closing date, after which a bidder may not bid,
    (iii) State a bid expiration date after which each bid expires 
unless, prior to that date, NMFS accepts the bid by mailing a written 
acceptance notice to the bidder at the bidder's address of record,
    (iv) State the manner of bid submission and the information each 
bidder must submit for NMFS to deem a bid responsive,
    (v) State any other information required for bid submission, and
    (vi) Include a facsimile of the invitation to bid, along with a 
bidding form and terms of capacity reduction agreement comprising the 
entire terms and conditions of the reduction contract under which each 
bidder must bid and under which NMFS must accept a bid; and
    (3) Mailing. On the date specified in this notification, NMFS will 
invite bids by mailing the invitation to bid and a bidding package, 
including a bidding form terms of capacity reduction agreement, to each 
person then on the prospectively qualifying bidder list. NMFS will not 
mail the invitation to bid to any potential co-bidder because NMFS will 
not then know which bids may include a co-bidder. Each qualifying bidder 
is solely responsible to have any required co-bidder properly complete 
the bid. No person may bid before receiving the invitation to bid and 
the bidding package that NMFS mailed to that person.
    (o) Bids--(1) Content. Each invitation to bid that NMFS mails to a 
qualifying bidder will have a bid form requiring each bid to:
    (i) Identify, by name, regular mail address, telephone number, and 
(if available) electronic mail address, the qualifying bidder and each 
co-bidder,
    (ii) State the bid amount in U.S. dollars,
    (iii) Identify, by crab license number, the qualifying bidder's crab 
reduction permit and include an exact copy of this crab license (which 
the RAM Program issued),
    (iv) Identify, by vessel name and official number, the bidder's 
reduction/privilege vessel, and include an exact copy of this vessel's 
official document (which NVDC issued),
    (v) Identify, by license or permit number, each of the bidder's non-
crab reduction permits; and include an exact copy of each of these 
licenses or permits (which the RAM Program issued for licenses or 
permits involving species under the jurisdiction of NMFS' Alaska Region 
and which other NMFS offices issued for licenses or permits involving 
species under those offices' jurisdiction),
    (vi) Identify, separately for crab and for each other species:
    (A) The qualifying bidder's reduction fishing history, and
    (B) The dates that each portion of the reduction fishing history 
encompasses; the name and official number of the reduction/history 
vessel or vessels which gave rise to it; and the dates during which the 
qualifying bidder owned such vessels or, if the qualifying bidder 
acquired any reduction fishing history from another person, the name of 
the person from which the qualifying bidder acquired such reduction 
fishing history and the manner in which and the date on which the 
qualifying bidder did so,

[[Page 175]]

    (vii) State, declare, and affirm that the qualifying bidder holds 
the crab reduction permit and retains the complete reduction fishing 
history, and is fully and legally entitled to offer both in the manner 
this section requires,
    (viii) State, declare, and affirm that either the qualifying bidder 
or the co-bidder owns the reduction/privilege vessel and holds the non-
crab reduction permit and is fully and legally entitled to offer both in 
the manner that this section requires, and
    (ix) Provide any other information or materials that NMFS believes 
is necessary and appropriate; and
    (2) Rejection. NMFS, regardless of bid scores, will reject any bid 
that NMFS believes is unresponsive to the invitation to bid. All bid 
rejections will constitute final agency action as of the date of 
rejection. Before rejection, NMFS may, however, contact any bidder to 
attempt to correct a bid deficiency if NMFS, in its discretion, believes 
the attempt warranted.
    (p) Acceptance--(1) Reverse auction. NMFS will determine which 
responsive bids NMFS accepts by using a reverse auction in which NMFS 
first accepts the responsive bid with the lowest bid score and 
successively accepts each additional responsive bid with the next lowest 
bid score until either there are no more responsive bids to accept or 
acceptance of the last responsive bid with the next lowest bid score 
would cause the reduction cost to exceed $100 million. If two or more 
responsive bid scores are exactly the same, NMFS will first accept the 
bid that NMFS first received;
    (2) Notification. NMFS will, after the conclusion of a successful 
referendum, notify accepted bidders that NMFS had, before the 
referendum, accepted their bids; and
    (3) Post-acceptance reduction permit transfer. After NMFS has 
accepted bids, neither the RAM Program (nor any other NMFS office) will 
transfer to other persons any reduction permits that accepted bidders 
included in the bids unless and until FSD advises the RAM Program (or 
some other NMFS office) that the resulting reduction contracts are no 
longer in effect because a referendum failed to approve the fee that 
this section requires to repay this program's reduction loan.
    (q) Reduction contracts subject to successful post-bidding 
referendum condition. Although this program involves no fishing capacity 
reduction specifications under this subpart, each bid, each acceptance, 
and each reduction contract is nevertheless subject to the successful 
post-bidding referendum condition that Sec. 600.1009(a)(3) of this 
subpart specifies for bidding results that do not conform to the fishing 
capacity reduction specifications.
    (r) Post-bidding referendum--(1) Purpose. NMFS will conduct a post-
bidding referendum whose sole purpose is to determine whether, based on 
the bidding results, qualifying voters who cast referendum ballots in 
the manner that this section requires authorize the fee required to 
repay this program's reduction loan;
    (2) Manner of conducting. NMFS will mail a referendum ballot to each 
person then on the prospectively qualifying voter list for each crab 
license that the person holds and otherwise conduct the referendum as 
specified in Sec. 600.1010 of this subpart;
    (3) One vote per crab license. Each qualifying voter may cast only 
one vote for each crab license that each qualifying voter holds;
    (4) Crab license numbers on ballots. Each referendum ballot that 
NMFS mails will contain the license number of the prospectively 
qualifying voter's crab license to which the ballot relates;
    (5) Potential reduction results stated. Each referendum ballot that 
NMFS mails will state the aggregate potential reduction results of all 
the bids that NMFS accepted, including:
    (i) The amount of reduction that all accepted bids potentially 
effect, including:
    (A) The number of crab reduction permits, together with each area/
species endorsement for which each of these licenses is endorsed,
    (B) The number of reduction/privilege vessels and reduction/history 
vessels, and
    (C) The aggregate and average dollar value of bid crab (together 
with the number of pounds of bid crab upon which NMFS based the dollar 
value), in each reduction endorsement fishery

[[Page 176]]

and in the reduction fishery, for all reduction/history vessels during 
the period for which NMFS calculates the dollar value of bid crab,
    (ii) The reduction loan sub-amount that each reduction endorsement 
fishery must repay if a referendum approves the fee, and
    (iii) Any other useful information NMFS may then have about the 
potential sub-fee rate initially necessary in each reduction endorsement 
fishery to repay each reduction loan sub-amount; and
    (6) Notice that condition fulfilled. If the referendum is 
successful, NMFS will notify accepted bidders, in the manner that Sec. 
600.1010(d)(6)(iii) of this subpart specifies, that a successful 
referendum has fulfilled the reduction contracts' successful post-
bidding referendum condition specified in paragraph (q) of this section.
    (s) Reduction method. In return for each reduction payment, NMFS 
will permanently:
    (1) Revoke each crab reduction permit;
    (2) Revoke each non-crab reduction permit;
    (3) Revoke each reduction fishing privilege (which revocation will 
run with the reduction/privilege vessel's title in the manner Sec. 
600.1009(a)(5)(ii)(A) of this subpart requires and in accordance with 46 
U.S.C. 12108(d));
    (4) Effect relinquishment of each reduction fishing history for the 
purposes specified in this section by noting in the RAM Program records 
(or such other records as may be appropriate for reduction permits 
issued elsewhere) that the reduction fishing history has been 
relinquished under this section and will never again be available to 
anyone for any fisheries purpose; and
    (5) Otherwise restrict in accordance with this subpart each 
reduction/privilege vessel and fully effect the surrender, revocation, 
restriction, relinquishment, withdrawal, or extinguishment by other 
means of all components of each reduction fishing interest.
    (t) Reduction payment tender and disbursement--(1) Fishing continues 
until tender. Each accepted bidder may continue fishing as it otherwise 
would have absent the program until NMFS, after a successful referendum, 
tenders reduction payment to the accepted bidder;
    (2) Notification to the public. After a successful referendum but 
before tendering reduction payment, NMFS will publish a notification in 
the Federal Register listing all proposed reduction payments and putting 
the public on notice:
    (i) Of the crab reduction permits, the reduction/privilege vessels, 
the reduction fishing histories, and the non-crab reduction permits upon 
whose holding, owning, retaining, or other legal authority 
representations accepted bidders based their bids and NMFS based its 
acceptances, and
    (ii) That NMFS intends, in accordance with the reduction contracts, 
to tender reduction payments in return for the actions specified in 
paragraph (s) of this section;
    (3) Public response. The public has 30 days after the date on which 
NMFS publishes the reduction payment tender notification to advise NMFS 
in writing of any holding, owning, or retaining claims that conflict 
with the representations upon which the accepted bidders based their 
bids and on which NMFS based its acceptances;
    (4) Tender and disbursement parties. NMFS will tender reduction 
payments only to accepted bidders, unless otherwise provided contrary 
written instructions by accepted bidders. Creditors or other parties 
with secured or other interests in reduction/privilege vessels or 
reduction permits are responsible to make their own arrangements with 
accepted bidders;
    (5) Time of tender. At the end of the reduction payment tender 
notification period, NMFS will tender reduction payments to accepted 
bidders, unless NMFS then knows of a material dispute about an accepted 
bidder's authority to enter into the reduction contract with respect to 
any one or more components of the reduction fishing interest that 
warrants, in NMFS' discretion, an alternative course of action;
    (6) Method of tender and disbursement. NMFS will tender reduction 
payment by requesting from each accepted bidder specific, written 
instructions for paying the reduction payments. Upon receipt of these 
payment instructions,

[[Page 177]]

NMFS will immediately disburse reduction payments in accordance with the 
payment instructions; and
    (7) Effect of tender. Concurrently with NMFS' tender of reduction 
payment to each accepted bidder:
    (i) All fishing activity for any species anywhere in the world in 
any way associated with each accepted bidder's reduction fishing 
interest must cease,
    (ii) Each accepted bidder must retrieve all fixed fishing gear for 
whose deployment the accepted bidder's reduction/privilege vessel was 
responsible, and
    (iii) NMFS will fully exercise its reduction contract rights with 
respect to the reduction fishing interest by taking the actions 
specified in paragraph (s) of this section.
    (u) Fee payment and collection--(1) Fish sellers who pay the fee. 
Any person who harvests any crab, but whom ADF&G's fisheries reporting 
requirements do not require to record and submit an ADF&G fish ticket 
for that crab, is a fish seller for the purpose of paying any fee on 
that crab and otherwise complying with the requirements of Sec. 
600.1013 of this subpart;
    (2) Fish buyers who collect the fee. Any person whom ADF&G's 
fisheries reporting requirements require to record and submit an ADF&G 
fish ticket for any crab that another person harvested is a fish buyer 
for the purpose of collecting the fee on that crab and otherwise 
complying with the requirements of Sec. 600.1013 of this subpart; and
    (3) Persons who are both fish sellers and fish buyers and both pay 
and collect the fee. Any person who harvests any crab, and whom ADF&G's 
fisheries reporting requirements require to record and submit an ADF&G 
fish ticket for that crab, is both a fish seller and a fish buyer for 
the purpose of paying and collecting the fee on that crab and otherwise 
complying with the requirements of Sec. 600.1013 of this subpart.
    (v) Fishing prohibition and penalties--(1) General. Fishing, for the 
purpose of this section, includes the full range of activities defined 
in the term ``fishing'' in the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and 
Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1801),
    (2) Prohibitions. Concurrently with NMFS' tender of each reduction 
payment, and with the sole exception in paragraph (t)(7)(i) of this 
section, no person whatsoever may, and it is unlawful for any person to:
    (i) Fish with or attempt to fish with, or allow others to fish with 
or attempt to fish with, the reduction/privilege vessel anywhere in the 
world for any species under any conditions and regardless of the 
reduction/privilege vessel's ownership or registry for so long as the 
reduction/privilege vessel exists. This prohibition includes, but is not 
limited to, fishing on the high seas or in the jurisdiction of any 
foreign country (to the extent prohibited by law) while operating under 
U.S. flag,
    (ii) Place or attempt to place, or allow others to place or attempt 
to place, the reduction/privilege vessel under foreign flag or registry,
    (iii) Operate or attempt to operate, or allow others to operate or 
attempt to operate, the reduction/privilege vessel under the authority 
of a foreign country to the extent prohibited by law,
    (iv) Otherwise avoid or attempt to avoid, or allow others to avoid 
or attempt to avoid, the revocation of the reduction fishing privilege 
with respect to any reduction/privilege vessel, and
    (v) Make any claim or attempt to make any claim, or allow others to 
claim or attempt to make any claim, for any present or future limited 
access fishing license or permit in any U.S. fishery (including, but not 
limited to, any quota allocation under any present or future individual 
quota allocation system) based in any way on any portion of a reduction 
fishing interest surrendered, revoked, restricted, relinquished, 
withdrawn, or extinguished by other means under this section; and
    (3) Penalties. The activities that this paragraph prohibits are 
subject to the full penalties provided in Sec. 600.1017 of this 
subpart, and immediate cause for NMFS to take action to, among other 
things:
    (i) At the reduction/privilege vessel owner's expense, seize and 
scrap the reduction/privilege vessel, and
    (ii) Pursue such other remedies and enforce such other penalties as 
may be applicable.
    (w) Program administration--(1) FSD responsibilities. FSD is 
responsible for

[[Page 178]]

implementing and administering this program. FSD will:
    (i) Issue all notifications and mailings that this section requires,
    (ii) Prepare and issue the invitation to bid,
    (iii) Receive bids,
    (iv) Reject bids,
    (v) Score bids,
    (vi) Make acceptances,
    (vii) Prepare and issue referendum ballots,
    (viii) Receive referendum ballots,
    (ix) Tally referendum ballots,
    (x) Determine referendum success or failure,
    (xi) Tender and disburse reduction payments,
    (xii) Administer reduction contracts,
    (xiii) Administer fees and reduction loan repayment, and
    (xiv) Discharge all other management and administration functions 
that this section requires;
    (2) RAM Program responsibilities. Upon FSD's advice, the RAM Program 
(for fishing licenses under the jurisdiction of NMFS's Alaska Region) 
and any other appropriate NMFS authority (for fishing licenses under the 
jurisdiction of any other NMFS office) will revoke reduction permits and 
effect the surrender of fishing histories in accordance with this 
section; and
    (3) NVDC and MARAD responsibilities. FSD will advise NVDC, MARAD, 
such other agency or agencies as may be involved, or all of them to 
revoke reduction/privilege vessels' fisheries trade endorsements and 
otherwise restrict reduction/privilege vessels in accordance with this 
section.
    (x) Reduction loan and reduction loan sub-amounts. [Reserved]

[68 FR 69337, Dec. 12, 2003. Redesignated at 69 FR 53362, Sept. 1, 2004]



Sec. 600.1104  Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI) crab species fee payment and collection system.

    (a) Purpose. As authorized by Public Law 106-554, this section's 
purpose is to:
    (1) In accordance with Sec. 600.1012 of subpart L, establish:
    (i) The borrower's obligation to repay a reduction loan, and
    (ii) The loan's principal amount, interest rate, and repayment term; 
and
    (2) In accordance with Sec. 600.1013 through Sec. 600.1016 of 
subpart L, implement an industry fee system for the reduction fishery.
    (b) Definitions. Unless otherwise defined in this section, the terms 
defined in Sec. 600.1000 of subpart L and Sec. 600.1103 of this 
subpart expressly apply to this section. The following terms have the 
following meanings for the purpose of this section:
    Crab rationalization crab means the same as in Sec. 680.2 of this 
chapter.
    Crab rationalization fisheries means the same as in Sec. 680.2 of 
this chapter.
    Reduction endorsement fishery means any of the seven fisheries that 
Sec. 679.2 of this chapter formerly (before adoption of part 680 of 
this chapter) defined as crab area/species endorsements, except the 
area/species endorsement for Norton Sound red king. More specifically, 
the reduction endorsement fisheries, and the crab rationalization 
fisheries which (after adoption of part 680 of this chapter) correspond 
to the reduction endorsement fisheries, are:
    (1) Bristol Bay red king (the corresponding crab rationalization 
fishery is Bristol Bay red king crab),
    (2) Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Area C. opilio and C. bairdi 
(the corresponding crab rationalization fisheries are two separate 
fisheries, one for Bering Sea snow crab and another for Bering Sea 
Tanner crab),
    (3) Aleutian Islands brown king (the corresponding crab 
rationalization fisheries are the two separate fisheries, one for 
Eastern Aleutian Islands golden king crab and another for Western 
Aleutian Islands golden king crab),
    (4) Aleutian Islands red king (the corresponding crab 
rationalization fishery is Western Aleutian Islands red king crab),
    (5) Pribilof red king and Pribilof blue king (the corresponding crab 
rationalization fishery is Pribilof red king and blue king crab), and
    (6) St. Matthew blue king (the corresponding crab rationalization 
fishery is also St. Matthew blue king crab).
    Reduction fishery means the fishery for all crab rationalization 
crab, excluding CDQ allocations, in all crab rationalization fisheries.

[[Page 179]]

    Sub-amount means the portion of the reduction loan amount for whose 
repayment the borrower in each reduction endorsement fishery is 
obligated.
    (c) Reduction loan amount. The reduction loan's original principal 
amount is $97,399,357.11.
    (d) Sub-amounts. The sub-amounts are:
    (1) For Bristol Bay red king, $17,129,957.23;
    (2) For Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Area C. opilio and C. 
bairdi, $66,410,767.20;
    (3) For Aleutian Islands brown king, $6,380,837.19;
    (4) For Aleutian Islands red king, $237,588.04;
    (5) For Pribilof red king and Pribilof blue king, $1,571,216.35; and
    (6) For St. Matthew blue king, $5,668,991.10.
    (e) Interest accrual from inception. Interest began accruing on each 
portion of the reduction loan amount on and from the date on which NMFS 
disbursed each such portion.
    (f) Interest rate. The reduction loan's interest rate shall be the 
applicable rate which the U.S. Treasury determines at the end of fiscal 
year 2005 plus 2 percent.
    (g) Repayment term. For the purpose of determining fee rates, the 
reduction loan's repayment term is 30 years from January 19, 2005, but 
each fee shall continue indefinitely for as long as necessary to fully 
repay each subamount.
    (h) Reduction loan repayment. (1) The borrower shall, in accordance 
with Sec. 600.1012, repay the reduction loan;
    (2) Fish sellers in each reduction endorsement fishery shall, in 
accordance with Sec. 600.1013, pay the fee at the rate applicable to 
each such fishery's subamount;
    (3) Fish buyers in each reduction endorsement fishery shall, in 
accordance with Sec. 600.1013, collect the fee at the rate applicable 
to each such fishery;
    (4) Fish buyers in each reduction endorsement fishery shall in 
accordance with Sec. 600.1014, deposit and disburse, as well as keep 
records for and submit reports about, the fees applicable to each such 
fishery; except the requirements specified under paragraph (c) of this 
section concerning the deposit principal disbursement shall be made to 
NMFS not later than the 7th calendar day of each month; and the 
requirements specified under paragraph (e) of this section concerning 
annual reports which shall be submitted to NMFS by July 1 of each 
calendar year; and,
    (5) The reduction loan is, in all other respects, subject to the 
provisions of Sec. 600.1012 through Sec. 600.1017.

[70 FR 54656, Sept. 16, 2005, as amended at 71 FR 27210, May 10, 2006]



Sec. 600.1105  Longline catcher processor subsector of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI) non-pollock groundfish fishery program.

    (a) Purpose. This section implements the capacity reduction program 
that Title II, Section 219(e) of Public Law 108-447 enacted for the 
longline catcher processor subsector of the Bering Sea and Aleutian 
Islands (BSAI) non-pollock groundfish fishery.
    (b) Definitions. Unless otherwise defined in this section, the terms 
defined in Sec. 600.1000 of subpart L of this part expressly apply to 
this section. The following terms have the following meanings for the 
purpose of this section:
    Act means Title II, Section 219 of Public Law 108-447.
    AI means the Aleutian Islands.
    Application Form means the form published on the FLCC's website that 
sets forth whether the qualifying LLP License is a Latent License and 
identifies the individual(s) authorized to execute and deliver Offers 
and Offer Ranking Ballots on behalf of the Subsector Member.
    Auditor means Jack V. Tagart, Ph.D., d.b.a. Tagart Consulting.
    Authorized Party means the individuals authorized by Subsector 
Members on the application form to execute and submit Offers, Rankings, 
protests and other documents and/or notices on behalf of Subsector 
Member.
    Ballot means the form found on the auditor's website used to cast a 
vote in favor of, or in opposition to, the currently Selected Offers.
    BS means the Bering Sea.
    BSAI means the Bering Sea and the Aleutian Islands.
    BSAI Pacific Cod ITAC means the Total Allowable Catch for Pacific 
cod after the subtraction of the 7.5 percent

[[Page 180]]

Community Development Program reserve.
    Capacity Reduction Agreement or Reduction Agreement means an 
agreement entered into by the Subsector Members and the FLCC under which 
the FLCC is permitted to develop and submit a Capacity Reduction Plan to 
the Secretary.
    Certificate of Documentation (COD) means a document issued by the 
U.S. Coast Guard's National Documentation Center that registers the 
vessel with the United States Government.
    Closing Vote means a vote held pursuant to paragraph (d)(7) of this 
section, after two-thirds (\2/3\) or more of the Nonoffering Subsector 
Members submit Ranking Forms electing to accept the Selected Offerors 
and close the Selection Process, and there are no unresolved Protests or 
Arbitrations.
    Current Offer means an Offer submitted by a Subsector Member to the 
Auditor during any Submission Period and, with regard to such Offer, 
Offeror has not become a Rejected Offeror. The term ``Current Offer'' 
includes Selected Offers.
    Current Offeror means an Offering Subsector Member that has 
submitted an Offer to the Auditor during any Submission Period and, with 
regard to such Offer, Offeror has not become a Rejected Offeror. The 
term ``Current Offeror'' includes Selected Offerors.
    Database means the online LLP License database maintained by NMFS as 
downloaded by the Auditor pursuant to paragraph (c)(1) of this section.
    Effective Date means the date the Capacity Reduction Agreement 
becomes effective pursuant to section 4.e of the Capacity Reduction 
Agreement.
    Fishing Capacity Reduction Contract or Reduction Contract means the 
contract that any Current Offeror must sign and agree to abide by if 
NMFS accepts the offer by signing the Reduction Contract.
    FLCC Counsel means Bauer Moynihan & Johnson LLP or other counsel 
representing the FLCC in any review or arbitration under the Capacity 
Reduction Agreement.
    Latent License means an LLP License on which a vessel was not 
designated at the time an Offer is submitted.
    LLP License means a Federal License Limitation Program groundfish 
license issued pursuant to Sec. 679.4(k) of this chapter or successor 
regulation that is noninterim and transferable, or that is interim and 
subsequently becomes noninterim and transferable, and that is endorsed 
for BS or AI catcher processor fishing activity, C/P, Pacific cod and 
hook and line gear.
    Longline Subsector means the longline catcher processor subsector of 
the BSAI non-pollock groundfish fishery as defined in the Act.
    Longline Subsector ITAC means the longline catcher processor 
subsector remainder of the Total Allowable Catch after the subtraction 
of the 7.5 percent Community Development Program reserve.
    Nonoffering Subsector Member shall have the meaning ascribed thereto 
in paragraph (d)(5)(i) of this section.
    Offer Content means all information included in Offers submitted to 
the Auditor pursuant to paragraph (d)(2)(ii) of this section.
    Offer Form means the form found on the Auditor's website used to 
make an offer.
    Offer(s) means a binding offer(s) from a Subsector Member to sell 
its LLP, right to participate in the fisheries, the fishing history 
associated with such LLP, and any vessel set forth on the Offer Form 
submitted by Offeror pursuant to the terms of this Capacity Reduction 
Agreement.
    Opening Date means the first Monday following the Effective Date set 
forth in paragraph (c)(3) of this section.
    Person includes any natural person(s) and any corporation, 
partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company, association 
or any other entity whatsoever, organized under the laws of the United 
States or of a state.
    Prequalification Offer shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in 
paragraph (d)(2)(iii) of this section.
    Ranking Form means the form posted by the Auditor pursuant to 
paragraph (d)(5)(iii) of this section.
    Ranking Period shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in paragraph 
(d)(5)(ii) of this section.
    Reduction Fishery means the BSAI non-pollock groundfish fishery.

[[Page 181]]

    Reduction Fishing Interests shall have the meaning ascribed thereto 
in the Fishing Capacity Reduction Contract.
    Reduction Plan means a business plan prepared by the Subsector 
Members in accordance with Section 1 of the Capacity Reduction Agreement 
and forwarded to the Secretary for approval.
    Reduction Privilege Vessel means the vessel listed on the Offeror's 
License Limitation Program license.
    Rejected Offer means an Offer that has been through one or more 
Rankings and is not a Selected Offer following the latest Ranking 
Period, with respect to which the Offering Subsector Member's 
obligations have terminated pursuant to paragraphs (d)(2)(i) and 
(d)(6)(v) of this section.
    Rejected Offeror means a Subsector Member that has submitted an 
Offer which has been ranked and was not posted as a Selected Offer 
pursuant to paragraph (d)(6)(ii) of this section.
    Restricted Access Management (RAM) means the Restricted Access 
Management Program in the Alaska Region, NMFS, located in Juneau, 
Alaska.
    Secretary means the Secretary of Commerce or a designee.
    Selected Offer shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in paragraph 
(d)(6)(iv) of this section.
    Selected Offeror means a Subsector Member that has submitted an 
Offer which has been ranked and is posted as a Selected Offer pursuant 
to paragraph (d)(6)(ii) of this section.
    Selection Process means the process set forth in paragraph (d) of 
this section for selecting the fishing capacity to be removed by the 
Reduction Plan.
    Submission Period(s) or Submitting Period(s) shall have the meaning 
ascribed thereto in paragraph (d)(3)(ii) of this section.
    Subsector Member(s) means a member(s) of the Longline Subsector.
    Web site means the internet Web site developed and maintained on 
behalf of the FLCC for implementation of the Selection Process described 
herein with a URL address of http://www.freezerlonglinecoop.org.
    (c) Qualification and enrollment of subsector members--(1) 
Distribution. A copy of the Reduction Agreement, Application Form, and 
Reduction Contract shall be mailed to each holder of record of an LLP 
License endorsed for BS or AI catcher processor activity, C/P, Pacific 
cod and hook and line gear, as the Auditor determines from the Database 
downloaded by the Auditor as of January 30, 2006, regardless of whether 
the LLP License is indicated in the Database as noninterim and 
transferable or otherwise.
    (2) Application. Any person, regardless of whether having received 
the mailing described in paragraph (c)(1) of this section, may as a 
Subsector Member apply to enroll with the FLCC to participate in the 
Reduction Program, by submitting all of the following documents:
    (i) Fully executed Reduction Agreement;
    (ii) Photocopy of the LLP License(s) evidencing Subsector Member's 
qualification as a member of the Longline Subsector;
    (iii) Unless applying as the holder of a Latent License, a photocopy 
of Federal Fisheries Permit for the vessel(s) designated on the LLP 
License(s) on the date the Reduction Agreement is signed by the 
Subsector Member;
    (iv) Unless applying as the holder of a Latent License, a photocopy 
of the Certificate of Documentation (COD) for the vessel(s) designated 
on the LLP License(s) on the date the Reduction Agreement is signed by 
the Subsector Member; and
    (v) An executed Application Form which sets forth whether the 
qualifying LLP License is a Latent License and identifies the 
individual(s) authorized to execute and deliver Offers and Offer Ranking 
Ballots on behalf of the Subsector Member.
    (3) Examination by Auditor--(i) In general. Each application must be 
submitted to the Auditor who will examine applications for completeness 
and inconsistencies, whether on the face of the documents or with the 
Database. Any application which is incomplete or which contains 
inconsistencies shall be invalid. The Auditor shall notify by e-mail or 
mail an applicant of the basis for the Auditor's finding an application 
invalid. An applicant may resubmit a revised application. If the 
application meets all requirements, the Auditor may accept the 
application as valid and enroll the applicant.

[[Page 182]]

    (ii) Interim LLP Licenses. If an LLP License is interim and/or 
nontransferable, the applicant's enrollment shall be accepted as a 
Subsector Member and may fully participate in the Selection Process. 
However, any posting of an Offer submitted with respect to such LLP 
License shall note the status of such LLP License until that Subsector 
Member submits to the Auditor a letter from the RAM confirming that it 
is within the Subsector Member's control to cause the qualifying LLP 
License to be issued as noninterim and transferable upon withdrawal of 
all applicable appeals.
    (4) Enrollment period. Applications that meet all requirements will 
be accepted until the Selection Process is completed.
    (5) Effective date. The Effective Date of any Reduction Agreement 
shall be ten (10) calendar days after written notice is sent by the 
Auditor to each holder of record of an LLP License endorsed for BS or AI 
catcher processor activity, C/P, Pacific cod and hook and line gear (as 
determined by the Auditor from the Auditor's examination of the 
Database) advising that the number of Subsector Members that have 
delivered to the Auditor a complete Application, including a fully 
executed Reduction Agreement, exceeds seventy percent (70 percent) of 
the members of the Longline Subsector (as determined by the Auditor from 
the Auditor's examination of the Database).
    (6) Notice. All notices related to the effective date of the 
Reduction Agreement shall be sent by the Auditor via registered mail.
    (7) Withdrawal. A Subsector Member, unless such Subsector Member is 
a Current Offeror or Selected Offeror, may terminate the Reduction 
Agreement at any time with respect to that Subsector Member by giving 
ten (10) calendar days written notice to the Auditor preferably via e-
mail. Withdrawal of a Subsector Member shall not affect the validity of 
the Reduction Agreement with respect to any other Subsector Members. 
Once effective, the Reduction Agreement shall continue in full force and 
effect regardless of whether subsequent withdrawals reduce the number of 
Subsector Members below that level required to effectuate the Reduction 
Agreement. Attempted withdrawal by a Current Offeror or Selected Offeror 
shall be invalid, and such Offer shall remain a binding, irrevocable 
Offer, unaffected by the attempted withdrawal.
    (d) Selection of fishing capacity to be removed by Reduction Plan. 
The fishing capacity removed by the Reduction Plan will be the Reduction 
Fishing Interests voluntarily offered through the Reduction Plan by 
offering Subsector Members and as selected by the Nonoffering Subsector 
Members, up to an aggregate amount of thirty six million dollars 
($36,000,000) as set forth in this paragraph (d).
    (1) Overview. The Selection Process will begin upon the Effective 
Date of the Reduction Agreement. The Selection Process will alternate on 
a weekly basis between:
    (i) Submitting Periods, during which individual Subsector Members 
may submit Offers of fishing capacity they wish to include in the 
Reduction Plan; and
    (ii) Ranking Periods, during which Nonoffering Subsector Members 
will rank the submitted Offers.
    (2) Offers--(i) Binding agreement. An Offer from a Subsector Member 
shall be a binding, irrevocable offer from a Subsector Member to 
relinquish to NMFS the Reduction Fishing Interests for the price set 
forth on the Offer contingent on such Offer being a Selected Offer at 
the closing of the Selection Process. Once submitted, an Offer may not 
be revoked or withdrawn while that Offer is a Current Offer or Selected 
Offer. An Offer that is submitted by a Subsector Member, but is not a 
Selected Offer during the subsequent Ranking Period, shall be deemed to 
be terminated and the Subsector Member shall have no further obligation 
with respect to performance of that Offer.
    (ii) Offer content. All Offers submitted to the Auditor shall 
include the following information: LLP License number; LLP License 
number(s) of any linked crab LLP Licenses; license MLOA (MLOA--maximum 
length overall of a vessel is defined at Sec. 679.2 of this chapter); 
the license area, gear and species endorsements; a summary of the 
Pacific cod catch history for the calendar years 1995-2004; and the 
offered

[[Page 183]]

price. The Offer shall also state whether a vessel is currently 
designated on the LLP License and as such will be withdrawn from all 
fisheries if the Offer is selected for reduction in the Reduction Plan. 
If so, the Offer shall identify such vessel by name, official number, 
and current owner. In addition, the Offer shall provide a summary of the 
Pacific cod catch history for the calendar years 1995-2004 of the vessel 
to be retired from the fisheries. All summary catch histories included 
in Offers shall be calculated utilizing both the weekly production 
report and best blend methodology and shall separately state for each 
methodology the Pacific cod catch in metric tons and as a percentage of 
the overall catch for the longline catcher processor subsector on an 
annual basis for each of the required years. If the vessel stated to be 
withdrawn from the fisheries is not owned by the LLP License owner of 
record, the Offer shall be countersigned by the owner of record of the 
vessel. An Offer offering a Latent License shall state on the Offer Form 
that the offered LLP License is a Latent License. The Offer Form shall 
also include a comment section for any additional information that 
Offerors wish to provide to the Subsector Members concerning the Offer.
    (iii) Prequalification of offers. A Subsector Member may submit a 
Prequalification Offer to the Auditor at any time prior to the Opening 
Date. A Prequalification Offer shall contain all elements of an Offer, 
except that a price need not be provided. The Auditor shall notify the 
Subsector Member submitting a Prequalification Offer as to any 
deficiencies as soon as practicable. All details of a Prequalification 
Offer shall be kept confidential by the Auditor.
    (3) Submitting an offer--(i) Offer submission. Commencing on the 
first Tuesday following the Opening Date and during all Submission 
Periods until the Selection Process is closed, any Subsector Member may 
submit an Offer. All Offers are to be on the applicable form provided on 
the FLCC website, executed by an Authorized Party and submitted to the 
Auditor by facsimile. Any Subsector Member may submit an Offer during 
any Submission Period, even if that Subsector Member has not submitted 
an Offer in any previous Submission Period. If a Subsector Member holds 
more than one LLP License, such Subsector Member may, but is not 
required to, submit an Offer for each LLP License held during a 
Submission Period.
    (ii) Submission periods. The initial Submission Period shall 
commence at 9 a.m. (Pacific time) on the Tuesday following the Opening 
Date and end at 5 p.m. (Pacific time) on the Friday of that week. 
Subsequent Submission Periods shall commence at 9 a.m. (Pacific time) on 
the first Tuesday following the preceding Ranking Period and end at 5 
p.m. (Pacific time) on the Friday of that week. All times set forth in 
the Reduction Agreement and used in the Offer process shall be the time 
kept in the Pacific time zone as calculated by the National Institute of 
Standards and Technology.
    (iii) Validity of offer. The Auditor shall examine each Offer for 
consistency with the Database and information contained in the 
enrollment documents. If there is an inconsistency in the information 
contained in the Offer, any of the elements required of an Offer 
pursuant to paragraph (d)(2)(ii) of this section are missing, or the 
Auditor does not receive the original Offer Form before the Offers are 
to be posted pursuant to paragraph (d)(4) of this section, the Auditor 
shall notify the offering Subsector Member by e-mail or mail that the 
Offer is nonconforming as soon as practicable after discovering the 
basis of invalidity. The Subsector Member may submit a revised, 
conforming Offer prior to the close of that Submission Period or, in any 
subsequent Submission Period. Only one Offer may be submitted with 
respect to an LLP License during a Submission Period. In the event a 
Subsector Member submits more than one Offer with respect to an LLP 
License during a Submission Period, the first conforming Offer received 
by the Auditor shall be binding and irrevocable and any subsequent 
Offers shall be deemed invalid.
    (iv) Warranty. By submitting an Offer, the Offering Subsector 
Member,

[[Page 184]]

warrants and represents that the Offering Subsector Member has read and 
understands the terms of the Reduction Agreement, the Offer, and the 
Reduction Contract and has had the opportunity to seek independent legal 
counsel regarding such documents and/or agreements and the consequences 
of submitting an Offer.
    (4) Posting offers--(i) Current offers. For each Offer received 
during a Submission Period, the Auditor shall post on the Website no 
later than 5 p.m. (Pacific time) on the following Tuesday all of the 
details of such Offer as set forth on the Offer Form. In addition, the 
Auditor shall post, as available to Auditor, a summary by year of up to 
ten (10) years catch history during the period 1995-2004 in total round 
weight equivalents and percentage of Longline Subsector ITAC harvested 
for any vessel that is included in the Offer. Subsector Member (or 
vessel owner, if other than the Subsector Member) expressly authorizes 
Auditor to release the catch history summary information previously 
prepared for that Subsector Member or vessel owner by the Auditor as 
part of the analysis of FLCC's membership's catch history previously 
conducted by the Auditor on behalf of the FLCC.
    (ii) Posting order. Offers shall be posted on the Website by the 
Auditor in alphabetical order of the Offering Subsector Member's name.
    (iii) Questions as to offer. The Auditor shall respond to no 
questions from Subsector Member regarding Offers except to confirm that 
the posting accurately reflects the details of the Offer. If an Offering 
Subsector Member notices an error in an Offer posting on the Website, 
such Subsector Member shall notify the Auditor as soon as practicable. 
The Auditor shall review such notice, the posting and the original 
Offer. If an error was made in posting the Auditor shall correct the 
posting as soon as practicable and notify the Subsector Members via e-
mail or mail of the correction. In the event such an error is not 
discovered prior to Ranking, an Offering Subsector Member shall be bound 
to the terms of the submitted Offer, not the terms of the posted Offer.
    (iv) Archive. The Auditor shall maintain on the Website an archive 
of prior Offers posted, which shall be available for review by all 
Subsector Members.
    (5) Ranking--(i) Eligibility. Each Subsector Member that has not 
submitted an Offer during the preceding Submission Period, or whose 
vessel is not included as a withdrawing vessel in an Offer during the 
preceding Submission Period (i.e., a Nonoffering Subsector Member), may 
submit to the Auditor a Ranking Form during a Ranking Period. With 
respect to Ranking, a Subsector Member that holds more than one LLP 
License may participate in the Ranking process for each LLP License not 
included in an Offer.
    (ii) Ranking period. The initial Ranking Period shall commence 
immediately after the Offers from the preceding Submission Period have 
been posted and end at 5 p.m. (Pacific time) on the Friday of that week. 
Subsequent Ranking Periods shall commence immediately after the Offers 
from the preceding Submission Period have been posted and end at 5 p.m. 
(Pacific time) on the Friday of that week.
    (iii) Ranking form. Prior to each Ranking Period, the Auditor will 
post a Ranking Form on the Website in ``pdf'' file format. Each eligible 
Subsector Member wishing to rank the current Offers shall rank the 
Offers on the Ranking Form numerically in the Subsector Member's 
preferred order of purchase. The Offer that Subsector Member would most 
like to have accepted should be ranked number one (1), and subsequent 
Offers ranked sequentially until the Offer that the Subsector Member 
would least like to see accepted is ranked with the highest numerical 
score. A Subsector Member wishing to call for a Closing Vote shall, in 
lieu of ranking the Current Offers, mark the Ranking Form to accept the 
Selected Offers selected during the prior Ranking Period and close the 
Selection Process. To be valid, the Ranking Form must rank each Current 
Offer listed on the Ranking Form or, if applicable, be marked to call 
for a Closing Vote. Ranking Forms shall be submitted by sending a 
completed Ranking Form, signed by an Authorized Party, to the Auditor by 
facsimile or mail prior to the end of the Ranking

[[Page 185]]

Period. A Subsector Member is not required to rank the Offers during a 
Ranking Period or call for a Closing Vote.
    (iv) Validity of subsector member ranking. The Auditor shall examine 
each Ranking Form for completeness, whether the form either ranks the 
Offers or calls for a Closing Vote (but not both), and authorized 
signature. Any incomplete or otherwise noncompliant Ranking Form(s) 
shall be invalid, and shall not be included in the Rankings of the 
Current Offers. The Auditor shall notify the Subsector Member of the 
reason for declaring any Ranking Form invalid as soon as practicable. A 
Subsector Member may cure the submission of an invalid Ranking Form by 
submitting a complying Ranking Form if accomplished before the end of 
the applicable Ranking Period.
    (6) Ranking results--(i) Compiling the rankings. Unless two-thirds 
(\2/3\) of the Nonoffering Subsector Members have called for a Closing 
Vote, the Auditor shall compile the results of the Ranking Forms by 
assigning one point for each position on a Ranking Form. That is, the 
Offer ranked number one (1) on a Ranking Form shall be awarded one (1) 
point, the Offer ranked two (2) shall receive two (2) points, and 
continuing on in this manner until all Offers have been assigned points 
correlating to its ranking on each valid Ranking Form. The Offer with 
the least number of total points assigned shall be the highest ranked 
Offer, and the Offer with the greatest total points assigned shall be 
the lowest ranked Offer.
    (ii) Posting rankings. The Auditor shall post the results of the 
compilation of the Ranking Forms on the Website in alphabetical order 
based on the Offering Subsector Member's name no later than 5 p.m. 
(Pacific time) on the Monday following the Ranking Period. The Auditor 
shall post the highest consecutive ranking Offers that total thirty six 
million dollars ($36,000,000) or less. Those Offering Subsector Members 
whose Offers are posted shall be deemed Selected Offerors and their 
Offers shall be deemed Selected Offers. Those Offering Subsector Members 
whose Offers are not posted shall be deemed Rejected Offerors.
    (iii) Selected offer information or confidentiality. The Auditor 
shall post the name of the Offering Subsector Member, the amount of the 
Offer, and a summary of the total number of Ranking Forms received and 
the number of such forms on which the Members called for a Closing Vote. 
Other than the foregoing, the Auditor shall not post any details of the 
compilation of the Ranking Forms.
    (iv) Selected offerors. Selected Offerors may not withdraw their 
Offers unless in subsequent rankings their Offers no longer are within 
the highest ranking Offers and they become Rejected Offerors. A Selected 
Offeror may, however, modify a Selected Offer solely to the extent such 
modification consists of a reduction in the Offer price. A Selected 
Offeror may submit a modified Offer to the Auditor during the next 
Offering Period as set forth in paragraph (d)(3) of this section. Unless 
a Selected Offeror becomes a Rejected Offeror in a subsequent Ranking, a 
Selected Offeror shall be bound by the terms of the lowest Selected 
Offer submitted as if such modified Offer had been the original Selected 
Offer. In the event a Selected Offeror submits a modified Offer and such 
Offer is not ranked because sufficient votes are received to call for a 
Closing Vote, the previously Selected Offer shall remain the Selected 
Offer.
    (v) Rejected offerors. The Offer of a Rejected Offeror is terminated 
and the Rejected Offeror is no longer bound by the terms of its Offer. A 
Rejected Offeror may, at its sole discretion, resubmit the same Offer, 
submit a revised Offer, or elect not to submit an Offer during any 
subsequent Submission Period until the Selection Process is closed.
    (vi) Ties. In the event there is a tie with respect to Offers which 
results in the tied Offers exceeding thirty-six million dollars 
($36,000,000), the tied Offers and all Offers ranked lower than the tied 
Offers shall be deemed to be rejected and the Rejected Offerors may, at 
their option, submit an Offer in a subsequent Submission Period.
    (vii) Archive. Auditor shall maintain on the Website an archive of 
prior Offer Rankings as posted over the course of the Selection Process, 
which shall be available for Subsector Member review.

[[Page 186]]

    (7) Closing. The Selection Process will close when two-thirds (\2/
3\) or more of the Nonoffering Subsector Members of the Longline 
Subsector, as determined by the Auditor, affirmatively vote to accept 
the Selected Offerors selected during the prior Ranking Period as part 
of the Reduction Plan to be submitted to the Secretary.
    (i) Call for vote. A Closing Vote will be held when: at least two-
thirds (\2/3\) of the Nonoffering Subsector Members submit Ranking Forms 
electing to accept the Selected Offerors and close the Selection Process 
in lieu of Ranking the current Offers; and there are no unresolved 
Protests or Arbitrations. The Auditor shall notify all Subsector Members 
by e-mail or mail and posting a notice on the Website as soon as 
practicable that a Closing Vote is to be held. Such notice shall state 
the starting and ending dates and times of the voting period, which 
shall be not less than three (3) nor more than seven (7) calendar days 
from the date of such notice. A voting period shall commence at 9 a.m. 
(Pacific time) on Monday and end at 5 p.m. on the Friday of that week.
    (ii) Voting. No less than three (3) calendar days prior to the 
voting period, the Auditor will post a Closing Ballot on the Website in 
``pdf'' file format. Each eligible Nonoffering Subsector Member wishing 
to vote shall print out the Closing Ballot, and, with respect to each of 
the currently Selected Offers on the Closing Ballot, vote either in 
favor of or opposed to accepting that Selected Offer and submit a 
completed and signed Closing Ballot to the Auditor preferably by 
facsimile prior to the end of the Voting Period.
    (iii) Ballot verification. The Auditor shall examine each submitted 
Closing Ballot for completeness and authorized signature. Any incomplete 
Closing Ballot shall be void, and shall not be included in the voting 
results. The Auditor shall not notify the Subsector Member of an invalid 
Closing Ballot.
    (iv) Voting results. The Auditor shall post the results of the Vote 
as soon as practicable after voting closes. Each Offer on the Closing 
Ballot that receives votes approving acceptance of such Offer from two-
thirds (\2/3\) or more of the total number of Nonoffering Subsector 
Members shall be a Selected Offeror and shall be the basis for the 
Reduction Plan submitted to NMFS. Any Offer on the Closing Ballot that 
does not receive such two-thirds (\2/3\) approval shall be rejected and 
shall not be included among the Offers included among the Reduction Plan 
submitted to NMFS.
    (v) Notification to NMFS. Upon closing of the Selection Process, 
FLCC shall notify NMFS in writing of the identities of the Selected 
Offerors and provide to NMFS a completed and fully executed original 
Reduction Agreement from each of the Selected Offerors and a certified 
copy of the fully executed Reduction Agreement and Reduction Contract.
    (e) Submission of reduction plan, including repayment. Upon 
completion of the offering process, the FLCC on behalf of the Subsector 
Members shall submit to NMFS the Reduction Plan which shall include the 
provisions set forth in this paragraph (e).
    (1) Capacity reduction. The Reduction Plan shall identify as the 
proposed capacity reduction, without auction process, the LLP Licenses 
as well as the vessels and the catch histories related to the LLP 
Licenses, linked crab LLP Licenses, and any other fishing rights or 
other interests associated with the LLP Licenses and vessels included in 
the Selected Offers. The aggregate of all Reduction Agreements and 
Reduction Contracts signed by Subsector Members whose offers to 
participate in this buyback were accepted by votes of the Subsector 
Members, will together with the FLCC's supporting documents and 
rationale for recognizing that these offers represent the expenditure of 
the least money for the greatest capacity reduction, constitute the 
Reduction Plan to be submitted to NMFS for approval on behalf of the 
Secretary of Commerce.
    (2) Loan repayment--(i) Term. As authorized by Section 219(B)(2) of 
the Act, the capacity reduction loan (the ``Reduction Loan'') shall be 
amortized over a thirty (30) year term. The Reduction Loan's original 
principal amount may not exceed thirty-six million dollars 
($36,000,000), but may be less if the reduction cost is less. Subsector 
Members acknowledge that in the event

[[Page 187]]

payments made under the Reduction Plan are insufficient to repay the 
actual loan, the term of repayment shall be extended by NMFS until the 
loan is paid in full.
    (ii) Interest. The Reduction Loan's interest rate will be the U.S. 
Treasury's cost of borrowing equivalent maturity funds plus 2 percent. 
NMFS will determine the Reduction Loan's initial interest rate when NMFS 
borrows from the U.S. Treasury the funds with which to disburse 
reduction payments. The initial interest rate will change to a final 
interest rate at the end of the Federal fiscal year in which NMFS 
borrows the funds from the U.S. Treasury. The final interest rate will 
be 2 percent plus a weighted average, throughout that fiscal year, of 
the U.S. Treasury's cost of borrowing equivalent maturity funds. The 
final interest rate will be fixed, and will not vary over the remainder 
of the reduction loan's 30-year term. The Reduction loan will be subject 
to a level debt amortization. There is no prepayment penalty.
    (iii) Fees. The Reduction Loan shall be repaid by fees collected 
from the Longline Subsector. The fee amount will be based upon: The 
principal and interest due over the next twelve months divided by the 
product of the Hook & Line, Catcher Processor (Longline Subsector; 
sometimes referred to as the ``H&LCP Subsector'') portion of the BSAI 
Pacific cod ITAC (in metric tons) set by the North Pacific Fishery 
Management Council (NPFMC) in December of each year multiplied by 2,205 
(i.e., the number of pounds in a metric ton). In the event that the 
Longline Subsector portion for the ensuing year is not available, the 
Longline Subsector portion forecast from the preceding year will be used 
to calculate the fee.
    (A) The fee will be expressed in cents per pound rounded up to the 
next one-tenth of a cent. For example: If the principal and interest due 
equal $2,900,000 and the Longline Subsector portion equals 100,000 
metric tons, then the fee per round weight pound of Pacific cod will 
equal 1.4 cents per pound. [2,900,000 /(100,000 x 2,205) = .01315]. The 
fee will be accessed and collected on Pacific cod to the extent possible 
and if not, will be accessed and collected as provided for in this 
paragraph (e).
    (B) Fees must be accessed and collected on Pacific cod used for bait 
or discarded. Although the fee could be up to 5 percent of the ex-vessel 
production value of all post-reduction Longline Subsector landings, the 
fee will be less than 5 percent if NMFS projects that a lesser rate can 
amortize the fishery's reduction loan over the reduction loan's 30-year 
term. In the event that the total principal and interest due exceeds 5 
percent of the ex-vessel Pacific cod revenues, a penny per pound round 
weight fee will be calculated based on the latest available revenue 
records and NMFS conversion factors for pollock, arrowtooth flounder, 
Greenland turbot, skate, yellowfin sole and rock sole.
    (C) The additional fee will be limited to the amount necessary to 
amortize the remaining twelve months principal and interest in addition 
to the 5 percent fee accessed against Pacific cod. The additional fee 
will be a minimum of one cent per pound. In the event that collections 
exceed the total principal and interest needed to amortize the payment 
due, the principal balance of the loan will be reduced. To verify that 
the fees collected do not exceed 5 percent of the fishery revenues, the 
annual total of principal and interest due will be compared to the 
latest available annual Longline Subsector revenues to ensure it is 
equal to or less than 5 percent of the total ex-vessel production 
revenues. In the event that any of the components necessary to calculate 
the next year's fee are not available, or for any other reason NMFS 
believes the calculation must be postponed, the fee will remain at the 
previous year's amount until such a time that new calculations are made 
and communicated to the post reduction fishery participants.
    (D) It is possible that the fishery may not open during some years 
and no Longline Subsector portion of the ITAC is granted. Consequently, 
the fishery will not produce fee revenue with which to service the 
reduction loan during those years. However, interest will continue to 
accrue on the principal balance. When this happens, if the fee rate is 
not already at the

[[Page 188]]

maximum 5 percent, NMFS will increase the fisheries' fee rate to the 
maximum 5 percent of the revenues for Pacific cod and the species 
mentioned in paragraph (e)(2)(iii)(B), apply all subsequent fee revenue 
first to the payment of accrued interest, and continue the maximum fee 
rates until all principal and interest payments become current. Once all 
principal and interest payments are current, NMFS will make a 
determination about adjusting the fee rate.
    (iv) Reduction loan. NMFS has promulgated framework regulations 
generally applicable to all fishing capacity reduction programs (Sec. 
600.1000 et seq.). The reduction loan shall be subject to the provisions 
of Sec. 600.1012, except that: the borrower's obligation to repay the 
reduction loan shall be discharged by the owner of the Longline 
Subsector license regardless of which vessel catches fish under this 
license and regardless of who processes the fish in the reduction 
fishery in accordance with Sec. 600.1013. Longline Subsector license 
owners in the reduction fishery shall be obligated to collect the fee in 
accordance with Sec. 600.1013.
    (v) Collection. The LLP License holder of the vessel harvesting in 
the post-capacity reduction plan Longline Subsector shall be responsible 
for self-collecting the repayment fees owed by that LLP License holder. 
Fees shall be submitted to NMFS monthly and shall be due no later than 
fifteen (15) calendar days following the end of each calendar month.
    (vi) Record keeping and Reporting. The holder of the LLP License on 
which a vessel harvesting in the post-capacity reduction plan Longline 
Subsector is designated shall be responsible for compliance with the 
applicable record keeping and reporting requirements.
    (3) Agreement with Secretary. Each Selected Offeror, and vessel 
owner if not the Subsector Member, that has submitted a Selected Offer 
shall complete and deliver to the FLCC for inclusion in the Reduction 
Plan submitted to NMFS, designee for the Secretary, a completed and 
fully executed Reduction Contract. Any and all LLP License(s) and or 
vessels set forth on a Selected Offer shall be included as Reduction 
Fishing Interests in such Reduction Contract.
    (f) Decisions of the Auditor and the FLCC. Time is of the essence in 
developing and implementing a Reduction Plan and, accordingly, the 
Offerors shall be limited to, and bound by, the decisions of the Auditor 
and the FLCC.
    (1) The Auditor's examination of submitted applications, Offers, 
Prequalification Offers and Rankings shall be solely ministerial in 
nature. That is, the Auditor will verify whether the documents submitted 
by Subsector Members are, on their face, consistent with each other and 
the Database, in compliance with the requirements set forth in the 
Reduction Agreement, and, signed by an Authorized Party. The Auditor may 
presume the validity of all signatures on documents submitted. The 
Auditor shall not make substantive decisions as to compliance (e.g., 
whether an interim LLP License satisfies the requirements of the Act, or 
whether a discrepancy in the name appearing on LLP Licenses and other 
documents is material).
    (2) [Reserved]
    (g) Enforcement/specific performance. The parties to the Reduction 
Agreement have agreed that the opportunity to develop and submit a 
capacity reduction program for the Longline Subsector under the terms of 
the Act is both unique and finite and that failure of a Selected 
Offeror, and vessel owner, if not a Subsector Member, to perform the 
obligations provided by the Reduction Agreement will result in 
irreparable damage to the FLCC, the Subsector Members and other Selected 
Offerors. Accordingly, the parties to the Reduction Agreement expressly 
acknowledge that money damages are an inadequate means of redress and 
agree that upon the failure of the Selected Offeror, and vessel owner if 
not a Subsector Member, to fulfill its obligations under the Reduction 
Agreement that specific performance of those obligations may be obtained 
by suit in equity brought by the FLCC in any court of competent 
jurisdiction without obligation to arbitrate such action.
    (h) Miscellaneous--(1) Time/Holidays. All times related to the 
Selection Process shall be the time kept in the Pacific time zone as 
calculated by the

[[Page 189]]

National Institute of Standards and Technology. In the event that any 
date occurring within the Selection Process is a Federal holiday, the 
date shall roll over to the next occurring business day.
    (2) Termination. The Reduction Agreement shall automatically 
terminate if no vote of acceptance is completed by December 31, 2007. 
The Reduction Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to approval 
of the Reduction Plan by NMFS, on behalf of the Secretary, by written 
notice from 50 percent of Subsector Members.
    (3) Choice of law/venue. The Reduction Agreement shall be construed 
and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Washington 
without regard to its choice of law provisions. The parties submit to 
the exclusive personal jurisdiction of the United States District Court 
located in Seattle, Washington, with respect to any litigation arising 
out of or relating to the Reduction Agreement or out of the performance 
of services hereunder.
    (4) Incorporation. All executed counterparts of the Reduction 
Agreement, Application Forms and Offers constitute the agreement between 
the parties with respect to the subject matter of the Reduction 
Agreement and are incorporated into the Reduction Agreement as if fully 
written.
    (5) Counterparts. The Reduction Agreement may be executed in 
multiple counterparts and will be effective as to signatories on the 
Effective Date. The Reduction Agreement may be executed in duplicate 
originals, each of which shall be deemed to be an original instrument. 
All such counterparts and duplicate originals together shall constitute 
the same agreement, whether or not all parties execute each counterpart.
    (i) The facsimile signature of any party to the Reduction Agreement 
shall constitute the duly authorized, irrevocable execution and delivery 
of the Reduction Agreement as fully as if the Reduction Agreement 
contained the original ink signatures of the party or parties supplying 
a facsimile signature.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (i) Amendment. Subsector Member acknowledges that the Reduction 
Agreement, the Reduction Contract, and the Reduction Plan may be subject 
to amendment to conform to the requirements for approval of the 
Reduction Plan by NMFS on behalf of the Secretary. The Auditor shall 
distribute to each Subsector Member in electronic format the amended 
form of the Reduction Agreement, the Reduction Contract, and the 
Reduction Plan, which amended documents in the form distributed by the 
Auditor and identified by the Auditor by date and version, the version 
of each such document then in effect at the time of any dispute arising 
or action taken shall be deemed binding upon the parties with respect to 
such dispute and/or action.
    (j) Warranties. Subsector Member must expressly warrant and 
represent in the Reduction Agreement that:
    (1) Subsector Member has had an opportunity to consult with 
Subsector Member's attorney or other advisors of Subsector Member with 
respect to the Reduction Agreement, the Reduction Contract, and the Act 
and the ramifications of the ratification of the Reduction Plan 
contemplated therein;
    (2) Subsector Member has full understanding and appreciation of the 
ramifications of executing and delivering the Reduction Agreement and, 
free from coercion of any kind by the FLCC or any of its members, 
officers, agents and/or employees, executes and delivers the Reduction 
Agreement as the free and voluntary act of Subsector Member;
    (3) The execution and delivery of the Reduction Agreement, does not 
and will not conflict with any provisions of the governing documents of 
Subsector Member;
    (4) The person executing the Reduction Agreement has been duly 
authorized by Subsector Member to execute and deliver the Reduction 
Agreement and to undertake and perform the actions contemplated herein; 
and
    (5) Subsector Member has taken all actions necessary for the 
Reduction Agreement to constitute the valid and binding obligation of 
Subsector Member, enforceable in accordance with its terms.
    (k) Approval of the reduction plan. Acceptance of the Offers are at 
the sole discretion of NMFS on behalf of the

[[Page 190]]

Secretary of Commerce. To be approved by NMFS, on behalf of the 
Secretary, any Reduction Plan developed and submitted in accordance with 
this section and subpart M to this part must be found by the Assistant 
Administrator of NMFS, to:
    (1) Be consistent with the requirements of Section 219(e) of the FY 
2005 Appropriations Act (Public Law 108-447);
    (2) Be consistent with the requirements of Section 312(b) of the 
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 
1861(a)) except for the requirement that a Council or Governor of a 
State request such a program (as set out in section 312(b)(1)) and for 
the requirements of section 312(b)(4);
    (3) Contain provisions for a fee system that provides for full and 
timely repayment of the capacity reduction loan by the Longline 
Subsector and that it provide for the assessment of such fees;
    (4) Not require a bidding or auction process;
    (5) Result in the maximum sustained reduction in fishing capacity at 
the least cost and in the minimum amount of time; and
    (6) Permit vessels in the Longline Subsector to be upgraded to 
achieve efficiencies in fishing operations provided that such upgrades 
do not result in the vessel exceeding the applicable length, tonnage, or 
horsepower limitations set out in Federal law or regulation.
    (l) Referenda. The provisions of Sec. 600.1010 (including 
Sec. Sec. 600.1004(a), 600.1008, 600.1009, 600.1013, 600.1014, and 
600.1017(a)(5), (6) and (7)) shall apply to the Reduction Plan of this 
section to the extent that they do not conflict with this section or 
with subpart M of this part.

Appendix to Sec. 600.1105--Fishing Capacity Reduction Contract: Bering 
      Sea and Aleutian Islands Longline Catcher Processor Subsector

  Fishing Capacity Reduction Contract: Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands 
                  Longline Catcher Processor Subsector

    This agreement, (the ``Reduction Contract'') is entered into by and 
between the party or parties named in section 46 of this contract 
entitled, ``Fishing Capacity Reduction Offer Submission Form and 
Reduction Fishing Interests Identification,'' as the qualifying Offeror 
and as the co-Offeror (if there is a co-Offeror) (collectively the 
``Offeror'') and the United States of America, acting by and through the 
Secretary of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 
National Marine Fisheries Service, Financial Services Division 
(``NMFS''). The Reduction Contract is effective when NMFS signs the 
Reduction Contract and, thereby, accepts the Offeror's offer, subject to 
the condition subsequent of NMFS' formal notification of a successful 
referendum.

                               Witnesseth

    Whereas, Section 219, Title II, Division B of the Consolidated 
Appropriations Act, 2005, as enacted on December 8, 2004, (the ``Act'') 
authorizes a fishing capacity reduction program implementing capacity 
reduction plans submitted to NMFS by catcher processor subsectors of the 
Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (``BSAI'') non-pollock groundfish 
fishery as set forth in the Act;
    Whereas, the longline catcher processor subsector (the ``Longline 
Subsector'') is among the catcher processor subsectors eligible to 
submit to NMFS a capacity reduction plan under the terms of the Act;
    Whereas, the Freezer Longline Conservation Cooperative (the 
``FLCC'') has developed and is submitting to NMFS concurrently with this 
Reduction Contract a capacity reduction plan for the Longline Subsector 
(the ``Reduction Plan'');
    Whereas, the selection process will be pursuant to the fishing 
capacity Reduction Contract and the Reduction Plan;
    Whereas, the term ``Reduction Fishery'' is defined by the Reduction 
Plan as the longline catcher processor subsector of the BSAI non-pollock 
groundfish fishery;
    Whereas, the Reduction Plan's express objective is to permanently 
reduce harvesting capacity in the Reduction Fishery; Whereas, NMFS 
implements the Reduction Plan pursuant to Section 219 of the Act as well 
as the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 
U.S.C. 1861a(b)-(e))(as excepted by the Act, including inter alia, any 
requirement that the Reduction Plan include a bidding or auction 
process) and other applicable law;
    Whereas, NMFS has promulgated framework regulations generally 
applicable to all fishing capacity reduction programs, portions of which 
are applicable to the Reduction Plan, (50 CFR 600.1000 et seq.);
    Whereas, NMFS can implement the Reduction Plan only after giving 
notice to all members of the Longline Subsector of the Reduction Plan 
pursuant to Section 219(3)(b) of the Act and approval of the Reduction 
Plan by referendum of the Longline Subsector; and

[[Page 191]]

    Whereas, this Reduction Contract is submitted by Offeror and the 
FLCC as an integral element of the Reduction Plan and is expressly 
subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the framework 
regulations, the final rule (as used in this contract ``final rule'' 
means the final rule promulgated by NMFS which sets forth the 
regulations implementing the Reduction Plan for the Longline Subsector) 
and applicable law.
    Now therefore, for good and valuable consideration and the premises 
and covenants hereinafter set forth the receipt and sufficiency of which 
the parties to the Reduction Contract hereby acknowledge, and intending 
to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto agree as follows:
    1. Incorporation of Recitals. The foregoing recitals are true and 
correct and are expressly incorporated herein by this reference.
    2. Further Incorporation. The Act, framework regulations, final rule 
and any other rule promulgated pursuant to the Act are expressly 
incorporated herein by this reference. In the event of conflicting 
language, the framework regulations, the final rule and any other rule 
promulgated pursuant to the Act, take precedence over the Reduction 
Contract.
    3. Contract Form. By completing and submitting the Reduction 
Contract to NMFS the Offeror hereby irrevocably offers to relinquish its 
Reduction Fishing Interests. If NMFS discovers any deficiencies in the 
Offeror's submission to NMFS, NMFS may, at its sole discretion, contact 
the Offeror in an attempt to correct such offer deficiency. ``Reduction 
Fishing Interests'' means all of Offeror(s) rights, title and interest 
to the Groundfish Reduction Permit, Reduction Permit(s), Reduction 
Fishing Privilege and Reduction Fishing History as defined in this 
Reduction Contract.
    4. Groundfish Reduction Permit. Offeror expressly acknowledges that 
it hereby offers to permanently surrender, relinquish, and have NMFS 
permanently revoke the valid non-interim Federal License Limitation 
Program groundfish license issued pursuant to 50 CFR 679.4(k) (or 
successor regulation) endorsed for Bering Sea or Aleutian Islands 
catcher processor fishing activity, C/P, Pacific cod, and hook and line 
gear identified in section 46 of this contract as well as any present or 
future claims of eligibility for any fishery privilege based upon such 
permit, including any Latent License and any offered and accepted 
interim permit that Offeror causes to become a non-interim permit, (the 
``Groundfish Reduction Permit'').
    5. Reduction Permit(s). Offeror hereby acknowledges that it offers 
to permanently surrender, relinquish, and have NMFS permanently revoke 
any and all Federal fishery licenses, fishery permits, and area and 
species endorsements issued for any vessel named on the Groundfish 
Reduction Permit as well as any present or future claims of eligibility 
for any fishery privilege based upon such permit, including any Latent 
License, (the ``Reduction Permits'').
    6. Reduction Privilege Vessel. The Reduction Privilege Vessel is the 
vessel listed on the Offeror's License Limitation Program license.
    7. Reduction Fishing Privilege. If a vessel is specified in section 
46 of this contract (the ``Reduction Privilege Vessel''), Offeror hereby 
acknowledges that Offeror offers to relinquish and surrender the 
Reduction Privilege Vessel's fishing privilege and consents to the 
imposition of Federal vessel documentation restrictions that have the 
effect of permanently revoking the Reduction Privilege Vessel's legal 
ability to fish anywhere in the world as well as its legal ability to 
operate under foreign registry or control--including the Reduction 
Privilege Vessel's: fisheries trade endorsement under the Commercial 
Fishing Industry Vessel Anti-Reflagging Act (46 U.S.C. 12108); 
eligibility for the approval required under section 9(c)(2) of the 
Shipping Act, 1916 (46 U.S.C. App. 808(c)(2)), for the placement of a 
vessel under foreign flag or registry, as well as its operation under 
the authority of a foreign country; and the privilege otherwise to ever 
fish again anywhere in the world (the ``Reduction Fishing Privilege''). 
Offeror agrees to instruct the United States Coast Guard's Vessel 
Documentation Center to remove the fishery endorsement from the 
Reduction Privilege Vessel. If the Reduction Privilege Vessel is not a 
federally documented vessel, the Offeror offers to promptly scrap the 
vessel and allow NMFS whatever access to the scrapping NMFS deems 
reasonably necessary to document and confirm the scrapping.
    8. Reduction Fishing History. Offeror surrenders, relinquishes, and 
consents to NMFS' permanent revocation of the following Reduction 
Fishing History (the ``Reduction Fishing History''):
    a. The Reduction Privilege Vessel's full and complete documented 
harvest of groundfish;
    b. For any documented harvest of the Reduction Privilege Vessel 
whatsoever, including that specified in section 8 of this contract, any 
right or privilege to make any claim in any way related to any fishery 
privilege derived in whole or in part from any such other and documented 
harvest which could ever qualify any party for any future limited access 
system fishing license, permit, and other harvest authorization of any 
kind; including without limitation crab LLP licenses linked to License 
Limitation Program (``LLP'') licenses, state fishing rights appurtenant 
to Reduction Fishing Vessels, and all fishing history associated 
therewith, but without prejudice to any party who before submission of 
this offer

[[Page 192]]

may have for value independently acquired the fishing history involving 
any such documented harvest;
    c. Any documented harvest on any other vessel (Reduction Fishing 
Vessel) that gave rise to the Groundfish Reduction Permit; and
    d. All fishing history associated with the latent LLP license 
identified on the Selected Offer and any fishing history associated with 
the fishing vessel that gave rise to the latent LLP license that remains 
in the Offeror's possession as of August 11, 2006 (i.e., date of 
publication of the proposed rule in the Federal Register).
    9. Halibut, Sablefish and Crab IFQs Excluded. Notwithstanding any 
other provision of this Reduction Contract, no right, title and/or 
interest to harvest, process or otherwise utilize individual fishing 
quota (``IFQ'') quota share in the halibut, sablefish and crab fisheries 
pursuant to 50 CFR parts 679 and 680, nor crab LLP license history to 
the extent necessary for the issuance of crab IFQ pursuant to 50 CFR 
part 680 as in effect as of the date of this Contract, shall be included 
among Offeror's Reduction Fishing Interests.
    10. Representations and Warranties. Offeror represents and warrants 
that, as of the date of submission of this Reduction Contract, Offeror 
is:
    a. The holder of record, according to NMFS' official fishing license 
records, at the time of offer, of the Groundfish Reduction Permit and 
the Reduction Permit(s).
    b. The Reduction Privilege Vessel's owner of record, according to 
the National Vessel Documentation Center's official vessel documentation 
records, at the time of offer, and that the Reduction Privilege Vessel 
is neither lost nor destroyed at the time of offer.
    c. In retention of and fully and legally entitled to offer and 
dispose of hereunder, full and complete rights to the Reduction 
Privilege Vessel's full and complete Reduction Fishing History necessary 
to fully and completely comply with the requirements of section 8 of 
this contract.
    11. Offer Amount. NMFS' payment to Offeror in the exact amount of 
the amount set forth by Offeror in section 46 of this contract is full 
and complete consideration for the Offeror's offer.
    12. Additional Offer Elements. Offeror shall include with its offer 
an exact photocopy of the Reduction Privilege Vessel's official vessel 
documentation or registration (i.e., the certificate of documentation 
the U.S. Coast Guard's National Vessel Documentation Center issued for 
federally documented vessels or the registration a State issues for 
State registered vessels) and an exact photocopy of the Groundfish 
Reduction Permit and all Reduction Permit(s). The Offeror shall also 
include with the offer all other information required in this Reduction 
Contract and otherwise comply with Reduction Contract requirements.
    13. Use of Official Fishing License or Permit Databases. Offeror 
expressly acknowledges that NMFS shall use the appropriate official 
governmental fishing license or permit database to:
    Determine the Offeror's address of record; verify the Offeror's 
qualification to offer; determine the holder of record of the Groundfish 
Reduction Permit and Reduction Permit(s); and verify the Offeror's 
inclusion in the offer of all permits and licenses required to be 
offered in the Offer.
    14. Use of National Vessel Documentation Center Database. Offeror 
expressly acknowledges that NMFS shall use the records of the National 
Vessel Documentation Center to determine the owner of record for a 
federally documented Reduction Privilege Vessel and the appropriate 
State records to determine the owner of record of a non-federally 
documented Reduction Privilege Vessel.
    15. Offeror to Ensure Accurate Records. Offeror shall, to the best 
of its ability, ensure that the records of the databases relevant to 
sections 13 and 14 of this contract are true, accurate, and complete.
    16. Submissions are Irrevocable. The parties hereto expressly 
acknowledge as the essence hereof that the Offeror voluntarily submits 
to NMFS this firm and irrevocable offer. The Offeror expressly 
acknowledges that it hereby waives any privilege or right to withdraw, 
change, modify, alter, rescind, or cancel any portion of the Reduction 
Contract and that the receipt date and time which NMFS marks on the 
Reduction Contract constitutes the date and time of the offer's 
submission.
    17. Offer Rejection. NMFS shall reject an offer that NMFS deems is 
in any way unresponsive or not in conformance with the Reduction 
Contract, and the applicable law or regulations unless the Offeror 
corrects the defect and NMFS, in its sole discretion, accepts the 
correction.
    18. Notarized Offeror Signature(s) Required. NMFS shall deem as non-
responsive and reject an offer whose Offer Submission Form does not 
contain the notarized signatures of all persons required to sign the 
form on behalf of the Offeror.
    19. Offer Rejections Constitute Final Agency Action. NMFS's offer 
rejections are conclusive and constitute final agency action as of the 
rejection date.
    20. Effect of Offer Submission. Submitting an irrevocable offer 
conforming to the requirements stated herein entitles the Offeror to 
have NMFS accept the offer if NMFS, in its sole discretion, deems that 
the offer is fully responsive and complies with the Act, the final rule 
and any other rule promulgated pursuant to the Act.
    21. Offeror Retains Use. After submitting an offer, the Offeror 
shall continue to hold, own,

[[Page 193]]

or retain unimpaired every aspect of any and all LLP License(s) and or 
vessels set forth on an Offer included as Reduction Fishing Interests, 
until such time as: NMFS notifies the Offeror that the Reduction Plan is 
not in compliance with the Act or other applicable law and will not be 
approved by NMFS; notifies the Offeror that the referendum was 
unsuccessful; NMFS tenders the reduction payment and the Offeror 
complies with its obligations under the Reduction Contract; or NMFS 
otherwise excuses the Offeror's performance.
    22. Acceptance by Referendum. NMFS shall formally notify the Offeror 
in writing whether the referendum is successful, which written notice 
shall inform Offeror that the condition subsequent has been satisfied. 
Therefore, Offeror expressly acknowledges that all parties must perform 
under the Reduction Contract and the Reduction Contract is enforceable 
against, and binding on, the Reduction Contract parties in accordance 
with the terms and conditions herein.
    23. Reduction Contract Subject to Federal Law. The Reduction 
Contract is subject to Federal law.
    24. Notice to Creditors. Upon NMFS' offer acceptance notice to the 
Offeror, Offeror agrees to notify all parties with secured interests in 
the Reduction Fishing Interests that the Offeror has entered into the 
Reduction Contract.
    25. Referendum. Offeror acknowledges that the outcome of the 
referendum of the Reduction Plan is an occurrence over which NMFS has no 
control.
    26. Unsuccessful Referendum Excuses Performance. An unsuccessful 
referendum excuses all parties hereto from every obligation to perform 
under the Reduction Contract. In such event, NMFS need not tender 
reduction payment and the Offeror need not surrender and relinquish or 
allow the revocation or restriction of any element of the Reduction 
Fishing Interest specified in the Reduction Contract. An unsuccessful 
referendum shall cause the Reduction Contract to have no further force 
or effect.
    27. Offeror Responsibilities upon Successful Referendum. Upon NMFS' 
formal notification to the Offeror that the referendum was successful 
and that NMFS had accepted the Reduction Contract, Offeror shall 
immediately become ready to surrender and relinquish and allow the 
revocation or restriction of (as NMFS deems appropriate) the Reduction 
Fishing Interests.
    28. Written Payment Instructions. After a successful referendum, 
NMFS shall tender reduction payment by requesting the Offeror to provide 
to NMFS, and the Offeror shall subsequently so provide, written payment 
instructions for NMFS' disbursement of the reduction payment to the 
Offeror or to the Offeror's order.
    29. Request for Written Payment Instructions Constitutes Tender. 
NMFS' request to the Offeror for written payment instructions 
constitutes reduction payment tender, as specified in 50 CFR 600.1011.
    30. Offeror Responsibilities upon Tender. Upon NMFS' reduction 
payment tender to the Offeror, the Offeror shall immediately surrender 
and relinquish and allow the revocation or restriction of (as NMFS deems 
appropriate) the Reduction Fishing Interests. The Offeror must then 
return the original of its Groundfish Reduction Permit and Reduction 
Permit(s) to NMFS. Concurrently with NMFS' reduction payment tender, the 
Offeror shall forever cease all fishing for any species with the 
Reduction Privilege Vessel and immediately retrieve all fishing gear, 
irrespective of ownership, previously deployed from the Reduction 
Privilege Vessel. Offeror agrees to authorize the United States Coast 
Guard to cancel the fishery endorsement in the Reduction Privilege 
Vessel.
    31. Reduction Privilege Vessel Lacking Federal Documentation. Upon 
NMFS' reduction payment tender to the Offeror, the Offeror shall 
immediately scrap any vessel which the Offeror specified as a Reduction 
Privilege Vessel and which is documented solely under state law or 
otherwise lacks documentation under Federal law. The Offeror shall scrap 
such vessel at the Offeror's expense. The Offeror shall allow NMFS, its 
agents, or its appointees reasonable opportunity to observe and confirm 
such scrapping. The Offeror shall conclude such scrapping within a 
reasonable time.
    32. Future Harvest Privilege and Reduction Fishing History 
Extinguished. Upon NMFS' reduction payment tender to the Offeror, the 
Offeror shall surrender and relinquish and consent to the revocation, 
restriction, withdrawal, invalidation, or extinguishment by other means 
(as NMFS deems appropriate), of any claim in any way related to any 
fishing privilege derived, in whole or in part, from the use or 
holdership of the Groundfish Reduction Permits and the Reduction 
Permit(s), from the use or ownership of the Reduction Privilege Vessel 
(subject to and in accordance with the provisions of section 8 of this 
contract), and from any documented harvest fishing history arising under 
or associated with the same which could ever qualify the Offeror for any 
future limited access fishing license, fishing permit, and other harvest 
authorization of any kind.
    33. Post Tender Use of Federally Documented Reduction Privilege 
Vessel. After NMFS' reduction payment tender to the Offeror, the Offeror 
may continue to use a federally documented Reduction Privilege Vessel 
for any lawful purpose except ``fishing'' as defined under the Magnuson-
Stevens Act and may transfer--subject to all restrictions in the 
Reduction Contract, other applicable regulations, and the applicable 
law--the vessel to a

[[Page 194]]

new owner. The Offeror or any subsequent owner shall only operate the 
Reduction Privilege Vessel under the United States flag and shall not 
operate such vessel under the authority of a foreign country. In the 
event the Offeror fails to abide by such restrictions, the Offeror 
expressly acknowledges and hereby agrees to allow NMFS to pursue any and 
all remedies available to it, including, but not limited to, recovering 
the reduction payment and seizing the Reduction Privilege Vessel and 
scrapping it at the Offeror's expense.
    34. NMFS' Actions upon Tender. Contemporaneously with NMFS' 
reduction payment tender to the Offeror, and without regard to the 
Offeror's refusal or failure to perform any of its Reduction Contract 
duties and obligations, NMFS shall: Permanently revoke the Offeror's 
Groundfish Reduction Permit and Reduction Permit(s); notify the National 
Vessel Documentation Center to permanently revoke the Reduction 
Privilege Vessel's fishery trade endorsement; notify the U.S. Maritime 
Administration to make the Reduction Privilege Vessel permanently 
ineligible for the approval of requests to place the vessel under 
foreign registry or operate the vessel under a foreign country's 
authority; record in the appropriate NMFS records that the Reduction 
Fishing History represented by any documented harvest fishing history 
accrued on, under, or as a result of the operation of the Reduction 
Privilege Vessel and/or Reduction Fishing Vessel (subject to and in 
accordance with the provisions of section 8 of this contract), the 
Groundfish Reduction Permit, and the Reduction Permit(s) which could 
ever qualify the Offeror for any future limited access fishing license, 
fishing permit, or other harvesting privilege of any kind shall never 
again be available to anyone for any fisheries purpose; and implement 
any other restrictions the applicable law or regulations impose.
    35. Material Disputes to be Identified. Members of the public shall, 
up until NMFS receives the Offeror's written payment instructions, be 
able to advise NMFS in writing of any material dispute with regard to 
any aspect of any accepted Reduction Contract. Such a material dispute 
shall neither relieve the Offeror of any Reduction Contract duties or 
obligations nor affect NMFS' right to enforce performance of the 
Reduction Contract terms and conditions.
    36. Reduction Payment Disbursement. Once NMFS receives the Offeror's 
written payment instructions and certification of compliance with the 
Reduction Contract, NMFS shall as soon as practicable disburse the 
reduction payment to the Offeror. Reduction payment disbursement shall 
be in strict accordance with the Offeror's written payment instructions. 
Unless the Offeror's written payment instructions direct NMFS to the 
contrary, NMFS shall disburse the whole of the reduction payment to the 
Offeror. If the qualifying Offeror offers with a co-Offeror, both the 
qualifying Offeror and the co-Offeror must approve and sign the written 
payment instructions.
    37. Reduction Payment Withheld for Scrapping or for Other Reasons. 
In the event that a Reduction Privilege Vessel which is not under 
Federal documentation must be scrapped, NMFS shall withhold from 
reduction payment disbursement an amount sufficient to scrap such 
vessel. NMFS shall withhold such sum until the vessel is completely 
scrapped before disbursing any amount withheld. NMFS may confirm, if 
NMFS so chooses, that the vessel has been scrapped before disbursing any 
amount withheld. If NMFS has reason to believe the Offeror has failed to 
comply with any of the Reduction Contract terms and conditions, NMFS 
shall also withhold reduction payment disbursement until such time as 
the Offeror performs in accordance with the Reduction Contract terms and 
conditions.
    38. Offeror Assistance with Restriction. The Offeror shall, upon 
NMFS' request, furnish such additional documents, undertakings, 
assurances, or take such other actions as may be reasonably required to 
enable NMFS' revocation, restriction, invalidation, withdrawal, or 
extinguishment by other means (as NMFS deems appropriate) of all 
components of the Reduction Contract's Reduction Fishing Interest in 
accordance with the requirements of the Reduction Contract terms and 
conditions, applicable regulations and the applicable law.
    39. Recordation of Restrictions. Upon the Reduction Fishing 
Privilege's revocation, the Offeror shall do everything reasonably 
necessary to ensure that such revocation is recorded on the Reduction 
Privilege Vessel's Federal documentation (which the National Vessel 
Documentation Center maintains in accordance with Federal maritime law 
and regulations) in such manner as is acceptable to NMFS and as shall 
prevent the Reduction Privilege Vessel, regardless of its subsequent 
ownership, from ever again being eligible for a fishery trade 
endorsement or ever again fishing. The term ``fishing'' includes the 
full range of activities defined in the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery 
Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1802).
    40. Reduction Element Omission. In the event NMFS accepts the offer 
and the Offeror has failed, for any reason, to specify in the Reduction 
Contract any Groundfish Reduction Permit, non-Groundfish Reduction 
Permit(s), Reduction Privilege Vessel, Reduction Fishing Vessel, 
Reduction Fishing History, or any other element of the Reduction Fishing 
Interest which the Offeror should under Reduction Contract, applicable 
regulations and the applicable law have specified in Reduction Contract, 
such omitted element shall nevertheless be deemed to be included

[[Page 195]]

in the Reduction Contract and to be subject to the Reduction Contract's 
terms and conditions; and all Reduction Contract terms and conditions 
which should have applied to such omitted element had it not be omitted 
shall apply as if such element had not been omitted. Upon the Offeror 
discovering any such omission, the Offeror shall immediately and fully 
advise NMFS of such omission. Upon either NMFS or the Offeror 
discovering any such omission, the Offeror shall act in accordance with 
the Reduction Contract, applicable regulations and the applicable law.
    41. Remedy for Breach. Because money damages are not a sufficient 
remedy for the Offeror breaching any one or more of the Reduction 
Contract terms and conditions, the Offeror explicitly agrees to and 
hereby authorizes specific performance of the Reduction Contract, in 
addition to any money damages, as a remedy for such breach. In the event 
of such breach, NMFS shall take any reasonable action, including 
requiring and enforcing specific performance of the Reduction Contract, 
NMFS deems necessary to carry out the Reduction Contract, applicable 
regulations and the applicable law.
    42. Waiver of Data Confidentiality. The Offeror consents to the 
public release of any information provided in connection with the 
Reduction Contract or pursuant to Reduction Plan requirements, including 
any information provided in the Reduction Contract or by any other means 
associated with, or necessary for evaluation of, the Offeror's Reduction 
Contract if NMFS finds that the release of such information is necessary 
to achieve the Reduction Plan's authorized purpose. The Offeror hereby 
explicitly waives any claim of confidentiality otherwise afforded to 
catch, or harvest data and fishing histories otherwise protected from 
release under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management 
Act (16 U.S.C. 1881 a(b)) or any other law. In the event of such 
information release, the Offeror hereby forever fully and 
unconditionally releases and holds harmless the United States and its 
officers, agents, employees, representatives, of and from any and all 
claims, demands, debts, damages, duties, causes of action, actions and 
suits whatsoever, in law or equity, on account of any act, failure to 
act or event arising from, out of, or in any way related to, the release 
of any information associated with the Reduction Program.
    43. Oral Agreement Invalid. The Reduction Contract, any addendums to 
section 46 of this contract, and enclosures of photocopies of licenses 
and permits required under section 46 of this contract, contain the 
final terms and conditions of the agreement between the Offeror and NMFS 
and represent the entire and exclusive agreement between them. NMFS and 
the Offeror forever waive all right to sue, or otherwise counterclaim 
against each other, based on any claim of past, present, or future oral 
agreement between them.
    44. Severable Provisions. The Reduction Contract provisions are 
severable; and, in the event that any portion of the Reduction Contract 
is held to be void, invalid, non-binding, or otherwise unenforceable, 
the remaining portion thereof shall remain fully valid, binding, and 
enforceable against the Offeror and NMFS.
    45. Disputes. Any and all disputes involving the Reduction Contract, 
and any other Reduction Plan aspect affecting them shall in all respects 
be governed by the Federal laws of the United States; and the Offeror 
and all other parties claiming under the Offeror irrevocably submit 
themselves to the jurisdiction of the Federal courts of the United 
States and/or to any other Federal administrative body which the 
applicable law authorizes to adjudicate such disputes.
    46. Fishing Capacity Reduction Offer Submission Form and Reduction 
Fishing Interests Identification.
    a. Completion and Submission. The Offeror must fully, faithfully, 
and accurately complete this section 46 of this contract and thereafter 
submit the full and complete Reduction Contract to NMFS in accordance 
with the Reduction Contract. If completing this section requires 
inserting more information than the places provided for the insertion of 
such information allows, the Offeror should attach an addendum to the 
Reduction Contract that: Includes and identifies the additional 
information, states that the addendum is a part of the Reduction Fishing 
Interests Identification portion of the Reduction Contract, states (as a 
means of identifying the Reduction Contract to which the addendum 
relates) the NMFS license number designated on the Reduction Contract's 
Groundfish Reduction Permit, and is signed by all persons who signed the 
Reduction Contract as the Offeror.
    b. Offeror Information.
    (1) Offeror name(s). Insert in the table provided under this section 
46.b(1) of this contract the name(s) of the qualifying Offeror and of 
the co-Offeror (if there is a co-Offeror), and check the appropriate box 
for each name listed.
    Each name the Offeror inserts must be the full and exact legal name 
of record of each person, partnership, corporation or other business 
entity identified on the offer. If any Reduction Fishing Interest 
element is co-owned by more than one person, partnership, corporation or 
other business entity, the Offeror must insert each co-owner's name.
    In each case, the Offeror is the holder of record, at the time of 
Offeror's execution of this Reduction Contract, of the Groundfish 
Reduction Permit and the Reduction Permit(s). A co-Offeror is not 
allowed for either the Groundfish Reduction Permit or the Reduction 
Permit(s). If the Offeror is also the

[[Page 196]]

owner of record, at the time of offering, of the Reduction Privilege 
Vessel, the qualifying Offeror is the sole Offeror. If, however, the 
owner of record, at the time of execution of this Reduction Contract, of 
the Reduction Privilege Vessel is not exactly the same as the Offeror, 
then the owner of record is the co-Offeror; and the Offeror and the co-
Offeror jointly offer together as the Offeror.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
OFFEROR NAME(S) If Offeror or co-   Check appropriate box for each name
  Offeror consists of more than        listed in the adjacent column
 one owner, use one row of this  ---------------------------------------
 column to name each co-Offeror.
  If not, use only one row for                          Co-Offeror (if
 Offeror and one row for any co-        Offeror              any)
             Offeror
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(3)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(4)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(5)
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) Offeror address(s) of record. Insert in the table provided under 
this section 46.b(2) of this contract the Offeror's and the co-Offeror's 
(if there is a co-Offeror) full and exact address(s) of record, and 
check the appropriate box for each address listed.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
OFFEROR ADDRESS(S) If Offeror or  Check appropriate box for each address
co-Offeror consists of more than       listed in the adjacent column
 one owner, use one row of this  ---------------------------------------
 column for address of each co-
 owner. If not, use only one row
 for Offeror and one row for any
 co-Offeror. Always use the same
 row order as is Offeror Name(s)                        Co-Offeror (if
 table in section 46.b(1), i.e.,        Offeror              any)
  address (1) is for name (1),
  address (2) is for name (2),
  address (3) is for name (3),
              etc.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(3)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(4)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(5)
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (3) Offeror business telephone number(s). Insert in the table 
provided under this section 46.b(3) the Offeror's and the co-Offeror's 
(if there is a co-Offeror) full and exact business telephone number(s), 
and check the appropriate box for each number listed.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
   OFFEROR BUSINESS TELEPHONE         Check appropriate box for each
   NUMBER(S) If Offeror or co-        telephone number listed in the
  Offeror consists of more than               adjacent column
 one owner, use one row of this  ---------------------------------------
 column for the telephone number
  of each co-owner. If not, use
only one row for Offeror and one
 row for any co-Offeror. Always
  use the same row order as is
Offeror Name(s) table in section        Offeror         Co-Offeror (if
 46.b(1), i.e., telephone number                             any)
 (1) is for name (1), telephone
   number (2) is for name (2),
telephone number (3) is for name
            (3), etc.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(3)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(4)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(5)
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 197]]

    (4) Offeror electronic mail address(s) (if available). Insert in the 
table printed under this section 46.b(4) the Offeror's and the co-
Offeror's (if there is a co-Offeror) full and exact electronic mail (e-
mail) address(s), and check the appropriate box for each address.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
  OFFEROR E-MAIL ADDRESS(S) If     Check appropriate box for each e-mail
 Offeror or co-Offeror consists    address listed in the adjacent column
 of more than one owner, use one ---------------------------------------
  row of this column for the e-
 mail address of each co-owner.
  If not, use only one row for
 Offeror and one row for any co-
Offeror. Always use the same row
   order as is Offeror Name in          Offeror         Co-Offeror (if
     section 46.b(1) of this                                 any)
  contract, i.e., e-mail (1) is
 for name (1), e-mail (2) is for
name (2), e-mail (3) is for name
            (3), etc
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(3)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(4)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(5)
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    c. LLP license number for Groundfish Reduction Permit. Insert in the 
place this section 46.c provides the full and exact license number which 
NMFS designated on the LLP license which the Offeror specifies as the 
Groundfish Reduction Permit. Attach with the Reduction Contract an exact 
photocopy of such license.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
 LLP LICENSE NUMBER(S) AND FISHERY(S) OF Of LLP LICENSE(S) SPECIFIED AS
                     GROUNDFISH REDUCTION PERMIT(S)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
          License number(s)                        Fishery(s)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(3)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(4)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(5)
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    d. License number(s) for Reduction Permit(s). Insert in the place 
this section 46.d provides the fishery(s) involved in, and the full and 
exact license number(s) with NMFS designated on the license(s) which the 
Offeror specifies in the Reduction Contract as the Reduction Permit(s). 
Enclose with the Reduction Contract an exact photocopy of each such 
license.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
 LLP LICENSE NUMBER(S) AND FISHERY OF LICENSE(S) SPECIFIED AS REDUCTION
                                 PERMITS
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
          License number(s)                        Fishery(s)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(3)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(4)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(5)
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    e. Reduction Fishing History. For all Reduction Fishing History 
insert in the place provided in the table under this section 46.e the 
chronological and other information with each column heading therein 
requires. The information required does not include any actual landing 
data. Any Offeror whose Groundfish Reduction Permit whose issuance NMFS 
based on the fishing history of a lost or destroyed vessel plus a 
replacement vessel must insert information for both vessels and meet the 
requirements of the framework regulations, final rule and any other 
regulations promulgated pursuant to the Act. Any Offeror whose 
Groundfish Reduction Permit whose issuance NMFS in any part based on 
acquisition of fishing history from another party must insert 
information regarding such catch history.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        FOR EACH FISHING HISTORY IN 2ND
                                                    COLUMN
   NAMES(S) AND                      -----------------------------------
 OFFICIAL NUMBER        FOR EACH                          If Reduction
   OF REDUCTION        REDUCTION       License No. of   Privilege Vessel
 PRIVILEGE VESSEL   PRIVILEGE VESSEL   each Groundfish  acquired fishing
 AND NAME(S) AND     IN 1ST COLUMN    Reduction Permit    history from
     OFFICIAL       PROVIDE FROM TO     and Reduction    another party,
 NUMBER(S) OF ANY     DATE OF EACH        Permit(s)      provide name of
VESSEL FROM WHICH   FISHING HISTORY    associated with  party, manner in
 FISHING HISTORY   OFFEROR POSSESSES     each vessel     which acquired,
   WAS ACQUIRED                           involved          and date
                                                            acquired
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(3)
------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 198]]

 
(4)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(5)
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    f. Reduction Privilege Vessel. Insert the full and exact name and 
official number which the National Vessel Documentation Center 
designated for the Reduction Privilege Vessel which the Offeror or the 
co-Offeror (if there is a co-Offeror) specifies in the Reduction 
Contract, and check the box appropriate for the vessel's ownership of 
record.
    Enclose with the Reduction Contract an exact photocopy of such 
vessel's official certificate of documentation.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  REDUCTION PRIVILEGE VESSEL                          Check appropriate ownership box below
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Official name                   Official No.                Offeror            Co-Offeror (if any)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      ........................  .......................  .......................
                                                               -------------------------------------------------
 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    g. Offer Amount. Insert in the place this section 46.g provides the 
Offeror's full and exact offer amount, both in words and in numbers.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       OFFER AMOUNT [U.S. DOLLARS]
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 In words                            In numbers
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    h. Reduction Contract Signature. In compliance with the Reduction 
Contract, applicable regulations and the applicable law, the Offeror 
submits the Reduction Contract as the Offeror's irrevocable offer to 
NMFS for the permanent surrender and relinquishment and revocation, 
restriction, withdrawal, invalidation, or extinguishment by other means 
(as NMFS deems appropriate) of the Groundfish Reduction Permit, any 
Reduction Permit(s), the Reduction Fishing Privilege, and the Reduction 
Fishing History--all as identified in the Reduction Contract or as 
required under applicable regulations, or the applicable law.
    The Offeror expressly acknowledges that NMFS' acceptance of the 
Offeror's offer hereunder and NMFS' tender, following a successful 
referendum, of a reduction payment in the same amount specified in 
section 46.g of this contract (less any sum withheld for scrapping any 
Reduction Privilege Vessel lacking Federal documentation or for any 
other purpose) to the Offeror shall, among other things, render the 
Reduction Privilege Vessel permanently ineligible or any fishing 
worldwide, including, but not limited to, fishing on the high seas or in 
the jurisdiction of any foreign country while operating under United 
States flag, and shall impose or create other legal and contractual 
restrictions, impediments, limitations, obligations, or other provisions 
which restrict, revoke, withdraw, invalidate, or extinguish by other 
means (as NMFS deems appropriate) the complete Reduction Fishing 
Interest and any other fishery privileges or claims associated with the 
Groundfish Reduction Permit, any Reduction Permit(s), the Reduction 
Privilege Vessel, and the Reduction Fishing History--all as more fully 
set forth in the Reduction Contract, applicable regulations, and the 
applicable law.
    By completing and signing the Reduction Contract, the Offeror 
expressly acknowledges that the Offeror has fully and completely read 
the entire Reduction Contract. The Offeror expressly states, declares, 
affirms, attests, warrants, and represents to NMFS that the Offeror is 
fully able to enter into the Reduction Contract and that the Offeror 
legally holds, owns, or retains, and is fully able under the Reduction 
Contract provisions to offer and dispose of, the full Reduction Fishing 
Interest which the Reduction Contract specifies and the applicable 
regulations, and the applicable law requires that any person or entity 
completing the Reduction Contract and/or signing the Reduction Contract 
on behalf of another person or entity, expressly attests, warrants, and 
represents to NMFS that such completing and/or signing person or entity 
has the express and written permission or other grant of authority to 
bind such other person or entity to the Reduction Contract's terms and 
conditions. The Offeror expressly attests, warrants, and represents to 
NMFS that every co-

[[Page 199]]

owner of the Offeror necessary to constitute the Offeror's full and 
complete execution of the Reduction Contract has signed the Reduction 
Contract. The Offeror expressly attests, warrants, and represents to 
NMFS that the Offeror: Fully understands the consequences of submitting 
the completed Reduction Contract of which it is a party to NMFS; pledges 
to abide by the terms and conditions of the Reduction Contract; and is 
aware of, understands, and consents to, any and all remedies available 
to NMFS for the Offeror's breach of the Reduction Contract or submission 
of an offer which fails to conform with the Reduction Contract, final 
rule, applicable regulations and the applicable law. The Offeror 
expressly attests, warrants, and represents to NMFS that all information 
which the Offeror inserted in the Reduction Contract is true, accurate, 
complete, and fully in accordance with the Reduction Contract, final 
rule, other applicable regulations and the applicable law.
    In witness whereof, the Offeror has, in the place provided below, 
executed the Reduction Contract either as an Offeror offering alone or 
as an Offeror and co-Offeror (if there is a co-Offeror) jointly offering 
together, in accordance with the requirements specified above, and on 
the date written below. The Reduction Contract is effective as of the 
date NMFS accepts the Offeror's offer by signing the Reduction Contract.
    The Offeror and co-Offeror (if there is a co-Offeror) must each sign 
the Reduction Contract exactly as instructed herein. Each co-owner (if 
there is a co-owner) of each Offeror and co-Offeror (if there is a co-
Offeror) must also sign the Reduction Contract exactly as instructed 
herein. A notary public must, for each person or entity signing on 
behalf of the Offeror, complete and sign the acknowledgment and 
certification provision associated with each such person or entity's 
signature.
    I. Offeror and co-Offeror's (if there is a co-Offeror) signature(s) 
and notary's acknowledgment(s) and certification(s).

------------------------------------------------------------------------
  OFFEROR'S SIGNATURE AND NOTARY'S ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND CERTIFICATION If
  Offeror or co-Offeror consists of more than one owner, use one row of
  column 1 for each co-owner's signature. If not, use only one row for
Offeror and one row for co-Offeror (if any). Always use same Offeror row
   order as in Offeror Name in the table under section 46.b(1) of this
contract (i.e., signature (1) is for name (1), signature (2) is for name
                (2) signature (3) is for name (3), etc.)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
OFFEROR SIGNATURE   Check appropriate column for each   NOTARY SIGNATURE
  (1) Sign. (2)          signature in 1st column         (1) Sign. (2)
    Print: the    ------------------------------------     Print: the
  following: (a)                                         following: (a)
  signer's name,                                       name, (b) signing
   (b) signer's                                          date, (3) date
title (if signing                                          commission
 for corporation                                        expires, and (4)
or other business                                      State and county.
 entity), and (c)                                         Each notary
   signing date                                        signature attests
------------------                                     to the following:
                                                        ``I certify that
                                                         I know or have
                                                          satisfactory
                                                       evidence that the
                                                       person who signed
                                                       in the 1st column
                      Qualifying      Co-Offeror (if    of this same row
                        Offeror            any)        is the person who
                                                        appeared before
                                                          me and: (1)
                                                       acknowledged his/
                                                         her signature;
                                                          (2) on oath,
                                                        stated that he/
                                                            she was
                                                         authorized to
                                                         sign; and (3)
                                                       acknowledged that
                                                         he/she did so
                                                           freely and
                                                         voluntarily.''
                                                      ------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(3)
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    II. United States of America's signature. United States of America, 
Acting by and through the Secretary of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, Financial 
Services Division.

Dated:__________________________________________________________________
By:_____________________________________________________________________

Leo C. Erwin, Chief,

Financial Services Division, National Marine Fisheries Service.

[71 FR 57701, Sept. 29, 2006]



Sec. 600.1106  Longline catcher processor subsector Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI) non-pollock groundfish species fee payment and collection system.

    (a) Purpose. As authorized by Public Law 108 447, this section's 
purpose is to:
    (1) In accordance with Sec. 600.1012, establish:
    (i) The borrower's obligation to repay a reduction loan, and

[[Page 200]]

    (ii) The loan's principal amount, interest rate, and repayment term; 
and
    (2) In accordance with Sec. Sec. 600.1013 through 600.1016, 
implement an industry fee system for the reduction fishery.
    (b) Definitions. Unless otherwise defined in this section, the terms 
defined in Sec. 600.1000 and Sec. 600.1105 expressly apply to this 
section. In addition, the following definition applies to this section:
    Reduction fishery means the longline catcher processor subsector of 
the BSAI non-pollock groundfish fishery that Sec. 679.2 of this chapter 
defined as groundfish area/species endorsements.
    (c) Reduction loan amount. The reduction loan's original principal 
amount is $35,000,000.
    (d) Interest accrual from inception. Interest began accruing on the 
reduction loan from May 29, 2007, the date on which NMFS disbursed such 
loan.
    (e) Interest rate. The reduction loan's interest rate shall be the 
applicable rate which the U.S. Treasury determines at the end of fiscal 
year 2007 plus 2 percent.
    (f) Repayment term. For the purpose of determining fee rates, the 
reduction loan's repayment term is 30 years from May 29, 2007, but fees 
shall continue indefinitely for as long as necessary to fully repay the 
loan.
    (g) Reduction loan repayment. (1) The borrower shall, in accordance 
with Sec. 600.1012, repay the reduction loan;
    (2) For the purpose of the fee collection, deposit, disbursement, 
and accounting requirements of this subpart, subsector members are 
deemed to be both the fish buyer and fish seller. In this case, all 
requirements and penalties of Sec. 600.1013 that are applicable to both 
a fish seller and a fish buyer shall equally apply to parties performing 
both functions;
    (3) Subsector members in the reduction fishery shall pay and collect 
the fee amount in accordance with Sec. 600.1105;
    (4) Subsector members in the reduction fishery shall, in accordance 
with Sec. 600.1014, deposit and disburse, as well as keep records for 
and submit reports about, the fees applicable to such fishery; except 
the requirements specified under paragraph (c) of this section 
concerning the deposit principal disbursement shall be made to NMFS no 
later than fifteen (15) calendar days following the end of each calendar 
month; and the requirements specified under paragraph (e) of this 
section concerning annual reports which shall be submitted to NMFS by 
February 1 of each calendar year; and
    (5) The reduction loan is, in all other respects, subject to the 
provisions of Sec. Sec. 600.1012 through 600.1017.

[72 FR 54222, Sept. 24, 2007]



Sec. 600.1107  Southeast Alaska Purse Seine Salmon Fishery capacity reduction program, including fee payment and collection system.

    (a) Purpose. This section implements the fishing capacity reduction 
program for the Southeast Alaska purse seine salmon fishery enacted by 
Section 209 of Public Law 108-447 and amended by Section 121 of Public 
Law 109-479, with appropriations authorized by Section 121 of Public Law 
109-479 and Public Law 110-161. The intent of the program is to 
permanently reduce, through an industry-financed permit buyback, the 
most harvesting capacity in the Reduction Fishery at the least cost, 
increase harvesting productivity for post-reduction Permit Holders and 
improve flexibility in the conservation and management of the fishery. 
Fishery participants will finance this program through a federal loan 
that will be repaid over 40 years through a fee collection system. The 
intent of the fee collection system is to establish the post-reduction 
Permit Holders' obligation to repay the Reduction Loan's principal and 
accrued interest over the repayment term, and to ensure repayment of the 
loan.
    (b) Definitions. Unless otherwise defined in this section, the terms 
defined in Sec. 600.1000 of subpart L of this part expressly apply to 
this section. The following terms have the following meanings for the 
purpose of this section:
    Acceptance means SRA acceptance of a bid.
    Act means Section 209 of Title II of Division B of Public Law 108-
447, Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2005, as amended by Section 121 
of Public Law 109-447, Magnuson-Stevens Reauthorization Act of 2006.

[[Page 201]]

    Authorized party means the individuals authorized by the Permit 
Holder on the application form to execute and submit Bids, protests and 
other documents and/or notices on behalf of the Permit Holder.
    Bid means a bidder's irrevocable offer to relinquish a permit.
    Bid amount means the dollar amount submitted by a bidder.
    Bidder means a permit holder who submits a bid.
    Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission (CFEC) means the Alaska state 
commission mandated to conserve and maintain the economic health of 
Alaska's commercial fisheries by limiting the number of participating 
fishers, by issuing permits and vessel licenses to qualified individuals 
in both limited and unlimited fisheries, and by providing due process 
hearings and appeals.
    CFEC documents means any documents issued by the CFEC in connection 
with the Southeast Alaska purse seine salmon fishery.
    Conditional notice means the CFEC form that any Bidder must sign and 
agree to abide by upon submission of a Bid Agreement (Appendix B to 
Sec. 600.1107).
    Conditional relinquishment means the CFEC form that any Permit 
Holder, agreeing to relinquish a permit, must sign and agree to abide by 
upon SRA acceptance of the bid (Appendix C to Sec. 600.1107).
    Fishery means the Southeast Alaska administrative area as defined 
under Title 5 Alaska Administrative Code Section 33.100 for salmon with 
purse seine gear.
    Magnuson-Stevens Act means the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation 
and Management Act codified at 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Permit (Southeast Salmon Purse Seine Entry Permit) means a valid 
entry permit issued by CFEC to operate in the Southeast Alaska purse 
seine salmon fishery.
    Permit holder means an individual who at the time of bidding is the 
holder of record of a permit.
    Reduction fishery means the Southeast Alaska Purse Seine Salmon 
Fishery.
    Reduction loan means the loan used to purchase the relinquished 
permits pursuant to the approved Reduction Plan.
    Reduction loan amount means the Reduction Loan's original principal 
amount up to $23,476,500.
    Reduction plan means the aggregate of all Bids, Relinquishment 
Contracts, Conditional Notices, Conditional Relinquishments, and 
supporting documents and rationale, submitted to the Secretary for 
approval.
    Relinquishment contract means the contract that any Permit Holder 
agreeing to relinquish a permit pursuant to Alaska Statute (A.S. 
16.43.150(i)) must sign and agree to abide by upon acceptance of the 
Bid, and before payment of the bid amount (Appendix A to Sec. 
600.1107).
    Secretary means the Secretary of Commerce or his/her designee.
    Southeast Revitalization Association (SRA) means the qualified 
fishery association authorized to develop and implement this capacity 
reduction program under Alaska Statute 16.40.250 and Federal law.
    (c) Enrollment in the capacity reduction program--(1) Distribution. 
The SRA shall mail a copy of the following four documents via certified 
mail to each Permit Holder: Bid; Fleet Consolidation Relinquishment 
Contract (Relinquishment Contract); Conditional Notice to CFEC and 
Request by Permit Holder; and (Conditional Relinquishment of Southeast 
Salmon Purse Seine Entry Permit. Such mailing shall include a closing 
date after which the SRA will not accept new bids.
    (2) Application. Any Permit Holder, regardless of whether having 
received the mailing described in paragraph (c)(1) of this section, may 
participate in the Capacity Reduction Program by submitting all of the 
following documents to the SRA no later than the bid closing date:
    (i) A fully executed Bid consistent with Appendix A to this section;
    (ii) A photocopy of the permit evidencing the applicant's 
qualification as a participant in the fishery;
    (iii) A fully executed Relinquishment Contract: Southeast Alaska 
Salmon Purse Seine Permit Holders consistent with the appendix B to this 
section;

[[Page 202]]

    (iv) A fully executed Conditional Notice to CFEC and Request by 
Permit Holder consistent with the appendix C to this section; and
    (v) A fully executed Conditional Relinquishment of Southeast Salmon 
Purse Seine Entry Permit consistent with the appendix D to this section.
    (A) The submitted Bid shall include the following information: Name, 
address, telephone number, social security number, and (if available) 
electronic mail address of the submitting Permit Holder, permit number, 
and whether any authorized party holds a security interest in the 
permit. Each application must be submitted to the SRA, c/o Elgee, 
Rehfeld, Mertz, LLC, Professional Plaza Building B, 9309 Glacier 
Highway, Suite B-200, Juneau, Alaska 99801. The initial determination 
that an application conforms to the prescribed requirements is made by 
this independent accounting firm and not the SRA.
    (B) The SRA or the independent accounting firm will notify the 
Permit Holder if the Bid is non-conforming and, in such cases, the 
Permit Holder may submit a revised, conforming Bid within the prescribed 
period (i.e., until the bid closing date).
    (3) Enrollment period. Applications that meet all requirements will 
be accepted until the bid selection process is completed but no later 
than the bid closing date specified by the SRA. The SRA will have a 
period of 21 days after the bid closing date to consult with CFEC and 
examine bid results to complete the selection process.
    (4) Effective date. The effective date of any Bid shall be when the 
SRA has completed the selection process and signed the Bid.
    (5) Notice. The SRA will notify each Accepted Bidder, via certified 
mail, of the effective date of the Bid Agreement.
    (6) Conflicts. Where terms and conditions in the Bid, Relinquishment 
Contract, Conditional Notice, and Conditional Relinquishment conflict 
with this regulation, the terms and conditions in the regulation are 
controlling.
    (d) Bid selection process. The fishing capacity removed by the 
Reduction Plan shall be represented by the total number of valid CFEC 
permits, whether active or latent, that are voluntarily offered by 
Permit Holders and selected by the SRA up to an aggregate amount of 
$23,476,500. Due to a rescission of funds, the underlying appropriations 
for this Reduction Program were reduced from $250,000 to $234,765, 
resulting in a loan ceiling of $23,476,500.
    (1) Overview. The Selection Process shall begin upon the receipt by 
the SRA of the first application and shall continue until: The bid 
closing date specified by the SRA (paragraph (c)(1) of this section); or 
the ranking of the next lowest bid would cause the total program costs 
to exceed $23,476,500. The SRA will have a period of 21 days after the 
bid closing date to consult with CFEC and examine bid results to 
complete the selection process. When either one of these events is 
reached, the Selection Process shall be completed.
    (i) During the selection process, the SRA in consultation with the 
CFEC shall examine each submitted Bid for consistency and the necessary 
elements, including the validity of the permit and whether any 
authorized party holds a security interest in the permit.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (2) Bids. By submitting the Bid, the bidder expressly acknowledges 
that he makes an irrevocable offer to relinquish to CFEC a permit for a 
specific price, and once having submitted the Bid, the bidder is not 
entitled to withdraw or in any way amend the Bid. The permit will be 
relinquished for the price set forth in the Bid contingent on such Bid 
being accepted by the SRA at the closing of the Selection Process. Any 
attempted withdrawal by a bidder shall be invalid, and the Bid shall 
remain a binding, irrevocable offer, unaffected by the attempted 
withdrawal. Any bid that is submitted by a Permit Holder but is not 
accepted by the SRA shall be deemed terminated and both the Permit 
Holder and the SRA will have no further obligation with respect to the 
Bid.
    (i) If a Permit Holder holds more than one permit, the Permit Holder 
must submit a separate Bid for each permit that he/she offers to 
relinquish.
    (ii) By submitting a Bid, the Permit Holder warrants and represents 
that he/she has read and understands the

[[Page 203]]

terms of the Program Regulations, Bid, Relinquishment Contract, 
Conditional Notice and Conditional Relinquishment, and has had the 
opportunity to seek independent legal counsel regarding such documents 
and the consequences of submitting the Bid Agreement.
    (3) Ranking. The SRA shall rank all conforming bids by using a 
reverse auction in which the SRA ranks the Bid with the lowest dollar 
amount and successively ranks each additional Bid with the next lowest 
dollar amount until there are no more Bids or the ranking of the next 
lowest bid would cause the total program cost to exceed $23,476,500. In 
the event of a tie with bids which results in the tied bids exceeding 
$23,476,500, the SRA will select the tied bid first received, if known. 
If the receipt time cannot be determined, neither bid will be accepted.
    (4) Acceptance and post-acceptance restriction of renewals and 
transfers. Upon expiration of the bid closing date, the SRA shall 
determine whether the number of ranked bids it is willing to accept is 
sufficient to achieve a substantial reduction in harvest capacity and 
increased economic efficiencies for those Permit Holders remaining in 
the fishery. If the SRA makes such a determination and thereafter 
accepts bids, the SRA shall send CFEC the Conditional Notice form 
restricting renewal and transfer of each permit for which a bid was 
accepted. The Bid, Relinquishment Contract, Conditional Notice and 
Conditional Relinquishment are terminated for any rejected bid and the 
applicant is no longer bound by the terms of these documents.
    (e) Plan submission and approval--(1) Submitting the reduction plan. 
Within 30 days of concluding the selection process, the SRA shall submit 
the Reduction Plan, consisting of the aggregate of all Bid Agreements, 
Relinquishment Contracts, Conditional Notices and Conditional 
Relinquishments, together with supporting documents and rationale, to 
NMFS for final approval on behalf of the Secretary. The Reduction Plan 
shall include a listing of accepted bids arranged by bid amount from 
lowest to highest bid, attended by a statement from the SRA that all 
other bids received were higher than the largest dollar amount of the 
last bid accepted.
    (2) Required findings. In order to approve a Reduction Plan, the 
Assistant Administrator of NMFS, on behalf of the Secretary, must find 
that: The Reduction Plan is consistent with the amended Consolidated 
Appropriations Act of 2005 and applicable sections of the Magnuson-
Stevens Act, particularly that it is cost-effective; the Reduction Plan 
will result in the maximum sustained reduction in fishing capacity at 
the least cost; and the Reduction Plan will increase harvesting 
productivity for post-reduction Permit Holders participating in the 
fishery.
    (3) The referendum. If NMFS approves the Reduction Plan and 
subsequent to the publication of a final rule resulting from this rule, 
NMFS shall conduct a referendum to determine the industry's willingness 
to repay a fishing capacity reduction loan to purchase the permits 
identified in the Reduction Plan. NMFS shall publish a notice in the 
Federal Register requesting votes by Permit Holders on whether to accept 
or reject the Reduction Plan for implementation. The notice shall state 
the starting and ending dates and times of the voting period, which 
shall be not less than twenty one (21) nor more than thirty (30) 
calendar days from the date of such notice.
    (i) Such notice shall state the name and address of record of each 
eligible voter, as well as the basis for having determined the 
eligibility of those voters. This shall constitute notice and 
opportunity to respond about adding eligible voters, deleting ineligible 
voters, and/or correcting any voter's name and address of record, and 
will provide a 15 day period to make these changes. If, in NMFS' 
discretion, the comments received in response to such notice warrants 
it, or for other good cause, NMFS may modify such list by publishing 
another notice in the Federal Register. NMFS shall issue ballots to 
eligible voters, tally votes, and notify voters whether the referendum 
was successful or unsuccessful in approving the Reduction Plan 
consistent with the provisions of Sec. 600.1010.
    (ii) A successful referendum by a majority of the Permit Holders in 
the Reduction Fishery shall bind all parties

[[Page 204]]

and complete the reduction process. NMFS shall publish a notice in the 
Federal Register advising the public that the referendum was successful. 
Thereafter the Reduction Program shall be implemented.
    (iii) The provisions of Sec. 600.1010 and Sec. 600.1017(a)(1)-(4) 
shall apply to any referendum on the Reduction Plan of this section to 
the extent that they do not conflict with this section or with subpart M 
of this part.
    (f) Implementation--(1) Reduction payments. Within 60 days of a 
successful referendum, the CFEC will provide notice to NMFS of the 
permits retired from the Reduction Fishery. Upon receiving such 
notification, NMFS will then tender the accepted bid amounts to the 
Permit Holders. Reduction payments may not exceed $23,476,500 and if the 
SRA accepts a total number of bids in an aggregate amount less than 
$23,476,500, any remaining funds would be available for reduction 
payments as part of a later, separate Reduction Plan conforming to these 
regulations. Upon NMFS tendering the reduction program's payments to the 
selected Permit Holders, each such Permit Holder must permanently stop 
all fishing with the relinquished permit(s).
    (2) Repayment term. As authorized by the Act, the Reduction Loan 
shall be amortized over a forty (40) year term. The Reduction Loan's 
original principal amount may not exceed $23,476,500, but may be less if 
the ultimate reduction cost is less. The final Reduction Loan periodic 
payment amount will be determined by NMFS' analysis of the ability of 
the post-reduction fishery to service debt. The provisions of Sec. Sec. 
600.1012-600.1017 shall apply to any reduction loan, fee payment and 
collection under this section to the extent they do not conflict with 
this section or with subpart M of this part.
    (3) Loan repayment. Permit Holders operating in the fishery shall be 
obligated to pay the fee in accordance with this section. In the event 
that payments made under the Reduction Plan are insufficient to pay the 
Reduction Loan within the 40-year term, NMFS shall extend the term of 
the repayment until the Reduction Loan is paid in full.
    (i) Interest. The Reduction Loan's interest rate will be the U.S. 
Treasury's cost of borrowing equivalent maturity funds plus two percent. 
NMFS will determine the Reduction Loan's initial interest rate when NMFS 
borrows from the U.S. Treasury the funds with which to disburse 
reduction payments. Interest will begin accruing on the Reduction Loan 
from the date on which NMFS disburses such loan. The initial interest 
rate will change to a final interest rate at the end of the Federal 
fiscal year in which NMFS borrows the funds from the U.S. Treasury. The 
final interest rate will be two percent plus a weighted average, 
throughout that fiscal year, of the U.S. Treasury's cost of borrowing 
equivalent maturity funds. The final interest rate will be fixed and 
will not vary over the remainder of the reduction loan's 40-year term. 
The Reduction Loan will be subject to a level debt amortization. There 
is no prepayment penalty.
    (ii) Fees. Post-reduction Permit Holders operating in the fishery 
shall be obligated to pay the fee in accordance with paragraph (f) of 
this section. The amount of such fee will be calculated by NMFS on an 
annual basis as the principal and interest payment amount necessary to 
amortize the loan over a 40-year term. The fee shall be expressed as a 
percentage of the ex-vessel value of all salmon harvested and landed in 
the fishery. In the event that payments made under the Reduction Plan 
are insufficient to repay the Reduction Loan within the 40-year term, 
NMFS shall extend the term of the repayment until the Reduction Loan is 
paid in full.
    (A) Fees must be assessed and collected on all salmon harvested in 
the fishery. Although the fee could be up to three percent of the ex-
vessel price of all post-reduction landings, the fee will be less than 
three percent if NMFS projects that a lesser rate can amortize the 
Reduction Loan over the 40-year term. To verify that the fees collected 
do not exceed three percent of the fishery revenues, NMFS will compare 
the annual total of principal and interest due with the latest available 
annual revenues in the fishery to ensure that it is equal to or less 
than three percent

[[Page 205]]

of the total ex-vessel production revenues. In the event that any of the 
components necessary to calculate the next year's fee are not available, 
or postponed, the fee will remain at the previous year's amount until 
such time as new calculations are made and communicated to the post-
reduction fishery participants.
    (B) If the fishery does not open during a year, interest will 
continue to accrue on the principal balance even though no fee revenue 
will be generated. When this happens, if the fee is not already at the 
maximum three percent, NMFS shall increase the fee to the maximum three 
percent, apply all subsequent fee revenue first to the payment of 
accrued interest, and continue the maximum fee rates until the principal 
and interest payments become current. Once all principal and interest 
payments are current, NMFS will make a determination about adjusting the 
fee rate.
    (iii) Collection. The buyer who first purchases the salmon landed in 
the fishery shall be responsible for collecting and submitting the 
repayment fees to NMFS monthly. The fees shall be submitted to NMFS no 
later than fifteen (15) calendar days following the end of each calendar 
month.
    (iv) Recordkeeping and reporting. The dealer who first purchases the 
salmon landed in the fishery shall be responsible for compliance with 
the applicable recordkeeping and reporting requirements.
    (A) All requirements and penalties set forth in the provisions of 
Sec. Sec. 600.1013 (Fee payment and collection), 600.1014 (Fee 
collection deposits, disbursements, records, and reports), 600.1015 
(Late charges), and 600.1017 (Prohibitions and penalties) shall apply to 
any dealer who purchases salmon in the fishery, and to any fee 
collection under this section, to the extent they do not conflict with 
this section or with subpart M of this part.
    (B) [Reserved]
    (g) Specific performance under the relinquishment contract. The 
parties to the Relinquishment Contract have agreed that the opportunity 
to develop and submit a capacity reduction program for the fishery under 
the terms of the Act is both unique and finite. The failure of a Permit 
Holder, whose bid was accepted, to perform the obligations under the 
Relinquishment Contract will result in irreparable damage to the SRA and 
all the other Permit Holders. Accordingly, the parties to the 
Relinquishment Contract expressly acknowledge that money damages are an 
inadequate means of redress and agree, that upon failure of the Permit 
Holder to fulfill his/her obligations under the Relinquishment Contract, 
that specific performance of those obligations may be obtained by suit 
in equity brought by the SRA in any court of competent jurisdiction 
without obligation to arbitrate such action.
    (h) Enforcement for failure to pay fees. The provisions and 
requirements of Sec. 600.1016 (Enforcement) shall also apply to fish 
sellers and fish buyers subject to this fishery.
    (i) Prohibitions and penalties. Fish buyers are prohibited from 
purchasing fish from fish sellers who do not pay the required landing 
fees. Fish sellers are prohibited from selling to fish buyers who do not 
pay the required landing fees.

                    Appendix A to Sec. 600.1107--Bid

    This Bid (Bid) is entered between the individual named in section 
III, 11(a) of the Agreement and the Southeast Revitalization Association 
(SRA).

                             I. Definitions

    Unless otherwise defined, the following terms have the following 
meanings for the purpose of this Agreement.
    Acceptance means SRA acceptance of a Bid.
    Act means Section 209 of Title II of Division B of Public Law 108-
447, Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2005; as amended by Section 121 
of Public Law 109-447, Magnuson-Stevens (MSA) Reauthorization Act of 
2006.
    Bid means a bidder's irrevocable offer to relinquish a permit.
    Bid amount means the dollar amount submitted by a bidder.
    Bidder means a permit holder who submits a bid.
    Conditional notice means the Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission 
(CFEC) form that any Bidder must sign and agree to abide by upon 
submission of a Bid Agreement.
    Conditional relinquishment means the CFEC form that any Permit 
Holder, agreeing to relinquish a permit, must sign and agree to abide by 
upon SRA acceptance of the bid.
    Fishery means the Southeast Alaska administrative area as defined 
under Title 5

[[Page 206]]

Alaska Administrative Code Section 33.100 for salmon with purse seine 
gear.
    Permit means a valid entry permit issued by CFEC to operate in the 
Southeast Alaska purse seine salmon fishery.
    Permit holder means an individual who at the time of bidding is the 
holder of record of a permit.
    Reduction plan means the aggregate of all Bids, Relinquishment 
Contracts (Appendix B), Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission (``CFEC'') 
Conditional Notice and Conditional Relinquishment (Appendices C & D), 
and supporting documents and rationale; submitted to the Secretary for 
approval.
    Referendum means the voting procedure to determine the Permit 
Holder's willingness to repay a fishing capacity reduction loan to 
purchase the permits identified in the Plan.
    Relinquishment contract means the contract that any bidder agreeing 
to relinquish a permit pursuant to Alaska Statute (A.S. 16.43.150(i) 
must sign and agree to abide by upon acceptance of the Bid, and before 
payment of the bid amount.
    Secretary means the Secretary of Commerce or his/her designee.
    Southeast Revitalization Association (SRA) means the qualified 
fishery association authorized to develop and implement this capacity 
reduction program under Alaska Statute 16.40.250 and Federal law.

                              II. Recitals

    Whereas Alaska Statute 16.40.250 and the Act authorize a fishing 
capacity reduction program for the fishery;
    Whereas, within 30 days of concluding the selection process, the SRA 
shall submit the Reduction Plan, together with supporting documents and 
rationale, to NMFS for final approval on behalf of the Secretary;
    Whereas, the reduction Plan's express objective is to reduce fishing 
capacity by permanently revoking permits thereby promoting economic 
efficiency, improving flexibility in the conservation and management of 
the fishery and obtain the maximum reduction in permits at the least 
cost;
    Whereas, the SRA can implement the Reduction Plan only after giving 
notice to all Permit Holders and subsequent approval of the reduction 
Plan by referendum.
    Whereas, the Agreement submitted by the bidder and the SRA is an 
integral element of the Reduction Plan.
    Now, therefore, for good and valuable consideration, the sufficiency 
of which is hereby acknowledged, the SRA and bidder agree as follows:

                        III. Terms and Conditions

    1. Form. By completing and submitting this Bid to the SRA the bidder 
hereby offers to permanently relinquish, and have the CFEC revoke, the 
permit. The SRA signing the Bid and subsequent NMFS payment to bidder in 
the exact bid amount set forth in section III, 11(f) of the Bid is full 
and complete consideration.
    2. Irrevocable. The bidder expressly acknowledges that by submitting 
the Bid he/she makes an irrevocable offer to relinquish the permit and 
once having submitted the Bid is not entitled to withdraw or in any 
manner amend the Bid. The receipt date that the SRA marks on the Bid 
constitutes the date of the bidder's submittal.
    3. Warranty. The bidder warrants and represents that he/she is the 
holder of record of the permit, according to the CFEC records, and that 
he/she has read and understands the terms of the Program Regulations, 
Bid, Relinquishment Contract, Conditional Notice and the Conditional 
Relinquishment and has had the opportunity to seek independent legal 
counsel regarding such documents and the consequences of submitting the 
Bid.
    4. Validity. The SRA, in consultation with the CFEC, shall examine 
each Bid for completeness and consistency. The SRA shall notify the 
bidder if the Bid is non-conforming. In such cases, the bidder may 
submit a revised, conforming Bid within the prescribed period (i.e., 
until the bid closing date).
    5. Ranking. The SRA shall rank the bid amount entered in section 
III, 11(f) of this Bid by using a reverse auction in which the SRA ranks 
the Bid with the lowest dollar amount and successively ranks each 
additional Bid with the next lowest dollar amount until there are no 
more Bids or the ranking of the next lowest Bid would exceed the total 
program cost. In the event of a tie with bids which results in the tied 
bids exceeding $23,476,500, the SRA will select the tied bid first 
received.
    6. Acceptance and Rejection. If the Bid is accepted, the SRA shall 
formally notify the bidder in writing. If the SRA rejects the Bid, the 
SRA will formally notify the bidder in writing and the Bid shall 
terminate without further obligation.
    7. Restriction of Transfer of permit: Upon acceptance, the SRA will 
send the CFEC the Conditional Notice, restricting transfer of the permit 
until such time as: The SRA notifies the bidder that the Plan is not in 
compliance with the Act and will not be approved; or NMFS notifies the 
bidder the referendum was unsuccessful.
    8. Payment. Within 60 days from the close of the voting period of a 
successful referendum, the CFEC will provide notice to NMFS of the 
permits retired from the Reduction Fishery. Upon receiving such notice, 
NMFS will then tender the accepted bid amounts to the Permit Holders.
    9. Specific Performance. The failure of a bidder whose Bid was 
accepted to comply with the terms of this Bid will result in irreparable 
damage to the SRA and its members because the Bid was part of the basis 
for the

[[Page 207]]

Plan submitted to the Secretary for approval. Accordingly, the SRA and 
bidder expressly acknowledge that money damages are an inadequate means 
of redress and agree that specific performance of those obligations may 
be obtained by suit in equity brought by the SRA in any court of 
competent jurisdiction without obligation to arbitrate such action.
    10. Submission. This Bid must be submitted within the prescribed 
period to the SRA, c/o Elgee, Rehfeld, Mertz, LLC, Professional Plaza 
Building B, 9309 Glacier Highway, Suite B-200, Juneau, AK 99801.
    11. Complete Bid Information: To fully and accurately complete this 
Bid, the bidder must fully complete the following questions and provide 
an exact photocopy of the permit. The Bidder must further sign this 
form, Appendices B, C, and D to Sec. 600.1107, and acknowledge the 
signature before a notary public.
    (a) BIDDER'S NAME. This must be the full and exact legal name of 
record of the person bidding. Insert the name of the bidder.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (b) BIDDER'S ADDRESS OF RECORD. Insert the full and exact address of 
record for the bidder.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (c) BIDDER'S TELEPHONE NUMBER. Insert the full and exact telephone 
number of the bidder.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (d) BIDDER'S ELECTRONIC MAIL ADDRESS (if available). Insert the full 
and exact e-mail address of the bidder.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (e) PERMIT. Insert the full and exact permit number(s) of the 
bidder. Enclose with this Bid an exact photocopy of the permit.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (f) BID AMOUNT. Insert, in U.S. dollars, the bid's full and exact 
amount, both in words and numbers.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  In words                            In numbers
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             $
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (g) SECURITY INTERESTS. Insert the name of any authorized third 
party that may hold a security interest in the permit.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (h) SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER. Insert the full and exact social 
security number of the bidder.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (i) BID SIGNATURE. In compliance with applicable law and this Bid, 
the bidder submits the above bid amount as an offer to the SRA for the 
permanent relinquishment of his/her permit. By completing the sections 
above and signing below, the bidder acknowledges that the bidder has 
completely reviewed this Bid and attachments. The bidder warrants that 
the bidder is fully able to enter into the Relinquishment Contract. The 
bidder expressly warrants and attests that all information included 
herein is accurate.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Signature
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Printed Name
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date of Signature
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    State of: ________________ County/Borough of: ________________
    I certify that ________________________ is the person who appeared 
before me and said person acknowledged that he/she signed this Bid and 
on oath stated that he/she was authorized to execute such document and 
acknowledged it to be the free and voluntary act of him/her for the uses 
and purposes mentioned in such document.
    Notary Public's Signature: ________________________Dated: 
____________
    My Commission Expires: ________________________

[[Page 208]]

    12. SRA SIGNATURE. By signing below, the SRA acknowledges acceptance 
of this Bid, including the bidder's bid amount.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Signature
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Printed Name
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date of Signature
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Appendix B to Sec. 600.1107--Relinquishment Contract: Southeast Alaska 
                    Salmon Purse Seine Permit Holders

    This Relinquishment Contract (``Contract'') and agreement is entered 
into between the Southeast Revitalization Association (``SRA'') and the 
bidder named in Section 11(a) of the Bid. The contract is effective when 
the bidder signs the Bid and this contract and, thereby, agrees to 
relinquish his/her permit, issued by the Alaska Commercial Fisheries 
Entry Commission (``CFEC'') for the Southeast Alaska salmon purse seine 
fishery (``fishery'').
    Whereas Alaska Statute 16.40.250 and Federal law authorize a fishing 
capacity reduction program for the fishery;
    Whereas, upon accepting and signing the Bid, the SRA shall submit a 
Reduction Plan to NMFS;
    Whereas, the Reduction Plan's express objective is to reduce fishing 
capacity by permanently revoking permits thereby promoting economic 
efficiency, improving flexibility in the conservation and management of 
the fishery and obtain the maximum reduction in permits at the least 
cost;
    Whereas, this contract is subject to the terms and conditions set 
forth herein, including the CFEC forms marked as Appendices C and D to 
Sec. 600.1107;
    Now, therefore, for valuable consideration and the covenants 
hereinafter set forth, the parties hereto agree as follows:
    1. The foregoing, including the Bid and specifically the definitions 
under section 1, are expressly incorporated herein by this reference.
    2. Under AS 16.43.150(i), the Bidder agrees to permanently 
relinquish and have the CFEC revoke the permit.
    3. The Bidder represents that, as of the date of submitting the 
contract, he or she is the holder of record of the permit according to 
the CFEC official permit records.
    4. Upon notification by the SRA to the Bidder that the SRA accepted 
the bid; the SRA will submit to the CFEC the Permit Holder's executed 
notice form (Appendix C to Sec. 600.1107) and executed relinquishment 
form (Appendix D to Sec. 600.1107).
    5. In the event an authorized third party holds a security interest 
in the permit, NMFS will not make payment until receiving notice of 
written consent by the third party to the SRA and the CFEC on a form 
provided by the CFEC.
    6. NMFS' payment to the accepted bidder in the exact amount of the 
accepted bid amount is full and complete consideration for the CFEC 
revoking the permit.
    7. The bidder shall, upon the SRA or the CFEC request, furnish such 
additional documents, information, or take such other actions as may be 
reasonably required to enable the CFEC to implement relinquishment of 
the permit.
    8. The bidder consents to the public release of any information 
provided in connection with the contract or program requirements after 
completion of the plan.
    9. The contract contains the final terms and conditions of this 
agreement between the parties and represents the entire and exclusive 
agreement between them.
    10. The contract terms are severable, and, in the event that any 
portion of the contract is held to be unenforceable, the remaining 
portion shall remain fully enforceable against the parties.
    11. Any and all disputes involving the contract shall be governed by 
laws of the State of Alaska. The bidder expressly acknowledges that by 
submitting the Bid, he/she makes an irrevocable offer to relinquish the 
permit, and once having submitted the Bid, is not entitled to withdraw 
or in any way amend the Bid.
    12. The failure of a bidder to perform his/her obligations under the 
Bid will result in irreparable damage to the SRA and its members upon 
submittal of the Plan to the Secretary for approval. Accordingly, the 
SRA and the bidder expressly acknowledge that money damages are an 
inadequate means of redress and agree that upon failure of the bidder to 
fulfill his/her obligations under the Bid that specific performance of 
those obligations may be obtained by suit in equity brought by the SRA 
in any court of competent jurisdiction without obligation to arbitrate 
such action.

    Bidder's Signature and Notary's Acknowledgement and Certification
------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Bidder signature                     Notary signature
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Sign                             (1) Sign
(2) Print the following:             (2) Print the following:
    (a) signer's name                   (a) name

[[Page 209]]

 
    (b) signing date                    (b) signing date
    (c) state and city/borough       (3) date commission expires, and
                                      State and city/borough. Each
                                      notary signature attests to the
                                      following: ``I certify that I know
                                      or have satisfactory evidence that
                                      the person who is signed in the
                                      1st column of this same row is the
                                      person who appeared before me and:
                                      (1) Acknowledged his/her
                                      signature; (2) on oath, stated
                                      that he/she was authorized to
                                      sign; and (3) acknowledged that he/
                                      she did so freely and
                                      voluntarily.''
(1)                                  (1)
(2)(a)                               (2)(a)
(2)(b)                               (2)(b)
(2)(c)                               (3)
------------------------------------------------------------------------

      II. Southeast Revitalization Association signature Southeast 
                       Revitalization Association

Dated:__________________________________________________________________

By:_____________________________________________________________________

Appendix C to Sec. 600.1107--Conditional Notice to CFEC and Request by 
                              Permit Holder

    In support of my Bid to the Southeast Revitalization Association 
(SRA), I have executed this Conditional Notice and request and authorize 
the Southeast Revitalization Association (SRA) to submit this executed 
document to the Alaska Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission (CFEC) in 
the event that the SRA accepts my bid to permanently relinquish my 
Southeast Salmon Purse Seine Entry Permit under AS 16.43.150(i).
    I hereby notify the CFEC that the SRA has accepted my Bid to 
permanently relinquish my Southeast Salmon Purse Seine Entry Permit 
______________.
    I request the CFEC: (1) not to renew my above-identified entry 
permit; and (2) not to authorize any transfer of my entry permit.
    DATED this ______ day of __________ , 2011.
________________________________________________________________________

(Permit Holder/Bidder)
    SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN TO before me this ______ day of __________ , 
2011.
________________________________________________________________________

Notary Public, State of __________________

My commission expires: ______________

 Appendix D to Sec. 600.1107--Conditional Relinquishment of Southeast 
                     Salmon Purse Seine Entry Permit

                            [AS 16.43.150(i)]

    Upon satisfaction of the conditions that the Southeast 
Revitalization Association (SRA) accepts my bid and that NMFS agrees to 
pay my full bid amount to me, the SRA may submit this executed 
Conditional Relinquishment of Southeast Salmon Purse Seine Entry Permit 
to the Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission.
    I fully understand this relinquishment of my permanent entry permit 
______________ under AS 16.43.150(i) is permanent, and I will not be 
able to reinstate the permit.
    DATED this ______ day of __________ , 2011.
________________________________________________________________________

(Permit Holder/Bidder)

    SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN TO before me this ______ day of __________ , 
2011.
________________________________________________________________________

Notary Public, State of __________________
My commission expires: ______________

[76 FR 61990, Oct. 6, 2011]



Sec. 600.1108  Longline catcher processor subsector of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI) non-pollock groundfish fishery program.

    (a) Purpose. This section implements the capacity reduction program 
that Title II, section 219(e) of Public Law 108-447 established for the 
longline catcher processor subsector of the Bering Sea and Aleutian 
Islands (BSAI) non-pollock groundfish fishery.
    (b) Definitions. Unless otherwise defined in this section, the terms 
defined in Sec. 600.1000 of subpart L and Sec. 600.1105 of subpart M 
of this part expressly apply to this section. The following terms have 
the following meanings for the purpose of this section:
    Reduction fishery means the Hook & Line, Catcher Processor (Longline 
Subsector); sometimes referred to as the ``H&LCP Subsector) portion of 
the BSAI Pacific cod ITAC (in metric tons) set by the North Pacific 
Fishery Management Council (NPFMC) in December of each year multiplied 
by 2,205 (i.e., the rounded number of pounds in a metric ton)or the 
Longline Subsector of the BSAI non-pollock groundfish

[[Page 210]]

fishery that Sec. 679.2 of this chapter defined as groundfish area/
species endorsement.
    (c) Capacity Reduction Program. As a result of the completion of the 
Selection Process, written notification from the FLCC to NMFS 
identifying the selected offeror, and submission of the reduction plan, 
the capacity reduction program is implemented as follows:
    (1) Loan repayment--(i) Term. As authorized by section 219(B)(2) of 
the Appropriations Act, the capacity reduction loan (the Reduction Loan) 
shall be amortized over a thirty (30) year term. The Reduction Loan's 
original principal amount may not exceed the amount approved by the 
subsector. The subsector has currently approved a loan of two million 
seven hundred thousand dollars ($2,700,000). Subsector Members 
acknowledge that in the event payments made under the Reduction Plan are 
insufficient to repay the actual loan, the term of repayment shall be 
extended by NMFS until the loan is paid in full. Repayment calculations 
and records will be kept separately for each program.
    (ii) Interest. The Reduction Loan's interest rate will be the U.S. 
Treasury's cost of borrowing equivalent maturity funds plus 2 percent. 
NMFS will determine the Reduction Loan's initial interest rate when NMFS 
borrows from the U.S. Treasury the funds with which to disburse 
reduction payments. The initial interest rate will change to a final 
interest rate at the end of the Federal fiscal year in which NMFS 
borrows the funds from the U.S. Treasury. The final interest rate will 
be 2 percent plus a weighted average, throughout that fiscal year, of 
the U.S. Treasury's cost of borrowing equivalent maturity funds. The 
final interest rate will be fixed, and will not vary over the remainder 
of the reduction loan's 30-year term. The Reduction loan will be subject 
to a level debt amortization. There is no prepayment penalty.
    (iii) Fees. The Reduction Loan shall be repaid by fees collected 
from the Longline Subsector. The fee amount will be based upon: The 
principal and interest due over the next twelve months divided by the 
product of the Longline Subsector. In the event that the Longline 
Subsector portion for the ensuing year is not available, the Longline 
Subsector portion forecast from the preceding year will be used to 
calculate the fee.
    (A) The fee will be expressed in cents per pound rounded up to the 
next one-tenth of a cent. For example: If the principal and interest due 
equal $2,900,000 and the Longline Subsector portion equals 100,000 
metric tons, then the fee per round weight pound of Pacific cod will 
equal 1.4 cents per pound. [2,900,000/(100,000 x 2,205) = .01315]. The 
fee will be assessed and collected on Pacific cod to the extent possible 
and if not, will be assessed and collected as provided for in paragraph 
(c)(1)(iii)(B) of this section.
    (B) Fees must be assessed and collected on Pacific cod used for bait 
or discarded. Although the fee could be up to 5 percent of the ex-vessel 
production value of all post-reduction Longline Subsector landings, the 
fee will be less than 5 percent if NMFS projects that a lesser rate can 
amortize the fishery's reduction loan over the reduction loan's 30-year 
term. In the event that the total principal and interest due exceeds 5 
percent of the ex-vessel Pacific cod revenues, a standardized additional 
fee will be assessed. The additional fee shall be one cent per pound 
round weight, which is calculated based on the latest available revenue 
records and NMFS conversion factors for pollock, arrowtooth flounder, 
Greenland turbot, skate, yellowfin sole and rock sole.
    (C) To verify that the fees collected do not exceed 5 percent of the 
fishery revenues, the annual total of principal and interest due will be 
compared to the latest available annual Longline Subsector revenues. In 
the event that any of the components necessary to calculate the next 
year's fee are not available, or for any other reason NMFS believes the 
calculation must be postponed, the fee will remain at the previous 
year's amount until such a time that new calculations are made and 
communicated to the post-reduction fishery participants.
    (D) It is possible that the fishery may not open during some years 
and no Longline Subsector portion of the ITAC is granted. Consequently, 
the fishery will not produce fee revenue

[[Page 211]]

with which to service the reduction loan during those years. However, 
interest will continue to accrue on the principal balance. When this 
happens, if the fee rate is not already at the maximum 5 percent, NMFS 
will increase the fishery's fee rate to the maximum 5 percent of revenue 
for Pacific cod, apply all subsequent fee revenue first to the payment 
of accrued interest, and continue the maximum fee rates until all 
principal and interest payments become current. Once all principal and 
interest payments are current, NMFS will make a determination about 
adjusting the fee rate.
    (iv) Reduction loan. NMFS has promulgated framework regulations 
generally applicable to all fishing capacity reduction programs in 
subpart L of this part. The reduction loan shall be subject to the 
provisions of Sec. 600.1012, except that: the subsector members' 
obligation to repay the reduction loan shall be discharged by the owner 
of the Longline Subsector license regardless of which vessel catches 
fish under this license and regardless of who processes the fish in the 
reduction fishery in accordance with Sec. 600.1013. Longline Subsector 
license owners in the reduction fishery shall be obligated to collect 
the fee in accordance with Sec. 600.1013.
    (v) Collection. The LLP License holders of vessels harvesting in the 
post-capacity reduction plan Longline Subsector shall be responsible for 
self-collecting the repayment fees owed by the LLP License holder. Fees 
shall be submitted to NMFS monthly and shall be due no later than 
fifteen (15) calendar days following the end of each calendar month.
    (vi) Recordkeeping and reporting. The holder of the LLP Licenses on 
which vessels harvesting in the post-capacity reduction plan Longline 
Subsector is designated shall be responsible for compliance with the 
applicable recordkeeping and reporting requirements.
    (2) Agreement with Secretary. The Selected Offeror shall complete 
and deliver to the FLCC for inclusion in the Reduction Plan submitted to 
NMFS, designee for the Secretary, a completed and fully executed 
Reduction Contract. The LLP License set forth on the Selected Offer 
shall be included as Reduction Fishing Interests in such Reduction 
Contract.
    (d) Decisions of the Auditor and the FLCC. Time was of the essence 
in developing and implementing a Reduction Plan and, accordingly, the 
Offeror is limited to, and bound by, the decisions of the Auditor and 
the FLCC.
    (1) The Auditor's examination of submitted applications, Offers, 
Prequalification Offers and Rankings was solely ministerial in nature. 
That is, the Auditor verified whether the documents submitted by 
Subsector Members were, on their face, consistent with each other and 
the Database, in compliance with the requirements set forth in the 
Reduction Agreement, and signed by an Authorized Party. The Auditor 
presumed the validity of all signatures on documents submitted. The 
Auditor made no substantive decisions as to compliance (e.g., whether an 
interim LLP License satisfies the requirements of the Act, or whether a 
discrepancy in the name appearing on LLP Licenses and other documents 
was material).
    (2) [Reserved]
    (e) Specific performance. The parties to the Reduction Agreement 
have agreed that the opportunity to develop and submit a capacity 
reduction program for the Longline Subsector under the terms of the 
Appropriations Act is both unique and finite and that failure of the 
Selected Offeror to perform the obligations provided by the Reduction 
Agreement will result in irreparable damage to the FLCC and the 
Subsector Members. Accordingly, the parties to the Reduction Agreement 
expressly acknowledge that money damages are an inadequate means of 
redress and agree that upon the failure of the Selected Offeror to 
fulfill their obligations under the Reduction Agreement that specific 
performance of those obligations may be obtained by suit in equity 
brought by the FLCC in any court of competent jurisdiction without 
obligation to arbitrate such action.
    (f) Miscellaneous-- (1) Termination. The Reduction Agreement may be 
terminated at any time prior to approval of the Reduction Plan by NMFS, 
on behalf of the Secretary, by written notice from 50 percent of 
Subsector Members.

[[Page 212]]

    (2) Choice of law/venue. The Reduction Agreement shall be construed 
and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Washington 
without regard to its choice of law provisions. The parties submit to 
the exclusive personal jurisdiction of the United States District Court 
located in Seattle, Washington, with respect to any litigation arising 
out of or relating to the Reduction Agreement or out of the performance 
of services hereunder.
    (3) Incorporation. All executed counterparts of the Reduction 
Agreement, Application Forms and Offers constitute the agreement between 
the parties with respect to the subject matter of the Reduction 
Agreement and are incorporated into the Reduction Agreement as if fully 
written.
    (4) Counterparts. The Reduction Agreement may be executed in 
multiple counterparts and will be effective as to signatories on the 
Effective Date. The Reduction Agreement may be executed in duplicate 
originals, each of which shall be deemed to be an original instrument. 
All such counterparts and duplicate originals together shall constitute 
the same agreement, whether or not all parties execute each counterpart.
    (i) The facsimile signature of any party to the Reduction Agreement 
shall constitute the duly authorized, irrevocable execution and delivery 
of the Reduction Agreement as fully as if the Reduction Agreement 
contained the original ink signatures of the party or parties supplying 
a facsimile signature.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (g) Amendment. All Subsector Members acknowledge that the Reduction 
Agreement, the Reduction Contract, and the Reduction Plan may be subject 
to amendment to conform to the requirements for approval of the 
Reduction Plan by NMFS on behalf of the Secretary. The Auditor shall 
distribute to each Subsector Member in electronic format the amended 
form of the Reduction Agreement, the Reduction Contract, and the 
Reduction Plan, which amended documents in the form distributed by the 
Auditor and identified by the Auditor by date and version, the version 
of each such document then in effect at the time of any dispute arising 
or action taken shall be deemed binding upon the parties with respect to 
such dispute and/or action.
    (h) Warranties. The Offeror must expressly warrant and represent in 
the Reduction Agreement that:
    (1) The Offeror has had an opportunity to consult with an attorney 
or other advisors with respect to the Reduction Agreement, the Reduction 
Contract, and the Act and the ramifications of the ratification of the 
Reduction Plan contemplated therein;
    (2) The Offeror has full understanding and appreciation of the 
ramifications of executing and delivering the Reduction Agreement and, 
free from coercion of any kind by the FLCC or any of its members, 
officers, agents and/or employees, executes and delivers the Reduction 
Agreement as the free and voluntary act of the Offeror;
    (3) The execution and delivery of the Reduction Agreement, does not 
and will not conflict with any provisions of the governing documents of 
the Offeror;
    (4) The person executing the Reduction Agreement has been duly 
authorized by the Offeror to execute and deliver the Reduction Agreement 
and to undertake and perform the actions contemplated herein; and
    (5) The Offeror has taken all actions necessary for the Reduction 
Agreement to constitute a valid and binding obligation, enforceable in 
accordance with its terms.
    (i) Approval of the Reduction Plan. Acceptance of the Offer is at 
the sole discretion of NMFS on behalf of the Secretary of Commerce. To 
be approved by NMFS, on behalf of the Secretary, any Reduction Plan 
developed and submitted in accordance with this section and subpart M of 
this part must be found by the Assistant Administrator of NMFS, to:
    (1) Be consistent with the requirements of section 219(e) of the FY 
2005 Appropriations Act (Pub. L. 108-447);
    (2) Be consistent with the requirements of section 312(b) of the 
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 
1861(a)) except for the requirement that a Council or Governor of a 
State request such a program (as set out in section 312(b)(1))

[[Page 213]]

and for the requirements of section 312(b)(4);
    (3) Contain provisions for a fee system that provides for full and 
timely repayment of the capacity reduction loan by the Longline 
Subsector and that it provide for the assessment of such fees;
    (4) Not require a bidding or auction process;
    (5) Result in the maximum sustained reduction in fishing capacity at 
the least cost and in the minimum amount of time; and
    (6) Permit vessels in the Longline Subsector to be upgraded to 
achieve efficiencies in fishing operations provided that such upgrades 
do not result in the vessel exceeding the applicable length, tonnage, or 
horsepower limitations set out in Federal law or regulation.
    (j) Referendum. The following provisions apply to the Reduction Plan 
of this section to the extent that they do not conflict with subpart L 
of this part including Sec. Sec. 600.1009, 600.1010, 600.1013, and 
600.1014 or 16 U.S.C. 1861a; except where the referendum is successful 
if a majority of all permit holders within the fishery vote in favor of 
the Reduction Program is accordance with 18 U.S.C. 1861a(d)(1)(B).
    (k)(1) Fee payment and collection system. Upon successful completion 
of the Referendum discussed above as authorized by Public Law 108-447 
and in accordance with 16 U.S.C. 1861a and Sec. 600.1012 this fee 
collection system establishes:
    (i) The subsector members' obligation to repay the reduction loan, 
and
    (ii) The loan's principal amount, interest rate, and repayment term; 
and
    (iii) In accordance with Sec. Sec. 600.1013 through 600.1016, 
implements an industry fee system for the reduction fishery.
    (2) Reduction loan amount. The reduction loan's original principal 
amount is $2,700,000.
    (3) Interest accrual from inception. Interest begins accruing on the 
reduction loan from the date which NMFS disburses such loan.
    (4) Interest rate. The reduction loan's interest rate shall be the 
applicable rate which the U.S. Treasury determines at the end of fiscal 
year in which loan is disbursed plus 2 percent.
    (5) Repayment terms. For the purpose of determining fee rates, the 
reduction loan's repayment term is 30 years from the date NMFS disburses 
the loan. However, fee collections shall continue indefinitely until the 
loan is fully repaid.
    (6) Reduction loan repayment. The subsector members shall repay the 
reduction loan in accordance with Sec. 600.1012. Both fish buyers and 
fish sellers are considered subsector members for purposes of fee 
collection, deposit, disbursement, and accounting in accordance with 
Sec. 600.1013.
    (i) Subsector members in the reduction fishery shall collect and pay 
the fee amount in accordance with Sec. 600.1105;
    (ii) Subsector members in the reduction fishery shall deposit and 
disburse, as well as keep records for and submit reports about, the 
applicable fees in accordance with Sec. 600.1014, except the 
requirements under paragraphs (c) and (e) of this section. All collected 
fee revenue a fish buyer collects to repay the loan identified in 
paragraph (c) of this section shall be made to NMFS no later than 
fifteen (15) calendar days following the end of each calendar month. The 
annual reports identified in paragraph (e) of this section shall be 
submitted to NMFS by February 1 of each calendar year.
    (iii) The reduction loan is, in all other respects, subject to the 
provisions of Sec. Sec. 600.1012 through 600.1017.
    (l) Enforcement for failure to pay fees. The provisions and 
requirements of Sec. 600.1016 (Enforcement) shall also apply to fish 
sellers and fish buyers subject to this fishery.

[77 FR 58779, Sept. 24, 2012]



      Subpart N_Shark Fin Removal, Possession, Transfer and Landing

    Source: 81 FR 42289, June 29, 2016, unless otherwise noted.



Sec. 600.1200  Purpose and scope.

    The regulations in this subpart implement the Shark Conservation Act 
of 2010.

[[Page 214]]



Sec. 600.1201  Relation to other laws.

    (a) Regulations pertaining to conservation and management (including 
record keeping and reporting) for certain shark fisheries are also set 
forth in parts 635 (for Federal Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and 
Caribbean shark fisheries), 648 (for spiny dogfish fisheries), 660 (for 
fisheries off West Coast states), and 665 (for fisheries in the western 
Pacific) of this chapter.
    (b) This subpart does not apply to an individual engaged in 
commercial fishing for smooth dogfish (Mustelus canis) when the 
conditions in Sec. 635.30(c)(5) have been met.
    (c) This subpart does not supersede state laws or regulations 
governing conservation and management of state shark fisheries in state 
waters.



Sec. 600.1202  Definitions.

    (a) In addition to the definitions in the Magnuson-Stevens Act and 
in Sec. 600.10, the terms used in this subpart have the following 
meanings:
    Fin means any of the fins of a shark (including the tail) or a 
portion thereof.
    Land or landing means offloading fish, or causing fish to be 
offloaded, from a fishing vessel, either to another vessel or to a shore 
side location or facility, or arriving in port, or at a dock, berth, 
beach, seawall, or ramp to begin offloading fish.
    Naturally attached, with respect to a shark fin, means attached to 
the corresponding shark carcass through some portion of uncut skin.
    (b) If there is any difference between a definition in this section 
and in Sec. 600.10, the definition in this section is the operative 
definition for the purposes of this subpart.



Sec. 600.1203  Prohibitions.

    (a) It is unlawful for any person to do, or attempt to do, any of 
the following:
    (1) Remove a fin at sea.
    (2) To have custody, control, or possession of a fin, aboard a 
fishing vessel, unless the fin is naturally attached.
    (3) Transfer a fin from one vessel to another vessel at sea unless 
the fin is naturally attached.
    (4) Receive a fin in a transfer from one vessel to another vessel at 
sea unless the fin is naturally attached.
    (5) Land a fin unless the fin is naturally attached.
    (6) Land a shark carcass without all of its fins naturally attached.
    (7) Possess, purchase, offer to sell, or sell fins or shark 
carcasses taken, transferred, landed, or possessed in violation of this 
section.
    (8) When requested, fail to allow an authorized officer or any 
employee of NMFS designated by a Regional Administrator, or by the 
Director of the Office of Sustainable Fisheries in the case of the 
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species, access to or inspection or copying of 
any records pertaining to the landing, sale, transfer, purchase, or 
other disposition of fins or shark carcasses.
    (b) For purposes of this section, it is a rebuttable presumption 
that:
    (1) If a fin is found aboard a vessel, other than a fishing vessel, 
without being naturally attached, such fin was transferred in violation 
of this section.
    (2) If, after landing, the total weight of fins landed from any 
vessel exceeds five percent of the total weight of shark carcasses 
landed, such fins were taken, held, or landed in violation of this 
section.



               Subpart O_Limited Access Privilege Programs

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

    Source: 73 FR 75973, Dec. 15, 2008, unless otherwise noted.



Sec. Sec. 600.1300-600.1309  [Reserved]



Sec. 600.1310  New England and Gulf of Mexico Individual Fishing Quota Referenda.

    (a) Purpose and scope. This section establishes procedures and 
guidelines for referenda to be conducted on Individual Fishing Quota 
(IFQ) program proposals developed by the New England Fishery Management 
Council (NEFMC) and the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council 
(GMFMC). These procedures and guidelines also apply to IFQ program 
proposals developed by NMFS for fisheries under the jurisdiction of the 
NEFMC or GMFMC, except for certain

[[Page 215]]

provisions that only apply to a fishery management council. This section 
provides guidance on developing voter eligibility and vote weighting, 
and establishes general procedures to ensure referenda are conducted in 
a fair and equitable manner.
    (b) Initiating IFQ referenda. (1) The NEFMC and the GMFMC shall not 
submit, and the Secretary shall not approve, an FMP or FMP amendment 
that would create an IFQ program until the IFQ program proposal, as 
ultimately developed, has been approved by a referendum of eligible 
voters. Paragraph (h) of this section provides criteria for determining 
the outcome of IFQ referenda.
    (2) To initiate a referendum on a proposed IFQ program:
    (i) The relevant Council must have held public hearings on the FMP 
or FMP amendment in which the IFQ program is proposed;
    (ii) The relevant Council must have considered public comments on 
the proposed IFQ program;
    (iii) The relevant Council must have selected preferred alternatives 
for the proposed IFQ program;
    (iv) The chair of the Council with jurisdiction over such proposed 
IFQ fishery must request a referendum on the proposed IFQ program in a 
letter to the appropriate NMFS Regional Administrator;
    (v) The letter requesting initiation of a referendum must recommend 
voter eligibility criteria that are consistent with the applicable 
requirements of paragraph (c)(1) of this section and may also include 
recommended criteria for vote weighting. The letter must provide the 
rationale supporting the Council's recommendation, as well as such 
additional information and analyses as needed, consistent with 
applicable law and provisions of this section. If a Council recommends 
vote weighting criteria, the letter should fully describe the rationale 
for and the expected effects of such weighting on the referendum;
    (vi) NEFMC referenda initiation letters must: recommend criteria 
that are consistent with paragraph (c)(2)(iii) of this section for NMFS 
to use in determining the eligibility of other fishery participants to 
vote in the referendum; include the minimum percentage of a crew 
member's total income that must have been earned during the eligibility 
periods in the proposed IFQ fishery as discussed in paragraph (c)(2)(ii) 
of this section; and include criteria for ``referendum eligible 
vessels'' as described in paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this section; and
    (vii) GMFMC letters initiating referenda of multispecies permit 
holders in the Gulf of Mexico must include recommended criteria to be 
used in identifying those permit holders who have substantially fished 
the species to be included in the proposed IFQ program, along with 
alternatives to the recommendation, and supporting analyses. Guidelines 
for developing such recommendations are provided at paragraph (c)(3) of 
this section.
    (3) Following a referendum that has failed to approve the IFQ 
proposal, any request from a Council for a new referendum in the same 
fishery must include an explanation of the substantive changes to the 
proposed IFQ program or the changes of circumstances in the fishery that 
would warrant initiation of an additional referendum.
    (c) Referenda voter eligibility--(1) Permit holders and other 
fishery participants. (i) To be eligible to vote in IFQ referenda, 
permit holders and other fishery participants must meet voter 
eligibility criteria.
    (ii) Holders of multispecies permits in the Gulf of Mexico must have 
substantially fished the species proposed to be included in the IFQ 
program to be eligible to vote in a referendum on the proposed program.
    (iii) When developing eligibility criteria for permit holders in an 
IFQ program referendum, the relevant Council or Secretary must consider, 
but is not limited to considering:
    (A) The full range of entities likely to be eligible to receive 
initial quota allocation under the proposed IFQ program;
    (B) Current and historical harvest and participation in the fishery; 
and
    (C) Other factors as may be determined by the Council with 
jurisdiction over the fishery for which an IFQ program is proposed to be 
relevant to the fishery and to the proposed IFQ program.

[[Page 216]]

    (2) Crew member eligibility in NEFMC IFQ referenda. (i) For the 
purposes of this section, ``referendum-eligible vessel'' means a vessel, 
the permit holder or owner of which has been determined to be eligible 
to vote in the referendum on the basis of such vessel's history or other 
characteristics.
    (ii) To be eligible to vote in an NEFMC IFQ referendum, crew members 
must meet the following requirements:
    (A) The crew member must have worked aboard a referendum-eligible 
vessel at sea, during the qualifying period(s), while the vessel was 
engaged in fishing;
    (B) If requested, the crew member must produce documentary proof of 
employment or service as a crew member and income during the qualifying 
periods. Documents that may be required include, but are not limited to, 
signed crew contracts, records of payment, settlement sheets, income tax 
records, a signed statement from the permit holder, and other 
documentary evidence of the period of employment and the vessel upon 
which the crew member worked;
    (C) During the qualifying period(s), the crew member must have 
derived a percentage of his/her total income from the fishery under the 
proposed IFQ program that is equal to or greater than the percentage 
determined to be significant relative to the economic value and 
employment practices of the fishery; and
    (D) Any additional eligibility criteria promulgated by the NMFS.
    (iii) When developing criteria for determining whether other fishery 
participants, including crew members, may participate in a NEFMC IFQ 
referendum, the Council or Secretary must consider, but is not limited 
to considering:
    (A) The full range of entities likely to be eligible to receive 
initial quota under the proposed IFQ program;
    (B) A crew member's current and historical participation in the 
fishery aboard a referendum-eligible vessel;
    (C) The economic value of the proposed IFQ fishery, employment 
practices in the proposed IFQ fishery, and other economic and social 
factors that would bear on a determination of what percentage of a crew 
member's total income from the fishery should be considered significant 
for the purposes of this section;
    (D) The availability of documentary proof of employment and income 
to validate eligibility; and
    (E) Any other factors as may be determined by the Council to be 
relevant to the fishery and the proposed IFQ program.
    (3) GMFMC's substantially fished criterion. When developing criteria 
for identifying those multispecies permit holders who have substantially 
fished the species to be included in the IFQ program proposal, the 
Council or Secretary must consider, but is not limited to considering:
    (i) Current and historical harvest and participation in the fishery;
    (ii) The economic value of and employment practices in the fishery; 
and
    (iii) Any other factors determined by the Council with jurisdiction 
over the fishery for which an IFQ program is proposed to be relevant to 
the fishery and the proposed IFQ program.
    (d) Council-recommended criteria under paragraph (c) of this section 
may include, but are not limited to, levels of participation or reliance 
on the fishery as represented by landings, sales, expenditures, or other 
considerations. A Council may also apply the same criteria for weighting 
eligible referendum votes.
    (e) Actions by NMFS: Review of Council referendum criteria and 
Secretarial IFQ plans. (1) NMFS shall determine whether Council 
recommended referendum criteria will provide for a fair and equitable 
referendum and will be consistent with national standards and other 
provisions of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, and other applicable legal 
standards. The Secretary's considerations shall include, but shall not 
be limited to:
    (i) Whether the criteria are rationally connected to or further the 
objectives of the proposed IFQ program;
    (ii) Whether the criteria are designed in such a way to prevent any 
person or single entity from obtaining an excessive share of voting 
privileges;
    (iii) Whether the criteria are reasonable relative to the 
availability of documentary evidence and the possibility

[[Page 217]]

of validating a participant's eligibility; and
    (iv) Whether the referendum can be administered and executed in a 
fair and equitable manner, in a reasonable time, and without subjecting 
industry members, the Council, or NMFS to administrative burdens, costs 
or other requirements that would be considered onerous.
    (2) If NMFS determines that referendum criteria would not provide 
for a fair and equitable referendum; would not be consistent with 
national standards and other provisions of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, and 
other applicable legal standards; or, in the case of a referendum 
request subsequent to a failed referendum in the same fishery, that the 
Council has not substantively amended the IFQ proposal or circumstances 
have not changed sufficiently to warrant initiation of a new referendum, 
NMFS shall inform the Council of the Agency's decision to deny the 
referendum request and of the reasons for the decision.
    (3) If NMFS determines that referendum criteria would provide for a 
fair and equitable referendum and would be consistent with national 
standards and other provisions of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, and other 
applicable legal standards; then NMFS shall conduct the referendum in 
accordance with procedures and guidelines provided in paragraph (f) of 
this section.
    (4) In accordance with paragraphs (c)(2) and (3) of this section, 
NMFS may initiate a referendum and promulgate referendum criteria for 
any IFQ program proposal advanced through a Secretarial fishery 
management plan (FMP) or FMP amendment under the authority of section 
304(c) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act for a New England or Gulf of Mexico 
fishery. Such criteria must provide for a fair and equitable referendum 
and NMFS shall conduct the referendum in accordance with procedures and 
guidelines provided in paragraph (f) of this section.
    (f) Conducting IFQ referenda. (1) NMFS shall promulgate specific 
referenda procedural requirements, voter eligibility requirements, and 
any vote weighting criteria through appropriate rulemaking.
    (i) Proposed rule. A proposed rule shall seek public comment on the 
specific schedule, procedures, and other requirements for the referendum 
process.
    (A) For NEFMC IFQ program referenda, the proposed rule shall 
establish procedures for documenting or certifying that other fishery 
participants, including crew members, meet the proposed voter 
eligibility criteria.
    (B) For GMFMC IFQ program referenda for multispecies permit holders, 
the proposed rule shall include criteria to be used in identifying those 
permit holders who have substantially fished the species that are the 
subject of the proposed IFQ program.
    (ii) Final rule. (A) If NMFS decides to proceed with the referendum 
after reviewing public comments, NMFS shall publish implementing 
regulations through a final rule in the Federal Register as soon as 
practicable after the Council determines the IFQ program proposal and 
supporting analyses are complete and ready for Secretarial review. 
Otherwise, NMFS shall publish a notice in the Federal Register to inform 
the Council and the public of its decision not to conduct the 
referendum, as proposed, including reasons for the Agency's decision.
    (B) Upon implementation of the referendum through a final rule, NMFS 
shall provide eligible voters referenda ballots and shall make available 
information about the schedule, procedures, and eligibility requirements 
for the referendum process and the proposed IFQ program.
    (2) NMFS shall notify the public in the region of the subject 
fishery of the referendum eligibility criteria.
    (3) Individuals who wish to vote as other fishery participants in a 
NEFMC IFQ referendum, based on criteria established by the NEFMC under 
(c)(2), must contact NMFS and produce all required documentation and 
certifications to receive a ballot. NMFS shall provide sufficient time 
in the referendum process to allow for crew members to request, receive, 
and submit referendum ballots.
    (g) Referenda ballots. (1) Ballots shall be composed such that 
voters will indicate approval or disapproval of the preferred IFQ 
program proposal.

[[Page 218]]

    (2) NMFS may require voters to self-certify on referenda ballots 
that they meet voter eligibility criteria. To be considered valid, 
ballots must be signed by the eligible voter.
    (3) Referenda ballots shall be numbered serially or otherwise 
designed to guard against submission of duplicate ballots.
    (4) If votes are weighted, the value of weighted votes shall be 
indicated on the ballot. The weighted vote must be cast as a single 
unit. Its value may not be split. The full value must be applied to the 
selection made on the ballot.
    (5) NMFS shall allow at least 30 days for eligible voters to receive 
and return their ballots and shall specify a deadline by which ballots 
must be received. Ballots received after the deadline shall not be 
considered valid.
    (h) Determining the outcome of an IFQ referendum. (1) NMFS shall 
tally and announce the results of the referendum within 90 days of the 
deadline by which completed ballots must be received. NMFS may declare a 
referendum invalid if the Agency can demonstrate the referendum was not 
conducted in accordance with the procedures established in the final 
rule implementing the referendum.
    (2) A NEFMC IFQ program referendum shall be considered approved only 
if more than \2/3\ of the votes submitted on valid ballots are in favor 
of the referendum question.
    (3) A GMFMC IFQ program referendum shall be considered approved only 
if a majority of the votes submitted on valid ballots are in favor of 
the referendum question.
    (i) Council actions. (1) If NMFS notifies a Council that an IFQ 
program proposal has been approved through a referendum, then the 
Council may submit the associated FMP or FMP amendment for Secretarial 
review and implementation.
    (2) Any changes that would modify an IFQ program proposal that was 
reviewed by referenda voters may invalidate the results of the 
referendum and require the modified program proposal to be approved 
through a new referendum before it can be submitted to the Secretary for 
review and implementation.
    (3) If NMFS notifies a Council that an IFQ referendum has failed, 
then the Council may modify its IFQ program proposal and request a new 
referendum pursuant to paragraph (b) of this section.



      Subpart P_Marine Recreational Fisheries of the United States

    Source: 73 FR 79717, Dec. 30, 2008, unless otherwise noted.



Sec. 600.1400  Definitions.

    In addition to the definitions in the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery 
Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act) and in Sec. 
600.10 of this title, the terms used in this subpart have the following 
meanings. For purposes of this subpart, if applicable, the terms used in 
this subpart supersede those used in Sec. 600.10.
    Anadromous species means the following:

American shad: Alosa sapidissima
Blueback herring: Alosa aestivalus
Alewife: Alosa pseudoharengus
Hickory shad: Alosa mediocris
Alabama shad: Alosa alabamae
Striped bass: Morone saxatilis
Rainbow smelt: Osmerus mordax
Atlantic salmon: Salmo salar
Chinook, or king, salmon:
Oncorhynchus tshawytscha
Coho, or silver, salmon: Oncorhynchus kisutch
Pink salmon: Oncorhynchus gorbuscha
Sockeye salmon: Oncorhynchus nerka
Chum salmon: Oncorhynchus keta
Steelhead: Oncorhynchus mykiss
Coastal cutthroat trout: Oncorhynchus clarki clarki
Eulachon or candlefish: Thaleichthys pacificus
Dolly varden: Salvelinus malma
Sheefish or inconnu: Stenodus leucichthys
Atlantic sturgeon: Acipenser oxyrhynchus oxyrhynchus
Shortnose sturgeon: Acipenser brevirostrum
Gulf sturgeon: Acipenser oxyrhynchus desotoi
White sturgeon: Acipenser transmontanus
Green sturgeon: Acipenser medirostris

    Angler means a person who is angling (see 50 CFR 600.10) in tidal 
waters.
    Authorized officer has the same meaning as in 50 CFR 600.10.
    Combination license means either:
    (1) A single state fishing license that permits fishing in fresh 
waters and tidal waters at one price; or

[[Page 219]]

    (2) A single state license that permits a group of fishing and 
hunting activities, including fishing in tidal waters, at a price that 
is less than the sum of the cost of the individual licenses.
    Commercial fishing has the same meaning as in 16 U.S.C. 1802.
    Continental shelf fishery resources has the same meaning as in 16 
U.S.C. 1802.
    Exempted state means a state that has been designated as an exempted 
state by NMFS pursuant to Sec. 600.1415.
    For-hire fishing vessel means a vessel on which passengers are 
carried to engage in angling or spear fishing, from whom a consideration 
is contributed as a condition of such carriage, whether directly or 
indirectly flowing to the owner, charterer, operator, agent or any other 
person having an interest in the vessel.
    Indigenous people means persons who are documented members of a 
federally recognized tribe or Alaskan Native Corporation or persons who 
reside in the western Pacific who are descended from the aboriginal 
people indigenous to the region who conducted commercial or subsistence 
fishing using traditional fishing methods, including angling.
    Spearfishing means fishing for, attempting to fish for, catching or 
attempting to catch fish in tidal waters by any person with a spear or a 
powerhead (see 50 CFR 600.10).
    State has the same meaning as in 16 U.S.C. 1802.
    Tidal waters means waters that lie below mean high water and seaward 
of the first upstream obstruction or barrier to tidal action and that 
are subject to the ebb and flow of the astronomical tides under ordinary 
conditions.

[77 FR 42191, July 18, 2012]



Sec. 600.1405  Angler registration.

    (a) Effective January 1, 2010, the requirements of this section 
apply to any person who does any of the following:
    (1) Engages in angling or spearfishing for:
    (i) Fish in the EEZ;
    (ii) Anadromous species in any tidal waters; or
    (iii) Continental Shelf fishery resources beyond the EEZ.
    (2) Operates a for-hire fishing vessel in the EEZ.
    (3) Operates a for-hire fishing vessel that engages in angling or 
spearfishing for:
    (i) Anadromous species in any tidal waters; or
    (ii) Continental shelf fishery resources beyond the EEZ.
    (4) Possesses equipment used for angling or spearfishing and also 
possesses:
    (i) Fish in the EEZ;
    (ii) Anadromous species in any tidal waters; or
    (iii) Continental shelf fishery resources beyond the EEZ.
    (b) No person may engage in the activities listed in paragraph (a) 
of this section unless that person:
    (1) Has registered annually with NMFS in accordance with Sec. 
600.1410 of this part;
    (2) Holds a valid fishing license issued by, or is registered by, an 
exempted state;
    (3) Is a resident of an exempted state, but is not required to hold 
a fishing license, or to be registered to fish, under the laws of that 
state;
    (4) Holds a permit issued by NMFS for for-hire fishing under 50 CFR 
622.4(a)(1), 635.4(b), 648.4(a), or 660.707(a)(1);
    (5) Is under the age of 16;
    (6) Is angling aboard a for-hire fishing vessel that is in 
compliance with NMFS and state for-hire vessel permit, license or 
registration requirements;
    (7) Holds a commercial fishing license or permit issued by NMFS or a 
state and is lawfully fishing or in possession of fish taken under the 
terms and conditions of such license or permit;
    (8) Holds an HMS Angling permit under 50 CFR 635.4(c) or a MHI Non-
commercial Bottomfish permit under 50 CFR 665.203(a)(2);
    (9) Holds a subsistence fishing license or permit issued by NMFS or 
a state and is lawfully fishing or in possession of fish taken under the 
terms and conditions of such license or permit; or
    (10) Is angling or spearfishing for, or operating a for-hire fishing 
vessel that engages in fishing for, anadromous species or Continental 
Shelf fishery resources, in waters under the control of a foreign 
nation.

[[Page 220]]

    (c) Any angler or spear fisher or operator of a for-hire vessel 
must, on request of an authorized officer, produce the NMFS registration 
number and certificate or evidence that such person or for-hire vessel 
operator is exempt from the registration requirement pursuant to Sec. 
600.1405(b)(2) through Sec. 600.1405(b)(10).

[73 FR 79717, Dec. 30, 2008, as amended at 77 FR 42191, July 18, 2012]



Sec. 600.1410  Registry process.

    (a) A person may register through the NMFS web site at 
www.nmfs.noaa.gov or by calling a toll-free telephone number available 
by contacting NMFS or at the NMFS website.
    (b) Individuals must submit their name; address; telephone number; 
date of birth; region(s) of the country in which they intend to fish in 
the upcoming year; and additional information necessary for the issuance 
or administration of the registration.
    (c) To register a for-hire fishing vessel, the vessel owner or 
operator must submit vessel owner name, address, date of birth, and 
telephone number; vessel operator (if different) name, address, date of 
birth and telephone number; vessel name; vessel's state registration or 
U.S. Coast Guard documentation number; home port or principal area of 
operation; and additional information necessary for the issuance or 
administration of the registration.
    (d) NMFS will issue a registration number and certificate to 
registrants. A registration number and certificate will be valid for one 
year from the date on which it is issued.
    (e) It shall be unlawful for any person to submit false, inaccurate 
or misleading information in connection with any registration request.
    (f) Fees. Effective January 1, 2011, persons registering with NMFS 
must pay an annual fee. The annual schedule for such fees will be 
published in the Federal Register. Indigenous people engaging in angling 
or spear fishing must register, but are not required to pay a fee.



Sec. 600.1415  Procedures for designating exempted states-general provisions.

    (a) States with an exempted state designation must:
    (1) Submit state angler and for-hire vessel license holder data to 
NMFS for inclusion in a national or regional registry database; or
    (2) Participate in regional surveys of recreational catch and effort 
and make the data from those surveys available to NMFS.
    (b) Process for getting an exempted state designation:
    (1) To apply for exempted state designation, a state must submit:
    (i) A complete description of the data it intends to submit to NMFS;
    (ii) An assessment of how the data conforms to the requirements of 
Sec. Sec. 600.1416 or 600. 1417;
    (iii) A description of the database in which the data exists and 
will be transmitted; and
    (iv) The proposed process, schedule and frequency of submission of 
the data.
    (2) If NMFS determines the submitted material meets the requirements 
of Sec. Sec. 600.1416 or 600.1417, NMFS will initiate negotiations with 
the state on a Memorandum of Agreement. The Memorandum of Agreement must 
include the terms and conditions of the data-sharing program. The 
Memorandum of Agreement and state designation may be limited to data-
sharing related to only anglers or only for-hire fishing vessels.
    (3) Following execution of a Memorandum of Agreement, NMFS will 
publish a notice of the exempted state designation in the Federal 
Register.



Sec. 600.1416  Requirements for exempted state designation based on submission of state license holder data.

    (a) A state must annually update and submit to NMFS, in a format 
consistent with NMFS guidelines, the name, address and, to the extent 
available in the state's database, telephone number and date of birth, 
of all persons and for-hire vessel operators, and the name and state 
registration number or U.S. Coast Guard documentation number of for-hire 
vessels that are licensed to fish, or are registered as fishing, in the 
EEZ, in the tidal waters of the

[[Page 221]]

state, or for anadromous species. The Memorandum of Agreement developed 
in accordance with Sec. 600.1415(b)(2) will specify the timetable for a 
state to compile and submit complete information telephone numbers and 
dates of birth for its license holders/registrants. The waters of the 
state for which such license-holder data must be submitted will be 
specified in the Memorandum of Agreement.
    (b) A state is eligible to be designated as an exempted state even 
if its licensing program excludes anglers who are:
    (1) Under 17 years of age;
    (2) Over age 59 (see Sec. 600.1416(d)(1));
    (3) Customers on licensed for-hire vessels;
    (4) Customers on state-licensed fishing piers, provided that the 
pier license holder provides to the state complete angler contact 
information or angler effort information for users of the pier;
    (5) On active military duty while on furlough; or
    (6) Disabled or a disabled Veteran as defined by the state.
    (7) Fishing on days designated as ``free fishing days'' by states. 
``Free fishing days'' means fishing promotion programs by which states 
allow new anglers to fish for a specified day without a license or 
registration.
    (c) Unless the state can demonstrate that a given category of 
anglers is so small it has no significant probability of biasing 
estimates of fishing effort if these anglers are not included in a 
representative sample, a state may not be designated as an exempted 
state if its licensing or registration program excludes anglers in any 
category other than those listed in paragraph (b) of this section.
    (d) Required enhancements to exempted state license-holder data. An 
exempted state must submit the following angler identification data by 
Jan. 1, 2012, or within two years of the effective date of the 
Memorandum of Agreement, whichever is later, and thereafter in 
accordance with the Memorandum of Agreement. States that provide NMFS 
with notice that they are required to enact legislation or to enter into 
formal memoranda of agreement or contracts with other state agencies to 
comply with this requirement must submit the data within three years of 
the effective date of the Memorandum of Agreement:
    (1) Name, address and telephone number, updated annually, of 
excluded anglers over age 59, unless the state can demonstrate that the 
number of anglers excluded from the license or registration requirement 
based on having a date of birth before June 1, 1940 is so small it has 
no significant probability of biasing estimates of fishing effort if 
these anglers are not included in a representative sample;
    (2) Name, address and telephone number, updated annually, of holders 
of state lifetime and multi-year licenses;
    (3) Name, address and telephone number of state combination license 
holders who fished in tidal waters in the prior year, or who intend to 
fish in tidal waters. The Memorandum of Agreement will define the 
boundaries of the state's tidal waters for this purpose.

[73 FR 79717, Dec. 30, 2008, as amended at 77 FR 42191, July 18, 2012]



Sec. 600.1417  Requirements for exempted state designation based on submission of recreational survey data.

    (a) To be designated as an exempted state based on the state's 
participation in a regional survey of marine and anadromous recreational 
fishing catch and effort, a state may submit to NMFS a proposal that 
fully describes the state's participation in a qualifying regional 
survey, and the survey's sample design, data collection and 
availability.
    (b) A qualifying regional survey must:
    (1) Include all of the states within each region as follows:
    (i) Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, 
New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North 
Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida (Atlantic coast);
    (ii) Florida (Gulf of Mexico coast), Alabama, Mississippi, 
Louisiana, and Texas;
    (iii) Puerto Rico;
    (iv) U.S. Virgin Islands;
    (v) California, Oregon and Washington;
    (vi) Alaska;
    (vii) Hawaii; or

[[Page 222]]

    (viii) American Samoa, Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern 
Mariana Islands.
    (2) Utilize angler registry data, or direct field counts to obtain 
angler effort, or other appropriate statistical means to obtain fishing 
effort;
    (3) Utilize angler registry data to identify individuals to be 
surveyed by telephone, mail or Internet if such regional survey includes 
a telephone survey component; and
    (4) Meet NMFS survey design and data collection standards.

[73 FR 79717, Dec. 30, 2008, as amended at 77 FR 42192, July 18, 2012]



            Subpart Q_Vessel Monitoring System Type-Approval

    Source: 85 FR 40921, July 8, 2020, unless otherwise noted.



Sec. 600.1500  Definitions and acronyms.

    In addition to the definitions in the Magnuson-Stevens Act and in 
Sec. 600.10, and the acronyms in Sec. 600.15, the terms and acronyms 
in this subpart have the following meanings:
    Authorized entity means a person, defined at 16 U.S.C. 1802(36), 
authorized to receive data transmitted by a VMS unit.
    Bench configuration means the configuration of a VMS unit after it 
has been customized to meet the Federal VMS requirements.
    Bundle means a mobile communications service and VMS unit sold as a 
package and considered one product. If a bundle is type-approved, the 
requestor will be the type-approval holder for the bundled MCS and VMS 
unit.
    Cellular communication means the wireless transmission of VMS data 
via a cellular network.
    Communication class means the satellite or cellular communications 
operator from which communications services originate.
    Electronic form means a pre-formatted message transmitted by a VMS 
unit that is required for the collection of data for a specific fishery 
program (e.g., declaration system, catch effort reporting).
    Enhanced Mobile Transceiver Unit (EMTU) means a type of MTU that is 
capable of supporting two-way communication, messaging, and electronic 
forms transmission via satellite. An EMTU is a transceiver or 
communications device, including an antenna, and dedicated message 
terminal and display which can support a dedicated input device such as 
a tablet or keyboard, installed on fishing vessels participating in 
fisheries with a VMS requirement.
    Enhanced Mobile Transceiver Unit, Cellular Based (EMTU-C) means an 
EMTU that transmits and receives data via cellular communications, 
except that it may not need a dedicated message terminal and display 
component at the time of approval as explained at Sec. 600.1502(a)(6). 
An EMTU-C only needs to be capable of transmission and reception when in 
the range of a cellular network.
    Latency means the state of untimely delivery of Global Positioning 
System position reports and electronic forms to NMFS (i.e., information 
is not delivered to NMFS consistent with timing requirements of this 
subpart).
    Mobile Communications Service (MCS) means the satellite and/or 
cellular communications services used with particular VMS units.
    Mobile Communications Service Provider (MCSP) means an entity that 
sells VMS satellite and/or cellular communications services to end 
users.
    Mobile Transmitter Unit (MTU) means a VMS unit capable of 
transmitting Global Positioning System position reports via satellite. 
(MTUs are no longer approved for new installations on VMS vessels).
    Notification Letter means a letter issued by NMFS to a type-approval 
holder identifying an alleged failure of a VMS unit, MCS, or the type-
approval holder to comply with the requirements of this subpart.
    Position report means the unique global positioning system (GPS) 
report generated by a vessel's VMS unit, which identifies the vessel's 
latitude/longitude position at a point in time. Position reports are 
sent from the VMS unit via the MCS, to authorized entities.
    Requestor means a vendor seeking type-approval.

[[Page 223]]

    Service life means the length of time during which a VMS unit 
remains fully operational with reasonable repairs.
    Sniffing means the unauthorized and illegitimate monitoring and 
capture, through use of a computer program or device, of data being 
transmitted over a network.
    Spoofing means the reporting of a false Global Positioning System 
position and/or vessel identity.
    Time stamp means the time, in hours, minutes, and seconds in a 
position report. Each position report is time stamped.
    Type-approval holder means an applicant whose type-approval request 
has been approved pursuant to this subpart.
    Vendor means a commercial provider of VMS hardware, software, and/or 
mobile communications services.
    Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) means, for purposes of this subpart, 
a satellite and/or cellular based system designed to monitor the 
location and movement of vessels using onboard VMS units that send 
Global Positioning System position reports to an authorized entity.
    Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) data means the data transmitted to 
authorized entities from a VMS unit.
    Vessel Monitoring System Program means the Federal program that 
manages the vessel monitoring system, data, and associated program-
components, nationally and in each NMFS region; it is housed in the 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 
National Marine Fisheries Service's Office of Law Enforcement.
    Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) Unit means MTU, EMTU or EMTU-C, as 
well as the units that can operate as both an EMTU and an EMTU-C.
    Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) Vessels means vessels that operate in 
federally managed fisheries with a requirement to carry and operate a 
VMS unit.



Sec. 600.1501  Vessel Monitoring System type-approval process.

    (a) Applicability. Unless otherwise specified, this section applies 
to EMTUs, EMTU-Cs, units that operate as both an EMTU and EMTU-C, and 
MCSs. Units that can operate as both an EMTU and EMTU-C must meet the 
requirements for both an EMTU and an EMTU-C in order to gain type-
approval as both. MTUs are no longer eligible for type-approval.
    (b) Application submission. A requestor must submit a written type-
approval request and electronic copies of supporting materials that 
include the information required under this section to the NMFS Office 
of Law Enforcement (OLE) at: U.S. Department of Commerce; National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; National Marine Fisheries 
Service; Office of Law Enforcement; Attention: Vessel Monitoring System 
Office; 1315 East-West Highway, SSMC3, Suite 3301, Silver Spring, 
Maryland 20910.
    (c) Application requirements. (1) EMTU, EMTU-C, and MCS Identifying 
Information: In a type-approval request, the requestor should indicate 
whether the requestor is seeking approval for an EMTU, EMTU-C, MCS, or 
bundle and must specify identifying characteristics, as applicable: 
Communication class; manufacturer; brand name; model name; model number; 
software version and date; firmware version number and date; hardware 
version number and date; antenna type; antenna model number and date; 
tablet, monitor or terminal model number and date; MCS to be used in 
conjunction with the EMTU/EMTU-C; entity providing MCS to the end user; 
and current global and regional coverage of the MCS.
    (2) Requestor-approved third party business entities: The requestor 
must provide the business name, address, phone number, contact name(s), 
email address, specific services provided, and geographic region covered 
for the following third party business entities:
    (i) Entities providing bench configuration for the EMTU/EMTU-C at 
the warehouse or point of supply.
    (ii) Entities distributing/selling the EMTU/EMTU-C to end users.
    (iii) Entities currently approved by the requestor to install the 
EMTU/EMTU-C onboard vessels.
    (iv) Entities currently approved by the requestor to offer a limited 
warranty.

[[Page 224]]

    (v) Entities approved by the requestor to offer a maintenance 
service agreement.
    (vi) Entities approved by the requestor to repair or install new 
software on the EMTU/EMTU-C.
    (vii) Entities approved by the requestor to train end users.
    (viii) Entities approved by the requestor to advertise the EMTU/
EMTU-C.
    (ix) Entities approved by the requestor to provide other customer 
services.
    (3) Regulatory Requirements and Documentation: In a type-approval 
request, a requestor must:
    (i) Identify the NMFS region(s) and/or Federal fisheries for which 
the requestor seeks type-approval.
    (ii) Include copies of, or citation to, applicable VMS regulations 
and requirements in effect for the region(s) and Federal fisheries 
identified under paragraph (c)(3)(i) of this section that require use of 
VMS.
    (iii) Provide a table with the type-approval request that lists in 
one column each requirement set out in Sec. Sec. 600.1502 through 
600.1509 and regulations described under paragraph (c)(3)(ii) of this 
section. NMFS OLE will provide a template for the table upon request. 
The requestor must indicate in subsequent columns in the table:
    (A) Whether the requirement applies to the type-approval; and
    (B) Whether the EMTU, EMTU-C, MCS, or bundle meets the requirement.
    (iv) Certify that the features, components, configuration and 
services of the requestor's EMTU/EMTU-C, MCS, or bundle comply with each 
requirement set out in Sec. Sec. 600.1502 through 600.1509 and the 
regulations described under paragraph (c)(3)(ii) of this section.
    (v) Certify that, if the request is approved, the requestor agrees 
to be responsible for ensuring compliance with each requirement set out 
in Sec. Sec. 600.1502 through 600.1509 and the regulations described 
under paragraph (c)(3)(ii) of this section over the course of the type-
approval period.
    (vi) Provide NMFS OLE with two EMTU/EMTU-Cs loaded with forms and 
software, if applicable, for each NMFS region or Federal fishery, with 
activated MCS, for which a type-approval request is submitted for a 
minimum of 90 calendar days for testing and evaluation. For EMTU-Cs, the 
forms and software may be loaded onto a dedicated message terminal and 
display component to which the EMTU-C can connect. Copies of forms 
currently used by NMFS are available upon request. As part of its 
review, NMFS OLE may perform field tests and at-sea trials that involve 
demonstrating every aspect of EMTU/EMTU-C and communications operation. 
The requestor is responsible for all associated costs including paying 
for: Shipping of the EMTU/EMTU-C to the required NMFS regional offices 
and/or headquarters for testing; the MCS during the testing period; and 
shipping of the EMTU/EMTU-C back to the vendor.
    (vii) Provide thorough documentation for the EMTU/EMTU-C and MCS, 
including: EMTU/EMTU-C fact sheets; installation guides; user manuals; 
any necessary interfacing software; MCS global and regional coverage; 
performance specifications; and technical support information.
    (d) Certification. A requestor seeking type-approval of an EMTU/
EMTU-C to operate with a class or type of communications, as opposed to 
type-approval for use with a specific MCS, shall certify that the EMTU/
EMTU-C meets requirements under this subpart when using at least one 
MCSP within that class or type of communications.
    (e) Notification. Unless additional time is required for EMTU/EMTU-C 
testing, NMFS OLE will notify the requestor within 90 days after receipt 
of a complete type-approval request as follows:
    (1) If a request is approved or partially approved, NMFS OLE will 
provide notice as described under Sec. 600.1510 and the type-approval 
letter will serve as official documentation and notice of type-approval. 
OLE will publish and maintain the list of type-approved units on their 
Vessel Monitoring System web page.
    (2) If a request is disapproved or partially disapproved:
    (i) OLE will send a letter to the requestor that explains the reason 
for the disapproval/partial disapproval.
    (ii) The requestor may respond to NMFS OLE in writing with 
additional

[[Page 225]]

information to address the reasons for disapproval identified in the 
NMFS OLE letter. The requestor must submit this response within 21 
calendar days of the date of the OLE letter sent under paragraph 
(e)(2)(i) of this section.
    (iii) If any additional information is submitted under paragraph 
(e)(2)(ii) of this section, NMFS OLE, after reviewing such information, 
may either take action under paragraph (e)(1) of this section or 
determine that the request should continue to be disapproved or 
partially disapproved. In the latter case, the NMFS OLE Director will 
send a letter to the requestor that explains the reasons for the 
continued disapproval/partial disapproval. The NMFS OLE Director's 
decision is final upon issuance of this letter and is not appealable.



Sec. 600.1502  Communications functionality.

    (a) Unless otherwise specified, this subsection applies to all VMS 
units. Units that can operate as both an EMTU and EMTU-C must meet the 
requirements for both an EMTU and an EMTU-C in order to gain type-
approval as both. The VMS unit must:
    (1) Be able to transmit all automatically-generated position 
reports.
    (2) Provide visible or audible alarms onboard the vessel to indicate 
malfunctioning of the VMS unit.
    (3) Be able to disable non-essential alarms in non-Global Maritime 
Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) installations.
    (4) EMTU/EMTU-Cs must be able to send communications that function 
uniformly throughout the geographic area(s) covered by the type-
approval, except an EMTU-C only needs to be capable of transmission and 
reception when in the range of a cellular network.
    (5) EMTU/EMTU-Cs must have two-way communications between the unit 
and authorized entities, via MCS, or be able to connect to a device that 
has two-way communications.
    (6) EMTU/EMTU-Cs must be able to run or to connect to a dedicated 
message terminal and display component that can run software and/or 
applications that send and receive electronic forms and internet email 
messages for the purpose of complying with VMS reporting requirements in 
Federal fisheries. Depending on the reporting requirements for the 
fishery(s) in which the requester is seeking type-approval, an EMTU-C 
type-approval may not require the inclusion of a dedicated message 
terminal and display component at the time of approval, but the 
capability to support such a component must be shown.
    (7) Have messaging and communications mechanisms that are completely 
compatible with NMFS vessel monitoring and surveillance software.
    (b) In addition, messages and communications from a VMS unit must be 
able to be parsed out to enable clear billing of costs to the government 
and to the owner of a vessel or EMTU/EMTU-C, when necessary. Also, the 
costs associated with position reporting and the costs associated with 
other communications (for example, personal email or communications/
reports to non-NMFS Office of Law Enforcement entities) must be parsed 
out and billed to separate parties, as appropriate.



Sec. 600.1503  Position report data formats and transmission.

    Unless otherwise specified, this subsection applies to all VMS 
units, MCSs and bundles. Units that can operate as both an EMTU and 
EMTU-C must meet the requirements for both an EMTU and an EMTU-C in 
order to gain type-approval as both. To be type-approved in any given 
fishery, a VMS unit must also meet any additional positioning 
information as required by the applicable VMS regulations and 
requirements in effect for each fishery or region for which the type-
approval applies. The VMS unit must meet the following requirements:
    (a) Transmit all automatically-generated position reports, for 
vessels managed individually or grouped by fleet, that meet the latency 
requirement under Sec. 600.1504.
    (b) When powered up, must automatically re-establish its position 
reporting function without manual intervention.
    (c) Position reports must contain all of the following:
    (1) Unique identification of an EMTU/EMTU-C and clear indication if 
the unit is an EMTU-C.

[[Page 226]]

    (2) Date (year/month/day with century in the year) and time stamp 
(GMT) of the position fix.
    (3) Date (year/month/day with century in the year) and time stamp 
(GMT) that the EMTU-C position report was sent from the EMTU-C.
    (4) Position fixed latitude and longitude, including the hemisphere 
of each, which comply with the following requirements:
    (i) The position fix precision must be to the decimal minute 
hundredths.
    (ii) Accuracy of the reported position must be within 100 meters 
(328.1 ft).
    (d) An EMTU/EMTU-C must have the ability to: (1) Store 1,000 
position fixes in local, non-volatile memory.
    (2) Allow for defining variable reporting intervals between 5 
minutes and 24 hours.
    (3) Allow for changes in reporting intervals remotely and only by 
authorized users.
    (e) An EMTU/EMTU-C must generate specially identified position 
reports upon:
    (1) Antenna disconnection.
    (2) Loss of positioning reference signals.
    (3) Security events, power-up, power down, and other status data.
    (4) A request for EMTU/EMTU-C status information such as 
configuration of programming and reporting intervals.
    (5) The EMTUs loss of the mobile communications signals.
    (6) An EMTU must generate a specially identified position report 
upon the vessel crossing of a pre-defined geographic boundary.



Sec. 600.1504  Latency requirement.

    (a) Ninety percent of all pre-programmed or requested Global 
Positioning System position reports during each 24-hour period must 
reach NMFS within 15 minutes or less of being sent from the VMS unit, 
for 10 out of 11 consecutive days (24-hour time periods).
    (b) NMFS will continually examine latency by region and by type-
approval holder.
    (c) Exact dates for calculation of latency will be chosen by NMFS. 
Days in which isolated and documented system outages occur will not be 
used by NMFS to calculate a type-approval holder's latency.



Sec. 600.1505  Messaging.

    (a) Unless otherwise specified, this section applies to all VMS 
units, MCSs, and bundles. Units that can operate as both an EMTU and 
EMTU-C must meet the requirements for both an EMTU and an EMTU-C in 
order to gain type-approval as both. Depending on the reporting 
requirements for the fishery(s) in which the requester is seeking type-
approval, an EMTU-C type-approval may not require the inclusion of a 
dedicated message terminal and display component at the time of 
approval, but the capability to support such a component must be shown. 
To be type-approved in any given fishery, a VMS unit must meet messaging 
information requirements under the applicable VMS regulations and 
requirements in effect for each fishery or region for which the type-
approval applies. The VMS unit must also meet the following 
requirements:
    (b) An EMTU must be able to run software and/or applications that 
send email messages for the purpose of complying with VMS reporting 
requirements in Federal fisheries that require email communication 
capability. An EMTU-C must be able to run or connect to a device that 
can run such software and/or applications. In such cases, the EMTU/EMTU-
C messaging must provide for the following capabilities:
    (1) Messaging from vessel to shore, and from shore to vessel by 
authorized entities, must have a minimum supported message length of 1 
KB. For EMTU-Cs, this messaging capability need only be functional when 
in range of shore-based cellular communications.
    (2) There must be a confirmation of delivery function that allows a 
user to ascertain whether a specific message was successfully 
transmitted to the MCS email server(s).
    (3) Notification of failed delivery to the EMTU/EMTU-C must be sent 
to the sender of the message. The failed delivery notification must 
include sufficient information to identify the specific message that 
failed and the cause of failure (e.g., invalid address, EMTU/EMTU-C 
switched off, etc.).

[[Page 227]]

    (4) The EMTU/EMTU-C must have an automatic retry feature in the 
event that a message fails to be delivered.
    (5) The EMTU/EMTU-C user interface must:
    (i) Support an ``address book'' capability and a function permitting 
a ``reply'' to a received message without re-entering the sender's 
address.
    (ii) Provide the ability to review by date order, or by recipient, 
messages that were previously sent. The EMTU/EMTU-C terminal must 
support a minimum message history of 50 sent messages--commonly referred 
to as an ``Outbox'' or ``Sent'' message display.
    (iii) Provide the ability to review by date order, or by sender, all 
messages received. The EMTU/EMTU-C terminal must support a minimum 
message history of at least 50 messages in an inbox.



Sec. 600.1506  Electronic forms.

    Unless otherwise specified, this subsection applies to all EMTUs, 
EMTU-Cs, MCSs, and bundles.
    (a) Forms. An EMTU/EMTU-C must be able to run, or to connect to and 
transmit data from a device that can run electronic forms software. 
Depending on the reporting requirements for the fishery(s) in which the 
requester is seeking type-approval, an EMTU-C type-approval may not 
require the inclusion of a dedicated message terminal and display 
component at the time of approval, but the capability to support such a 
component must be shown. The EMTU/EMTU-C must be able to support forms 
software that can hold a minimum of 20 electronic forms, and it must 
also meet any additional forms requirements in effect for each fishery 
or region for which the type-approval applies. The EMTU/EMTU-C must meet 
the following requirements:
    (1) Form Validation: Each field on a form must be capable of being 
defined as Optional, Mandatory, or Logic Driven. Mandatory fields are 
those fields that must be entered by the user before the form is 
complete. Optional fields are those fields that do not require data 
entry. Logic-driven fields have their attributes determined by earlier 
form selections. Specifically, a logic-driven field must allow for 
selection of options in that field to change the values available as 
menu selections on a subsequent field within the same form.
    (2) A user must be able to select forms from a menu on the EMTU/
EMTU-C.
    (3) A user must be able to populate a form based on the last values 
used and ``modify'' or ``update'' a prior submission without unnecessary 
re-entry of data. A user must be able to review a minimum of 20 past 
form submissions and ascertain for each form when the form was 
transmitted and whether delivery was successfully sent to the type-
approval holder's VMS data processing center. In the case of a 
transmission failure, a user must be provided with details of the cause 
and have the opportunity to retry the form submission.
    (4) VMS Position Report: Each form must include VMS position data, 
including latitude, longitude, date and time. Data to populate these 
fields must be automatically generated by the EMTU/EMTU-C and unable to 
be manually entered or altered.
    (5) Delivery and Format of Forms Data: Delivery of form data to NMFS 
must employ the same transport security and reliability as set out in 
Sec. 600.1507 of this subpart. The forms data and delivery must be 
completely compatible with NMFS vessel monitoring software.
    (b) Updates to Forms. (1) The EMTU/EMTU-C and MCS must be capable of 
providing updates to forms or adding new form requirements via wireless 
transmission and without manual installation.
    (2) From time to time, NMFS may provide type-approved applicants 
with requirements for new forms or modifications to existing forms. NMFS 
may also provide notice of forms and form changes through the NMFS Work 
Order System. Type-approved applicants will be given at least 60 
calendar days to complete their implementation of new or changed forms. 
Applicants will be capable of, and responsible for translating the 
requirements into their EMTU/EMTU-C-specific forms definitions and 
wirelessly transmitting the same to all EMTU/EMTU-C terminals supplied 
to fishing vessels.

[[Page 228]]



Sec. 600.1507  Communications security.

    Communications between an EMTU/EMTU-C and MCS must be secure from 
tampering or interception, including the reading of passwords and data. 
The EMTU/EMTU-C and MCS must have mechanisms to prevent to the extent 
possible:
    (a) Sniffing and/or interception during transmission from the EMTU/
EMTU-C to MCS.
    (b) Spoofing.
    (c) False position reports sent from an EMTU/EMTU-C.
    (d) Modification of EMTU/EMTU-C identification.
    (e) Interference with Global Maritime Distress and Safety System 
(GMDSS) or other safety/distress functions.
    (f) Introduction of malware, spyware, keyloggers, or other software 
that may corrupt, disturb, or disrupt messages, transmission, and the 
VMS system.
    (g) The EMTU/EMTU-C terminal from communicating with, influencing, 
or interfering with the Global Positioning System antenna or its 
functionality, position reports, or sending of position reports. The 
position reports must not be altered, corrupted, degraded, or at all 
affected by the operation of the terminal or any of its peripherals or 
installed-software.
    (h) VMS data must be encrypted and sent securely through all 
associated cellular, satellite, and internet communication pathways and 
channels.



Sec. 600.1508  Field and technical services.

    As a requirement of its type-approval, a type-approval holder must 
communicate with NMFS to resolve technical issues with a VMS Unit, MCS 
or bundle and ensure that field and technical services includes:
    (a) Diagnostic and troubleshooting support to NMFS and fishers, 
which is available 24 hours a day, seven days per week, and year-round.
    (b) Response times for customer service inquiries that shall not 
exceed 24 hours.
    (c) Warranty and maintenance agreements.
    (d) Escalation procedures for resolution of problems.
    (e) Established facilities and procedures to assist fishers in 
maintaining and repairing their EMTU, EMTU-C, or MTU.
    (f) Assistance to fishers in the diagnosis of the cause of 
communications anomalies.
    (g) Assistance in resolving communications anomalies that are traced 
to the EMTU, EMTU-C, or MTU.
    (h) Assistance to NMFS Office of Law Enforcement and its 
contractors, upon request, in VMS system operation, resolving technical 
issues, and data analyses related to the VMS Program or system.



Sec. 600.1509  General.

    (a) An EMTU/EMTU-C must have the durability and reliability 
necessary to meet all requirements of Sec. Sec. 600.1502 through 
600.1507 regardless of weather conditions, including when placed in a 
marine environment where the unit may be subjected to saltwater (spray) 
in smaller vessels, and in larger vessels where the unit may be 
maintained in a wheelhouse. The unit, cabling and antenna must be 
resistant to salt, moisture, and shock associated with sea-going vessels 
in the marine environment.
    (b) PII and Other Protected Information. Personally identifying 
information (PII) and other protected information includes Magnuson-
Stevens Act confidential information as provided at 16 U.S.C. 1881a and 
Business Identifiable Information (BII), as defined in the Department of 
Commerce Information Technology Privacy Policy. A type-approval holder 
is responsible for ensuring that:
    (1) All PII and other protected information is handled in accordance 
with applicable state and Federal law.
    (2) All PII and other protected information provided to the type-
approval holder by vessel owners or other authorized personnel for the 
purchase or activation of an EMTU/EMTU-C or arising from participation 
in any Federal fishery are protected from disclosure not authorized by 
NMFS or the vessel owner or other authorized personnel.
    (3) Any release of PII or other protected information beyond 
authorized entities must be requested and approved in writing, as 
appropriate, by

[[Page 229]]

the submitter of the data in accordance with 16 U.S.C. 1881a, or by 
NMFS.
    (4) Any PII or other protected information sent electronically by 
the type-approval holder to the NMFS Office of Law Enforcement must be 
transmitted by a secure means that prevents interception, spoofing, or 
viewing by unauthorized individuals.



Sec. 600.1510  Notification of type-approval.

    (a) If a request made pursuant to Sec. 600.1501 (type-approval) is 
approved or partially approved, NMFS will issue a type-approval letter 
to indicate the specific EMTU/EMTU-C model, MCSP, or bundle that is 
approved for use, the MCS or class of MCSs permitted for use with the 
type-approved EMTU, and the regions or fisheries in which the EMTU/EMTU-
C, MCSP, or bundle is approved for use.
    (b) The NMFS Office of Law Enforcement will maintain a list of type-
approved EMTUs/EMTU-C, MCSPs, and bundles on a publicly available 
website and provide copies of the list upon request.



Sec. 600.1511  Changes or modifications to type-approvals.

    Type-approval holders must notify NMFS Office of Law Enforcement 
(OLE) in writing no later than 2 days following modification to or 
replacement of any functional component or piece of their type-approved 
EMTU, EMTU-C, or MTU configuration, MCS, or bundle. If the changes are 
substantial, NMFS OLE will notify the type-approval holder in writing 
within 60 calendar days that an amended type-approval is required or 
that NMFS will initiate the type-approval revocation process.



Sec. 600.1512  Type-approval revocation process.

    (a) If at any time, a type-approved EMTU/EMTU-C, MCS, or bundle 
fails to meet requirements at Sec. Sec. 600.1502 through 600.1509 or 
applicable VMS regulations and requirements in effect for the region(s) 
and Federal fisheries for which the EMTU/EMTU-C or MCS is type-approved, 
or if an MTU fails to meet the requirements under which it was type-
approved, OLE may issue a Notification Letter to the type-approval 
holder that:
    (1) Identifies the MTU, EMTU, EMTU-C, MCS, or bundle that allegedly 
fails to comply with type-approval regulations and requirements;
    (2) Identifies the alleged failure to comply with type-approval 
regulations and requirements, and the urgency and impact of the alleged 
failure;
    (3) Cites relevant regulations and requirements under this subpart;
    (4) Describes the indications and evidence of the alleged failure;
    (5) Provides documentation and data demonstrating the alleged 
failure;
    (6) Sets a response date by which the type-approval holder must 
submit to NMFS OLE a written response to the Notification Letter, 
including, if applicable, a proposed solution; and
    (7) Explains the type-approval holder's options if the type-approval 
holder believes the Notification Letter is in error.
    (b) NMFS will establish a response date between 30 and 120 calendar 
days from the date of the Notification Letter. The type-approval 
holder's response must be received in writing by NMFS on or before the 
response date. If the type-approval holder fails to respond by the 
response date, the type-approval will be revoked. At its discretion and 
for good cause, NMFS may extend the response date to a maximum of 150 
calendar days from the date of the Notification Letter.
    (c) A type-approval holder who has submitted a timely response may 
meet with NMFS within 21 calendar days of the date of that response to 
discuss a detailed and agreed-upon procedure for resolving the alleged 
failure. The meeting may be in person, conference call, or webcast.
    (d) If the type-approval holder disagrees with the Notification 
Letter and believes that there is no failure to comply with the type-
approval regulations and requirements, NMFS has incorrectly defined or 
described the failure or its urgency and impact, or NMFS is otherwise in 
error, the type-approval holder may submit a written objection letter to 
NMFS on or before the response date. Within 21 calendar days of the date 
of the objection letter, the type-approval holder may meet with

[[Page 230]]

NMFS to discuss a resolution or redefinition of the issue. The meeting 
may be in person, conference call, or webcast. If modifications to any 
part of the Notification Letter are required, then NMFS will issue a 
revised Notification Letter to the type-approval holder. However, the 
response date or any other timeline in this process would not restart or 
be modified unless NMFS decides to do so, at its discretion.
    (e) The total process from the date of the Notification Letter to 
the date of final resolution should not exceed 180 calendar days, and 
may require a shorter timeframe, to be determined by NMFS, depending on 
the urgency and impact of the alleged failure. In rare circumstances, 
NMFS, at its discretion, may extend the time for resolution of the 
alleged failure. In such a case, NMFS will provide a written notice to 
the type-approval holder informing him or her of the extension and the 
basis for the extension.
    (f) If the failure to comply with type-approval regulations and 
requirements cannot be resolved through this process, the NMFS OLE 
Director will issue a Revocation Letter to the type-approval holder 
that:
    (1) Identifies the MTU, EMTU, EMTU-C, MCS, or bundle for which type-
approval is being revoked;
    (2) Summarizes the failure to comply with type-approval regulations 
and requirements, including describing its urgency and impact;
    (3) Summarizes any proposed plan, or attempts to produce such a 
plan, to resolve the failure;
    (4) States that revocation of the MTU, EMTU, EMTU-C, MCS, or 
bundle's type-approval has occurred;
    (5) States that no new installations of the revoked unit will be 
permitted in any NMFS-managed fishery requiring the use of VMS;
    (6) Cites relevant regulations and requirements under this subpart;
    (7) Explains why resolution was not achieved;
    (8) Advises the type-approval holder that:
    (i) The type-approval holder may reapply for a type-approval under 
the process set forth in Sec. 600.1501, and
    (ii) A revocation may be appealed pursuant to the process under 
Sec. 600.1513.



Sec. 600.1513  Type-approval revocation appeals process.

    (a) If a type-approval holder receives a Revocation Letter pursuant 
to Sec. 600.1512, the type-approval holder may file an appeal of the 
revocation to the NMFS Assistant Administrator.
    (b) An appeal must be filed within 14 calendar days of the date of 
the Revocation Letter. A type-approval holder may not request an 
extension of time to file an appeal.
    (c) An appeal must include a complete copy of the Revocation Letter 
and its attachments and a written statement detailing any facts or 
circumstances explaining and refuting the failures summarized in the 
Revocation Letter.
    (d) The NMFS Assistant Administrator may, at his or her discretion, 
affirm, vacate, or modify the Revocation Letter and send a letter to the 
type-approval holder explaining his or her determination, within 21 
calendar days of receipt of the appeal. The NMFS Assistant 
Administrator's determination constitutes the final agency decision.



Sec. 600.1514  Revocation effective date and notification to vessel owners.

    (a) Following issuance of a Revocation Letter pursuant to Sec. 
600.1512 and any appeal pursuant to Sec. 600.1513, NMFS will provide 
notice to all vessel owners impacted by the type-approval revocation via 
letter and Federal Register notice. NMFS will provide information to 
impacted vessel owners on:
    (1) The next steps vessel owners should take to remain in compliance 
with regional and/or national VMS requirements;
    (2) The date, 60-90 calendar days from the notice date, on which the 
type-approval revocation will become effective;
    (3) Reimbursement of the cost of a new type-approved EMTU/EMTU-C, 
should funding for reimbursement be available pursuant to Sec. 
600.1516.



Sec. 600.1515  Litigation support.

    (a) All technical aspects of a type-approved EMTU, EMTU-C, MTU, MCS, 
or bundle are subject to being admitted as

[[Page 231]]

evidence in a court of law, if needed. The reliability of all 
technologies utilized in the EMTU, EMTU-C, MTU, MCS, or bundle may be 
analyzed in court for, inter alia, testing procedures, error rates, peer 
review, technical processes and general industry acceptance.
    (b) The type-approval holder must, as a requirement of the holder's 
type-approval, provide technical and expert support for litigation to 
substantiate the EMTU/EMTU-C, MCS, or bundle capabilities to establish 
NMFS Office of Law Enforcement cases against violators, as needed. If 
the technologies have previously been subject to such scrutiny in a 
court of law, the type-approval holder must provide NMFS with a brief 
summary of the litigation and any court findings on the reliability of 
the technology.
    (c) The type-approval holder will be required to sign a non-
disclosure agreement limiting the release of certain information that 
might compromise the effectiveness of the VMS operations.



Sec. 600.1516  Reimbursement opportunities for revoked Vessel Monitoring System type-approval products.

    (a) Subject to the availability of funds, vessel owners may be 
eligible for reimbursement payments for a replacement EMTU/EMTU-C if:
    (1) All eligibility and process requirements specified by NMFS are 
met as described in NMFS Policy Directive 06-102; and
    (2) The replacement type-approved EMTU/EMTU-C is installed on the 
vessel, and reporting to NMFS Office of Law Enforcement; and
    (3) The type-approval for the previously installed EMTU/EMTU-C has 
been revoked by NMFS; or
    (4) NMFS requires the vessel owner to purchase a new EMTU/EMTU-C 
prior to the end of an existing unit's service life.
    (b) The cap for individual reimbursement payments is subject to 
change. If this occurs, NMFS Office of Law Enforcement will publish a 
notice in the Federal Register announcing the change.



          Subpart R_Standardized Bycatch Reporting Methodology

    Source: 82 FR 6337, Jan. 19, 2017, unless otherwise noted.



Sec. 600.1600  Purpose and scope.

    Section 303(a)(11) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act requires that any 
fishery management plan (FMP) with respect to any fishery shall 
establish a standardized reporting methodology to assess the amount and 
type of bycatch occurring in the fishery. 16 U.S.C. 1853(a)(11). The 
purpose of a standardized reporting methodology is to collect, record, 
and report bycatch data in a fishery that, in conjunction with other 
relevant sources of information, are used to assess the amount and type 
of bycatch occurring in the fishery and inform the development of 
conservation and management measures that, to the extent practicable, 
minimize bycatch and bycatch mortality. This subpart sets forth 
requirements for and guidance on establishing and reviewing a 
standardized reporting methodology.



Sec. 600.1605  Definitions and word usage.

    (a) Definitions. In addition to the definitions in the Magnuson-
Stevens Act and Sec. 600.10, standardized reporting methodology means 
an established, consistent procedure or procedures used to collect, 
record, and report bycatch data in a fishery, which may vary from one 
fishery to another. Bycatch assessment is not part of the standardized 
reporting methodology, but must be considered as described in Sec. 
600.1610(a)(2)(iv).
    (b) Word usage. The terms ``bycatch'' and ``fishery'' are used in 
the same manner as in 16 U.S.C. 1802. The terms ``must'', ``should'', 
``may'', ``will'', ``could'', and ``can'' are used in the same manner as 
in Sec. 600.305(c). The term ``Council'' is used in the same manner as 
in Sec. 600.305(d)(10), and includes the regional fishery management 
Councils and the Secretary of Commerce, as appropriate (16 U.S.C. 
1854(c) and (g)).

[[Page 232]]



Sec. 600.1610  Establishing and reviewing standardized bycatch reporting methodologies in fishery management plans.

    (a) Establishing a standardized reporting methodology--(1) Fishery 
management plan contents. An FMP must identify the required procedure or 
procedures that constitute the standardized reporting methodology for 
the fishery. The required procedures may include, but are not limited 
to, one or more of the following: Observer programs, electronic 
monitoring and reporting technologies, and self-reported mechanisms 
(e.g., recreational sampling, industry-reported catch and discard data). 
The FMP, or a fishery research plan authorized under 16 U.S.C. 1862, 
must explain how the standardized reporting methodology meets the 
purpose described in Sec. 600.1600, based on an analysis of the 
requirements under Sec. 600.1610(a)(2). The FMP, or fishery research 
plan authorized under 16 U.S.C. 1862, may reference analyses and 
information in other FMPs, FMP amendments, Stock Assessment and Fishery 
Evaluation (SAFE) reports, or other documents. Councils should work 
together and collaborate on standardized reporting methodologies for 
fisheries that operate across multiple jurisdictions, as appropriate. In 
addition to proposing regulations necessary to implement the 
standardized reporting methodology, a Council should also provide in its 
FMP, or a fishery research plan authorized under 16 U.S.C. 1862, 
guidance to NMFS on how to adjust implementation of a standardized 
reporting methodology consistent with the FMP. See National Standard 6 
guidelines, Sec. 600.335.
    (2) Requirements for standardized reporting methodology. The FMP 
must establish a standardized reporting methodology as provided under 
Sec. 600.1610(a)(1) that meets the specific purpose described in Sec. 
600.1600. Due to the inherent diversity of fisheries, different 
standardized reporting methodologies may be appropriate for different 
fisheries. However, when establishing or reviewing a standardized 
reporting methodology, a Council must address the following:
    (i) Information about the characteristics of bycatch in the fishery. 
A Council must address information about the characteristics of bycatch 
in the fishery, when available, including, but not limited to: The 
amount and type of bycatch occurring in the fishery, which may vary 
based on different fishing activities and operations; the importance of 
bycatch in estimating the fishing mortality of fish stocks; and the 
effect of bycatch on ecosystems.
    (ii) Feasibility. The implementation of a standardized reporting 
methodology must be feasible from cost, technical, and operational 
perspectives. However, feasibility concerns do not exempt an FMP from 
the requirement to establish a standardized reporting methodology. 
Recognizing that costs and funding may vary from year to year, a Council 
must also address how implementation of the standardized reporting 
methodology may be adjusted while continuing to meet the purpose 
described under Sec. 600.1600.
    (iii) Data uncertainty. A Council must address the uncertainty of 
the data resulting from the standardized reporting methodology. The 
standardized reporting methodology must be designed so that the 
uncertainty associated with the resulting bycatch data can be described, 
quantitatively or qualitatively. The Council should seek to minimize 
uncertainty in the resulting data, recognizing that different degrees of 
data uncertainty may be appropriate for different fisheries.
    (iv) Data use. A Council must address how data resulting from the 
standardized reporting methodology are used to assess the amount and 
type of bycatch occurring in the fishery. A Council must consult with 
its scientific and statistical committee and/or the regional National 
Marine Fisheries Service science center on reporting methodology design 
considerations such as data elements, sampling designs, sample sizes, 
and reporting frequency. The Council must also consider the scientific 
methods and techniques available to collect, record, and report bycatch 
data that could improve the quality of bycatch estimates. Different 
standardized reporting methodology designs may be appropriate for 
different fisheries.

[[Page 233]]

    (b) Review of FMPs. All FMPs must be consistent with this subpart by 
February 21, 2022. Therefore, a Council, in coordination with NMFS, must 
conduct a review of its FMPs for consistency with this subpart. A 
Council does not need to amend an FMP if NMFS determines that it is 
consistent with this subpart. Thereafter, Councils, in coordination with 
NMFS, should conduct a review of standardized reporting methodologies at 
least once every 5 years in order to verify continued compliance with 
the MSA and this subpart.



PART 622_FISHERIES OF THE CARIBBEAN, GULF OF MEXICO, AND SOUTH 
ATLANTIC--Table of Contents



                      Subpart A_General Provisions

Sec.
622.1 Purpose and scope.
622.2 Definitions and acronyms.
622.3 Relation to other laws and regulations.
622.4 Permits and fees--general.
622.5 Recordkeeping and reporting--general.
622.6 Vessel identification.
622.7 Fishing years.
622.8 Quotas--general.
622.9 Prohibited gear and methods--general.
622.10 Landing fish intact---general.
622.11 Bag and possession limits--general applicability.
622.12 [Reserved]
622.13 Prohibitions--general.
622.14 [Reserved]
622.15 Notice regarding area closures to protect corals.
622.16 Notice regarding South Atlantic special management zones (SMZs).
622.17 Notice regarding seasonal/area closures to protect Gulf reef 
          fish.
622.19 Incorporation by reference.

           Subpart B_Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico

622.20 Permits and endorsements.
622.21 Individual fishing quota (IFQ) program for Gulf red snapper.
622.22 Individual fishing quota (IFQ) program for Gulf groupers and 
          tilefishes.
622.23 State management of the red snapper recreational sector private 
          angling component in the Gulf EEZ.
622.24 [Reserved]
622.25 Exemptions for Gulf groundfish trawling.
622.26 Recordkeeping and reporting.
622.27 At-sea observer coverage.
622.28 Vessel monitoring systems (VMSs).
622.29 Conservation measures for protected resources.
622.30 Required fishing gear.
622.31 Buoy gear identification.
622.32 Prohibited gear and methods.
622.33 Prohibited species.
622.34 Seasonal and area closures designed to protect Gulf reef fish.
622.35 Gear restricted areas.
622.36 Seasonal harvest limitations.
622.37 Size limits.
622.38 Bag and possession limits.
622.39 Quotas.
622.40 Restrictions on sale/purchase.
622.41 Annual catch limits (ACLs), annual catch targets (ACTs), and 
          accountability measures (AMs).
622.42 Adjustment of management measures.
622.43 Commercial trip limits.

             Subpart C_Shrimp Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico

622.50 Permits and fees.
622.51 Recordkeeping and reporting.
622.52 At-sea observer coverage.
622.53 Bycatch reduction device (BRD) requirements.
622.54 Prohibited gear and methods.
622.55 Closed areas.
622.56 Size limits.
622.57 [Reserved]
622.58 Annual catch limits (ACLs), annual catch targets (ACTs), and 
          accountability measures (AMs).
622.59 Prevention of gear conflicts.
622.60 Adjustment of management measures.

          Subpart D_Coral and Coral Reefs of the Gulf of Mexico

622.70 Permits.
622.71 Recordkeeping and reporting.
622.72 Prohibited gear and methods.
622.73 Prohibited species.
622.74 Area closures to protect Gulf corals.
622.75 Harvest limitations.
622.76 Restrictions on sale/purchase.
622.77 Adjustment of management measures.

            Subpart E_Red Drum Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico

622.90 Permits.
622.91 Recordkeeping and reporting.
622.92 Prohibited species.
622.93 Adjustment of management measures.

       Subpart F_Offshore Marine Aquaculture in the Gulf of Mexico

622.100 General.
622.101 Permits.

[[Page 234]]

622.102 Recordkeeping and reporting.
622.103 Aquaculture facilities.
622.104 Restricted access zones.
622.105 Allowable aquaculture systems and species.
622.106 Aquaculture operations.
622.107 Limitation on aquaculture production.
622.108 Remedial actions.
622.109 Adjustment of management measures.

Subparts G-H [Reserved]

     Subpart I_Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region

622.170 Permits and endorsements.
622.171 South Atlantic snapper-grouper limited access.
622.172 Wreckfish individual transferable quota (ITQ) system.
622.173-622.175 [Reserved]
622.176 Recordkeeping and reporting.
622.177 Gear identification.
622.178 At-sea observer coverage.
622.179 Conservation measures for protected species.
622.180 Prohibited gear and methods.
622.181 Prohibited and limited-harvest species.
622.182 Gear-restricted areas.
622.183 Area and seasonal closures.
622.184 Seasonal harvest limitations.
622.185 Size limits.
622.186 Landing fish intact.
622.187 Bag and possession limits.
622.188 Required gear, authorized gear, and unauthorized gear.
622.189 Restrictions and requirements for sea bass pots.
622.190 Quotas.
622.191 Commercial trip limits.
622.192 Restrictions on sale/purchase.
622.193 Annual catch limits (ACLs), annual catch targets (ACTs), and 
          accountability measures (AMs).
622.194 Adjustment of management measures.

          Subpart J_Shrimp Fishery of the South Atlantic Region

622.200 Permits.
622.201 South Atlantic rock shrimp limited access.
622.202 [Reserved]
622.203 Recordkeeping reporting.
622.204 At-sea observer coverage.
622.205 Vessel monitoring systems (VMSs).
622.206 Area and seasonal closures.
622.207 Bycatch Reduction Device (BRD) requirements.
622.208 Minimum mesh size applicable to rock shrimp off Georgia and 
          Florida.
622.209 Restrictions on sale/purchase.
622.210 Adjustment of management measures.

Subpart K_Coral, Coral Reefs, and Live/Hard Bottom Habitats of the South 
                             Atlantic Region

622.220 Permits.
622.221 Recordkeeping and reporting.
622.222 Prohibited gear and methods.
622.223 Prohibited species.
622.224 Area closures to protect South Atlantic corals.
622.225 Harvest limitations.
622.226 Restrictions on sale/purchase.
622.227 Adjustment of management measures.

       Subpart L_Golden Crab Fishery of the South Atlantic Region

622.240 Permits.
622.241 South Atlantic golden crab controlled access.
622.242 Recordkeeping and reporting.
622.243 Gear identification.
622.244 At-sea observer coverage.
622.245 Prohibited species.
622.246 Area closures.
622.247 Landing golden crab intact.
622.248 Authorized gear.
622.249 Gear restrictions and requirements.
622.250 Restrictions on sale/purchase.
622.251 Annual catch limits (ACLs), annual catch targets (ACTs), and 
          accountability measures (AMs).
622.252 Adjustment of management measures.

           Subpart M_Dolphin and Wahoo Fishery of the Atlantic

622.270 Permits.
622.271 Recordkeeping and reporting.
622.272 Authorized gear.
622.273 Conservation measures for protected species.
622.274 Pelagic longline closed areas.
622.275 Size limits.
622.276 Landing fish intact.
622.277 Bag and possession limits.
622.278 Commercial trip limits.
622.279 Restrictions on sale/purchase.
622.280 Annual catch limits (ACLs) and accountability measures (AMs).
622.281 Adjustment of management measures.

    Subpart N_Pelagic Sargassum Habitat of the South Atlantic Region

622.300 At-sea observer coverage.
622.301 Area and seasonal restrictions.
622.302 Minimum mesh size.
622.303 Quotas.

[[Page 235]]

Subparts O-P [Reserved]

  Subpart Q_Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources (Gulf of Mexico, South 
                       Atlantic, and Mid-Atlantic)

622.369 Description of zones.
622.370 Permits.
622.371 Limited access system for commercial vessel permits for king 
          mackerel.
622.372 Limited access system for king mackerel gillnet permits 
          applicable in the Gulf southern zone.
622.373 Limited access system for charter vessel/headboat permits for 
          Gulf coastal migratory pelagic fish.
622.374 Recordkeeping and reporting.
622.375 Authorized and unauthorized gear.
622.376 Gear identification.
622.377 Gillnet restrictions.
622.378 Seasonal closures of the Gulf migratory group king mackerel 
          gillnet fishery.
622.379 Incidental catch allowances.
622.380 Size limits.
622.381 Landing fish intact.
622.382 Bag and possession limits.
622.383 [Reserved]
622.384 Quotas.
622.385 Commercial trip limits.
622.386 Restrictions on sale/purchase.
622.387 [Reserved]
622.388 Annual catch limits (ACLs), annual catch targets (ACTs), and 
          accountability measures (AMs).
622.389 Adjustment of management measures.

Subpart R_Spiny Lobster Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic

622.400 Permits and fees.
622.401 Recordkeeping and reporting.
622.402 Vessel and gear identification.
622.403 Seasons.
622.404 Prohibited gear and methods.
622.405 Trap construction specifications and tending restrictions.
622.406 Areas closed to lobster trap gear.
622.407 Minimum size limits and other harvest limitations.
622.408 Bag/possession limits.
622.409 Spiny lobster import prohibitions.
622.410 Restrictions within Tortugas marine reserves.
622.411 Annual catch limits (ACLs), annual catch targets (ACTs), and 
          accountability measures (AMs).
622.412 Adjustment of management measures.
622.413--622.414 [Reserved]
622.415 Limited exemption regarding harvest in waters of a foreign 
          nation.
622.416 Restrictions on sale/purchase.

              Subpart S_FMP for the EEZ around Puerto Rico

622.430 Management area.
622.431 Definitions.
622.432 [Reserved]
622.433 Vessel identification.
622.434 Gear identification.
622.435 Trap construction specifications and tending restrictions.
622.436 Anchoring restrictions.
622.437 Prohibited gear and methods.
622.438 Prohibited species.
622.439 Area and seasonal closures.
622.440 Annual catch limits (ACLs), annual catch targets (ACTs), and 
          accountability measures (AMs).
622.441 Size limits.
622.442 [Reserved]
622.443 Restrictions on sale or purchase.
622.444 Bag and possession limits.
622.445 Other harvest restrictions.
622.446 Spiny lobster import prohibitions.
622.447 Adjustment of management measures.

               Subpart T_FMP for the EEZ around St. Croix

622.470 Management area.
622.471 Definitions.
622.472 [Reserved]
622.473 Vessel identification.
622.474 Gear identification.
622.475 Trap construction specifications and tending restrictions.
622.476 Anchoring restrictions.
622.477 Prohibited gear and methods.
622.478 Prohibited species.
622.479 Area and seasonal closures.
622.480 Annual catch limits (ACLs), annual catch targets (ACTs), and 
          accountability measures (AMs).
622.481 Size limits.
622.482 Commercial trip limits.
622.483 Restrictions on sale or purchase.
622.484 Bag and possession limits.
622.485 Other harvest restrictions.
622.486 Spiny lobster import prohibitions.
622.487 Adjustment of management measures.

        Subpart U_FMP for the EEZ around St. Thomas and St. John

622.505 Management area.
622.506 Definitions.
622.507 [Reserved]
622.508 Vessel identification.
622.509 Gear identification.
622.510 Trap construction specifications and tending restrictions.
622.511 Anchoring restrictions.
622.512 Prohibited gear and methods.
622.513 Prohibited species.
622.514 Area and seasonal closures.
622.515 Annual catch limits (ACLs), annual catch targets (ACTs), and 
          accountability measures (AMs).

[[Page 236]]

622.516 Size limits.
622.517 [Reserved]
622.518 Restrictions on sale or purchase.
622.519 Bag and possession limits.
622.520 Other harvest restrictions.
622.521 Spiny lobster import prohibitions.
622.522 Adjustment of management measures.

Appendix A to Part 622--Species Tables
Appendix B to Part 622--Gulf Areas
Appendix C to Part 622--Fish Length Measurements
Appendix D to Part 622--Specifications for Certified BRDs
Appendix E to Part 622--Caribbean Island/Island Group Management Areas
Appendix F to Part 622--Specifications for Sea Turtle Release Gear and 
          Handling Requirements
Appendix G to Part 622--Coastal Migratory Pelagics Zone Illustrations

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

    Source: 78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, unless otherwise noted.

    Editorial Note: Nomenclature changes to part 622 appear at 79 FR 
57837, Sept. 26, 2014 and at 81 FR 32253, May 23, 2016.



                      Subpart A_General Provisions



Sec. 622.1  Purpose and scope.

    (a) The purpose of this part is to implement the FMPs prepared under 
the Magnuson-Stevens Act by the CFMC, GMFMC, and/or SAFMC listed in 
Table 1 of this section.
    (b) This part governs conservation and management of species 
included in the FMPs in or from the Caribbean, Gulf, Mid-Atlantic, South 
Atlantic, or Atlantic EEZ, unless otherwise specified, as indicated in 
Table 1 of this section. For the FMPs noted in the following table, 
conservation and management extends to adjoining state waters for the 
purposes of data collection and monitoring.
    (c) This part also governs the importation of spiny lobster into 
Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands.
    (d) This part also governs importation of spiny lobster into any 
place subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.

                            Table 1 to Sec. 622.1--FMPs Implemented Under Part 622
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                            Responsible fishery
              FMP title                    management council(s)                   Geographical area
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FMP for Coastal Migratory Pelagic      GMFMC/SAFMC..................  Gulf\1 9\, Mid-Atlantic\1 9\, South
 Resources.                                                            Atlantic\1 9\.
FMP for Coral, Coral Reefs, and Live/  SAFMC........................  South Atlantic.\5\
 Hard Bottom Habitats of the South
 Atlantic Region.
FMP for Coral and Coral reefs of the   GMFMC........................  Gulf.
 Gulf of Mexico.
FMP for the Dolphin and Wahoo Fishery  SAFMC........................  Atlantic.
 of the Atlantic.
FMP for the Exclusive Economic Zone    CFMC.........................  Caribbean.
 around Puerto Rico.
FMP for the Exclusive Economic Zone    CFMC.........................  Caribbean.
 around St. Croix.
FMP for the Exclusive Economic Zone    CFMC.........................  Caribbean.
 around St. Thomas and St. John.
FMP for the Golden Crab Fishery of     SAFMC........................  South Atlantic.
 the South Atlantic Region.
FMP for Pelagic Sargassum Habitat of   SAFMC........................  South Atlantic.
 the South Atlantic Region.
FMP for the Red Drum Fishery of the    GMFMC........................  Gulf.\1\
 Gulf of Mexico.
FMP for the Reef Fish Resources of     GMFMC........................  Gulf.1 3 4 7 10
 the Gulf of Mexico.
FMP for Regulating Offshore Marine     GMFMC........................  Gulf.
 Aquaculture in the Gulf.
FMP for the Shrimp Fishery of the      GMFMC........................  Gulf. \1\
 Gulf of Mexico.
FMP for the Shrimp Fishery of the      SAFMC........................  South Atlantic.
 South Atlantic Region.
FMP for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery    SAFMC........................  South Atlantic.\1 2 6 8\
 of the South Atlantic Region.
FMP for the Spiny Lobster Fishery of   GMFMC/SAFMC..................  Gulf \1\, South Atlantic.\1\
 the Gulf of Mexico and South
 Atlantic.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Regulated area includes adjoining state waters for purposes of data collection and quota monitoring.
\2\ Black sea bass and scup are not managed by the FMP or regulated by this part north of 35[deg]15.19[min] N.
  lat., the latitude of Cape Hatteras Light, NC.''
\3\ Regulated area includes adjoining state waters for Gulf red snapper harvested or possessed by a person
  aboard a vessel for which a Gulf red snapper IFQ vessel account has been established or possessed by a dealer
  with a Gulf IFQ dealer endorsement.
\4\ Regulated area includes adjoining state waters for Gulf groupers and tilefishes harvested or possessed by a
  person aboard a vessel for which an IFQ vessel account for Gulf groupers and tilefishes has been established
  or possessed by a dealer with a Gulf IFQ dealer endorsement.
\5\ Octocorals are managed by the FMP or regulated by this part only in the EEZ off North Carolina, South
  Carolina, and Georgia.
\6\ Nassau grouper in the South Atlantic EEZ and the Gulf EEZ are managed under the FMP.
\7\ Hogfish are managed by the FMP in the Gulf EEZ except south of 25[deg]09[min] N. lat. off the west coast of
  Florida. Hogfish in the remainder of the Gulf EEZ south of 25[deg]09[min] N. lat. off the west coast of
  Florida are managed under the FMP for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region.

[[Page 237]]

 
\8\ Hogfish in the Gulf EEZ are managed under the FMP from the South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico intercouncil
  boundary specified in Sec. 600.105(c) and south of 25[deg]09[min] N. lat. off the west coast of Florida.
  Hogfish in the remainder of the Gulf EEZ are managed under the FMP for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of
  Mexico.
\9\ Cobia is managed by the FMP in the Gulf EEZ and in the South Atlantic EEZ south of a line extending due east
  from the Florida/Georgia border.
\10\ Certain provisions for the management of the private angling component of recreational red snapper in the
  Gulf EEZ have been delegated to the Gulf states, as specified in Sec. 622.23.


[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 78 FR 78775, Dec. 27, 2013; 
81 FR 1792, Jan. 13, 2016; 82 FR 34580, 34594 July 25, 2017; 82 FR 
40075, Aug. 24, 2017; 84 FR 4736, Feb. 19, 2019; 85 FR 6823, Feb. 6, 
2020; 85 FR 10339, Feb. 24, 2020; 87 FR 56214, Sept. 13, 2022]



Sec. 622.2  Definitions and acronyms.

    In addition to the definitions in the Magnuson Act and in Sec. 
600.10 of this chapter, and the acronyms in Sec. 600.15 of this 
chapter, the terms and acronyms used in this part have the following 
meanings:
    Accountability measure means a management control implemented such 
that overfishing is prevented, where possible, and mitigated if it 
occurs.
    Actual ex-vessel price means the total monetary sale amount a 
fisherman receives per pound of fish for IFQ landings from a registered 
IFQ dealer before any deductions are made for transferred (leased) 
allocation and goods and services (e.g. bait, ice, fuel, repairs, 
machinery replacement, etc.).
    Allowable chemical means a substance, generally used to immobilize 
marine life so that it can be captured alive, that, when introduced into 
the water, does not take Gulf and South Atlantic prohibited coral and is 
allowed by Florida for the harvest of tropical fish (e.g., quinaldine, 
quinaldine compounds, or similar substances).
    Allowable octocoral means an erect, nonencrusting species of the 
subclass Octocorallia, except the seafans Gorgonia flabellum and G. 
ventalina, plus the attached substrate within 1 inch (2.54 cm) of an 
allowable octocoral. (Note: An erect, nonencrusting species of the 
subclass Octocorallia, except the seafans Gorgonia flabellum and G. 
ventalina, with attached substrate exceeding 1 inch (2.54 cm) is 
considered to be live rock and not allowable octocoral.)
    Annual catch limit (ACL) means the level of catch that serves as the 
basis for invoking accountability measures.
    Annual catch target (ACT) means an amount of annual catch of a stock 
or stock complex that is the management target of the fishery, and 
accounts for management uncertainty in controlling the actual catch at 
or below the ACL.
    Aquaculture means all activities, including the operation of an 
aquaculture facility, involved in the propagation or rearing, or 
attempted propagation or rearing, of allowable aquaculture species in 
the Gulf EEZ.
    Aquaculture facility means an installation or structure, including 
any aquaculture system(s) (including moorings), hatcheries, equipment, 
and associated infrastructure used to hold, propagate, or rear allowable 
aquaculture species in the Gulf EEZ under authority of a Gulf 
aquaculture permit.
    Aquaculture system means any cage, net pen, enclosure, structure, or 
gear deployed in waters of the Gulf EEZ for holding and producing 
allowable aquaculture species.
    Aquacultured live rock means live rock that is harvested under a 
Federal aquacultured live rock permit, as required under Sec. 
622.70(a)(2).
    Aquatic animal health expert means a licensed doctor of veterinary 
medicine or a person who is certified by the American Fisheries Society, 
Fish Health Section, as a ``Fish Pathologist'' or ``Fish Health 
Inspector.''
    Atlantic means the North Atlantic, Mid-Atlantic, and South Atlantic.
    Authorized statistical reporting agent means:
    (1) Any person so designated by the SRD; or
    (2) Any person so designated by the head of any Federal or State 
agency that has entered into an agreement with the Assistant 
Administrator to collect fishery data.
    Automatic reel means a reel that remains attached to a vessel when 
in use from which a line and attached hook(s) are deployed. The line is 
payed out from and retrieved on the reel electrically or hydraulically.

[[Page 238]]

    Bandit gear means a rod and reel that remain attached to a vessel 
when in use from which a line and attached hook(s) are deployed. The 
line is payed out from and retrieved on the reel manually, electrically, 
or hydraulically.
    Bottom longline means a longline that is deployed, or in combination 
with gear aboard the vessel, e.g., weights or anchors, is capable of 
being deployed to maintain contact with the ocean bottom.
    BRD means bycatch reduction device.
    Bully net means a circular frame attached at right angles to the end 
of a pole and supporting a conical bag of webbing. The webbing is 
usually held up by means of a cord which is released when the net is 
dropped over a lobster.
    Buoy gear means fishing gear that fishes vertically in the water 
column that consists of a single drop line suspended from a float, from 
which no more than 10 hooks (except in the EEZ around Puerto Rico, St. 
Croix, and St. Thomas and St. John where the maximum is 25 hooks) can be 
connected between the buoy and terminal end, and the terminal end 
contains a weight that is no more than 10 lb (4.5 kg). The drop line can 
be rope (hemp, manila, cotton or other natural fibers; nylon, 
polypropylene, spectra or other synthetic material) or monofilament, but 
must not be cable or wire. The gear is free-floating and not connected 
to other gear or the vessel. The drop line must be no greater than 2 
times the depth of the water being fished. All hooks must be attached to 
the drop line no more than 30 ft (9.1 m) from the weighted terminal end. 
These hooks may be attached directly to the drop line; attached as 
snoods (defined as an offshoot line that is directly spliced, tied or 
otherwise connected to the drop line), where each snood has a single 
terminal hook; or as gangions (defined as an offshoot line connected to 
the drop line with some type of detachable clip), where each gangion has 
a single terminal hook.
    Carapace length means the measurement of the carapace (head, body, 
or front section) of a spiny lobster from the anteriormost edge (front) 
of the groove between the horns directly above the eyes, along the 
middorsal line (middle of the back), to the rear edge of the top part of 
the carapace, excluding any translucent membrane. (See Figure 1 in 
Appendix C of this part.)
    Caribbean means the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean seaward of 
Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and possessions of the United 
States in the Caribbean Sea.
    CFMC means the Caribbean Fishery Management Council.
    Charter vessel means a vessel less than 100 gross tons (90.8 mt) 
that is subject to the requirements of the USCG to carry six or fewer 
passengers for hire and that engages in charter fishing at any time 
during the calendar year. A charter vessel with a commercial permit, as 
required under this part, is considered to be operating as a charter 
vessel when it carries a passenger who pays a fee or when there are more 
than three persons aboard, including operator and crew, except for a 
charter vessel with a commercial vessel permit for Gulf reef fish or 
South Atlantic snapper-grouper. A charter vessel that has a charter 
vessel permit for Gulf reef fish and a commercial vessel permit for Gulf 
reef fish or a charter vessel permit for South Atlantic snapper-grouper 
and a commercial permit for South Atlantic snapper-grouper (either a 
South Atlantic snapper-grouper unlimited permit or a 225-lb (102.1-kg) 
trip limited permit for South Atlantic snapper-grouper) is considered to 
be operating as a charter vessel when it carries a passenger who pays a 
fee or when there are more than four persons aboard, including operator 
and crew. A charter vessel that has a charter vessel permit for Gulf 
reef fish, a commercial vessel permit for Gulf reef fish, and a valid 
Certificate of Inspection (COI) issued by the USCG to carry passengers 
for hire will not be considered to be operating as a charter vessel 
provided--
    (1) It is not carrying a passenger who pays a fee; and
    (2) When underway for more than 12 hours, that vessel meets, but 
does not exceed the minimum manning requirements outlined in its COI for 
vessels underway over 12 hours; or when underway for not more than 12 
hours, that

[[Page 239]]

vessel meets the minimum manning requirements outlined in its COI for 
vessels underway for not more than 12-hours (if any), and does not 
exceed the minimum manning requirements outlined in its COI for vessels 
that are underway for more than 12 hours.
    Circle hook means a fishing hook designed and manufactured so that 
the point is turned perpendicularly back to the shank to form a 
generally circular, or oval, shape.
    Coastal migratory pelagic fish means a whole fish, or a part 
thereof, of one or more of the following species:
    (1) Cobia, Rachycentron canadum.
    (2) King mackerel, Scomberomorus cavalla.
    (3) Spanish mackerel, Scomberomorus maculatus.
    Commercial fishing means, for the purpose of subpart R of this part 
only, any fishing or fishing activities which result in the harvest of 
any marine or freshwater organisms, one or more of which (or parts 
thereof) is sold, traded, or bartered.
    Coral area means marine habitat in the Gulf or South Atlantic EEZ 
where coral growth abounds, including patch reefs, outer bank reefs, 
deep water banks, and hard bottoms.
    Cultured animals means animals which are propagated and/or reared by 
humans.
    Dealer, in addition to the definition specified in Sec. 600.10 of 
this chapter, means the person who first receives rock shrimp harvested 
from the EEZ or dolphin or wahoo harvested from the Atlantic EEZ upon 
transfer ashore.
    Deep-water grouper (DWG) means, in the Gulf, yellowedge grouper, 
warsaw grouper, snowy grouper, and speckled hind. In addition, for the 
purposes of the IFQ program for Gulf groupers and tilefishes in Sec. 
622.22, scamp are also included as DWG as specified in Sec. 
622.22(a)(7).
    Deep-water snapper-grouper (DWSG) means, in the South Atlantic, 
yellowedge grouper, misty grouper, warsaw grouper, snowy grouper, 
speckled hind, blueline tilefish, queen snapper, and silk snapper.
    Dehooking device means a device intended to remove a hook embedded 
in a fish to release the fish with minimum damage.
    Dolphin means a whole fish, or a part there of, of the species 
Coryphaena equiselis or C. hippurus.
    Drift gillnet, for the purposes of this part, means a gillnet, other 
than a long gillnet or a run-around gillnet, that is unattached to the 
ocean bottom, regardless of whether attached to a vessel.
    Fish trap means--
    (1) In the Caribbean EEZ, a trap and its component parts, including 
the lines and buoys, regardless of the construction material, used for 
or capable of taking finfish. This does not include a spiny lobster trap 
as defined in subparts S, T, and U of this part.
    (2) In the Gulf EEZ, a trap and its component parts (including the 
lines and buoys), regardless of the construction material, used for or 
capable of taking finfish, except a trap historically used in the 
directed fishery for crustaceans (that is, blue crab, stone crab, and 
spiny lobster).
    (3) In the South Atlantic EEZ, a trap and its component parts 
(including the lines and buoys), regardless of the construction 
material, used for or capable of taking fish, except a sea bass pot, a 
golden crab trap, or a crustacean trap (that is, a type of trap 
historically used in the directed fishery for blue crab, stone crab, red 
crab, jonah crab, or spiny lobster and that contains at any time not 
more than 25 percent, by number, of fish other than blue crab, stone 
crab, red crab, jonah crab, and spiny lobster).
    Florida Keys/East Florida hogfish means hogfish occurring in the 
Gulf EEZ from 25[deg]09[min] N. lat. off the west coast of Florida and 
south to the jurisdictional boundary between the Gulf and South Atlantic 
Councils, as defined at 50 CFR 600.105(c), and continuing in the South 
Atlantic EEZ from the jurisdictional boundary between the Gulf and South 
Atlantic Councils to the state boundary between Florida and Georgia.
    Fork length means the straight-line distance from the tip of the 
head (snout) to the rear center edge of the tail (caudal fin). (See 
Figure 2 in Appendix C of this part.)
    Genetically engineered animal means an animal modified by rDNA 
techniques, including the entire lineage of

[[Page 240]]

animals that contain the modification. The term genetically engineered 
animal can refer to both animals with heritable rDNA constructs and 
animals with non-heritable rDNA constructs (e.g., those modifications 
intended to be used as gene therapy).
    Golden crab means the species Chaceon fenneri, or a part thereof.
    Golden crab trap means any trap used or possessed in association 
with a directed fishery for golden crab in the South Atlantic EEZ, 
including any trap that contains a golden crab in or from the South 
Atlantic EEZ or any trap on board a vessel that possesses golden crab in 
or from the South Atlantic EEZ.
    GMFMC means the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council.
    Gulf means the Gulf of Mexico. The line of demarcation between the 
Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico is specified in Sec. 600.105(c) 
of this chapter.
    Gulf reef fish means one or more of the species, or a part thereof, 
listed in Table 3 in Appendix A of this part.
    Gulf and South Atlantic prohibited coral means, in the Gulf and 
South Atlantic, one or more of the following, or a part thereof:
    (1) Coral belonging to the Class Hydrozoa (fire corals and 
hydrocorals).
    (2) Coral belonging to the Class Anthozoa, Subclass Hexacorallia, 
Orders Scleractinia (stony corals) and Antipatharia (black corals).
    (3) A seafan, Gorgonia flabellum or G. ventalina.
    (4) Coral in a coral reef, except for allowable octocoral.
    (5) Coral in an HAPC, including allowable octocoral.
    Handline means a line with attached hook(s) that is tended directly 
by hand.
    HAPC means habitat area of particular concern.
    Headboat means a vessel that holds a valid Certificate of Inspection 
(COI) issued by the USCG to carry more than six passengers for hire.
    (1) A headboat with a commercial vessel permit, as required under 
this part, is considered to be operating as a headboat when it carries a 
passenger who pays a fee or--
    (i) In the case of persons aboard fishing for or possessing South 
Atlantic snapper-grouper, when there are more persons aboard than the 
number of crew specified in the vessel's COI; or
    (ii) In the case of persons aboard fishing for or possessing coastal 
migratory pelagic fish, when there are more than three persons aboard, 
including operator and crew.
    (2) However a vessel that has a headboat permit for Gulf reef fish, 
a commercial vessel permit for Gulf reef fish, and a valid COI issued by 
the USCG to carry passengers for hire will not be considered to be 
operating as a headboat provided--
    (i) It is not carrying a passenger who pays a fee; and
    (ii) When underway for more than 12 hours, that vessel meets, but 
does not exceed the minimum manning requirements outlined in its COI for 
vessels underway over 12 hours; or when underway for not more than 12 
hours, that vessel meets the minimum manning requirements outlined in 
its COI for vessels underway for not more than 12-hours (if any), and 
does not exceed the minimum manning requirements outlined in its COI for 
vessels that are underway for more than 12 hours.
    Headrope length means the distance, measured along the forwardmost 
webbing of a trawl net, between the points at which the upper lip (top 
edge) of the mouth of the net are attached to sleds, doors, or other 
devices that spread the net.
    Hook-and-line gear means automatic reel, bandit gear, buoy gear, 
handline, longline, and rod and reel.
    Hoop net means a frame, circular or otherwise, supporting a shallow 
bag of webbing and suspended by a line and bridles. The net is baited 
and lowered to the ocean bottom, to be raised rapidly at a later time to 
prevent the escape of lobster.
    IFQ means individual fishing quota.
    Import means--
    (1) For the purpose of Sec. 622.1(c) and subparts S, T, and U of 
this part only--To land on, bring into, or introduce into, or attempt to 
land on, bring into, or introduce into, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin 
Islands, whether or not such landing, bringing, or introduction 
constitutes an importation within the meaning of the customs laws of the 
United States;

[[Page 241]]

    (2) For the purpose of Sec. 622.1(d) and subpart R of this part 
only--To land on, bring into, or introduce into, or attempt to land on, 
bring into, or introduce into, any place subject to the jurisdiction of 
the United States, whether or not such landing, bringing, or 
introduction constitutes an importation within the meaning of the 
customs laws of the United States;
    (3) But does not include any activity described in paragraph (1) or 
(2) of this definition with respect to fish caught in the U.S. exclusive 
economic zone by a vessel of the United States.
    Live rock means living marine organisms, or an assemblage thereof, 
attached to a hard substrate, including dead coral or rock (excluding 
individual mollusk shells).
    Live well means a shaded container used for holding live lobsters 
aboard a vessel in which aerated seawater is continuously circulated 
from the sea. Circulation of seawater at a rate that replaces the water 
at least every 8 minutes meets the requirement for aeration.
    Long gillnet means a gillnet that has a float line that is more than 
1,000 yd (914 m) in length.
    Longline means a line that is deployed horizontally to which 
gangions and hooks are attached. A longline may be a bottom longline, 
i.e., designed for use on the bottom, or a pelagic longline, i.e., 
designed for use off the bottom. The longline hauler may be manually, 
electrically, or hydraulically operated.
    MAFMC means the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council.
    Mid-Atlantic means the Atlantic Ocean off the Atlantic coastal 
states from the boundary between the New England Fishery Management 
Council and the MAFMC, as specified in Sec. 600.105(a) of this chapter, 
to the boundary between the MAFMC and the SAFMC, as specified in Sec. 
600.105(b) of this chapter.
    Migratory group, for king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, and cobia, 
means a group of fish that may or may not be a separate genetic stock, 
but that is treated as a separate stock for management purposes. King 
mackerel, Spanish mackerel, and cobia are divided into migratory 
groups--the boundaries between these groups are specified in Sec. 
622.369.
    MPA means marine protected area.
    North Atlantic means the Atlantic Ocean off the Atlantic coastal 
states from the boundary between the United States and Canada to the 
boundary between the New England Fishery Management Council and the 
MAFMC, as specified in Sec. 600.105(a) of this chapter.
    Off Alabama means the waters in the Gulf west of a rhumb line at 
87[deg]31.1[min] W long., which is a line directly south from the 
Alabama/Florida boundary, to a rhumb line at 88[deg]23.1[min] W long., 
which is a line directly south from the Mississippi/Alabama boundary.
    Off Florida means the waters in the Gulf and South Atlantic from 
30[deg]42[min]45.6[sec] N. lat., which is a line directly east from the 
seaward terminus of the Georgia/Florida boundary, to 
87[deg]31[min]06[sec] W. long., which is a line directly south from the 
Alabama/Florida boundary.
    Off Georgia means the waters in the South Atlantic from a line 
extending in a direction of 104[deg] from true north from the seaward 
terminus of the South Carolina/Georgia boundary to 
30[deg]42[min]45.6[sec] N. lat., which is a line directly east from the 
seaward terminus of the Georgia/Florida boundary.
    Off Louisiana means the waters in the Gulf west of a rhumb line at 
89[deg]10.0[min] W long., which is a line extending directly south from 
South Pass Light, to a rhumb line beginning at 29[deg]32.1[min] N lat., 
93[deg]47.7[min] W long. and extending to 26[deg]11.4[min] N lat., 
92[deg]53.0[min] W long., which line is an extension of the boundary 
between Louisiana and Texas.
    Off Mississippi means the waters in the Gulf west of a rhumb line at 
88[deg]23.1[min] W long., which is a line directly south from the 
Mississippi/Alabama boundary, to a rhumb line at 89[deg]10.0[min] W 
long., which is a line extending directly south from South Pass Light.
    Off Monroe County, Florida means the area from the Florida coast to 
the outer limit of the EEZ between a line extending directly east from 
the Dade/Monroe County, Florida boundary (25[deg]20.4[min] N. latitude) 
and a line extending directly west from the Monroe/Collier County, 
Florida boundary (25[deg]48.0[min] N. latitude).
    Off North Carolina means the waters in the South Atlantic from 
36[deg]34[min]55[sec] N.

[[Page 242]]

lat., which is a line directly east from the Virginia/North Carolina 
boundary, to a line extending in a direction of 135[deg]34[min]55[sec] 
from true north from the North Carolina/South Carolina boundary, as 
marked by the border station on Bird Island at 33[deg]51[min]07.9[sec] 
N. lat., 78[deg]32[min]32.6[sec] W. long.
    Off South Carolina means the waters in the South Atlantic from a 
line extending in a direction of 135[deg]34[min]55[sec] from true north 
from the North Carolina/South Carolina boundary, as marked by the border 
station on Bird Island at 33[deg]51[min]07.9[sec] N. lat., 
78[deg]32[min]32.6[sec] W. long., to a line extending in a direction of 
104[deg] from true north from the seaward terminus of the South 
Carolina/Georgia boundary.
    Off Texas means the waters in the Gulf west of a rhumb line from 
29[deg]32.1[min] N. lat., 93[deg]47.7[min] W. long. to 26[deg]11.4[min] 
N. lat., 92[deg]53[min] W. long., which line is an extension of the 
boundary between Louisiana and Texas.
    Off the Gulf states, other than Florida means the area from the 
coast to the outer limit of the EEZ between the Texas/Mexico border to 
the Alabama/Florida boundary (87[deg]31[min]06[sec] W. long.).
    Off the southern Atlantic states, other than Florida means the area 
from the coast to the outer limit of the EEZ between the Virginia/North 
Carolina boundary (36[deg]34[min]55[sec] N. lat.) to the Georgia/Florida 
boundary (30[deg]42[min]45.6[sec] N. lat.).
    Official sunrise or official sunset means the time of sunrise or 
sunset as determined for the date and location in The Nautical Almanac, 
prepared by the U.S. Naval Observatory.
    Pelagic longline means a longline that is suspended by floats in the 
water column and that is not fixed to or in contact with the ocean 
bottom.
    Pelagic sargassum means the species Sargassum natans or S. fluitans, 
or a part thereof.
    Penaeid shrimp means one or more of the following species, or a part 
thereof:
    (1) Brown shrimp, Farfantepenaeus aztecus.
    (2) Pink shrimp, Farfantepenaeus duorarum.
    (3) White shrimp, Litopenaeus setiferus.
    Penaeid shrimp trawler means any vessel that is equipped with one or 
more trawl nets whose on-board or landed catch of penaeid shrimp is more 
than 1 percent, by weight, of all fish comprising its on-board or landed 
catch.
    Powerhead means any device with an explosive charge, usually 
attached to a speargun, spear, pole, or stick, that fires a projectile 
upon contact.
    Processor means a person who processes fish or fish products, or 
parts thereof, for commercial use or consumption.
    Purchase means the act or activity of buying, trading, or bartering, 
or attempting to buy, trade, or barter.
    Recreational fishing means, for the purpose of subpart R of this 
part only, fishing or fishing activities which result in the harvest of 
fish, none of which (or parts thereof) is sold, traded, or bartered.
    Red drum, also called redfish, means Sciaenops ocellatus, or a part 
thereof.
    Red snapper means Lutjanus campechanus, or a part thereof, one of 
the Gulf reef fish species.
    Regional Administrator (RA), for the purposes of this part, means 
the Administrator, Southeast Region, NMFS, 263 13th Avenue South, St. 
Petersburg, FL 33701, or a designee.
    Reporting week means the period of time beginning at 12:01 a.m., 
local time, on Sunday and ending at 11:59 p.m., local time, the 
following Saturday.
    Rod and reel means a rod and reel unit that is not attached to a 
vessel, or, if attached, is readily removable, from which a line and 
attached hook(s) are deployed. The line is payed out from and retrieved 
on the reel manually, electrically, or hydraulically.
    Run-around gillnet means a gillnet, other than a long gillnet, that, 
when used, encloses an area of water.
    SAFMC means the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council.
    Sale or sell means the act or activity of transferring property for 
money or credit, trading, or bartering, or attempting to so transfer, 
trade, or barter.
    Science and Research Director (SRD), for the purposes of this part, 
means the Science and Research Director, Southeast Fisheries Science 
Center, NMFS (see Table 1 of Sec. 600.502 of this chapter).

[[Page 243]]

    Sea bass pot means a trap has six rectangular sides and does not 
exceed 25 inches (63.5 cm) in height, width, or depth.
    Shallow-water grouper (SWG) means, in the Gulf, gag, red grouper, 
black grouper, scamp, yellowfin grouper, and yellowmouth grouper. Other 
shallow-water grouper (Other SWG) means, in the Gulf, SWG excluding gag 
and red grouper (i.e., black grouper, scamp, yellowfin grouper, and 
yellowmouth grouper). In addition, for the purposes of the IFQ program 
for Gulf groupers and tilefishes in Sec. 622.22, speckled hind and 
warsaw grouper are also included as Other SWG as specified in Sec. 
622.22(a)(6).
    Shrimp means one or more of the following species, or a part 
thereof:
    (1) Brown shrimp, Farfantepenaeus aztecus.
    (2) White shrimp, Litopenaeus setiferus.
    (3) Pink shrimp, Farfantepenaeus duorarum.
    (4) Royal red shrimp, Hymenopenaeus robustus.
    (5) Rock shrimp, Sicyonia brevirostris.
    Shrimp trawler means any vessel that is equipped with one or more 
trawl nets whose on-board or landed catch of shrimp is more than 1 
percent, by weight, of all fish comprising its on-board or landed catch.
    Significant risk means likely to adversely affect endangered or 
threatened species or their critical habitat; is likely to seriously 
injure or kill marine mammals; is likely to result in un-mitigated 
adverse effects on essential fish habitat; is likely to adversely affect 
wild fish stocks and cause them to become overfished or undergo 
overfishing; or otherwise may result in harm to public health or safety, 
as determined by the RA.
    Smalltooth sawfish means the species Pristis pectinata, or a part 
thereof.
    SMZ means special management zone.
    South Atlantic means the Atlantic Ocean off the Atlantic coastal 
states from the boundary between the MAFMC and the SAFMC, as specified 
in Sec. 600.105(b) of this chapter, to the line of demarcation between 
the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, as specified in Sec. 
600.105(c) of this chapter.
    South Atlantic shallow-water grouper (SASWG) means, in the South 
Atlantic, gag, black grouper, red grouper, scamp, red hind, rock hind, 
yellowmouth grouper, yellowfin grouper, graysby, and coney.
    South Atlantic snapper-grouper means one or more of the species, or 
a part thereof, listed in Table 4 in Appendix A of this part.
    Spiny lobster means the species Panulirus argus, or a part thereof.
    Stab net means a gillnet, other than a long gillnet, or trammel net 
whose weight line sinks to the bottom and submerges the float line.
    Tail length means the lengthwise measurement of the entire tail 
(segmented portion), not including any protruding muscle tissue, of a 
spiny lobster along the top middorsal line (middle of the back) to the 
rearmost extremity. The measurement is made with the tail in a flat, 
straight position with the tip of the tail closed.
    Total length (TL), for the purposes of this part, means the 
straight-line distance from the tip of the snout to the tip of the tail 
(caudal fin), excluding any caudal filament, while the fish is lying on 
its side. The mouth of the fish may be closed and/or the tail may be 
squeezed together to give the greatest overall measurement. (See Figure 
2 in appendix C of this part.)
    Toxic chemical means any substance, other than an allowable 
chemical, that, when introduced into the water, can stun, immobilize, or 
take marine life.
    Trammel net means two or more panels of netting, suspended 
vertically in the water by a common float line and a common weight line, 
with one panel having a larger mesh size than the other(s), to entrap 
fish in a pocket of netting.
    Transgenic animal means an animal whose genome contains a nucleotide 
sequence that has been intentionally modified in vitro, and the progeny 
of such an animal.
    Trip means a fishing trip, regardless of number of days duration, 
that begins with departure from a dock, berth, beach, seawall, or ramp 
and that terminates with return to a dock, berth, beach, seawall, or 
ramp.
    Try net, also called test net, means a net pulled for brief periods 
by a shrimp

[[Page 244]]

trawler to test for shrimp concentrations or determine fishing 
conditions (e.g., presence or absence of bottom debris, jellyfish, 
bycatch, sea grasses).
    Wahoo means the species Acanthocybium solandri, or a part thereof, 
in the Atlantic.
    Wild fish means fish that are not propagated or reared by humans.
    Wild live rock means live rock other than aquacultured live rock.
    Wreckfish means the species Polyprion americanus, or a part thereof, 
one of the South Atlantic snapper-grouper species.

[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 78 FR 78775, Dec. 27, 2013; 
79 FR 19493, Apr. 9, 2014; 80 FR 4218, Jan. 27, 2015; 81 FR 1792, Jan. 
13, 2016; 82 FR 34580, July 25, 2017; 85 FR 6823, Feb. 6, 2020; 87 FR 
2357, Jan. 14, 2022; 87 FR 56215, Sept. 13, 2022; 88 FR 46695, July 20, 
2023]



Sec. 622.3  Relation to other laws and regulations.

    (a) The relation of this part to other laws is set forth in Sec. 
600.705 of this chapter and paragraphs (b) through (e) of this section.
    (b) Except for regulations on allowable octocoral, Gulf and South 
Atlantic prohibited coral, and live rock, this part is intended to apply 
within the EEZ portions of applicable National Marine Sanctuaries and 
National Parks, unless the regulations governing such sanctuaries or 
parks prohibit their application. Regulations on allowable octocoral, 
Gulf and South Atlantic prohibited coral, and live rock do not apply 
within the EEZ portions of the following National Marine Sanctuaries and 
National Parks:
    (1) Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (15 CFR part 922, subpart 
P).
    (2) Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary (15 CFR part 922, subpart 
I).
    (3) Monitor National Marine Sanctuary (15 CFR part 922, subpart F).
    (4) Everglades National Park (36 CFR 7.45).
    (5) Biscayne National Park (16 U.S.C. 410gg).
    (6) Fort Jefferson National Monument (36 CFR 7.27).
    (c) For allowable octocoral, if a state has a catch, landing, or 
gear regulation that is more restrictive than a catch, landing, or gear 
regulation in this part, a person landing in such state allowable 
octocoral taken from the South Atlantic EEZ must comply with the more 
restrictive state regulation.
    (d) General provisions on facilitation of enforcement, penalties, 
and enforcement policy applicable to all domestic fisheries are set 
forth in Sec. Sec. 600.730, 600.735, and 600.740 of this chapter, 
respectively.
    (e) An activity that is otherwise prohibited by this part may be 
conducted if authorized as scientific research activity, exempted 
fishing, or exempted educational activity, as specified in Sec. 600.745 
of this chapter.
    (f) Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas are 
delegated the authority to specify certain management measures related 
to the harvest and possession of red snapper by the private angling 
component in the Gulf EEZ. See Sec. 622.23 for the Gulf recreational 
red snapper management measures that have been delegated.

[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 85 FR 6823, Feb. 6, 2020]



Sec. 622.4  Permits and fees--general.

    This section contains general information about procedures related 
to permits. See also Sec. Sec. 622.70 and 622.220 regarding certain 
permit procedures unique to coral permits in the Gulf of Mexico and the 
South Atlantic, respectively. See subpart F of this part for permit 
requirements related to aquaculture of species other than live rock. 
Permit requirements for specific fisheries, as applicable, are contained 
in the permit sections within subparts B through U of this part.
    (a) Applications for permits. Application forms for all permits are 
available from the RA. Completed application forms and all required 
supporting documents must be submitted to the RA at least 30 days prior 
to the date on which the applicant desires to have the permit made 
effective. All vessel permits are mailed to owners, whether the 
applicant is an owner or an operator.
    (1) Vessel permits. (i) The application for a commercial vessel 
permit, other than for wreckfish, or for a charter vessel/headboat 
permit must be submitted by the owner (in the case of a corporation, an 
officer or shareholder; in the

[[Page 245]]

case of a partnership, a general partner) or operator of the vessel. A 
commercial vessel permit that is issued based on the earned income 
qualification of an operator is valid only when that person is the 
operator of the vessel. The applicant for a commercial vessel permit for 
wreckfish must be a wreckfish shareholder.
    (ii) An applicant must provide the following:
    (A) A copy of the vessel's valid USCG certificate of documentation 
or, if not documented, a copy of its valid state registration 
certificate.
    (B) Vessel name and official number.
    (C) Name, address, telephone number, and other identifying 
information of the vessel owner and of the applicant, if other than the 
owner.
    (D) Any other information concerning the vessel, gear 
characteristics, principal fisheries engaged in, or fishing areas, as 
specified on the application form.
    (E) Any other information that may be necessary for the issuance or 
administration of the permit, as specified on the application form.
    (F) If applying for a commercial vessel permit, documentation, as 
specified in the instructions accompanying each application form, 
showing that applicable eligibility requirements of this part have been 
met.
    (G) If a sea bass pot will be used, the number, dimensions, and 
estimated cubic volume of the pots that will be used and the applicant's 
desired color code for use in identifying his or her vessel and buoys 
(white is not an acceptable color code).
    (2) Operator permits. An applicant for an operator permit must 
provide the following:
    (i) Name, address, telephone number, and other identifying 
information specified on the application.
    (ii) Two recent (no more than 1-yr old), color, passport-size 
photographs.
    (iii) Any other information that may be necessary for the issuance 
or administration of the permit, as specified on the application form.
    (3) Dealer permits. (i) The application for a dealer permit must be 
submitted by the owner (in the case of a corporation, an officer or 
shareholder; in the case of a partnership, a general partner).
    (ii) An applicant must provide the following:
    (A) A copy of each state wholesaler's license held by the dealer.
    (B) Name, address, telephone number, date the business was formed, 
and other identifying information of the business.
    (C) The address of each physical facility at a fixed location where 
the business receives fish.
    (D) Name, address, telephone number, other identifying information, 
and official capacity in the business of the applicant.
    (E) Any other information that may be necessary for the issuance or 
administration of the permit, as specified on the application form.
    (b) Change in application information. The owner or operator of a 
vessel with a permit, a person with a coral permit, a person with an 
operator permit, or a dealer with a permit must notify the RA within 30 
days after any change in the application information specified in 
paragraph (a) of this section or in Sec. 622.70(b), Sec. 622.220(b), 
or Sec. 622.400(b). The permit is void if any change in the information 
is not reported within 30 days.
    (c) Fees. Unless specified otherwise, a fee is charged for each 
application for a permit, license, or endorsement submitted under this 
part, for each request for transfer or replacement of such permit, 
license, or endorsement, and for each sea bass pot identification tag 
required under Sec. 622.177(a)(1). The amount of each fee is calculated 
in accordance with the procedures of the NOAA Finance Handbook, 
available from the RA, for determining the administrative costs of each 
special product or service. The fee may not exceed such costs and is 
specified with each application form. The appropriate fee must accompany 
each application, request for transfer or replacement, or request for 
sea bass pot identification tags.
    (d) Initial issuance. (1) The RA will issue an initial permit at any 
time to an applicant if the application is complete and the specific 
requirements for the requested permit have been met.

[[Page 246]]

An application is complete when all requested forms, information, and 
documentation have been received.
    (2) Upon receipt of an incomplete application, the RA will notify 
the applicant of the deficiency. If the applicant fails to correct the 
deficiency within 30 days of the date of the RA's letter of 
notification, the application will be considered abandoned.
    (e) Duration. A permit remains valid for the period specified on it 
unless it is revoked, suspended, or modified pursuant to subpart D of 15 
CFR part 904 or, in the case of a vessel or dealer permit, the vessel or 
dealership is sold.
    (f) Transfer--(1) Vessel permits, licenses, and endorsements and 
dealer permits. A vessel permit, license, or endorsement or a dealer 
permit or endorsement issued under this part is not transferable or 
assignable, except as provided in the permits sections within subparts B 
through U of this part, where applicable. A person who acquires a vessel 
or dealership who desires to conduct activities for which a permit, 
license, or endorsement is required must apply for a permit, license, or 
endorsement in accordance with the provisions of this section and other 
applicable sections of this part. If the acquired vessel or dealership 
is currently permitted, the application must be accompanied by the 
original permit, and a copy of a signed bill of sale or equivalent 
acquisition papers. In those cases where a permit, license, or 
endorsement is transferable, the seller must sign the back of the 
permit, license, or endorsement and have the signed transfer document 
notarized.
    (2) Operator permits. An operator permit is not transferable.
    (g) Renewal--(1) Vessel permits, licenses, and endorsements, and 
dealer permits. Unless specified otherwise, a vessel or dealer permit 
holder who has been issued a permit, license, or endorsement under this 
part must renew such permit, license, or endorsement on an annual basis. 
The RA will notify a vessel or dealer permit holder whose permit, 
license, or endorsement is expiring approximately 2 months prior to the 
expiration date. A vessel or dealer permit holder who does not receive a 
notification is still required to submit an application form as 
specified below. The applicant must submit a completed renewal 
application form and all required supporting documents to the RA prior 
to the applicable deadline for renewal of the permit, license, or 
endorsement, and at least 30 calendar days prior to the date on which 
the applicant desires to have the permit made effective. Application 
forms and instructions for renewal are available online at https://
www.fisheries.noaa.gov/southeast/resources-fishing/permits-applications-
and-forms-southeast or from the RA (Southeast Permits Office) at 1-877-
376-4877, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., eastern 
time. If the RA receives an incomplete application, the RA will notify 
the applicant of the deficiency. If the applicant fails to correct the 
deficiency within 30 calendar days of the notification date by the RA, 
the application will be considered abandoned. A permit, license, or 
endorsement that is not renewed within the applicable deadline will not 
be reissued.
    (2) Operator permits. An operator permit required by this part 622 
is issued for a period not longer than 3 years. A permit not renewed 
immediately upon its expiration would expire at the end of the 
operator's birth month that is between 2 and 3 years after issuance. For 
renewal, a new application must be submitted in accordance with 
paragraph (a)(2) of this section.
    (h) Display. A vessel permit, license, or endorsement issued under 
this part 622 must be carried on board the vessel. A dealer permit 
issued under this part 622, or a copy thereof, must be available on the 
dealer's premises. In addition, a copy of the dealer's permit must 
accompany each vehicle that is used to pick up from a fishing vessel 
fish harvested from the EEZ. A Gulf IFQ dealer endorsement must 
accompany each vehicle that is used to pick up Gulf IFQ red snapper and/
or Gulf IFQ groupers and tilefishes. The operator of a vessel must 
present the vessel permit, license, or endorsement for inspection upon 
the request of an authorized officer. A dealer or a vehicle operator 
must present the permit or a copy for inspection upon the request of an 
authorized officer. An operator of a vessel in a fishery in which an 
operator permit is required must present his/her operator permit

[[Page 247]]

and one other form of personal identification that includes a picture 
(driver's license, passport, etc.) for inspection upon the request of an 
authorized officer.
    (i) Sanctions and denials. (1) A permit, license, or endorsement 
issued pursuant to this part 622 may be revoked, suspended, or modified, 
and a permit, license, or endorsement application may be denied, in 
accordance with the procedures governing enforcement-related permit 
sanctions and denials found at subpart D of 15 CFR part 904.
    (2) A person whose operator permit is suspended, revoked, or 
modified may not be aboard any fishing vessel subject to Federal fishing 
regulations in any capacity, if so sanctioned by NOAA, while the vessel 
is at sea or offloading. The vessel's owner and operator are responsible 
for compliance with this measure. A list of operators whose permits are 
revoked or suspended may be obtained from the RA.
    (j) Alteration. A permit, license, or endorsement that is altered, 
erased, or mutilated is invalid.
    (k) Replacement. A replacement permit, license, or endorsement may 
be issued. An application for a replacement permit, license, or 
endorsement is not considered a new application. An application for a 
replacement operator permit must include two new photographs, as 
specified in paragraph (a)(2)(ii) of this section.

[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 79 FR 19493, Apr. 9, 2014; 81 
FR 1792, Jan. 13, 2016; 83 FR 64034, Dec. 13, 2018; 86 FR 72856, Dec. 
23, 2021; 87 FR 56215, Sept. 13, 2022]



Sec. 622.5  Recordkeeping and reporting--general.

    This section contains recordkeeping and reporting requirements that 
are broadly applicable, as specified, to most or all fisheries governed 
by this part. Additional recordkeeping and reporting requirements 
specific to each fishery are contained in the respective subparts B 
through U of this part.
    (a) Collection of additional data and fish inspection. In addition 
to data required to be reported as specified in subparts B through U of 
this part, as applicable, additional data will be collected by 
authorized statistical reporting agents and by authorized officers. A 
person who fishes for or possesses species in or from the EEZ governed 
in this part is required to make the applicable fish or any part thereof 
available for inspection by the SRD or an authorized officer on request.
    (b) Commercial vessel, charter vessel, and headboat inventory. The 
owner or operator of a commercial vessel, charter vessel, or headboat 
operating in a fishery governed in this part who is not selected to 
report by the SRD under the recordkeeping and reporting requirements in 
subparts B through U of this part, must provide the following 
information when interviewed by the SRD:
    (1) Name and official number of vessel and permit number, if 
applicable.
    (2) Length and tonnage.
    (3) Current home port.
    (4) Fishing areas.
    (5) Ports where fish were offloaded during the last year.
    (6) Type and quantity of gear.
    (7) Number of full- and part-time fishermen or crew members.
    (c) Dealers--(1) Permitted Gulf and South Atlantic dealers. (i) A 
person issued a Gulf and South Atlantic dealer permit must submit a 
detailed electronic report of all fish first received for a commercial 
purpose within the time period specified in this paragraph via the 
dealer electronic trip ticket reporting system. These electronic reports 
must be submitted at weekly intervals via the dealer electronic trip 
ticket reporting system by 11:59 p.m., local time, the Tuesday following 
a reporting week. If no fish were received during a reporting week, an 
electronic report so stating must be submitted for that reporting week. 
In addition, during the open season, dealers must submit daily reports 
for Gulf migratory group king mackerel harvested by the run-around 
gillnet component in the Florida west coast southern subzone via the 
port agents, telephone, internet, or other similar means determined by 
NMFS. From the beginning of the open season until the commercial ACL 
(commercial quota) for the run-around gillnet sector for Gulf migratory 
group king mackerel is reached, dealers must submit a daily report if no 
king mackerel were received during the previous day. NMFS will provide 
written notice

[[Page 248]]

to dealers that first receive Gulf king mackerel harvested by the run-
around gillnet component prior to the beginning of each fishing year if 
the reporting methods or deadline change from the previous year.
    (ii) Dealers must retain either the paper forms or electronic 
reports for at least 1 year after the submittal date and must provide 
such records for inspection upon the request of an authorized officer or 
the SRD.
    (iii) During catastrophic conditions only, the ACL monitoring 
program provides for use of paper-based components for basic required 
functions as a backup. The RA will determine when catastrophic 
conditions exist, the duration of the catastrophic conditions, and which 
participants or geographic areas are deemed affected by the catastrophic 
conditions. The RA will provide timely notice to affected participants 
via publication of notification in the Federal Register, NOAA weather 
radio, fishery bulletins, and other appropriate means and will authorize 
the affected participants' use of paper-based components for the 
duration of the catastrophic conditions. The paper forms will be 
available from NMFS. During catastrophic conditions, the RA has the 
authority to waive or modify reporting time requirements.
    (iv) Gulf and South Atlantic dealers are not authorized to first 
receive Gulf reef fish, Gulf red drum, South Atlantic golden crab, South 
Atlantic snapper-grouper, South Atlantic wreckfish, South Atlantic rock 
shrimp, coastal migratory pelagic fish, spiny lobster, or Atlantic 
dolphin or wahoo from a federally permitted vessel if the required 
reports have not been submitted and received by NMFS according to the 
reporting requirements under this section. Delinquent reports 
automatically result in a Gulf and South Atlantic dealer becoming 
ineligible to first receive such fish, regardless of any notification to 
dealers by NMFS. Gulf and South Atlantic dealers who become ineligible 
to receive such fish due to delinquent reports are authorized to first 
receive such fish only after all required and delinquent reports have 
been submitted and received by NMFS according to the reporting 
requirements under this section.
    (2) Non-permitted dealers. See Sec. 622.51 for a person who 
purchases Gulf shrimp from a vessel, or person, that fishes for shrimp 
in the Gulf EEZ or in adjoining state waters, or that lands shrimp in an 
adjoining state.

[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 79 FR 19493, Apr. 9, 2014; 80 
FR 78674, Dec. 17, 2015; 87 FR 56215, Sept. 13, 2022]



Sec. 622.6  Vessel identification.

    This section does not apply to subpart R of this part, which has its 
own specific vessel identification requirements in Sec. 622.402.
    (a) Applicability--(1) Official number. A vessel for which a permit 
has been issued under subparts B through U of this part, except for 
subpart R, and a vessel that fishes for or possesses pelagic sargassum 
in the South Atlantic EEZ, must display its official number--
    (i) On the port and starboard sides of the deckhouse or hull and, 
for vessels over 25 ft (7.6 m) long, on an appropriate weather deck, so 
as to be clearly visible from an enforcement vessel or aircraft.
    (ii) In block arabic numerals permanently affixed to or painted on 
the vessel in contrasting color to the background.
    (iii) At least 18 inches (45.7 cm) in height for vessels over 65 ft 
(19.8 m) long; at least 10 inches (25.4 cm) in height for vessels over 
25 ft (7.6 m) long; and at least 3 inches (7.6 cm) in height for vessels 
25 ft (7.6 m) long or less.
    (2) Official number and color code. The following vessels must 
display their official number as specified in paragraph (a)(1) of this 
section and, in addition, must display their assigned color code: A 
vessel for which a permit has been issued to fish with a sea bass pot, 
as required under Sec. 622.170(a)(1); and, in the EEZ around Puerto 
Rico, St. Croix, or St. Thomas and St. John, a vessel fishing 
commercially with traps for reef fish, as defined in subparts S through 
U of this part, or a vessel fishing for spiny lobster, when color codes 
are required and have been assigned to the vessel by Puerto Rico or the 
U.S. Virgin Islands, as applicable. Color codes required for vessels 
fishing in the EEZ around Puerto Rico, St. Croix, or St. Thomas and St. 
John are assigned by

[[Page 249]]

Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands, as applicable. Color codes 
required in all other fisheries are assigned by the RA. The color code 
must be displayed--
    (i) On the port and starboard sides of the deckhouse or hull and, 
for vessels over 25 ft (7.6 m) long, on an appropriate weather deck, so 
as to be clearly visible from an enforcement vessel or aircraft.
    (ii) In the form of a circle permanently affixed to or painted on 
the vessel.
    (iii) At least 18 inches (45.7 cm) in diameter for vessels over 65 
ft (19.8 m) long; at least 10 inches (25.4 cm) in diameter for vessels 
over 25 ft (7.6 m) long; and at least 3 inches (7.6 cm) in diameter for 
vessels 25 ft (7.6 m) long or less.
    (b) Duties of operator. The operator of a vessel specified in 
paragraph (a) of this section must keep the official number and the 
color code, if applicable, clearly legible and in good repair and must 
ensure that no part of the fishing vessel, its rigging, fishing gear, or 
any other material on board obstructs the view of the official number or 
the color code, if applicable, from an enforcement vessel or aircraft.

[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, amended at 87 FR 56215, Sept. 13, 2022]



Sec. 622.7  Fishing years.

    The fishing year for species or species groups governed in this part 
is January 1 through December 31 except for the following:
    (a) Allowable octocoral--October 1 through September 30.
    (b) King and Spanish mackerel. The fishing year for the king and 
Spanish mackerel bag limits specified in Sec. 622.382 is January 1 
through December 31. The following fishing years apply only for the king 
and Spanish mackerel quotas specified in Sec. 622.384:
    (1) Gulf migratory group king mackerel--(i) Southern zone--July 1 
through June 30.
    (ii) Northern zone--October 1 through September 30.
    (iii) Western zone--July 1 through June 30.
    (2) Gulf migratory group Spanish mackerel--April through March.
    (3) South Atlantic migratory group king and Spanish mackerel--March 
through February.
    (c) Wreckfish--April 16 through April 15.
    (d) South Atlantic greater amberjack--March 1 through the end of 
February.
    (e) South Atlantic black sea bass recreational sector--April 1 
through March 31. (Note: The fishing year for the commercial sector for 
black sea bass is January 1 through December 31).
    (f) South Atlantic yellowtail snapper--August 1 through July 31.
    (g) Gulf of Mexico yellowtail snapper--August 1 through July 31.
    (h) Gulf of Mexico greater amberjack recreational sector--August 1 
through July 31. (Note: The fishing year for the commercial sector for 
greater amberjack is January 1 through December 31).

[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 79 FR 66322, Nov. 7, 2014; 80 
FR 4218, Jan. 27, 2015; 81 FR 45248, July 13, 2016; 81 FR 10311, Feb. 
10, 2017; 82 FR 17394, Apr. 11, 2017; 83 FR 13428, Mar. 29, 2018]



Sec. 622.8  Quotas--general.

    (a) Applicability. Quotas apply for the fishing year for each 
species, species group, sector, or sector component unless 
accountability measures are implemented during the fishing year pursuant 
to the applicable annual catch limits (ACLs) and accountability measures 
(AMs) sections within subparts B through U of this part due to a quota 
overage occurring in the previous year, in which case a reduced quota 
will be specified through notification in the Federal Register. Annual 
quota increases are contingent on the total allowable catch for the 
applicable species not being exceeded in the previous fishing year. If 
the total allowable catch is exceeded in the previous fishing year, the 
RA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register to 
maintain the quota for the applicable species, species group, sector, or 
sector component from the previous fishing year for following fishing 
years unless NMFS determines based upon the best scientific information 
available that maintaining the quota from the previous year is 
unnecessary. Except for the quotas for Gulf and South Atlantic

[[Page 250]]

coral, the quotas include species harvested from state waters adjoining 
the EEZ.
    (b) Quota closures. When a quota specified in this part is reached 
or is projected to be reached, the Assistant Administrator will file a 
notification to that effect with the Office of the Federal Register. On 
and after the effective date of such notification, for the remainder of 
the fishing year, the applicable closure restrictions for such a quota, 
as specified in this part apply. See the applicable ACLs, annual catch 
targets (ACTs), and AMs sections in subparts B through U of this part 
for closure provisions when an applicable ACL or ACT is reached or 
projected to be reached.
    (c) Reopening. When a species, species group, sector, or sector 
component has been closed based on a projection of the quota specified 
in this part, or the ACL specified in the applicable ACL and 
accountability measures sections of subparts B through U of this part 
being reached and subsequent data indicate that the quota or ACL was not 
reached, the Assistant Administrator may file a notification to that 
effect with the Office of the Federal Register. Such notification may 
reopen the species, species group, sector, or sector component to 
provide an opportunity for the quota or ACL to be harvested.

[87 FR 56216, Sept. 13, 2022]



Sec. 622.9  Prohibited gear and methods--general.

    This section contains prohibitions on use of gear and methods that 
are of general applicability, as specified. Additional prohibitions on 
use of gear and methods applicable to specific species or species groups 
are contained in subparts B through U of this part.
    (a) Explosives. An explosive (except an explosive in a powerhead) 
may not be used to fish in the Caribbean, Gulf, or South Atlantic EEZ. A 
vessel fishing in the EEZ for a species governed in this part, or a 
vessel for which a permit has been issued under this part, may not have 
on board any dynamite or similar explosive substance.
    (b) Chemicals and plants. A toxic chemical may not be used or 
possessed in a coral area.
    (c) Fish traps. A fish trap may not be used or possessed in the Gulf 
or South Atlantic EEZ. A fish trap deployed in the Gulf or South 
Atlantic EEZ may be disposed of in any appropriate manner by the 
Assistant Administrator or an authorized officer.
    (d) Weak link. A bottom trawl that does not have a weak link in the 
tickler chain may not be used to fish in the Gulf EEZ. For the purposes 
of this paragraph, a weak link is defined as a length or section of the 
tickler chain that has a breaking strength less than the chain itself 
and is easily seen as such when visually inspected.
    (e) Use of Gulf reef fish as bait prohibited. Gulf reef fish may not 
be used as bait in any fishery, except that, when purchased from a fish 
processor, the filleted carcasses and offal of Gulf reef fish may be 
used as bait in trap fisheries for blue crab, stone crab, deep-water 
crab, and spiny lobster.

[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, amended at 87 FR 56216, Sept. 13, 2022]



Sec. 622.10  Landing fish intact---general.

    This section contains requirements for landing fish intact that are 
broadly applicable to finfish in the Gulf EEZ and Caribbean EEZ, as 
specified. See subparts B through U of this part, as applicable, for 
additional species-specific requirements for landing fish intact.
    (a) Finfish in or from the Gulf EEZ or Caribbean EEZ, except as 
specified in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, must be maintained 
with head and fins intact.
    (b) Atlantic highly migratory species, such as tunas, billfishes 
(marlins, spearfishes, and swordfish), and oceanic sharks are not 
subject to the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section. See 50 CFR 
part 635 for any requirements applicable to landing Atlantic highly 
migratory species intact.
    (c) In the Gulf EEZ or Caribbean EEZ:
    (1) Bait is exempt from the requirement to be maintained with head 
and fins intact.
    (i) For the purpose of this paragraph (c)(1), ``bait'' means--
    (A) Packaged, headless fish fillets that have the skin attached and 
are frozen or refrigerated;

[[Page 251]]

    (B) Headless fish fillets that have the skin attached and are held 
in brine; or
    (C) Small pieces no larger than 3 in\3\ (7.6 cm\3\) or strips no 
larger than 3 inches by 9 inches (7.6 cm by 22.9 cm) that have the skin 
attached and are frozen, refrigerated, or held in brine.
    (ii) Paragraph (c)(1)(i) of this section notwithstanding, a finfish 
or part thereof possessed in or landed from the Gulf EEZ or Caribbean 
EEZ that is subsequently sold or purchased as a finfish species, rather 
than as bait, is not bait.
    (2) Legal-sized finfish possessed for consumption at sea on the 
harvesting vessel are exempt from the requirement to have head and fins 
intact, provided--
    (i) Such finfish do not exceed any applicable bag limit;
    (ii) Such finfish do not exceed 1.5 lb (680 g) of finfish parts per 
person aboard; and
    (iii) The vessel is equipped to cook such finfish on board.
    (d) The operator of a vessel that fishes in the EEZ is responsible 
for ensuring that fish on that vessel in the EEZ are maintained intact 
and, if taken from the EEZ, are maintained intact through offloading 
ashore, as specified in this section.

[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, amended at 87 FR 56216, Sept. 13, 2022]



Sec. 622.11  Bag and possession limits--general applicability.

    This section describes the general applicability provisions for bag 
and possession limits specified in subparts B through U of this part.
    (a) Applicability. (1) The bag and possession limits apply for a 
species or species group in or from the EEZ. Unless specified otherwise, 
bag limits apply to a person on a daily basis, regardless of the number 
of trips in a day. Unless specified otherwise, a person is limited to a 
single bag limit for a trip lasting longer than one calendar day. Unless 
specified otherwise, possession limits apply to a person on a trip after 
the first 24 hours of that trip. The bag and possession limits apply to 
a person who fishes in the EEZ in any manner, except a person on a 
vessel in the EEZ that has on board the commercial vessel permit 
required under this part for the appropriate species or species group. 
The possession of a commercial vessel permit notwithstanding, the bag 
and possession limits apply when the vessel is operating as a charter 
vessel or headboat. A person who fishes in the EEZ may not combine a bag 
limit specified in subparts B through U of this part with a bag or 
possession limit applicable to state waters. A species or species group 
subject to a bag limit specified in subparts B through U of this part 
and taken in the EEZ by a person subject to the bag limits may not be 
transferred at sea, regardless of where such transfer takes place, and 
such fish may not be transferred in the EEZ. The operator of a vessel 
that fishes in the EEZ is responsible for ensuring that the bag and 
possession limits specified in subparts B through U of this part are not 
exceeded.
    (2) [Reserved]
    (b) [Reserved]

[87 FR 56216, Sept. 13, 2022]



Sec. 622.12  [Reserved]



Sec. 622.13  Prohibitions--general.

    In addition to the general prohibitions in Sec. 600.725 of this 
chapter, it is unlawful for any person to do any of the following:
    (a) Engage in an activity for which a valid Federal permit, license, 
or endorsement is required under this part without such permit, license, 
or endorsement.
    (b) Falsify information on an application for a permit, license, or 
endorsement or submitted in support of such application, as specified in 
this part.
    (c) Fail to display a permit, license, or endorsement, or other 
required identification, as specified in this part.
    (d) Falsify or fail to maintain, submit, or provide information or 
fail to comply with inspection requirements or restrictions, as 
specified in this part.
    (e) Fail to make a fish, or parts thereof, available for inspection, 
as specified in this part.
    (f) Falsify or fail to display and maintain vessel and gear 
identification, as specified in this part.

[[Page 252]]

    (g) Harvest or possess fish if the required charter vessel or 
headboat reports have not been submitted in accordance with this part.
    (h) First receive fish from federally permitted vessels if the 
required reports have not been submitted in accordance with Sec. 
622.5(c).
    (i) Fail to comply with any requirement or restriction regarding ITQ 
coupons, as specified in Sec. 622.172.
    (j) Possess wreckfish as specified in Sec. 622.172, receive 
wreckfish except as specified in Sec. 622.172, or offload a wreckfish 
except as specified in Sec. 622.172.
    (k) Transfer--
    (1) A wreckfish, as specified in Sec. 622.172;
    (2) A limited-harvest species, as specified in this part;
    (3) A species/species group subject to a bag limit, as specified in 
this part;
    (4) South Atlantic snapper-grouper from a vessel with unauthorized 
gear on board, as specified in Sec. 622.188; or
    (5) A species subject to a commercial trip limit, as specified in 
this part.
    (l) Use or possess prohibited gear or methods or possess fish in 
association with possession or use of prohibited gear, as specified in 
this part.
    (m) Fish for, harvest, or possess a prohibited species, or a 
limited-harvest species in excess of its limitation, sell or purchase 
such species, fail to comply with release requirements, molest or strip 
eggs from a lobster, or possess a lobster, or part thereof, from which 
eggs, swimmerettes, or pleopids have been removed or stripped, as 
specified in this part.
    (n) Fish in violation of the prohibitions, restrictions, and 
requirements applicable to seasonal and/or area closures, including but 
not limited to: Prohibition of all fishing, gear restrictions, 
restrictions on take or retention of fish, fish release requirements, 
and restrictions on use of an anchor or grapple, as specified in this 
part or as may be specified under this part.
    (o) Harvest, possess, offload, sell, or purchase fish in excess of 
the seasonal harvest limitations, as specified in this part.
    (p) Except as allowed for king and Spanish mackerel and Gulf of 
Mexico and South Atlantic spiny lobster, possess undersized fish, fail 
to release undersized fish, or sell or purchase undersized fish, as 
specified in this part.
    (q) Fail to maintain a fish intact through offloading ashore, as 
specified in this part.
    (r) Exceed a bag or possession limit, as specified in this part.
    (s) Fail to comply with the limitations on traps and pots, including 
but not limited to: Tending requirements, constructions requirements, 
and area specific restrictions, as specified in this part.
    (t) Fail to comply with the species-specific limitations, as 
specified in this part.
    (u) Fail to comply with the restrictions that apply after closure of 
a fishery, sector, or component of a fishery, as specified in this part.
    (v) Possess on board a vessel or land, purchase, or sell fish in 
excess of the commercial trip limits, as specified in this part.
    (w) Fail to comply with the restrictions on sale/purchase, as 
specified in this part.
    (x) Interfere with fishing or obstruct or damage fishing gear or the 
fishing vessel of another, as specified in this part.
    (y) Fail to comply with the requirements for observer coverage as 
specified in this part.
    (z) Assault, resist, oppose, impede, intimidate, or interfere with a 
NMFS-approved observer aboard a vessel.
    (aa) Prohibit or bar by command, impediment, threat, coercion, or 
refusal of reasonable assistance, an observer from conducting his or her 
duties aboard a vessel.
    (bb) Fish for or possess golden crab in or from a fishing zone or 
sub-zone of the South Atlantic EEZ other than the zone or sub-zone for 
which the vessel is permitted or authorized, as specified in Sec. 
622.241.
    (cc) Falsify information submitted regarding an application for 
testing a BRD or regarding testing of a BRD, as specified in Sec. Sec. 
622.53 and 622.207.
    (dd) Make a false statement, oral or written, to an authorized 
officer regarding the installation, use, operation, or maintenance of a 
vessel monitoring system (VMS) unit or communication service provider.

[[Page 253]]

    (ee) Operate or own a vessel that is required to have a permitted 
operator aboard when the vessel is at sea or offloading without such 
operator aboard, as specified in this part.
    (ff) When a vessel that is subject to Federal fishing regulations is 
at sea or offloading, own or operate such vessel with a person aboard 
whose operator permit is revoked, suspended, or modified.
    (gg) Fail to comply with any provision related to a vessel 
monitoring system (VMS) as specified in this part, including but not 
limited to, requirements for use, installation, activation, access to 
data, procedures related to interruption of VMS operation, and 
prohibitions on interference with the VMS.
    (hh) Fail to comply with the protected species conservation measure 
as specified in this part.
    (ii) Fail to comply with any provision related to the IFQ program 
for Gulf red snapper as specified in Sec. 622.21, or the IFQ program 
for Gulf groupers and tilefishes as specified in Sec. 622.22.
    (jj) Falsify any information required to be submitted regarding the 
IFQ program for Gulf red snapper as specified in Sec. 622.21, or the 
IFQ program for Gulf groupers and tilefishes as specified in Sec. 
622.22.
    (kk) Fail to comply with the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South 
Atlantic spiny lobster import prohibitions, as specified in this part.
    (ll) Possess a Gulf of Mexico or South Atlantic spiny lobster trap 
in the EEZ at a time not authorized, as specified in subpart R.
    (mm) Harvest or attempt to harvest a Gulf of Mexico or South 
Atlantic spiny lobster by diving without having and using in the water a 
measuring device, as specified in subpart R.
    (nn) Possess Gulf of Mexico or South Atlantic spiny lobsters aboard 
a vessel that uses or has on board a net or trawl in an amount exceeding 
the limits, as specified in subpart R.
    (oo) Operate a vessel that fishes for or possesses Gulf of Mexico or 
South Atlantic spiny lobster in or from the EEZ with spiny lobster 
aboard in an amount exceeding the cumulative bag and possession limit, 
as specified in subpart R.
    (pp) Fail to comply with any provision related to the Offshore 
Marine Aquaculture program in the Gulf of Mexico as specified in this 
part.
    (qq) Falsify any information required to be submitted regarding the 
Offshore Marine Aquaculture program in the Gulf of Mexico as specified 
in this part.
    (rr) Land allowable aquaculture species cultured in the Gulf at non-
U.S. ports, unless first landed at a U.S. port.
    (ss) Fail to comply with any other requirement or restriction 
specified in this part or violate any provision(s) in this part.

[78 FR 57535, Sept. 19, 2013, as amended at 78 FR 78781, Dec. 27, 2013; 
79 FR 6099, Feb. 3, 2014; 79 FR 19494, Apr. 9, 2014; 81 FR 1792, Jan. 
13, 2016; 85 FR 10339, Feb. 24, 2020]



Sec. 622.14  [Reserved]



Sec. 622.15  Notice regarding area closures to protect corals.

    See Sec. Sec. 622.74 and 622.224, respectively, regarding coral 
protective restrictions in the Gulf EEZ and South Atlantic EEZ that 
apply broadly to multiple fisheries and gear types.



Sec. 622.16  Notice regarding South Atlantic special management zones (SMZs).

    See Sec. Sec. 622.182(a) and 622.382(a)(1)(v), respectively, 
regarding fishing and gear restrictions in South Atlantic SMZs that 
apply to snapper-grouper and coastal migratory pelagic fisheries and 
broadly to gear types of multiple fisheries.



Sec. 622.17  Notice regarding seasonal/area closures to protect Gulf reef fish.

    See Sec. 622.34, paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(3) through (6), 
regarding Gulf reef fish protective restrictions in the Gulf EEZ that 
apply broadly to multiple Gulf fisheries and gear types.



Sec. 622.19  Incorporation by reference.

    (a) Certain material is incorporated by reference into this part 
with the approval of the Director of the Federal Register in accordance 
with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. To enforce any edition other 
than that specified in this section, NMFS must publish a document in the 
Federal Register and

[[Page 254]]

the material must be available to the public. All approved material is 
available for inspection at NMFS and at the National Archives and 
Records Administration (NARA). Contact NMFS at: NMFS, Office of 
Sustainable Fisheries, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD; 301-
427-8500; www.fisheries.noaa.gov/about/office-sustainable-fisheries. For 
information on the availability of this material at NARA, email: 
[email protected], or go to: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/
ibr-locations.html. The material may be obtained from the source(s) in 
paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section.
    (b) Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.): Florida Fish and Wildlife 
Conservation Commission, 620 South Meridian Street, Tallahassee, FL 
32399; telephone: 850-487-0554; http://www.flrules.org.
    (1) [Reserved]
    (2) F.A.C., Chapter 68B-24: Spiny lobster (crawfish) and slipper 
lobster, Rule 68B-24.002: Definitions, amended May 1, 2017, IBR approved 
for Sec. 622.400(a).
    (3) F.A.C., Chapter 68B-24: Spiny lobster (crawfish) and slipper 
lobster, Rule 68B-24.005: Seasons, amended November 1, 2018, IBR 
approved for Sec. 622.403(b).
    (4) F.A.C., Chapter 68B-24: Spiny lobster (crawfish) and slipper 
lobster, Rule 68B-24.006: Gear: Traps, Buoys, Identification 
Requirements, Prohibited Devices, amended May 1, 2017, IBR approved for 
Sec. 622.402(a), Sec. 622.404(f), and Sec. 622.405(b).
    (5) F.A.C., Chapter 68B-24: Spiny lobster (crawfish) and slipper 
lobster, Rule 68B-24.007: Other Prohibitions, amended May 1, 2017, IBR 
approved for Sec. 622.404(e).
    (6) F.A.C., Chapter 68B-38: Shrimping and trapping: Closed areas and 
seasons, Rule 68B-38.001: Citrus-Hernando Shrimping and Trapping Closed 
Areas and Seasons, in effect as of March 1, 2005, IBR approved for Sec. 
622.55(e).
    (7) F.A.C., Chapter 68B-55: Trap retrieval and trap debris removal, 
Rule 68B-55.002: Retrieval of Trap Debris, in effect as of October 15, 
2007, IBR approved for Sec. Sec. 622.402(c) and 622.403(b).
    (8) F.A.C., Chapter 68B-55: Trap retrieval and trap debris removal, 
Rule 68B-55.004: Retrieval of Derelict and Traps Located in Areas 
Permanently Closed to Trapping, in effect as of October 15, 2007, IBR 
approved for Sec. Sec. 622.402(c) and 622.403(b).
    (c) Florida Statute: Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, 620 South 
Meridian Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399; telephone: 850-487-0554; http://
www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/.
    (1) Florida Statutes, Chapter 379: Fish and Wildlife Conservation, 
Part VII: Nonrecreational Licenses, Section 379.367: Spiny lobster; 
regulation, 379.367, in effect as of July 1, 2008, IBR approved for 
Sec. 622.402(a).
    (2) [Reserved]

[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 84 FR 37152, July 31, 2019. 
Redesignated and amended at 87 FR 56216, Sept. 13, 2022; 88 FR 29847, 
May 9, 2023]



           Subpart B_Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico



Sec. 622.20  Permits and endorsements.

    (a) Commercial vessels--(1) Commercial vessel permits. For a person 
aboard a vessel to be eligible for exemption from the bag limits, to 
fish under a quota, as specified in Sec. 622.39, or to sell Gulf reef 
fish or Florida Keys/East Florida hogfish in or from the Gulf EEZ, a 
commercial vessel permit for Gulf reef fish must have been issued to the 
vessel and must be on board. If Federal regulations for Gulf reef fish 
in subparts A or B of this part are more restrictive than state 
regulations, a person aboard a vessel for which a commercial vessel 
permit for Gulf reef fish has been issued must comply with such Federal 
regulations regardless of where the fish are harvested. See paragraph 
(a)(1)(i) of this section regarding a limited access system for 
commercial vessel permits for Gulf reef fish. See Sec. Sec. 
622.21(b)(1) and 622.22(b)(1), respectively, regarding an IFQ vessel 
account required to fish for, possess, or land Gulf red snapper or Gulf 
groupers and tilefishes, and paragraph (a)(2) of this section regarding 
an additional bottom longline endorsement required to fish for Gulf reef 
fish with bottom longline gear in a portion of the eastern Gulf.
    (i) Limited access system for commercial vessel permits for Gulf 
reef fish. (A) No applications for additional commercial vessel permits 
for Gulf reef fish will be accepted. Existing vessel permits may

[[Page 255]]

be renewed, are subject to the restriction on transfer in paragraph 
(a)(1)(i)(B) of this section, and are subject to the requirement for 
timely renewal in paragraph (a)(1)(i)(C) of this section. An application 
for renewal or transfer of a commercial vessel permit for Gulf reef fish 
will not be considered complete until proof of purchase, installation, 
activation, and operational status of an approved VMS for the vessel 
receiving the permit has been verified by NMFS VMS personnel.
    (B) An owner of a permitted vessel may transfer the commercial 
vessel permit for Gulf reef fish to another vessel owned by the same 
entity. A permit holder may also transfer the commercial vessel permit 
for Gulf reef fish to the owner of another vessel or to a new vessel 
owner when he or she transfers ownership of the permitted vessel.
    (C) A commercial vessel permit for Gulf reef fish that is not 
renewed or that is revoked will not be reissued. A permit is considered 
to be not renewed when an application for renewal is not received by the 
RA within 1 year of the expiration date of the permit.
    (ii) Option to consolidate commercial vessel permits for Gulf reef 
fish. A person who has been issued multiple commercial vessel permits 
for Gulf reef fish and wants to consolidate some or all of those 
permits, and the landings histories associated with those permits, into 
one permit must submit a completed permit consolidation application to 
the RA. The permits consolidated must be valid, non-expired permits and 
must be issued to the same entity. The application form and instructions 
are available online at https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/southeast/
resources-fishing/permits-applications-and-forms-southeast.
    (2) Commercial vessel endorsements--(i) Eastern Gulf reef fish 
bottom longline endorsement. For a person aboard a vessel, for which a 
valid commercial vessel permit for Gulf reef fish has been issued, to 
use a bottom longline for Gulf reef fish in the Gulf EEZ east of 
85[deg]30[min] W. long., a valid eastern Gulf reef fish bottom longline 
endorsement must have been issued to the vessel and must be on board. A 
permit or endorsement that has expired is not valid. This endorsement 
must be renewed annually and may only be renewed if the associated 
vessel has a valid commercial vessel permit for Gulf reef fish or if the 
endorsement and associated permit are being concurrently renewed. The RA 
will not reissue this endorsement if the endorsement is revoked or if 
the RA does not receive a complete application for renewal of the 
endorsement within 1 year after the endorsement's expiration date.
    (A) Transferability. An owner of a vessel with a valid eastern Gulf 
reef fish bottom longline endorsement may transfer that endorsement to 
an owner of a vessel that has a valid commercial vessel permit for Gulf 
reef fish.
    (B) Fees. A fee is charged for each renewal, transfer, or 
replacement of an eastern Gulf reef fish bottom longline endorsement. 
The amount of each fee is calculated in accordance with the procedures 
of the NOAA Finance Handbook, available from the RA, for determining the 
administrative costs of each special product or service. The fee may not 
exceed such costs and is specified with each application form. The 
appropriate fee must accompany each application for renewal, transfer, 
or replacement.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (b) Charter vessel/headboat permits. For a person aboard a vessel 
that is operating as a charter vessel or headboat to fish for or possess 
Gulf reef fish, in or from the EEZ, a valid charter vessel/headboat 
permit for Gulf reef fish must have been issued to the vessel and must 
be on board. For a person aboard a vessel that is operating as a charter 
vessel or headboat to fish for or possess Florida Keys/East Florida 
hogfish in or from the Gulf EEZ, a valid charter vessel/headboat permit 
for Gulf reef fish must have been issued to the vessel and must be on 
board.
    (1) Limited access system for charter vessel/headboat permits for 
Gulf reef fish. No applications for additional charter vessel/headboat 
permits for Gulf reef fish will be accepted. Existing permits may be 
renewed, are subject to the restrictions on transfer in paragraph 
(b)(1)(i) of this section, and are subject to the renewal requirements 
in paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of this section. An eligible charter vessel/
headboat permit with a historical captain endorsement may

[[Page 256]]

be converted to a charter vessel/headboat permit without a historical 
captain endorsement, per the procedure in paragraph (b)(1)(v) of this 
section.
    (i) Transfer of permits--(A) Permits without a historical captain 
endorsement. A charter vessel/headboat permit for Gulf reef fish that 
does not have a historical captain endorsement is fully transferable, 
with or without sale of the permitted vessel.
    (B) Permits with a historical captain endorsement. A charter vessel/
headboat permit for Gulf reef fish that has a historical captain 
endorsement may only be transferred to a vessel operated by the 
historical captain and is not otherwise transferable.
    (C) Procedure for permit transfer. To request that the RA transfer a 
charter vessel/headboat permit for Gulf reef fish, the owner of the 
vessel who is transferring the permit and the owner of the vessel that 
is to receive the transferred permit must complete the transfer 
information on the reverse side of the permit and return the permit and 
a completed application for transfer to the RA. See Sec. 622.4(f) for 
additional transfer-related requirements applicable to all permits 
issued under this part.
    (ii) Renewal. (A) Renewal of a charter vessel/headboat permit for 
Gulf reef fish is contingent upon the permitted vessel and/or captain, 
as appropriate, being included in an active survey frame for, and, if 
selected to report, providing the information required in one of the 
approved fishing data surveys. Surveys include, but are not limited to--
    (1) NMFS' Marine Recreational Fishing Vessel Directory Telephone 
Survey (conducted by the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission);
    (2) Charter vessel and headboat recordkeeping and reporting 
requirements specified in Sec. 622.26(b);
    (3) Texas Parks and Wildlife Marine Recreational Fishing Survey; or
    (4) A data collection system that replaces one or more of the 
surveys in paragraph (b)(1)(ii)(A),(1),(2), or (3) of this section.
    (B) A charter vessel/headboat permit for Gulf reef fish that is not 
renewed or that is revoked will not be reissued. A permit is considered 
to be not renewed when an application for renewal, as required, is not 
received by the RA within 1 year of the expiration date of the permit.
    (iii) Requirement to display a vessel decal. Upon renewal or 
transfer of a charter vessel/headboat permit for Gulf reef fish, the RA 
will issue the owner of the permitted vessel a vessel decal for Gulf 
reef fish. The vessel decal must be displayed on the port side of the 
deckhouse or hull and must be maintained so that it is clearly visible.
    (iv) Passenger capacity compliance requirement. A vessel operating 
as a charter vessel or headboat with a valid charter vessel/headboat 
permit for Gulf reef fish, which is carrying more passengers on board 
the vessel than is specified on the permit, is prohibited from 
harvesting or possessing the species identified on the permit.
    (v) Procedure for conversion of permit with historical captain 
endorsement. A charter vessel/headboat permit with a historical captain 
endorsement may be converted to a charter vessel/headboat permit for 
Gulf reef fish without a historical captain endorsement. A charter 
vessel/headboat permit with a historical captain endorsement that is 
converted to a charter vessel/headboat permit without a historical 
captain endorsement will retain the same vessel permit maximum passenger 
capacity as the permit it replaces. To convert an eligible charter 
vessel/headboat permit with a historical captain endorsement, the permit 
holder must submit a permit application to the RA by July 30, 2025. If 
no application to convert an eligible charter vessel/headboat permit 
with a historical captain endorsement is submitted by July 30, 2025, the 
permit holder will retain a charter vessel/headboat permit with the 
historical captain endorsement that is subject to the restrictions 
described in paragraph (b)(1)(i)(B) of this section.
    (2) A charter vessel or headboat may have both a charter vessel/
headboat permit and a commercial vessel permit. However, when a vessel 
is operating as a charter vessel or headboat, a person aboard must 
adhere to the bag limits. See the definitions of ``Charter vessel'' and 
``Headboat'' in Sec. 622.2 for an

[[Page 257]]

explanation of when vessels are considered to be operating as a charter 
vessel or headboat, respectively.
    (3) If Federal regulations for Gulf reef fish in subparts A or B of 
this part are more restrictive than state regulations, a person aboard a 
charter vessel or headboat for which a charter vessel/headboat permit 
for Gulf reef fish has been issued must comply with such Federal 
regulations regardless of where the fish are harvested.
    (c) Dealer permits and conditions--(1) Permits. For a dealer to 
first receive Gulf reef fish harvested in or from the EEZ, a Gulf and 
South Atlantic dealer permit must be issued to the dealer.
    (2) State license and facility requirements. To obtain a dealer 
permit or endorsement, the applicant must have a valid state 
wholesaler's license in the state(s) where the dealer operates, if 
required by such state(s), and must have a physical facility at a fixed 
location in such state(s).
    (d) Permit procedures. See Sec. 622.4 for information regarding 
general permit procedures including, but not limited to application, 
fees, duration, transfer, renewal, display, sanctions and denials, and 
replacement.

[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended 78 FR 46293, July 31, 2013; 79 
FR 19494, Apr. 9, 2014; 82 FR 34580, July 25, 2017; 85 FR 22045, Apr. 
21, 2020; 85 FR 44017, July 21, 2020; 86 FR 72856, Dec. 23, 2021; 88 FR 
42272, June 30, 2023]



Sec. 622.21  Individual fishing quota (IFQ) program for Gulf red snapper.

    (a) General. This section establishes an IFQ program for the 
commercial red snapper component of the Gulf reef fish fishery. Shares 
determine the amount of Gulf red snapper IFQ allocation, in pounds 
gutted weight, a shareholder is initially authorized to possess, land, 
or sell in a given calendar year. As of January 1, 2012, IFQ shares and 
allocation can only be transferred to U.S. citizens and permanent 
resident aliens. See paragraph (b)(11) of this section regarding 
eligibility to participate in the Gulf red snapper IFQ program as of 
January 1, 2012. Shares and annual IFQ allocation are transferable. See 
paragraph (b)(1) of this section regarding a requirement for a vessel 
landing red snapper subject to this IFQ program to have a Gulf red 
snapper IFQ vessel account. See paragraph (b)(2) of this section 
regarding a requirement for a Gulf IFQ dealer endorsement. Details 
regarding eligibility, applicable landings history, account setup and 
transaction requirements, constraints on transferability, and other 
provisions of this IFQ system are provided in the following paragraphs 
of this section.
    (1) Scope. The provisions of this section regarding the harvest and 
possession of Gulf IFQ red snapper apply to Gulf red snapper in or from 
the Gulf EEZ and, for a person aboard a vessel with a Gulf red snapper 
IFQ vessel account as required by paragraph (b)(1) of this section or 
for a person with a Gulf IFQ dealer endorsement as required by paragraph 
(b)(2) of this section, these provisions apply to Gulf red snapper 
regardless of where harvested or possessed.
    (2) Duration. The IFQ program established by this section will 
remain in effect until it is modified or terminated; however, the 
program will be evaluated by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management 
Council every 5 years.
    (3) Electronic system requirements. (i) The administrative functions 
associated with this IFQ program, e.g., registration and account setup, 
landing transactions, and transfers, are designed to be accomplished 
online; therefore, a participant must have access to a computer and 
Internet access and must set up an appropriate IFQ account to 
participate The computer must have current, up-to-date browser software 
installed, which may be downloaded from the internet for free. 
Assistance with online functions is available from IFQ Customer Service 
by calling 1-866-425-7627 Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4:30 
p.m. eastern time.
    (ii) The RA mailed initial shareholders and dealers with Gulf reef 
fish dealer permits information and instructions pertinent to setting up 
an IFQ account. Other eligible persons who desire to become IFQ 
participants by purchasing IFQ shares or allocation or by obtaining a 
Gulf red snapper IFQ dealer endorsement must first contact IFQ Customer 
Service at 1-866-425-7627 to obtain information necessary to set

[[Page 258]]

up the required IFQ account. As of January 1, 2012, all U.S. citizens 
and permanent resident aliens are eligible to establish an IFQ account. 
As of January 1, 2012, all current IFQ participants must complete and 
submit the application for an IFQ Account to certify their citizenship 
status and ensure their account information (e.g., mailing address, 
corporate shareholdings, etc.) is up to date. See Sec. 622.21(b)(11) 
regarding requirements for the application for an IFQ Account. Each IFQ 
participant must monitor his/her online account and all associated 
messages and comply with all IFQ online reporting requirements.
    (iii) During catastrophic conditions only, the IFQ program provides 
for use of paper-based components for basic required functions as a 
backup. The RA will determine when catastrophic conditions exist, the 
duration of the catastrophic conditions, and which participants or 
geographic areas are deemed affected by the catastrophic conditions. The 
RA will provide timely notice to affected participants via publication 
of notification in the Federal Register, NOAA weather radio, fishery 
bulletins, and other appropriate means and will authorize the affected 
participants' use of paper-based components for the duration of the 
catastrophic conditions. NMFS will provide each IFQ dealer the necessary 
paper forms and instructions for submission of the forms to the RA. The 
paper forms will also be available from the RA. The program functions 
available to participants or geographic areas deemed affected by 
catastrophic conditions will be limited under the paper-based system. 
There will be no mechanism for transfers of IFQ shares or allocation 
under the paper-based system in effect during catastrophic conditions. 
Assistance in complying with the requirements of the paper-based system 
will be available via IFQ Customer Service 1-866-425-7627 Monday through 
Friday between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. eastern time.
    (4) IFQ allocation. IFQ allocation is the amount of Gulf red 
snapper, in pounds gutted weight, an IFQ shareholder or allocation 
holder is authorized to possess, land, or sell during a given fishing 
year. IFQ allocation is derived at the beginning of each year by 
multiplying a shareholder's IFQ share times the annual commercial quota 
for Gulf red snapper. If the quota is increased after the beginning of 
the fishing year, then IFQ allocation is derived by multiplying a 
shareholder's IFQ share at the time of the quota increase by the amount 
the annual commercial quota for red snapper is increased. If a reduction 
in the commercial quota specified in Sec. 622.39(a)(1)(i) is expected 
to occur after January 1, the beginning of the fishing year, but before 
June 1 in that same fishing year, NMFS will withhold distribution of IFQ 
allocation on January 1 in the amount equal to that reduction. If a 
final rule to implement the commercial quota reduction is not published 
in the Federal Register and effective by June 1, NMFS will distribute 
withheld IFQ allocation of red snapper commercial quota to current 
shareholders based on shareholdings on the date the withheld IFQ 
allocation is distributed.
    (5) Closing an IFQ account. IFQ account holders may close an IFQ 
account by completing and submitting a Close IFQ Account Request Form to 
NMFS. This form must be signed by an account holder named on the IFQ 
account. If the request to close an IFQ account is being made because 
the sole account holder is deceased, the person requesting the closure 
must sign the Close IFQ Account Request Form, indicating the 
relationship to the deceased, provide a death certificate, and provide 
any additional information NMFS determines is necessary to complete the 
request. IFQ shareholder accounts may not be closed until all shares and 
allocation have been transferred from the account to another IFQ account 
holder. Dealer accounts may not be closed until all cost recovery fees 
have been received by NMFS. NMFS' IFQ Customer Service staff may close 
an IFQ account if all shares and allocation have been transferred from 
the account, all cost recovery fees have been received by NMFS, and no 
landing transactions or IFQ transfers have been completed by the IFQ 
account holder in at least 1 year. If an account

[[Page 259]]

is closed by NMFS' IFQ Customer Service staff, it may be reopened at the 
request of the IFQ account holder by contacting IFQ Customer Service.
    (6) Returning IFQ shares. Any shares contained in IFQ accounts that 
have never been activated since January 1, 2010, in the IFQ program are 
returned permanently to NMFS on July 12, 2018.
    (b) IFQ operations and requirements--(1) IFQ vessel accounts for 
Gulf red snapper. For a person aboard a vessel, for which a commercial 
vessel permit for Gulf reef fish has been issued, to fish for, possess, 
or land Gulf red snapper, regardless of where harvested or possessed, a 
Gulf IFQ vessel account for Gulf red snapper must have been established. 
As a condition of the IFQ vessel account, a person aboard such vessel 
must comply with the requirements of this section, Sec. 622.21, when 
fishing for red snapper regardless of where the fish are harvested or 
possessed. An owner of a vessel with a commercial vessel permit for Gulf 
reef fish, who has established an IFQ account for Gulf red snapper as 
specified in paragraph (a)(3)(i) of this section, online via the NMFS 
IFQ website https://secatchshares.fisheries.noaa.gov/, may establish a 
vessel account through that IFQ account for that permitted vessel. If 
such owner does not have an online IFQ account, the owner must first 
contact IFQ Customer Service at 1-866-425-7627 to obtain information 
necessary to access the IFQ Web site and establish an online IFQ 
account. There is no fee to set-up an IFQ account or a vessel account. 
Only one vessel account may be established per vessel under each IFQ 
program. An owner with multiple vessels may establish multiple vessel 
accounts under each IFQ account. The purpose of the vessel account is to 
hold IFQ allocation that is required to land the applicable IFQ species. 
A vessel account, or its linked IFQ shareholder account, must hold 
sufficient IFQ allocation, at least equal to the pounds in gutted weight 
of the red snapper on board at the time of advance notice of landing. 
Allocation must be transferred to the vessel account, so that the vessel 
account holds sufficient IFQ allocation at the time of the landing 
transaction (except for any overage allowed as specified in paragraph 
(b)(3)(ii) of this section). The vessel account remains valid as long as 
the vessel permit remains valid; the vessel has not been sold or 
transferred; and the vessel owner is in compliance with all Gulf reef 
fish and IFQ reporting requirements, has paid all applicable IFQ fees, 
and is not subject to sanctions under 15 CFR part 904. The vessel 
account is not transferable to another vessel. The provisions of this 
paragraph do not apply to fishing for or possession of Gulf red snapper 
under the bag limit specified in Sec. 622.38(b)3).
    (2) Gulf IFQ dealer endorsements. In addition to the requirement for 
a Gulf and South Atlantic dealer permit as specified in Sec. 
622.20(c)(1), for a dealer to first receive red snapper subject to the 
IFQ program for Gulf red snapper, as specified in paragraph (a)(1) of 
this section, or for a person aboard a vessel with a Gulf IFQ vessel 
account to sell such red snapper directly to an entity other than a 
dealer, such persons must also have a Gulf IFQ dealer endorsement. A 
dealer with a Gulf and South Atlantic dealer permit can download a Gulf 
IFQ dealer endorsement from the NMFS IFQ Web site. If such persons do 
not have an IFQ account, they must first contact IFQ Customer Service at 
1-866-425-7627 to obtain information necessary to access the IFQ Web 
site and establish an IFQ account. There is no fee for obtaining this 
endorsement. The endorsement remains valid as long as the Gulf and South 
Atlantic dealer permit remains valid and the dealer is in compliance 
with all Gulf reef fish and IFQ reporting requirements, has paid all IFQ 
fees required, and is not subject to any sanctions under 15 CFR part 
904. The endorsement is not transferable.
    (3) IFQ Landing and transaction requirements. (i) At the time of 
advance notice of landing, the IFQ vessel account, or its linked IFQ 
shareholder account, must contain allocation at least equal to the 
pounds in gutted weight of red snapper to be landed, except as provided 
in paragraph (b)(3)(ii) of this section. At the time of the landing 
transaction, the IFQ vessel account must contain allocation at least 
equal to the pounds in gutted weight of red snapper to be landed, except 
as provided in paragraph (b)(3)(ii) of this section.

[[Page 260]]

Such red snapper must be sold and can be received only by a dealer who 
has a valid Gulf IFQ dealer endorsement and an active IFQ dealer account 
(i.e., not in delinquent status). All IFQ landings and their actual ex-
vessel prices must be reported via the IFQ Web site.
    (ii) A person on board a vessel with an IFQ vessel account landing 
the shareholder's only remaining allocation, can legally exceed, by up 
to 10 percent, the shareholder's allocation remaining on that last 
fishing trip of the fishing year, i.e., a one-time per fishing year 
overage. Any such overage will be deducted from the shareholder's 
applicable allocation for the subsequent fishing year. From the time of 
the overage until January 1 of the subsequent fishing year, the IFQ 
shareholder must retain sufficient shares to account for the allocation 
that will be deducted the subsequent fishing year. Share transfers that 
would violate this requirement will be prohibited.
    (iii) The dealer must complete a landing transaction report for each 
landing of Gulf red snapper via the IFQ Web site on the day of offload, 
except if the fish are being trailered for transport to a dealer as 
specified in paragraph (b)(5)(iv) of this section (in which case the 
landing transaction report may be completed prior to the day of 
offload), and within 96 hours from the time of landing reported on the 
most recent landing notification, in accordance with the reporting 
form(s) and instructions provided on the Web site. This report includes 
date, time, and location of transaction; weight and actual ex-vessel 
price of red snapper landed and sold (when calculating the weight of IFQ 
red snapper during a landing transaction, ice and water weight may not 
be deducted from the weight of the fish unless the actual weight of the 
ice and water can be determined); and information necessary to identify 
the fisherman, vessel, and dealer involved in the transaction. The 
fisherman must validate the dealer transaction report by entering his 
unique PIN when the transaction report is submitted. After the dealer 
submits the report and the information has been verified, the Web site 
will send a transaction approval code to the dealer and the allocation 
holder.
    (iv) If there is a discrepancy regarding the landing transaction 
report after approval, the dealer or vessel account holder (or his or 
her authorized agent) must initiate a landing transaction correction 
form to correct the landing transaction. This form is available via the 
IFQ Web site. The dealer must then print out the form, both parties must 
sign it, and the form must be mailed to NMFS. The form must be received 
by NMFS no later than 15 days after the date of the initial landing 
transaction.
    (4) IFQ cost recovery fees. As required by section 304(d)(2)(A)(i) 
of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, the RA will collect a fee to recover the 
actual costs directly related to the management and enforcement of the 
Gulf red snapper IFQ program. The fee cannot exceed 3 percent of the ex-
vessel value of Gulf red snapper landed under the IFQ program as 
described in the Magnuson-Stevens Act. Such fees will be deposited in 
the Limited Access System Administration Fund (LASAF). Initially, the 
fee will be 3 percent of the actual ex-vessel price of Gulf red snapper 
landed per trip under the IFQ program, as documented in each landings 
transaction report. The RA will review the cost recovery fee annually to 
determine if adjustment is warranted. Factors considered in the review 
include the catch subject to the IFQ cost recovery, projected ex-vessel 
value of the catch, costs directly related to the management and 
enforcement of the IFQ program, the projected IFQ balance in the LASAF, 
and expected non-payment of fee liabilities. If the RA determines that a 
fee adjustment is warranted, the RA will publish a notification of the 
fee adjustment in the Federal Register.
    (i) Payment responsibility. The IFQ allocation holder specified in 
the documented red snapper IFQ landing transaction report is responsible 
for payment of the applicable cost recovery fees.
    (ii) Collection and submission responsibility. A dealer who receives 
Gulf red snapper subject to the IFQ program is responsible for 
collecting the applicable cost recovery fee for each IFQ landing from 
the IFQ allocation holder

[[Page 261]]

specified in the IFQ landing transaction report. Such dealer is 
responsible for submitting all applicable cost recovery fees to NMFS on 
a quarterly basis. The fees are due and must be submitted, using pay.gov 
via the IFQ system at the end of each calendar-year quarter, but no 
later than 30 days after the end of each calendar-year quarter. Fees not 
received by the deadline are delinquent.
    (iii) Fee payment procedure. For each IFQ dealer, the IFQ system 
will post, on individual message boards, an end-of-quarter statement of 
cost recovery fees that are due. The dealer is responsible for 
submitting the cost recovery fee payments using pay.gov via the IFQ 
system. Authorized payments methods are credit card, debit card, or 
automated clearing house (ACH). Payment by check will be authorized only 
if the RA has determined that the geographical area or an individual(s) 
is affected by catastrophic conditions.
    (iv) Fee reconciliation process--delinquent fees. The following 
procedures apply to an IFQ dealer whose cost recovery fees are 
delinquent.
    (A) On or about the 31st day after the end of each calendar-year 
quarter, the RA will send the dealer an electronic message via the IFQ 
Web site and official notice via mail indicating the applicable fees are 
delinquent, and the dealer's IFQ account has been suspended pending 
payment of the applicable fees.
    (B) On or about the 91st day after the end of each calendar-year 
quarter, the RA will refer any delinquent IFQ dealer cost recovery fees 
to the appropriate authorities for collection of payment.
    (5) Measures to enhance IFQ program enforceability--(i) Advance 
notice of landing--(A) General requirement. For the purpose of this 
paragraph, landing means to arrive at a dock, berth, beach, seawall, or 
ramp. The owner or operator of a vessel landing IFQ red snapper is 
responsible for ensuring that NMFS is contacted at least 3 hours, but no 
more than 24 hours, in advance of landing to report the time and 
location of landing, estimated red snapper landings in pounds gutted 
weight, vessel identification number (Coast Guard registration number or 
state registration number), and the name and address of the IFQ 
dealer(s) where the red snapper are to be received. The vessel must land 
within 1 hour after the time given in the landing notification except as 
provided in paragraph (b)(5)(i)(C) of this section. The vessel landing 
red snapper must have sufficient IFQ allocation in the IFQ vessel 
account, or its linked IFQ shareholder account, at least equal to the 
pounds in gutted weight of all red snapper on board (except for any 
overage up to the 10 percent allowed on the last fishing trip) at the 
time of the advance notice of landing.
    (B) Submitting an advanced landing notification. Authorized methods 
for contacting NMFS and submitting the report include calling IFQ 
Customer Service at 1-866-425-7627, completing and submitting to NMFS a 
landing notification provided through the VMS unit, or providing the 
required information to NMFS through the web-based form available on the 
IFQ Web site.
    (C) Landing prior to the notification time. The owner or operator of 
a vessel that has completed a landing notification and submitted it to 
NMFS may land prior to the notification time, only if an authorized 
officer is present at the landing site, is available to meet the vessel, 
and has authorized the owner or operator of the vessel to land early.
    (D) Changes to a landing notification. The owner or operator of a 
vessel who has submitted a landing notification to NMFS may make changes 
to the notification by submitting a superseding notification. If the 
initial superseding notification makes changes to one or more of the 
following: the time of landing (if landing more than 1 hour after the 
time on the notification), the dealer(s), or the estimated weights of 
fish to be landed, the vessel does not need to wait an additional 3 
hours to land. If the initial superseding notification makes changes to 
the landing location, the time of landing is earlier than previously 
specified, or more than one superseding notification is submitted on a 
trip, the vessel must wait an additional 3 hours to land, except as 
provided in paragraph (b)(5)(i)(C) of this section.

[[Page 262]]

    (ii) Time restriction on offloading. For the purpose of this 
paragraph, offloading means to remove IFQ red snapper from a vessel. IFQ 
red snapper may be offloaded only between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., local time, 
unless an authorized officer is present at the offloading at 6 p.m., is 
available to remain at the site while offloading continues, and 
authorizes the owner or operator of the vessel to continue offloading 
after 6 p.m., local time.
    (iii) Restrictions on transfer of IFQ red snapper. At-sea or 
dockside transfer of IFQ red snapper from one vessel to another vessel 
is prohibited.
    (iv) Requirement for transaction approval code. If IFQ red snapper 
are offloaded to a vehicle for transport or are on a vessel that is 
trailered for transport, on-site capability to accurately weigh the fish 
and to connect electronically to the online IFQ system to complete the 
transaction and obtain the transaction approval code is required. After 
a landing transaction has been completed, a transaction approval code 
verifying a legal transaction of the amount of IFQ red snapper in 
possession and a copy of the dealer endorsement must accompany any IFQ 
red snapper from the landing location through possession by a dealer. 
This requirement also applies to IFQ red snapper possessed on a vessel 
that is trailered for transport. A dealer may only receive IFQ red 
snapper transported by a vehicle or a trailered vessel that has a 
corresponding transaction approval code.
    (v) Approved landing locations. IFQ red snapper must be landed at an 
approved landing location. Landing locations must be approved by NMFS 
Office for Law Enforcement prior to a vessel landing IFQ red snapper at 
these sites. Proposed landing locations may be submitted online via the 
IFQ Web site, or by calling IFQ Customer Service at 1-866-425-7627, at 
any time; however, new landing locations will be approved only at the 
end of each calendar-year quarter. To have a landing location approved 
by the end of the calendar-year quarter, it must be submitted at least 
45 days before the end of the calendar-year quarter. NMFS will evaluate 
the proposed sites based on, but not limited to, the following criteria:
    (A) Landing locations must have a street address. If there is no 
street address on record for a particular landing location, global 
positioning system (GPS) coordinates for an identifiable geographic 
location must be provided.
    (B) Landing locations must be publicly accessible by land and water, 
and must satisfy the following criteria:
    (1) Vehicles must have access to the site via public roads;
    (2) Vessels must have access to the site via navigable waters;
    (3) No other condition may impede free and immediate access to the 
site by an authorized law enforcement officer. Examples of such 
conditions include, but are not limited to: A locked gate, fence, wall, 
or other barrier preventing 24-hour access to the site; a gated 
community entry point; a guard animal; a posted sign restricting access 
to the site; or any other physical deterrent.
    (6) Transfer of IFQ shares and allocation. Until January 1, 2012, 
IFQ shares and allocations can be transferred only to a person who holds 
a valid commercial vessel permit for Gulf reef fish; thereafter, IFQ 
shares and allocations can be transferred only to a U.S. citizen or 
permanent resident alien. However, a valid commercial permit for Gulf 
reef fish, a Gulf red snapper IFQ vessel account, and Gulf red snapper 
IFQ allocation are required to possess (at and after the time of the 
advance notice of landing), land or sell Gulf red snapper subject to 
this IFQ program.
    (i) Share transfers. Share transfers are permanent, i.e., they 
remain in effect until subsequently transferred. Transfer of shares will 
result in the corresponding allocation being automatically transferred 
to the person receiving the transferred share beginning with the fishing 
year following the year the transfer occurred. However, within the 
fishing year the share transfer occurs, transfer of shares and 
associated allocation are independent--unless the associated allocation 
is transferred separately, it remains with the transferor for the 
duration of that fishing year. A share transfer transaction that remains 
in pending status, i.e., has not been completed and verified with a 
transaction approval code, after 30

[[Page 263]]

days from the date the shareholder initiated the transfer will be 
cancelled, and the pending shares will be re-credited to the shareholder 
who initiated the transfer.
    (ii) Share transfer procedures. Share transfers must be accomplished 
online via the IFQ Web site. An IFQ shareholder must initiate a share 
transfer request by logging onto the IFQ Web site. Following the 
instructions provided on the IFQ Web site, the shareholder must enter 
pertinent information regarding the transfer request including, but not 
limited to, amount of shares to be transferred, which must be a minimum 
of 0.000001 percent; name of the eligible transferee; and the value of 
the transferred shares. An IFQ shareholder who is subject to a sanction 
under 15 CFR part 904 is prohibited from initiating a share transfer. An 
IFQ shareholder who is subject to a pending sanction under 15 CFR part 
904 must disclose in writing to the prospective transferee the existence 
of any pending sanction at the time of the transfer. For the first 5 
years this IFQ program is in effect, an eligible transferee is a person 
who has a valid commercial vessel permit for Gulf reef fish; is in 
compliance with all reporting requirements for the Gulf reef fish 
fishery and the red snapper IFQ program; is not subject to sanctions 
under 15 CFR part 904; and who would not be in violation of the share 
cap as specified in paragraph (b)(8) of this section. Thereafter, share 
transferee eligibility will only include U.S. citizens and permanent 
resident aliens who are otherwise in compliance with the provisions of 
this section. The online system will verify the transfer information 
entered. If the information is not accepted, the online system will send 
the shareholder an electronic message explaining the reason(s) why the 
transfer request cannot be completed. If the information is accepted, 
the online system will send the transferee an electronic message of the 
pending transfer. The transferee must approve the share transfer by 
electronic signature. If the transferee approves the share transfer, the 
online system will send a transaction approval code to both the 
transferor and transferee confirming the transaction. All share 
transfers must be completed and the transaction approval code received 
prior to December 31 at 6 p.m. eastern time each year.
    (iii) Allocation transfers. An allocation transfer is valid only for 
the remainder of the fishing year in which it occurs; it does not carry 
over to the subsequent fishing year. Any allocation that is unused at 
the end of the fishing year is void. Allocation may be transferred to a 
vessel account from any IFQ account. Allocation held in a vessel 
account, however, may only be transferred back to the IFQ account 
through which the vessel account was established.
    (iv) Allocation transfer procedures. Allocation transfers must be 
accomplished online via the IFQ Web site. An IFQ account holder must 
initiate an allocation transfer by logging onto the IFQ Web site, 
entering the required information, including but not limited to, name of 
an eligible transferee and amount of IFQ allocation to be transferred 
and price, and submitting the transfer electronically. An IFQ allocation 
holder who is subject to a sanction under 15 CFR part 904 is prohibited 
from initiating an allocation transfer. An IFQ allocation holder who is 
subject to a pending sanction under 15 CFR part 904 must disclose in 
writing to the prospective transferee the existence of any pending 
sanction at the time of the transfer. If the transfer is approved, the 
online system will provide a transaction approval code to the transferor 
and transferee confirming the transaction.
    (7) Restricted transactions during the 20-hour online maintenance 
window. All electronic IFQ transactions must be completed by December 31 
at 6 p.m. eastern time each year. Electronic IFQ functions will resume 
again on January 1 at 2 p.m. eastern time the following fishing year. 
The remaining 6 hours prior to the end of the fishing year, and the 14 
hours at the beginning of the next fishing year, are necessary to 
provide NMFS time to reconcile IFQ accounts, adjust allocations for the 
upcoming year if the commercial quotas for Gulf red snapper have 
changed, and update shares and allocations for the upcoming fishing 
year. No electronic IFQ transactions will be available during these 20 
hours. An advance notice

[[Page 264]]

of landing may still be submitted during the 20-hour maintenance window 
by using the vessel's VMS unit or calling IFQ Customer Service at 1-866-
425-7627.
    (8) IFQ share cap. No person, including a corporation or other 
entity, may individually or collectively hold IFQ shares in excess of 
6.0203 percent of the total shares. For the purposes of considering the 
share cap, a corporation's total IFQ share is determined by adding the 
applicable IFQ shares held by the corporation and any other IFQ shares 
held by a corporation(s) owned by the original corporation prorated 
based on the level of ownership. An individual's total IFQ share is 
determined by adding the applicable IFQ shares held by the individual 
and the applicable IFQ shares equivalent to the corporate share the 
individual holds in a corporation. Initially, a corporation must provide 
the RA the identity of the shareholders of the corporation and their 
percent of shares in the corporation, and provide updated information to 
the RA within 30 days of when changes occur. This information must also 
be provided to the RA any time a commercial vessel permit for Gulf reef 
fish is renewed or transferred and at the time of renewal of the 
application for an IFQ Account.
    (9) Redistribution of shares resulting from permanent revocation. If 
a shareholder's IFQ shares have been permanently revoked, the RA will 
redistribute the IFQ shares held by that shareholder proportionately 
among remaining shareholders (subject to cap restrictions) based upon 
the amount of shares each held just prior to the redistribution. During 
December of each year, the RA will determine the amount of revoked 
shares, if any, to be redistributed, and the shares will be distributed 
at the beginning of the subsequent fishing year.
    (10) Annual recalculation and notification of IFQ shares and 
allocation. On or about January 1 each year, IFQ shareholders will be 
notified, via the IFQ Web site, of their IFQ share and allocation for 
the upcoming fishing year. These updated share values will reflect the 
results of applicable share transfers and any redistribution of shares 
(subject to cap restrictions) resulting from permanent revocation of 
applicable shares. Updated allocation values will reflect any change in 
IFQ share, any change in the annual commercial quota for Gulf red 
snapper, and any debits required as a result of prior fishing year 
overages as specified in paragraph (b)(3)(ii) of this section. IFQ 
participants can monitor the status of their shares and allocation 
throughout the year via the IFQ Web site.
    (11) Eligibility to participate in the Gulf red snapper IFQ program 
as of January 1, 2012. The provisions of paragraph (b)(11) of this 
section apply to all eligible participants for the Gulf red snapper IFQ 
program beginning January 1, 2012. In addition to eligible participants 
who already participate in the Gulf red snapper IFQ program, as of 
January 1, 2012, all U.S. citizens and permanent resident aliens who are 
in compliance with the provisions of this section are eligible and may 
participate in the Gulf red snapper IFQ program as shareholders and 
allocation holders. The requirements to meet the definition of a U.S. 
citizen are described in the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952, as 
amended, and permanent resident aliens are those individuals who have 
been lawfully accorded the privilege of residing permanently in the U.S. 
in accordance with U.S. immigration laws. In order to harvest and 
possess Gulf IFQ red snapper, the requirements for a Gulf red snapper 
IFQ vessel account, as specified in paragraph (b)(1) of this section, or 
a Gulf IFQ dealer endorsement, as specified in paragraph (b)(2) of this 
section apply.
    (i) Gulf red snapper IFQ program participation for current red 
snapper IFQ account holders. A current participant in the red snapper 
IFQ program must complete and submit the application for an IFQ Account 
that is available on the website https://
secatchshares.fisheries.noaa.gov, to certify status as a U.S. citizen or 
permanent resident alien. The IFQ account holder must also complete and 
submit any other information on this form that may be necessary for the 
administration of the IFQ account. A person with an established IFQ 
account must update and confirm the account information every 2 years. 
IFQ accounts are updated through the submission of the

[[Page 265]]

application for an IFQ Account. Accounts must be updated prior to the 
account validity date (expiration date of the account) that is displayed 
on each account holder's IFQ account page. The RA will provide each 
participant who has established an online account, with an application 
approximately 2 months prior to the account validity date. A participant 
who is not provided an application at least 45 days prior to the account 
validity date must contact IFQ Customer Service at 1-866-425-7627 and 
request an application. Failure to submit a completed application prior 
to the account validity date will lead to the suspension of the 
participant's IFQ account until a completed application is submitted. 
After January 1, 2012, participants who certify that they are either not 
U.S. citizens or permanent resident aliens will be ineligible to receive 
shares or allocation through transfer.
    (ii) Gulf red snapper IFQ program participation for entities that do 
not currently possess an IFQ account. The following procedures apply to 
U.S citizens or permanent resident aliens who are not otherwise 
described in either paragraphs (a) or (b)(11)(i) of this section.
    (A) To establish an IFQ account, a person must first complete the 
application for an IFQ Account that is available on the website https://
secatchshares.fisheries.noaa.gov. An applicant for an IFQ account under 
this paragraph must provide the following;
    (1) Name; address; telephone number; date of birth; tax 
identification number; certification of status as either a U.S. citizen 
or permanent resident alien; and if a corporation, a list of all 
officers, directors, shareholders, and registered agents of the 
business; and other identifying information as specified on the 
application.
    (2) Any other information that may be necessary for the 
establishment or administration of the IFQ account.
    (B) Completed applications and all required supporting documentation 
must be submitted to the RA. There is no fee to access the Web site or 
establish an IFQ account. An applicant that submits an incomplete 
application will be contacted by the RA to correct any deficiencies. If 
an applicant fails to correct the deficiency within 30 days of being 
notified of the deficient application, the application will be 
considered abandoned.
    (C) After an applicant submits a completed application for an IFQ 
account, the RA will mail the applicant general instructions regarding 
procedures related to the IFQ online system, including how to set up an 
online account and a user identification number--the personal 
identification number (PIN) will be provided in a subsequent letter.
    (D) A participant who has established an IFQ account must notify the 
RA within 30 days after there is any change in the information submitted 
through the application for an IFQ Account. The IFQ account is void if 
any change in the application information is not reported within 30 
days.
    (E) A person who has established an IFQ account must update and 
confirm the account information every 2 years. IFQ accounts are updated 
through the submission of the application for an IFQ Account. Accounts 
must be updated prior to the account validity date (expiration date of 
the account) that is displayed on each account holder's IFQ account 
page. The RA will mail each participant who has established an online 
account an application approximately 2 months prior to the Account 
Validity Date. A participant who does not receive an application at 
least 45 days prior to the Account Validity Date must contact IFQ 
Customer Service at 1-866-425-7627 and request an application. Failure 
to submit a completed application prior to the account validity date 
will lead to the suspension of the IFQ account until a completed 
application is submitted.
    (F) For information regarding transfer of IFQ shares and allocation, 
the IFQ share cap, and the annual recalculation and notification of IFQ 
shares and allocation, see paragraphs (b)(6), (b)(8), and (b)(10) of 
this section, respectively.

[[Page 266]]

    (G) Participation in the Gulf red snapper IFQ program beyond 
transferring IFQ shares and allocation is explained in paragraphs (a) 
through (b)(10) of this section.

[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 79 FR 19494, Apr. 9, 2014; 79 
FR 57834, Sept. 26, 2014; 80 FR 24834, May 1, 2015; 83 FR 27299, June 
12, 2018; 86 FR 11154, Feb. 24, 2021; 86 FR 72857, Dec. 23, 2021]



Sec. 622.22  Individual fishing quota (IFQ) program for Gulf groupers and tilefishes.

    (a) General. This section establishes an IFQ program for the 
commercial sectors of the Gulf reef fish fishery for groupers (including 
DWG, red grouper, gag, and Other SWG) and tilefishes (including goldface 
tilefish, blueline tilefish, and tilefish). For the purposes of this IFQ 
program, DWG includes yellowedge grouper, warsaw grouper, snowy grouper, 
speckled hind, and scamp, but only as specified in paragraph (a)(7) of 
this section. For the purposes of this IFQ program, Other SWG includes 
black grouper, scamp, yellowfin grouper, yellowmouth grouper, warsaw 
grouper, and speckled hind, but only as specified in paragraph (a)(6) of 
this section. Under the IFQ program, the RA initially will assign 
eligible participants IFQ shares, in five share categories. These IFQ 
shares are equivalent to a percentage of the annual commercial quotas 
for DWG, red grouper, gag, Other SWG, and tilefishes, based on their 
applicable historical landings. Shares determine the amount of IFQ 
allocation for Gulf groupers and tilefishes, in pounds gutted weight, a 
shareholder is initially authorized to possess, land, or sell in a given 
calendar year. Shares and annual IFQ allocation are transferable. See 
paragraph (b)(1) of this section regarding a requirement for a vessel 
landing groupers or tilefishes subject to this IFQ program to have an 
IFQ vessel account for Gulf groupers and tilefishes. See paragraph 
(b)(2) of this section regarding a requirement for a Gulf IFQ dealer 
endorsement. Details regarding eligibility, applicable landings history, 
account setup and transaction requirements, constraints on 
transferability, and other provisions of this IFQ system are provided in 
the following paragraphs of this section.
    (1) Scope. The provisions of this section apply to Gulf groupers and 
tilefishes in or from the Gulf EEZ and, for a person aboard a vessel 
with an IFQ vessel account for Gulf groupers and tilefishes as required 
by paragraph (b)(1) of this section or for a person with a Gulf IFQ 
dealer endorsement as required by paragraph (b)(2) of this section, 
these provisions apply to Gulf groupers and tilefishes regardless of 
where harvested or possessed.
    (2) Duration. The IFQ program established by this section will 
remain in effect until it is modified or terminated; however, the 
program will be evaluated by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management 
Council every 5 years.
    (3) Electronic system requirements. (i) The administrative functions 
associated with this IFQ program, e.g., registration and account setup, 
landing transactions, and transfers, are designed to be accomplished 
online; therefore, a participant must have access to a computer and 
Internet access and must set up an appropriate IFQ account to 
participate. The computer must have current, up-to-date browser software 
installed, which may be downloaded from the internet for free. 
Assistance with online functions is available from IFQ Customer Service 
by calling 1-866-425-7627 Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4:30 
p.m. eastern time.
    (ii) The RA will mail initial shareholders and dealers with Gulf 
reef fish dealer permits information and instructions pertinent to 
setting up an IFQ account. Other eligible persons who desire to become 
IFQ participants by purchasing IFQ shares or allocation or by obtaining 
a Gulf IFQ dealer endorsement must first contact IFQ Customer Service at 
1-866-425-7627 to obtain information necessary to set up the required 
IFQ account. All current IFQ participants must complete and submit the 
application for an IFQ Account to certify their citizenship status and 
ensure their account information (e.g., mailing address, corporate 
shareholdings, etc.) is up to date. See paragraph (b)(11) of this 
section regarding requirements for the application

[[Page 267]]

for an IFQ Account. Each IFQ participant must monitor his/her online 
account and all associated messages and comply with all IFQ online 
reporting requirements.
    (iii) During catastrophic conditions only, the IFQ program provides 
for use of paper-based components for basic required functions as a 
backup. The RA will determine when catastrophic conditions exist, the 
duration of the catastrophic conditions, and which participants or 
geographic areas are deemed affected by the catastrophic conditions. The 
RA will provide timely notice to affected participants via publication 
of notification in the Federal Register, NOAA weather radio, fishery 
bulletins, and other appropriate means and will authorize the affected 
participants' use of paper-based components for the duration of the 
catastrophic conditions. NMFS will provide each IFQ dealer the necessary 
paper forms and instructions for submission of the forms to the RA. The 
paper forms will also be available from the RA. The program functions 
available to participants or geographic areas deemed affected by 
catastrophic conditions will be limited under the paper-based system. 
There will be no mechanism for transfers of IFQ shares or allocation 
under the paper-based system in effect during catastrophic conditions. 
Assistance in complying with the requirements of the paper-based system 
will be available via IFQ Customer Service 1-866-425-7627 Monday through 
Friday between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. eastern time.
    (4) IFQ allocation. IFQ allocation is the amount of Gulf groupers 
and tilefishes, in pounds gutted weight, an IFQ shareholder or 
allocation holder is authorized to possess, land, or sell during a given 
fishing year. IFQ allocation is derived at the beginning of each year by 
multiplying a shareholder's IFQ share times the annual commercial quota 
for Gulf groupers and tilefishes. If the quota is increased after the 
beginning of the fishing year, then IFQ allocation is derived by 
multiplying a shareholder's IFQ share at the time of the quota increase 
by the amount the annual commercial quota for groupers and tilefishes is 
increased. If a reduction in the applicable commercial quota specified 
in Sec. 622.39(a)(1) is expected to occur after January 1, the 
beginning of the fishing year, but before June 1 in that same fishing 
year, NMFS will withhold distribution of IFQ allocation of the 
applicable groupers and tilefishes commercial quota on January 1 in the 
amount equal to that reduction. If a final rule to implement the 
commercial quota reduction is not published in the Federal Register and 
effective by June 1, NMFS will distribute withheld IFQ allocation of the 
applicable groupers and tilefishes commercial quota to current 
shareholders based on the date the withheld IFQ allocation is 
distributed.
    (5) Red grouper and gag multi-use allocation--(i) Red grouper multi-
use allocation. (A) At the time the commercial quota for red grouper is 
distributed to IFQ shareholders, a percentage of each shareholder's 
initial red grouper allocation will be converted to red grouper multi-
use allocation. Red grouper multi-use allocation, determined annually, 
will be based on the following formula:

Red Grouper multi-use allocation (in percent) = 100 * [Gag ACL - Gag 
commercial quota]/Red grouper commercial quota

    (B) Red grouper multi-use allocation may be used to possess, land, 
or sell either red grouper or gag under certain conditions. Red grouper 
multi-use allocation may be used to possess, land, or sell red grouper 
only after an IFQ account holder's (shareholder or allocation holder's) 
red grouper allocation has been landed and sold, or transferred; and to 
possess, land, or sell gag, only after both gag and gag multi-use 
allocation have been landed and sold, or transferred. However, if gag is 
under a rebuilding plan, the percentage of red grouper multi-use 
allocation is equal to zero.
    (ii) Gag multi-use allocation. (A) At the time the commercial quota 
for gag is distributed to IFQ shareholders, a percentage of each 
shareholder's initial gag allocation will be converted to gag multi-use 
allocation. Gag multi-use allocation, determined annually, will be based 
on the following formula:

Gag multi-use allocation (in percent) = 100 * [Red grouper ACL - Red

[[Page 268]]

grouper commercial quota]/Gag commercial quota

    (B) Gag multi-use allocation may be used to possess, land, or sell 
either gag or red grouper under certain conditions. Gag multi-use 
allocation may be used to possess, land, or sell gag only after an IFQ 
account holder's (shareholder or allocation holder's) gag allocation has 
been landed and sold, or transferred; and to possess, land, or sell red 
grouper, only after both red grouper and red grouper multi-use 
allocation have been landed and sold, or transferred. Multi-use 
allocation transfer procedures and restrictions are specified in 
paragraph (b)(6)(iv) of this section. However, if red grouper is under a 
rebuilding plan, the percentage of gag multi-use allocation is equal to 
zero.
    (6) Warsaw grouper and speckled hind classification. Warsaw grouper 
and speckled hind are considered DWG species and under certain 
circumstances SWG species. For the purposes of the IFQ program for Gulf 
groupers and tilefishes, after all of an IFQ account holder's DWG 
allocation has been landed and sold, or transferred, or if an IFQ 
account holder has no DWG allocation, then Other SWG allocation may be 
used to land and sell warsaw grouper and speckled hind.
    (7) Scamp classification. Scamp is considered a SWG species and 
under certain circumstances a DWG. For the purposes of the IFQ program 
for Gulf groupers and tilefishes, after all of an IFQ account holder's 
Other SWG allocation has been landed and sold, or transferred, or if an 
IFQ account holder has no SWG allocation, then DWG allocation may be 
used to land and sell scamp.
    (8) Closing an IFQ account. IFQ account holders may close an IFQ 
account by completing and submitting a Close IFQ Account Request Form to 
NMFS. This form must be signed by an account holder named on the IFQ 
account. If the request to close an IFQ account is being made because 
the sole account holder is deceased, the person requesting the closure 
must sign the Close IFQ Account Request Form, indicating the 
relationship to the deceased, provide a death certificate, and provide 
any additional information NMFS determines is necessary to complete the 
request. IFQ shareholder accounts may not be closed until all shares and 
allocation have been transferred from the account to another IFQ account 
holder. Dealer accounts may not be closed until all cost recovery fees 
have been received by NMFS. NMFS' IFQ Customer Service staff may close 
an IFQ account if all shares and allocation have been transferred from 
the account, all cost recovery fees have been received by NMFS, and no 
landing transactions or IFQ transfers have been completed by the IFQ 
account holder in at least 1 year. If an account is closed by NMFS' IFQ 
Customer Service staff, it may be reopened at the request of the IFQ 
account holder by contacting IFQ Customer Service.
    (9) Returning IFQ shares. Any shares contained in IFQ accounts that 
have never been activated since January 1, 2010, in the IFQ program are 
returned permanently to NMFS on July 12, 2018.
    (b) IFQ operations and requirements--(1) IFQ vessel accounts for 
Gulf groupers and tilefishes. For a person aboard a vessel, for which a 
commercial vessel permit for Gulf reef fish has been issued, to fish 
for, possess, or land Gulf groupers (including DWG and SWG, as specified 
in paragraph (a) of this section or tilefishes (including goldface 
tilefish, blueline tilefish, and tilefish), regardless of where 
harvested or possessed, a Gulf IFQ vessel account for the applicable 
species or species groups must have been established. As a condition of 
the IFQ vessel account, a person aboard such vessel must comply with the 
requirements of this section, Sec. 622.22, when fishing for groupers or 
tilefishes regardless of where the fish are harvested or possessed. An 
owner of a vessel with a commercial vessel permit for Gulf reef fish, 
who has established an IFQ account for the applicable species, as 
specified in paragraph (a)(3)(i) of this section, online via the NMFS 
IFQ website https://secatchshares.fisheries.noaa.gov, may establish a 
vessel account through that IFQ account for that permitted vessel. If 
such owner does not have an online IFQ account, the owner must first 
contact IFQ Customer Service at 1-866-425-7627 to obtain information 
necessary to access the IFQ Web site and establish an online IFQ 
account. There is no fee

[[Page 269]]

to set-up an IFQ account or a vessel account. Only one vessel account 
may be established per vessel under each IFQ program. An owner with 
multiple vessels may establish multiple vessel accounts under each IFQ 
account. The purpose of the vessel account is to hold IFQ allocation 
that is required to land the applicable IFQ species. A vessel account, 
or its linked IFQ shareholder account, must hold sufficient IFQ 
allocation in the appropriate share category, at least equal to the 
pounds in gutted weight of the groupers and tilefishes on board at the 
time of advance notice of landing. Allocation must be transferred to the 
vessel account, so that the vessel account holds sufficient IFQ 
allocation at the time of the landing transaction (except for any 
overage allowed as specified in paragraph (b)(3)(ii) for groupers and 
tilefishes). The vessel account remains valid as long as the vessel 
permit remains valid; the vessel has not been sold or transferred; and 
the vessel owner is in compliance with all Gulf reef fish and IFQ 
reporting requirements, has paid all applicable IFQ fees, and is not 
subject to sanctions under 15 CFR part 904. The vessel account is not 
transferable to another vessel. The provisions of this paragraph do not 
apply to fishing for or possession of Gulf groupers and tilefishes under 
the bag limit specified in Sec. 622.38(b)(2) and (5) respectively.
    (2) Gulf IFQ dealer endorsements. In addition to the requirement for 
a Gulf and South Atlantic dealer permit as specified in Sec. 
622.20(c)(1), for a dealer to first receive groupers and tilefishes 
subject to the IFQ program for groupers and tilefishes, as specified in 
paragraph (a)(1) of this section, or for a person aboard a vessel with a 
Gulf IFQ vessel account to sell such groupers and tilefishes directly to 
an entity other than a dealer, such persons must also have a Gulf IFQ 
dealer endorsement. A dealer with a Gulf and South Atlantic dealer 
permit can download a Gulf IFQ dealer endorsement from the NMFS IFQ Web 
site. If such persons do not have an IFQ account, they must first 
contact IFQ Customer Service at 1-866-425-7627 to obtain information 
necessary to access the IFQ Web site and establish an IFQ account. There 
is no fee for obtaining this endorsement. The endorsement remains valid 
as long as the Gulf and South Atlantic dealer permit remains valid and 
the dealer is in compliance with all Gulf reef fish and IFQ reporting 
requirements, has paid all IFQ fees required, and is not subject to any 
sanctions under 15 CFR part 904. The endorsement is not transferable.
    (3) IFQ Landing and transaction requirements. (i) At the time of 
advance notice of landing, the IFQ vessel account, or its linked IFQ 
shareholder account, must contain allocation at least equal to the 
pounds in gutted weight of grouper or tilefish species to be landed, 
except as provided in paragraph (b)(3)(ii) of this section. At the time 
of the landing transaction, the IFQ vessel account must contain 
allocation at least equal to the pounds in gutted weight of grouper or 
tilefish species to be landed, except as provided in paragraph 
(b)(3)(ii) of this section. Such groupers and tilefishes must be sold 
and can be received only by a dealer who has a valid Gulf IFQ dealer 
endorsement and an active IFQ dealer account (i.e., not in delinquent 
status). All IFQ landings and their actual ex-vessel prices must be 
reported via the IFQ Web site.
    (ii) A person on board a vessel with an IFQ vessel account landing 
the shareholder's only remaining allocation from among any of the 
grouper or tilefish share categories, can legally exceed, by up to 10 
percent, the shareholder's allocation remaining on that last fishing 
trip of the fishing year, i.e. a one-time per fishing year overage. Any 
such overage will be deducted from the shareholder's applicable 
allocation for the subsequent fishing year. From the time of the overage 
until January 1 of the subsequent fishing year, the IFQ shareholder must 
retain sufficient shares to account for the allocation that will be 
deducted the subsequent fishing year. Share transfers that would violate 
this requirement will be prohibited.
    (iii) The dealer must complete a landing transaction report for each 
landing of Gulf groupers or tilefishes via the IFQ Web site on the day 
of offload, except if the fish are being trailered for transport to a 
dealer as specified in paragraph (b)(5)(iv) of this

[[Page 270]]

section (in which case the landing transaction report may be completed 
prior to the day of offload), and within 96 hours from the time of 
landing reported on the most recent landing notification, in accordance 
with the reporting form(s) and instructions provided on the Web site. 
This report includes date, time, and location of transaction; weight and 
actual ex-vessel price of groupers and tilefishes landed and sold (when 
calculating the weight of IFQ groupers and tilefishes during a landing 
transaction, ice and water weight may not be deducted from the weight of 
the fish unless the actual weight of the ice and water can be 
determined); and information necessary to identify the fisherman, 
vessel, and dealer involved in the transaction. The fisherman must 
validate the dealer transaction report by entering the unique PIN for 
the vessel account when the transaction report is submitted. After the 
dealer submits the report and the information has been verified by NMFS, 
the online system will send a transaction approval code to the dealer 
and the allocation holder.
    (iv) If there is a discrepancy regarding the landing transaction 
report after approval, the dealer or vessel account holder (or his or 
her authorized agent) must initiate a landing transaction correction 
form to correct the landing transaction. This form is available via the 
IFQ Web site. The dealer must then print out the form, both parties must 
sign it, and the form must be mailed to NMFS. The form must be received 
by NMFS no later than 15 days after the date of the initial landing 
transaction.
    (4) IFQ cost recovery fees. As required by the Magnuson-Stevens Act, 
the RA will collect a fee to recover the actual costs directly related 
to the management and enforcement of the IFQ program for Gulf groupers 
and tilefishes. The fee cannot exceed 3 percent of the ex-vessel value 
of Gulf groupers and tilefishes landed under the IFQ program as 
described in the Magnuson-Stevens Act. Such fees will be deposited in 
the Limited Access System Administration Fund (LASAF). Initially, the 
fee will be 3 percent of the actual ex-vessel price of Gulf groupers and 
tilefishes landed per trip under the IFQ program, as documented in each 
landings transaction report. The RA will review the cost recovery fee 
annually to determine if adjustment is warranted. Factors considered in 
the review include the catch subject to the IFQ cost recovery, projected 
ex-vessel value of the catch, costs directly related to the management 
and enforcement of the IFQ program, the projected IFQ balance in the 
LASAF, and expected non-payment of fee liabilities. If the RA determines 
that a fee adjustment is warranted, the RA will publish a notification 
of the fee adjustment in the Federal Register.
    (i) Payment responsibility. The IFQ account holder specified in the 
documented IFQ landing transaction report for Gulf groupers and 
tilefishes is responsible for payment of the applicable cost recovery 
fees.
    (ii) Collection and submission responsibility. A dealer who receives 
Gulf groupers or tilefishes subject to the IFQ program is responsible 
for collecting the applicable cost recovery fee for each IFQ landing 
from the IFQ account holder specified in the IFQ landing transaction 
report. Such dealer is responsible for submitting all applicable cost 
recovery fees to NMFS on a quarterly basis. The fees are due and must be 
submitted, using pay.gov via the IFQ system, at the end of each 
calendar-year quarter, but no later than 30 days after the end of each 
calendar-year quarter. Fees not received by the deadline are delinquent.
    (iii) Fee payment procedure. For each IFQ dealer, the IFQ system 
will post, in individual IFQ dealer accounts, an end-of-quarter 
statement of cost recovery fees that are due. The dealer is responsible 
for submitting the cost recovery fee payments using pay.gov via the IFQ 
system. Authorized payment methods are credit card, debit card, or 
automated clearing house (ACH). Payment by check will be authorized only 
if the RA has determined that the geographical area or an individual(s) 
is affected by catastrophic conditions.
    (iv) Fee reconciliation process--delinquent fees. The following 
procedures apply to an IFQ dealer whose cost recovery fees are 
delinquent.
    (A) On or about the 31st day after the end of each calendar-year 
quarter, the

[[Page 271]]

RA will send the dealer an electronic message via the IFQ Web site and 
official notice via mail indicating the applicable fees are delinquent, 
and the dealer's IFQ account has been suspended pending payment of the 
applicable fees.
    (B) On or about the 91st day after the end of each calendar-year 
quarter, the RA will refer any delinquent IFQ dealer cost recovery fees 
to the appropriate authorities for collection of payment.
    (5) Measures to enhance IFQ program enforceability--(i) Advance 
notice of landing--(A) General requirement. For the purpose of this 
paragraph, landing means to arrive at a dock, berth, beach, seawall, or 
ramp. The owner or operator of a vessel landing IFQ groupers or 
tilefishes is responsible for ensuring that NMFS is contacted at least 3 
hours, but no more than 24 hours, in advance of landing to report the 
time and location of landing, estimated grouper and tilefish landings in 
pounds gutted weight for each share category (gag, red grouper, DWG, 
Other SWG, tilefishes), vessel identification number (Coast Guard 
registration number or state registration number), and the name and 
address of the IFQ dealer(s) where the groupers or tilefishes are to be 
received. The vessel must land within 1 hour after the time given in the 
landing notification except as provided in paragraph (b)(5)(i)(C) of 
this section. The vessel landing groupers or tilefishes must have 
sufficient IFQ allocation in the IFQ vessel account, or its linked IFQ 
shareholder account, and in the appropriate share category or 
categories, at least equal to the pounds in gutted weight of all 
groupers and tilefishes on board (except for any overage up to the 10 
percent allowed on the last fishing trip) at the time of the advance 
notice of landing.
    (B) Submitting an advanced landing notification. Authorized methods 
for contacting NMFS and submitting the report include calling IFQ 
Customer Service at 1-866-425-7627, completing and submitting to NMFS a 
landing notification provided through the VMS unit, or providing the 
required information to NMFS through the web-based form available on the 
IFQ Web site.
    (C) Landing prior to the notification time. The owner or operator of 
a vessel that has completed a landing notification and submitted it to 
NMFS may land prior to the notification time, only if an authorized 
officer is present at the landing site, is available to meet the vessel, 
and has authorized the owner or operator of the vessel to land early.
    (D) Changes to a landing notification. The owner or operator of a 
vessel who has submitted a landing notification to NMFS may make changes 
to the notification by submitting a superseding notification. If the 
initial superseding notification makes changes to one or more of the 
following: the time of landing (if landing more than 1 hour after the 
time on the notification), the dealer(s), or the estimated weights of 
fish to be landed, the vessel does not need to wait an additional 3 
hours to land. If the initial superseding notification makes changes to 
the landing location, the time of landing is earlier than previously 
specified, or more than one superseding notification is submitted on a 
trip, the vessel must wait an additional 3 hours to land, except as 
provided in paragraph (b)(5)(i)(C) of this section.
    (ii) Time restriction on offloading. For the purpose of this 
paragraph, offloading means to remove IFQ groupers and tilefishes from a 
vessel. IFQ groupers or tilefishes may be offloaded only between 6 a.m. 
and 6 p.m., local time, unless an authorized officer is present at the 
offloading at 6 p.m., is available to remain at the site while 
offloading continues, and authorizes the owner or operator of the vessel 
to continue offloading after 6 p.m.
    (iii) Restrictions on transfer of IFQ groupers and tilefishes. At-
sea or dockside transfer of IFQ groupers or tilefishes from one vessel 
to another vessel is prohibited.
    (iv) Requirement for transaction approval code. If IFQ groupers or 
tilefishes are offloaded to a vehicle for transport or are on a vessel 
that is trailered for transport, on-site capability to accurately weigh 
the fish and to connect electronically to the online IFQ system to 
complete the transaction and obtain the transaction approval code is 
required. After a landing

[[Page 272]]

transaction has been completed, a transaction approval code verifying a 
legal transaction of the amount of IFQ groupers and tilefishes in 
possession and a copy of the dealer endorsement must accompany any IFQ 
groupers or tilefishes from the landing location through possession by a 
dealer. This requirement also applies to IFQ groupers and tilefishes 
possessed on a vessel that is trailered for transport. A dealer may only 
receive IFQ groupers and tilefishes transported by a vehicle or a 
trailered vessel that has a corresponding transaction approval code.
    (v) Approved landing locations. IFQ groupers and tilefishes must be 
landed at an approved landing location. Landing locations must be 
approved by NMFS Office for Law Enforcement prior to a vessel landing 
IFQ groupers or tilefishes at these sites. Proposed landing locations 
may be submitted online via the IFQ Web site, or by calling IFQ Customer 
Service at 1-866-425-7627, at any time; however, new landing locations 
will be approved only at the end of each calendar-year quarter. To have 
your landing location approved by the end of the calendar-year quarter, 
it must be submitted at least 45 days before the end of the calendar-
year quarter. NMFS will evaluate the proposed sites based on, but not 
limited to, the following criteria:
    (A) Landing locations must have a street address. If there is no 
street address on record for a particular landing location, global 
positioning system (GPS) coordinates for an identifiable geographic 
location must be provided.
    (B) Landing locations must be publicly accessible by land and water, 
and must satisfy the following criteria:
    (1) Vehicles must have access to the site via public roads;
    (2) Vessels must have access to the site via navigable water;
    (3) No other condition may impede free and immediate access to the 
site by an authorized law enforcement officer. Examples of such 
conditions include, but are not limited to: A locked gate, fence, wall, 
or other barrier preventing 24-hour access to the site; a gated 
community entry point; a guard; animal; a posted sign restricting access 
to the site; or any other physical deterrent.
    (6) Transfer of IFQ shares and allocation. Until January 1, 2015, 
IFQ shares and allocations can be transferred only to a person who holds 
a valid commercial vessel permit for Gulf reef fish; thereafter, IFQ 
shares and allocations can be transferred only to a U.S. citizen or 
permanent resident alien. However, a valid commercial permit for Gulf 
reef fish, an IFQ vessel account for Gulf groupers and tilefishes, and 
IFQ allocation for Gulf groupers or tilefishes are required to possess 
(at and after the time of the advance notice of landing), land or sell 
Gulf groupers or tilefishes subject to this IFQ program.
    (i) Share transfers. Share transfers are permanent, i.e., they 
remain in effect until subsequently transferred. Transfer of shares will 
result in the corresponding allocation being automatically transferred 
to the person receiving the transferred share beginning with the fishing 
year following the year the transfer occurred. However, within the 
fishing year the share transfer occurs, transfer of shares and 
associated allocation are independent--unless the associated allocation 
is transferred separately, it remains with the transferor for the 
duration of that fishing year. A share transfer transaction that remains 
in pending status, i.e., has not been completed and verified with a 
transaction approval code, after 30 days from the date the shareholder 
initiated the transfer will be cancelled, and the pending shares will be 
re-credited to the shareholder who initiated the transfer.
    (ii) Share transfer procedures. Share transfers must be accomplished 
online via the IFQ Web site. An IFQ shareholder must initiate a share 
transfer request by logging onto the IFQ Web site. An IFQ shareholder 
who is subject to a sanction under 15 CFR part 904 is prohibited from 
initiating a share transfer. An IFQ shareholder who is subject to a 
pending sanction under 15 CFR part 904 must disclose in writing to the 
prospective transferee the existence of any pending sanction at the time 
of the transfer. Following the instructions provided on the Web site, 
the shareholder must enter pertinent information regarding the transfer 
request including, but not limited to:

[[Page 273]]

amount of shares to be transferred, which must be a minimum of 0.000001 
percent; name of the eligible transferee; and the value of the 
transferred shares. For the first 5 years this IFQ program is in effect, 
an eligible transferee is a person who has a valid commercial vessel 
permit for Gulf reef fish; is in compliance with all reporting 
requirements for the Gulf reef fish fishery and the IFQ program for Gulf 
groupers and tilefishes; is not subject to sanctions under 15 CFR part 
904; and who would not be in violation of the share or allocation caps 
as specified in paragraph (b)(8) of this section. Thereafter, share 
transferee eligibility will only include U.S. citizens and permanent 
resident aliens who are otherwise in compliance with the provisions of 
this section. The online system will verify the information entered. If 
the information is not accepted, the online system will send the 
shareholder an electronic message explaining the reason(s). If the 
information is accepted, the online system will send the transferee an 
electronic message of the pending transfer. The transferee must approve 
the share transfer by electronic signature. If the transferee approves 
the share transfer, the online system will send a transfer approval code 
to both the shareholder and transferee confirming the transaction. All 
share transfers must be completed and the transaction approval code 
received prior to December 31 at 6 p.m. eastern time each year.
    (iii) Allocation transfers. An allocation transfer is valid only for 
the remainder of the fishing year in which it occurs; it does not carry 
over to the subsequent fishing year. Any allocation that is unused at 
the end of the fishing year is void. Allocation may be transferred to a 
vessel account from any IFQ account. Allocation held in a vessel 
account, however, may only be transferred back to the IFQ account 
through which the vessel account was established.
    (iv) Allocation transfer procedures and restrictions--(A) Allocation 
transfer procedures. Allocation transfers must be accomplished online 
via the IFQ Web site. An IFQ account holder must initiate an allocation 
transfer by logging onto the IFQ Web site, entering the required 
information, including but not limited to, the name of an eligible 
transferee and amount of IFQ allocation to be transferred and price, and 
submitting the transfer electronically. An IFQ allocation holder who is 
subject to a sanction under 15 CFR part 904 is prohibited from 
initiating an allocation transfer. An IFQ allocation holder who is 
subject to a pending sanction under 15 CFR part 904 must disclose in 
writing to the prospective transferee the existence of any pending 
sanction at the time of the transfer. If the transfer is approved, the 
Web site will provide a transfer approval code to the transferor and 
transferee confirming the transaction.
    (B) Multi-use allocation transfer restrictions--(1) Red grouper 
multi-use allocation. Red grouper multi-use allocation may only be 
transferred after all an IFQ account holder's red grouper allocation has 
been landed and sold, or transferred.
    (2) Gag multi-use allocation. Gag multi-use allocation may only be 
transferred after all an IFQ account holder's gag allocation has been 
landed and sold, or transferred.
    (7) Restricted transactions during the 20-hour online maintenance 
window. All electronic IFQ transactions must be completed by December 31 
at 6 p.m. eastern time each year. Electronic IFQ functions will resume 
again on January 1 at 2 p.m. eastern time the following fishing year. 
The remaining 6 hours prior to the end of the fishing year, and the 14 
hours at the beginning of the next fishing year, are necessary to 
provide NMFS time to reconcile IFQ accounts, adjust allocations for the 
upcoming year if the commercial quotas or catch allowances for Gulf 
groupers and tilefishes have changed, and update shares and allocations 
for the upcoming fishing year. No electronic IFQ transactions will be 
available during these 20 hours. An advance notice of landing may still 
be submitted during the 20-hour maintenance window by using the vessel's 
VMS unit or calling IFQ Customer Service at 1-866-425-7627.
    (8) IFQ share and allocation caps. A corporation's total IFQ share 
(or allocation) is determined by adding the applicable IFQ shares (or 
allocation) held by the corporation and any other IFQ

[[Page 274]]

shares (or allocation) held by a corporation(s) owned by the original 
corporation prorated based on the level of ownership. An individual's 
total IFQ share is determined by adding the applicable IFQ shares held 
by the individual and the applicable IFQ shares equivalent to the 
corporate share the individual holds in a corporation. An individual's 
total IFQ allocation is determined by adding the individual's total 
allocation to the allocation derived from the IFQ shares equivalent to 
the corporate share the individual holds in a corporation.
    (i) IFQ share cap for each share category. No person, including a 
corporation or other entity, may individually or collectively hold IFQ 
shares in any share category (gag, red grouper, DWG, Other SWG, or 
tilefishes) in excess of the maximum share initially issued for the 
applicable share category to any person at the beginning of the IFQ 
program, as of the date appeals are resolved and shares are adjusted 
accordingly. A corporation must provide to the RA the identity of the 
shareholders of the corporation and their percent of shares in the 
corporation for initial issuance of IFQ shares and allocation, and 
provide updated information to the RA within 30 days of when changes 
occur. This information must also be provided to the RA any time a 
commercial vessel permit for Gulf reef fish is renewed or transferred 
and at the time of renewal of the application for an IFQ Account.
    (ii) Total allocation cap. No person, including a corporation or 
other entity, may individually or collectively hold, cumulatively during 
any fishing year, IFQ allocation in excess of the total allocation cap. 
The total allocation cap is the sum of the maximum allocations 
associated with the share caps for each individual share category and is 
calculated annually based on the applicable quotas or catch allowance 
associated with each share category.
    (9) Redistribution of shares resulting from permanent revocation. If 
a shareholder's IFQ shares have been permanently revoked, the RA will 
redistribute the IFQ shares proportionately among remaining shareholders 
(subject to cap restrictions) based upon the amount of shares each held 
just prior to the redistribution. During December of each year, the RA 
will determine the amount of revoked shares, if any, to be 
redistributed, and the shares will be distributed at the beginning of 
the subsequent fishing year.
    (10) Annual recalculation and notification of IFQ shares and 
allocation. On or about January 1 each year, IFQ shareholders will be 
notified, via the IFQ Web site, of their IFQ shares and allocations, for 
each of the five share categories, for the upcoming fishing year. These 
updated share values will reflect the results of applicable share 
transfers and any redistribution of shares (subject to cap restrictions) 
resulting from permanent revocation of IFQ shares. Allocation, for each 
share category, is calculated by multiplying IFQ share for that category 
times the annual commercial quota or commercial catch allowance for that 
share category. Updated allocation values will reflect any change in IFQ 
share for each share category, any change in the annual commercial quota 
or commercial catch allowance for the applicable categories; and any 
debits required as a result of prior fishing year overages as specified 
in paragraph (b)(3)(ii) of this section. IFQ participants can monitor 
the status of their shares and allocation throughout the year via the 
IFQ Web site.
    (11) Gulf grouper and tilefish IFQ program participation for current 
grouper and tilefish IFQ account holders. (i) A current participant in 
the Gulf grouper and tilefish IFQ program must complete and submit the 
application for an IFQ Account that is available on the website https://
secatchshares.fisheries.noaa.gov, to certify status as a U.S. citizen or 
permanent resident alien. The account holder must also complete and 
submit any other information on this form that may be necessary for the 
administration of the IFQ account.
    (ii) A person with an established IFQ account must update and 
confirm the account information every 2 years. IFQ accounts are updated 
through the submission of the application for an IFQ Account. Accounts 
must be updated prior to the account validity date (expiration date of 
the account) that is displayed on each account holder's IFQ

[[Page 275]]

account page. The RA will provide each participant who has established 
an online account an application approximately 2 months prior to the 
account validity date. A participant who is not provided an application 
at least 45 days prior to the account validity date must contact IFQ 
Customer Service at 1-866-425-7627 and request an application. Failure 
to submit a completed application prior to the participant's account 
validity date will lead to the suspension of the participant's access to 
his IFQ account until a completed application is submitted. Participants 
who certify that they are either not a U.S. citizen or permanent 
resident alien will be ineligible to receive shares or allocation 
through transfer.

[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 79 FR 19494, Apr. 9, 2014; 79 
FR 57835, Sept. 26, 2014; 80 FR 18553, Apr. 7, 2015; 80 FR 24834, May 1, 
2015; 83 FR 27300, June 12, 2018; 86 FR 11154, Feb. 24, 2021; 86 FR 
72857, Dec. 23, 2021]



Sec. 622.23  State management of the red snapper recreational sector private angling component in the Gulf EEZ.

    (a) Delegation. Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas 
(Gulf states) are delegated the authority to manage certain aspects of 
recreational red snapper harvest by the private angling component in the 
Gulf EEZ (i.e., delegation). All other management measures for 
recreational red snapper in the Gulf EEZ not specified in this section 
continue to apply during state management.
    (1) Delegation of authority. As described in the FMP for the Reef 
Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico, each Gulf state must specify the 
red snapper private angling component fishing season start and end dates 
to maintain harvest levels within the state's ACL, as stated in 
paragraph (a)(1)(ii) of this section. Each state must also specify a 
recreational bag limit and a minimum size limit within the range of 14 
to 18 inches (35.6 cm to 45.7 cm), total length. Each state may specify 
a maximum size limit. If NMFS determines that a state's red snapper 
private angling component regulations are inconsistent with the FMP and 
the state fails to correct the inconsistency after notice and an 
opportunity to do so, or a state does not specify the required 
management measures set forth above, i.e., fishing season start and end 
dates, a recreational bag limit, and a minimum size limit, then NMFS 
will publish a notice in the Federal Register stating that the default 
management measures for the red snapper private angling component, as 
described in paragraph (a)(2) of this section, apply in the EEZ off that 
state.
    (i) State management areas. For purposes of the delegation of the 
authority to establish certain management measures for the red snapper 
private angling component, five areas in the Gulf EEZ have been 
established; one off each of the five Gulf states: Alabama, Florida, 
Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. The boundaries off each state are 
described in Sec. 622.2.
    (ii) State private angling component ACLs. All ACLs specified below 
are in round weight and are consistent with monitoring under the 
respective state's reporting system. Equivalent ACLs, consistent with 
monitoring under the Federal reporting system, are provided, as 
applicable. If a state's delegation is suspended, as described in this 
paragraph (a)(1), the Federal equivalent ACL, or for the Texas regional 
management area the ACL in paragraph (a)(1)(ii)(E) of this section, 
applies in the EEZ off that state.
    (A) Alabama regional management area--591,185 lb (268,157 kg); 
Federal equivalent--1,212,687 lb (550,066 kg).
    (B) Florida regional management area--2,191,315 lb (993,964 kg); 
Federal equivalent--2,066,889 lb (937,525 kg).
    (C) Louisiana regional management area--934,587 lb (423,922 kg); 
Federal equivalent--881,686 lb (399,926 kg).
    (D) Mississippi regional management area--62,862 lb (28,514 kg); 
Federal equivalent--163,702 lb (74,254 kg).
    (E) Texas regional management area--286,363 lb (129,892 kg).
    (2) Default management measures. If a state's delegation is 
suspended, the Federal management measures for the private angling 
season, recreational bag limit, and minimum size limit as described in 
Sec. Sec. 622.34(b) (seasonal closure), 622.37(a)(1) (size limit), 
622.38(b)(3) (bag limit), and 622.41(q)(2)(i) (season length) apply in

[[Page 276]]

the EEZ off that state. All other management measures not specified in 
this section remain in effect.
    (b) Post-season ACL adjustments for states with an active 
delegation. If a state's red snapper private angling component landings 
exceed the applicable state's component ACL specified in paragraph 
(a)(1)(ii) of this section, the AA will file a notification with the 
Office of the Federal Register, at or near the beginning of the 
following fishing year, reducing that state's private angling ACL by the 
amount of the ACL overage in the prior fishing year, unless the best 
scientific information available determines that a greater, lesser, or 
no overage adjustment is necessary.
    (c) Area closures. As described in the FMP, for the red snapper 
private angling component, a state with an active delegation may request 
that NMFS establish an area closure in the EEZ off that state that 
prohibits the private angling component from harvesting or possessing 
red snapper. If NMFS determines that the request is within the scope of 
the analysis in the FMP, NMFS will publish a notice in the Federal 
Register to implement the requested closure for the fishing year.

[85 FR 6823, Feb. 6, 2020, as amended at 87 FR 74020, Dec. 2, 2022; 88 
FR 37478, June 8, 2023]



Sec. 622.24  [Reserved]



Sec. 622.25  Exemptions for Gulf groundfish trawling.

    Gulf groundfish trawling means fishing in the Gulf EEZ by a vessel 
that uses a bottom trawl, the unsorted catch of which is ground up for 
animal feed or industrial products.
    (a) Other provisions of this part notwithstanding, the owner or 
operator of a vessel trawling for Gulf groundfish is exempt from the 
following requirements and limitations for the vessel's unsorted catch 
of Gulf reef fish:
    (1) The requirement for a valid commercial vessel permit for Gulf 
reef fish in order to sell Gulf reef fish.
    (2) Minimum size limits for Gulf reef fish.
    (3) Bag limits for Gulf reef fish.
    (4) The prohibition on sale of Gulf reef fish after a quota or ACL 
closure.
    (b) Other provisions of this part notwithstanding, a dealer in a 
Gulf state is exempt from the requirement for a Gulf and South Atlantic 
dealer permit to receive Gulf reef fish harvested from the Gulf EEZ by a 
vessel trawling for Gulf groundfish.

[79 FR 19494, Apr. 9, 2014]



Sec. 622.26  Recordkeeping and reporting.

    (a) Commercial vessel owners and operators. (1) The owner or 
operator of a vessel for which a commercial permit for Gulf reef fish 
has been issued, as required under Sec. 622.20(a)(1), or whose vessel 
fishes for or lands reef fish in or from state waters adjoining the Gulf 
EEZ, who is selected to report by the SRD must maintain a fishing record 
on a form available from the SRD. These completed fishing records must 
be submitted to the SRD postmarked no later than 7 days after the end of 
each fishing trip. If no fishing occurred during a calendar month, a 
report so stating must be submitted on one of the forms postmarked no 
later than 7 days after the end of that month. Information to be 
reported is indicated on the form and its accompanying instructions.
    (2) Advance notice of landing--(i) General requirement. For the 
purpose of this paragraph (a)(2), landing means to arrive at a dock, 
berth, beach, seawall, or ramp. The owner or operator of a vessel 
landing Gulf reef fish not managed under an IFQ program or Florida Keys/
East Florida hogfish harvested in the Gulf is responsible for ensuring 
that NMFS is contacted at least 3 hours, but no more than 24 hours, in 
advance of landing to report the time, date, and location of landing, 
and the vessel identification number (e.g., Coast Guard registration 
number or state registration number). The vessel must land at an 
approved landing location and within 1 hour after the time given in the 
landing notification, except as provided in paragraph (a)(2)(iii) of 
this section. A vessel landing Gulf reef fish managed under an IFQ 
program must also comply with the requirements in Sec. Sec. 622.21 and 
622.22, as applicable.
    (ii) Submitting an advance landing notification. Authorized methods 
for contacting NMFS and submitting a completed landing notification 
include the

[[Page 277]]

VMS unit, or another contact method approved by NMFS.
    (iii) Landing prior to the notification time. The owner or operator 
of a vessel that has completed a landing notification and submitted it 
to NMFS may land prior to the notification time, only if an authorized 
officer is present at the landing site, is available to meet the vessel, 
and has authorized the owner or operator of the vessel to land prior to 
the notification time.
    (iv) Changes to a landing notification. The owner or operator of a 
vessel who has submitted a landing notification to NMFS may make changes 
to the notification by submitting a superseding notification. If the 
initial superseding notification makes changes to the time of landing 
that is later than the original time in the notification, the vessel 
does not need to wait an additional 3 hours to land. If the initial 
superseding notification makes changes to the landing location, the time 
of landing is earlier than previously specified, or more than one 
superseding notification is submitted on a trip, the vessel must wait an 
additional 3 hours to land, except as provided in paragraph (a)(2)(iii) 
of this section.
    (v) Approved landing locations. Gulf reef fish not managed under an 
IFQ program, and Florida Keys/East Florida hogfish harvested in the 
Gulf, must be landed at an approved landing location. Landing locations 
must be approved by the NOAA Office of Law Enforcement prior to a vessel 
landing these species at these sites. Proposed landing locations may be 
submitted to NMFS; however, new landing locations will be approved only 
at the end of each calendar-year quarter. To have a landing location 
approved by the end of the calendar-year quarter, it must be submitted 
at least 45 days before the end of the calendar-year quarter. NMFS will 
evaluate the proposed sites based on, but not limited to, the criteria 
at Sec. Sec. 622.21(b)(5)(v) and 622.22(b)(5)(v).
    (b) Charter vessel/headboat owners and operators--(1) General 
reporting requirement. The owner or operator of a charter vessel or 
headboat for which a charter vessel/headboat permit for Gulf reef fish 
has been issued, as required under Sec. 622.20(b), and whose vessel is 
operating as a charter vessel or headboat, regardless of fishing 
location, must submit an electronic fishing report of all fish harvested 
and discarded, and any other information requested by the SRD for each 
trip within the time period specified in paragraph (b)(2) of this 
section. The electronic fishing report must be submitted to the SRD via 
NMFS approved hardware and software, as posted on the NMFS Southeast 
Region website. If selected by the SRD, the owner or operator of a 
vessel for which a charter vessel/headboat permit for Gulf reef fish has 
been issued must report via the NMFS approved software for the Southeast 
Region Headboat Survey.
    (2) Reporting deadlines. Completed electronic fishing reports 
required by paragraph (b)(1) of this section must be submitted to the 
SRD prior to removing any fish from the vessel. If no fish were retained 
by any person on the vessel during a trip, the completed electronic 
fishing report must be submitted to the SRD within 30 minutes of the 
completion of the trip, e.g., arrival at the dock.
    (3) Catastrophic conditions. During catastrophic conditions only, 
NMFS provides for use of paper forms for basic required functions as a 
backup to the electronic reports required by paragraph (b) of this 
section. The RA will determine when catastrophic conditions exist, the 
duration of the catastrophic conditions, and which participants or 
geographic areas are deemed affected by the catastrophic conditions. The 
RA will provide timely notice to affected participants via publication 
of notification in the Federal Register, and other appropriate means, 
such as fishery bulletins or NOAA weather radio, and will authorize the 
affected participants' use of paper forms for the duration of the 
catastrophic conditions. The paper forms will be available from NMFS. 
During catastrophic conditions, the RA has the authority to waive or 
modify reporting time requirements.
    (4) Compliance requirement. Electronic reports required by paragraph 
(b)(1) of this section must be submitted and received by NMFS according 
to the reporting requirements under this section. A report not received 
within the

[[Page 278]]

applicable time specified in paragraph (b)(2) of this section is 
delinquent. A delinquent report automatically results in the owner and 
operator of a charter vessel or headboat for which a charter vessel/
headboat permit for Gulf reef fish has been issued being prohibited from 
harvesting or possessing such species, regardless of any additional 
notification to the delinquent owner and operator by NMFS. The owner and 
operator who are prohibited from harvesting or possessing such species 
due to delinquent reports are authorized to harvest or possess such 
species only after all required and delinquent reports have been 
submitted and received by NMFS according to the reporting requirements 
under this section.
    (5) Hardware and software requirements for vessel location tracking. 
An owner or operator of a vessel for which a charter vessel/headboat 
permit for Gulf reef fish has been issued must ensure that the vessel is 
equipped with NMFS-approved hardware and software with a minimum 
capability of archiving GPS locations as posted on the NMFS Southeast 
Region website. The vessel location tracking device can be either a 
cellular or satellite VMS unit, and must be permanently affixed to the 
vessel and have uninterrupted operation.
    (i) Use of a NMFS-approved satellite VMS. An owner or operator of a 
vessel for which a charter vessel/headboat permit for Gulf reef fish has 
been issued, and who uses a NMFS-approved satellite VMS to comply with 
the reporting and recordkeeping requirements of this section, must 
adhere to the VMS requirements specified in Sec. 622.28, except for the 
trip declaration requirements specified in Sec. 622.28(e). For trip 
declaration requirements, see paragraph (b)(6) of this section.
    (ii) Use of NMFS-approved cellular VMS. An owner or operator of a 
vessel for which a charter vessel/headboat permit for Gulf reef fish has 
been issued, and who uses NMFS-approved cellular VMS to comply with the 
reporting and recordkeeping requirements of this section must comply 
with the following--
    (A) Cellular VMS unit operation and replacement. Ensure that such 
vessel has an operating cellular VMS unit approved by NMFS on board at 
all times whether or not the vessel is underway, unless exempted by NMFS 
under the power-down exemption specified in paragraph (b)(5)(ii)(D) of 
this section. An operating cellular VMS unit includes an operating 
mobile transmitting unit on the vessel and a functioning communication 
link between the unit and NMFS as provided by a NMFS-approved 
communication service provider. NMFS maintains a current list of 
approved cellular VMS units and communication providers, which is 
available at https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/southeast/about-us/
sustainable-fisheries-division-gulf-mexico-branch. If NMFS OLE removes a 
cellular VMS unit from the approved list, a vessel owner who purchased 
and installed such a unit prior to its removal from the approved list 
will still comply with the requirement to have an approved unit, unless 
otherwise notified by NMFS OLE. At the end of a cellular VMS unit's 
service life, it must be replaced with a currently approved unit.
    (B) Hourly position reporting requirement. An owner or operator of a 
vessel using a NMFS-approved cellular VMS unit as specified in paragraph 
(b)(5)(ii)(A) of this section must ensure that the required cellular VMS 
unit archives the vessel's accurate position at least once per hour, 24 
hours a day, every day of the year, unless exempted from this 
requirement under paragraphs (b)(5)(ii)(C) or (D) of this section.
    (C) In-port exemption. While in port, an owner or operator of a 
vessel with a NMFS-approved cellular VMS unit configured with the 4-hour 
position reporting feature may utilize the 4-hour reporting feature 
rather than comply with the hourly position reporting requirement 
specified in paragraph (b)(5)(ii)(B) of this section. Once the vessel is 
no longer in port, the hourly position reporting requirement specified 
in paragraph (b)(5)(ii)(B) of this section applies. For the purposes of 
this section, ``in port'' means secured at a land-based facility, or 
moored or anchored after the return to a dock, berth, beach, seawall, or 
ramp.
    (D) Power-down exemption. An owner or operator of a vessel subject 
to the requirement to have a cellular VMS

[[Page 279]]

unit operating at all times as specified in paragraph (b)(5)(ii)(A) of 
this section can be exempted from that requirement and may power down 
the required cellular VMS unit if--
    (1) The vessel will be continuously out of the water or in port, as 
defined in paragraph (b)(5)(ii)(C) of this section, for more than 72 
consecutive hours;
    (2) The owner or operator of the vessel applies for and obtains a 
valid letter of exemption from NMFS. The letter of exemption must be 
maintained on board the vessel and remains valid for the period 
specified in the letter for all subsequent power-down requests conducted 
for the vessel consistent with the provisions of paragraphs 
(b)(5)(ii)(D)(3) and (4) of this section.
    (3) Prior to each power down, the owner or operator of the vessel 
files a report using a NMFS-approved form that includes the name of the 
person filing the report, vessel name, U.S. Coast Guard vessel 
documentation number or state vessel registration number, charter 
vessel/headboat reef fish permit number, vessel port location during 
cellular VMS power down, estimated duration of the power-down exemption, 
and reason for power down; and
    (4) Prior to powering down the cellular VMS unit, the owner or 
operator of the vessel receives a confirmation from NMFS that the 
information was successfully delivered.
    (E) Installation and activation of a cellular VMS unit. Only a 
cellular VMS unit that has been approved by NMFS for the Gulf reef fish 
fishery may be used, and the cellular VMS unit must be installed by a 
qualified marine electrician. When installing and activating or when 
reinstalling and reactivating the NMFS-approved cellular VMS unit, the 
vessel owner or operator must--
    (1) Follow procedures indicated on the VMS installation and 
activation form, which is available from NMFS; and
    (2) Submit a completed and signed VMS installation and activation 
form to NMFS as specified on the form.
    (F) Interference with the cellular VMS. No person may interfere 
with, tamper with, alter, damage, disable, or impede the operation of 
the cellular VMS, or attempt any of the same.
    (G) Interruption of operation of the cellular VMS. If a vessel's GPS 
is not operating properly, the vessel owner or operator must immediately 
contact NMFS and follow NMFS' instructions. If notified by NMFS that a 
vessel's cellular VMS is not operating properly, the vessel owner or 
operator must follow NMFS' instructions. In either event, such 
instructions may include, but are not limited to, manually communicating 
to a location designated by NMFS the vessel's positions, or returning to 
port until the cellular VMS is operable.
    (iii) Access to position data. As a condition of authorized fishing 
for or possession of Gulf reef fish subject to the reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements in this section, a vessel owner or operator 
subject to the hardware and software requirements in this section must 
allow NMFS, the U.S. Coast Guard, and their authorized officers and 
designees access to the vessel's position data obtained from the 
cellular VMS.
    (6) Trip declaration requirements. For purposes of this paragraph 
(b)(6), a trip begins anytime the vessel departs from a dock, berth, 
beach, seawall, or ramp, and terminates with return to a dock, berth, 
beach, seawall, or ramp, regardless of the duration or purpose, 
including non-fishing activities. Prior to departure for each trip, the 
owner or operator of a vessel for which a charter vessel/headboat permit 
for Gulf reef fish has been issued must notify NMFS and report the type 
of trip, the U.S. Coast Guard vessel documentation number or state 
vessel registration number, and whether the vessel will be operating as 
a charter vessel or headboat, or is departing on another type of trip, 
such as a commercial trip. If the vessel will be operating as a charter 
vessel or headboat during the trip, the owner or operator must also 
report the expected trip completion date, time, and landing location.
    (c) Dealers. (1) A dealer who first receives Gulf reef fish must 
maintain records and submit information as specified in Sec. 622.5(c).
    (2) The operator of a vehicle that is used to pick up from a fishing 
vessel

[[Page 280]]

Gulf reef fish must maintain a record containing the name of each 
fishing vessel from which reef fish on the vehicle have been received. 
The vehicle operator must provide such record for inspection upon the 
request of an authorized officer.

[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 79 FR 6099, Feb. 3, 2014; 79 
FR 19494, Apr. 9, 2014; 83 FR 27300, June 12, 2018; 85 FR 44017, July 
21, 2020]



Sec. 622.27  At-sea observer coverage.

    (a) Required coverage. A vessel for which a Federal commercial 
vessel permit for Gulf reef fish or a charter vessel/headboat permit for 
Gulf reef fish has been issued must carry a NMFS-approved observer, if 
the vessel's trip is selected by the SRD for observer coverage. Vessel 
permit renewal is contingent upon compliance with this paragraph (a).
    (b) Notification to the SRD. When observer coverage is required, an 
owner or operator must advise the SRD in writing not less than 5 days in 
advance of each trip of the following:
    (1) Departure information (port, dock, date, and time).
    (2) Expected landing information (port, dock, and date).
    (c) Observer accommodations and access. An owner or operator of a 
vessel on which a NMFS-approved observer is embarked must:
    (1) Provide accommodations and food that are equivalent to those 
provided to the crew.
    (2) Allow the observer access to and use of the vessel's 
communications equipment and personnel upon request for the transmission 
and receipt of messages related to the observer's duties.
    (3) Allow the observer access to and use of the vessel's navigation 
equipment and personnel upon request to determine the vessel's position.
    (4) Allow the observer free and unobstructed access to the vessel's 
bridge, working decks, holding bins, weight scales, holds, and any other 
space used to hold, process, weigh, or store fish.
    (5) Allow the observer to inspect and copy the vessel's log, 
communications logs, and any records associated with the catch and 
distribution of fish for that trip.



Sec. 622.28  Vessel monitoring systems (VMSs).

    The VMS requirements of this section apply throughout the Gulf of 
Mexico and adjacent states.
    (a) General VMS requirement. An owner or operator of a vessel that 
has been issued a commercial vessel permit for Gulf reef fish, including 
a charter vessel/headboat issued such a permit even when under charter, 
must ensure that such vessel has an operating VMS approved by NMFS for 
use in the Gulf reef fish fishery on board at all times whether or not 
the vessel is underway, unless exempted by NMFS under the power-down 
exemptions specified in paragraph (d) of this section and in the NOAA 
Enforcement Vessel Monitoring System Requirements for the Reef Fish 
Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico. This NOAA Enforcement Vessel Monitoring 
System Requirements document is available from NMFS Office for Law 
Enforcement (OLE), Southeast Region, 263 13th Avenue South, St. 
Petersburg, FL 33701; phone: 800-758-4833. An operating VMS includes an 
operating mobile transmitting unit on the vessel and a functioning 
communication link between the unit and NMFS as provided by a NMFS-
approved communication service provider. NMFS OLE maintains a current 
list of approved VMS units and communication providers which is 
available from the VMS Support Center, NMFS OLE, 8484 Georgia Avenue, 
Suite 415, Silver Spring, MD 20910 or by calling toll free: 888-219-
9228. If a VMS unit approved for the Gulf reef fish fishery is removed 
from the approved list by NMFS OLE, a vessel owner who purchased and 
installed such a VMS unit prior to its removal from the approved list 
will be considered to be in compliance with the requirement to have an 
approved unit, unless otherwise notified by NMFS OLE. At the end of a 
VMS unit's service life, it must be replaced with a currently approved 
unit for the fishery.
    (b) Hourly reporting requirement. An owner or operator of a vessel 
subject to the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section must ensure 
that the required VMS unit transmits a signal indicating the vessel's 
accurate position at least once an hour, 24 hours a day

[[Page 281]]

every day unless exempted under paragraphs (c) or (d) of this section.
    (c) In-port exemption. While in port, an owner or operator of a 
vessel with a type-approved VMS unit configured with the 4-hour 
reporting feature may utilize the 4-hour reporting feature rather than 
comply with the hourly reporting requirement specified in paragraph (b) 
of this section. Once the vessel is no longer in port, the hourly 
reporting requirement specified in paragraph (b) of this section 
applies. For the purposes of this section, ``in port'' means secured at 
a land-based facility, or moored or anchored after the return to a dock, 
berth, beach, seawall, or ramp.
    (d) Power-down exemptions. An owner or operator of a vessel subject 
to the requirement to have a VMS operating at all times as specified in 
paragraph (a) of this section can be exempted from that requirement and 
may power down the required VMS unit if--
    (1) The vessel will be continuously out of the water or in port, as 
defined in paragraph (c) of this section, for more than 72 consecutive 
hours;
    (2) The owner or operator of the vessel applies for and obtains a 
valid letter of exemption from NMFS OLE VMS personnel as specified in 
the NOAA Enforcement Vessel Monitoring System Requirements for the Reef 
Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico. This is a one-time requirement. The 
letter of exemption must be maintained on board the vessel and remains 
valid for all subsequent power-down requests conducted consistent with 
the provisions of paragraphs (d)(3) and (4) of this section.
    (3) Prior to each power-down, the owner or operator of the vessel 
files a report to NMFS OLE VMS program personnel, using the VMS unit's 
email, that includes the name of the person filing the report, vessel 
name, vessel U.S. Coast Guard documentation number or state registration 
number, commercial vessel reef fish permit number, vessel port location 
during VMS power down, estimated duration of the power down exemption, 
and reason for power down; and
    (4) The owner or operator enters the power-down code through the use 
of the VMS Declaration form on the terminal and, prior to powering down 
the VMS, receives a confirmation, through the VMS terminal, that the 
form was successfully delivered.
    (e) Declaration of fishing trip and gear. Prior to departure for 
each trip, a vessel owner or operator must report to NMFS any fishery 
the vessel will participate in on that trip and the specific type(s) of 
fishing gear, using NMFS-defined gear codes, that will be on board the 
vessel. This information may be reported to NMFS using the toll-free 
number, 888-219-9228, or via an attached VMS terminal.
    (f) Installation and activation of a VMS. Only a VMS that has been 
approved by NMFS for the Gulf reef fish fishery may be used, and the VMS 
must be installed by a qualified marine electrician. When installing and 
activating the NMFS-approved VMS, or when reinstalling and reactivating 
such VMS, the vessel owner or operator must--
    (1) Follow procedures indicated on a NMFS-approved installation and 
activation checklist for the applicable fishery, which is available from 
NMFS Office for Law Enforcement, Southeast Region, 263 13th Avenue 
South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701; phone: 800-758-4833; and
    (2) Submit to NMFS Office for Law Enforcement, Southeast Region, 263 
13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, a statement certifying 
compliance with the checklist, as prescribed on the checklist.
    (3) Submit to NMFS Office for Law Enforcement, Southeast Region, 263 
13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, a vendor-completed 
installation certification checklist, which is available from NMFS 
Office for Law Enforcement, Southeast Region, 263 13th Avenue South, St. 
Petersburg, FL 33701; phone: 800-758-4833.
    (g) Interference with the VMS. No person may interfere with, tamper 
with, alter, damage, disable, or impede the operation of the VMS, or 
attempt any of the same.
    (h) Interruption of operation of the VMS. When a vessel's VMS is not 
operating properly, the owner or operator must immediately contact NMFS 
Office for Law Enforcement, Southeast Region, 263 13th Avenue South, St. 
Petersburg, FL 33701, phone: 800-758-4833,

[[Page 282]]

and follow instructions from that office. If notified by NMFS that a 
vessel's VMS is not operating properly, the owner and operator must 
follow instructions from that office. In either event, such instructions 
may include, but are not limited to, manually communicating to a 
location designated by NMFS the vessel's positions or returning to port 
until the VMS is operable.
    (i) Access to position data. As a condition of authorized fishing 
for or possession of fish in a fishery subject to VMS requirements in 
this section, a vessel owner or operator subject to the requirements for 
a VMS in this section must allow NMFS, the USCG, and their authorized 
officers and designees access to the vessel's position data obtained 
from the VMS.



Sec. 622.29  Conservation measures for protected resources.

    (a) Gulf reef fish commercial vessels and charter vessels/
headboats--(1) Sea turtle conservation measures. (i) The owner or 
operator of a vessel for which a commercial vessel permit for Gulf reef 
fish or a charter vessel/headboat permit for Gulf reef fish has been 
issued, as required under Sec. 622.20(a)(1) and (b), respectively, must 
have the 2019 version of the NMFS document titled, ``Careful Release 
Protocols for Sea Turtle Release with Minimal Injury'' available for 
reference on board electronically or have a paper copy on board inside 
the wheelhouse, or within a waterproof case if there is no wheelhouse. 
In addition, the NMFS sea turtle handling and release guidelines placard 
must be posted inside the wheelhouse or an easily viewable area on the 
vessel if there is no wheelhouse.
    (ii) Such owner or operator must also comply with the sea turtle 
interaction mitigation measures, including the release gear and handling 
requirements specified in appendix F of this part.
    (iii) Those permitted vessels with a freeboard height of 4 ft (1.2 
m) or less must have on board a net or hoist, tire or other support 
device, short-handled dehooker(s) for internal and external hooks, long-
nose or needle-nose pliers, bolt cutters, monofilament line cutters, and 
at least two types of mouth openers or mouth gags. This equipment must 
meet the specifications described in appendix F to this part.
    (iv) Those permitted vessels with a freeboard height of greater than 
4 ft (1.2 m) must have on board a net or hoist, tire or other support 
device, long-handled line clipper or cutter, short-handled dehooker(s) 
for internal and external hooks, long-handled dehooker(s) for internal 
and external hooks, a long-handled device to pull an inverted ``V'' in 
the fishing line, long-nose or needle-nose pliers, bolt cutters, 
monofilament line cutters, and at least two types of mouth openers or 
mouth gags. This equipment must meet the specifications described in 
appendix F to this part.
    (2) Smalltooth sawfish conservation measures. The owner or operator 
of a vessel for which a commercial vessel permit for Gulf reef fish or a 
charter vessel/headboat permit for Gulf reef fish has been issued, as 
required under Sec. Sec. 622.20(a)(1) and 622.20(b), respectively, that 
incidentally catches a smalltooth sawfish must--
    (i) Keep the sawfish in the water at all times;
    (ii) If it can be done safely, untangle the line if it is wrapped 
around the saw;
    (iii) Cut the line as close to the hook as possible; and
    (iv) Not handle the animal or attempt to remove any hooks on the 
saw, except for with a long-handled dehooker.
    (b) Incorporation by reference. The standards required in paragraph 
(a)(1) of this section are incorporated by reference into this section 
with the approval of the Director of the Federal Register under 5 U.S.C. 
552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. All approved material is available for 
inspection at the National Marine Fisheries Service, Southeast Regional 
Office, 263 13th Ave. South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, phone: 727-824-
5301, website: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/southeast/endangered-
species-conservation/sea-turtle-and-smalltooth-sawfish-release-gear-
protocols.html, and is available from the sources listed in paragraphs 
(b)(1) and (2) of this section. It is also available for inspection at 
the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information 
on the availability of

[[Page 283]]

this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030 or go to www.archives.gov/
federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
    (1) U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, Southeast Fisheries 
Science Center, 75 Virginia Beach Drive, Miami, FL 33149.
    (i) Careful Release Protocols for Sea Turtle Release with Minimal 
Injury, NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-SEFSC-735, Stokes, L., and 
Bergmann, C. (Editors), 2019.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (2) U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, Southeast Regional 
Office, 263 13th Ave. South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701.
    (i) Sea Turtle Handling/Release Guidelines: Quick Reference for Hook 
and Line Fisheries, English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Revised April 2019.
    (ii) [Reserved]

[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 84 FR 22385, May 17, 2019; 84 
FR 67238, Dec. 9, 2019]



Sec. 622.30  Required fishing gear.

    For a person on a vessel to fish for Gulf reef fish in the Gulf EEZ, 
the following fishing gear must be on the vessel and such person must 
use the gear as specified in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section.
    (a) Non-stainless steel circle hooks. Non-stainless steel circle 
hooks are required when fishing with natural baits, except that other 
non-stainless steel hook types may be used when commercial fishing for 
yellowtail snapper with natural baits in an area south of a line 
extending due west from 25[deg]09[min] N. lat. off the west coast of 
Monroe County, Florida, to the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic inter-
council boundary, specified in Sec. 600.105(c).
    (b) Dehooking device. At least one dehooking device is required and 
must be used to remove hooks embedded in Gulf reef fish with minimum 
damage. The hook removal device must be constructed to allow the hook to 
be secured and the barb shielded without re-engaging during the removal 
process. The dehooking end must be blunt, and all edges rounded. The 
device must be of a size appropriate to secure the range of hook sizes 
and styles used in the Gulf reef fish fishery.
    (c) Gear required by the DESCEND Act of 2020. For a person on a 
vessel to fish for Gulf reef fish in the Gulf EEZ, a descending device 
or a venting tool that is rigged and ready for use while fishing is 
occurring must be on the vessel. The requirements in this paragraph (c) 
are effective until January 14, 2026.
    (1) Descending device. A descending device is an instrument capable 
of releasing a fish at the depth from which the fish was caught.
    (i) The descending device must be a weighted hook, lip clamp, or 
container that will hold the fish while it is lowered to depth. The 
device must be capable of releasing the fish automatically, by actions 
of the operator of the device, or by allowing the fish to escape on its 
own when at depth.
    (ii) The descending device must use a minimum of a 16-ounce (454-
gram) weight and a minimum of a 60-ft (15.2-m) length of line.
    (2) Venting tool. A venting tool is a device capable of penetrating 
the abdomen of a fish to release the excess gases accumulated in the 
body cavity when a fish is retrieved from depth. A venting tool must be 
a sharpened, hollow instrument that allows air to escape, such as a 
hypodermic syringe with the plunger removed. A 16-gauge needle, which 
has an outside diameter of 0.065 inches (1.65 mm), is the minimum 
diameter hollow tube that must be used. A larger diameter hollow needle 
is preferred to allow more air to escape from a fish rapidly. A device 
that is not hollow, such as a knife or an ice pick, is not a venting 
tool and will cause additional damage to a fish.

[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 78 FR 46822, Aug. 2, 2013; 81 
FR 10311, Feb. 10, 2017; 87 FR 2357, Feb. 14, 2022]



Sec. 622.31  Buoy gear identification.

    (a) Buoy gear. In the Gulf EEZ, if buoy gear is used or possessed, 
each buoy must display the official number of the vessel. See Sec. 
622.2 for the definition of buoy gear.
    (b) [Reserved]

[[Page 284]]



Sec. 622.32  Prohibited gear and methods.

    Also see Sec. 622.9 for additional prohibited gear and methods that 
apply more broadly to multiple fisheries or in some cases all fisheries.
    (a) Poisons. A poison may not be used to take Gulf reef fish in the 
Gulf EEZ.
    (b) [Reserved]



Sec. 622.33  Prohibited species.

    (a) General. The harvest and possession restrictions of this section 
apply without regard to whether the species is harvested by a vessel 
operating under a commercial vessel permit. The operator of a vessel 
that fishes in the EEZ is responsible for the limit applicable to that 
vessel. (Note: Nassau grouper in the Gulf EEZ may not be harvested or 
possessed, as specified in Sec. 622.181(b)(1).)
    (b) Goliath grouper. Goliath grouper may not be harvested or 
possessed in or from the Gulf EEZ.
    (c) [Reserved]
    (d) Gulf reef fish exhibiting trap rash. Possession of Gulf reef 
fish in or from the Gulf EEZ that exhibit trap rash is prima facie 
evidence of illegal trap use and is prohibited. For the purpose of this 
paragraph, trap rash is defined as physical damage to fish that 
characteristically results from contact with wire fish traps. Such 
damage includes, but is not limited to, broken fin spines, fin rays, or 
teeth; visually obvious loss of scales; and cuts or abrasions on the 
body of the fish, particularly on the head, snout, or mouth.

[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 78 FR 78775, Dec. 27, 2013]



Sec. 622.34  Seasonal and area closures designed to protect Gulf reef fish.

    (a) Closure provisions applicable to the Madison and Swanson sites, 
Steamboat Lumps, and the Edges. For the purpose of this paragraph (a), 
fish means finfish, mollusks, crustaceans, and all other forms of marine 
animal and plant life other than marine mammals and birds. The 
provisions of this paragraph (a) do not apply to Atlantic highly 
migratory species, such as tunas, billfishes, and oceanic sharks. See 50 
CFR part 635 for any provisions applicable to fishing for or possession 
of Atlantic highly migratory species in these areas.
    (1) Descriptions of Areas. (i) The Madison and Swanson sites are 
bounded by rhumb lines connecting, in order, the following points:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  North lat.            West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A...........................  29[deg]17[min]        85[deg]50[min]
B...........................  29[deg]17[min]        85[deg]38[min]
C...........................  29[deg]06[min]        85[deg]38[min]
D...........................  29[deg]06[min]        85[deg]50[min]
A...........................  29[deg]17[min]        85[deg]50[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (ii) Steamboat Lumps is bounded by rhumb lines connecting, in order, 
the following points:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  North lat.            West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
B...........................  28[deg]14[min]        84[deg]37[min]
C...........................  28[deg]03[min]        84[deg]37[min]
D...........................  28[deg]03[min]        84[deg]48[min]
A...........................  28[deg]14[min]        84[deg]48[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (iii) The Edges is bounded by rhumb lines connecting, in order, the 
following points:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  North lat.            West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A...........................  28[deg]51[min]        85[deg]16[min]
B...........................  28[deg]51[min]        85[deg]04[min]
C...........................  28[deg]14[min]        84[deg]42[min]
D...........................  28[deg]14[min]        84[deg]54[min]
A...........................  28[deg]51[min]        85[deg]16[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) Within the Madison and Swanson sites and Steamboat Lumps: 
Fishing is prohibited year-round; possession of Gulf reef fish is 
prohibited year-round except when such possession is on a vessel that 
has been issued a valid Federal commercial permit for Gulf reef fish, 
has an operating satellite-based VMS unit, and is in transit with 
fishing gear stowed as specified in paragraph (a)(4) of this section; 
and possession of any non-Gulf reef fish species is prohibited year-
round, except for such possession on a vessel in transit with fishing 
gear stowed as specified in paragraph (a)(4) of this section.
    (3) Within the Edges during January through April each year, all 
fishing is prohibited and the possession of any fish species is 
prohibited, except for such possession on a vessel in transit with 
fishing gear appropriately stowed as specified in paragraph (a)(4) of 
this section.
    (4) For the purpose of paragraph (a) of this section, transit means 
non-stop

[[Page 285]]

progression through the area; fishing gear appropriately stowed means--
    (i) A longline may be left on the drum if all gangions and hooks are 
disconnected and stowed below deck. Hooks cannot be baited. All buoys 
must be disconnected from the gear; however, buoys may remain on deck.
    (ii) A trawl net may remain on deck, but trawl doors must be 
disconnected from the trawl gear and must be secured.
    (iii) A gillnet must be left on the drum. Any additional gillnets 
not attached to the drum must be stowed below deck.
    (iv) A rod and reel must be removed from the rod holder and stowed 
securely on or below deck. Terminal gear (i.e., hook, leader, sinker, 
flasher, or bait) must be disconnected and stowed separately from the 
rod and reel. Sinkers must be disconnected from the down rigger and 
stowed separately.
    (b) Seasonal closure of the recreational sector for red snapper. The 
recreational sector for red snapper in or from the Gulf EEZ is closed 
from January 1 through May 31, each year. During the closure, the bag 
and possession limit for red snapper in or from the Gulf EEZ is zero. 
See Sec. 622.23(a)(1) regarding the fishing season for states with an 
active delegation of state management of the red snapper private angling 
component. A person subject to the private angling component bag limit 
under an active delegation of state management must be in compliance 
with the fishing license (permit) requirements of the state in which 
they intend to land the fish and may not possess red snapper in the Gulf 
EEZ when that state season is closed.
    (c) Seasonal closure of the recreational sector for greater 
amberjack. The recreational sector for greater amberjack in or from the 
Gulf EEZ is closed from January 1 through April 30, June 1 through July 
31, and November 1 through December 31, each year. During the closure, 
the bag and possession limit for greater amberjack in or from the Gulf 
EEZ is zero.
    (d) Seasonal closure of the recreational sector for shallow-water 
grouper (SWG). The recreational sector for SWG in or from the Gulf EEZ 
is closed each year from February 1 through March 31 in the portion of 
the Gulf EEZ seaward of rhumb lines connecting the following points in 
order. During the closure, the bag and possession limits for SWG in or 
from the Gulf EEZ seaward of the following rhumb lines are zero.

                        Table 4 to Paragraph (d)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Point                North lat.                 West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.................  24[deg]48.0[min].........  82[deg]48.0[min]
2.................  25[deg]07.5[min].........  82[deg]34.0[min]
3.................  26[deg]26.0[min].........  82[deg]59.0[min]
4.................  27[deg]30.0[min].........  83[deg]21.5[min]
5.................  28[deg]10.0[min].........  83[deg]45.0[min]
6.................  28[deg]11.0[min].........  84[deg]00.0[min]
7.................  28[deg]11.0[min].........  84[deg]07.0[min]
8.................  28[deg]26.6[min].........  84[deg]24.8[min]
9.................  28[deg]42.5[min].........  84[deg]24.8[min]
10................  29[deg]05.0[min].........  84[deg]47.0[min]
11................  29[deg]02.5[min].........  85[deg]09.0[min]
12................  29[deg]21.0[min].........  85[deg]30.0[min]
13................  29[deg]27.9[min].........  85[deg]51.7[min]
14................  29[deg]45.8[min].........  85[deg]51.0[min]
15................  30[deg]05.6[min].........  86[deg]18.5[min]
16................  30[deg]07.5[min].........  86[deg]56.5[min]
17................  29[deg]43.9[min].........  87[deg]33.8[min]
18................  29[deg]43.0[min].........  88[deg]18.5[min]
19................  29[deg]18.9[min].........  88[deg]50.7[min] at State
                                                and Federal Reef Fish
                                                Management Boundary,
                                                follow Reef Fish
                                                Management Boundary to
                                                point 20
20................  28[deg]58.98[min]........  89[deg]35.1[min] at State
                                                and Federal Reef Fish
                                                Management Boundary
21................  29[deg]02.0[min].........  89[deg]45.5[min]
22................  28[deg]32.7[min].........  90[deg]21.5[min]
23................  28[deg]24.8[min].........  90[deg]52.7[min]
24................  28[deg]42.3[min].........  92[deg]14.4[min]
25................  28[deg]34.2[min].........  92[deg]30.4[min]
26................  28[deg]27.6[min].........  95[deg]00.0[min]
27................  28[deg]20.0[min].........  95[deg]06.9[min]
28................  28[deg]02.2[min].........  96[deg]11.1[min]
29................  27[deg]46.5[min].........  96[deg]38.1[min]
30................  27[deg]15.0[min].........  97[deg]00.0[min]
31................  26[deg]45.5[min].........  97[deg]01.4[min]
32................  At EEZ boundary..........  96[deg]51.0[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (e) Seasonal closure of the recreational sector for gag. The 
recreational sector for gag, in or from the Gulf EEZ, is closed from 
January 1 through May 31. During the closure, the bag and possession 
limits for gag in or from the Gulf EEZ are zero.
    (f) Seasonal closures for gray triggerfish. The recreational sector 
for gray triggerfish in or from the Gulf EEZ is closed from January 1 
through the end of February, and from June 1 through July 31, each year. 
During a recreational closure, the bag and possession limits for gray 
triggerfish in or from the Gulf EEZ are zero. The commercial sector for 
gray triggerfish in or

[[Page 286]]

from the Gulf EEZ is closed from June 1 through July 31, each year. 
During the period of both the commercial and recreational closure, all 
harvest or possession in or from the Gulf EEZ of gray triggerfish is 
prohibited and the sale and purchase of gray triggerfish taken from the 
Gulf EEZ is prohibited.
    (g) Recreational sector for hogfish in the Gulf EEZ south of 
25[deg]09[min] N. lat. off the west coast of Florida. See Sec. 
622.183(b)(4) for the applicable seasonal closures.
    (h) [Reserved]
    (i) Seasonal closure of the recreational sector for gag. The 
recreational harvest of gag in or from the Gulf EEZ is closed from 
January 1 through August 31 and from November 10 through December 31. 
During the closure, the bag and possession limits for gag harvested in 
or from the Gulf EEZ are zero.

[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 78 FR 27087, May 9, 2013; 78 
FR 33261, June 4, 2013; 81 FR 24039, Apr. 25, 2016; 82 FR 34580, July 
25, 2017; 82 FR 59525, Dec. 15, 2017; 82 FR 61487, Dec. 28, 2017; 83 FR 
13428, Mar. 29, 2018; 85 FR 6823, Feb. 6, 2020; 85 FR 20613, Apr. 14, 
2020; 86 FR 38417, July 20, 2021]

    Effective Date Note: At 88 FR 27708, May 3, 2023, Sec. 622.34 was 
amended by suspending paragraph (e) and by adding paragraph (i), 
effective May 3, 2023 to Oct. 30, 2023.



Sec. 622.35  Gear restricted areas.

    (a) Reef fish stressed area. The stressed area is that part of the 
Gulf EEZ shoreward of rhumb lines connecting, in order, the points 
listed in Table 2 in Appendix B of this part.
    (1) A powerhead may not be used in the stressed area to take Gulf 
reef fish. Possession of a powerhead and a mutilated Gulf reef fish in 
the stressed area or after having fished in the stressed area 
constitutes prima facie evidence that such reef fish was taken with a 
powerhead in the stressed area.
    (2) A roller trawl may not be used in the stressed area. Roller 
trawl means a trawl net equipped with a series of large, solid rollers 
separated by several smaller spacer rollers on a separate cable or line 
(sweep) connected to the footrope, which makes it possible to fish the 
gear over rough bottom, that is, in areas unsuitable for fishing 
conventional shrimp trawls. Rigid framed trawls adapted for shrimping 
over uneven bottom, in wide use along the west coast of Florida, and 
shrimp trawls with hollow plastic rollers for fishing on soft bottoms, 
are not considered roller trawls.
    (b) Seasonal prohibitions applicable to bottom longline fishing for 
Gulf reef fish. (1) From June through August each year, bottom 
longlining for Gulf reef fish is prohibited in the portion of the Gulf 
EEZ east of 85[deg]30' W. long. that is shoreward of rhumb lines 
connecting, in order, the following points:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  North lat.            West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A...........................  28[deg]58.70[min]     85[deg]30.00[min]
B...........................  28[deg]59.25[min]     85[deg]26.70[min]
C...........................  28[deg]57.00[min]     85[deg]13.80[min]
D...........................  28[deg]47.40[min]     85[deg]3.90[min]
E...........................  28[deg]19.50[min]     84[deg]43.00[min]
F...........................  28[deg]0.80[min]      84[deg]20.00[min]
G...........................  26[deg]48.80[min]     83[deg]40.00[min]
H...........................  25[deg]17.00[min]     83[deg]19.00[min]
I...........................  24[deg]54.00[min]     83[deg]21.00[min]
J...........................  24[deg]29.50[min]     83[deg]12.30[min]
K...........................  24[deg]26.50[min]     83[deg]00.00[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) Within the prohibited area and time period specified in 
paragraph (b)(1) of this section, a vessel with bottom longline gear on 
board may not possess Gulf reef fish unless the bottom longline gear is 
appropriately stowed, and a vessel that is using bottom longline gear to 
fish for species other than Gulf reef fish may not possess Gulf reef 
fish. For the purposes of paragraph (b) of this section, appropriately 
stowed means that a longline may be left on the drum if all gangions and 
hooks are disconnected and stowed below deck; hooks cannot be baited; 
and all buoys must be disconnected from the gear but may remain on deck.
    (3) Within the Gulf EEZ east of 85[deg]30[min] W long., a vessel for 
which a valid eastern Gulf reef fish bottom longline endorsement has 
been issued that is fishing bottom longline gear or has bottom longline 
gear on board cannot possess more than 750 hooks rigged for fishing at 
any given time. For the purpose of this paragraph, ``hooks rigged for 
fishing'' means hooks attached to a line or other device capable of 
attaching to the mainline of the longline.
    (c) Reef fish longline and buoy gear restricted area. A person 
aboard a vessel that uses, on any trip, longline or buoy gear in the 
longline and buoy gear restricted area is limited on that trip to the 
bag limits for Gulf reef fish specified in Sec. 622.38(b) and, for Gulf 
reef fish

[[Page 287]]

for which no bag limit is specified in Sec. 622.38(b), the vessel is 
limited to 5 percent, by weight, of all fish on board or landed. The 
longline and buoy gear restricted area is that part of the Gulf EEZ 
shoreward of rhumb lines connecting, in order, the points listed in 
Table 1 in Appendix B of this part.
    (d) Alabama SMZ. The Alabama SMZ consists of artificial reefs and 
surrounding areas. In the Alabama SMZ, fishing by a vessel that is 
operating as a charter vessel or headboat, a vessel that does not have a 
commercial permit for Gulf reef fish, as required under Sec. 
622.20(a)(1), or a vessel with such a permit fishing for Gulf reef fish 
is limited to hook-and-line gear with three or fewer hooks per line and 
spearfishing gear. A person aboard a vessel that uses on any trip gear 
other than hook-and-line gear with three or fewer hooks per line and 
spearfishing gear in the Alabama SMZ is limited on that trip to the bag 
limits for Gulf reef fish specified in Sec. 622.38(b) and, for Gulf 
reef fish for which no bag limit is specified in Sec. 622.38(b), the 
vessel is limited to 5 percent, by weight, of all fish on board or 
landed. The Alabama SMZ is bounded by rhumb lines connecting, in order, 
the following points:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  North lat.            West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A...........................  30[deg]02.5[min]      88[deg]07.7[min]
B...........................  30[deg]02.6[min]      87[deg]59.3[min]
C...........................  29[deg]55.0[min]      87[deg]55.5[min]
D...........................  29[deg]54.5[min]      88[deg]07.5[min]
A...........................  30[deg]02.5[min]      88[deg]07.7[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 82 FR 34580, July 25, 2017; 
83 FR 5212, Feb. 6, 2018]



Sec. 622.36  Seasonal harvest limitations.

    (a) Greater amberjack. During March, April, and May, each year, the 
possession of greater amberjack in or from the Gulf EEZ and in the Gulf 
on board a vessel for which a commercial permit for Gulf reef fish has 
been issued, as required under Sec. 622.20(a)(1), without regard to 
where such greater amberjack were harvested, is limited to the bag and 
possession limits, as specified in Sec. 622.38(b)(1) and (c), 
respectively, and such greater amberjack are subject to the prohibition 
on sale or purchase of greater amberjack possessed under the bag limit, 
as specified in Sec. 622.40(a). Also note that if commercial quantities 
of Gulf reef fish, i.e., Gulf reef fish in excess of applicable bag/
possession limits, are on board the vessel, no bag limit of Gulf reef 
fish may be possessed, as specified in Sec. 622.38(a)(2).
    (b) [Reserved]



Sec. 622.37  Size limits.

    All size limits in this section are minimum size limits unless 
specified otherwise. A fish not in compliance with its size limit, as 
specified in this section, in or from the Gulf EEZ, may not be 
possessed, sold, or purchased. A fish not in compliance with its size 
limit must be released immediately with a minimum of harm. The operator 
of a vessel that fishes in the EEZ is responsible for ensuring that fish 
on board are in compliance with the size limits specified in this 
section. See Sec. 622.10 regarding requirements for landing fish 
intact.
    (a) Snapper--(1) Red snapper--16 inches (40.6 cm), TL, for a fish 
taken by a person subject to the bag limit specified in Sec. 
622.38(b)(3) and 13 inches (33.0 cm), TL, for a fish taken by a person 
not subject to the bag limit. See Sec. 622.23(a)(1) regarding the 
minimum size limit for states with an active delegation of state 
management of the red snapper private angling component. A person 
subject to the private angling component bag limit under an active 
delegation of state management must be in compliance with the fishing 
license (permit) requirements of the state in which they intend to land 
the fish and may not possess red snapper in the Gulf EEZ that are 
smaller than may be possessed in that state. Additionally, fish taken by 
persons subject to the private angling component bag limit under state 
management may not be less than 14 inches (35.6 cm), TL, in the Gulf 
EEZ.
    (2) Lane snapper--8 inches (20.3 cm), TL.
    (3) Vermilion snapper--10 inches (25.4 cm), TL.
    (4) Cubera, gray, and yellowtail snappers--12 inches (30.5 cm), TL.
    (5) Mutton snapper--18 inches (45.7 cm), TL.
    (b) Grouper--(1) Gag--24 inches (61.0 cm), TL.

[[Page 288]]

    (2) Red grouper--(i) For a person not subject to the bag limit 
specified in Sec. 622.38 (b)(2)--18 inches (45.7 cm), TL.
    (ii) For a person subject to the bag limit specified in Sec. 
622.38(b)(2)--20 inches (50.8 cm), TL.
    (3) Scamp--16 inches (40.6 cm), TL.
    (4) Yellowfin grouper--20 inches (50.8 cm), TL.
    (5) Black grouper--(i) For a person not subject to the bag limit 
specified in Sec. 622.38(b)(2)--24 inches (61.0 cm), TL.
    (ii) For a person subject to the bag limit specified in Sec. 
622.38(b)(2)--24 inches (61.0 cm), TL.
    (c) Other Gulf reef fish species--(1) Gray triggerfish. (i) For a 
person not subject to the bag limit specified in Sec. 622.38(b)(5)--14 
inches (35.6 cm), fork length.
    (ii) For a person subject to the bag limit specified in Sec. 
622.38(b)(5)--15 inches (38.1 cm), fork length.
    (2) Hogfish in the Gulf EEZ except south of 25[deg]09[min] N. lat. 
off the west coast of Florida--14 inches (40.6 cm), fork length. See 
Sec. 622.185(c)(3)(ii) for the hogfish size limit in the Gulf EEZ south 
of 25[deg]09[min] N. lat. off the west coast of Florida.
    (3) Banded rudderfish and lesser amberjack--14 inches (35.6 cm), 
fork length (minimum size); 22 inches (55.9 cm), fork length (maximum 
size).
    (4) Greater amberjack--34 inches (86.4 cm), fork length, for a fish 
taken by a person subject to the bag limit specified in Sec. 
622.38(b)(1) and 36 inches (91.4 cm), fork length, for a fish taken by a 
person not subject to the bag limit.
    (d) A person aboard a vessel that has a Federal commercial vessel 
permit for Gulf reef fish and commercial quantities of Gulf reef fish, 
i.e., Gulf reef fish in excess of applicable bag/possession limits, may 
not possess any Gulf reef fish that do not comply with the applicable 
commercial minimum size limit.

[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 80 FR 75436, Dec. 2, 2015; 81 
FR 24040, Apr. 25, 2016; 82 FR 34581, July 25, 2017; 82 FR 59526, Dec. 
15, 2017; 83 FR 29044, June 22, 2018; 85 FR 6824, Feb. 6, 2020]



Sec. 622.38  Bag and possession limits.

    (a) Additional applicability provisions for Gulf reef fish. (1) 
Section 622.11(a) provides the general applicability for bag and 
possession limits. However, Sec. 622.11(a) notwithstanding, bag and 
possession limits also apply for Gulf reef fish in or from the EEZ to a 
person aboard a vessel that has on board a commercial permit for Gulf 
reef fish--
    (i) When trawl gear or entangling net gear is on board. A vessel is 
considered to have trawl gear on board when trawl doors and a net are on 
board. Removal from the vessel of all trawl doors or all nets 
constitutes removal of trawl gear.
    (ii) When a longline or buoy gear is on board and the vessel is 
fishing or has fished on a trip in the reef fish longline and buoy gear 
restricted area specified in Sec. 622.35(c). A vessel is considered to 
have a longline on board when a power-operated longline hauler, a cable 
of diameter and length suitable for use in the longline fishery, and 
gangions are on board. Removal of any one of these three elements, in 
its entirety, constitutes removal of a longline.
    (iii) For a species/species group when its quota has been reached 
and closure has been effected, provided that no commercial quantities of 
Gulf reef fish, i.e., Gulf reef fish in excess of applicable bag/
possession limits, are on board as specified in paragraph (a)(2) of this 
section.
    (iv) When the vessel has on board or is tending any trap other than 
a stone crab trap or a spiny lobster trap.
    (2) A person aboard a vessel that has a Federal commercial vessel 
permit for Gulf reef fish and commercial quantities of Gulf reef fish, 
i.e., Gulf reef fish in excess of applicable bag/possession limits, may 
not possess Gulf reef fish caught under a bag limit.
    (b) Bag limits--(1) Greater amberjack--1. However, no greater 
amberjack may be retained by the captain or crew of a vessel operating 
as a charter vessel or headboat. The bag limit for such captain and crew 
is zero.
    (2) Groupers, combined, excluding goliath grouper--4 per person per 
day, but not to exceed 1 speckled hind or 1 warsaw grouper per vessel 
per day, or 2 gag or 2 red grouper per person per day. However, no 
grouper may be retained by the captain or crew of a vessel operating as 
a charter vessel or headboat. The bag limit for such captain and crew is 
zero. (Note: Nassau grouper in

[[Page 289]]

the Gulf EEZ may not be harvested or possessed, as specified in Sec. 
622.181(b)(4).)
    (3) Red snapper--2. However, no red snapper may be retained by the 
captain or crew of a vessel operating as a charter vessel or headboat. 
The bag limit for such captain and crew is zero. See Sec. 622.23(a)(1) 
regarding the bag limit applicability for states with an active 
delegation of state management of the red snapper private angling 
component. A person subject to the private angling component bag limit 
under an active delegation of state management must be in compliance 
with the fishing license (permit) requirements of the state in which 
they intend to land the fish and may not possess more red snapper in the 
Gulf EEZ than may be possessed in that state.
    (4) Snappers, combined, excluding red, lane, and vermilion snapper--
10. In addition, within the 10-fish aggregate snapper bag limit, no more 
than 5 fish may be mutton snapper.
    (5) Gulf reef fish, combined, excluding those specified in 
paragraphs (b)(1) through (4) and paragraphs (b)(6) and (7) of this 
section--20. In addition, within the 20-fish aggregate reef fish bag 
limit, no more than 1 fish may be gray triggerfish and no more than 10 
fish may be vermilion snapper.
    (6) Banded rudderfish and lesser amberjack, combined--5.
    (7) Hogfish in the Gulf EEZ except south of 25[deg]09[min] N. lat. 
off the west coast of Florida--5. See Sec. 622.187(b)(3)(ii) for the 
hogfish bag and possession limits in the Gulf EEZ south of 
25[deg]09[min] N. lat. off the west coast of Florida.
    (c) Possession limits for vessels with a valid Federal charter 
vessel/headboat permit for reef fish. A person, or a vessel in the case 
of speckled hind or Warsaw grouper, on a trip that spans more than 30 
hours may possess, at any time during the trip, no more than two daily 
bag limits, provided such trip is on a vessel that is operating as a 
charter vessel or headboat, the vessel has two licensed operators 
aboard, each passenger is issued and has in possession a receipt issued 
on behalf of the vessel that verifies the date and time of departure and 
length of the trip, and the entire trip occurs on days when the harvest 
and possession of the applicable reef fish species are allowed.

[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 78 FR 27087, May 9, 2013; 78 
FR 46822, Aug. 2, 2013; 78 FR 78775, Dec. 27, 2013; 80 FR 18553, Apr. 7, 
2015; 82 FR 34581, July 25, 2017; 82 FR 59526, Dec. 15, 2017; 83 FR 
29044, June 22, 2018; 85 FR 6824, Feb. 6, 2020; 86 FR 11155, Feb. 24, 
2021]



Sec. 622.39  Quotas.

    See Sec. 622.8 for general provisions regarding quota applicability 
and closure and reopening procedures. This section, provides quotas and 
specific quota closure restrictions for Gulf reef fish.
    (a) Gulf reef fish--(1) Commercial quotas. The following quotas 
apply to persons who fish under commercial vessel permits for Gulf reef 
fish, as required under Sec. 622.20(a)(1).
    (i) Commercial quota for red snapper--8,318,100 lb (3,773,027 kg), 
round weight.
    (ii) Deep-water groupers (DWG) have a combined quota, as specified 
in paragraphs (a)(1)(ii)(A) through (C) of this section. These quotas 
are specified in gutted weight, that is eviscerated, but otherwise 
whole.
    (A) For fishing year 2014--1.110 million lb (0.503 million kg).
    (B) For fishing year 2015--1.101 million lb (0.499 million kg).
    (C) For fishing year 2016 and subsequent fishing years--1.024 
million lb (0.464 million kg).
    (iii) Shallow-water groupers (SWG) have separate quotas for gag and 
red grouper and a combined quota for other shallow-water grouper (Other 
SWG) species (including black grouper, scamp, yellowfin grouper, and 
yellowmouth grouper), as specified in paragraphs (a)(1)(iii)(A) through 
(C) of this section. These quotas are specified in gutted weight, that 
is, eviscerated but otherwise whole.
    (A) Other SWG combined. (1) For fishing year 2014--523,000 lb 
(237,229 kg).
    (2) For fishing year 2015 and subsequent fishing years--525,000 lb 
(238,136 kg).
    (B) Gag. (1) For fishing year 2012--0.567 million lb (0.257 million 
kg).
    (2) For fishing year 2013--0.708 million lb (0.321 million kg).
    (3) For fishing year 2014--0.835 million lb (0.378 million kg).

[[Page 290]]

    (4) For fishing year 2015 and subsequent fishing years--0.939 
million lb (0.426 million kg).
    (C) Red grouper. 2.79 million lb (1.27 million kg).
    (D) Gag. Shallow-water groupers (SWG) have a separate quota for gag, 
among the other species described in the introductory text of paragraph 
(a)(1)(iii) of this section, and as specified in this paragraph 
(a)(1)(iii)(D). This quota is specified in gutted weight, that is, 
eviscerated but otherwise whole. The commercial quota for gag is 199,000 
lb (90,265 kg).
    (iv) Tilefishes (including goldface tilefish, blueline tilefish, and 
tilefish)--582,000 lb (263,991 kg), gutted weight, that is, eviscerated 
but otherwise whole.
    (v) Greater amberjack--93,930 lb (42,606 kg), round weight.
    (vi) Gray triggerfish--88,273 lb (40,040 kg), round weight.
    (2) Recreational quotas. The following quotas apply to persons who 
fish for Gulf reef fish other than under commercial vessel permits for 
Gulf reef fish and the applicable commercial quotas specified in 
paragraph (a)(1) of this section.
    (i) Recreational quota for red snapper--(A) Total recreational. The 
total recreational quota is 7,991,900 lb (3,625,065 kg), round weight.
    (B) Federal charter vessel/headboat component quota. The Federal 
charter vessel/headboat component quota applies to vessels that have 
been issued a valid Federal charter vessel/headboat permit for Gulf reef 
fish any time during the fishing year. A person aboard a vessel that has 
been issued a charter vessel/headboat permit for Gulf reef fish any time 
during the fishing year may not harvest or possess red snapper in or 
from the Gulf when the Federal charter vessel/headboat component is 
closed. The Federal charter vessel/headboat component quota is 3,380,574 
lb (1,533,403 kg), round weight.
    (C) Private angling component quota. The private angling component 
quota applies to vessels that fish under the bag limit and have not been 
issued a Federal charter vessel/headboat permit for Gulf reef fish any 
time during the fishing year. The private angling component quota is 
4,611,326 lb (2,091,662 kg), round weight.
    (ii) Recreational quota for greater amberjack. The recreational 
quota for greater amberjack is 335,320 lb (152,099 kg), round weight.
    (b) Restrictions applicable after a commercial quota closure. (1) If 
the recreational fishery for the indicated species is open, the bag and 
possession limits specified in Sec. 622.38(b) and (c) apply to all 
harvest or possession in or from the Gulf EEZ of the indicated species, 
and the sale or purchase of the indicated species taken from the Gulf 
EEZ is prohibited. In addition, the bag and possession limits for red 
snapper, when applicable, apply on board a vessel for which a commercial 
permit for Gulf reef fish has been issued, as required under Sec. 
622.20(a)(1), without regard to where such red snapper were harvested. 
The application of bag limits described in this paragraph (b)(1) 
notwithstanding, bag limits of Gulf reef fish may not be possessed on 
board a vessel with commercial quantities of Gulf reef fish, i.e., Gulf 
reef fish in excess of applicable bag/possession limits, on board, as 
specified in Sec. 622.38(a)(2). The prohibition on sale/purchase during 
a closure for Gulf reef fish does not apply to Gulf reef fish that were 
harvested, landed ashore, and sold prior to the effective date of the 
closure and were held in cold storage by a dealer or processor.
    (2) If the recreational fishery for the indicated species is closed, 
all harvest or possession in or from the Gulf EEZ of the indicated 
species is prohibited.
    (c) Restrictions applicable after a recreational quota closure or 
recreational component quota closure. The bag limit for the applicable 
species for the recreational sector or recreational sector component in 
or from the Gulf EEZ is zero. When the Federal charter vessel/headboat 
component is closed or the entire recreational sector is closed, this 
bag and possession limit applies in the Gulf on board a vessel for which 
a valid Federal charter vessel/headboat permit for Gulf reef fish has 
been issued, without regard to where such species were harvested, i.e., 
in state or Federal waters.

[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013]

[[Page 291]]


    Editorial Note: For Federal Register citations affecting Sec. 
622.39, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the 
Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.

    Effective Date Note: At 88 FR 27708, May 3, 2023, Sec. 622.39 was 
amended by suspending paragraph (a)(1)(iii)(B) and by adding paragraph 
(a)(1)(iii)(D), effective May 3, 2023 to Oct. 30, 2023.



Sec. 622.40  Restrictions on sale/purchase.

    The restrictions in this section are in addition to the restrictions 
on sale/purchase related to quota closures as specified in Sec. 
622.39(b) and (c).
    (a) A Gulf reef fish harvested in the EEZ on board a vessel that 
does not have a valid commercial permit for Gulf reef fish, as required 
under Sec. 622.20(a)(1), or a Gulf reef fish possessed under the bag 
limits specified in Sec. 622.38(b), may not be sold or purchased.
    (b) A Gulf reef fish harvested in or from the EEZ or adjoining state 
waters by a vessel that has a valid commercial vessel permit for Gulf 
reef fish may be sold or transferred only to a dealer who has a valid 
Gulf and South Atlantic dealer permit, as required under Sec. 
622.20(c)(1).
    (c) A Gulf reef fish harvested in or from the EEZ may be first 
received by a dealer who has a valid Gulf and South Atlantic dealer 
permit, as required under Sec. 622.20(c)(1), only from a vessel that 
has a valid commercial vessel permit for Gulf reef fish.

[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 79 FR 19494, Apr. 9, 2014]



Sec. 622.41  Annual catch limits (ACLs), annual catch targets (ACTs), and accountability measures (AMs).

    (a) Greater amberjack--(1) Commercial sector. (i) If commercial 
landings, as estimated by the SRD, reach or are projected to reach the 
annual catch target (ACT) specified in Sec. 622.39(a)(1)(v)(commercial 
quota), the Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, NOAA, (AA) will file 
a notification with the Office of the Federal Register to close the 
commercial sector for the remainder of the fishing year.
    (ii) In addition to the measures specified in paragraph (a)(1)(i) of 
this section, if commercial landings, as estimated by the SRD, exceed 
the commercial ACL, as specified in (a)(1)(iii) of this section, the AA 
will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register, at or 
near the beginning of the following fishing year to reduce the 
commercial ACT (commercial quota) and the commercial ACL for that 
following year by the amount of any commercial ACL overage in the prior 
fishing year.
    (iii) The commercial ACL for greater amberjack, in round weight, is 
101,000 lb (45,813 kg).
    (2) Recreational sector. (i) If recreational landings, as estimated 
by the SRD, reach or are projected to reach the ACT specified in Sec. 
622.39(a)(2)(ii) (recreational quota), the AA will file a notification 
with the Office of the Federal Register to close the recreational sector 
for the remainder of the fishing year.
    (ii) In addition to the measures specified in paragraph (a)(2)(i) of 
this section, if recreational landings, as estimated by the SRD, exceed 
the recreational ACL, as specified in paragraph (a)(2)(iii) of this 
section, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal 
Register, at or near the beginning of the following fishing year to 
reduce the recreational ACT (recreational quota) and the recreational 
ACL for that following year by the amount of any recreational overage in 
the prior fishing year.
    (iii) The recreational ACL for greater amberjack, in round weight, 
is 404,000 lb (183,251 kg).
    (b) Gray triggerfish--(1) Commercial sector. If commercial landings, 
as estimated by the SRD, reach or are projected to reach the commercial 
ACT (commercial quota) specified in Sec. 622.39(a)(1)(vi), the AA will 
file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register to close the 
commercial sector for the remainder of the fishing year. In addition, if 
despite such closure, commercial landings exceed the commercial ACL, the 
AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register, at 
or near the beginning of the following fishing year to reduce the 
commercial ACL and ACT (commercial quota) for that following year by the 
amount the prior-year ACL was exceeded. The commercial ACL is 95,949 lb 
(43,522 kg), round weight.

[[Page 292]]

    (2) Recreational sector. (i) Without regard to overfished status, if 
gray triggerfish recreational landings, as estimated by the SRD, reach 
or are projected to reach the applicable ACT specified in paragraph 
(b)(2)(iii) of this section, the AA will file a notification with the 
Office of the Federal Register, to close the recreational sector for the 
remainder of the fishing year. On and after the effective date of such a 
notification, the bag and possession limit of gray triggerfish in or 
from the Gulf EEZ is zero. This bag and possession limit applies in the 
Gulf on board a vessel for which a valid Federal charter vessel/headboat 
permit for Gulf reef fish has been issued, without regard to where such 
species were harvested, i.e. in state or Federal waters.
    (ii) In addition to the measures specified in paragraphs (b)(2)(i) 
of this section, if gray triggerfish recreational landings, as estimated 
by the SRD, exceed the applicable ACL specified in paragraph (b)(2)(iii) 
of this section, and gray triggerfish are overfished, based on the most 
recent Status of U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress, the AA will file a 
notification with the Office of the Federal Register, at or near the 
beginning of the following fishing year to reduce the ACL and the ACT 
for that following year by the amount of the ACL overage in the prior 
fishing year, unless the best scientific information available 
determines that a greater, lesser, or no overage adjustment is 
necessary.
    (iii) The recreational ACL for gray triggerfish is 360,951 lb 
(163,725 kg), round weight. The recreational ACT for gray triggerfish is 
274,323 lb (124,431 kg), round weight.
    (c) Other shallow-water grouper (Other SWG) combined (including 
black grouper, scamp, yellowfin grouper, and yellowmouth grouper)--(1) 
Commercial sector. The IFQ program for groupers and tilefishes in the 
Gulf of Mexico serves as the accountability measure for commercial Other 
SWG. The commercial ACT for Other SWG is equal to the applicable quota 
specified in Sec. 622.39(a)(1)(iii)(A). The commercial ACL for Other 
SWG, in gutted weight, is 545,000 lb (247,208 kg) for 2014, and 547,000 
lb (248,115 kg) for 2015 and subsequent fishing years.
    (2) Recreational sector. If the sum of the commercial and 
recreational landings, as estimated by the SRD, exceeds the stock 
complex ACL specified in paragraph (c)(3) of this section, then during 
the following fishing year, if the sum of the commercial and 
recreational landings reaches or is projected to reach the applicable 
ACL specified in paragraph (c)(3) of this section, the AA will file a 
notification with the Office of the Federal Register to close the 
recreational sector for the remainder of that fishing year.
    (3) The stock complex ACLs for Other SWG, in gutted weight, are 
688,000 lb (312,072 kg) for 2012, 700,000 lb (317,515 kg) for 2013, 
707,000 lb (320,690 kg) for 2014, and 710,000 lb (322,051 kg) for 2015 
and subsequent years.
    (d) Gag--(1) Commercial sector. The IFQ program for groupers and 
tilefishes in the Gulf of Mexico serves as the accountability measure 
for commercial gag. The applicable commercial ACLs for gag, in gutted 
weight, are 0.788 million lb (0.357 million kg) for 2012, 0.956 million 
lb (0.434 million kg) for 2013, 1.100 million lb (0.499 million kg) for 
2014, and 1.217 million lb (0.552 million kg) for 2015 and subsequent 
fishing years.
    (2) Recreational sector. (i) Without regard to overfished status, if 
gag recreational landings, as estimated by the SRD, reach or are 
projected to reach the applicable ACLs specified in paragraph (d)(2)(iv) 
of this section, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the 
Federal Register, to close the recreational sector for the remainder of 
the fishing year. On and after the effective date of such a 
notification, the bag and possession limit of gag in or from the Gulf 
EEZ is zero. This bag and possession limit applies in the Gulf on board 
a vessel for which a valid Federal charter vessel/headboat permit for 
Gulf reef fish has been issued, without regard to where such species 
were harvested, i.e. in state or Federal waters.
    (ii) Without regard to overfished status, and in addition to the 
measures specified in paragraph (d)(2)(i) of this section, if gag 
recreational landings, as estimated by the SRD, exceed the applicable 
ACLs specified in paragraph (d)(2)(iv) of this section, the AA will file 
a notification with the Office of the

[[Page 293]]

Federal Register to maintain the gag ACT, specified in paragraph 
(d)(2)(iv) of this section, for that following fishing year at the level 
of the prior year's ACT, unless the best scientific information 
available determines that maintaining the prior year's ACT is 
unnecessary. In addition, the notification will reduce the length of the 
recreational gag fishing season the following fishing year by the amount 
necessary to ensure gag recreational landings do not exceed the 
recreational ACT in the following fishing year.
    (iii) If gag are overfished, based on the most recent status of U.S. 
Fisheries Report to Congress, and gag recreational landings, as 
estimated by the SRD, exceed the applicable ACL specified in paragraph 
(d)(2)(iv) of this section, the following measures will apply. In 
addition to the measures specified in paragraphs (d)(2)(i) and (ii) of 
this section, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the 
Federal Register, at or near the beginning of the following fishing year 
to reduce the ACL for that following year by the amount of the ACL 
overage in the prior fishing year, and reduce the ACT, as determined in 
paragraph (d)(2)(ii) of this section, by the amount of the ACL overage 
in the prior fishing year, unless the best scientific information 
available determines that a greater, lesser, or no overage adjustment is 
necessary.
    (iv) The applicable recreational ACLs for gag, in gutted weight, are 
1.232 million lb (0.559 million kg) for 2012, 1.495 million lb (0.678 
million kg) for 2013, 1.720 million lb (0.780 million kg) for 2014, and 
1.903 million lb (0.863 million kg) for 2015 and subsequent fishing 
years. The recreational ACTs for gag, in gutted weight, are 1.031 
million lb (0.468 million kg) for 2012, 1.287 million lb (0.584 million 
kg) for 2013, 1.519 million lb (0.689 million kg) for 2014, and 1.708 
million lb (0.775 million kg) for 2015 and subsequent fishing years.
    (e) Red grouper--(1) Commercial sector. The IFQ program for groupers 
and tilefishes in the Gulf of Mexico serves as the accountability 
measure for commercial red grouper. The commercial ACT for red grouper 
is equal to the applicable quota specified in Sec. 
622.39(a)(1)(iii)(C). The commercial ACL for red grouper in gutted 
weight is 2.94 million lb (1.33 million kg).
    (2) Recreational sector. (i) Without regard to overfished status, if 
red grouper recreational landings, as estimated by the SRD, reach or are 
projected to reach the applicable ACL specified in paragraph (e)(2)(iv) 
of this section, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the 
Federal Register, to close the recreational sector for the remainder of 
the fishing year. On and after the effective date of such a 
notification, the bag and possession limit of red grouper in or from the 
Gulf EEZ is zero. This bag and possession limit applies in the Gulf on 
board a vessel for which a valid Federal charter vessel/headboat permit 
for Gulf reef fish has been issued, without regard to where such species 
were harvested, i.e. in state or Federal waters.
    (ii) Without regard to overfished status, and in addition to the 
measures specified in paragraph (e)(2)(i) of this section, if red 
grouper recreational landings, as estimated by the SRD, exceed the 
applicable ACL specified in paragraph (e)(2)(iv) of this section, the AA 
will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register to 
maintain the red grouper ACT, specified in paragraph (e)(2)(iv) of this 
section, for that following fishing year at the level of the prior 
year's ACT, unless the best scientific information available determines 
that maintaining the prior year's ACT is unnecessary. In addition, the 
notification will reduce the length of the recreational red grouper 
fishing season the following fishing year by the amount necessary to 
ensure red grouper recreational landings do not exceed the recreational 
ACT in the following fishing year.
    (iii) If red grouper are overfished, based on the most recent Status 
of U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress, and red grouper recreational 
landings, as estimated by the SRD, exceed the applicable ACL specified 
in paragraph (e)(2)(iv) of this section, the following measures will 
apply. In addition to the measures specified in paragraphs (e)(2)(i) and 
(ii) of this section, the AA will file a notification with the Office of 
the Federal Register, at or near the beginning of the following fishing 
year to reduce the ACL for that following

[[Page 294]]

year by the amount of the ACL overage in the prior fishing year, and 
reduce the ACT, as determined in paragraph (e)(2)(ii) of this section, 
by the amount of the ACL overage in the prior fishing year, unless the 
best scientific information available determines that a greater, lesser, 
or no overage adjustment is necessary.
    (iv) The recreational ACL for red grouper in gutted weight is 2.02 
million lb (0.92 million kg). The recreational ACT for red grouper in 
gutted weight is 1.84 million lb (0.83 million kg).
    (f) Deep-water grouper (DWG) combined (including yellowedge grouper, 
warsaw grouper, snowy grouper, and speckled hind)--(1) Commercial 
sector. The IFQ program for groupers and tilefishes in the Gulf of 
Mexico serves as the accountability measure for commercial DWG. The 
commercial ACT for DWG is equal to the applicable quota specified in 
Sec. 622.39(a)(1)(ii). The commercial ACL for DWG, in gutted weight, is 
1.160 million lb (0.526 million kg) for 2014, 1.150 million lb (0.522 
million kg) for 2015, and 1.070 million lb (0.485 million kg) for 2016 
and subsequent fishing years.
    (2) Recreational sector. If the sum of the commercial and 
recreational landings, as estimated by the SRD, exceeds the stock 
complex ACL specified in paragraph (f)(3) of this section, then during 
the following fishing year, if the sum of commercial and recreational 
landings reaches or is projected to reach the applicable ACL specified 
in paragraph (f)(3) of this section, the AA will file a notification 
with the Office of the Federal Register to close the recreational sector 
for the remainder of that fishing year.
    (3) The stock complex ACLs for DWG, in gutted weight, are 1.216 
million lb (0.552 million kg) for 2012, 1.207 million lb (0.547 million 
kg) for 2013, 1.198 million lb (0.543 million kg) for 2014, 1.189 
million lb (0.539 million kg) for 2015, and 1.105 million lb (0.501 
million kg) for 2016 and subsequent years.
    (g) Tilefishes combined (including goldface tilefish, blueline 
tilefish, and tilefish)--(1) Commercial sector. The IFQ program for 
groupers and tilefishes in the Gulf of Mexico serves as the 
accountability measure for commercial tilefishes. The commercial ACT for 
tilefishes is equal to the quota specified in Sec. 622.39(a)(1)(iv). 
The commercial ACL for tilefishes, in gutted weight, is 606,000 lb 
(274,877 kg).
    (2) Recreational sector. If the sum of the commercial and 
recreational landings, as estimated by the SRD, exceeds the stock 
complex ACL specified in paragraph (g)(3) of this section, then during 
the following fishing year, if the sum of commercial and recreational 
landings reaches or is projected to reach the applicable ACL specified 
in paragraph (g)(3) of this section, the AA will file a notification 
with the Office of the Federal Register to close the recreational sector 
for the remainder of that fishing year.
    (3) The stock complex ACL for tilefishes is 608,000 lb (275,784 kg), 
gutted weight.
    (h) Lesser amberjack, almaco jack, and banded rudderfish, combined. 
If the sum of the commercial and recreational landings, as estimated by 
the SRD, exceeds the stock complex ACL, then during the following 
fishing year, if the sum of commercial and recreational landings reaches 
or is projected to reach the stock complex ACL, the AA will file a 
notification with the Office of the Federal Register to close the 
commercial and recreational sectors for the remainder of that fishing 
year. The stock complex ACL for lesser amberjack, almaco jack, and 
banded rudderfish, is 312,000 lb (141,521 kg), round weight.
    (i) Silk snapper, queen snapper, blackfin snapper, and wenchman, 
combined. If the sum of the commercial and recreational landings, as 
estimated by the SRD, exceeds the stock complex ACL, then during the 
following fishing year, if the sum of commercial and recreational 
landings reaches or is projected to reach the stock complex ACL, the AA 
will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register to 
close the commercial and recreational sectors for the remainder of that 
fishing year. The stock complex ACL for silk snapper, queen snapper, 
blackfin snapper, and wenchman, is 166,000 lb (75,296 kg), round weight.
    (j) Vermilion snapper. If the sum of the commercial and recreational 
landings, as estimated by the SRD, reaches or is projected to reach the 
stock ACL,

[[Page 295]]

the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register 
to close the commercial and recreational sectors for the remainder of 
the fishing year. The stock ACL for vermilion snapper is 5,452,500 lb 
(2,473,212 kg), round weight.
    (k) Lane snapper. If the sum of the commercial and recreational 
landings, as estimated by the SRD, reaches or is projected to reach the 
stock ACL, as specified in this paragraph (k), the AA will file a 
notification with the Office of the Federal Register to close the 
commercial and recreational sectors for the remainder of the fishing 
year. The stock ACL for lane snapper is 1,028,973 lb (466,734 kg), round 
weight.
    (l) Gray snapper. If the sum of the commercial and recreational 
landings, as estimated by the SRD, exceeds the stock ACL, then during 
the following fishing year, if the sum of commercial and recreational 
landings reaches or is projected to reach the stock ACL, the AA will 
file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register to close the 
commercial and recreational sectors for the remainder of that fishing 
year. The stock ACL for gray snapper, in round weight, is 2.24 million 
lb (1.02 million kg) for the 2020 fishing year, and 2.23 million lb 
(1.01 million kg) for the 2021 and subsequent fishing years.
    (m) Cubera snapper. If the sum of the commercial and recreational 
landings, as estimated by the SRD, exceeds the stock ACL, then during 
the following fishing year, if the sum of commercial and recreational 
landings reaches or is projected to reach the stock ACL, the AA will 
file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register to close the 
commercial and recreational sectors for the remainder of that fishing 
year. The stock ACL for cubera snapper is 5,065 lb (2,297 kg), round 
weight.
    (n) Yellowtail snapper. If the sum of the commercial and 
recreational landings, as estimated by the SRD, exceeds the stock ACL, 
then during the following fishing year, if the sum of commercial and 
recreational landings reaches or is projected to reach the stock ACL, 
the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register 
to close the commercial and recreational sectors for the remainder of 
that fishing year. The stock ACL for yellowtail snapper is 901,125 lb 
(408,743 kg), round weight.
    (o) Mutton snapper. If the sum of the commercial and recreational 
landings, as estimated by the SRD, exceeds the stock ACL, then during 
the following fishing year, if the sum of commercial and recreational 
landings reaches or is projected to reach the stock ACL, the AA will 
file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register to close the 
commercial and recreational sectors for the remainder of that fishing 
year. The stock ACL for mutton snapper, in round weight, is 134,424 lb 
(60,974 kg) for 2018, 139,392 lb (63,227 kg) for 2019, and 143,694 lb 
(65,179 kg) for 2020 and subsequent fishing years.
    (p) Hogfish in the Gulf EEZ except south of 25[deg]09[min] N lat. 
off the west coast of Florida. If the sum of the commercial and 
recreational landings, as estimated by the SRD, exceeds the stock ACL, 
then during the following fishing year, if the sum of commercial and 
recreational landings reaches or is projected to reach the stock ACL, 
the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register 
to close the commercial and recreational sectors for the remainder of 
that fishing year. The stock ACL for hogfish, in round weight, in the 
Gulf EEZ except south of 25[deg]09[min] N lat. off the west coast of 
Florida, is 129,500 lb (58,740 kg), for the 2019 fishing year, 141,300 
lb (64,093 kg), for the 2020 fishing year, and 150,400 lb (68,220 kg) 
for the 2021 fishing year and subsequent fishing years. See Sec. 
622.193(u)(2) for the ACLs, ACT, and AMs for hogfish in the Gulf EEZ 
south of 25[deg]09[min] N lat. off the west coast of Florida.
    (q) Red snapper--(1) Commercial sector. The IFQ program for red 
snapper in the Gulf of Mexico serves as the accountability measure for 
commercial red snapper. The commercial ACL for red snapper is equal to 
the applicable commercial quota specified in Sec. 622.39(a)(1)(i).
    (2) Recreational sector. (i) The recreational ACL is equal to the 
total recreational quota specified in

[[Page 296]]

Sec. 622.39(a)(2)(i)(A). The AA will determine the length of the red 
snapper recreational fishing season, or recreational fishing seasons for 
the Federal charter vessel/headboat and private angling components, 
based on when recreational landings are projected to reach the 
recreational ACT, or respective recreational component ACT specified in 
paragraph (q)(2)(iii) of this section, and announce the closure date(s) 
in the Federal Register. These seasons will serve as in-season 
accountability measures. On and after the effective date of the 
recreational closure or recreational component closure notifications, 
the bag and possession limit for red snapper or for the respective 
component is zero. When the recreational sector or Federal charter 
vessel/headboat component is closed, this bag and possession limit 
applies in the Gulf on board a vessel for which a valid Federal charter 
vessel/headboat permit for Gulf reef fish has been issued, without 
regard to where such species were harvested, i.e., in state or Federal 
waters. See Sec. 622.23 (a)(1) regarding the fishing season for the 
private angling component for states with an active delegation.
    (ii) In addition to the measures specified in paragraph (q)(2)(i) of 
this section, if red snapper recreational landings, as estimated by the 
SRD, exceed the total recreational quota specified in Sec. 
622.39(a)(2)(i)(A), and red snapper are overfished, based on the most 
recent Status of U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress, the AA will file a 
notification with the Office of the Federal Register to reduce the total 
recreational quota by the amount of the quota overage in the prior 
fishing year, and reduce the applicable recreational component quota(s) 
specified in Sec. 622.39(a)(2)(i)(B) and (C) and the applicable 
recreational component ACT(s) specified in paragraph (q)(2)(iii) of this 
section (based on the buffer between the total recreational ACT and the 
total recreational quota specified in the FMP), unless NMFS determines 
based upon the best scientific information available that a greater, 
lesser, or no overage adjustment is necessary.
    (iii) Recreational ACTs.
    (A) [Reserved]
    (B) Federal charter vessel/headboat component ACT. The Federal 
charter vessel/headboat component ACT applies to vessels that have been 
issued a valid Federal charter vessel/headboat permit for Gulf reef fish 
any time during the fishing year. A person aboard a vessel that has been 
issued a charter vessel/headboat permit for Gulf reef fish any time 
during the fishing year may not harvest or possess red snapper in or 
from the Gulf when the Federal charter vessel/headboat component is 
closed. The component ACT is 3,076,322 lb (1,395,396 kg), round weight.
    (C) Private angling component ACT. The private angling component ACT 
applies to vessels that fish under the bag limit and have not been 
issued a Federal charter vessel/headboat permit for Gulf reef fish any 
time during the fishing year. The component ACT is 3,689,061 lb 
(1,673,330 kg), round weight.
    (r) Gag--(1) Commercial sector. The IFQ program for groupers and 
tilefishes in the Gulf of Mexico serves as the accountability measure 
for commercial gag. The commercial ACL in gutted weight is 258,000 lb 
(117,027 kg).
    (2) Recreational sector. (i) Without regard to overfished status, if 
gag recreational landings, as estimated by the SRD, reach or are 
projected to reach the applicable ACLs specified in paragraph (r)(2)(iv) 
of this section, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the 
Federal Register, to close the recreational sector for the remainder of 
the fishing year. On and after the effective date of such a 
notification, the bag and possession limits of gag in or from the Gulf 
EEZ are zero. These bag and possession limits apply in the Gulf on a 
vessel for which a valid Federal charter vessel/headboat permit for Gulf 
reef fish has been issued, without regard to where such species were 
harvested, i.e., in State or Federal waters.
    (ii) Without regard to overfished status, and in addition to the 
measures specified in paragraph (r)(2)(i) of this section, if gag 
recreational landings, as estimated by the SRD, exceed the applicable 
ACLs specified in paragraph (r)(2)(iv) of this section, the AA will file 
a notification with the Office of the Federal Register to maintain the 
gag ACT, specified in paragraph (r)(2)(iv) of this section, for that 
following fishing

[[Page 297]]

year at the level of the prior year's ACT, unless the best scientific 
information available determines that maintaining the prior year's ACT 
is unnecessary. In addition, the notification will reduce the length of 
the recreational gag fishing season the following fishing year by the 
amount necessary to ensure gag recreational landings do not exceed the 
recreational ACT in the following fishing year.
    (iii) If gag are overfished, based on the most recent status of U.S. 
Fisheries Report to Congress, and gag recreational landings, as 
estimated by the SRD, exceed the applicable ACL specified in paragraph 
(r)(2)(iv) of this section, the following measures will apply. In 
addition to the measures specified in paragraphs (r)(2)(i) and (ii) of 
this section, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the 
Federal Register, at or near the beginning of the following fishing year 
to reduce the ACL for that following year by the amount of the ACL 
overage in the prior fishing year, and reduce the ACT, as determined in 
paragraph (r)(2)(ii) of this section, by the amount of the ACL overage 
in the prior fishing year, unless the best scientific information 
available determines that a greater, lesser, or no overage adjustment is 
necessary.
    (iv) The recreational ACL in gutted weight is 403,759 lb (183,142 
kg). The recreational ACT in gutted weight is 362,374 lb (164,370 kg).

[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013]

    Editorial Note: For Federal Register citations affecting Sec. 
622.41, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the 
Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.

    Effective Date Note: At 88 FR 27708, May 3, 2023, Sec. 622.41 was 
amended by suspending paragraph (d) and adding paragraph (r), effective 
May 3, 2023 to Oct. 30, 2023.



Sec. 622.42  Adjustment of management measures.

    In accordance with the framework procedures of the FMP for the Reef 
Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico, the RA may establish or modify the 
items specified in paragraph (a) of this section for Gulf reef fish, or 
paragraph (b) of this section for sea turtles and other protected 
species.
    (a) For a species or species group: Reporting and monitoring 
requirements, permitting requirements, bag and possession limits 
(including a bag limit of zero), size limits, vessel trip limits, closed 
seasons or areas and reopenings, annual catch limits (ACLs), annual 
catch targets (ACTs), quotas (including a quota of zero), accountability 
measures (AMs), MSY (or proxy), OY, management parameters such as 
overfished and overfishing definitions, gear restrictions (ranging from 
regulation to complete prohibition), gear markings and identification, 
vessel markings and identification, acceptable biological catch (ABC) 
and ABC control rules, rebuilding plans, and restrictions relative to 
conditions of harvested fish (maintaining fish in whole condition, use 
as bait).
    (b) Possession, specifications, and use of required release gear and 
handling requirements for sea turtles and other protected species.

[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 84 FR 22386, May 17, 2019]



Sec. 622.43  Commercial trip limits.

    Commercial trip limits are limits on the amount of the applicable 
species that may be possessed on board or landed, purchased, or sold 
from a vessel per day. A person who fishes in the EEZ may not combine a 
trip limit specified in this section with any trip or possession limit 
applicable to state waters. A species subject to a trip limit specified 
in this section taken in the EEZ may not be transferred at sea, 
regardless of where such transfer takes place, and such species may not 
be transferred in the EEZ. Commercial trip limits apply as follows:
    (a) Gulf greater amberjack. (1) Until 75 percent of the quota 
specified in Sec. 622.39(a)(1)(v) is reached, 1,000 lb (454 kg), gutted 
weight; 1,040 lb (472 kg), round weight.
    (2) After 75 percent of the quota is reached or projected to be 
reached, 250 lb (113 kg), gutted weight; 260 lb (118 kg), round weight. 
See Sec. 622.39(b) for the limitations regarding greater amberjack 
after the quota is reached. When the conditions in this paragraph (a)(2) 
have been reached, the Assistant Administrator will implement this trip

[[Page 298]]

limit change by filing a notification with the Office of the Federal 
Register.
    (b) Gray triggerfish--25 fish. The commercial trip limit applies 
until the commercial quota specified in Sec. 622.39(a)(1)(vi) is 
reached, which is equal to the commercial ACT. See Sec. 622.39(b) for 
the limitations regarding gray triggerfish after the commercial quota is 
reached.
    (c) Hogfish in the Gulf EEZ south of 25[deg]09[min] N. lat. off the 
west coast of Florida--see Sec. 622.191(a)(12)(ii) for the commercial 
trip limit.

[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 78 FR 27087, May 9, 2013; 80 
FR 75436, Dec. 2, 2015; 82 FR 34581, July 25, 2017; 82 FR 59526, Dec. 
15, 2017; 85 FR 20614, Apr. 14, 2020; 88 FR 50065, Aug. 1, 2023]



             Subpart C_Shrimp Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico



Sec. 622.50  Permits, permit moratorium, and endorsements.

    (a) Gulf shrimp permit. For a person aboard a vessel to fish for 
shrimp in the Gulf EEZ or possess shrimp in or from the Gulf EEZ, a 
commercial vessel permit for Gulf shrimp must have been issued to the 
vessel and must be on board. See paragraph (b) of this section regarding 
a moratorium on commercial vessel permits for Gulf shrimp and the 
associated provisions. See paragraph (c) of this section, regarding an 
additional endorsement requirement related to royal red shrimp.
    (b) Moratorium on commercial vessel permits for Gulf shrimp. The 
provisions of this paragraph (b) are applicable through October 26, 
2026.
    (1) Moratorium permits are required. The only valid commercial 
vessel permits for Gulf shrimp are commercial vessel moratorium permits 
for Gulf shrimp. In accordance with the procedures specified in the 
Fishery Management Plan for the Shrimp Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico 
(Gulf Shrimp FMP), all commercial vessel moratorium permits for Gulf 
shrimp have been issued. No additional permits will be issued.
    (2) Permit transferability. Commercial vessel moratorium permits for 
Gulf shrimp are fully transferable, with or without the sale of the 
vessel. To request that the RA transfer a commercial vessel moratorium 
permit for Gulf shrimp, the owner of a vessel that is to receive the 
transferred permit must complete the transfer information on the reverse 
of the permit and return the permit and a completed application for 
transfer to the RA. Transfer documents must be notarized as specified in 
Sec. 622.4(f)(1).
    (3) Renewal. (i) Renewal of a commercial vessel moratorium permit 
for Gulf shrimp is contingent upon compliance with the recordkeeping and 
reporting requirements for Gulf shrimp specified in Sec. 622.51(a).
    (ii) Except as provided for in paragraph (b)(3)(iii) of this 
section, a commercial vessel moratorium permit for Gulf shrimp that is 
not renewed will be terminated and will not be reissued during the 
moratorium. A permit is considered to be not renewed when an application 
for renewal, as required, is not received by the RA within 1 year of the 
expiration date of the permit.
    (iii) When NMFS has determined that the number of commercial vessel 
moratorium permits for Gulf shrimp has reached the threshold number of 
permits as described in the FMP, then a commercial vessel moratorium 
permit for Gulf shrimp that is not renewed will be converted to a Gulf 
shrimp reserve pool permit and held by NMFS for possible reissuance. 
Gulf shrimp reserve pool permits will not be issued until eligibility 
requirements are developed and implemented through subsequent 
rulemaking.
    (c) Gulf royal red shrimp endorsement. For a person aboard a vessel 
to fish for royal red shrimp in the Gulf EEZ or possess royal red shrimp 
in or from the Gulf EEZ, a commercial vessel permit for Gulf shrimp with 
a Gulf royal red shrimp endorsement must be issued to the vessel and 
must be on board.
    (d) Permit procedures. See Sec. 622.4 for information regarding 
general permit procedures including, but not limited to, application, 
fees, duration, transfer, renewal, display, sanctions and denials, and 
replacement.
    (e) Gulf shrimp transit provision. A vessel that does not have a 
valid Gulf shrimp moratorium permit, as described in paragraphs (a) and 
(b) of this section, may possess Gulf shrimp when in transit in the Gulf 
EEZ provided

[[Page 299]]

that the shrimp fishing gear is appropriately stowed. For the purposes 
of this paragraph, transit means non-stop progression through the Gulf 
EEZ. Fishing gear appropriately stowed means trawl doors and nets must 
be out of the water and the bag straps must be removed from the net.

[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 81 FR 47735, July 22, 2016; 
82 FR 60567, Dec. 21, 2017]



Sec. 622.51  Recordkeeping and reporting.

    (a) Commercial vessel owners and operators--(1) General reporting 
requirement. The owner or operator of a vessel that fishes for shrimp in 
the Gulf EEZ or in adjoining state waters, or that lands shrimp in an 
adjoining state, must provide information for any fishing trip, as 
requested by the SRD, including, but not limited to, vessel 
identification, gear, effort, amount of shrimp caught by species, shrimp 
condition (heads on/heads off), fishing areas and depths, and person to 
whom sold.
    (2) Electronic logbook reporting. The owner or operator of a vessel 
for which a Federal commercial vessel permit for Gulf shrimp has been 
issued and who is selected by the SRD must participate in the NMFS-
sponsored electronic logbook reporting program as directed by the SRD. 
In addition, such owner or operator must provide information regarding 
the size and number of shrimp trawls deployed and the type of bycatch 
reduction device (BRD) and turtle excluder device used, as directed by 
the SRD. Compliance with the reporting requirements of this paragraph 
(a)(2) is required for permit renewal.
    (3) Vessel and Gear Characterization Form. All owners or operators 
of vessels applying for or renewing a commercial vessel moratorium 
permit for Gulf shrimp must complete an annual Gulf Shrimp Vessel and 
Gear Characterization Form. The form will be provided by NMFS at the 
time of permit application and renewal. Compliance with this reporting 
requirement is required for permit issuance and renewal.
    (4) Landings report. The owner or operator of a vessel for which a 
Federal commercial vessel permit for Gulf shrimp has been issued must 
annually report the permitted vessel's total annual landings of shrimp 
and value, by species, on a form provided by the SRD. Compliance with 
this reporting requirement is required for permit renewal.
    (b) Gulf shrimp dealers. A person who purchases shrimp from a 
vessel, or person, that fishes for shrimp in the Gulf EEZ or in 
adjoining state waters, or that lands shrimp in an adjoining state, must 
provide the following information when requested by the SRD:
    (1) Name and official number of the vessel from which shrimp were 
received or the name of the person from whom shrimp were received, if 
received from other than a vessel.
    (2) Amount of shrimp received by species and size category for each 
receipt.
    (3) Ex-vessel value, by species and size category, for each receipt.



Sec. 622.52  At-sea observer coverage.

    (a) Required coverage. A vessel for which a Federal commercial 
vessel permit for Gulf shrimp has been issued must carry a NMFS-approved 
observer, if the vessel's trip is selected by the SRD for observer 
coverage. Vessel permit renewal is contingent upon compliance with this 
paragraph (a).
    (b) Notification to the SRD. When observer coverage is required, an 
owner or operator must advise the SRD in writing not less than 5 days in 
advance of each trip of the following:
    (1) Departure information (port, dock, date, and time).
    (2) Expected landing information (port, dock, and date).
    (c) Observer accommodations and access. An owner or operator of a 
vessel on which a NMFS-approved observer is embarked must:
    (1) Provide accommodations and food that are equivalent to those 
provided to the crew.
    (2) Allow the observer access to and use of the vessel's 
communications equipment and personnel upon request for the transmission 
and receipt of messages related to the observer's duties.
    (3) Allow the observer access to and use of the vessel's navigation 
equipment and personnel upon request to determine the vessel's position.
    (4) Allow the observer free and unobstructed access to the vessel's 
bridge, working decks, holding bins, weight

[[Page 300]]

scales, holds, and any other space used to hold, process, weigh, or 
store fish.
    (5) Allow the observer to inspect and copy the vessel's log, 
communications logs, and any records associated with the catch and 
distribution of fish for that trip.



Sec. 622.53  Bycatch reduction device (BRD) requirements.

    (a) BRD requirement for Gulf shrimp. On a shrimp trawler in the Gulf 
EEZ, each net that is rigged for fishing must have a BRD installed that 
is listed in paragraph (a)(3) of this section and is certified or 
provisionally certified for the area in which the shrimp trawler is 
located, unless exempted as specified in paragraphs (a)(1)(i) through 
(iv) of this section. A trawl net is rigged for fishing if it is in the 
water, or if it is shackled, tied, or otherwise connected to a sled, 
door, or other device that spreads the net, or to a tow rope, cable, 
pole, or extension, either on board or attached to a shrimp trawler.
    (1) Exemptions from BRD requirement--(i) Royal red shrimp exemption. 
A shrimp trawler is exempt from the requirement to have a certified or 
provisionally certified BRD installed in each net provided that at least 
90 percent (by weight) of all shrimp on board or offloaded from such 
trawler are royal red shrimp.
    (ii) Try net exemption. A shrimp trawler is exempt from the 
requirement to have a certified or provisionally certified BRD installed 
in a single try net with a headrope length of 16 ft (4.9 m) or less 
provided the single try net is either placed immediately in front of 
another net or is not connected to another net.
    (iii) Roller trawl exemption. A shrimp trawler is exempt from the 
requirement to have a certified or provisionally certified BRD installed 
in up to two rigid-frame roller trawls that are 16 ft (4.9 m) or less in 
length used or possessed on board. A rigid-frame roller trawl is a trawl 
that has a mouth formed by a rigid frame and a grid of rigid vertical 
bars; has rollers on the lower horizontal part of the frame to allow the 
trawl to roll over the bottom and any obstruction while being towed; and 
has no doors, boards, or similar devices attached to keep the mouth of 
the trawl open.
    (iv) BRD certification testing exemption. A shrimp trawler that is 
authorized by the RA to participate in the pre-certification testing 
phase or to test a BRD in the EEZ for possible certification, has such 
written authorization on board, and is conducting such test in 
accordance with the ``Bycatch Reduction Device Testing Manual'' is 
granted a limited exemption from the BRD requirement specified in this 
section. The exemption from the BRD requirement is limited to those 
trawls that are being used in the certification trials. All other trawls 
rigged for fishing must be equipped with certified or provisionally 
certified BRDs.
    (2) Procedures for certification and decertification of BRDs. The 
process for the certification of BRDs consists of two phases--an 
optional pre-certification phase and a required certification phase. The 
RA may also provisionally certify a BRD.
    (i) Pre-certification. The pre-certification phase allows a person 
to test and evaluate a new BRD design for up to 60 days without being 
subject to the observer requirements and rigorous testing requirements 
specified for certification testing in the ``Bycatch Reduction Device 
Testing Manual.''
    (A) A person who wants to conduct pre-certification phase testing 
must submit an application to the RA, as specified in the ``Bycatch 
Reduction Device Testing Manual.'' The ``Bycatch Reduction Device 
Testing Manual,'' which is available from the RA, upon request, contains 
the application forms.
    (B) After reviewing the application, the RA will determine whether 
to issue a Gear Test Authorization (GTA) to conduct pre-certification 
trials upon the vessel specified in the application. If the RA 
authorizes pre-certification, the RA's GTA must be on board the vessel 
during any trip involving the BRD testing.
    (ii) Certification. A person who proposes a BRD for certification 
for use in the Gulf EEZ must submit an application to test such BRD, 
conduct the testing, and submit the results of the test in accordance 
with the ``Bycatch Reduction Device Testing Manual.''

[[Page 301]]

The RA will issue a GTA to conduct certification trials upon the vessel 
specified in the application if the RA finds that: The operation plan 
submitted with the application meets the requirements of the ``Bycatch 
Reduction Device Testing Manual''; the observer identified in the 
application is qualified; and the results of any pre-certification 
trials conducted have been reviewed and deemed to indicate a reasonable 
scientific basis for conducting certification testing. If an application 
for a GTA is denied, the RA will provide a letter of explanation to the 
applicant, together with relevant recommendations to address the 
deficiencies that resulted in the denial. To be certified for use in the 
fishery, the BRD candidate must successfully demonstrate a 30 percent 
reduction in total weight of finfish bycatch. In addition, the BRD 
candidate must satisfy the following conditions: There is at least a 50-
percent probability the true reduction rate of the BRD candidate meets 
the bycatch reduction criterion and there is no more than a 10-percent 
probability the true reduction rate of the BRD candidate is more than 5 
percentage points less than the bycatch reduction criterion. If a BRD 
meets both conditions, consistent with the ``Bycatch Reduction Device 
Testing Manual,'' NMFS, through appropriate rulemaking procedures, will 
add the BRD to the list of certified BRDs in paragraph (a)(3) of this 
section; and provide the specifications for the newly certified BRD, 
including any special conditions deemed appropriate based on the 
certification testing results.
    (iii) Provisional certification. Based on data provided consistent 
with the ``Bycatch Reduction Device Testing Manual,'' the RA may 
provisionally certify a BRD if there is at least a 50-percent 
probability the true reduction rate of the BRD is no more than 5 
percentage points less than the bycatch reduction criterion, i.e., 25 
percent reduction in total weight of finfish bycatch. Through 
appropriate rulemaking procedures, NMFS will add the BRD to the list of 
provisionally certified BRDs in paragraph (a)(3) of this section; and 
provide the specifications for the BRD, including any special conditions 
deemed appropriate based on the certification testing results. A 
provisional certification is effective for 2 years from the date of 
publication of the notification in the Federal Register announcing the 
provisional certification.
    (iv) Decertification. The RA will decertify a BRD if NMFS determines 
the BRD does not meet the requirements for certification or provisional 
certification. Before determining whether to decertify a BRD, the RA 
will notify the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council in writing, 
and the public will be provided an opportunity to comment on the 
advisability of any proposed decertification. The RA will consider any 
comments from the Council and public, and if the RA elects to decertify 
the BRD, the RA will proceed with decertification via appropriate 
rulemaking.
    (3) Certified and provisionally certified BRDs--(i) Certified BRDS. 
The following BRDs are certified for use in the Gulf EEZ. Specifications 
of these certified BRDs are contained in Appendix D to this part.
    (A) Fisheye--see Appendix D to part 622 for separate specifications 
in the Gulf and South Atlantic EEZ.
    (B) Jones-Davis.
    (C) Modified Jones-Davis.
    (D) Cone Fish Deflector Composite Panel.
    (E) Square Mesh Panel (SMP) Composite Panel.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (b) [Reserved]

[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 85 FR 6818, Feb. 6, 2020]



Sec. 622.54  Prohibited gear and methods.

    Also see Sec. 622.9 for additional prohibited gear and methods that 
apply more broadly to multiple fisheries or in some cases all fisheries.
    (a) Traps for royal red shrimp in the Gulf EEZ and transfer at sea. 
A trap may not be used to fish for royal red shrimp in the Gulf EEZ. 
Possession of a trap and royal red shrimp on board a vessel is 
prohibited. A trap used to fish for royal red shrimp in the Gulf EEZ may 
be disposed of in any appropriate manner by the Assistant Administrator 
or an authorized officer. In addition, royal red shrimp cannot be 
transferred in the Gulf EEZ, and royal red shrimp taken in the Gulf EEZ 
cannot

[[Page 302]]

be transferred at sea regardless of where the transfer takes place.
    (b) [Reserved]



Sec. 622.55  Closed areas.

    (a) Texas closure. (1) From 30 minutes after official sunset on May 
15 to 30 minutes after official sunset on July 15, trawling, except 
trawling for royal red shrimp beyond the 100-fathom (183-m) depth 
contour, is prohibited in the Gulf EEZ off Texas.
    (2) In accordance with the procedures and restrictions of the Gulf 
Shrimp FMP, the RA may adjust the closing and/or opening date of the 
Texas closure to provide an earlier, later, shorter, or longer closure, 
but the duration of the closure may not exceed 90 days or be less than 
45 days. Notification of the adjustment of the closing or opening date 
will be published in the Federal Register.
    (b) Southwest Florida seasonal trawl closure. From January 1 to 1 
hour after official sunset on May 20, each year, trawling, including 
trawling for live bait, is prohibited in that part of the Gulf EEZ 
shoreward of rhumb lines connecting, in order, the following points:

                        Table 1 to Paragraph (b)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  North lat.            West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
B\1\........................  26[deg]16.0[min]      81[deg]58.5[min]
C...........................  26[deg]00.0[min]      82[deg]04.0[min]
D...........................  25[deg]09.0[min]      81[deg]47.6[min]
E...........................  24[deg]54.5[min]      81[deg]50.5[min]
M\1\........................  24[deg]49.3[min]      81[deg]46.4[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ On the seaward limit of Florida's waters.

    (c) Tortugas shrimp sanctuary. (1) The Tortugas shrimp sanctuary is 
closed to trawling. The Tortugas shrimp sanctuary is that part of the 
EEZ off Florida shoreward of rhumb lines connecting, in order, the 
following points:

                       Table 1 to Paragraph (c)(1)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     Point                       North lat.   West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
N \1\.........................................  25[deg]52[m  81[deg]37[m
                                                 in]54[sec]   in]56[sec]
F.............................................  24[deg]50[m  81[deg]51[m
                                                 in]42[sec]   in]18[sec]
G \2\.........................................  24[deg]40[m  82[deg]26[m
                                                 in]00[sec]   in]39[sec]
H \3\.........................................  24[deg]34[m  82[deg]35[m
                                                 in]44[sec]   in]27[sec]
P \4\.........................................  24[deg]35[m  82[deg]08[m
                                                 in]00[sec]   in]00[sec]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Coon Key Light.
\2\ New Ground Shoals Light.
\3\ Rebecca Shoals Light.
\4\ Marquesas Keys.

    (2) The provisions of paragraph (c)(1) of this section 
notwithstanding--
    (i) Effective from April 11 through September 30, each year, that 
part of the Tortugas shrimp sanctuary seaward of rhumb lines connecting 
the following points is open to trawling: From point T at 
24[deg]47.8[min] N. lat., 82[deg]01.0[min] W. long. to point U at 
24[deg]43.83[min] N. lat., 82[deg]01.0[min] W. long. (on the line 
denoting the seaward limit of Florida's waters); thence along the 
seaward limit of Florida's waters, as shown on the current edition of 
NOAA chart 11439, to point V at 24[deg]42.55[min] N. lat., 
82[deg]15.0[min] W. long.; thence north to point W at 24[deg]43.6[min] 
N. lat., 82[deg]15.0[min] W. long.
    (ii) Effective from April 11 through July 31, each year, that part 
of the Tortugas shrimp sanctuary seaward of rhumb lines connecting the 
following points is open to trawling: From point W to point V, both 
points as specified in paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this section, to point G, 
as specified in paragraph (c)(1) of this section.
    (iii) Effective from May 26 through July 31, each year, that part of 
the Tortugas shrimp sanctuary seaward of rhumb lines connecting the 
following points is open to trawling: From point F, as specified in 
paragraph (c)(1) of this section, to point Q at 24[deg]46.7[min] N lat., 
81[deg]52.2[min] W long. (on the line denoting the seaward limit of 
Florida's waters); thence along the seaward limit of Florida's waters, 
as shown on the current edition of NOAA chart 11439, to point U and 
north to point T, both points as specified in paragraph (c)(2)(i) of 
this section.
    (d) Closures of the Gulf shrimp fishery to reduce red snapper 
bycatch. During a closure implemented in accordance with this paragraph 
(d), trawling is prohibited within the specified closed area(s).
    (1) Procedure for determining need for and extent of closures. Each 
year, in accordance with the applicable framework procedure established 
by the Gulf Shrimp FMP, the RA will, if necessary, establish a seasonal 
area closure for the shrimp fishery in all or a portion of the areas of 
the Gulf EEZ specified in paragraphs (d)(2) through (4) of this section. 
The RA's determination of the need for such closure and its geographical 
scope and duration will be

[[Page 303]]

based on an annual assessment, by the Southeast Fisheries Science 
Center, of the shrimp effort and associated shrimp trawl bycatch 
mortality on red snapper in the 10-30 fathom area of statistical zones 
10-21, compared to the 60-percent target reduction of shrimp trawl 
bycatch mortality on red snapper from the benchmark years of 2001-2003 
established in the FMP (which corresponds in terms of annual shrimp 
effort to 33,124 days fished). The framework procedure provides for 
adjustment of this target reduction level, consistent with the red 
snapper stock rebuilding plan and the findings of subsequent stock 
assessments, via appropriate rulemaking. The assessment will use shrimp 
effort data for the most recent 12-month period available and will 
include a recommendation regarding the geographical scope and duration 
of the closure. The Southeast Fisheries Science Center's assessment will 
be provided to the RA on or about March 1 of each year. If the RA 
determines that a closure is necessary, the closure falls within the 
scope of the potential closures evaluated in the Gulf Shrimp FMP, and 
good cause exists to waive notice and comment, NMFS will implement the 
closure by publication of a final rule in the Federal Register. If such 
good cause waiver is not justified, NMFS will implement the closure via 
appropriate notice and comment rulemaking. NMFS intends that any closure 
implemented consistent with this paragraph (d)(l) will begin on the same 
date and time as the Texas closure, as described in paragraph (a) of 
this section, unless circumstances dictate otherwise.
    (2) Eastern zone. The eastern zone is bounded by rhumb lines 
connecting, in order, the following points:

                        Table 1 to Paragraph (d)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  North lat.            West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A...........................  29[deg]14[min]        88[deg]57[min]
B...........................  29[deg]24[min]        88[deg]34[min]
C...........................  29[deg]34[min]        87[deg]38[min]
D...........................  30[deg]04[min]        87[deg]00[min]
E...........................  30[deg]04[min]        88[deg]41[min]
F...........................  29[deg]36[min]        88[deg]37[min]
G...........................  29[deg]21[min]        88[deg]59[min]
A...........................  29[deg]14[min]        88[deg]57[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (3) Louisiana zone. The Louisiana zone is bounded by rhumb lines 
connecting, in order, the following points:

                        Table 2 to Paragraph (d)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  North lat.            West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A...........................  29[deg]09.1[min]      93[deg]41.4[min]
B...........................  29[deg]09.25[min]     92[deg]36[min]
C...........................  28[deg]35[min]        90[deg]44[min]
D...........................  29[deg]09[min]        89[deg]48[min]
E...........................  28[deg]57[min]        89[deg]34[min]
F...........................  28[deg]40[min]        90[deg]09[min]
G...........................  28[deg]18[min]        90[deg]33[min]
H...........................  28[deg]25[min]        91[deg]37[min]
I...........................  28[deg]21.7[min]      93[deg]28.4[min]
A...........................  29[deg]09.1[min]      93[deg]41.4[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (4) Texas zone. The Texas zone is bounded by rhumb lines connecting, 
in order, the following points:

                        Table 3 to Paragraph (d)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  North lat.            West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A...........................  29[deg]09.1[min]      93[deg]41.4[min]
B...........................  28[deg]44[min]        95[deg]15[min]
C...........................  28[deg]11[min]        96[deg]17[min]
D...........................  27[deg]44[min]        96[deg]53[min]
E...........................  27[deg]02[min]        97[deg]11[min]
F...........................  26[deg]00.5[min]      96[deg]57.3[min]
G...........................  26[deg]00.5[min]      96[deg]35.85[min]
H...........................  26[deg]24[min]        96[deg]36[min]
I...........................  26[deg]49[min]        96[deg]52[min]
J...........................  27[deg]12[min]        96[deg]51[min]
K...........................  27[deg]39[min]        96[deg]33[min]
L...........................  27[deg]55[min]        96[deg]04[min]
M...........................  28[deg]21.7[min]      93[deg]28.4[min]
A...........................  29[deg]09.1[min]      93[deg]41.4[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (e) Shrimp/stone crab separation zones. Five zones are established 
in the Gulf EEZ and Florida's waters off Citrus and Hernando Counties 
for the separation of shrimp trawling and stone crab trapping. Although 
Zone II is entirely within Florida's waters, it is included in this 
paragraph (e) for the convenience of fishermen. Restrictions that apply 
to Zone II and those parts of the other zones that are in Florida's 
waters are contained in Rule 68B-38.001, Florida Administrative Code, in 
effect as of March 1, 2005 (incorporated by reference, see Sec. 
622.19). Geographical coordinates of the points referred to in this 
paragraph (e) are as follows:

                        Table 1 to Paragraph (e)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  North lat.            West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A...........................  28[deg]59[min]30[sec  82[deg]45[min]36[sec
                               ]                     ]
B...........................  28[deg]59[min]30[sec  83[deg]00[min]10[sec
                               ]                     ]
C...........................  28[deg]26[min]01[sec  82[deg]59[min]47[sec
                               ]                     ]
D...........................  28[deg]26[min]01[sec  82[deg]56[min]54[sec
                               ]                     ]
E...........................  28[deg]41[min]39[sec  82[deg]55[min]25[sec
                               ]                     ]

[[Page 304]]

 
F...........................  28[deg]41[min]39[sec  82[deg]56[min]09[sec
                               ]                     ]
G...........................  28[deg]48[min]56[sec  82[deg]56[min]19[sec
                               ]                     ]
H...........................  28[deg]53[min]51[sec  82[deg]51[min]19[sec
                               ]                     ]
I \1\.......................  28[deg]54[min]43[sec  82[deg]44[min]52[sec
                               ]                     ]
J \2\.......................  28[deg]51[min]09[sec  82[deg]44[min]00[sec
                               ]                     ]
K...........................  28[deg]50[min]59[sec  82[deg]54[min]16[sec
                               ]                     ]
L...........................  28[deg]41[min]39[sec  82[deg]53[min]56[sec
                               ]                     ]
M \3\.......................  28[deg]41[min]39[sec  82[deg]38[min]46[sec
                               ]                     ]
N...........................  28[deg]41[min]39[sec  82[deg]53[min]12[sec
                               ]                     ]
O...........................  28[deg]30[min]51[sec  82[deg]55[min]11[sec
                               ]                     ]
P...........................  28[deg]40[min]00[sec  82[deg]53[min]08[sec
                               ]                     ]
Q...........................  28[deg]40[min]00[sec  82[deg]47[min]58[sec
                               ]                     ]
R...........................  28[deg]35[min]14[sec  82[deg]47[min]47[sec
                               ]                     ]
S...........................  28[deg]30[min]51[sec  82[deg]52[min]55[sec
                               ]                     ]
T...........................  28[deg]27[min]46[sec  82[deg]55[min]09[sec
                               ]                     ]
U...........................  28[deg]30[min]51[sec  82[deg]52[min]09[sec
                               ]                     ]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 \1\ Crystal River Entrance Light 1A.
\2\ Long Pt. (southwest tip).
\3\ Shoreline.

    (1) Zone I is enclosed by rhumb lines connecting, in order, points 
A, B, C, D, T, E, F, G, H, I, and J, plus the shoreline between points A 
and J. It is unlawful to trawl in that part of Zone I that is in the EEZ 
from October 5 through May 20, each year.
    (2) Zone II is enclosed by rhumb lines connecting, in order, points 
J, I, H, K, L, and M, plus the shoreline between points J and M. 
Restrictions that apply to Zone II and those parts of the other zones 
that are in Florida's waters are contained in Rule 68B-38.001, Florida 
Administrative Code, in effect as of March 1, 2005 (incorporated by 
reference, see Sec. 622.19).
    (3) Zone III is enclosed by rhumb lines connecting, in order, points 
P, Q, R, U, S, and P. It is unlawful to trawl in that part of Zone III 
that is in the EEZ from October 5 through May 20, each year.
    (4) Zone IV is enclosed by rhumb lines connecting, in order, points 
E, N, S, O, and E.
    (i) It is unlawful to place a stone crab trap in that part of Zone 
IV that is in the EEZ from October 5 through December 1 and from April 2 
through May 20, each year.
    (ii) It is unlawful to trawl in that part of Zone IV that is in the 
EEZ from December 2 through April 1, each year.
    (5) Zone V is enclosed by rhumb lines connecting, in order, points 
F, G, K, L, and F.
    (i) It is unlawful to place a stone crab trap in that part of Zone V 
that is in the EEZ from October 5 through November 30 and from March 16 
through May 20, each year.
    (ii) It is unlawful to trawl in that part of Zone V that is in the 
EEZ from December 1 through March 15, each year.

[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 82 FR 60567, Dec. 21, 2017; 
83 FR 29046, June 22, 2018; 85 FR 6818, Feb. 6, 2020; 87 FR 56237, Sept. 
13, 2022]



Sec. 622.56  Size limits.

    Shrimp not in compliance with the applicable size limit as specified 
in this section may not be possessed, sold, or purchased and must be 
released immediately with a minimum of harm. The operator of a vessel 
that fishes in the EEZ is responsible for ensuring that shrimp on board 
are in compliance with the size limit specified in this section.
    (a) White shrimp. White shrimp harvested in the Gulf EEZ are subject 
to the minimum-size landing and possession limits of Louisiana when 
possessed within the jurisdiction of that State.
    (b) [Reserved]



Sec. 622.57  [Reserved]



Sec. 622.58  Annual catch limits (ACLs), annual catch targets (ACTs), and accountability measures (AMs).

    (a) Royal red shrimp in the Gulf--(1) Commercial sector. If 
commercial landings, as estimated by the SRD, exceed the commercial ACL, 
then during the following fishing year, if commercial landings reach or 
are projected to reach the commercial ACL, the AA will file a 
notification with the Office of the Federal Register to close the 
commercial sector for the remainder of that fishing year. When the 
commercial sector is closed, royal red shrimp in or from the Gulf EEZ 
may not be retained, and the sale or purchase of royal red shrimp taken 
from the Gulf EEZ is prohibited. This prohibition on sale or purchase 
during a closure for royal red shrimp does not apply to royal red shrimp 
that were harvested, landed ashore, and sold prior to the date of the 
closure and were held in cold storage by a dealer or processor. The 
commercial ACL for royal red shrimp is 337,000 lb (152,861 kg), tail 
weight.

[[Page 305]]

    (2) [Reserved]
    (b) [Reserved]

[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 80 FR 15692, Mar. 25, 2015]



Sec. 622.59  Prevention of gear conflicts.

    (a) No person may knowingly place in the Gulf EEZ any article, 
including fishing gear, that interferes with fishing or obstructs or 
damages fishing gear or the fishing vessel of another; or knowingly use 
fishing gear in such a fashion that it obstructs or damages the fishing 
gear or fishing vessel of another.
    (b) In accordance with the procedures and restrictions of the Gulf 
Shrimp FMP, the RA may modify or establish separation zones for shrimp 
trawling and the use of fixed gear to prevent gear conflicts. Necessary 
prohibitions or restrictions will be published in the Federal Register.



Sec. 622.60  Adjustment of management measures.

    In accordance with the framework procedures of the Gulf Shrimp FMP, 
the RA may establish or modify the following:
    (a) Gulf penaeid shrimp. For a species or species group: Reporting 
and monitoring requirements, permitting requirements, size limits, 
vessel trip limits, closed seasons or areas and reopenings, quotas 
(including a quota of zero), MSY (or proxy), OY, management parameters 
such as overfished and overfishing definitions, gear restrictions 
(ranging from regulation to complete prohibition), gear markings and 
identification, vessel markings and identification, acceptable 
biological catch (ABC) and ABC control rules, rebuilding plans, 
restrictions relative to conditions of harvested shrimp (maintaining 
shrimp in whole condition, use as bait), target effort and fishing 
mortality reduction levels, bycatch reduction criteria, BRD 
certification and decertification criteria, BRD testing protocol and 
certified BRD specifications, and target effort reduction for juvenile 
red snapper mortality.
    (b) Gulf royal red shrimp. Reporting and monitoring requirements, 
permitting requirements, size limits, vessel trip limits, closed seasons 
or areas and reopenings, annual catch limits (ACLs), annual catch 
targets (ACTs), quotas (including a quota of zero), accountability 
measures (AMs), MSY (or proxy), OY, management parameters such as 
overfished and overfishing definitions, gear restrictions (ranging from 
regulation to complete prohibition), gear markings and identification, 
vessel markings and identification, ABC and ABC control rules, 
rebuilding plans, and restrictions relative to conditions of harvested 
shrimp (maintaining shrimp in whole condition, use as bait), and target 
effort reduction for juvenile red snapper mortality.

[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 80 FR 74712, Nov. 30, 2015; 
85 FR 6819, Feb. 6, 2020]



          Subpart D_Coral and Coral Reefs of the Gulf of Mexico



Sec. 622.70  Permits.

    See Sec. 622.4 for information regarding general permit procedures 
including, but not limited to fees, duration, transfer, renewal, 
display, sanctions and denials, and replacement.
    (a) Required permits---(1) Allowable chemical. For an individual to 
take or possess fish or other marine organisms with an allowable 
chemical in a coral area, other than fish or other marine organisms that 
are landed in Florida, a Federal allowable chemical permit must have 
been issued to the individual. Such permit must be available when the 
permitted activity is being conducted and when such fish or other marine 
organisms are possessed, through landing ashore.
    (2) Aquacultured live rock. For a person to take or possess 
aquacultured live rock in the Gulf EEZ, a Federal aquacultured live rock 
permit must have been issued for the specific harvest site. Such permit, 
or a copy, must be on board a vessel depositing or possessing material 
on an aquacultured live rock site or harvesting or possessing live rock 
from an aquacultured live rock site.
    (3) Prohibited coral. A Federal permit may be issued to take or 
possess Gulf prohibited coral only as scientific research activity, 
exempted fishing, or exempted educational activity. See

[[Page 306]]

Sec. 600.745 of this chapter for the procedures and limitations for 
such activities and fishing.
    (4) Florida permits. Appropriate Florida permits and endorsements 
are required for the following activities, without regard to whether 
they involve activities in the EEZ or Florida's waters:
    (i) Landing in Florida fish or other marine organisms taken with an 
allowable chemical in a coral area.
    (ii) Landing allowable octocoral in Florida.
    (iii) Landing live rock in Florida.
    (b) Application. (1) The applicant for a coral permit must be the 
individual who will be conducting the activity that requires the permit. 
In the case of a corporation or partnership that will be conducting live 
rock aquaculture activity, the applicant must be the principal 
shareholder or a general partner.
    (2) An applicant must provide the following:
    (i) Name, address, telephone number, and other identifying 
information of the applicant.
    (ii) Name and address of any affiliated company, institution, or 
organization.
    (iii) Information concerning vessels, harvesting gear/methods, or 
fishing areas, as specified on the application form.
    (iv) Any other information that may be necessary for the issuance or 
administration of the permit.
    (v) If applying for an aquacultured live rock permit, identification 
of each vessel that will be depositing material on or harvesting 
aquacultured live rock from the proposed aquacultured live rock site, 
specification of the port of landing of aquacultured live rock, and a 
site evaluation report prepared pursuant to generally accepted industry 
standards that--
    (A) Provides accurate coordinates of the proposed harvesting site so 
that it can be located using LORAN or Global Positioning System 
equipment;
    (B) Shows the site on a chart in sufficient detail to determine its 
size and allow for site inspection;
    (C) Discusses possible hazards to safe navigation or hindrance to 
vessel traffic, traditional fishing operations, or other public access 
that may result from aquacultured live rock at the site;
    (D) Describes the naturally occurring bottom habitat at the site; 
and
    (E) Specifies the type and origin of material to be deposited on the 
site and how it will be distinguishable from the naturally occurring 
substrate.



Sec. 622.71  Recordkeeping and reporting.

    (a) Individuals with aquacultured live rock permits. (1) A person 
with a Federal aquacultured live rock permit must report to the RA each 
deposition of material on a site. Such reports must be postmarked not 
later than 7 days after deposition and must contain the following 
information:
    (i) Permit number of site and date of deposit.
    (ii) Geological origin of material deposited.
    (iii) Amount of material deposited.
    (iv) Source of material deposited, that is, where obtained, if 
removed from another habitat, or from whom purchased.
    (2) A person who takes aquacultured live rock must submit a report 
of harvest to the RA. Specific reporting requirements will be provided 
with the permit. This reporting requirement is waived for aquacultured 
live rock that is landed in Florida.
    (b) [Reserved]



Sec. 622.72  Prohibited gear and methods.

    Also see Sec. 622.9 for additional prohibited gear and methods that 
apply more broadly to multiple fisheries or in some cases all fisheries.
    (a) Power-assisted tools. A power-assisted tool may not be used in 
the Gulf EEZ to take prohibited coral or live rock.
    (b) [Reserved]



Sec. 622.73  Prohibited species.

    (a) General. The harvest and possession restrictions of this section 
apply without regard to whether the species is harvested by a vessel 
operating under a commercial vessel permit. The operator of a vessel 
that fishes in the EEZ is responsible for the limit applicable to that 
vessel.
    (b) Prohibited coral. Gulf prohibited coral taken as incidental 
catch in the

[[Page 307]]

Gulf EEZ must be returned immediately to the sea in the general area of 
fishing. In fisheries where the entire catch is landed unsorted, such as 
the scallop and groundfish fisheries, unsorted prohibited coral may be 
landed ashore; however, no person may sell or purchase such prohibited 
coral.
    (c) Wild live rock may not be harvested or possessed in or from the 
Gulf EEZ.

[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 82 FR 60567, Dec. 21, 2017]



Sec. 622.74  Area closures to protect Gulf corals.

    For the purposes of this section, fishing gear is deployed if any 
part of the gear is in contact with the water.
    (a) Florida Middle Grounds HAPC. Deployment of a bottom longline, 
bottom trawl, dredge, pot, or trap is prohibited year-round in the area 
bounded by rhumb lines connecting the following points in order:

                        Table 1 to Paragraph (a)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Point                     North lat.      West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A.......................................  28[deg]42.500[  84[deg]24.800[
                                                    min]            min]
B.......................................  28[deg]42.500[  84[deg]16.300[
                                                    min]            min]
C.......................................  28[deg]11.000[  84[deg]00.000[
                                                    min]            min]
D.......................................  28[deg]11.000[  84[deg]07.000[
                                                    min]            min]
E.......................................  28[deg]26.600[  84[deg]24.800[
                                                    min]            min]
A.......................................  28[deg]42.500[  84[deg]24.800[
                                                    min]            min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (b) Tortugas marine reserves HAPC. Fishing for any species and 
bottom anchoring by fishing vessels are prohibited year-round in the 
areas of the HAPC.
    (1) EEZ portion of Tortugas North HAPC. The area is bounded by rhumb 
lines connecting the following points in order: From point A at 
24[deg]40.000[min] N lat., 83[deg]06.000[min] W long. to point B at 
24[deg]46.000[min] N lat., 83[deg]06.000[min] W long. to point C at 
24[deg]46.000[min] N lat., 83[deg]00.000[min] W long.; then along the 
line denoting the seaward limit of Florida state waters, as shown on the 
current edition of NOAA chart 11434, to point A at 24[deg]40.000[min] N 
lat., 83[deg]06.000[min] W long.
    (2) Tortugas South HAPC. The area is bounded by rhumb lines 
connecting the following points in order:

                       Table 2 to Paragraph (b)(2)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Point                     North lat.      West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A.......................................  24[deg]33.000[  83[deg]09.000[
                                                    min]            min]
B.......................................  24[deg]33.000[  83[deg]05.000[
                                                    min]            min]
C.......................................  24[deg]18.000[  83[deg]05.000[
                                                    min]            min]
D.......................................  24[deg]18.000[  83[deg]09.000[
                                                    min]            min]
A.......................................  24[deg]33.000[  83[deg]09.000[
                                                    min]            min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (c) Pulley Ridge South HAPC. Deployment of a bottom longline, bottom 
trawl, buoy gear, dredge, pot, or trap, and bottom anchoring by fishing 
vessels are prohibited year-round in the area of the HAPC bounded by 
rhumb lines connecting the following points in order:

                        Table 3 to Paragraph (c)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Point                     North lat.      West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A.......................................  24[deg]58.300[  83[deg]38.550[
                                                    min]            min]
B.......................................  24[deg]58.300[  83[deg]37.000[
                                                    min]            min]
C.......................................  24[deg]41.183[  83[deg]37.000[
                                                    min]            min]
D.......................................  24[deg]40.000[  83[deg]41.367[
                                                    min]            min]
E.......................................  24[deg]43.917[  83[deg]47.250[
                                                    min]            min]
A.......................................  24[deg]58.300[  83[deg]38.550[
                                                    min]            min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (d) Pulley Ridge South Portion A HAPC. Deployment of a bottom trawl, 
buoy gear, dredge, pot, or trap, and bottom anchoring by fishing vessels 
are prohibited year-round in the area of the HAPC bounded by rhumb lines 
connecting the following points in order:

                        Table 4 to Paragraph (d)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Point                     North lat.      West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A.......................................  24[deg]40.000[  83[deg]41.366[
                                                    min]            min]
B.......................................  24[deg]39.666[  83[deg]42.648[
                                                    min]            min]
C.......................................  24[deg]47.555[  83[deg]55.240[
                                                    min]            min]
D.......................................  24[deg]57.065[  83[deg]48.405[
                                                    min]            min]
E.......................................  24[deg]52.859[  83[deg]41.841[
                                                    min]            min]
F.......................................  24[deg]43.917[  83[deg]47.250[
                                                    min]            min]
A.......................................  24[deg]40.000[  83[deg]41.366[
                                                    min]            min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (e) West Florida Wall HAPC. Deployment of a bottom longline, bottom 
trawl, buoy gear, dredge, pot, or trap, and bottom anchoring by fishing 
vessels are prohibited year-round in the area of the HAPC bounded by 
rhumb lines connecting the following points in order:

                        Table 5 to Paragraph (e)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Point                     North lat.      West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A.......................................  26[deg]28.835[  84[deg]47.955[
                                                    min]            min]
B.......................................  26[deg]28.816[  84[deg]46.754[
                                                    min]            min]
C.......................................  26[deg]10.471[  84[deg]42.076[
                                                    min]            min]
D.......................................  26[deg]10.528[  84[deg]44.577[
                                                    min]            min]

[[Page 308]]

 
E.......................................  26[deg]25.028[  84[deg]47.986[
                                                    min]            min]
F.......................................  26[deg]25.100[  84[deg]47.980[
                                                    min]            min]
A.......................................  26[deg]28.835[  84[deg]47.955[
                                                    min]            min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (f) Alabama Alps Reef HAPC. Deployment of a bottom longline, bottom 
trawl, buoy gear, dredge, pot, or trap, and bottom anchoring by fishing 
vessels are prohibited year-round in the area of the HAPC bounded by 
rhumb lines connecting the following points in order:

                        Table 6 to Paragraph (f)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Point                     North lat.      West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A.......................................  29[deg]16.160[  88[deg]20.525[
                                                    min]            min]
B.......................................  29[deg]15.427[  88[deg]18.990[
                                                    min]            min]
C.......................................  29[deg]13.380[  88[deg]19.051[
                                                    min]            min]
D.......................................  29[deg]14.140[  88[deg]20.533[
                                                    min]            min]
A.......................................  29[deg]16.160[  88[deg]20.525[
                                                    min]            min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (g) L & W Pinnacles and Scamp Reef HAPC. Deployment of a bottom 
longline, bottom trawl, buoy gear, dredge, pot, or trap, and bottom 
anchoring by fishing vessels are prohibited year-round in the area of 
the HAPC bounded by rhumb lines connecting the following points in 
order:

                        Table 7 to Paragraph (g)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Point                     North lat.      West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A.......................................  29[deg]18.595[  87[deg]48.757[
                                                    min]            min]
B.......................................  29[deg]18.484[  87[deg]50.688[
                                                    min]            min]
C.......................................  29[deg]19.754[  87[deg]52.484[
                                                    min]            min]
D.......................................  29[deg]20.401[  87[deg]51.449[
                                                    min]            min]
E.......................................  29[deg]20.095[  87[deg]50.933[
                                                    min]            min]
F.......................................  29[deg]20.832[  87[deg]46.631[
                                                    min]            min]
G.......................................  29[deg]21.473[  87[deg]46.326[
                                                    min]            min]
H.......................................  29[deg]21.314[  87[deg]45.535[
                                                    min]            min]
I.......................................  29[deg]22.518[  87[deg]43.465[
                                                    min]            min]
J.......................................  29[deg]21.144[  87[deg]42.632[
                                                    min]            min]
K.......................................  29[deg]19.269[  87[deg]45.525[
                                                    min]            min]
A.......................................  29[deg]18.595[  87[deg]48.757[
                                                    min]            min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (h) Mississippi Canyon 118 HAPC. Deployment of a bottom longline, 
bottom trawl, buoy gear, dredge, pot, or trap, and bottom anchoring by 
fishing vessels are prohibited year-round in the area of the HAPC 
bounded by rhumb lines connecting the following points in order:

                        Table 8 to Paragraph (h)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Point                     North lat.      West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A.......................................  28[deg]53.183[  88[deg]30.789[
                                                    min]            min]
B.......................................  28[deg]53.216[  88[deg]27.819[
                                                    min]            min]
C.......................................  28[deg]50.602[  88[deg]27.782[
                                                    min]            min]
D.......................................  28[deg]48.944[  88[deg]27.759[
                                                    min]            min]
E.......................................  28[deg]48.962[  88[deg]30.727[
                                                    min]            min]
A.......................................  28[deg]53.183[  88[deg]30.789[
                                                    min]            min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (i) Roughtongue Reef HAPC. Deployment of a bottom longline, bottom 
trawl, buoy gear, dredge, pot, or trap, and bottom anchoring by fishing 
vessels are prohibited year-round in the area of the HAPC bounded by 
rhumb lines connecting the following points in order:

                        Table 9 to Paragraph (i)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Point                     North lat.      West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A.......................................  29[deg]27.596[  87[deg]37.527[
                                                    min]            min]
B.......................................  29[deg]27.621[  87[deg]31.552[
                                                    min]            min]
C.......................................  29[deg]25.007[  87[deg]31.539[
                                                    min]            min]
D.......................................  29[deg]24.981[  87[deg]37.510[
                                                    min]            min]
A.......................................  29[deg]27.596[  87[deg]37.527[
                                                    min]            min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (j) Viosca Knoll 826 HAPC. Deployment of a bottom longline, bottom 
trawl, buoy gear, dredge, pot, or trap, and bottom anchoring by fishing 
vessels are prohibited year-round in the area of the HAPC bounded by 
rhumb lines connecting the following points in order:

                        Table 10 to Paragraph (j)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Point                     North lat.      West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A.......................................  29[deg]10.920[  88[deg]03.509[
                                                    min]            min]
B.......................................  29[deg]10.877[  87[deg]59.460[
                                                    min]            min]
C.......................................  29[deg]07.974[  87[deg]59.448[
                                                    min]            min]
D.......................................  29[deg]08.017[  88[deg]03.532[
                                                    min]            min]
A.......................................  29[deg]10.920[  88[deg]03.509[
                                                    min]            min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (k) Viosca Knoll 862/906 HAPC. Deployment of a bottom longline, 
bottom trawl, buoy gear, dredge, pot, or trap, and bottom anchoring by 
fishing vessels are prohibited year-round in the area of the HAPC. This 
prohibition does not apply to a fishing vessel issued a Gulf royal red 
shrimp endorsement, as specified in Sec. 622.50(c), while the vessel is 
fishing for royal red shrimp. The HAPC is bounded by rhumb lines 
connecting the following points in order:

                        Table 11 to Paragraph (k)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Point                     North lat.      West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A.......................................  29[deg]07.640[  88[deg]23.608[
                                                    min]            min]
B.......................................  29[deg]07.603[  88[deg]20.590[
                                                    min]            min]

[[Page 309]]

 
C.......................................  29[deg]03.749[  88[deg]20.554[
                                                    min]            min]
D.......................................  29[deg]03.734[  88[deg]22.016[
                                                    min]            min]
E.......................................  29[deg]02.367[  88[deg]21.998[
                                                    min]            min]
F.......................................  29[deg]02.281[  88[deg]24.972[
                                                    min]            min]
G.......................................  29[deg]07.568[  88[deg]25.044[
                                                    min]            min]
H.......................................  29[deg]07.592[  88[deg]25.044[
                                                    min]            min]
I.......................................  29[deg]07.676[  88[deg]25.045[
                                                    min]            min]
A.......................................  29[deg]07.640[  88[deg]23.608[
                                                    min]            min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (l) McGrail Bank HAPC. Deployment of a bottom longline, bottom 
trawl, buoy gear, dredge, pot, or trap, and bottom anchoring by fishing 
vessels are prohibited year-round in the HAPC, which is bounded by rhumb 
lines connecting the following points in order:

                        Table 12 to Paragraph (l)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Point                     North lat.      West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A.......................................  27[deg]59.100[  92[deg]37.320[
                                                    min]            min]
B.......................................  27[deg]59.100[  92[deg]32.290[
                                                    min]            min]
C.......................................  27[deg]55.925[  92[deg]32.290[
                                                    min]            min]
D.......................................  27[deg]55.925[  92[deg]37.320[
                                                    min]            min]
A.......................................  27[deg]59.100[  92[deg]37.320[
                                                    min]            min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (m) AT 047 HAPC. Deployment of a bottom longline, bottom trawl, buoy 
gear, dredge, pot, or trap and bottom anchoring by fishing vessels are 
prohibited year-round in the HAPC, which is bounded by rhumb lines 
connecting the following points in order:

                        Table 13 to Paragraph (m)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Point                     North lat.      West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A.......................................  27[deg]54.426[  89[deg]49.404[
                                                    min]            min]
B.......................................  27[deg]54.486[  89[deg]46.464[
                                                    min]            min]
C.......................................  27[deg]51.874[  89[deg]46.397[
                                                    min]            min]
D.......................................  27[deg]51.814[  89[deg]49.336[
                                                    min]            min]
A.......................................  27[deg]54.426[  89[deg]49.404[
                                                    min]            min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (n) AT 357 HAPC. Deployment of a bottom longline, bottom trawl, buoy 
gear, dredge, pot, or trap, and bottom anchoring by fishing vessels are 
prohibited year-round in the HAPC, which is bounded by rhumb lines 
connecting the following points in order:

                        Table 14 to Paragraph (n)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Point                     North lat.      West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A.......................................  27[deg]36.259'  89[deg]43.068'
B.......................................  27[deg]36.315'  89[deg]40.136'
C.......................................  27[deg]33.703'  89[deg]40.073'
D.......................................  27[deg]33.646'  89[deg]43.004'
A.......................................  27[deg]36.259'  89[deg]43.068'
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (o) Green Canyon 852 HAPC. Deployment of a bottom longline, bottom 
trawl, buoy gear, dredge, pot, or trap, and bottom anchoring by fishing 
vessels are prohibited year-round in the HAPC, which is bounded by rhumb 
lines connecting the following points in order:

                        Table 15 to Paragraph (o)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Point                     North lat.      West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A.......................................  27[deg]08.354[  91[deg]08.929[
                                                    min]            min]
B.......................................  27[deg]05.740[  91[deg]08.963[
                                                    min]            min]
C.......................................  27[deg]05.762[  91[deg]10.610[
                                                    min]            min]
D.......................................  27[deg]08.376[  91[deg]10.567[
                                                    min]            min]
A.......................................  27[deg]08.354[  91[deg]08.929[
                                                    min]            min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (p) West Flower Garden Bank HAPC. Deployment of a bottom longline, 
bottom trawl, buoy gear, dredge, pot, or trap, and bottom anchoring by 
fishing vessels are prohibited year-round in the HAPC, which is bounded 
by rhumb lines connecting the following points in order:

                        Table 16 to Paragraph (p)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Point                     North lat.      West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A.......................................  27[deg]55.380[  93[deg]53.160[
                                                    min]            min]
B.......................................  27[deg]55.380[  93[deg]46.767[
                                                    min]            min]
C.......................................  27[deg]49.050[  93[deg]46.767[
                                                    min]            min]
D.......................................  27[deg]49.050[  93[deg]53.160[
                                                    min]            min]
A.......................................  27[deg]55.380[  93[deg]53.160[
                                                    min]            min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (q) East Flower Garden Bank HAPC. Deployment of a bottom longline, 
bottom trawl, buoy gear, dredge, pot, or trap, and bottom anchoring by 
fishing vessels are prohibited year-round in the HAPC, which is bounded 
by rhumb lines connecting the following points in order:

                        Table 17 to Paragraph (q)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Point                     North lat.      West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A.......................................  27[deg]59.240[  93[deg]38.970[
                                                    min]            min]
B.......................................  27[deg]59.240[  93[deg]34.058[
                                                    min]            min]
C.......................................  27[deg]52.608[  93[deg]34.058[
                                                    min]            min]
D.......................................  27[deg]52.608[  93[deg]38.970[
                                                    min]            min]
A.......................................  27[deg]59.240[  93[deg]38.970[
                                                    min]            min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (r) Stetson Bank HAPC. Deployment of a bottom longline, bottom 
trawl, buoy gear, dredge, pot, or trap, and bottom anchoring by fishing 
vessels are prohibited year-round in the HAPC, which is bounded by rhumb 
lines connecting the following points in order:

[[Page 310]]



                        Table 18 to Paragraph (r)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Point                     North lat.      West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A.......................................  28[deg]10.638[  94[deg]18.608[
                                                    min]            min]
B.......................................  28[deg]10.638[  94[deg]17.105[
                                                    min]            min]
C.......................................  28[deg]09.310[  94[deg]17.105[
                                                    min]            min]
D.......................................  28[deg]09.310[  94[deg]18.608[
                                                    min]            min]
A.......................................  28[deg]10.638[  94[deg]18.608[
                                                    min]            min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (s) Harte Bank HAPC. Deployment of a bottom longline, bottom trawl, 
buoy gear, dredge, pot, or trap, and bottom anchoring by fishing vessels 
are prohibited year-round in the HAPC, which is bounded by rhumb lines 
connecting the following points in order:

                        Table 19 to Paragraph (s)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Point                     North lat.      West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A.......................................  26[deg]40.826[  96[deg]36.590[
                                                    min]            min]
B.......................................  26[deg]40.789[  96[deg]32.220[
                                                    min]            min]
C.......................................  26[deg]37.992[  96[deg]32.308[
                                                    min]            min]
D.......................................  26[deg]38.043[  96[deg]36.636[
                                                    min]            min]
A.......................................  26[deg]40.826[  96[deg]36.590[
                                                    min]            min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (t) Southern Bank HAPC. Deployment of a bottom longline, bottom 
trawl, buoy gear, dredge, pot, or trap, and bottom anchoring by fishing 
vessels are prohibited year-round in the HAPC, which is bounded by rhumb 
lines connecting the following points in order:

                        Table 20 to Paragraph (t)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Point                     North lat.      West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A.......................................  27[deg]26.923[  96[deg]31.902[
                                                    min]            min]
B.......................................  27[deg]26.989[  96[deg]30.881[
                                                    min]            min]
C.......................................  27[deg]25.958[  96[deg]31.134[
                                                    min]            min]
D.......................................  27[deg]25.958[  96[deg]31.892[
                                                    min]            min]
A.......................................  27[deg]26.923[  96[deg]31.902[
                                                    min]            min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[85 FR 65746, Oct. 16, 2020]



Sec. 622.75  Harvest limitations.

    (a) Aquacultured live rock. In the Gulf EEZ:
    (1) Aquacultured live rock may be harvested only under a permit, as 
required under Sec. 622.70(a)(2), and aquacultured live rock on a site 
may be harvested only by the person, or his or her employee, contractor, 
or agent, who has been issued the aquacultured live rock permit for the 
site. A person harvesting aquacultured live rock is exempt from the 
prohibition on taking prohibited coral for such prohibited coral as 
attaches to aquacultured live rock.
    (2) The following restrictions apply to individual aquaculture 
activities:
    (i) No aquaculture site may exceed 1 acre (0.4 ha) in size.
    (ii) Material deposited on the aquaculture site--
    (A) May not be placed over naturally occurring reef outcrops, 
limestone ledges, coral reefs, or vegetated areas.
    (B) Must be free of contaminants.
    (C) Must be nontoxic.
    (D) Must be placed on the site by hand or lowered completely to the 
bottom under restraint, that is, not allowed to fall freely.
    (E) Must be placed from a vessel that is anchored.
    (F) Must be distinguishable, geologically or otherwise (for example, 
be indelibly marked or tagged), from the naturally occurring substrate.
    (iii) A minimum setback of at least 50 ft (15.2 m) must be 
maintained from natural vegetated or hard bottom habitats.
    (3) Mechanically dredging or drilling, or otherwise disturbing, 
aquacultured live rock is prohibited, and aquacultured live rock may be 
harvested only by hand.
    (4) Not less than 24 hours prior to harvest of aquacultured live 
rock, the owner or operator of the harvesting vessel must provide the 
following information to the NMFS Office for Law Enforcement, Southeast 
Region, St. Petersburg, FL, by telephone (727-824-5344):
    (i) Permit number of site to be harvested and date of harvest.
    (ii) Name and official number of the vessel to be used in 
harvesting.
    (iii) Date, port, and facility at which aquacultured live rock will 
be landed.
    (b) [Reserved]



Sec. 622.76  Restrictions on sale/purchase.

    (a) Gulf wild live rock. Wild live rock in or from the Gulf EEZ may 
not be sold or purchased. The prohibition on sale or purchase does not 
apply to wild live rock from the Gulf EEZ that was harvested and landed 
prior to January 1, 1997.
    (b) [Reserved]

[[Page 311]]



Sec. 622.77  Adjustment of management measures.

    In accordance with the framework procedures of the FMP for Coral and 
Coral Reefs of the Gulf of Mexico, the RA may establish or modify the 
following:
    (a) Gulf coral resources. For a species or species group: reporting 
and monitoring requirements, permitting requirements, bag and possession 
limits (including a bag limit of zero), size limits, vessel trip limits, 
closed seasons or areas and reopenings, annual catch limits (ACLs), 
annual catch targets (ACTs), quotas (including a quota of zero), 
accountability measures (AMs), MSY (or proxy), OY, TAC, management 
parameters such as overfished and overfishing definitions, gear 
restrictions (ranging from regulation to complete prohibition), gear 
markings and identification, vessel markings and identification, 
acceptable biological catch (ABC) and ABC control rules, rebuilding 
plans, sale and purchase restrictions, transfer at sea provisions, and 
restrictions relative to conditions of harvested corals.
    (b) [Reserved]



            Subpart E_Red Drum Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico

    Source: 79 FR 19494, Apr. 9, 2014, unless otherwise noted.



Sec. 622.90  Permits.

    (a) Dealer permits and conditions--(1) Permits. For a dealer to 
first receive Gulf red drum harvested in or from the EEZ, a Gulf and 
South Atlantic dealer permit must be issued to the dealer.
    (2) State license and facility requirements. To obtain a dealer 
permit, the applicant must have a valid state wholesaler's license in 
the state(s) where the dealer operates, if required by such state(s), 
and must have a physical facility at a fixed location in such state(s).
    (b) Permit procedures. See Sec. 622.4 for information regarding 
general permit procedures including, but not limited to application, 
fees, duration, transfer, renewal, display, sanctions and denials, and 
replacement.



Sec. 622.91  Recordkeeping and reporting.

    (a) Dealers. A dealer who first receives Gulf red drum must maintain 
records and submit information as specified in Sec. 622.5(c).
    (b) [Reserved]



Sec. 622.92  Prohibited species.

    (a) General. The harvest and possession restrictions of this section 
apply without regard to whether the species is harvested by a vessel 
operating under a commercial vessel permit. The operator of a vessel 
that fishes in the EEZ is responsible for the limit applicable to that 
vessel.
    (b) Red drum. Red drum may not be harvested or possessed in or from 
the Gulf EEZ. Such fish caught in the Gulf EEZ must be released 
immediately with a minimum of harm.



Sec. 622.93  Adjustment of management measures.

    In accordance with the framework procedures of the FMP for the Red 
Drum Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico, the RA may establish or modify the 
following items:
    (a) Reporting and monitoring requirements, permitting requirements, 
bag and possession limits (including a bag limit of zero), size limits, 
vessel trip limits, closed seasons or areas and reopenings, annual catch 
limits (ACLs), annual catch targets (ACTs), quotas (including a quota of 
zero), accountability measures (AMs), MSY (or proxy), OY, TAC, 
management parameters such as overfished and overfishing definitions, 
gear restrictions (ranging from regulation to complete prohibition), 
gear markings and identification, vessel markings and identification, 
ABC and ABC control rules, rebuilding plans, sale and purchase 
restrictions, transfer at sea provisions, and restrictions relative to 
conditions of harvested fish (maintaining fish in whole condition, use 
as bait).
    (b) [Reserved]



       Subpart F_Offshore Marine Aquaculture in the Gulf of Mexico

    Source: 81 FR 1792, Jan. 13, 2016, unless otherwise noted.

[[Page 312]]



Sec. 622.100  General.

    This subpart provides the regulatory structure for enabling 
environmentally sound and economically sustainable aquaculture in the 
Gulf EEZ. Offshore marine aquaculture activities are authorized by a 
Gulf aquaculture permit or Gulf aquaculture dealer permit issued under 
Sec. 622.101 and are conducted in compliance with the provisions of 
this subpart. Aquaculture of live rock is addressed elsewhere in this 
part and is exempt from the provisions of this subpart.
    (a) Electronic system requirements. (1) The administrative functions 
associated with this aquaculture program, e.g., registration and account 
setup, landing transactions and most reporting requirements, are 
intended to be accomplished online via the Southeast Regional Office's 
Web site at http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/sustainable_fisheries/
gulf_fisheries/aquaculture/ therefore, a participant must have access to 
a computer and Internet access and must set up an appropriate online 
aquaculture account to participate. Assistance with online functions is 
available from the Permits Office, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. 
and 4:30 p.m. eastern time; telephone: 1 (877) 376-4877. If some online 
reporting functions are not available at the time of initial 
implementation of this aquaculture program, this will be indicated on 
the Web site and participants may comply by submitting the required 
information via email using the appropriate forms that are available on 
the Web site. Once online functions are available, participants must 
comply by using the online system unless alternative methods are 
specified.
    (2) The RA will mail each person who is issued a Gulf aquaculture 
permit or a Gulf aquaculture dealer permit information and instructions 
pertinent to using the online system and setting up an online 
aquaculture account. The RA also will mail each permittee a user 
identification number and will provide each permittee a personal 
identification number (PIN) in a subsequent letter. Each permittee must 
monitor his/her online account and all associated messages and comply 
with all online reporting requirements.
    (3) During catastrophic conditions only, the RA may authorize use of 
paper-based components for basic required functions as a backup to what 
would normally be reported electronically. The RA will determine when 
catastrophic conditions exist, the duration of the catastrophic 
conditions, and which participants or geographic areas are deemed 
affected by the catastrophic conditions. The RA will provide timely 
notice to affected participants via publication of notification in the 
Federal Register, NOAA weather radio, fishery bulletins, and other 
appropriate means and will authorize the affected participants' use of 
paper-based components for the duration of the catastrophic conditions. 
NMFS will provide each aquaculture permittee the necessary paper forms, 
sequentially coded, and instructions for submission of the forms to the 
RA. The paper forms also will be available from the RA. The program 
functions available to participants or geographic areas deemed affected 
by catastrophic conditions may be limited under the paper-based system. 
Assistance in complying with the requirements of the paper-based system 
will be available via the Permits Office, Monday through Friday between 
8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., eastern time; telephone: 1 (877) 376-4877.
    (b) [Reserved]



Sec. 622.101  Permits.

    (a) Gulf aquaculture permit. For a person to deploy or operate an 
aquaculture facility in the Gulf EEZ or sell or attempt to sell, at the 
first point of sale, an allowable aquaculture species cultured in the 
Gulf EEZ, a Gulf aquaculture permit must have been issued to that person 
for that aquaculture facility, and the permit must be prominently 
displayed and available for inspection at the aquaculture facility. The 
permit number should also be included on the buoys or other floating 
devices used to mark the restricted access zone of the operation as 
specified in Sec. 622.104(c).
    (1) Eligibility requirement for a Gulf aquaculture permit. 
Eligibility for a Gulf aquaculture permit is limited to U.S. citizens as 
defined in the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952, as amended, and 
permanent resident

[[Page 313]]

aliens lawfully accorded the privilege of residing permanently in the 
U.S. in accordance with U.S. immigration laws.
    (2) Application for a Gulf aquaculture permit. Application forms are 
available from the RA. A completed application form and all required 
supporting documents must be submitted by the applicant (in the case of 
a corporation, an officer; in the case of a partnership, a general 
partner) to the RA at least 180 days prior to the date the applicant 
desires the permit to be effective. An applicant must provide all 
information indicated on the application form including:
    (i) Applicant's name, address, and telephone number.
    (ii) Business name, address, telephone number, date the business was 
formed, and, if the applicant is a corporation, corporate structure and 
shareholder information.
    (iii) Information sufficient to document eligibility as a U.S. 
citizen or permanent resident alien.
    (iv) Description of the exact location (i.e., global positioning 
system (GPS) coordinates) and dimensions of the proposed aquaculture 
facility and proposed site, including a map of the site to scale.
    (v) A baseline environmental survey of the proposed aquaculture 
site. The assessment must be conducted, and the data, analyses, and 
results must be summarized and presented, consistent with the guidelines 
specified by NMFS. NMFS' guidelines will include methods and procedures 
for conducting diver and video surveys, measuring hydrographic 
conditions, collecting and analyzing benthic sediments and infauna, and 
measuring water quality characteristics. The guidelines will be 
available on the Web site and from the RA upon request.
    (vi) A list of allowable aquaculture species to be cultured; 
estimated start up production level by species; and the estimated 
maximum total annual poundage of each species to be harvested from the 
aquaculture facility.
    (vii) Name and address or specific location of each hatchery that 
would provide juvenile animals for grow-out at the proposed aquaculture 
facility located within the Gulf EEZ and a copy of all relevant, valid 
state or Federal aquaculture permits issued to the hatchery.
    (viii) A description of the aquaculture system(s) to be used, 
including the number, size and dimensions of the aquaculture system(s), 
a description of the mooring system(s) used to secure the aquaculture 
system(s), and documentation of the aquaculture system's ability to 
withstand physical stress, such as hurricanes, wave energy, etc., 
including a copy of any available engineering analysis.
    (ix) A description of the equipment and methods to be used for 
feeding, transporting, maintaining, and removing cultured species from 
aquaculture systems.
    (x) A copy of the valid USCG certificate of documentation or, if not 
documented, a copy of the valid state registration certificate for each 
vessel involved in the aquaculture operation; and documentation or 
identification numbers for any aircraft or vehicles involved.
    (xi) Documentation certifying that:
    (A) the applicant agrees to immediately remove cultured animals 
remaining in approved aquaculture systems from the Gulf EEZ as ordered 
by the RA if it is discovered that the animals are genetically 
engineered or transgenic;
    (B) the applicant agrees to immediately remove cultured animals 
remaining in approved aquaculture systems from the Gulf EEZ as ordered 
by the RA if fish are discovered to be infected with a World 
Organization of Animal Health (OIE) reportable pathogen that represents 
a new detection in the Gulf or a new detection for that cultured species 
in the U.S. is found at the facility, or additional pathogens that are 
subsequently identified as reportable pathogens in the National Aquatic 
Animal Health Plan (NAAHP), or any other pathogen determined by NMFS and 
APHIS to pose a significant threat to the health of wild aquatic 
organisms; and,
    (C) the applicant agrees to immediately remove all components of the 
aquaculture system and cultured animals remaining in approved 
aquaculture systems from the Gulf EEZ as ordered by the RA if there are 
any

[[Page 314]]

other violations of the permit conditions or regulations other than 
those listed in paragraphs (a)(2)(xi)(A) and (B) of this section which 
causes the RA to order such removal.
    (xii) Documentation certifying the applicant has obtained an 
assurance bond sufficient to cover the costs of removal of all 
components of the aquaculture facility, including cultured animals 
remaining in approved aquaculture systems, from the Gulf EEZ. The 
assurance bond would not be required to cover the costs of removing an 
oil and gas platform. The RA will provide applicants a form and 
associated guidance for complying with the assurance bond requirement. 
The applicant must also provide documentation certifying the applicant 
has established a standby trust fund into which any payments made 
towards the assurance bond can be deposited. The trustee of the standby 
trust may not be the same entity as the permittee. The assurance bond is 
payable at the discretion of the RA to a designee as specified in the 
bond or to a standby trust. When the RA directs the payment into a 
standby trust, all amounts paid by the assurance bond provider must be 
deposited directly into the standby trust fund for distribution by the 
trustee in accordance with the RA's instructions. A permittee will be 
deemed to be without the required financial assurance in the event of 
bankruptcy of the trustee or issuing institution, or a suspension or 
revocation of the authority of the trustee institution to act as trustee 
or of the institution issuing the assurance bond. The permittee must 
establish other financial assurance within 60 days after such an event.
    (xiii) Certification by the applicant that all broodstock, or 
progeny of such wild broodstock, used to provide juveniles to the 
aquaculture facility will be or were originally harvested from U.S. 
waters of the Gulf, and will be or were from the same population or 
subpopulation (based on the best scientific information available) where 
the facility is located, and that each individual broodstock was marked 
or tagged at the hatchery to allow for identification of those 
individuals used in spawning.
    (xiv) Certification by the applicant that no genetically engineered 
or transgenic animals are used or possessed for culture purposes at the 
aquaculture facility.
    (xv) Copy of a contractual arrangement with an identified aquatic 
animal health expert to provide services to the aquaculture facility has 
been obtained. A copy of the license or certification also must be 
provided to NMFS.
    (xvi) A copy of an emergency disaster plan, developed for and to be 
used by the operator of the aquaculture facility, that includes, 
procedures for preparing or if necessary removing aquaculture systems, 
aquaculture equipment, and cultured animals in the event of a disaster 
(e.g., hurricane, tsunami, harmful algal bloom, chemical or oil spill, 
etc.);
    (xvii) Any other information concerning the aquaculture facility or 
its operations or equipment, as specified on the application form.
    (xviii) Any other information that may be necessary for the issuance 
or administration of the Gulf aquaculture permit, as specified on the 
application form.
    (b) Gulf aquaculture dealer permit. For a dealer to receive fish 
cultured by an aquaculture facility in the Gulf EEZ, that dealer must 
first obtain a Gulf aquaculture dealer permit. However, an owner or 
operator of an aquaculture facility with a Gulf aquaculture permit may 
purchase juvenile fish for grow-out from a hatchery located in the Gulf 
EEZ without obtaining a dealer permit. To obtain a dealer permit, the 
applicant must have a valid state wholesaler's license in the state(s) 
where the dealer operates, if required by such state(s), and must have a 
physical facility at a fixed location in such state(s).
    (1) Application for a Gulf aquaculture dealer permit. Application 
forms are available from the RA. The application must be submitted by 
the owner (in the case of a corporation, an officer; in the case of a 
partnership, a general partner). Completed application forms and all 
required supporting documents must be submitted to the RA at least 30 
days prior to the date on which the applicant desires to have the permit 
made effective. An applicant must provide the following:

[[Page 315]]

    (i) A copy of each state wholesaler's license held by the dealer.
    (ii) Name, address, telephone number, date the business was formed, 
and other identifying information of the business.
    (iii) The address of each physical facility at a fixed location 
where the business receives fish from an aquaculture facility in the 
Gulf EEZ.
    (iv) Name, address, telephone number, other identifying information, 
and official capacity in the business of the applicant.
    (v) Any other information that may be necessary for the issuance or 
administration of the permit, as specified on the application form.
    (2) [Reserved]
    (c) Permit requirements for other aquaculture-related activities. 
For a person to do any of the following, such person must have in his/
her possession and make available upon request by NMFS or an authorized 
officer, a copy of a valid Gulf aquaculture permit with an original (not 
copied) signature of the permit owner or owner's agent:
    (1) Possess or transport fish in or from the Gulf EEZ to be cultured 
at an aquaculture facility (e.g., brood stock, fingerlings) or possess 
or transport fish from an aquaculture facility for landing ashore and 
sale.
    (2) Operate, in support of aquaculture related activities, any 
vessel, vehicle, or aircraft authorized for use in operations related to 
an aquaculture facility, i.e., those registered for aquaculture 
operation use.
    (3) Harvest and retain on board a vessel live wild broodstock for 
use in an aquaculture facility regardless of where the broodstock is 
harvested or possessed.
    (d) Permit-related procedures--(1) Fees. A fee is charged for each 
application for a permit submitted under this section and for each 
request for renewal, transfer or replacement of such permit. The amount 
of each fee is calculated in accordance with the procedures of the NOAA 
Finance Handbook, available from the RA, for determining the 
administrative costs of each special product or service. The fee may not 
exceed such costs and is specified with each application form. The 
appropriate fee must accompany each application or request for renewal, 
transfer or replacement.
    (2) Review and notifications regarding a Gulf aquaculture permit. 
(i) The RA will review each application and make a preliminary 
determination whether the application is complete. An application is 
complete when all requested forms, information, and documentation have 
been received. If the RA determines that an application is complete, 
notification of receipt of the application will be published in the 
Federal Register with a brief description of the proposal and specifying 
the intent of NMFS to issue a Gulf aquaculture permit. The public will 
be given up to 45 days to comment, and comments will be requested during 
public testimony at a Council meeting. The RA will consult with other 
Federal agencies, as appropriate, and the Council concerning the permit 
application during the period in which public comments have been 
requested. The RA will notify the applicant in advance of any Council 
meeting at which the application will be considered, and offer the 
applicant the opportunity to appear in support of the application. The 
RA may consider revisions to the application made by the applicant in 
response to public comment before approving or denying it.
    (ii) As soon as practicable after the opportunity for public comment 
ends, the RA will notify the applicant and the Council in writing of the 
decision to grant or deny the Gulf aquaculture permit. If the RA grants 
the permit, the RA will publish a notification of the permit approval in 
the Federal Register. If the RA denies the permit, the RA will advise 
the applicant, in writing, of the reasons for the denial and publish a 
notification in the Federal Register announcing the denial and the basis 
for it. Grounds for denial of a Gulf aquaculture permit include the 
following:
    (A) The applicant has failed to disclose material information or has 
made false statements with respect to any material fact, in connection 
with the Gulf aquaculture permit application;
    (B) Based on the best scientific information available, issuance of 
the permit would pose significant risk to wild fish stocks, marine 
mammals, threatened or endangered species, essential

[[Page 316]]

fish habitat, public health, or safety; or,
    (C) Activities proposed to be conducted under the Gulf aquaculture 
permit are inconsistent with aquaculture regulations in this section, 
the management objectives of the FMP, or the Magnuson-Stevens Act or 
other applicable law.
    (D) Use of the proposed site is denied based on the criteria set 
forth in Sec. 622.103(a)(4).
    (3) Initial issuance. (i) Upon receipt of an incomplete application, 
the RA will notify the applicant of the deficiency. If the applicant 
fails to correct the deficiency within 60 days of the date of the RA's 
letter of notification or request an extension of time by contacting the 
NMFS Southeast Regional Office before the end of the 60-day timeframe, 
the application will be considered abandoned.
    (ii) Prior to issuance of a Gulf aquaculture permit, a copy of 
currently valid Federal permits (e.g., ACOE Section 10 permit, and 
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) National Pollutant Discharge 
Elimination System (NPDES) permit) applicable to the proposed 
aquaculture site, facilities, or operations, must be submitted to NMFS.
    (iii) The RA will issue an initial permit to an applicant after the 
review and notification procedures set forth in paragraph (d)(2)(i) of 
this section are complete and the decision to grant the permit is made 
under paragraph (d)(2)(ii) of this section. The initial permit will be 
issued 30 days after the RA notifies the applicant of the decision to 
grant the permit, unless NMFS receives a written request from the 
applicant before the end of the 30 day period to defer issuance of the 
permit. If the applicant requests a deferral, NMFS will include this 
information in the notification of permit approval published in the 
Federal Register as specified in paragraph (d)(2)(ii) of this section 
and will publish a Federal Register notice upon permit issuance. Permit 
issuance will be deferred for two years from the date of the RA 
notification unless the applicant sends a written request to NMFS to 
issue the permit at an earlier date. This written request must be 
received by NMFS at least 30 days prior to the date the applicant 
desires the permit to be effective.
    (4) Duration. A Gulf aquaculture permit will initially be issued for 
a 10-year period and may be renewed in 5-year increments thereafter. An 
aquaculture dealer permit is an annual permit and must be renewed 
annually. A permit remains valid for the period specified on it unless 
it is revoked, suspended, or modified pursuant to subpart D of 15 CFR 
part 904 or the aquaculture facility is sold and the permit has not been 
transferred or the dealership is sold. Once the aquaculture permit is no 
longer valid, all components of the aquaculture facility, including 
cultured animals remaining in approved aquaculture systems, must be 
removed immediately from the Gulf EEZ.
    (5) Transfer. (i) A Gulf aquaculture permit is transferable to an 
eligible person, i.e., a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien if the 
geographic location of the aquaculture site remains unchanged. An 
eligible person who acquires an aquaculture facility that is currently 
permitted and who desires to conduct activities for which a permit is 
required may request that the RA transfer the permit to him/her. At 
least 30 days prior to the desired effective date of the transfer, such 
a person must complete and submit to the RA or via the Web site a permit 
transfer request form that is available from the RA. The permit transfer 
request form must be accompanied by the original Gulf aquaculture 
permit, a copy of a signed bill of sale or equivalent acquisition 
papers, and a written agreement between the transferor and transferee 
specifying who is assuming the responsibilities and liabilities 
associated with the Gulf aquaculture permit and the aquaculture 
facility, including all the terms and conditions associated with the 
original issuance of the Gulf aquaculture permit. All applicable permit 
requirements and conditions must be satisfied prior to a permit 
transfer, including any necessary updates, e.g., updates regarding 
required certifications, legal responsibility for assurance bond, other 
required permits, etc. The seller must sign the back of the Gulf 
aquaculture permit, and have the signed transfer document notarized. 
Final transfer of a Gulf aquaculture permit

[[Page 317]]

will occur only after the RA provides official notice to both parties 
that the transferee is eligible to receive the permit and that the 
transfer is otherwise valid.
    (ii) An aquaculture dealer permit is not transferable.
    (6) Renewal. An aquaculture facility owner or aquaculture dealer who 
has been issued a permit under this subpart must renew such permit 
consistent with the applicable duration of the permit specified in 
paragraph (d)(4) of this section. The RA will mail an aquaculture 
facility owner or aquaculture dealer whose permit is expiring an 
application for renewal at least 6 months prior to the expiration date 
of a Gulf aquaculture facility permit and approximately 2 months prior 
to the expiration date of an aquaculture dealer permit. An aquaculture 
facility owner or aquaculture dealer who does not receive a renewal 
application from the RA within the time frames indicated in this 
paragraph must contact the RA and request a renewal application. The 
applicant must submit a completed renewal application form and all 
required supporting documents to the RA at least 120 days prior to the 
date on which the applicant desires to have a Gulf aquaculture permit 
made effective and at least 30 days prior to the date on which the 
applicant desires to have an aquaculture dealer permit made effective. 
If the RA receives an incomplete application, the RA will notify the 
applicant of the deficiency. If the applicant fails to correct the 
deficiency within 60 days of the date of the RA's letter of notification 
or request an extension of time by contacting the NMFS Southeast 
Regional Office before the end of the 60 day timeframe, the application 
will be considered abandoned.
    (7) Display. A Gulf aquaculture permit issued under this section 
must be prominently displayed and available for inspection at the 
aquaculture facility. The permit number should also be included on the 
buoys or other floating devices used to mark the restricted access zone 
of the operation as specified in Sec. 622.104(c). An aquaculture dealer 
permit issued under this section, or a copy thereof, must be prominently 
displayed and available on the dealer's premises. In addition, a copy of 
the dealer's permit, or the aquaculture facility's permit (if the fish 
have not yet been purchased by a dealer), must accompany each vehicle 
that is used to receive fish harvested from an aquaculture facility in 
the Gulf EEZ. A vehicle operator must present the permit or a copy for 
inspection upon the request of an authorized officer.
    (8) Sanctions and denials. A Gulf aquaculture permit or aquaculture 
dealer permit issued pursuant to this section may be revoked, suspended, 
or modified, and such permit applications may be denied, in accordance 
with the procedures governing enforcement-related permit sanctions and 
denials found at subpart D of 15 CFR part 904.
    (9) Alteration. A Gulf aquaculture permit or aquaculture dealer 
permit that is altered, erased, or mutilated is invalid.
    (10) Replacement. A replacement Gulf aquaculture permit or 
aquaculture dealer permit may be issued. An application for a 
replacement permit is not considered a new application.
    (11) Change in application information. An aquaculture facility 
owner or aquaculture dealer who has been issued a permit under this 
subpart must notify the RA within 30 days after any change in the 
applicable application information specified in paragraphs (a) or (b) of 
this section. If any change in the information is not reported within 30 
days aquaculture operations may no longer be conducted under the permit.



Sec. 622.102  Recordkeeping and reporting.

    (a) Participants in Gulf aquaculture activities addressed in this 
subpart must keep records and report as specified in this section. 
Unless otherwise specified, required reporting must be accomplished 
electronically via the Web site. See Sec. 622.100(a)(3) regarding 
provisions for paper-based reporting in lieu of electronic reporting 
during catastrophic conditions as determined by the RA. Recordkeeping 
(i.e., maintaining records versus submitting reports) may, to the extent 
feasible, be maintained electronically; however, paper-based 
recordkeeping also is acceptable.
    (1) Aquaculture facility owners or operators. An aquaculture 
facility owner or

[[Page 318]]

operator must comply with the following requirements:
    (i) Reporting requirements--(A) Transport of fingerlings/juvenile 
fish to an aquaculture facility. Report the time, date, species and 
number of cultured fingerlings or other juvenile animals that will be 
transported from a hatchery to an aquaculture facility at least 72 hours 
prior to transport. This information may be submitted electronically via 
the Web site or via phone. In addition, permittees are to maintain and 
make available to NMFS or an authorized officer upon request a written 
or electronic daily record of the number of cultured animals introduced 
into and the total pounds and average weight of fish removed from each 
approved aquaculture system, including mortalities, for the most recent 
3 years.
    (B) Major escapement. Report any major escapement or suspected major 
escapement within 24 hours of the event. Major escapement is defined as 
the escape, within a 24-hour period, of 10 percent of the fish from a 
single approved aquaculture system (e.g., one cage or one net pen) or 5 
percent or more of the fish from all approved aquaculture systems 
combined, or the escape, within any 30-day period, of 10 percent or more 
of the fish from all approved aquaculture systems combined. The report 
must include the items in paragraphs (a)(1)(i)(B)(1) through (6) of this 
section and may be submitted electronically via the Web site. If no 
major escapement occurs during a given year, an annual report must be 
submitted via the Web site on or before January 31 each year indicating 
no major escapement occurred.
    (1) Gulf aquaculture permit number;
    (2) Name and phone number of a contact person;
    (3) Duration and specific location of escapement, including the 
number of cages or net pens involved;
    (4) Cause(s) of escapement;
    (5) Number, size, and percent of fish, by species, that escaped; and
    (6) Actions being taken to address the escapement.
    (C) Pathogens. Report, within 24 hours of diagnosis, all findings or 
suspected findings of any OIE-reportable pathogen episodes or pathogens 
that are identified as reportable pathogens in the NAAHP, as implemented 
by the USDA and U.S. Departments of Commerce and Interior, that are 
known to infect the cultured species. The report must include the items 
in paragraphs (a)(1)(i)(C)(1) through (6) of this section and may be 
submitted electronically via the Web site. If no finding or suspected 
finding of an OIE-reportable pathogen episode occurs during a given 
year, an annual report must be submitted via the Web site on or before 
January 31 each year indicating no finding or suspected finding of an 
OIE-reportable pathogen episode occurred. See Sec. 622.108(a)(1) 
regarding actions NMFS may take to address a pathogen episode.
    (1) OIE-reportable pathogen;
    (2) Percent of cultured animals infected;
    (3) Findings of the aquatic animal health expert;
    (4) Plans for submission of specimens for confirmatory testing (as 
required by the USDA);
    (5) Testing results (when available); and
    (6) Actions being taken to address the reportable pathogen episode.
    (D) Harvest notification. Report the time, date, and weight of fish 
to be harvested from an aquaculture facility at least 72 hours prior to 
harvest. This information may be submitted electronically via the Web 
site or via phone.
    (E) Landing information. Report the intended time, date, and port of 
landing for any vessel landing fish harvested from an aquaculture 
facility at least 72 hours prior to landing. This information may be 
submitted electronically via the Web site or via phone. The person 
landing the cultured animals must validate the dealer transaction report 
required in paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this section by entering the unique 
PIN number of the Gulf aquaculture permit holder from whom the fish were 
received when the transaction report is submitted.
    (F) Change of hatchery. Report any change in hatcheries used for 
obtaining fingerlings or other juvenile animals and provide updated 
names and addresses or specific locations (if no address is available) 
for the applicable hatcheries no later than 30 days after

[[Page 319]]

any such change occurs. This information may be submitted electronically 
via the Web site.
    (G) Entanglements or interactions with marine mammals, endangered 
species, or migratory birds. Report any entanglement or interaction with 
marine mammals, endangered species, or migratory birds within 24 hours 
of the event. The report must include the items included in paragraphs 
(a)(1)(i)(G)(1) through (5) of this section and may be submitted 
electronically via the Web site. If no entanglement or interaction with 
marine mammals, endangered species, or migratory birds occurs during a 
given year, an annual report must be submitted via the Web site on or 
before January 31 each year indicating no entanglement or interaction 
occurred.
    (1) Date, time, and location of entanglement or interaction.
    (2) Species entangled or involved in interactions and number of 
individuals affected;
    (3) Number of mortalities and acute injuries observed;
    (4) Cause of entanglement or interaction; and
    (5) Actions being taken to prevent future entanglements or 
interactions.
    (H) Feed invoices. The permittee must keep the original purchase 
invoices for feed or copies of purchase invoices for feed, make them 
available to NMFS or an authorized officer upon request, and be 
maintained for a period of 3 years.
    (I) Any other reporting requirements specified by the RA for 
evaluating and assessing the environmental impacts of an aquaculture 
operation.
    (ii) Other reporting requirements. In addition to the reporting 
requirements in paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this section, an aquaculture 
facility owner or operator must comply with the following reporting 
requirements:
    (A) Provide NMFS with current copies of all valid state and Federal 
permits (e.g., ACOE Section 10 permit, EPA NPDES permit) required for 
conducting offshore aquaculture and report any changes applicable to 
those permits.
    (B) Provide NMFS with current copies of all valid state and Federal 
aquaculture permits for each hatchery from which fingerlings or other 
juvenile animals are obtained and report any changes applicable to those 
permits within 30 days.
    (iii) Recordkeeping requirements. An aquaculture facility owner or 
operator must comply with the following recordkeeping requirements:
    (A) Maintain for the most recent 3 years and make available to NMFS 
or an authorized officer, upon request, monitoring reports related to 
aquaculture activities required by all other state and Federal permits 
(e.g., EPA NPDES permit) required for conducting offshore aquaculture.
    (B) Maintain records of all sales of fish for the most recent 3 
years and make that information available to NMFS or an authorized 
officer upon request. Sale records must include the species and quantity 
of fish sold in pounds round weight; estimated average weight of fish 
sold to the nearest tenth of a pound by species; date sold; and the name 
of the entity to whom fish were sold.
    (2) Aquaculture dealer recordkeeping and reporting requirements. A 
dealer who purchases fish from an aquaculture facility in the Gulf EEZ 
must:
    (i) Complete a landing transaction report for each landing and sale 
of cultured animals via the Web site at the time of the transaction in 
accordance with reporting form and instructions provided on the Web 
site. This report includes date, time, and location of transaction; 
information necessary to identify the Gulf aquaculture permit holder, 
vessel, and dealer involved in the transaction; quantity, in pounds 
round weight, and estimated average weight of each species landed to the 
nearest tenth of a pound; and average price paid for cultured animals 
landed and sold by market category. A dealer must maintain such record 
for at least 3 years after the receipt date and must make such record 
available for inspection upon request to NMFS or an authorized officer.
    (ii) After the dealer submits the report and the information has 
been verified, the Web site will send a transaction approval code to the 
dealer and the aquaculture permit holder.
    (b) [Reserved]

[[Page 320]]



Sec. 622.103  Aquaculture facilities.

    (a) Siting requirements and conditions. (1) No aquaculture facility 
may be sited in the Gulf EEZ within a marine protected area, marine 
reserve, Habitat Area of Particular Concern, Special Management Zone, 
permitted artificial reef area specified in this part or a coral area as 
defined in Sec. 622.2.
    (2) No aquaculture facility may be sited within 1.6 nautical miles 
(3 km) of another aquaculture facility and all structures associated 
with the facility must remain within the sited boundaries.
    (3) To allow fallowing and rotation of approved aquaculture systems 
within a site permitted by the ACOE and approved by NMFS, the permitted 
site for the aquaculture facility must be at least twice as large as the 
combined area of the aquaculture systems.
    (4) The RA will evaluate siting criteria for proposed offshore 
aquaculture operations on a case-by-case basis. Criteria considered by 
the RA during case-by-case review include data, analyses, and results of 
the required baseline environmental survey as specified in Sec. 
622.101(a)(2)(v); depth of the site; the frequency of harmful algal 
blooms or hypoxia at the proposed site; marine mammal migratory 
pathways; the location of the site relative to commercial and 
recreational fishing grounds and important natural fishery habitats 
(e.g., seagrasses). The RA may deny use of a proposed aquaculture site 
based on a determination by the RA that such a site poses significant 
risks to wild fish stocks, essential fish habitat, endangered or 
threatened species, marine mammals, will result in user conflicts with 
commercial or recreational fishermen or other marine resource users, 
will result in user conflicts with the OCS energy program, the depth of 
the site is not sufficient for the approved aquaculture system, 
substrate and currents at the site will inhibit the dispersal of wastes 
and effluents, the site is prone to low dissolved oxygen or harmful 
algal blooms, or other grounds inconsistent with FMP objectives or 
applicable Federal laws. The information used for siting a facility with 
regard to proximity to commercial and recreational fishing grounds 
includes electronic logbooks from the shrimp fishery, logbook reported 
fishing locations, siting information from previously proposed or 
permitted aquaculture facilities, and other data that would provide 
information regarding how the site would interact with other fisheries. 
The RA's determination will be based on consultations with appropriate 
NMFS and NOAA offices and programs, public comment, as well as siting 
and other information submitted by the permit applicant. If a proposed 
site is denied, the RA will deny the Gulf Aquaculture Permit and provide 
this determination as required by Sec. 622.101(d)(2)(ii).
    (b) [Reserved]



Sec. 622.104  Restricted access zones.

    (a) Establishment of restricted access zones. NMFS will establish a 
restricted access zone for each aquaculture facility. The boundaries of 
the restricted access zone will correspond with the coordinates listed 
on the approved ACOE Section 10 permit associated with the aquaculture 
facility.
    (b) Prohibited activities within a restricted access zone. No 
recreational fishing or commercial fishing, other than aquaculture, may 
occur in the restricted access zone. No fishing vessel may operate in or 
transit through the restricted access zone unless the vessel has on 
board a copy of the aquaculture facility's permit with an original 
signature, i.e., not a copy of the signature, of the permittee.
    (c) Marking requirement. The permittee must mark the restricted 
access zone with a floating device such as a buoy at each corner of the 
zone, as authorized by the USCG. Each floating device must clearly 
display the aquaculture facility's permit number and the words 
``RESTRICTED ACCESS'' in block characters at least 6 inches (15.2 cm) in 
height and in a color that contrasts with the color of the floating 
device.



Sec. 622.105  Allowable aquaculture systems and species.

    (a) Allowable aquaculture systems. The RA will evaluate each 
proposed aquaculture system on a case-by-case basis and approve or deny 
use of the proposed system for offshore marine aquaculture in the Gulf 
EEZ. Proposed

[[Page 321]]

aquaculture systems may consist of cages, net pens, enclosures or other 
structures and gear which are used to culture marine species. The RA 
will evaluate the structural integrity of a proposed aquaculture system 
based, in part, on the required documentation (e.g., engineering 
analyses, computer and physical oceanographic model results) submitted 
by the applicant to assess the ability of the aquaculture system(s) 
(including moorings) to withstand physical stresses associated with 
major storm events, e.g. hurricanes, storm surge. The RA also will 
evaluate the proposed aquaculture system and its operations based on the 
potential to pose significant risks to essential fish habitat, 
endangered or threatened species, marine mammals, wild fish stocks, 
public health, or safety. The RA may deny use of a proposed aquaculture 
system or specify conditions for using an aquaculture system based on a 
determination of such significant risks. The RA's evaluation will be 
based on information provided by the applicant as well as consultations 
with appropriate NMFS and NOAA offices and programs. If the RA denies 
use of a proposed aquaculture system or specifies conditions for its 
use, the RA will deny the Gulf Aquaculture Permit and provide this 
determination as required by Sec. 622.101(d)(2)(ii).
    (b) Allowable aquaculture species. Only the following federally 
managed species that are native to the Gulf and are not genetically 
engineered or transgenic, may be cultured in an aquaculture facility in 
the Gulf EEZ:
    (1) Species of coastal migratory pelagic fish, as defined in Sec. 
622.2.
    (2) Species of Gulf reef fish, as listed in appendix A to this part.
    (3) Red drum, Sciaenops ocellatus.
    (4) Spiny lobster, Panulirus argus.



Sec. 622.106  Aquaculture operations.

    (a) Operational requirements and restrictions. An owner or operator 
of an aquaculture facility for which a Gulf aquaculture permit has been 
issued must comply with the following operational requirements and 
restrictions.
    (1) Minimum start-up requirement. At least 25 percent of aquaculture 
systems approved for use at a specific aquaculture facility at the time 
of permit issuance must be placed in the water at the permitted 
aquaculture site within 2 years of issuance of the Gulf aquaculture 
permit, and allowable species for aquaculture must be placed in the 
aquaculture system(s) within 3 years of issuance of the permit. Failure 
to comply with these requirements will be grounds for revocation of the 
permit. A permittee may request a 1-year extension to the above time 
schedules in the event of a catastrophe (e.g., hurricane). Requests must 
be made in writing and submitted to the RA. The RA will approve or deny 
the request after determining if catastrophic conditions directly caused 
or significantly contributed to the permittee's failure to meet the 
required time schedules. The RA will provide the determination and the 
basis for it, in writing, to the permittee.
    (2) Marking requirement. The permittee must maintain a minimum of 
one properly functioning electronic locating device (e.g., GPS device, 
pinger with radio signal) on each approved aquaculture system placed in 
the water at the aquaculture facility.
    (3) Restriction on allowable hatcheries. A permittee may only obtain 
juvenile animals for grow-out at an aquaculture facility from a hatchery 
located in the U.S.
    (4) Hatchery certifications. (i) The permittee must obtain and 
submit to NMFS a signed certification from the owner(s) of the hatchery, 
from which fingerlings or other juvenile animals are obtained, 
indicating the broodstock have been individually marked or tagged (e.g., 
via a Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT), coded wire, dart, or 
internal anchor tag) to allow for identification of those individuals 
used in spawning.
    (ii) The permittee also must obtain and submit to NMFS signed 
certification from the owner(s) of the hatchery indicating that fin 
clips or other genetic materials were collected and submitted for each 
individual brood animal in accordance with procedures specified by NMFS.
    (iii) The certifications required in paragraphs (a)(4)(i) and (ii) 
of this section must be provided to NMFS by the

[[Page 322]]

permittee each time broodstock are acquired by the hatchery or used for 
spawning.
    (5) Health certification. Prior to stocking fish in an approved 
aquaculture system at an aquaculture facility in the Gulf EEZ, the 
permittee must provide NMFS a copy of a health certificate (suggested 
form is USDA/Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) VS 17-
141, OMB 0579-0278) signed by an aquatic animal health expert, as 
defined in Sec. 622.101(a)(2)(xv), certifying that the fish have been 
inspected and are visibly healthy and the source population is test 
negative for OIE pathogens specific to the cultured species and 
pathogens identified as reportable pathogens in the NAAHP as implemented 
by the USDA and U.S. Departments of Commerce and Interior.
    (6) Use of drugs and other chemicals or agents. Use of drugs, 
pesticides, and biologics must comply with all applicable Food and Drug 
Administration (FDA), EPA, and USDA requirements (e.g., Federal, Food, 
Drug and Cosmetic Act, 21 U.S.C. 301 et seq.; Clean Water Act, 40 CFR 
part 122; 9 CFR parts 101 through 124; 21 CFR parts 500 through 599; and 
40 CFR parts 150 through 189).
    (7) Feed practices and monitoring. The permittee must conduct feed 
monitoring and management practices in compliance with EPA regulations 
at 40 CFR 451.21, if applicable to the facility.
    (8) Monitoring and reporting compliance. The permittee must monitor 
and report the environmental survey parameters at the aquaculture 
facility consistent with NMFS' guidelines that will be available on the 
Web site and from the RA upon request. The permittee also must comply 
with all applicable monitoring and reporting requirements specified in 
their valid ACOE Section 10 permit and valid EPA NPDES permit.
    (9) Inspection for protected species. The permittee must regularly 
inspect approved aquaculture systems, including mooring and anchor 
lines, for entanglements or interactions with marine mammals, protected 
species, and migratory birds. The frequency of inspections will be 
specified by NMFS as a condition of the permit. If entanglements or 
interactions are observed, they must be reported as specified in Sec. 
622.102(a)(1)(i)(G).
    (10) Fishing gear stowage requirement. Any vessel transporting 
cultured animals to or from an aquaculture facility must stow fishing 
gear as follows:
    (i) A longline may be left on the drum if all gangions and hooks are 
disconnected and stowed below deck. Hooks cannot be baited. All buoys 
must be disconnected from the gear; however, buoys may remain on deck.
    (ii) A trawl net may remain on deck, but trawl doors must be 
disconnected from the trawl gear and must be secured.
    (iii) A gillnet must be left on the drum. Any additional gillnets 
not attached to the drum must be stowed below deck.
    (iv) A rod and reel must be removed from the rod holder and stowed 
securely on or below deck. Terminal gear (i.e., hook, leader, sinker, 
flasher, or bait) must be disconnected and stowed separately from the 
rod and reel. Sinkers must be disconnected from the down rigger and 
stowed separately.
    (v) All other fishing gear must be stored below deck or in an area 
where it is not normally used or readily available for fishing.
    (11) Prohibition of possession of wild fish in restricted access 
zone. Except for broodstock, authorized pursuant to paragraph (a)(16) of 
this section, possession of any wild fish at or within the boundaries of 
an aquaculture facility's restricted access zone is prohibited.
    (12) Prohibition of possession of wild fish aboard vessels, 
vehicles, or aircraft associated with aquaculture operations. Possession 
and transport of any wild fish aboard an aquaculture operation's 
transport or service vessels, vehicles, or aircraft is prohibited while 
engaged in aquaculture related activities, except when harvesting 
broodstock as authorized by NMFS.
    (13) Maintaining fish intact prior to landing. Cultured finfish must 
be maintained whole with heads and fins intact until landed on shore. 
Such fish may be eviscerated, gilled, and scaled, but must otherwise be 
maintained in a whole condition. Spiny lobster must be maintained whole 
with the tail intact until landed on shore.

[[Page 323]]

    (14) Restriction on offloading. For the purpose of this paragraph, 
offload means to remove cultured animals from a vessel following harvest 
from an offshore aquaculture facility. Cultured animals may only be 
offloaded between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., local time.
    (15) Bill of lading requirement. Any cultured animals harvested from 
an aquaculture facility and being transported must be accompanied by the 
applicable bill of lading through landing ashore and the first point of 
sale. The bill of lading must include species name, quantity in numbers 
or pounds by species, date and location of landing, Gulf aquaculture 
permit number of the aquaculture facility from which the fish were 
harvested, and name and address of purchaser.
    (16) Request to harvest broodstock. (i) At least 30 days prior to 
each time a permittee or their designee intends to harvest broodstock 
from the Gulf, including from state waters, that would be used to 
produce juvenile fish for an aquaculture facility in the Gulf EEZ, the 
permittee must submit a request to the RA via the Web site using a Web-
based form. The information submitted on the form must include the 
number, species, and size of fish to be harvested; methods, gear, and 
vessels (including USCG documentation or state registration number) to 
be used for capturing, holding, and transporting broodstock; date and 
specific location of intended harvest; and the location to which 
broodstock would be delivered.
    (ii) Allowable methods or gear used for broodstock capture in the 
EEZ include those identified for each respective fishery in Sec. 
600.725, except red drum, which may be harvested only with handline or 
rod and reel.
    (iii) The RA may deny or modify a request for broodstock harvest if 
allowable methods or gear are not proposed for use, the number of fish 
harvested for broodstock is more than necessary for purposes of spawning 
and rearing activities, or the harvest will be inconsistent with FMP 
objectives or other Federal laws. If a broodstock collection request is 
denied or modified, the RA will provide the determination and the basis 
for it, in writing to the permittee. If a broodstock collection request 
is approved, the permittee must submit a report to the RA including the 
number and species of broodstock harvested, their size (length and 
weight), and the geographic location where the broodstock were captured. 
The report must be submitted on a Web-based form available on the Web 
site no later than 15 days after the date of harvest.
    (iv) Notwithstanding the requirements in Sec. 622.106(a)(16), all 
proposed harvest of broodstock from state waters also must comply with 
all state laws applicable to the harvest of such species.
    (17) Authorized access to aquaculture facilities. A permittee must 
provide NMFS employees and authorized officers access to an aquaculture 
facility to conduct inspections or sampling necessary to determine 
compliance with the applicable regulations relating to aquaculture in 
the Gulf EEZ. In conducting the inspections, NMFS may enter into 
cooperative agreements with States, may delegate the inspection 
authority to any State, or may contract with any non-Federal Government 
entities. As a condition of the permit, NMFS may also require the 
permittee to contract a non-Federal Government third party approved by 
the RA if the RA agrees to accept the third party inspection results. 
The non-Federal Government third party may not be the same entity as the 
permittee.
    (b) [Reserved]



Sec. 622.107  Limitation on aquaculture production.

    No individual, corporation, or other entity will be authorized to 
produce more than 12.8 million lb (5.8 million kg), round weight, of 
cultured species annually from permitted aquaculture facilities in the 
Gulf EEZ. Production of juvenile fish by a hatchery in the Gulf EEZ will 
not be counted toward this limitation because those fish would be 
accounted for subsequently via reported harvest at the aquaculture 
facility where grow out occurs.



Sec. 622.108  Remedial actions.

    (a) Potential remedial actions by NMFS. In addition to potential 
permit sanctions and denials in accordance with subpart D of 15 CFR part 
904, NMFS

[[Page 324]]

may take the following actions, as warranted, to avoid or mitigate 
adverse impacts associated with aquaculture in the Gulf EEZ.
    (1) Actions to address pathogen episodes. NMFS, in cooperation with 
USDA's APHIS, may order movement restrictions and/or the removal of all 
cultured animals from an approved aquaculture system upon confirmation 
by a USDA's APHIS reference laboratory that an OIE-reportable pathogen, 
or additional pathogens that are subsequently identified as reportable 
pathogens in the NAAHP exists and USDA's APHIS and NMFS determine the 
pathogen poses a significant threat to the health of wild or cultured 
aquatic organisms.
    (2) Actions to address genetic issues. NMFS may sample cultured 
animals to determine genetic lineage and, upon a determination that 
genetically engineered or transgenic animals were used or possessed at 
an aquaculture facility, will order the removal of all cultured animals 
of the species for which such determination was made. In conducting the 
genetic testing to determine that all broodstock or progeny of such 
broodstock will be or were originally harvested from U.S. waters of the 
Gulf, will be or were from the same population or sub-population that 
occurs where the facility is located, and that juveniles stocked in 
offshore aquaculture systems are the progeny of wild broodstock, or 
other genetic testing necessary to carry out the requirements of the 
FMP, NMFS may enter into cooperative agreements with States, may 
delegate the testing authority to any State, or may contract with any 
non-Federal Government entities. As a condition of the permit, NMFS may 
also require the permittee to contract a non-Federal Government third 
party approved by the RA if the RA agrees to accept the third party 
testing results. The non-Federal Government third party may not be the 
same entity as the permittee.
    (b) [Reserved]



Sec. 622.109  Adjustment of management measures.

    In accordance with the framework procedures of the FMP for 
Regulating Offshore Marine Aquaculture in the Gulf of Mexico, the RA may 
establish or modify the items in paragraph (a) of this section for 
offshore marine aquaculture.
    (a) For the entire aquaculture fishery: MSY, OY, permit application 
requirements, operational requirements and restrictions, including 
monitoring requirements, aquaculture system requirements, siting 
requirements for aquaculture facilities, and recordkeeping and reporting 
requirements.
    (b) [Reserved]

Subparts G-H [Reserved]



     Subpart I_Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region



Sec. 622.170  Permits and endorsements.

    (a) Commercial vessel permits--(1) South Atlantic snapper-grouper. 
For a person aboard a vessel to be eligible for exemption from the bag 
limits for South Atlantic snapper-grouper in or from the South Atlantic 
EEZ, to sell South Atlantic snapper-grouper in or from the South 
Atlantic EEZ, to engage in the directed fishery for golden tilefish in 
the South Atlantic EEZ, to use a longline to fish for South Atlantic 
snapper-grouper in the South Atlantic EEZ, or to use a sea bass pot in 
the South Atlantic EEZ between 35[deg]15.19[min] N. lat. (due east of 
Cape Hatteras Light, NC) and 28[deg]35.1[min] N. lat. (due east of the 
NASA Vehicle Assembly Building, Cape Canaveral, FL), either a commercial 
vessel permit for South Atlantic Unlimited Snapper-Grouper Permit or a 
trip-limited permit for South Atlantic snapper-grouper must have been 
issued to the vessel and must be on board. A vessel with a trip-limited 
commercial permit is limited on any trip to 225 lb (102.1 kg) of 
snapper-grouper. See Sec. 622.171 for limitations on the use, transfer, 
and renewal of a commercial vessel permit for South Atlantic snapper-
grouper.
    (2) Wreckfish. For a person aboard a vessel to be eligible for 
exemption from the bag limit for wreckfish in or from the South Atlantic 
EEZ, to fish under a quota for wreckfish in or from the South Atlantic 
EEZ, or to sell

[[Page 325]]

wreckfish in or from the South Atlantic EEZ, a commercial vessel permit 
for wreckfish and a commercial permit for South Atlantic snapper-grouper 
must have been issued to the vessel and must be on board. To obtain a 
commercial vessel permit for wreckfish, the applicant must be a 
wreckfish shareholder; and either the shareholder must be the vessel 
owner or the owner or operator must be an employee, contractor, or agent 
of the shareholder. (See Sec. 622.172 for information on wreckfish 
shareholders.)
    (b) Charter vessel/headboat permits--(1) South Atlantic snapper-
grouper. For a person aboard a vessel that is operating as a charter 
vessel or headboat to fish for or possess, in or from the EEZ, South 
Atlantic snapper-grouper, a valid charter vessel/headboat permit for 
South Atlantic snapper-grouper must have been issued to the vessel and 
must be on board. A charter vessel or headboat may have both a charter 
vessel/headboat permit and a commercial vessel permit. However, when a 
vessel is operating as a charter vessel or headboat, a person aboard 
must adhere to the bag limits. See the definitions of ``Charter vessel'' 
and ``Headboat'' in Sec. 622.2 for an explanation of when vessels are 
considered to be operating as a charter vessel or headboat, 
respectively.
    (2) [Reserved]
    (c) Dealer permits and conditions--(1) Permits. For a dealer to 
first receive South Atlantic snapper-grouper (including wreckfish) 
harvested in or from the EEZ, a Gulf and South Atlantic dealer permit 
must be issued to the dealer.
    (2) State license and facility requirements. To obtain a dealer 
permit or endorsement, the applicant must have a valid state 
wholesaler's license in the state(s) where the dealer operates, if 
required by such state(s), and must have a physical facility at a fixed 
location in such state(s).
    (d) Permit procedures. See Sec. 622.4 for information regarding 
general permit procedures including, but not limited to application, 
fees, duration, transfer, renewal, display, sanctions and denials, and 
replacement.
    (e) South Atlantic black sea bass pot endorsement. For a person 
aboard a vessel, for which a valid commercial vessel permit for South 
Atlantic snapper-grouper unlimited has been issued, to use a black sea 
bass pot in the South Atlantic EEZ, a valid South Atlantic black sea 
bass pot endorsement must have been issued to the vessel and must be on 
board. A permit or endorsement that has expired is not valid. This 
endorsement must be renewed annually and may only be renewed if the 
associated vessel has a valid commercial vessel permit for South 
Atlantic snapper-grouper unlimited or if the endorsement and associated 
permit are being concurrently renewed. The RA will not reissue this 
endorsement if the endorsement is revoked or if the RA does not receive 
a complete application for renewal of the endorsement within 1 year 
after the endorsement's expiration date.
    (1) Initial eligibility. To be eligible for an initial South 
Atlantic black sea bass pot endorsement, a person must have been issued 
and must possess a valid or renewable commercial vessel permit for South 
Atlantic snapper-grouper that has black sea bass landings using black 
sea bass pot gear averaging at least 2,500 lb (1,134 kg), round weight, 
annually during the period January 1, 1999 through December 31, 2010. 
Excluded from this eligibility, are trip-limited permits (South Atlantic 
snapper-grouper permits that have a 225-lb (102.1-kg) limit of snapper-
grouper) and valid or renewable commercial vessel permits for South 
Atlantic snapper-grouper unlimited that have no reported landings of 
black sea bass using black sea bass pots from January 1, 2008, through 
December 31, 2010. NMFS will attribute all applicable black sea bass 
landings associated with a current snapper-grouper permit for the 
applicable landings history, including those reported by a person(s) who 
held the permit prior to the current permit owner, to the current permit 
owner. Only legal landings reported in compliance with applicable state 
and Federal regulations are acceptable.
    (2) Initial issuance. On or about June 1, 2012, the RA will mail 
each eligible permittee a black sea bass pot endorsement via certified 
mail, return receipt requested, to the permittee's address of record as 
listed in NMFS' permit files.

[[Page 326]]

An eligible permittee who does not receive an endorsement from the RA, 
must contact the RA no later than July 1, 2012, to clarify his/her 
endorsement status. A permittee denied an endorsement based on the RA's 
initial determination of eligibility and who disagrees with that 
determination may appeal to the RA.
    (3) Procedure for appealing black sea bass pot endorsement 
eligibility and/or landings information. The only items subject to 
appeal are initial eligibility for a black sea bass pot endorsement 
based on ownership of a qualifying snapper-grouper permit, the accuracy 
of the amount of landings, and correct assignment of landings to the 
permittee. Appeals based on hardship factors will not be considered. 
Appeals must be submitted to the RA postmarked no later than October 1, 
2012, and must contain documentation supporting the basis for the 
appeal. The RA will review all appeals, render final decisions on the 
appeals, and advise the appellant of the final NMFS decision.
    (i) Eligibility appeals. NMFS' records of snapper-grouper permits 
are the sole basis for determining ownership of such permits. A person 
who believes he/she meets the permit eligibility criteria based on 
ownership of a vessel under a different name, for example, as a result 
of ownership changes from individual to corporate or vice versa, must 
document his/her continuity of ownership.
    (ii) Landings appeals. Determinations of appeals regarding landings 
data for 1999 through 2010 will be based on NMFS' logbook records. If 
NMFS' logbooks are not available, the RA may use state landings records 
or data for the period 1999 through 2010 that were submitted in 
compliance with applicable Federal and state regulations on or before 
December 31, 2011.
    (4) Transferability. A valid or renewable black sea bass pot 
endorsement may be transferred between any two entities that hold, or 
simultaneously obtain, a valid South Atlantic snapper-grouper unlimited 
permit. Endorsements may be transferred independently from the South 
Atlantic snapper-grouper unlimited permit. NMFS will attribute black sea 
bass landings to the associated South Atlantic snapper-grouper unlimited 
permit regardless of whether the landings occurred before or after the 
endorsement was issued. Only legal landings reported in compliance with 
applicable state and Federal regulations are acceptable.
    (5) Fees. No fee applies to initial issuance of a black sea bass pot 
endorsement. NMFS charges a fee for each renewal or replacement of such 
endorsement and calculates the amount of each fee in accordance with the 
procedures of the NOAA Finance Handbook for determining the 
administrative costs of each special product or service. The fee may not 
exceed such costs and is specified with each application form. The 
handbook is available from the RA. The appropriate fee must accompany 
each application for renewal or replacement.
    (f) South Atlantic golden tilefish longline endorsement. For a 
person aboard a vessel, for which a valid commercial vessel permit for 
South Atlantic snapper-grouper unlimited has been issued, to fish for or 
possess golden tilefish in the South Atlantic EEZ using longline gear, a 
South Atlantic golden tilefish longline endorsement must have been 
issued to the vessel and must be on board. A permit or endorsement that 
has expired is not valid. This endorsement must be renewed annually and 
may only be renewed if the associated vessel has a valid commercial 
vessel permit for South Atlantic snapper-grouper unlimited or if the 
endorsement and associated permit are being concurrently renewed. The RA 
will not reissue this endorsement if the endorsement is revoked or if 
the RA does not receive a complete application for renewal of the 
endorsement within 1 year after the endorsement's expiration date.
    (1) Initial eligibility. To be eligible for an initial South 
Atlantic golden tilefish longline endorsement, a person must have been 
issued and must possess a valid or renewable commercial vessel permit 
for South Atlantic snapper-grouper that has golden tilefish landings 
using longline gear averaging at least 5,000 lb (2,268 kg), gutted 
weight, over the best 3 years within the period 2006-2011. NMFS will 
attribute all applicable golden tilefish landings

[[Page 327]]

associated with a current South Atlantic snapper-grouper permit for the 
applicable landings history, to the current permit owner, including 
golden tilefish landings reported by a person(s) who held the permit 
prior to the current permit owner. Only legal landings reported in 
compliance with applicable state and Federal regulations are acceptable.
    (2) Initial issuance. On or about April 23, 2013, the RA will mail 
each eligible permittee a golden tilefish longline endorsement via 
certified mail, return receipt requested, to the permittee's address of 
record as listed in NMFS' permit files. An eligible permittee who does 
not receive an endorsement from the RA, must contact the RA no later 
than May 23, 2013, to clarify his/her endorsement status. A permittee 
who is denied an endorsement based on the RA's initial determination of 
eligibility and who disagrees with that determination may appeal to the 
RA.
    (3) Procedure for appealing golden tilefish longline endorsement 
eligibility and/or landings information. The only items subject to 
appeal are initial eligibility for a golden tilefish longline 
endorsement based on ownership of a qualifying snapper-grouper permit, 
the accuracy of the amount of landings, and the correct assignment of 
landings to the permittee. Appeals based on hardship factors will not be 
considered. Appeals must be submitted to the RA postmarked no later than 
August 21, 2013, and must contain documentation supporting the basis for 
the appeal. The National Appeals Office will review, evaluate, and 
render recommendations on appeals to the RA. The RA will then review 
each appeal, render a final decision on each appeal, and advise the 
appellant of the final NMFS decision.
    (i) Eligibility appeals. NMFS' records of snapper-grouper permits 
are the sole basis for determining ownership of such permits. A person 
who believes he/she meets the permit eligibility criteria based on 
ownership of a vessel under a different name, for example, as a result 
of ownership changes from individual to corporate or vice versa, must 
document his or her continuity of ownership and must submit that 
information with their appeal.
    (ii) Landings appeals. Determinations of appeals regarding landings 
data for 2006 through 2011 will be based on NMFS' logbook records, 
submitted on or before October 31, 2012. If NMFS' logbooks are not 
available, the RA may use state landings records or data for the period 
2006 through 2011 that were submitted in compliance with applicable 
Federal and state regulations on or before October 31, 2012.
    (4) Transferability. A valid or renewable golden tilefish 
endorsement may be transferred between any two entities that hold, or 
simultaneously obtain, a valid South Atlantic snapper-grouper unlimited 
permit. An endorsement may be transferred independently from the South 
Atlantic snapper-grouper unlimited permit. NMFS will attribute golden 
tilefish landings to the associated South Atlantic Unlimited Snapper-
Grouper Permit regardless of whether the landings occurred before or 
after the endorsement was issued. Only legal landings reported in 
compliance with applicable state and Federal regulations are acceptable.
    (5) Fees. No fee applies to the initial issuance of a golden 
tilefish longline endorsement. NMFS charges a fee for each renewal or 
replacement or transfer of such endorsement and calculates the amount of 
each fee in accordance with the procedures of the NOAA Finance Handbook 
for determining the administrative costs of each special product or 
service. The handbook is available from the RA. The appropriate fee must 
accompany each application for renewal or replacement or transfer.

[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 78 FR 23862, Apr. 23, 2013; 
79 FR 19495, Apr. 9, 2014]



Sec. 622.171  South Atlantic snapper-grouper limited access.

    (a) General. The only valid commercial vessel permits for South 
Atlantic snapper-grouper are those that have been issued under the 
limited access criteria specified in the Fishery Management Plan for the 
Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region. A commercial 
vessel permit for South Atlantic snapper-grouper is either a 
transferable commercial permit or a trip-limited commercial permit.

[[Page 328]]

    (b) Transfers of permits. A snapper-grouper limited access permit is 
valid only for the vessel and owner named on the permit. To change 
either the vessel or the owner, an application for transfer must be 
submitted to the RA.
    (1) Transferable permits. (i) An owner of a vessel with a 
transferable permit may request that the RA transfer the permit to 
another vessel owned by the same entity.
    (ii) A transferable permit may be transferred upon a change of 
ownership of a permitted vessel with such permit--
    (A) From one to another of the following: husband, wife, son, 
daughter, brother, sister, mother, or father; or
    (B) From an individual to a corporation whose shares are all held by 
the individual or by the individual and one or more of the following: 
husband, wife, son, daughter, brother, sister, mother, or father. The 
application for transfer of a permit under this paragraph (b)(1)(ii)(B) 
and each application for renewal of such permit must be accompanied by a 
current annual report of the corporation that specifies all shareholders 
of the corporation. A permit will not be renewed if the annual report 
shows a new shareholder other than a husband, wife, son, daughter, 
brother, sister, mother, or father.
    (iii) Except as provided in paragraphs (b)(1)(i) and (ii) of this 
section, a person desiring to acquire a limited access, transferable 
permit for South Atlantic snapper-grouper must obtain and exchange two 
such permits for one new permit.
    (iv) A transfer of a permit that is undertaken under paragraph 
(b)(1)(ii) of this section will constitute a transfer of the vessel's 
entire catch history to the new owner.
    (2) Trip-limited permits. An owner of a vessel with a trip-limited 
permit may request that the RA transfer the permit to another vessel 
owned by the same entity.
    (c) Renewal. NMFS will not reissue a commercial vessel permit for 
South Atlantic snapper-grouper if the permit is revoked or if the RA 
does not receive an application for renewal within one year of the 
permit's expiration date.



Sec. 622.172  Wreckfish individual transferable quota (ITQ) system.

    The provisions of this section apply to wreckfish in or from the 
South Atlantic EEZ.
    (a) General--(1) Percentage shares--(i) Initial ITQ shares. In 
accordance with the procedure specified in the Fishery Management Plan 
for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region, percentage 
shares of the quota for wreckfish were assigned at the beginning of the 
program. Each person was notified by the RA of his or her percentage 
share and shareholder certificate number.
    (ii) Reverted ITQ shares. Any shares determined by NMFS to be 
inactive, will be redistributed proportionately among remaining 
shareholders (subject to cap restrictions) based on shareholder landings 
history. Inactive shares are, for purposes of this section, those shares 
held by ITQ shareholders who have not reported any wreckfish landings 
between April 16, 2006, and January 14, 2011.
    (iii) Percentage share set-aside to accommodate resolution of 
appeals. During the 2012-2013 fishing year, the RA will reserve 1.401 
percent of wreckfish ITQ shares prior to redistributing shares (see 
paragraph (a)(1)(ii) of this section) to accommodate resolution of 
appeals, if necessary. NMFS will distribute any portion of the 1.401-
percent share remaining after the appeals process as soon as possible 
among the remaining shareholders.
    (iv) Procedure for appealing wreckfish quota share status and 
landings information. Appeals must be submitted to the RA postmarked no 
later than January 24, 2013, and must contain documentation supporting 
the basis for the appeal. The only items subject to appeal are the 
status of wreckfish quota shares, as active or inactive, and the 
accuracy of the amount of landings. The RA will review and evaluate all 
appeals, render final decisions on the appeals, and advise the appellant 
of the final decision. Appeals based on hardship factors will not be 
considered. The RA will determine the outcome of appeals based on NMFS' 
logbooks. If NMFS' logbooks are not available, the RA may use state 
landings records. Appellants must submit NMFS' logbooks

[[Page 329]]

or state landings records, as appropriate, to support their appeal.
    (2) Share transfers. All or a portion of a person's percentage 
shares are transferrable. Transfer of shares must be reported on a form 
available from the RA. The RA will confirm, in writing, each transfer of 
shares. The effective date of each transfer is the confirmation date 
provided by the RA. NMFS charges a fee for each transfer of shares and 
calculates the amount in accordance with the procedures of the NOAA 
Finance Handbook. The handbook is available from the RA. The fee may not 
exceed such costs and is specified with each transfer form. The 
appropriate fee must accompany each transfer form.
    (3) ITQ share cap. No person, including a corporation or other 
entity, may individually or collectively hold ITQ shares in excess of 49 
percent of the total shares. For the purposes of considering the share 
cap, a corporation's total ITQ share is determined by adding the 
corporation's ITQ shares to any other ITQ shares the corporation owns in 
another corporation. If an individual ITQ shareholder is also a 
shareholder in a corporation that holds ITQ shares, an individual's 
total ITQ share is determined by adding the applicable ITQ shares held 
by the individual to the applicable ITQ shares equivalent to the 
corporate share the individual holds in a corporation. A corporation 
must provide the RA the identity of the shareholders of the corporation 
and their percent of shares in the corporation, and provide updated 
information to the RA within 30 days of when a change occurs. This 
information must also be provided to the RA any time a commercial vessel 
permit for wreckfish is renewed or transferred.
    (b) List of wreckfish shareholders. Annually, on or about March 1, 
the RA will provide each wreckfish shareholder with a list of all 
wreckfish shareholders and their percentage shares, reflecting share 
transactions on forms received through February 15.
    (c) ITQs. (1) Annually, as soon after March 1 as the TAC for 
wreckfish for the fishing year that commences April 16 is known, the RA 
will calculate each wreckfish shareholder's ITQ. Each ITQ is the product 
of the wreckfish TAC, in round weight, for the ensuing fishing year, the 
factor for converting round weight to eviscerated weight, and each 
wreckfish shareholder's percentage share, reflecting share transactions 
reported on forms received by the RA through February 15. Thus, the ITQs 
will be in terms of eviscerated weight of wreckfish.
    (2) The RA will provide each wreckfish shareholder with ITQ coupons 
in various denominations, the total of which equals his or her ITQ, and 
a copy of the calculations used in determining his or her ITQ. Each 
coupon will be coded to indicate the initial recipient.
    (3) An ITQ coupon may be transferred from one wreckfish shareholder 
to another by completing the sale endorsement thereon (that is, the 
signature and shareholder certificate number of the buyer). An ITQ 
coupon may be possessed only by the shareholder to whom it has been 
issued, or by the shareholder's employee, contractor, or agent, unless 
the ITQ coupon has been transferred to another shareholder. An ITQ 
coupon that has been transferred to another shareholder may be possessed 
only by the shareholder whose signature appears on the coupon as the 
buyer, or by the shareholder's employee, contractor, or agent, and with 
all required sale endorsements properly completed.
    (4) Wreckfish may not be possessed on board a fishing vessel that 
has been issued a commercial vessel permit for South Atlantic snapper-
grouper and a commercial vessel permit for wreckfish--
    (i) In an amount exceeding the total of the ITQ coupons on board the 
vessel; or
    (ii) That does not have on board logbook forms for that fishing 
trip, as required under Sec. 622.176(a)(3)(i).
    (5) Prior to termination of a trip, a signature and date signed must 
be affixed in ink to the ``Fisherman'' part of ITQ coupons in 
denominations equal to the eviscerated weight of the wreckfish on board. 
The ``Fisherman'' part of each such coupon must be separated from the 
coupon and submitted with the logbook forms required by Sec. 
622.176(a)(3)(i) for that fishing trip.

[[Page 330]]

    (6) The ``Fish House'' part of each such coupon must be given to the 
dealer to whom the wreckfish are transferred in amounts totaling the 
eviscerated weight of the wreckfish transferred to that dealer. 
Wreckfish may be transferred only to a Gulf and South Atlantic dealer 
permit holder, as required under Sec. 622.170(c)(1).
    (7) A dealer may first receive wreckfish only from a vessel for 
which a commercial permit for wreckfish has been issued, as required 
under Sec. 622.170(a)(2). A dealer must receive the ``Fish House'' part 
of ITQ coupons in amounts totaling the eviscerated weight of the 
wreckfish received; enter the permit number of the vessel from which the 
wreckfish were received, enter the date the wreckfish were received, 
enter the dealer's permit number, and sign each such ``Fish House'' 
part; and submit all such parts with the electronic dealer reports 
required by Sec. 622.5(c).
    (8) An owner or operator of a vessel and a dealer must make 
available to an authorized officer all ITQ coupons in his or her 
possession upon request.
    (d) Wreckfish limitations. (1) A wreckfish taken in the South 
Atlantic EEZ may not be transferred at sea, regardless of where the 
transfer takes place; and a wreckfish may not be transferred in the 
South Atlantic EEZ.
    (2) A wreckfish possessed by a fisherman or dealer shoreward of the 
outer boundary of the South Atlantic EEZ or in a South Atlantic coastal 
state will be presumed to have been harvested from the South Atlantic 
EEZ unless accompanied by documentation that it was harvested from other 
than the South Atlantic EEZ.
    (3) A wreckfish harvested by a vessel that has been issued a 
commercial vessel permit for South Atlantic snapper-grouper and a 
commercial vessel permit for wreckfish may be offloaded from a fishing 
vessel only between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., local time.
    (4) If a wreckfish harvested by a vessel that has been issued a 
commercial vessel permit for South Atlantic snapper-grouper and a 
commercial vessel permit for wreckfish is to be offloaded at a location 
other than a fixed facility of a dealer who holds a Gulf and South 
Atlantic dealer permit, as required under Sec. 622.170(c)(1), the 
wreckfish shareholder or the vessel operator must advise the NMFS Office 
for Law Enforcement, Southeast Region, St. Petersburg, FL, by telephone 
(727-824-5344), of the location not less than 24 hours prior to 
offloading.

[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 79 FR 19495, Apr. 9, 2014]



Sec. Sec. 622.173-622.175  [Reserved]



Sec. 622.176  Recordkeeping and reporting.

    (a) Commercial vessel owners and operators--(1) General reporting 
requirements. The owner or operator of a vessel for which a commercial 
permit for South Atlantic snapper-grouper has been issued, as required 
under Sec. 622.170(a)(1), or whose vessel fishes for or lands South 
Atlantic snapper-grouper in or from state waters adjoining the South 
Atlantic EEZ, who is selected to report by the SRD must maintain a 
fishing record on a form available from the SRD and must submit such 
record as specified in paragraph (a)(4) of this section.
    (2) Electronic logbook/video monitoring reporting. The owner or 
operator of a vessel for which a commercial permit for South Atlantic 
snapper-grouper has been issued, as required under Sec. 622.170(a)(1), 
who is selected to report by the SRD must participate in the NMFS-
sponsored electronic logbook and/or video monitoring reporting program 
as directed by the SRD. Compliance with the reporting requirements of 
this paragraph (a)(2) is required for permit renewal.
    (3) Wreckfish reporting. The wreckfish shareholder under Sec. 
622.172, or operator of a vessel for which a commercial permit for 
wreckfish has been issued, as required under Sec. 622.170(a)(2), must--
    (i) Maintain a fishing record on a form available from the SRD and 
must submit such record as specified in paragraph (a)(4) of this 
section.
    (ii) Make available to an authorized officer upon request all 
records of commercial offloadings, purchases, or sales of wreckfish.
    (4) Reporting deadlines. Completed fishing records required by this 
paragraph (a) must be submitted to the SRD postmarked not later than 7 
days

[[Page 331]]

after the end of each fishing trip. If no fishing occurred during a 
calendar month, a report so stating must be submitted on one of the 
forms postmarked not later than 7 days after the end of that month. 
Information to be reported is indicated on the form and its accompanying 
instructions.
    (b) Charter vessel/headboat owners and operators--(1) General 
reporting requirement--(i) Charter vessels. The owner or operator of a 
charter vessel for which a charter vessel/headboat permit for South 
Atlantic snapper-grouper has been issued, as required under Sec. 
622.170(b)(1), and whose vessel is operating as a charter vessel, must 
record all fish harvested and discarded, and any other information 
requested by the SRD for each trip, and submit an electronic fishing 
report within the time period specified in paragraph (b)(2)(i) of this 
section. The electronic fishing report must be submitted to the SRD via 
NMFS-approved hardware and software, as specified in paragraph (b)(5) of 
this section. If the owner or operator subject to this paragraph 
(b)(1)(i) has been issued a Federal permit that requires more 
restrictive reporting requirements, as determined by NMFS and posted on 
the NMFS Southeast Region website, reporting under those more 
restrictive regulations will meet the requirements of this paragraph 
(b)(1)(i).
    (ii) Headboats. The owner or operator of a headboat for which a 
charter vessel/headboat permit for South Atlantic snapper-grouper has 
been issued, as required under Sec. 622.170(b)(1), and whose vessel is 
operating as a headboat in state or Federal waters, must record all fish 
harvested and discarded, and any other information requested by the SRD 
for each trip in state or Federal waters, and submit an electronic 
fishing report within the time period specified in paragraph (b)(2)(i) 
of this section. The electronic fishing report must be submitted to the 
SRD via NMFS-approved hardware and software, as specified in paragraph 
(b)(5) of this section.
    (iii) Electronic logbook/video monitoring reporting. The owner or 
operator of a vessel for which a charter vessel/headboat permit for 
South Atlantic snapper-grouper has been issued, as required under Sec. 
622.170(b)(1), and whose vessel fishes for or lands such snapper-grouper 
in or from state or Federal waters, who is selected to report by the SRD 
must participate in the NMFS-sponsored electronic logbook and/or video 
monitoring program as directed by the SRD. Compliance with the reporting 
requirements of paragraph (b)(2)(i) of this section is required for 
permit renewal.
    (2) Reporting deadlines for charter vessels and headboats. (i) 
Completed electronic fishing reports required by paragraph (b)(1) of 
this section must be submitted to the SRD by the Tuesday following each 
previous reporting week of Monday through Sunday, or at shorter 
intervals if notified by the SRD. If no fishing activity as a charter 
vessel or headboat occurred during a reporting week, an electronic 
report so stating must be submitted by the Tuesday following that 
reporting week, or at a shorter interval if notified by the SRD.
    (ii) Completed fishing reports required by paragraph (b)(1)(iii) of 
this section for charter vessels or headboats may be required weekly or 
daily, as directed by the SRD. Information to be reported is indicated 
on the form and its accompanying instructions.
    (3) Catastrophic conditions. During catastrophic conditions only, 
NMFS provides for use of paper forms for basic required functions as a 
backup to the electronic reports required by paragraphs (b)(1)(i) and 
(ii) of this section. The RA will determine when catastrophic conditions 
exist, the duration of the catastrophic conditions, and which 
participants or geographic areas are deemed affected by the catastrophic 
conditions. The RA will provide timely notice to affected participants 
via publication of notification in the Federal Register, and other 
appropriate means such as fishery bulletins or NOAA weather radio, and 
will authorize the affected participants' use of paper forms for the 
duration of the catastrophic conditions. The paper forms will be 
available from NMFS. During catastrophic conditions, the RA has the 
authority to modify or waive reporting time requirements.
    (4) Compliance requirement. Electronic reports required by 
paragraphs (b)(1)(i)

[[Page 332]]

and (ii) of this section must be submitted and received by NMFS 
according to the reporting requirements under this section. A report not 
received within the applicable time specified in paragraph (b)(2)(i) of 
this section is delinquent. A delinquent report results in the owner and 
operator of a charter vessel or headboat for which a charter vessel/
headboat permit for South Atlantic snapper-grouper has been issued being 
prohibited from harvesting or possessing such species automatically, 
with no additional requirement for NMFS to provide notice to the owner 
and operator of their delinquency. The owner and operator who are 
prohibited from harvesting or possessing such species due to delinquent 
reports are authorized to harvest or possess such species only after all 
required and delinquent reports have been submitted and received by NMFS 
according to the reporting requirements under this section.
    (5) Hardware and software requirements for electronic reporting. 
Owners and operators must submit electronic reports using NMFS-approved 
hardware and software as posted on the NMFS Southeast Region website.
    (c) Dealers. (1) A dealer who first receives South Atlantic snapper-
grouper (including wreckfish) must maintain records and submit 
information as specified in Sec. 622.5(c).
    (2) On demand, a dealer who has been issued a Gulf and South 
Atlantic dealer permit, as required under Sec. 622.170(c)(1), must make 
available to an authorized officer all records of offloadings, 
purchases, or sales of South Atlantic snapper-grouper (including 
wreckfish).
    (d) Private recreational vessels in the South Atlantic snapper-
grouper fishery. The owner or operator of a vessel that fishes for or 
lands South Atlantic snapper-grouper in or from the South Atlantic EEZ 
who is selected to report by the SRD must--
    (1) Maintain a fishing record for each trip, or a portion of such 
trips as specified by the SRD, on forms provided by the SRD. Completed 
fishing records must be submitted to the SRD monthly and must either be 
made available to an authorized statistical reporting agent or be 
postmarked not later than 7 days after the end of each month. 
Information to be reported is indicated on the form and its accompanying 
instructions.
    (2) Participate in the NMFS-sponsored electronic logbook and/or 
video monitoring reporting program as directed by the SRD.

[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 78 FR 78781, Dec. 27, 2013; 
79 FR 19495, Apr. 9, 2014; 85 FR 10339, Feb. 24, 2020]



Sec. 622.177  Gear identification.

    (a) Sea bass pots and associated buoys--(1) Sea bass pots. A sea 
bass pot used or possessed in the South Atlantic EEZ between 
35[deg]15.19[min] N. lat. (due east of Cape Hatteras Light, NC) and 
28[deg]35.1[min] N. lat. (due east of the NASA Vehicle Assembly 
Building, Cape Canaveral, FL), or a sea bass pot on board a vessel with 
a commercial permit for South Atlantic snapper-grouper, must have a 
valid identification tag issued by the RA attached.
    (2) Associated buoys. In the South Atlantic EEZ, buoys are not 
required to be used, but, if used, each buoy must display the official 
number and color code assigned by the RA so as to be easily 
distinguished, located, and identified.
    (3) Presumption of ownership. A sea bass pot in the EEZ will be 
presumed to be the property of the most recently documented owner. This 
presumption will not apply with respect to such pots that are lost or 
sold if the owner reports the loss or sale within 15 days to the RA.
    (4) Unmarked sea bass pots or buoys. An unmarked sea bass pot or a 
buoy deployed in the EEZ where such pot or buoy is required to be marked 
is illegal and may be disposed of in any appropriate manner by the 
Assistant Administrator or an authorized officer.
    (b) [Reserved]



Sec. 622.178  At-sea observer coverage.

    (a) Required coverage. (1) A vessel for which a Federal commercial 
vessel permit for South Atlantic snapper-grouper or a charter vessel/
headboat permit for South Atlantic snapper-grouper has been issued must 
carry a NMFS-approved observer, if the vessel's trip is

[[Page 333]]

selected by the SRD for observer coverage. Vessel permit renewal is 
contingent upon compliance with this paragraph (a)(1).
    (2) Any other vessel that fishes for South Atlantic snapper-grouper 
in the South Atlantic EEZ must carry a NMFS-approved observer, if the 
vessel's trip is selected by the SRD for observer coverage.
    (b) Notification to the SRD. When observer coverage is required, an 
owner or operator must advise the SRD in writing not less than 5 days in 
advance of each trip of the following:
    (1) Departure information (port, dock, date, and time).
    (2) Expected landing information (port, dock, and date).
    (c) Observer accommodations and access. An owner or operator of a 
vessel on which a NMFS-approved observer is embarked must:
    (1) Provide accommodations and food that are equivalent to those 
provided to the crew.
    (2) Allow the observer access to and use of the vessel's 
communications equipment and personnel upon request for the transmission 
and receipt of messages related to the observer's duties.
    (3) Allow the observer access to and use of the vessel's navigation 
equipment and personnel upon request to determine the vessel's position.
    (4) Allow the observer free and unobstructed access to the vessel's 
bridge, working decks, holding bins, weight scales, holds, and any other 
space used to hold, process, weigh, or store fish.
    (5) Allow the observer to inspect and copy the vessel's log, 
communications logs, and any records associated with the catch and 
distribution of fish for that trip.



Sec. 622.179  Conservation measures for protected resources.

    (a) South Atlantic snapper-grouper commercial vessels and charter 
vessels/headboats--(1) Sea turtle conservation measures. (i) The owner 
or operator of a vessel for which a commercial vessel permit for South 
Atlantic snapper-grouper or a charter vessel/headboat permit for South 
Atlantic snapper-grouper has been issued, as required under Sec. 
622.170(a)(1) and (b)(1), respectively, and whose vessel has on board 
any hook-and-line gear, must have the 2019 version of the NMFS document 
titled, ``Careful Release Protocols for Sea Turtle Release with Minimal 
Injury'' available for reference on board electronically or have a paper 
copy on board inside the wheelhouse, or within a waterproof case if 
there is no wheelhouse. In addition, the NMFS sea turtle handling and 
release guidelines placard must be posted inside the wheelhouse or an 
easily viewable area on the vessel if there is no wheelhouse.
    (ii) Such owner or operator must also comply with the sea turtle 
interaction mitigation measures, including the release gear and handling 
requirements specified in appendix F of this part.
    (iii) Those permitted vessels with a freeboard height of 4 ft (1.2 
m) or less must have on board a net or hoist, tire or other support 
device, short-handled dehooker(s) for internal and external hooks, long-
nose or needle-nose pliers, bolt cutters, monofilament line cutters, and 
at least two types of mouth openers or mouth gags. This equipment must 
meet the specifications described in appendix F of this part.
    (iv) Those permitted vessels with a freeboard height of greater than 
4 ft (1.2 m) must have on board a net or hoist, tire or other support 
device, long-handled line clipper or cutter, short-handled dehooker(s) 
for internal and external hooks, long-handled dehooker(s) for internal 
and external hooks, a long-handled device to pull an inverted ``V'' in 
the fishing line, long-nose or needle-nose pliers, bolt cutters, 
monofilament line cutters, and at least two types of mouth openers or 
mouth gags. This equipment must meet the specifications described in 
appendix F of this part.
    (2) Smalltooth sawfish conservation measures. The owner or operator 
of a vessel for which a commercial vessel permit for South Atlantic 
snapper-grouper or a charter vessel/headboat permit for South Atlantic 
snapper-grouper has been issued, as required under Sec. Sec. 
622.170(a)(1) and 622.170(b)(1), respectively, that incidentally catches 
a smalltooth sawfish must--
    (i) Keep the sawfish in the water at all times;

[[Page 334]]

    (ii) If it can be done safely, untangle the line if it is wrapped 
around the saw;
    (iii) Cut the line as close to the hook as possible; and
    (iv) Not handle the animal or attempt to remove any hooks on the 
saw, except with a long-handled dehooker.
    (b) Incorporation by reference. The standards required in paragraph 
(a)(1) of this section are incorporated by reference into this section 
with the approval of the Director of the Federal Register under 5 U.S.C. 
552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. All approved material is available for 
inspection at the National Marine Fisheries Service, Southeast Regional 
Office, 263 13th Ave. South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, phone: 727-824-
5301, website: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/southeast/endangered-
species-conservation/sea-turtle-and-smalltooth-sawfish-release-gear-
protocols, and is available from the sources listed in paragraphs (b)(1) 
and (2) of this section. It is also available for inspection at the 
National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on 
the availability of this material at NARA, email [email protected] 
or go to www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
    (1) U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, Southeast Fisheries 
Science Center, 75 Virginia Beach Drive, Miami, FL 33149.
    (i) Careful Release Protocols for Sea Turtle Release with Minimal 
Injury, NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-SEFSC-735, Stokes, L., and 
Bergmann, C. (Editors), 2019.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (2) U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, Southeast Regional 
Office, 263 13th Ave. South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701.
    (i) Sea Turtle Handling/Release Guidelines: Quick Reference for Hook 
and Line Fisheries, English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Revised April 2019.
    (ii) [Reserved]

[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 84 FR 67238, Dec. 9, 2019]



Sec. 622.180  Prohibited gear and methods.

    Also see Sec. 622.9 for additional prohibited gear and methods that 
apply more broadly to multiple fisheries or in some cases all fisheries.
    (a) Poisons. A poison may not be used to fish for South Atlantic 
snapper-grouper in the South Atlantic EEZ.
    (b) Rebreathers and spearfishing gear. In the South Atlantic EEZ, a 
person using a rebreather may not harvest South Atlantic snapper-grouper 
with spearfishing gear. The possession of such snapper-grouper while in 
the water with a rebreather is prima facie evidence that such fish was 
harvested with spearfishing gear while using a rebreather.
    (c) Longlines for wreckfish. A bottom longline may not be used to 
fish for wreckfish in the South Atlantic EEZ. A person aboard a vessel 
that has a longline on board may not retain a wreckfish in or from the 
South Atlantic EEZ. For the purposes of this paragraph, a vessel is 
considered to have a longline on board when a power-operated longline 
hauler, a cable of diameter suitable for use in the longline fishery 
longer than 1.5 mi (2.4 km) on any reel, and gangions are on board. 
Removal of any one of these three elements constitutes removal of a 
longline.



Sec. 622.181  Prohibited and limited-harvest species.

    (a) General. The harvest and possession restrictions of this section 
apply without regard to whether the species is harvested by a vessel 
operating under a commercial vessel permit. The operator of a vessel 
that fishes in the EEZ is responsible for the limit applicable to that 
vessel.
    (b) Prohibited species. (1) Goliath grouper may not be harvested or 
possessed in the South Atlantic EEZ. Goliath grouper taken in the South 
Atlantic EEZ incidentally by hook-and-line must be released immediately 
by cutting the line without removing the fish from the water.
    (2) [Reserved]
    (3) Speckled hind and warsaw grouper. Speckled hind and warsaw 
grouper may not be harvested or possessed in or from the South Atlantic 
EEZ. Such fish caught in the South Atlantic EEZ

[[Page 335]]

must be released immediately with a minimum of harm. These restrictions 
also apply in the South Atlantic on board a vessel for which a valid 
Federal commercial or charter vessel/headboat permit for South Atlantic 
snapper-grouper has been issued, i.e., in state or Federal waters.
    (4) Nassau grouper may not be harvested or possessed in the South 
Atlantic EEZ or the Gulf EEZ. Nassau grouper taken in the South Atlantic 
EEZ or the Gulf EEZ incidentally by hook-and-line must be released 
immediately by cutting the line without removing the fish from the 
water.
    (c) Limited-harvest species. A person who fishes in the EEZ may not 
combine a harvest limitation specified in this paragraph (c) with a 
harvest limitation applicable to state waters. A species subject to a 
harvest limitation specified in this paragraph (c) taken in the EEZ may 
not be transferred at sea, regardless of where such transfer takes 
place, and such species may not be transferred in the EEZ.
    (1) Cubera snapper. No person may harvest more than two cubera 
snapper measuring 30 inches (76.2 cm), TL, or larger, per day in the 
South Atlantic EEZ off Florida and no more than two such cubera snapper 
in or from the South Atlantic EEZ off Florida may be possessed on board 
a vessel at any time.
    (2) Red snapper. Red snapper may only be harvested or possessed in 
or from the South Atlantic EEZ during the commercial and recreational 
seasons as specified in Sec. Sec. 622.183(b)(5) and 622.193(y). Any red 
snapper caught in the South Atlantic EEZ during a time other than the 
specified commercial or recreational seasons specified in Sec. 
622.193(y) must be released immediately with a minimum of harm. In 
addition, for a person on board a vessel for which a valid Federal 
commercial or charter vessel/headboat permit for South Atlantic snapper-
grouper has been issued, the prohibition on the harvest or possession of 
red snapper applies in the South Atlantic, regardless of where such fish 
are harvested or possessed, i.e., in state or Federal waters.

[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 78 FR 44464, July 24, 2013; 
78 FR 78775, Dec. 27, 2013; 83 FR 35434, July 26, 2018]



Sec. 622.182  Gear-restricted areas.

    (a) Special management zones (SMZs). (1) The SMZs consist of 
artificial reefs and surrounding areas as follows:
    (i) Paradise Reef is bounded on the north by 33[deg]31.59[min] N. 
lat.; on the south by 33[deg]30.51[min] N. lat.; on the east by 
78[deg]57.55[min] W. long.; and on the west by 78[deg]58.85[min] W. 
long.
    (ii) Ten Mile Reef is bounded on the north by 33[deg]26.65[min] N. 
lat.; on the south by 33[deg]24.80[min] N. lat.; on the east by 
78[deg]51.08[min] W. long.; and on the west by 78[deg]52.97[min] W. 
long.
    (iii) Pawleys Island Reef is bounded on the north by 
33[deg]26.58[min] N. lat.; on the south by 33[deg]25.76[min] N. lat.; on 
the east by 79[deg]00.29[min] W. long.; and on the west by 
79[deg]01.24[min] W. long.
    (iv) Georgetown Reef is bounded on the north by 33[deg]14.90[min] N. 
lat.; on the south by 33[deg]13.85[min] N. lat.; on the east by 
78[deg]59.45[min] W. long.; and on the west by 79[deg]00.65[min] W. 
long.
    (v) Capers Reef is bounded on the north by 32[deg]45.45[min] N. 
lat.; on the south by 32[deg]43.91[min] N. lat.; on the east by 
79[deg]33.81[min] W. long.; and on the west by 79[deg]35.10[min] W. 
long.
    (vi) Kiawah Reef is bounded on the north by 32[deg]29.78[min] N. 
lat.; on the south by 32[deg]28.25[min] N. lat.; on the east by 
79[deg]59.00[min] W. long.; and on the west by 80[deg]00.95[min] W. 
long.
    (vii) Edisto Offshore Reef is bounded on the north by 
32[deg]15.30[min] N. lat.; on the south by 32[deg]13.90[min] N. lat.; on 
the east by 79[deg]50.25[min] W. long.; and on the west by 
79[deg]51.45[min] W. long.
    (viii) Hunting Island Reef is bounded on the north by 
32[deg]13.72[min] N. lat.; on the south by 32[deg]12.30[min] N. lat.; on 
the east by 80[deg]19.23[min] W. long.; and on the west by 
80[deg]21.00[min] W. long.
    (ix) Fripp Island Reef is bounded on the north by 32[deg]15.92[min] 
N. lat.; on the south by 32[deg]14.75[min] N. lat.; on the east by 
80[deg]21.62[min] W. long.; and on the west by 80[deg]22.90[min] W. 
long.
    (x) Betsy Ross Reef is bounded on the north by 32[deg]03.60[min] N. 
lat.; on the south by 32[deg]02.88[min] N. lat.; on the east by 
80[deg]24.57[min] W. long.; and on the west by 80[deg]25.50[min] W. 
long.
    (xi) Hilton Head Reef/Artificial Reef--T is bounded on the north by 
32[deg]00.71[min] N. lat.; on the south by 31[deg]59.42[min] N. lat.; on 
the east by 80[deg]35.23[min] W. long.; and on the west by 
80[deg]36.37[min] W. long.

[[Page 336]]

    (xii) Artificial Reef--A is bounded on the north by 30[deg]57.4[min] 
N. lat.; on the south by 30[deg]55.4[min] N. lat.; on the east by 
81[deg]13.9[min] W. long.; and on the west by 81[deg]16.3[min] W. long.
    (xiii) Artificial Reef--C is bounded on the north by 
30[deg]52.0[min] N. lat.; on the south by 30[deg]50.0[min] N. lat.; on 
the east by 81[deg]08.5[min] W. long.; and on the west by 
81[deg]10.9[min] W. long.
    (xiv) Artificial Reef--G is bounded on the north by 31[deg]00.0[min] 
N. lat.; on the south by 30[deg]58.0[min] N. lat.; on the east by 
80[deg]56.8[min] W. long.; and on the west by 80[deg]59.2[min] W. long.
    (xv) Artificial Reef--F is bounded on the north by 31[deg]06.8[min] 
N. lat.; on the south by 31[deg]04.8[min] N. lat.; on the east by 
81[deg]10.5[min] W. long.; and on the west by 81[deg]13.4[min] W. long.
    (xvi) Artificial Reef--J is bounded on the north by 31[deg]36.7[min] 
N. lat.; on the south by 31[deg]34.7[min] N. lat.; on the east by 
80[deg]47.3[min] W. long.; and on the west by 80[deg]50.1[min] W. long.
    (xvii) Artificial Reef--L is bounded on the north by 
31[deg]46.0[min] N. lat.; on the south by 31[deg]44.0[min] N. lat.; on 
the east by 80[deg]34.7[min] W. long.; and on the west by 
80[deg]37.1[min] W. long.
    (xviii) Artificial Reef--KC is bounded on the north by 
31[deg]51.2[min] N. lat.; on the south by 31[deg]49.2[min] N. lat.; on 
the east by 80[deg]45.3[min] W. long.; and on the west by 
80[deg]47.7[min] W. long.
    (xix) Ft. Pierce Inshore Reef is bounded on the north by 
27[deg]26.8[min] N. lat.; on the south by 27[deg]25.8[min] N. lat.; on 
the east by 80[deg]09.24[min] W. long.; and on the west by 
80[deg]10.36[min] W. long.
    (xx) Ft. Pierce Offshore Reef is bounded by rhumb lines connecting, 
in order, the following points:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  North lat.            West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A...........................  27[deg]23.68[min]     80[deg]03.95[min]
B...........................  27[deg]22.80[min]     80[deg]03.60[min]
C...........................  27[deg]23.94[min]     80[deg]00.02[min]
D...........................  27[deg]24.85[min]     80[deg]00.33[min]
A...........................  27[deg]23.68[min]     80[deg]03.95[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (xxi) Key Biscayne/Artificial Reef--H is bounded on the north by 
25[deg]42.82[min] N. lat.; on the south by 25[deg]41.32[min] N. lat.; on 
the east by 80[deg]04.22[min] W. long.; and on the west by 
80[deg]05.53[min] W. long.
    (xxii) Little River Offshore Reef is bounded on the north by 
33[deg]42.10[min] N. lat.; on the south by 33[deg]41.10[min] N. lat.; on 
the east by 78[deg]26.40[min] W. long.; and on the west by 
78[deg]27.10[min] W. long.
    (xxiii) BP-25 Reef is bounded on the north by 33[deg]21.70[min] N. 
lat.; on the south by 33[deg]20.70[min] N. lat.; on the east by 
78[deg]24.80[min] W. long.; and on the west by 78[deg]25.60[min] W. 
long.
    (xxiv) Vermilion Reef is bounded on the north by 32[deg]57.80[min] 
N. lat.; on the south by 32[deg]57.30[min] N. lat.; on the east by 
78[deg]39.30[min] W. long.; and on the west by 78[deg]40.10[min] W. 
long.
    (xxv) Cape Romaine Reef is bounded on the north by 33[deg]00.00[min] 
N. lat.; on the south by 32[deg]59.50[min] N. lat.; on the east by 
79[deg]02.01[min] W. long.; and on the west by 79[deg]02.62[min] W. 
long.
    (xxvi) Y-73 Reef is bounded on the north by 32[deg]33.20[min] N. 
lat.; on the south by 32[deg]32.70[min] N. lat.; on the east by 
79[deg]19.10[min] W. long.; and on the west by 79[deg]19.70[min] W. 
long.
    (xxvii) Eagles Nest Reef is bounded on the north by 
32[deg]01.48[min] N. lat.; on the south by 32[deg]00.98[min] N. lat.; on 
the east by 80[deg]30.00[min] W. long.; and on the west by 
80[deg]30.65[min] W. long.
    (xxviii) Bill Perry Jr. Reef is bounded on the north by 
33[deg]26.20[min] N. lat.; on the south by 33[deg]25.20[min] N. lat.; on 
the east by 78[deg]32.70[min] W. long.; and on the west by 
78[deg]33.80[min] W. long.
    (xxix) Comanche Reef is bounded on the north by 32[deg]27.40[min] N. 
lat.; on the south by 32[deg]26.90[min] N. lat.; on the east by 
79[deg]18.80[min] W. long.; and on the west by 79[deg]19.60[min] W. 
long.
    (xxx) Murrel's Inlet 60 Foot Reef is bounded on the north by 
33[deg]17.50[min] N. lat.; on the south by 33[deg]16.50[min] N. lat.; on 
the east by 78[deg]44.67[min] W. long.; and on the west by 
78[deg]45.98[min] W. long.
    (xxxi) Georgetown 95 Foot Reef is bounded on the north by 
33[deg]11.75[min] N. lat.; on the south by 33[deg]10.75[min] N. lat.; on 
the east by 78[deg]24.10[min] W. long.; and on the west by 
78[deg]25.63[min] W. long.
    (xxxii) New Georgetown 60 Foot Reef is bounded on the north by 
33[deg]09.25[min] N. lat.; on the south by 33[deg]07.75[min] N. lat.; on 
the east by 78[deg]49.95[min] W. long.; and on the west by 
78[deg]51.45[min] W. long.
    (xxxiii) North Inlet 45 Foot Reef is bounded on the north by 
33[deg]21.03[min] N. lat.; on the south by 33[deg]20.03[min] N. lat.; on 
the east by 79[deg]00.31[min] W. long.; and on the west by 
79[deg]01.51[min] W. long.
    (xxxiv) CJ Davidson Reef is bounded on the north by 
33[deg]06.48[min] N. lat.; on the

[[Page 337]]

south by 33[deg]05.48[min] N. lat.; on the east by 79[deg]00.27[min] W. 
long.; and on the west by 79[deg]01.39[min] W. long.
    (xxxv) Greenville Reef is bounded on the north by 32[deg]57.25[min] 
N. lat.; on the south by 32[deg]56.25[min] N. lat.; on the east by 
78[deg]54.25[min] W. long.; and on the west by 78[deg]55.25[min] W. 
long.
    (xxxvi) Charleston 60 Foot Reef is bounded on the north by 
32[deg]33.60[min] N. lat.; on the south by 32[deg]32.60[min] N. lat.; on 
the east by 79[deg]39.70[min] W. long.; and on the west by 
79[deg]40.90[min] W. long.
    (xxxvii) Edisto 60 Foot Reef is bounded on the north by 
32[deg]21.75[min] N. lat.; on the south by 32[deg]20.75[min] N. lat.; on 
the east by 80[deg]04.10[min] W. longitude; and on the west by 
80[deg]05.70[min] W. long.
    (xxxviii) Edisto 40 Foot Reef is bounded on the north by 
32[deg]25.78[min] N. lat.; on the south by 32[deg]24.78[min] N. lat.; on 
the east by 80[deg]11.24[min] W. long.; and on the west by 
80[deg]12.32[min] W. long.
    (xxxix) Beaufort 45 Foot Reef is bounded on the north by 
32[deg]07.65[min] N. lat.; on the south by 32[deg]06.65[min] N. lat.; on 
the east by 80[deg]28.80[min] W. long.; and on the west by 
80[deg]29.80[min] W. long.
    (xl) Artificial Reef--ALT is bounded on the north by 
31[deg]18.6[min] N. lat.; on the south by 31[deg]16.6[min] N. lat.; on 
the east by 81[deg]07.0[min] W. long.; and on the west by 
81[deg]09.4[min] W. long.
    (xli) Artificial Reef--CAT is bounded on the north by 
31[deg]40.2[min] N. lat.; on the south by 31[deg]38.2[min] N. lat.; on 
the east by 80[deg]56.2[min] W. long.; and on the west by 
80[deg]58.6[min] W. long.
    (xlii) Artificial Reef--CCA is bounded on the north by 
31[deg]43.7[min] N. lat.; on the south by 31[deg]41.7[min] N. lat.; on 
the east by 80[deg]40.0[min] W. long.; and on the west by 
80[deg]42.3[min] W. long.
    (xliii) Artificial Reef--DRH is bounded on the north by 
31[deg]18.0[min] N. lat.; on the south by 31[deg]16.0[min] N. lat.; on 
the east by 80[deg]56.6[min] W. long.; and on the west by 
80[deg]59.0[min] W. long.
    (xliv) Artificial Reef--DUA is bounded on the north by 
31[deg]47.8[min] N. lat.; on the south by 31[deg]45.8[min] N. lat.; on 
the east by 80[deg]52.1[min] W. long.; and on the west by 
80[deg]54.5[min] W. long.
    (xlv) Artificial Reef--DW is bounded on the north by 
31[deg]22.8[min] N. lat.; on the south by 31[deg]20.3[min] N. lat.; on 
the east by 79[deg]49.8[min] W. long.; and on the west by 
79[deg]51.1[min] W. long.
    (xlvi) Artificial Reef--KBY is bounded on the north by 
30[deg]48.6[min] N. lat.; on the south by 30[deg]46.6[min] N. lat.; on 
the east by 81[deg]15.0[min] W. long.; and on the west by 
81[deg]17.4[min] W. long.
    (xlvii) Artificial Reef--KTK is bounded on the north by 
31[deg]31.3[min] N. lat.; on the south by 31[deg]29.3[min] N. lat.; on 
the east by 80[deg]59.1[min] W. long.; and on the west by 
81[deg]01.5[min] W. long.
    (xlviii) Artificial Reef--MRY is bounded on the north by 
30[deg]47.5[min] N. lat.; on the south by 30[deg]45.5[min] N. lat.; on 
the east by 81[deg]05.5[min] W. long.; and on the west by 
81[deg]07.8[min] W. long.
    (xlix) Artificial Reef--SAV is bounded on the north by 
31[deg]55.4[min] N. lat.; on the south by 31[deg]53.4[min] N. lat.; on 
the east by 80[deg]45.2[min] W. long.; and on the west by 
80[deg]47.6[min] W. long.
    (l) Artificial Reef--SFC is bounded on the north by 31[deg]00.8[min] 
N. lat.; on the south by 30[deg]59.8[min] N. lat.; on the east by 
81[deg]02.2[min] W. long.; and on the west by 81[deg]03.4[min] W. long.
    (li) Artificial Reef--WW is bounded on the north by 31[deg]43.5[min] 
N. lat.; on the south by 31[deg]42.2[min] N. lat.; on the east by 
79[deg]57.7[min] W. long.; and on the west by 79[deg]59.3[min] W. long.
    (2) To determine what restrictions apply in the SMZs listed in 
paragraph (a)(1) of this section, follow this table:

                       Table 2 to Paragraph (a)(2)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
   In SMZs specified in the
 following paragraphs of this           These restrictions apply
           section
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(a)(1)(i) through (x) and      Use of a powerhead to take South Atlantic
 (a)(1)(xxii) through (xxxix).  snapper-grouper is prohibited.
(a)(1)(i) through (x) and      Possession of a powerhead and a mutilated
 (a)(1)(xxii) through (xxxix).  South Atlantic snapper-grouper in, or
                                after having fished in, one of these
                                SMZs constitutes prima facie evidence
                                that such fish was taken with a
                                powerhead in the SMZ. Harvest and
                                possession of a South Atlantic snapper-
                                grouper is limited to the bag limits
                                specified in Sec. 622.187(b).
(a)(1)(i) through (xviii) and  Fishing may only be conducted with
 (a)(1)(xxii) through (li).     handline, rod and reel, and spearfishing
                                gear.
(a)(1)(i) through (li).......  Use of a sea bass pot or bottom longline
                                is prohibited.

[[Page 338]]

 
(a)(1)(xii) through (xviii)    Possession of South Atlantic snapper-
 and (a)(1)(xl) through (li).   grouper taken with a powerhead is
                                limited to the bag limits specified in
                                Sec. 622.187(b).
(a)(1)(xix) and (a)(1)(xx)...  A hydraulic or electric reel that is
                                permanently affixed to the vessel is
                                prohibited when fishing for South
                                Atlantic snapper-grouper.
(a)(1)(xix) and (a)(1)(xxi)..  Use of spearfishing gear is prohibited.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (b) Longline prohibited areas. A longline may not be used to fish in 
the EEZ for South Atlantic snapper-grouper south of 27[deg]10[min] N. 
lat. (due east of the entrance to St. Lucie Inlet, FL); or north of 
27[deg]10[min] N. lat. where the charted depth is less than 50 fathoms 
(91.4 m), as shown on the latest edition of the largest scale NOAA chart 
of the location. A person aboard a vessel with a longline on board that 
fishes on a trip in the South Atlantic EEZ south of 27[deg]10[min] N. 
lat., or north of 27[deg]10[min] N. lat. where the charted depth is less 
than 50 fathoms (91.4 m), is limited on that trip to the bag limit for 
South Atlantic snapper-grouper for which a bag limit is specified in 
Sec. 622.187(b), and to zero for all other South Atlantic snapper-
grouper. For the purpose of this paragraph, a vessel is considered to 
have a longline on board when a power-operated longline hauler, a cable 
or monofilament of diameter and length suitable for use in the longline 
fishery, and gangions are on board. Removal of any one of these three 
elements constitutes removal of a longline.
    (c) [Reserved]
    (d) Sea bass pot prohibited area. A sea bass pot may not be used in 
the South Atlantic EEZ south of 28[deg]35.1[min] N. lat. (due east of 
the NASA Vehicle Assembly Building, Cape Canaveral, FL). A sea bass pot 
deployed in the EEZ south of 28[deg]35.1[min] N. lat. may be disposed of 
in any appropriate manner by the Assistant Administrator or an 
authorized officer.
    (d) [Reserved]
    (e) SMZs off North Carolina. (1) The center of each SMZ in Table 3 
to this paragraph (e) is located at the given point with a radius 
extending the applicable distance in every direction laterally from that 
point to form a circle around the center point.
    (2) Harvest of South Atlantic snapper-grouper while in the SMZs in 
this paragraph (e) is permitted only by handline, rod and reel, and 
spearfishing gear. All harvest of South Atlantic snapper-grouper by 
spearfishing gear in the SMZs in this paragraph (e) is limited to the 
applicable recreational bag and possession limits in Sec. 622.187.

                                            Table 3 to Paragraph (e)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                   Radius in ft
                            Reef name                               North lat.      West long.          (m)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AR-130..........................................................  36[deg]00.296[  75[deg]31.957[     1,500 (457)
                                                                            min]            min]
AR-140..........................................................  35[deg]56.718[  75[deg]31.965[     1,500 (457)
                                                                            min]            min]
AR-145..........................................................  35[deg]54.017[  75[deg]23.883[     1,500 (457)
                                                                            min]            min]
AR-220..........................................................  35[deg]08.117[  75[deg]40.633[     3,000 (914)
                                                                            min]            min]
AR-225..........................................................  35[deg]06.768[  75[deg]39.322[     1,500 (457)
                                                                            min]            min]
AR-230..........................................................  35[deg]06.133[  75[deg]42.933[     1,500 (457)
                                                                            min]            min]
AR-250..........................................................  34[deg]56.900[  75[deg]54.860[     1,500 (457)
                                                                            min]            min]
AR-255..........................................................  34[deg]55.483[  75[deg]57.910[     1,500 (457)
                                                                            min]            min]
AR-285..........................................................  34[deg]33.383[  76[deg]26.350[     1,500 (457)
                                                                            min]            min]
AR-300..........................................................  34[deg]18.517[  76[deg]24.133[     1,500 (457)
                                                                            min]            min]
AR-302..........................................................  34[deg]10.265[  76[deg]13.703[     1,500 (457)
                                                                            min]            min]
AR-305..........................................................  34[deg]16.683[  76[deg]38.650[     1,500 (457)
                                                                            min]            min]
AR-330..........................................................  34[deg]33.634[  76[deg]51.267[     3,000 (914)
                                                                            min]            min]
AR-340..........................................................  34[deg]34.319[  76[deg]58.345[     1,500 (457)
                                                                            min]            min]
AR-345..........................................................  34[deg]32.266[  76[deg]58.508[     1,500 (457)
                                                                            min]            min]
AR-355..........................................................  34[deg]21.318[  77[deg]19.877[     1,500 (457)
                                                                            min]            min]
AR-362..........................................................  34[deg]15.657[  77[deg]30.392[     1,500 (457)
                                                                            min]            min]
AR-366..........................................................  34[deg]12.950[  77[deg]25.250[     1,500 (457)
                                                                            min]            min]
AR-368..........................................................  34[deg]09.514[  77[deg]25.782[     1,500 (457)
                                                                            min]            min]
AR-372..........................................................  34[deg]06.295[  77[deg]44.917[     1,500 (457)
                                                                            min]            min]
AR-376..........................................................  34[deg]03.283[  77[deg]39.633[     1,500 (457)
                                                                            min]            min]
AR-382..........................................................  33[deg]58.581[  77[deg]41.172[     1,500 (457)
                                                                            min]            min]
AR-386..........................................................  33[deg]57.517[  77[deg]33.400[     1,500 (457)
                                                                            min]            min]
AR-400..........................................................  33[deg]29.267[  77[deg]35.227[     1,500 (457)
                                                                            min]            min]
AR-420..........................................................  33[deg]51.050[  78[deg]06.710[     1,500 (457)
                                                                            min]            min]
AR-440..........................................................  33[deg]49.800[  78[deg]13.083[     1,500 (457)
                                                                            min]            min]
AR-445..........................................................  33[deg]44.783[  78[deg]14.100[     1,500 (457)
                                                                            min]            min]
AR-455..........................................................  33[deg]47.033[  78[deg]17.883[     1,500 (457)
                                                                            min]            min]
AR-460..........................................................  33[deg]50.089[  78[deg]22.022[     1,500 (457)
                                                                            min]            min]
AR-465..........................................................  33[deg]23.423[  78[deg]11.052[     1,500 (457)
                                                                            min]            min]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (f) Additional SMZs off South Carolina. (1) The center of each SMZ 
in Table 4 to this paragraph (f) is located at the given point with a 
radius extending the applicable distance in every direction laterally 
from that point to form a circle around the center point.
    (2) Harvest of South Atlantic snapper-grouper while in the SMZs in 
this paragraph (f) is permitted only by handline, rod and reel, and 
spearfishing gear (excludes a powerhead). All harvest of South Atlantic 
snapper-grouper

[[Page 339]]

by the allowable gear in the SMZs in this paragraph (f) is limited to 
the applicable recreational bag and possession limits in Sec. 622.187.
    (3) PA-04--Ron McManus Memorial Reef. This SMZ is bounded by lines 
connecting the following corner points: northwest corner point at 
33[deg]46.400[min] N, 78[deg]36.200[min] W; northeast corner point at 
33[deg]46.400[min] N, 78[deg]35.600[min] W; southeast corner point at 
33[deg]45.900[min] N, 78[deg]35.600[min] W; and southwest corner point 
at 33[deg]45.900[min] N, 78[deg]36.200[min] W.

                                            Table 4 to Paragraph (f)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                   Radius in ft
                            Reef name                               North lat.      West long.          (m)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PA-07 Pop Nash..................................................  33[deg]34.510[  78[deg]51.000[       600 (183)
                                                                            min]            min]
PA-28 Lowcountry Anglers........................................  32[deg]34.300[  79[deg]55.100[       600 (183)
                                                                            min]            min]
PA-34 CCA-McClellanville........................................  32[deg]51.800[  79[deg]22.500[       600 (183)
                                                                            min]            min]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 85 FR 36171, June 15, 2020; 
87 FR 23149, Apr. 19, 2022]



Sec. 622.183  Area and seasonal closures.

    (a) Area closures--(1) Marine protected areas (MPAs). (i) No person 
may fish for a South Atlantic snapper-grouper in an MPA, and no person 
may possess a South Atlantic snapper-grouper in an MPA. However, the 
prohibition on possession does not apply to a person aboard a vessel 
that is in transit with fishing gear appropriately stowed as specified 
in paragraph (a)(1)(ii) of this section. In addition to these 
restrictions, see Sec. 635.21(d)(1)(iii) of this chapter regarding 
restrictions applicable within these MPAs for any vessel issued a permit 
under part 635 of this chapter that has longline gear on board. MPAs 
consist of deepwater areas as follows:
    (A) Snowy Grouper Wreck MPA is bounded by rhumb lines connecting, in 
order, the following points:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  North lat.            West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A...........................  33[deg]25[min]        77[deg]04.75[min]
B...........................  33[deg]34.75[min]     76[deg]51.3[min]
C...........................  33[deg]25.5[min]      76[deg]46.5[min]
D...........................  33[deg]15.75[min]     77[deg]00.0[min]
A...........................  33[deg]25[min]        77[deg]04.75[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (B) Northern South Carolina MPA is bounded on the north by 
32[deg]53.5[min] N. lat.; on the south by 32[deg]48.5[min] N. lat.; on 
the east by 78[deg]04.75[min] W. long.; and on the west by 
78[deg]16.75[min] W. long.
    (C) Edisto MPA is bounded on the north by 32[deg]24[min] N. lat.; on 
the south by 32[deg]18.5[min] N. lat.; on the east by 78[deg]54.0[min] 
W. long.; and on the west by 79[deg]06.0[min] W. long.
    (D) Charleston Deep Artificial Reef MPA is bounded by rhumb lines 
connecting, in order, the following points:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Point                    North lat.          West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A................................  32[deg]05.04[min]   79[deg]13.575[min
                                                        ]
B................................  32[deg]09.65[min]   79[deg]09.2[min]
C................................  32[deg]07.155[min]  79[deg]05.595[min
                                                        ]
D................................  32[deg]02.36[min]   79[deg]09.975[min
                                                        ]
A................................  32[deg]05.04[min]   79[deg]13.575[min
                                                        ]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (E) Georgia MPA is bounded by rhumb lines connecting, in order, the 
following points:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  North lat.            West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A...........................  31[deg]43[min]        79[deg]31[min]
B...........................  31[deg]43[min]        79[deg]21[min]
C...........................  31[deg]34[min]        79[deg]29[min]
D...........................  31[deg]34[min]        79[deg]39[min]
A...........................  31[deg]43[min]        79[deg]31[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (F) North Florida MPA is bounded on the north by 30[deg]29[min] N. 
lat.; on the south by 30[deg]19[min] N. lat.; on the east by 
80[deg]02[min] W. long.; and on the west by 80[deg]14[min] W. long.
    (G) St. Lucie Hump MPA is bounded on the north by 27[deg]08[min] N. 
lat.; on the south by 27[deg]04[min] N. lat.; on the east by 
79[deg]58[min] W. long.; and on the west by 80[deg]00[min] W. long.
    (H) East Hump MPA is bounded by rhumb lines connecting, in order, 
the following points:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  North lat.            West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A...........................  24[deg]36.5[min]      80[deg]45.5[min]
B...........................  24[deg]32[min]        80[deg]36[min]
C...........................  24[deg]27.5[min]      80[deg]38.5[min]
D...........................  24[deg]32.5[min]      80[deg]48[min]
A...........................  24[deg]36.5[min]      80[deg]45.5[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (ii) For the purpose of paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this section, transit 
means direct, non-stop progression through the MPA. Fishing gear 
appropriately stowed means--

[[Page 340]]

    (A) A longline may be left on the drum if all gangions and hooks are 
disconnected and stowed below deck. Hooks cannot be baited. All buoys 
must be disconnected from the gear; however, buoys may remain on deck.
    (B) A trawl or try net may remain on deck, but trawl doors must be 
disconnected from such net and must be secured.
    (C) A gillnet, stab net, or trammel net must be left on the drum. 
Any additional such nets not attached to the drum must be stowed below 
deck.
    (D) Terminal gear (i.e., hook, leader, sinker, flasher, or bait) 
used with an automatic reel, bandit gear, buoy gear, handline, or rod 
and reel must be disconnected and stowed separately from such fishing 
gear. A rod and reel must be removed from the rod holder and stowed 
securely on or below deck.
    (E) A crustacean trap, golden crab trap, or sea bass pot cannot be 
baited. All buoys must be disconnected from the gear; however, buoys may 
remain on deck.
    (2) Spawning SMZs. (i) Any fishing vessel in a spawning SMZ is 
prohibited to fish for or harvest species in the snapper-grouper fishery 
management unit year-round. For a fishing vessel to possess snapper-
grouper species on board while in a spawning SMZ, the vessel must be in 
transit and fishing gear must be appropriately stowed, as specified in 
paragraph (a)(2)(vii) of this section. Except for spawning SMZs of Area 
51 and Area 53, the spawning SMZs in this paragraph are effective until 
August 2, 2027. A person on board a fishing vessel may not anchor, use 
an anchor and chain, or use a grapple and chain while in the spawning 
SMZs specified in paragraph (a)(2) of this section. The anchoring 
prohibition does not apply to fishing vessels in the spawning SMZs of 
Area 51 and Area 53.
    (ii) South Cape Lookout Spawning SMZ is bounded by rhumb lines 
connecting, in order, the following points:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Point                    North lat.          West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A................................  33[deg]53.040[min]  76[deg]28.617[min
                                                        ]
B................................  33[deg]52.019[min]  76[deg]27.798[min
                                                        ]
C................................  33[deg]49.946[min]  76[deg]30.627[min
                                                        ]
D................................  33[deg]51.041[min]  76[deg]31.424[min
                                                        ]
A................................  33[deg]53.040[min]  76[deg]28.617[min
                                                        ]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (iii) Devil's Hole/Georgetown Hole Spawning SMZ is bounded by rhumb 
lines connecting, in order, the following points:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Point                    North lat.          West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A................................  32[deg]34.311[min]  78[deg]34.996[min
                                                        ]
B................................  32[deg]34.311[min]  78[deg]33.220[min
                                                        ]
C................................  32[deg]32.748[min]  78[deg]33.220[min
                                                        ]
D................................  32[deg]32.748[min]  78[deg]34.996[min
                                                        ]
A................................  32[deg]34.311[min]  78[deg]34.996[min
                                                        ]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (iv) Area 51 Spawning SMZ is bounded by rhumb lines connecting, in 
order, the following points:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Point                    North lat.          West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A................................  32[deg]35.25[min]   79[deg]28.6[min]
B................................  32[deg]35.25[min]   79[deg]27[min]
C................................  32[deg]33.75[min]   79[deg]27[min]
D................................  32[deg]33.75[min]   79[deg]28.6[min]
A................................  32[deg]35.25[min]   79[deg]28.6[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (v) Area 53 Spawning SMZ is bounded by rhumb lines connecting, in 
order, the following points:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Point                    North lat.          West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A................................  32[deg]22.65[min]   79[deg]22.25[min]
B................................  32[deg]22.65[min]   79[deg]20.5[min]
C................................  32[deg]21.15[min]   79[deg]20.5[min]
D................................  32[deg]21.15[min]   79[deg]22.25[min]
A................................  32[deg]22.65[min]   79[deg]22.25[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (vi) Warsaw Hole/50 Fathom Hole Spawning SMZ is bounded by rhumb 
lines connecting, in order, the following points:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Point                    North lat.          West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A................................  24[deg]22.277[min]  82[deg]20.417[min
                                                        ]
B................................  24[deg]22.277[min]  82[deg]18.215[min
                                                        ]
C................................  24[deg]20.932[min]  82[deg]18.215[min
                                                        ]
D................................  24[deg]20.932[min]  82[deg]20.417[min
                                                        ]
A................................  24[deg]22.277[min]  82[deg]20.417[min
                                                        ]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (vii) For the purpose of paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this section, 
transit means direct, non-stop progression through the spawning SMZ. 
Fishing gear appropriately stowed means--
    (A) A longline may be left on the drum if all gangions and hooks are 
disconnected and stowed below deck. Hooks cannot be baited. All buoys 
must be disconnected from the gear; however, buoys may remain on deck.
    (B) Trawl doors and nets must be out of the water, but the doors are 
not required to be on deck or secured on or below deck.

[[Page 341]]

    (C) A gillnet, stab net, or trammel net must be left on the drum. 
Any additional such nets not attached to the drum must be stowed below 
deck.
    (D) Terminal gear (i.e., hook, leader, sinker, flasher, or bait) 
used with an automatic reel, bandit gear, buoy gear, handline, or rod 
and reel must be disconnected and stowed separately from such fishing 
gear. Sinkers must be disconnected from the down rigger and stowed 
separately.
    (E) A crustacean trap, golden crab trap, or sea bass pot cannot be 
baited. All buoys must be disconnected from the gear; however, buoys may 
remain on deck.
    (b) Seasonal closures--(1) Seasonal closure of the commercial and 
recreational sectors for gag and associated grouper species. During 
January through April each year, no person may fish for, harvest, or 
possess in or from the South Atlantic EEZ any South Atlantic shallow-
water grouper (SASWG): Gag, black grouper, red grouper, scamp, red hind, 
rock hind, yellowmouth grouper, yellowfin grouper, graysby, and coney. 
For a person on board a vessel for which a valid Federal commercial or 
charter vessel/headboat permit for South Atlantic snapper-grouper has 
been issued, these prohibitions against fishing, harvesting, or 
possessing apply in the South Atlantic, i.e., in state or Federal 
waters. Additionally, in the month of May, no person may fish for, 
harvest, or possess any South Atlantic red grouper in or from the South 
Atlantic EEZ off North Carolina or off South Carolina. For a person on 
board a vessel for which a valid Federal commercial or charter vessel/
headboat permit for South Atlantic snapper-grouper has been issued, 
these prohibitions against fishing, harvesting, or possessing red 
grouper in May apply in state waters off North Carolina and off South 
Carolina.
    (2) Wreckfish spawning-season closure. From January 15 through April 
15, each year, no person may harvest or possess on a fishing vessel 
wreckfish in or from the EEZ; offload wreckfish from the EEZ; or sell or 
purchase wreckfish in or from the EEZ. The prohibition on sale or 
purchase of wreckfish does not apply to trade in wreckfish that were 
harvested, offloaded, and sold or purchased prior to January 15 and were 
held in cold storage by a dealer or processor.
    (3) Wreckfish recreational sector closures. The recreational sector 
for wreckfish in or from the South Atlantic EEZ is closed from January 1 
through June 30, and September 1 through December 31, each year. During 
a closure, the bag and possession limit for wreckfish in or from the 
South Atlantic EEZ is zero.
    (4) Hogfish recreational sector off the Florida Keys and east coast 
of Florida. From January through April and from November through 
December each year, the recreational harvest or possession of hogfish in 
or from the South Atlantic EEZ off the Florida Keys and east coast of 
Florida, and in the Gulf EEZ south of 25[deg]09[min] N. lat. off the 
west coast of Florida is prohibited, and the bag and possession limits 
are zero.
    (5) Closures of the commercial and recreational sectors for red 
snapper--(i) The commercial and recreational sectors for red snapper are 
closed (i.e., red snapper may not be harvested or possessed, or sold or 
purchased) in or from the South Atlantic EEZ, except as specified in 
Sec. 622.193(y). Each year, NMFS will announce the season opening dates 
in the Federal Register. The commercial season will begin on the second 
Monday in July, unless otherwise specified. The recreational season, 
which consists of weekends only (Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays) begins 
on the second Friday in July, unless otherwise specified. NMFS will 
project the length of the recreational fishing season and announce the 
recreational fishing season end date in the Federal Register. See Sec. 
622.193(y), for establishing the end date of the commercial fishing 
season.
    (ii) If the RA determines tropical storm or hurricane conditions 
exist, or are projected to exist, in the South Atlantic, during a 
commercial or recreational fishing season, the RA may modify the opening 
and closing dates of the fishing season by filing a notification to that 
effect with the Office of the Federal Register, and announcing via NOAA 
Weather Radio and a Fishery Bulletin any change in the dates of the red 
snapper commercial or recreational fishing season.

[[Page 342]]

    (6) Seasonal closure of the commercial black sea bass pot component 
of the snapper-grouper fishery. The closed area is that area and time 
period described in paragraphs (b)(6)(i) and (b)(6)(ii) of this section, 
respectively. During the applicable closure, no person may harvest or 
possess black sea bass in or from the closed area within the South 
Atlantic EEZ either with sea bass pots or from a vessel with sea bass 
pots on board, except that a vessel with a valid commercial permit for 
snapper-grouper with a sea bass pot endorsement that is in transit and 
with black sea bass pot gear appropriately stowed as described in 
paragraph (b)(6)(iii) of this section may possess black sea bass. In 
addition, sea bass pots must be removed from the water in the applicable 
closed area within the South Atlantic EEZ before the applicable time 
period, and may not be on board a vessel in the closed area within the 
South Atlantic EEZ during the applicable closure, except for such sea 
bass pot gear appropriately stowed on board a vessel in transit through 
the closed area. See paragraph (b)(6)(iii) of this section for black sea 
bass pot transit and gear stowage requirements through the closed areas.
    (i) From November 1 through November 30 and from April 1 through 
April 30, no person may harvest or possess black sea bass in or from the 
closed area within the South Atlantic EEZ either with sea bass pots or 
from a vessel with sea bass pots on board in the South Atlantic EEZ 
inshore of the rhumb lines connecting, in order, the following points:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Point                   North lat.           West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.............................  35[deg]15[min]       State/EEZ boundary.
2.............................  35[deg]15[min]       75[deg]09[min].
3.............................  35[deg]06[min]       75[deg]22[min].
4.............................  35[deg]06[min]       75[deg]39[min].
5.............................  35[deg]01[min]       75[deg]47[min].
6.............................  34[deg]54[min]       75[deg]46[min].
7.............................  34[deg]52[min]       76[deg]04[min].
8.............................  34[deg]33[min]       76[deg]22[min].
9.............................  34[deg]23[min]       76[deg]18[min].
10............................  34[deg]21[min]       76[deg]27[min].
11............................  34[deg]25[min]       76[deg]51[min].
12............................  34[deg]09[min]       77[deg]19[min].
13............................  33[deg]44[min]       77[deg]38[min].
14............................  33[deg]25[min]       77[deg]27[min].
15............................  33[deg]22[min]       77[deg]40[min].
16............................  33[deg]28[min]       77[deg]41[min].
17............................  33[deg]32[min]       77[deg]53[min].
18............................  33[deg]22[min]       78[deg]26[min].
19............................  33[deg]06[min]       78[deg]31[min].
20............................  33[deg]05[min]       78[deg]40[min].
21............................  33[deg]01[min]       78[deg]43[min].
22............................  32[deg]56[min]       78[deg]57[min].
23............................  32[deg]44[min]       79[deg]04[min].
24............................  32[deg]42[min]       79[deg]13[min].
25............................  32[deg]34[min]       79[deg]23[min].
26............................  32[deg]25[min]       79[deg]25[min].
27............................  32[deg]23[min]       79[deg]37[min].
28............................  31[deg]53[min]       80[deg]09[min].
29............................  31[deg]31[min]       80[deg]33[min].
30............................  30[deg]43[min]       80[deg]49[min].
31............................  30[deg]30[min]       81[deg]01[min].
32............................  29[deg]45[min]       81[deg]01[min].
33............................  29[deg]31[min]       80[deg]58[min].
34............................  29[deg]13[min]       80[deg]52[min].
35............................  29[deg]13[min]       State/EEZ boundary.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (ii) From December 1 through March 31, no person may harvest or 
possess black sea bass in or from the closed area within the South 
Atlantic EEZ either with sea bass pots or from a vessel with sea bass 
pots on board in the South Atlantic EEZ inshore of the rhumb lines 
connecting, in order, the following points:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Point                   North lat.          West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1...............................  35[deg]15[min]....  State/EEZ
                                                       boundary.
2...............................  35[deg]15[min]....  75[deg]08[min].
3...............................  34[deg]58[min]....  75[deg]41[min].
4...............................  34[deg]49[min]....  75[deg]50[min].
5...............................  34[deg]47[min]....  76[deg]05[min].
6...............................  34[deg]31[min]....  76[deg]18[min].
7...............................  34[deg]20[min]....  76[deg]13[min].
8...............................  34[deg]12[min]....  77[deg]00[min].
9...............................  33[deg]43[min]....  77[deg]30[min].
10..............................  33[deg]21[min]....  77[deg]21[min].
11..............................  33[deg]18[min]....  77[deg]41[min].
12..............................  33[deg]22[min]....  77[deg]56[min].
13..............................  33[deg]12[min]....  78[deg]20[min].
14..............................  33[deg]05[min]....  78[deg]22[min].
15..............................  33[deg]01[min]....  78[deg]38[min].
16..............................  32[deg]40[min]....  79[deg]01[min].
17..............................  32[deg]36[min]....  79[deg]18[min].
18..............................  32[deg]19[min]....  79[deg]22[min].
19..............................  32[deg]16[min]....  79[deg]37[min].
20..............................  32[deg]03[min]....  79[deg]48[min].
21..............................  31[deg]39[min]....  80[deg]27[min].
22..............................  30[deg]58[min]....  80[deg]47[min].
23..............................  30[deg]13[min]....  81[deg]01[min].
24..............................  29[deg]32[min]....  80[deg]39[min].
25..............................  29[deg]22[min]....  80[deg]44[min].
26..............................  28[deg]50[min]....  80[deg]22[min].
27..............................  28[deg]21[min]....  80[deg]18[min].
28..............................  28[deg]21[min]....  State/EEZ
                                                       boundary.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (iii) For the purpose of paragraph (b)(6) of this section, transit 
means non-stop progression through the area; fishing gear appropriately 
stowed means all black sea bass pot gear must be out of the water and on 
board the deck of the vessel. All buoys must either be disconnected from 
the gear or

[[Page 343]]

stowed within the sea bass pot. Disconnected buoys may remain on deck.
    (7) Blueline tilefish recreational sector closure. The recreational 
sector for blueline tilefish in or from the South Atlantic EEZ is closed 
from January 1 through April 30, and September 1 through December 31, 
each year. During a closure, the bag and possession limit for blueline 
tilefish in or from the South Atlantic EEZ is zero.
    (8) Snowy grouper recreational sector closure. The recreational 
sector for snowy grouper in or from the South Atlantic EEZ is closed 
from January 1 through April 30, and September 1 through December 31, 
each year. During a closure, the bag and possession limit for snowy 
grouper in or from the South Atlantic EEZ is zero.
    (9) Red porgy recreational sector closure. The recreational sector 
for red porgy is closed from January 1 through April 30, and July 1 
through December 31, each year. During a closure, the bag and possession 
limits for red porgy in or from the South Atlantic EEZ are zero.

[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 78 FR 44464, July 24, 2013; 
78 FR 47579, Aug. 6, 2013; 78 FR 49184, Aug. 13, 2013; 78 FR 58253, 
Sept. 23, 2013; 80 FR 16587, Mar. 30, 2015; 80 FR 43038, July 21, 2015; 
81 FR 95902, Dec. 29, 2016; 82 FR 29775, June 30, 2017; 82 FR 34594, 
July 25, 2017; 83 FR 35435, July 26, 2018; 85 FR 6827, Feb. 6, 2020; 85 
FR 64980, Oct. 14, 2020; 87 FR 77747, Dec. 20, 2022]

    Effective Date Note: At 88 FR 65822, Sept. 26, 2023, Sec. 622.183 
was amended by adding paragraph (b)(10), effective Oct. 26, 2023. For 
the convenience of the user, the added text is set forth as follows:



Sec. 622.183  Area and seasonal closures.

                                * * * * *

    (b) * * *
    (10) Greater amberjack spawning season closure. From April 1 through 
April 30, each year, no person may fish for, harvest, or possess in or 
from the South Atlantic EEZ any greater amberjack. For a person on board 
a vessel for which a valid Federal commercial or charter vessel/headboat 
permit for South Atlantic snapper-grouper has been issued, these 
prohibitions against fishing, harvesting, or possessing apply in the 
South Atlantic, i.e., in state or Federal waters. Such greater amberjack 
are also subject to the prohibition on sale or purchase, as specified in 
Sec. 622.192(g).



Sec. 622.184  Seasonal harvest limitations.

    (a) Greater amberjack spawning season. During April, each year, the 
possession of greater amberjack in or from the South Atlantic EEZ and in 
the South Atlantic on board a vessel for which a valid Federal 
commercial or charter vessel/headboat permit for South Atlantic snapper-
grouper has been issued, without regard to where such greater amberjack 
were harvested, is limited to one per person per day or one per person 
per trip, whichever is more restrictive. Such greater amberjack are 
subject to the prohibition on sale or purchase, as specified in Sec. 
622.192(g).
    (b) [Reserved]

[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 83 FR 1309, Jan. 11, 2018; 85 
FR 4594, Jan. 27, 2020]

    Effective Date Note: At 88 FR 65822, Sept. 26, 2023, Sec. 622.184 
was removed, effective Oct. 26, 2023.



Sec. 622.185  Size limits.

    All size limits in this section are minimum size limits unless 
specified otherwise. A fish not in compliance with its size limit, as 
specified in this section, in or from the South Atlantic EEZ, may not be 
possessed, sold, or purchased. A fish not in compliance with its size 
limit must be released immediately with a minimum of harm. The operator 
of a vessel that fishes in the EEZ is responsible for ensuring that fish 
on board are in compliance with the size limits specified in this 
section.
    (a) Snapper--(1) [Reserved]
    (2) Vermilion snapper--12 inches (30.5 cm), TL.
    (3) Cubera, gray, and yellowtail snappers--12 inches (30.5 cm), TL.
    (4) Mutton snapper--18 inches (45.7 cm), TL.
    (5) Lane snapper--8 inches (20.3 cm), TL.
    (b) Grouper--(1) Red, yellowfin, and yellowmouth grouper; and 
scamp--20 inches (50.8 cm), TL.
    (2) Black grouper and gag--24 inches (61.0 cm), TL.
    (c) Other snapper-grouper species--(1) Black sea bass.
    (i) For a fish taken by a person subject to the bag limit specified 
in Sec. 622.187(b)(7)--13 inches (33 cm), TL.

[[Page 344]]

    (ii) For a fish taken by a person not subject to the bag limit 
specified in Sec. 622.187(b)(7)--11 inches (28 cm), TL.
    (2) Gray triggerfish--12 inches (30.5 cm), FL.
    (3) Hogfish. (i) In the South Atlantic EEZ off Georgia, South 
Carolina, and North Carolina--17 inches (43.2 cm), fork length.
    (ii) In the South Atlantic EEZ off the Florida Keys and east coast 
of Florida, and in the Gulf EEZ south of 25[deg]09[min] N. lat. off the 
west coast of Florida--16 inches (40.6 cm), fork length.
    (4) Red porgy--14 inches (35.6 cm), TL.
    (5) Greater amberjack--28 inches (71.1 cm), fork length, for a fish 
taken by a person subject to the bag limit specified in Sec. 
622.187(b)(1) and 36 inches (91.4 cm), fork length, for a fish taken by 
a person not subject to the bag limit.
    (6) Almaco jack. For a fish taken by a person not subject to the bag 
limit specified in Sec. 622.187(b)(8)--20 inches (50.8 cm), FL.

[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 78 FR 44465, July 24, 2013; 
80 FR 30952, June 1, 2015; 81 FR 32253, May 23, 2016; 82 FR 34594, July 
25, 2017; 83 FR 1309, Jan. 11, 2018; 85 FR 4594, Jan. 27, 2020; 85 FR 
11309, Feb. 27, 2020]

    Effective Date Note: At 88 FR 65822, Sept. 26, 2023, Sec. 622.185 
was amended by revising paragraph (c)(5), effective Oct. 26, 2023. For 
the convenience of the user, the revised text is set forth as follows:



Sec. 622.185  Size limits.

                                * * * * *

    (c) * * *
    (5) Greater amberjack--28 inches (71.1 cm), fork length, for a fish 
taken by a person subject to the bag limit specified in Sec. 
622.187(b)(1) and 34 inches (86.4 cm), fork length, for a fish taken by 
a person not subject to the bag limit.

                                * * * * *



Sec. 622.186  Landing fish intact.

    (a) South Atlantic snapper-grouper in or from the South Atlantic EEZ 
must be maintained with head and fins intact, except as specified in 
paragraph (b) of this section. Such fish may be eviscerated, gilled, and 
scaled, but must otherwise be maintained in a whole condition. The 
operator of a vessel that fishes in the EEZ is responsible for ensuring 
that fish on that vessel in the EEZ are maintained intact and, if taken 
from the EEZ, are maintained intact through offloading ashore, as 
specified in this section.
    (b) In the South Atlantic EEZ, snapper-grouper lawfully harvested in 
Bahamian waters are exempt from the requirement that they be maintained 
with head and fins intact, provided that the skin remains intact on the 
entire fillet of any snapper-grouper carcasses, valid Bahamian fishing 
and cruising permits are on board the vessel, each person on the vessel 
has a valid government passport with current stamps and dates from The 
Bahamas, and the vessel is in transit through the South Atlantic EEZ 
with fishing gear appropriately stowed. For the purpose of this 
paragraph, a vessel is in transit through the South Atlantic EEZ when it 
is on a direct and continuous course through the South Atlantic EEZ and 
no one aboard the vessel fishes in the EEZ. For the purpose of this 
paragraph, fishing gear appropriately stowed means that terminal gear 
(i.e., hook, leader, sinker, flasher, or bait) used with an automatic 
reel, bandit gear, buoy gear, handline, or rod and reel must be 
disconnected and stowed separately from such fishing gear. Sinkers must 
be disconnected from the down rigger and stowed separately. See Sec. 
622.187(a)(3) for the limit of snapper-grouper fillets lawfully 
harvested from Bahamian waters that may transit through the South 
Atlantic EEZ.

[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 80 FR 80688, Dec. 28, 2015]



Sec. 622.187  Bag and possession limits.

    (a) Additional applicability provisions for South Atlantic snapper-
grouper. Section 622.11(a) provides the general applicability for bag 
and possession limits. However, Sec. 622.11(a) notwithstanding:
    (1) The bag and other limits specified in Sec. 622.182(b) apply for 
South Atlantic snapper-grouper in or from the EEZ to a person aboard a 
vessel for which a commercial permit for South Atlantic snapper-grouper 
has been issued that has on board a longline in the longline closed 
area.

[[Page 345]]

    (2) A person aboard a vessel for which a commercial permit for South 
Atlantic snapper-grouper has been issued must comply with the bag limits 
specified in paragraph (b)(1) of this section for South Atlantic 
snapper-grouper taken with a powerhead, regardless of where taken, when 
such snapper-grouper are possessed in an SMZ specified in Sec. 
622.182(a)(1)(xii) through (a)(1)(xviii) or (a)(1)(xl) through 
(a)(1)(li).
    (3) In the South Atlantic EEZ, a vessel that lawfully harvests 
snapper-grouper in Bahamian waters, as per Sec. 622.186 (b), must 
comply with the bag and possession limits specified in this section. For 
determining how many snapper-grouper are on board a vessel in fillet 
form when harvested lawfully in Bahamian waters, two fillets of snapper-
grouper, regardless of the length of each fillet, is equivalent to one 
snapper-grouper. The skin must remain intact on the entire fillet of any 
snapper-grouper carcass.
    (b) Bag limits--(1) Greater amberjack--1.
    (2) Grouper and tilefish, combined--3. Within the 3-fish aggregate 
bag limit:
    (i) No more than one fish may be gag or black grouper, combined;
    (ii) No more than one fish per vessel may be a snowy grouper;
    (iii) No more than one fish may be a golden tilefish; and
    (iv) [Reserved]
    (v) No goliath grouper or Nassau grouper may be retained.
    (3) Hogfish. (i) In the South Atlantic EEZ off Georgia, South 
Carolina, and North Carolina--2.
    (ii) In the South Atlantic EEZ off the Florida Keys and east coast 
of Florida, and in the Gulf EEZ south of 25[deg]09[min] N. lat. off the 
west coast of Florida--1.
    (4) Snappers, combined--10.
    (i) Within the 10-fish bag limit, no more than 5 fish may be mutton 
snapper.
    (ii) Excluded from this 10-fish bag limit are cubera snapper, 
measuring 30 inches (76.2 cm), TL, or larger, in the South Atlantic off 
Florida, and red snapper and vermilion snapper. (See Sec. 622.181(b)(2) 
for the prohibitions on harvest or possession of red snapper, except 
during a limited recreational fishing season, and Sec. 622.181(c)(1) 
for limitations on cubera snapper measuring 30 inches (76.2 cm), TL, or 
larger, in or from the South Atlantic EEZ off Florida.)
    (5) Vermilion snapper--5.
    (6) Red porgy. 1.
    (7) Black sea bass--7.
    (8) South Atlantic snapper-grouper (whitebone porgy, jolthead porgy, 
knobbed porgy, saucereye porgy, scup, almaco jack, banded rudderfish, 
lesser amberjack, white grunt, margate, sailor's choice, Atlantic 
spadefish, gray triggerfish, bar jack), combined--20. However, excluded 
from this 20-fish bag limit are tomtate, South Atlantic snapper-grouper 
ecosystem component species (specified in table 4 of appendix A to part 
622), and those specified in paragraphs (b)(1) through (7) and 
paragraphs (b)(9) and (10) of this section. Within the 20-fish bag 
limit, no more than 10 fish can be of any one of these single snapper-
grouper species.
    (9) Red snapper--1.
    (10) No more than one fish per vessel may be a wreckfish.
    (11) Longline bag limits. Other provisions of this paragraph (b) 
notwithstanding, a person on a trip aboard a vessel for which the bag 
limits apply that has a longline on board is limited on that trip to the 
bag limit for South Atlantic snapper-grouper for which a bag limit is 
specified in this paragraph (b), and to zero for all other South 
Atlantic snapper-grouper. For the purposes of this paragraph (b)(11), a 
vessel is considered to have a longline on board when a power-operated 
longline hauler, a cable or monofilament of diameter and length suitable 
for use in the longline fishery, and gangions are on board. Removal of 
any one of these elements constitutes removal of a longline.
    (c) Possession limits. (1) Provided each passenger is issued and has 
in possession a receipt issued on behalf of the vessel that verifies the 
duration of the trip--
    (i) A person aboard a charter vessel or headboat on a trip that 
spans more than 24 hours may possess no more than two daily bag limits 
of species other than red porgy.
    (ii) A person aboard a headboat on a trip that spans more than 48 
hours and who can document that fishing was

[[Page 346]]

conducted on at least 3 days may possess no more than three daily bag 
limits of species other than red porgy.
    (2) A person aboard a vessel may not possess red porgy in or from 
the EEZ in excess of one per day or one per trip, whichever is more 
restrictive.

[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 78 FR 44465, July 24, 2013; 
78 FR 78775, Dec. 27, 2013; 80 FR 16587, Mar. 30, 2015; 80 FR 80688, 
Dec. 28, 2015; 81 FR 45248, July 13, 2016; 82 FR 34594, July 25, 2017; 
83 FR 1309, Jan. 11, 2018; 83 FR 35435, July 26, 2018; 85 FR 11309, Feb. 
27, 2020; 87 FR 77747, Dec. 20, 2022]

    Effective Date Note: At 88 FR 65146, Sept. 21, 2023, Sec. 622.187 
was amended by revising paragraph (b)(2)(i), effective Oct. 23, 2023. 
For the convenience of the user, the revised text is set forth as 
follows:



Sec. 622.187  Bag and possession limits.

                                * * * * *

    (b) * * *
    (2) * * *
    (i) No more than one fish may be gag or black grouper, combined. 
However, no gag or black grouper may be retained by the captain or crew 
of a vessel operating as a charter vessel or headboat. The bag limit for 
such captain and crew is zero;
    (A) In addition to the bag limits specified in this paragraph 
(b)(2)(i), for gag, the vessel limit for a vessel operating as a private 
recreational vessel may not exceed 2 fish per vessel per day.
    (B) In addition to the bag limits specified in this paragraph 
(b)(2)(i), for gag, the vessel limit for a vessel operating as a charter 
vessel or headboat may not exceed 2 fish per vessel per trip.
    (C) In addition to the bag limits specified in this paragraph 
(b)(2)(i), for black grouper, the vessel limit for a vessel operating as 
a private recreational vessel may not exceed 2 fish per vessel per day.
    (D) In addition to the bag limits specified in this paragraph 
(b)(2)(i), for black grouper, the vessel limit for a vessel operating as 
a charter vessel or headboat may not exceed 2 fish per vessel per trip.

                                * * * * *



Sec. 622.188  Required gear, authorized gear, and unauthorized gear.

    (a) Required gear. For a person on board a vessel to harvest or 
possess South Atlantic snapper-grouper in or from the South Atlantic 
EEZ, the vessel must possess on board and such person must use the gear 
as specified in paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this section.
    (1) Dehooking device. At least one dehooking device is required and 
must be used as needed to remove hooks embedded in South Atlantic 
snapper-grouper with minimum damage. The hook removal device must be 
constructed to allow the hook to be secured and the barb shielded 
without re-engaging during the removal process. The dehooking end must 
be blunt, and all edges rounded. The device must be of a size 
appropriate to secure the range of hook sizes and styles used in the 
South Atlantic snapper-grouper fishery.
    (2) Non-offset, non-stainless steel circle hooks. Non-offset, non-
stainless steel circle hooks are required to be used when fishing for 
South Atlantic snapper-grouper with hook-and-line gear and natural baits 
north of 28[deg] N lat.
    (3) Non-stainless steel hooks. Non-stainless steel hooks are 
required to be used when fishing for South Atlantic snapper-grouper with 
hook-and-line gear and natural baits south of 28[deg] N lat.
    (4) Descending device. At least one descending device is required to 
be on board a vessel and be ready for use while fishing for or 
possessing South Atlantic snapper-grouper. Descending device means an 
instrument capable of releasing the fish at the depth from which the 
fish was caught, and to which is attached a minimum of a 16-ounce (454-
gram) weight and a minimum of a 60-ft (15.2-m) length of line. The 
descending device may either attach to the fish's mouth or be a 
container that will retain the fish while it is lowered to depth. The 
device must be capable of releasing the fish automatically, by actions 
of the operator of the device, or by allowing the fish to escape on its 
own when at depth.
    (b) Authorized gear. Subject to the gear restrictions specified in 
Sec. 622.180, the following are the only gear types authorized in a 
directed fishery for snapper-grouper in the South Atlantic EEZ: Bandit 
gear, bottom longline, buoy gear, handline, rod and reel, sea bass pot, 
and spearfishing gear.
    (c) Unauthorized gear. All gear types other than those specified in 
paragraph (b) of this section are unauthorized

[[Page 347]]

gear and the following possession and transfer limitations apply.
    (1) A vessel with trawl gear on board that fishes in the EEZ on a 
trip may possess no more than 200 lb (90.7 kg) of South Atlantic 
snapper-grouper, excluding wreckfish, in or from the EEZ on that trip. 
It is a rebuttable presumption that a vessel with more than 200 lb (90.7 
kg) of South Atlantic snapper-grouper, excluding wreckfish, on board 
harvested such fish in the EEZ.
    (2) Except as specified in paragraphs (d) through (f) of this 
section, a person aboard a vessel with unauthorized gear on board, other 
than trawl gear, that fishes in the EEZ on a trip is limited on that 
trip to:
    (i) South Atlantic snapper-grouper species for which a bag limit is 
specified in Sec. 622.187--the bag limit.
    (ii) All other South Atlantic snapper-grouper--zero.
    (3) South Atlantic snapper-grouper on board a vessel with 
unauthorized gear on board may not be transferred at sea, regardless of 
where such transfer takes place, and such snapper-grouper may not be 
transferred in the EEZ.
    (4) No vessel may receive at sea any South Atlantic snapper-grouper 
from a vessel with unauthorized gear on board, as specified in paragraph 
(c)(3) of this section.
    (d) Possession allowance regarding sink nets off North Carolina. A 
vessel that has on board a commercial permit for South Atlantic snapper-
grouper, excluding wreckfish, that fishes in the EEZ off North Carolina 
with a sink net on board, may retain, without regard to the limits 
specified in paragraph (c)(2) of this section, otherwise legal South 
Atlantic snapper-grouper taken with bandit gear, buoy gear, handline, 
rod and reel, or sea bass pot. For the purpose of this paragraph (d), a 
sink net is a gillnet with stretched mesh measurements of 3 to 4.75 
inches (7.6 to 12.1 cm) that is attached to the vessel when deployed.
    (e) Possession allowance regarding bait nets. A vessel that has on 
board a commercial permit for South Atlantic snapper-grouper, excluding 
wreckfish, that fishes in the South Atlantic EEZ with no more than one 
bait net on board, may retain, without regard to the limits specified in 
paragraph (c)(2) of this section, otherwise legal South Atlantic 
snapper-grouper taken with bandit gear, buoy gear, handline, rod and 
reel, or sea bass pot. For the purpose of this paragraph (e), a bait net 
is a gillnet not exceeding 50 ft (15.2 m) in length or 10 ft (3.1 m) in 
height with stretched mesh measurements of 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) or 
smaller that is attached to the vessel when deployed.
    (f) Possession allowance regarding cast nets. A vessel that has on 
board a commercial permit for South Atlantic snapper-grouper, excluding 
wreckfish, that fishes in the South Atlantic EEZ with a cast net on 
board, may retain, without regard to the limits specified in paragraph 
(c)(2) of this section, otherwise legal South Atlantic snapper-grouper 
taken with bandit gear, buoy gear, handline, rod and reel, or sea bass 
pot. For the purpose of this paragraph (f), a cast net is a cone-shaped 
net thrown by hand and designed to spread out and capture fish as the 
weighted circumference sinks to the bottom and comes together when 
pulled by a line.
    (g) Longline species limitation. A vessel that has on board a valid 
Federal commercial permit for South Atlantic snapper-grouper, excluding 
wreckfish, that fishes in the EEZ on a trip with a longline on board, 
may possess only the following South Atlantic snapper-grouper: snowy 
grouper, yellowedge grouper, misty grouper, golden tilefish, blueline 
tilefish, and sand tilefish. See Sec. 622.170(f) for the requirement to 
possess a valid South Atlantic golden tilefish longline endorsement to 
fish for golden tilefish in the South Atlantic EEZ using longline gear. 
For the purpose of this paragraph, a vessel is considered to have a 
longline on board when a power-operated longline hauler, a cable of 
diameter suitable for use in the longline fishery on any reel, and 
gangions are on board. Removal of any one of these three elements 
constitutes removal of a longline.

[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 78 FR 23863 Apr. 23, 2013; 85 
FR 36171, June 15, 2020]



Sec. 622.189  Restrictions and requirements for sea bass pots.

    (a) Tending restriction. A sea bass pot in the South Atlantic EEZ 
may be

[[Page 348]]

pulled or tended only by a person (other than an authorized officer) 
aboard the vessel permitted to fish such pot or aboard another vessel if 
such vessel has on board written consent of the owner or operator of the 
vessel so permitted.
    (b) Configuration restriction. In the South Atlantic EEZ, sea bass 
pots may not be used or possessed in multiple configurations, that is, 
two or more pots may not be attached one to another so that their 
overall dimensions exceed those allowed for an individual sea bass pot. 
This does not preclude connecting individual pots to a line, such as a 
``trawl'' or trot line.
    (c) Requirement for escape mechanisms. (1) A sea bass pot that is 
used or possessed in the South Atlantic EEZ between 35[deg]15.19[min] N. 
lat. (due east of Cape Hatteras Light, NC) and 28[deg]35.1[min] N. lat. 
(due east of the NASA Vehicle Assembly Building, Cape Canaveral, FL) is 
required to have--
    (i) On at least one side, excluding top and bottom, a panel or door 
with an opening equal to or larger than the interior end of the trap's 
throat (funnel). The hinges and fasteners of each panel or door must be 
made of one of the following degradable materials:
    (A) Ungalvanized or uncoated iron wire with a diameter not exceeding 
0.041 inches (1.0 mm), that is, 19 gauge wire.
    (B) Galvanic timed-release mechanisms with a letter grade 
designation (degradability index) no higher than J.
    (ii) An unobstructed escape vent opening on at least two opposite 
vertical sides, excluding top and bottom. The minimum dimensions of an 
escape vent opening (based on inside measurement) are:
    (A) 1\1/8\ by 5\3/4\ inches (2.9 by 14.6 cm) for a rectangular vent.
    (B) 1.75 by 1.75 inches (4.5 by 4.5 cm) for a square vent.
    (C) 2.0-inch (5.1-cm) diameter for a round vent.
    (2) [Reserved]
    (d) Construction requirements and mesh sizes. (1) A sea bass pot 
used or possessed in the South Atlantic EEZ must have mesh sizes as 
follows (based on centerline measurements between opposite, parallel 
wires or netting strands):
    (i) For sides of the pot other than the back panel:
    (A) Hexagonal mesh (chicken wire)--at least 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) 
between the wrapped sides;
    (B) Square mesh--at least 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) between sides; or
    (C) Rectangular mesh--at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) between the longer 
sides and 2 inches (5.1 cm) between the shorter sides.
    (ii) For the entire back panel, i.e., the side of the pot opposite 
the side that contains the pot entrance, mesh that is at least 2 inches 
(5.1 cm) between sides.
    (2) [Reserved]
    (e) Requirements for pot removal. (1) A sea bass pot must be removed 
from the water in the South Atlantic EEZ and the vessel must be returned 
to a dock, berth, beach, seawall, or ramp at the conclusion of each 
trip. Sea bass pots may remain on the vessel at the conclusion of each 
trip.
    (2) A sea bass pot must be removed from the water in the South 
Atlantic EEZ when the applicable quota specified in Sec. 622.190(a)(5) 
is reached. After a closure is in effect, a black sea bass may not be 
retained by a vessel that has a sea bass pot on board.
    (f) Restriction on number of pots. A vessel that has on board a 
valid Federal commercial permit for South Atlantic snapper-grouper and a 
South Atlantic black sea bass pot endorsement that fishes in the South 
Atlantic EEZ on a trip with black sea bass pots, may possess only 35 
black sea bass pots per vessel per permit year. Each black sea bass pot 
in the water or onboard a vessel in the South Atlantic EEZ, must have a 
valid identification tag attached. Endorsement holders must apply for 
new tags each permit year through NMFS to replace tags from the previous 
year.
    (g) Sea bass pot buoy line marking requirement. In addition to the 
gear marking requirements specified in 50 CFR 229.32(b), from November 
15 through April 15, each year, in the Southeast U.S. Restricted Area 
North as described in 50 CFR 229.32(f) and from September 1 through May 
31, each year in the Offshore Trap/Pot Waters Area and the Southern 
Nearshore Trap/Pot Waters Area, as described in 50 CFR 229.32(c)(6) and 
(9), respectively,

[[Page 349]]

the buoy line must be marked with a purple color band. The colored band 
must be clearly visible when the gear is hauled or removed from the 
water, including if the color of the rope is the same as, or similar, to 
the colored band. The purple band must be marked directly onto the line 
and adjacent to the buoy line markings specified in 50 CFR 229.32(b), 
that is, at the top, middle, and bottom of each buoy line deployed by, 
or on board, the vessel. Each of the three purple bands must be a 12-
inch (30.5 cm) color mark. In marking or affixing the purple band, the 
line may be dyed, painted, or marked with thin colored whipping line, 
thin colored plastic, or heat-shrink tubing, or other material.

[81 FR 1792, Jan. 13, 2016, as amended at 81 FR 95902, Dec. 29, 2016]



Sec. 622.190  Quotas.

    See Sec. 622.8 for general provisions regarding quota applicability 
and closure and reopening procedures. This section provides quotas and 
specific quota closure restrictions for South Atlantic snapper-grouper.
    (a) South Atlantic snapper-grouper, excluding wreckfish. The quotas 
apply to persons who are not subject to the bag limits. (See Sec. 
622.11 for applicability of the bag limits.) The quotas are in gutted 
weight, that is eviscerated but otherwise whole, except for the quotas 
in paragraphs (a)(4), (5), and (7) of this section which are in both 
gutted weight and round weight.
    (1) Snowy grouper--(i) For the period January 1 through June 30 each 
year--107,754 lb (48,876 kg).
    (ii) For the period July 1 through December 31 each year--46,181 lb 
(20,947 kg).
    (iii) Any unused portion of the quota specified in paragraph 
(a)(1)(i) of this section will be added to the quota specified in 
paragraph (a)(1)(ii) of this section. Any unused portion of the quota 
specified in paragraph (a)(1)(ii) of this section, including any 
addition of quota specified in paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this section that 
was unused, will become void and will not be added to any subsequent 
quota.
    (2) Golden tilefish. (i) Commercial sector (hook-and-line and 
longline components combined)--331,740 lb (150,475 kg).
    (ii) Hook-and-line component--82,935 lb (37,619 kg).
    (iii) Longline component--248,805 lb (112,856 kg).
    (3) Greater amberjack--(i) For the period March 1 through August 31 
each year--461,633 lb (209,393 kg).
    (ii) For the period September 1 through the end of February each 
year--307,755 lb (139,595 kg).
    (iii) Any unused portion of the quota specified in paragraph 
(a)(3)(i) of this section will be added to the quota specified in 
paragraph (a)(3)(ii) of this section. Any unused portion of the quota 
specified in paragraph (a)(3)(ii) of this section, including any 
addition of quota specified in paragraph (a)(3)(i) of this section that 
was unused, will become void and will not be added to any subsequent 
quota.
    (4) Vermilion snapper. (i) For the period January through June each 
year.
    (A) For the 2019 fishing year--483,658 lb (219,384 kg), gutted 
weight; 536,860 lb (243,516 kg), round weight.
    (B) For the 2020 fishing year--452,721 lb (205,351 kg), gutted 
weight; 502,520 lb (227,939 kg), round weight.
    (C) For the 2021 fishing year--431,279 lb (195,625 kg), gutted 
weight; 478,720 lb (217,144 kg), round weight.
    (D) For the 2022 fishing year--417,189 lb (189,234 kg), gutted 
weight; 463,080 lb (210,050 kg), round weight.
    (E) For the 2023 and subsequent fishing years--409,225 lb (185,621 
kg), gutted weight; 454,240 lb (206,040 kg), round weight.
    (ii) For the period July through December each year.
    (A) For the 2019 fishing year--483,658 lb (219,384 kg), gutted 
weight; 536,860 lb (243,516 kg), round weight.
    (B) For the 2020 fishing year--452,721 lb (205,351 kg), gutted 
weight; 502,520 lb (227,939 kg), round weight.
    (C) For the 2021 fishing year--431,279 lb (195,625 kg), gutted 
weight; 478,720 lb (217,144 kg), round weight.
    (D) For the 2022 fishing year--417,189 lb (417,189 kg), gutted 
weight; 463,080 lb (210,050 kg), round weight.
    (E) For the 2023 and subsequent fishing years--409,225 lb (185,621 
kg), gutted weight; 454,240 lb (206,040 kg), round weight.
    (iii) Any unused portion of the quota specified in paragraph 
(a)(4)(i) of this

[[Page 350]]

section will be added to the quota specified in paragraph (a)(4)(ii) of 
this section. Any unused portion of the quota specified in paragraph 
(a)(4)(ii) of this section, including any addition of quota specified in 
paragraph (a)(4)(i) of this section that was unused, will become void 
and will not be added to any subsequent quota.
    (5) Black sea bass. (i) For the 2019 fishing year--276,949 lb 
(125,622 kg), gutted weight; 326,800 lb (148,234 kg), round weight.
    (ii) For the 2020 fishing year--243,788 lb (110,580 kg), gutted 
weight; 287,670 lb (130,485 kg), round weight.
    (iii) For the 2021 fishing year and subsequent fishing years--
234,314 lb (106,283 kg), gutted weight; 276,490 lb (125,414 kg), round 
weight.
    (6) Red porgy--(i) For the period January 1 through April 30 each 
year.
    (A) For the 2022 fishing year--11,127 lb (5,047 kg).
    (B) For the 2023 fishing year--12,017 lb (5,451 kg).
    (C) For the 2024 fishing year--12,907 lb (5,855 kg).
    (D) For the 2025 fishing year--13,500 lb (6,123 kg).
    (E) For the 2026 and subsequent fishing years--14,094 lb (6,393 kg).
    (ii) For the period May 1 through December 31 each year.
    (A) For the 2022 fishing year--25,962 lb (11,776 kg).
    (B) For the 2023 fishing year--28,039 lb (12,718 kg).
    (C) For the 2024 fishing year--30,116 lb (13,660 kg).
    (D) For the 2025 fishing year--31,501 lb (14,289 kg).
    (E) For the 2026 and subsequent fishing years--32,886 lb (14,917 
kg).
    (iii) Any unused portion of the quota specified in paragraph 
(a)(6)(i) of this section will be added to the quota specified in 
paragraph (a)(6)(ii) of this section. Any unused portion of the quota 
specified in paragraph (a)(6)(ii) of this section, including any 
addition of quota specified in paragraph (a)(6)(i) of this section that 
was unused, will become void and will not be added to any subsequent 
quota.
    (7) Gag--(i) For the 2015 fishing year--295,459 lb (134,018 kg), 
gutted weight; 348,642 lb (158,141 kg), round weight.
    (ii) For the 2016 fishing year--297,882 lb (135,117 kg), gutted 
weight; 351,501 (159,438 kg), round weight.
    (iii) For the 2017 fishing year--318,231 lb (144,347 kg), gutted 
weight; 375,513 lb (170,330 kg), round weight.
    (iv) For the 2018 fishing year--335,188 lb (152,039 kg), gutted 
weight; 395,522 lb (179,406 kg), round weight.
    (v) For the 2019 and subsequent fishing years--347,301 lb (157,533 
kg), gutted weight; 409,816 lb (185,889 kg), round weight.
    (8) Gray triggerfish. (i) For the period January through June each 
year--156,162 lb (70,834 kg), round weight.
    (ii) For the period July through December each year--156,162 lb 
(70,834 kg), round weight.
    (iii) Any unused portion of the quota specified in paragraph 
(a)(8)(i) of this section will be added to the quota specified in 
paragraph (a)(8)(ii) of this section. Any unused portion of the quota 
specified in paragraph (a)(8)(ii) of this section, including any 
addition of quota specified in paragraph (a)(8)(i) of this section that 
was unused, will become void and will not be added to any subsequent 
quota.
    (b) Wreckfish. (1) The quotas for wreckfish apply to wreckfish 
shareholders, or their employees, contractors, or agents. The quotas are 
given round weight. See Sec. 622.172 for information on the wreckfish 
shareholder under the ITQ system.
    (i) For the 2015 fishing year--411,350 lb (186,585 kg).
    (ii) For the 2016 fishing year--402,515 (182,578 kg).
    (iii) For the 2017 fishing year--393,490 lb (178,484 kg).
    (iv) For the 2018 fishing year--385,985 lb (175,080 kg).
    (v) For the 2019 fishing year--376,960 lb (170,986 kg).
    (vi) For the 2020 and subsequent fishing years--369,645 lb (167,668 
kg).
    (2) [Reserved]
    (c) Restrictions applicable after a commercial quota closure--(1) 
South Atlantic gag, greater amberjack, snowy grouper, golden tilefish, 
vermilion snapper, black sea bass, red porgy, wreckfish, and gray 
triggerfish. (i) The appropriate bag limits specified in Sec. 
622.187(b) and the possession limits specified in Sec. 622.187(c) apply 
to all harvest or possession of

[[Page 351]]

the applicable species in or from the South Atlantic EEZ, and the sale 
or purchase of the applicable species taken from or possessed in the EEZ 
is prohibited. The prohibition on sale/purchase during a closure for the 
applicable species does not apply to fish that were harvested, landed 
ashore, and sold prior to the effective date of the closure and were 
held in cold storage by a dealer or processor.
    (ii) The bag and possession limits for the applicable species and 
the prohibition on sale/purchase apply in the South Atlantic on board a 
vessel for which a valid Federal commercial or charter vessel/headboat 
permit for South Atlantic snapper-grouper has been issued, without 
regard to where such species were harvested, i.e., in state or Federal 
waters.
    (2) [Reserved]

[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 78 FR 23863 Apr. 23, 2013; 78 
FR 47579, Aug. 6, 2013; 78 FR 49195, Aug. 13, 2013]; 78 FR 58253, Sept. 
23, 2013; 79 FR 66322, Nov. 7, 2014; 80 FR 30953, June 1, 2015; 80 FR 
43038, July 21, 2015; 80 FR 48278, Aug. 12, 2015; 81 FR 3738, Jan. 22, 
2016; 83 FR 62512, Dec. 4, 2018; 83 FR 14024, Apr. 9, 2019; 85 FR 4594, 
Jan. 27, 2020; 87 FR 77747, Dec. 20, 2022]

    Effective Date Notes: 1. At 88 FR 65146, Sept. 21, 2023, Sec. 
622.190 was amended by revising paragraphs (a) introductory text and 
(a)(7), effective Oct. 23, 2023. For the convenience of the user, the 
revised text is set forth as follows:



Sec. 622.190  Quotas.

                                * * * * *

    (a) South Atlantic snapper-grouper, excluding wreckfish. The quotas 
apply to persons who are not subject to the bag limits. (See Sec. 
622.11 for applicability of the bag limits.) The quotas are in gutted 
weight, that is eviscerated but otherwise whole, except for the quotas 
in paragraphs (a)(4) through (6) of this section which are in both 
gutted weight and round weight.

                                * * * * *

    (7) Gag. (i) For the 2023 fishing year--85,326 lb (38,703 kg).
    (ii) For the 2024 fishing year--128,096 lb (58,103 kg).
    (iii) For the 2025 fishing year--171,687 lb (77,876 kg).
    (iv) For the 2026 fishing year--215,051 lb (97,545 kg).
    (v) For the 2027 fishing year--259,823 lb (117,854 kg).
    (vi) For the 2028 fishing year--306,400 lb (138,981 kg).
    (vii) For the 2029 fishing year--353,220 lb (160,218 kg).
    (viii) For the 2030 fishing year--397,555 lb (180,328 kg).
    (ix) For the 2031 fishing year--437,390 lb (198,397 kg).
    (x) For the 2032 and subsequent fishing years--471,966 lb (214,080 
kg).

                                * * * * *

    2. At 88 FR 65822, Sept. 26, 2023, Sec. 622.190 was amended by 
revising paragraph (a)(3), effective Oct. 26, 2023. For the convenience 
of the user, the revised text is set forth as follows:



Sec. 622.190  Quotas.

                                * * * * *

    (a) * * *
    (3) Greater amberjack--(i) For the period of March 1 through August 
31 each year.
    (A) For the 2023-2024 fishing year, 652,817 lb (296,113 kg).
    (B) For the 2024-2025 fishing year, 569,019 lb (258,103 kg).
    (C) For the 2025-2026 fishing year, 544,990 lb (247,203 kg).
    (D) For the 2026-2027 and subsequent fishing years, 538,933 lb 
(244,456 kg).
    (ii) For the period of September 1 through the end of February each 
year.
    (A) For the 2023-2024 fishing year, 435,212 lb (197,409 kg).
    (B) For the 2024-2025 fishing year, 379,346 lb (172,068 kg).
    (C) For the 2025-2026 fishing year, 363,327 lb (164,802 kg).
    (D) For the 2026-2027 and subsequent fishing years, 359,288 lb 
(162,970 kg).

                                * * * * *



Sec. 622.191  Commercial trip limits.

    Commercial trip limits are limits on the amount of the applicable 
species that may be possessed on board or landed, purchased, or sold 
from a vessel per day. A person who fishes in the EEZ may not combine a 
trip limit specified in this section with any trip or possession limit 
applicable to state waters. A species subject to a trip limit specified 
in this section taken in the EEZ may not be transferred at sea, 
regardless of where such transfer takes place, and such species may not 
be transferred in the EEZ. Commercial trip limits apply as follows (all 
weights

[[Page 352]]

are round or eviscerated weights unless specified otherwise):
    (a) When a vessel fishes on a trip in the South Atlantic EEZ, the 
vessel trip limits specified in this paragraph (a) apply, provided 
persons aboard the vessel are not subject to the bag limits. See Sec. 
622.11 and Sec. 622.187(a) for applicability of the bag limits.
    (1) Trip-limited permits. A vessel for which a trip-limited permit 
for South Atlantic snapper-grouper has been issued is limited to 225 lb 
(102.1 kg) of snapper-grouper.
    (2) Golden tilefish--(i) South Atlantic snapper-grouper unlimited 
permit holders, with a longline endorsement, using longline gear. Until 
the quota specified in Sec. 622.190(a)(2)(iii) is reached, 4,000 lb 
(1,814 kg), gutted weight; 4,480 lb (2,032 kg), round weight.
    (ii) South Atlantic snapper-grouper unlimited permit holders, 
without a longline endorsement, using hook-and-line gear. Until the 
quota specified in Sec. 622.190(a)(2)(ii) is reached, the trip limit 
for golden tilefish is 500 lb (227 kg), gutted weight; 560 lb (254 kg), 
round weight. Vessels that have valid or renewable golden tilefish 
longline endorsements any time during the fishing year, are not eligible 
to fish for golden tilefish using hook-and-line gear under this 500-lb 
(227-kg), gutted weight, trip limit.
    (iii) See Sec. 622.190(c)(1) for the limitations regarding golden 
tilefish after the applicable commercial quota is reached.
    (3) Snowy grouper. Until the quota specified in Sec. 622.190(a)(1) 
is reached--200 lb (91 kg), gutted weight; 236 lb (107 kg), round 
weight. See Sec. 622.190(c)(1) for the limitations regarding snowy 
grouper after the fishing year quota is reached.
    (4) Red porgy. The following commercial trip limits apply until the 
applicable commercial quota specified in Sec. 622.190(a)(6) is reached. 
See Sec. 622.190(c)(1) for the limitations regarding red porgy after 
the applicable commercial quota is reached.
    (i) From January 1 through April 30--15 fish.
    (ii) From May 1 through December 31--15 fish.
    (5) Greater amberjack. The following commercial trip limits apply 
until the applicable commercial quota specified in Sec. 622.190(a)(3) 
is reached. See Sec. 622.190(c)(1) for the limitations regarding 
greater amberjack after the applicable commercial quota is reached.
    (i) From March 1 through August 31--1,200 lb (544 kg).
    (ii) From September 1 through the end of February--1,000 lb (454 
kg).
    (6) Vermilion snapper. Until the applicable commercial quota 
specified in Sec. 622.190(a)(4) is reached--1,000 lb (454 kg), gutted 
weight. See Sec. 622.190(c)(1) for the limitations regarding vermilion 
snapper after the applicable commercial quota is reached.
    (7) Gag. (i) Until 75 percent of the quota specified in Sec. 
622.190(a)(7) is reached--1,000 lb (454 kg), gutted weight, 1,180 lb 
(535 kg), round weight.
    (ii) After 75 percent of the quota specified in Sec. 622.190(a)(7) 
is reached or projected to be reached--500 lb (227 kg), gutted weight, 
590 lb (268 kg), round weight. When the conditions in this paragraph 
(a)(7)(ii) have been met, the Assistant Administrator will implement 
this trip limit change by filing a notification with the Office of the 
Federal Register.
    (iii) See Sec. 622.190(c)(1) for the limitations regarding gag 
after the quota is reached.
    (8) Black sea bass-- (i) Hook-and-line component. (A) From January 1 
through April 30, until the applicable quota specified in Sec. 
622.190(a)(5) is reached--300 lb (136 kg), gutted weight; 354 lb (161 
kg), round weight.
    (B) From May 1 through December 31, until the applicable quota 
specified in Sec. 622.190(a)(5) is reached--1,000 lb (454 kg), gutted 
weight; 1,180 lb (535 kg), round weight.
    (ii) Sea bass pot component. Until the applicable quota specified in 
Sec. 622.190(a)(5) is reached--1,000 lb (454 kg), gutted weight; 1,180 
lb (535 kg), round weight.
    (iii) See Sec. 622.190(c)(1) for the limitations regarding black 
sea bass after the applicable quota is reached.
    (9) Red snapper. Until the commercial ACL specified in Sec. 
622.193(y)(1) is reached, 75 lb (34 kg), gutted weight.
    (10) Blueline tilefish. The following commercial trip limits apply 
until the commercial ACL specified in Sec. 622.193(z)(1)(i) is reached. 
See

[[Page 353]]

Sec. 622.193(z)(1)(i) for the limitations regarding blueline tilefish 
after the commercial ACL is reached.
    (i) From January 1 through April 30--100 lb (45 kg), gutted weight; 
106 lb (48 kg), round weight.
    (ii) From May 1 through December 31--300 lb (136 kg), gutted weight; 
318 lb (144 kg), round weight.
    (11) Gray triggerfish. Until the applicable quota specified in 
either Sec. 622.190(a)(8)(i) or (ii) is reached, 1,000 lb (454 kg), 
round weight. See Sec. 622.190(c)(1) for the limitations regarding gray 
triggerfish after either quota specified in Sec. 622.190(a)(8)(i) or 
(ii) is reached or projected to be reached.
    (12) Hogfish. (i) Until the commercial ACL specified in Sec. 
622.193(u)(1)(iii)(A) is reached or is projected to be reached off 
Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina, 500 lb (227 kg), round 
weight.
    (ii) Until the commercial ACL specified in Sec. 
622.193(u)(2)(iii)(A) is reached or is projected to be reached off the 
Florida Keys and east coast of Florida, and south of 25[deg]09[min] N. 
lat. off the west coast of Florida, 25 lb (11 kg), round weight.
    (iii) See Sec. 622.193(u)(1)(i) or (u)(2)(i) for the limitations 
regarding hogfish after a commercial ACL is reached.
    (13) Mutton snapper. The following commercial trip limits apply 
until the applicable commercial ACL in Sec. 622.193(o)(1)(iii) is 
reached. See Sec. 622.193(o)(1) for the limitations regarding mutton 
snapper after the commercial ACL is reached.
    (i) From January 1 through March 31, and July 1 through December 
31--500 lb (227 kg), round weight.
    (ii) From April 1 through June 30--5 fish per person per day or 5 
fish per person per trip, whichever is more restrictive.
    (14) Other jacks complex (lesser amberjack, almaco jack, and banded 
rudderfish). Until the commercial ACL specified in Sec. 
622.193(l)(1)(i) is reached--500 lb (227 kg), gutted weight; 520 lb (236 
kg), round weight. See Sec. 622.193(l)(1)(i) for the limitations 
regarding the other jacks complex after the commercial ACL is reached.
    (15) Red grouper. Until the commercial ACL specified in Sec. 
622.193(d)(1)(iii) is reached--200 lb (91 kg), gutted weight; 236 lb 
(107 kg), round weight. See Sec. 622.193(d)(1) for the limitations 
regarding red grouper after the commercial ACL is reached.
    (b) When a vessel fishes for hogfish on a trip in the Gulf EEZ south 
of 25[deg]09[min] N. lat. off the west coast of Florida, the vessel trip 
limit specified in paragraph (a)(12)(ii) of this section applies, 
provided persons aboard are not subject to the bag limit. See Sec. 
622.11(a) and Sec. 622.187(a) for applicability of the bag limit.

[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 78 FR 23863 Apr. 23, 2013; 78 
FR 44465, July 24, 2013; 78 FR 47579, Aug. 6, 2013; 79 FR 66322, Nov. 7, 
2014; 80 FR 16587, Mar. 30, 2015; 80 FR 30953, June 1, 2015; 80 FR 
43038, July 21, 2015; 81 FR 32253, May 23, 2016; 81 FR 45248, July 13, 
2016; 82 FR 11157, Feb. 21, 2017; 82 FR 34594, July 25, 2017; 83 FR 
1309, Jan. 11, 2018; 83 FR 35435, July 26, 2018; 85 FR 4594, Jan. 27, 
2020; 85 FR 6828, Feb. 6, 2020; 87 FR 77748, Dec. 20, 2022]

    Effective Date Notes: 1. At 88 FR 65146, Sept. 21, 2023, Sec. 
622.191 was amended by revising paragraph (a)(7), effective Oct. 23, 
2023. For the convenience of the user, the revised text is set forth as 
follows:



Sec. 622.191  Commercial trip limits.

                                * * * * *

    (a) * * *
    (7) Gag. Until the applicable commercial quota specified Sec. 
622.190(a)(7) is reached--300 lb (136 kg), gutted weight. See Sec. 
622.190(c)(1) for the limitations regarding gag after the commercial 
quota is reached.

                                * * * * *

    2. At 88 FR 65823, Sept. 26, 2023, Sec. 622.191 was amended by 
revising paragraph (a)(5), effective Oct. 26, 2023. For the convenience 
of the user, the revised text is set forth as follows:



Sec. 622.191  Commercial trip limits.

                                * * * * *

    (a) * * *
    (5) Until the applicable commercial quota specified in Sec. 
622.190(a)(3) is reached--1,200 lb (544 kg). See Sec. 622.190(c)(1) for 
the limitations regarding greater amberjack after the applicable 
commercial quota is reached.

                                * * * * *

[[Page 354]]



Sec. 622.192  Restrictions on sale/purchase.

    The restrictions in this section are in addition to the restrictions 
on sale/purchase related to quota closures as specified in Sec. 
622.190(c).
    (a) A South Atlantic snapper-grouper harvested or possessed in the 
EEZ on board a vessel that does not have a valid commercial permit for 
South Atlantic snapper-grouper, as required under Sec. 622.170(a), or a 
South Atlantic snapper-grouper harvested in the EEZ and possessed under 
the bag limits specified in Sec. 622.187(b), may not be sold or 
purchased. In addition, a South Atlantic snapper-grouper harvested or 
possessed by a vessel that is operating as a charter vessel or headboat 
with a Federal charter vessel/headboat permit for South Atlantic 
snapper-grouper may not be sold or purchased regardless of where 
harvested, i.e., in state or Federal waters.
    (b) South Atlantic snapper-grouper harvested in or from the EEZ or 
adjoining state waters by a vessel that has a valid commercial vessel 
permit for South Atlantic snapper-grouper may be sold or transferred 
only to a dealer who has a valid Gulf and South Atlantic dealer permit, 
as required under Sec. 622.170(c)(1).
    (c) South Atlantic snapper-grouper harvested in or from the EEZ may 
be first received by a dealer who has a valid Gulf and South Atlantic 
dealer permit, as required under Sec. 622.170(a), only from a vessel 
that has a valid commercial permit for South Atlantic snapper-grouper.
    (d) A warsaw grouper or speckled hind in or from the South Atlantic 
EEZ may not be sold or purchased.
    (e) No person may sell or purchase a snowy grouper, gag, golden 
tilefish, greater amberjack, vermilion snapper, black sea bass, or red 
porgy harvested from or possessed in the South Atlantic, i.e., in state 
or Federal waters, by a vessel for which a valid Federal commercial 
permit for South Atlantic snapper-grouper has been issued for the 
remainder of the fishing year after the applicable commercial quota for 
that species specified in Sec. 622.190(a) has been reached. The 
prohibition on sale/purchase during these periods does not apply to such 
of the applicable species that were harvested, landed ashore, and sold 
prior to the applicable commercial quota being reached and were held in 
cold storage by a dealer or processor.
    (f) [Reserved]
    (g) During April, no person may sell or purchase a greater amberjack 
harvested from the South Atlantic EEZ or, if harvested by a vessel for 
which a valid Federal commercial permit for South Atlantic snapper-
grouper has been issued, harvested from the South Atlantic, i.e., in 
state or Federal waters. The prohibition on sale/purchase during April 
does not apply to greater amberjack that were harvested, landed ashore, 
and sold prior to April 1 and were held in cold storage by a dealer or 
processor. This prohibition also does not apply to a dealer's purchase 
or sale of greater amberjack harvested from an area other than the South 
Atlantic, provided such fish is accompanied by documentation of harvest 
outside the South Atlantic. The requirements for such documentation are 
specified in paragraph (i) of this section.
    (h) During January through April, no person may sell or purchase a 
gag, black grouper, red grouper, scamp, red hind, rock hind, yellowmouth 
grouper, yellowfin grouper, graysby, or coney harvested from or 
possessed in the South Atlantic EEZ or, if harvested or possessed by a 
vessel for which a valid Federal commercial permit for South Atlantic 
snapper-grouper has been issued, harvested from the South Atlantic, 
i.e., in state or Federal waters. Additionally, in the month of May, no 
person may sell or purchase South Atlantic red grouper harvested from or 
possessed in the South Atlantic EEZ off North Carolina or off South 
Carolina, or, if harvested or possessed by a vessel for which a valid 
Federal commercial permit for South Atlantic snapper-grouper has been 
issued, harvested in or from the EEZ or state waters off North Carolina 
or off South Carolina. The prohibitions on sale and purchase during 
January through May do not apply to such species that were harvested, 
landed ashore, and sold prior to January 1 and were held in cold storage 
by a dealer or processor. These prohibitions also do not apply to

[[Page 355]]

a dealer's purchase or sale of such species harvested from an area other 
than the South Atlantic, provided such fish are accompanied by 
documentation of harvest outside the South Atlantic. The requirements 
for such documentation are specified in paragraph (i) of this section.
    (i) The documentation supporting a dealer's purchase or sale of 
applicable species during the times specified in paragraphs (f) through 
(h) of this section must contain:
    (1) The information specified in part 300, subpart K, of this title 
for marking containers or packages of fish or wildlife that are 
imported, exported, or transported in interstate commerce;
    (2) The official number, name, and home port of the vessel 
harvesting the applicable species;
    (3) The port and date of offloading from the vessel harvesting the 
applicable species; and
    (4) A statement signed by the dealer attesting that the applicable 
species was harvested from an area other than the South Atlantic.
    (j) No person may sell or purchase a red snapper harvested from or 
possessed in the South Atlantic, i.e., state or Federal waters, by a 
vessel for which a Federal commercial vessel permit for South Atlantic 
snapper-grouper has been issued, except if NMFS determines a limited 
commercial fishing season for red snapper is allowable, as specified in 
Sec. 622.183(b)(5).
    (k) Snapper-grouper possessed pursuant to the bag and possession 
limits specified in Sec. 622.187(a)(3) may not be sold or purchased.

[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 78 FR 44465, July 24, 2013; 
79 FR 19495, Apr. 9, 2014; 80 FR 80689, Dec. 28, 2015; 85 FR 6828, Feb. 
6, 2020; 85 FR 73643, Nov. 19, 2020]



Sec. 622.193  Annual catch limits (ACLs), annual catch targets (ACTs), and accountability measures (AMs).

    (a) Golden tilefish--(1) Commercial sector--(i) Hook-and-line 
component. If commercial hook-and-line landings for golden tilefish, as 
estimated by the SRD, reach or are projected to reach the commercial ACL 
(commercial quota) specified in Sec. 622.190(a)(2)(ii), the AA will 
file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register to close the 
hook-and-line component of the commercial sector for the remainder of 
the fishing year. Applicable restrictions after a commercial quota 
closure are specified in Sec. 622.190(c).
    (ii) Longline component. If commercial longline landings for golden 
tilefish, as estimated by the SRD, reach or are projected to reach the 
longline commercial ACL (commercial quota) specified in Sec. 
622.190(a)(2)(iii), the AA will file a notification with the Office of 
the Federal Register to close the longline component of the commercial 
sector for the remainder of the fishing year. After the commercial ACL 
for the longline component is reached or projected to be reached, golden 
tilefish may not be fished for or possessed by a vessel with a golden 
tilefish longline endorsement. Applicable restrictions after a 
commercial quota closure are specified in Sec. 622.190(c).
    (iii) If all commercial landings of golden tilefish, as estimated by 
the SRD, exceed the commercial ACL (including both the hook-and-line and 
longline component quotas) specified in Sec. 622.190(a)(2)(i), and the 
combined commercial and recreational ACL of 342,000 lb (155,129 kg) is 
exceeded during the same fishing year, and golden tilefish are 
overfished based on the most recent Status of U.S. Fisheries Report to 
Congress, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal 
Register to reduce the commercial ACL for that following fishing year by 
the amount of the commercial ACL overage in the prior fishing year.
    (2) Recreational sector. (i) If recreational landings of golden 
tilefish, as estimated by the SRD, reach or are projected to reach the 
recreational ACL of 2,316 fish, the AA will file a notification with the 
Office of the Federal Register to close the recreational sector for the 
remainder of the fishing year regardless if the stock is overfished, 
unless NMFS determines that no closure is necessary based on the best 
scientific information available. On and after the effective date of 
such a notification, the bag and possession limits for golden tilefish 
in or from the South Atlantic EEZ are zero.
    (ii) If recreational landings of golden tilefish, as estimated by 
the SRD, exceed the recreational ACL specified of

[[Page 356]]

2,316 fish, then during the following fishing year, recreational 
landings will be monitored for a persistence in increased landings, and 
if necessary, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the 
Federal Register to reduce the length of the recreational fishing season 
and the recreational ACL by the amount of the recreational ACL overage, 
if the species is overfished based on the most recent Status of U.S. 
Fisheries Report to Congress, and if the combined commercial and 
recreational ACL of 342,000 lb (155,129 kg) is exceeded during the same 
fishing year. The AA will use the best scientific information available 
to determine if reducing the length of the recreational fishing season 
and recreational ACL is necessary. When the recreational sector is 
closed as a result of NMFS reducing the length of the recreational 
fishing season and ACL, the bag and possession limits for golden 
tilefish in or from the South Atlantic EEZ are zero.
    (b) Snowy grouper--(1) Commercial sector. (i) If commercial landings 
for snowy grouper, as estimated by the SRD, reach or are projected to 
reach the commercial ACL (commercial quota) specified in Sec. 
622.190(a)(1), the AA will file a notification with the Office of the 
Federal Register to close the commercial sector for the remainder of the 
fishing year. Applicable restrictions after a commercial quota closure 
are specified in Sec. 622.190(c).
    (ii) If commercial landings for snowy grouper, as estimated by the 
SRD, exceed the commercial ACL, and the combined commercial and 
recreational ACL specified in Sec. 622.193(b)(1)(iii) is exceeded, and 
snowy grouper are overfished based on the most recent Status of U.S. 
Fisheries Report to Congress, the AA will file a notification with the 
Office of the Federal Register to reduce the commercial ACL for that 
following fishing year by the amount of the commercial ACL overage in 
the prior fishing year.
    (iii) The combined commercial and recreational ACL for snowy grouper 
is 139,098 lb (63,094 kg), gutted weight, 164,136 lb (74,451 kg), round 
weight, for 2015; 151,518 lb (68,727 kg), gutted weight, 178,791 lb 
(81,098 kg), round weight, for 2016; 163,109 lb (73,985 kg), gutted 
weight, 192,469 lb (87,302 kg), round weight, for 2017; 173,873 lb 
(78,867 kg), gutted weight, 205,170 lb (93,064 kg), round weight, for 
2018; 185,464 lb (84,125 kg), gutted weight, 218,848 lb (99,268 kg), 
round weight, for 2019 and subsequent years.
    (2) Recreational sector. (i) If recreational landings for snowy 
grouper, as estimated by the SRD, reach or are projected to reach the 
recreational ACL, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the 
Federal Register to close the recreational sector for the remainder of 
the fishing year regardless if the stock is overfished, unless NMFS 
determines that no closure is necessary based on the best scientific 
information available. On and after the effective date of such 
notification, the bag and possession limits for snowy grouper in or from 
the South Atlantic EEZ are zero. The recreational ACL for snowy grouper 
is 4,152 fish for 2015; 4,483 fish for 2016; 4,819 fish for 2017, 4,983 
fish for 2018; 5,315 fish for 2019 and subsequent fishing years.
    (ii) If recreational landings for snowy grouper, as estimated by the 
SRD, exceed the recreational ACL, then during the following fishing year 
recreational landings will be monitored for a persistence in increased 
landings, and if necessary, the AA will file a notification with the 
Office of the Federal Register to reduce the length of the recreational 
fishing season and the recreational ACL by the amount of the 
recreational ACL overage, if snowy grouper are overfished based on the 
most recent Status of U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress, and if the 
combined commercial and recreational ACL specified in Sec. 
622.193(b)(1)(iii) is exceeded during the same fishing year. NMFS will 
use the best scientific information available to determine if reducing 
the length of the recreational fishing season and recreational ACL is 
necessary. When the recreational sector is closed as a result of NMFS 
reducing the length of the recreational fishing season and ACL, the bag 
and possession limits for snowy grouper in or from the South Atlantic 
EEZ are zero.
    (c) Gag--(1) Commercial sector. (i) If commercial landings for gag, 
as estimated by the SRD, reach or are projected to reach the commercial 
quota specified in Sec. 622.190(a)(7), the AA will

[[Page 357]]

file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register to close the 
commercial sector for gag for the remainder of the fishing year. 
Applicable restrictions after a commercial quota closure are specified 
in Sec. 622.190(c).
    (ii) If the commercial landings for gag, as estimated by the SRD, 
exceed the commercial ACL specified in Sec. 622.193(c)(1)(iii), and the 
combined commercial and recreational ACL specified in Sec. 
622.193(c)(1)(iv), is exceeded during the same fishing year, and gag are 
overfished based on the most recent Status of U.S. Fisheries Report to 
Congress, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal 
Register to reduce the commercial ACL for that following fishing year by 
the amount of the commercial ACL overage in the prior fishing year.
    (iii) The commercial ACL for gag is 322,677 lb (146,364 kg), gutted 
weight, 380,759 lb (172,709 kg), round weight, for 2015; 325,100 lb 
(147,463 kg), gutted weight, 383,618 lb (174,006 kg), round weight, for 
2016; 345,449 lb (197,516 kg), gutted weight, 407,630 lb (184,898 kg), 
round weight, for 2017; 362,406 lb (164,385 kg), gutted weight, 427,639 
lb (193,974 kg), round weight, for 2018; and 374,519 lb (169,879 kg), 
gutted weight, 441,932 lb (200,457 kg), round weight, for 2019 and 
subsequent fishing years.
    (iv) The combined commercial and recreational ACL for gag is 632,700 
lb (286,988 kg), gutted weight, 746,586 lb (338,646 kg), round weight, 
for 2015; 637,451 lb (289,143 kg), gutted weight, 752,192 lb (341,189 
kg), round weight, for 2016; 677,351 lb (307,241 kg), gutted weight, 
799,274 lb (362,545 kg), round weight, for 2017; 710,600 lb (322,323 
kg), gutted weight, 838,508 lb (380,341 kg), round weight, for 2018; and 
734,351 lb (333,096 kg), gutted weight, 866,534 lb (393,053 kg), round 
weight, for 2019 and subsequent fishing years.
    (2) Recreational sector. (i) If recreational landings for gag, as 
estimated by the SRD, reach or are projected to reach the recreational 
ACL, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal 
Register to close the recreational sector for the remainder of the 
fishing year regardless if the stock is overfished, unless NMFS 
determines that no closure is necessary based on the best scientific 
information available. On and after the effective date of such 
notification, the bag and possession limits for gag in or from the South 
Atlantic EEZ are zero. The recreational ACL for gag is 310,023 lb 
(148,025 kg), gutted weight, 365,827 (165,936 kg), round weight, for 
2015; 312,351 lb (149,137 kg), gutted weight, 368,574 lb (175,981 kg), 
round weight, for 2016; 331,902 lb (158,472 kg), gutted weight, 391,644 
lb (186,997 kg), round weight, for 2017; 348,194 lb (166,251 kg), gutted 
weight, 410,869 lb (196,176 kg), round weight, for 2018; and 359,832 lb 
(171,807 kg), gutted weight, 424,602 lb (202,733 kg), round weight, for 
2019 and subsequent fishing years.
    (ii) If recreational landings for gag, as estimated by the SRD, 
exceed the recreational ACL, then during the following fishing year 
recreational landings will be monitored for a persistence in increased 
landings, and if necessary, the AA will file a notification with the 
Office of the Federal Register to reduce the length of the recreational 
fishing season and the recreational ACL by the amount of the 
recreational ACL overage, if the species is overfished based on the most 
recent Status of U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress, and if the combined 
commercial and recreational ACL specified in Sec. 622.193(c)(1)(iv) is 
exceeded during the same fishing year. NMFS will use the best scientific 
information available to determine if reducing the length of the 
recreational fishing season and recreational ACL is necessary. When the 
recreational sector is closed as a result of NMFS reducing the length of 
the recreational fishing season and ACL, the bag and possession limits 
for gag in or from the South Atlantic EEZ are zero.
    (d) Red grouper--(1) Commercial sector. (i) If commercial landings 
for red grouper, as estimated by the SRD, reach or are projected to 
reach the commercial ACL, specified in paragraph (d)(1)(iii) of this 
section, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal 
Register to close the commercial sector for the remainder of the fishing 
year. On and after the effective date of such a notification, all sale 
or purchase of red grouper is prohibited and harvest or possession of 
red grouper in or from the South Atlantic EEZ is

[[Page 358]]

limited to the bag and possession limits. These bag and possession 
limits apply in the South Atlantic on board a vessel for which a valid 
Federal commercial or charter vessel/headboat permit for South Atlantic 
snapper-grouper has been issued, without regard to where such species 
were harvested, i.e., in state or Federal waters.
    (ii) If the commercial landings for red grouper, as estimated by the 
SRD, exceed the commercial ACL, specified in paragraph (d)(1)(iii) of 
this section, and the combined commercial and recreational ACL, 
specified in paragraph (d)(3) of this section, is exceeded during the 
same fishing year, and the species is overfished based on the most 
recent Status of U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress, the AA will file a 
notification with the Office of the Federal Register to reduce the 
commercial ACL in the following fishing year by the amount of the 
commercial ACL overage in the prior fishing year.
    (iii) The commercial ACL for red grouper is 61,160 lb (27,742 kg), 
round weight, for 2018; 66,000 lb (29,937 kg), round weight, for 2019; 
and 71,280 lb (32,332 kg), round weight, for 2020 and subsequent fishing 
years.
    (2) Recreational sector. (i) If recreational landings for red 
grouper, as estimated by the SRD, are projected to reach the 
recreational ACL, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the 
Federal Register to close the recreational sector for the remainder of 
the fishing year regardless if the stock is overfished, unless NMFS 
determines that no closure is necessary based on the best scientific 
information available. On and after the effective date of such a 
notification, the bag and possession limits for red grouper in or from 
the South Atlantic EEZ are zero.
    (ii) The recreational ACL for red grouper is 77,840 lb (35,308 kg), 
round weight, for 2018; 84,000 lb (38,102 kg), round weight, for 2019; 
and 90,720 lb (41,150 kg), round weight, for 2020 and subsequent fishing 
years.
    (iii) If recreational landings for red grouper, as estimated by the 
SRD, exceed the recreational ACL, specified in paragraph (d)(2)(ii) of 
this section, then during the following fishing year recreational 
landings will be monitored for a persistence in increased landings, and 
if necessary, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the 
Federal Register to reduce the length of the recreational fishing season 
and the recreational ACL by the amount of the recreational ACL overage, 
if the species is overfished based on the most recent Status of U.S. 
Fisheries Report to Congress, and if the combined commercial and 
recreational ACL, specified in paragraph (d)(3) of this section, is 
exceeded during the same fishing year. The AA will use the best 
scientific information available to determine if reducing the length of 
the recreational season and recreational ACL is necessary. When the 
recreational sector is closed as a result of NMFS reducing the length of 
the recreational fishing season and ACL, the bag and possession limits 
for red grouper in or from the South Atlantic EEZ are zero.
    (3) The combined commercial and recreational ACL for red grouper is 
139,000 lb (63,049 kg), round weight, for 2018; 150,000 lb (68,039 kg), 
round weight, for 2019; and 162,000 lb (73,482 kg), round weight, for 
2020 and subsequent fishing years.
    (e) Black sea bass--(1) Commercial sector. (i) If commercial 
landings, as estimated by the SRD, reach or are projected to reach the 
quota specified in Sec. 622.190(a)(5), the AA will file a notification 
with the Office of the Federal Register to close the commercial sector 
for the remainder of the fishing year.
    (ii) If commercial landings exceed the quota specified in Sec. 
622.190(a)(5), the AA will file a notification with the Office of the 
Federal Register, at or near the beginning of the following fishing year 
to reduce the ACL for that following year by the amount of the overage 
in the prior fishing year, unless the SRD determines that no overage is 
necessary based on the best scientific information available.
    (2) Recreational sector. The recreational ACL for black sea bass is 
848,455 lb (384,853 kg), gutted weight, 1,001,177 lb (454,126 kg), round 
weight for the 2018-2019 fishing year; 367,119 lb (166,522 kg), gutted 
weight, 433,200 lb (196,496 kg), round weight for the 2019-2020 fishing 
year; 323,161 lb (146,583 kg), gutted weight, 381,330 lb (172,968 kg),

[[Page 359]]

round weight, for the 2020-2021 fishing year; and 310,602 lb (140,887 
kg), gutted weight, 366,510 lb (166,246 kg), round weight, for the 2021-
2022 and subsequent fishing years. NMFS will project the length of the 
recreational fishing season based on when NMFS projects the recreational 
ACL specified in this paragraph is expected to be met and announce the 
recreational fishing season end date in the Federal Register prior to 
the start of the recreational fishing year on April 1. On and after the 
effective date of the recreational closure notification, the bag and 
possession limit for black sea bass in or from the South Atlantic EEZ is 
zero. This bag and possession limit applies in the South Atlantic on 
board a vessel for which a valid Federal charter vessel/headboat permit 
for South Atlantic snapper-grouper has been issued, without regard to 
where such species were harvested, i.e. in state or Federal waters.
    (f) Vermilion snapper--(1) Commercial sector. If commercial 
landings, as estimated by the SRD, reach or are projected to reach the 
applicable commercial ACL (commercial quota) specified in Sec. 
622.190(a)(4)(i) or (ii), the AA will file a notification with the 
Office of the Federal Register to close the commercial sector for that 
portion of the fishing year applicable to the respective quota.
    (2) Recreational sector. (i) If recreational landings, as estimated 
by the SRD, reach or are projected to reach the applicable recreational 
ACL specified in paragraph (f)(2)(iv) of this section the AA will file a 
notification with the Office of the Federal Register to close the 
recreational sector for vermilion snapper for the remainder of the 
fishing year. On and after the effective date of such notification, the 
bag and possession limit for vermilion snapper in or from the South 
Atlantic EEZ is zero. This bag and possession limit also applies in the 
South Atlantic on board a vessel for which a valid Federal commercial or 
charter vessel/headboat permit for South Atlantic snapper-grouper has 
been issued, without regard to where such species were harvested, i.e., 
in state or Federal waters.
    (ii) If the combined vermilion snapper commercial and recreational 
landings exceed the combined vermilion snapper ACLs specified in 
paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(2)(iv) of this section, and vermilion snapper 
are overfished, based on the most recent Status of U.S. Fisheries Report 
to Congress, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the 
Federal Register, at or near the beginning of the following fishing year 
to reduce the recreational ACL for that following year by the amount of 
the recreational overage in the prior fishing year.
    (iii) Recreational landings will be evaluated relative to the ACL 
based on a moving multi-year average of landings, as described in the 
FMP.
    (iv) The recreational ACL for vermilion snapper is 455,207 lb 
(206,478 kg), gutted weight, 505,280 lb (229,191 kg), round weight, for 
the 2019 fishing year; 426,090 lb (193,271 kg), gutted weight, 472,960 
lb (214,531 kg), round weight, for the 2020 fishing year; 405,910 lb 
(184,118 kg), gutted weight, 450,560 lb (204,552 kg), round weight, for 
the 2021 fishing year; 392,649 lb (178,103 kg), gutted weight, 435,840 
lb (197,694 kg), round weight, for the 2022 fishing year; and 385,520 lb 
(174,869 kg), gutted weight, 427,520 lb (193,920 kg), round weight, for 
the 2023 and subsequent fishing years.
    (g) Black grouper--(1) Commercial sector. (i) If commercial landings 
for black grouper, as estimated by the SRD, reach or are projected to 
reach the commercial ACL of 96,844 lb (43,928 kg), round weight, the AA 
will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register to 
close the commercial sector for the remainder of the fishing year. On 
and after the effective date of such a notification, all sale or 
purchase of black grouper is prohibited and harvest or possession of 
black grouper in or from the South Atlantic EEZ is limited to the bag 
and possession limits. These bag and possession limits apply in the 
South Atlantic on board a vessel for which a valid Federal commercial or 
charter vessel/headboat permit for South Atlantic snapper-grouper has 
been issued, without regard to where such species were harvested, i.e., 
in state or Federal waters.

[[Page 360]]

    (ii) If commercial landings for black grouper, as estimated by the 
SRD, exceed the commercial ACL, and the combined commercial and 
recreational ACL of 262,594 lb (119,111 kg), round weight, is exceeded 
during the same fishing year, and the species is overfished based on the 
most recent Status of U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress, the AA will 
file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register to reduce 
the commercial ACL for that following fishing year by the amount of the 
commercial ACL overage in the prior fishing year.
    (2) Recreational sector. (i) If recreational landings for black 
grouper, as estimated by the SRD, reach or are projected to reach the 
recreational ACL of 165,750 lb (75,183 kg), round weight, and the AA 
determines that a closure is necessary by using the best scientific 
information available, the AA will file a notification with the Office 
of the Federal Register to close the recreational sector for the 
remainder of the fishing year regardless if the stock is overfished, 
unless NMFS determines that no closure is necessary based on the best 
scientific information available. On and after the effective date of 
such a notification, the bag and possession limits for black grouper in 
or from the South Atlantic EEZ are zero.
    (ii) If recreational landings for black grouper, as estimated by the 
SRD, exceed the recreational ACL, then during the following fishing year 
recreational landings will be monitored for a persistence in increased 
landings, and if necessary, the AA will file a notification with the 
Office of the Federal Register to reduce the length of the recreational 
fishing season and the recreational ACL by the amount of the 
recreational ACL overage, if black grouper are overfished based on the 
most recent Status of U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress, and if the 
combined commercial and recreational ACL of 262,594 lb (119,111 kg), 
round weight, is exceeded during the same fishing year. NMFS will use 
the best scientific information available to determine if reducing the 
length of the recreational fishing season and recreational ACL is 
necessary. When the recreational sector is closed as a result of NMFS 
reducing the length of the recreational fishing season and ACL, the bag 
and possession limits for black grouper in or from the South Atlantic 
EEZ are zero.
    (h) Deep-water complex (including yellowedge grouper, silk snapper, 
misty grouper, queen snapper, sand tilefish, and blackfin snapper)--(1) 
Commercial sector--(i) If commercial landings for the deep-water 
complex, as estimated by the SRD, reach or are projected to reach the 
commercial ACL of 131,268 lb (59,542 kg), round weight, the AA will file 
a notification with the Office of the Federal Register to close the 
commercial sector for the remainder of the fishing year. On and after 
the effective date of such a notification, all sale or purchase of deep-
water complex species is prohibited and harvest or possession of these 
species in or from the South Atlantic EEZ is limited to the bag and 
possession limits. These bag and possession limits apply in the South 
Atlantic on board a vessel for which a valid Federal commercial or 
charter vessel/headboat permit for South Atlantic snapper-grouper has 
been issued, without regard to where such species were harvested, i.e., 
in state or Federal waters.
    (ii) If commercial landings exceed the ACL, and the combined 
commercial and recreational ACL of 169,896 lb (77,064 kg), round weight, 
is exceeded, and at least one of the species in the deep-water complex 
is overfished, based on the most recent Status of U.S. Fisheries Report 
to Congress, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the 
Federal Register, at or near the beginning of the following fishing year 
to reduce the commercial ACL for that following year by the amount of 
the commercial ACL overage in the prior fishing year.
    (2) Recreational sector. (i) If recreational landings for the deep-
water complex, as estimated by the SRD, are projected to reach the 
recreational ACL of 38,628 lb (17,521 kg), round weight, the AA will 
file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register to close the 
recreational sector for the remainder of the fishing year, unless the RA 
determines that no closure is necessary based on the best scientific 
information available. On and after the

[[Page 361]]

effective date of such a notification, the bag and possession limits are 
zero.
    (ii) If recreational landings for the deep-water complex, exceed the 
applicable recreational ACL, and the combined commercial and 
recreational ACL of 169,896 lb (77,064 kg), round weight, is exceeded, 
and at least one of the species in the deep-water complex is overfished, 
based on the most recent Status of U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress, 
the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register, 
to reduce the length of the recreational fishing season in the following 
fishing year to ensure recreational landings do not exceed the 
recreational ACL the following fishing year. When NMFS reduces the 
length of the following recreational fishing season and closes the 
recreational sector, the following closure provisions apply: The bag and 
possession limits for the deep-water complex in or from the South 
Atlantic EEZ are zero. Additionally, the recreational ACL will be 
reduced by the amount of the recreational ACL overage in the prior 
fishing year. The fishing season and recreational ACL will not be 
reduced if the RA determines, using the best scientific information 
available that no reduction is necessary.
    (i) Scamp--(1) Commercial sector. (i) If commercial landings for 
scamp, as estimated by the SRD, reach or are projected to reach the 
commercial ACL of 219,375 lb (99,507 kg), round weight, the AA will file 
a notification with the Office of the Federal Register to close the 
commercial sector for the remainder of the fishing year. On and after 
the effective date of such a notification, all sale or purchase of scamp 
is prohibited and harvest or possession of scamp in or from the South 
Atlantic EEZ is limited to the bag and possession limits. These bag and 
possession limits apply in the South Atlantic on board a vessel for 
which a valid Federal commercial or charter vessel/headboat permit for 
South Atlantic snapper-grouper has been issued, without regard to where 
such species were harvested, i.e., in state or Federal waters.
    (ii) If commercial landings for scamp, as estimated by the SRD, 
exceed the commercial ACL, and the combined commercial and recreational 
ACL of 335,744 lb (152,291 kg), round weight, is exceeded, and scamp are 
overfished based on the most recent Status of U.S. Fisheries Report to 
Congress, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal 
Register to reduce the commercial ACL for that following fishing year by 
the amount of the commercial ACL overage in the prior fishing year.
    (2) Recreational sector. (i) If recreational landings for scamp, as 
estimated by the SRD, reach or are projected to reach the recreational 
ACL of 116,369 lb (52,784 kg), round weight, the AA will file a 
notification with the Office of the Federal Register to close the 
recreational sector for the remainder of the fishing year regardless if 
the stock is overfished, unless NMFS determines that no closure is 
necessary based on the best scientific information available. On and 
after the effective date of such a notification, the bag and possession 
limits for scamp in or from the South Atlantic EEZ are zero.
    (ii) If recreational landings for scamp, as estimated by the SRD, 
exceed the recreational ACL, then during the following fishing year 
recreational landings will be monitored for a persistence in increased 
landings, and if necessary, the AA will file a notification with the 
Office of the Federal Register to reduce the length of the recreational 
fishing season and the recreational ACL by the amount of the 
recreational ACL overage, if scamp are overfished based on the most 
recent Status of U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress, and if the combined 
commercial and recreational ACL of 335,744 lb (152,291 kg), round 
weight, is exceeded during the same fishing year. NMFS will use the best 
scientific information available to determine if reducing the length of 
the recreational fishing season and recreational ACL is necessary. When 
the recreational sector is closed as a result of NMFS reducing the 
length of the recreational fishing season and ACL, the bag and 
possession limits for scamp in or from the South Atlantic EEZ are zero.
    (j) Other SASWG combined (including red hind, rock hind, yellowmouth 
grouper, yellowfin grouper, coney, and graysby)--(1) Commercial sector. 
(i) If commercial landings for other SASWG combined, as estimated by the 
SRD,

[[Page 362]]

reach or are projected to reach the commercial ACL of 55,542 lb (25,193 
kg), round weight, the AA will file a notification with the Office of 
the Federal Register to close the commercial sector for this complex for 
the remainder of the fishing year. On and after the effective date of 
such a notification, all sale or purchase of red hind, rock hind, 
yellowmouth grouper, yellowfin grouper, coney, and graysby is 
prohibited, and harvest or possession of any of these species in or from 
the South Atlantic EEZ is limited to the bag and possession limits. 
These bag and possession limits apply in the South Atlantic on board a 
vessel for which a valid Federal commercial or charter vessel/headboat 
permit for South Atlantic snapper-grouper has been issued, without 
regard to where such species were harvested, i.e., in state or Federal 
waters.
    (ii) If commercial landings for other SASWG combined, as estimated 
by the SRD, exceed the commercial ACL, and the combined commercial and 
recreational ACL of 104,190 lb (47,260 kg), round weight, is exceeded, 
and at least one of the species in other SASWG combined is overfished 
based on the most recent status of U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress, 
the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register 
to reduce the commercial ACL for that following fishing year by the 
amount of the commercial ACL overage in the prior fishing year.
    (2) Recreational sector. (i) If recreational landings for other 
SASWG combined, as estimated by the SRD, reach or are projected to reach 
the recreational ACL of 48,648 lb (22,066 kg), round weight, the AA will 
file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register to close the 
recreational sector for the remainder of the fishing year regardless if 
any stock in other SASWG combined is overfished, unless NMFS determines 
that no closure is necessary based on the best scientific information 
available. On and after the effective date of such a notification, the 
bag and possession limits for any species in the other SASWG combined in 
or from the South Atlantic EEZ are zero.
    (ii) If recreational landings for other SASWG combined, as estimated 
by the SRD, exceed the recreational ACL, then during the following 
fishing year recreational landings will be monitored for a persistence 
in increased landings, and if necessary, the AA will file a notification 
with the Office of the Federal Register to reduce the length of the 
recreational fishing season and the recreational ACL by the amount of 
the recreational ACL overage, if at least one of the species in other 
SASWG combined is overfished based on the most recent Status of U.S. 
Fisheries Report to Congress, and if the combined commercial and 
recreational ACL of 104,190 lb (47,260 kg) is exceeded during the same 
fishing year. NMFS will use the best scientific information available to 
determine if reducing the length of the recreational fishing season and 
recreational ACL is necessary. When the recreational sector is closed as 
a result of NMFS reducing the length of the recreational fishing season 
and ACL, the bag and possession limits for any species in the other 
SASWG combined in or from the South Atlantic EEZ are zero.
    (k) Greater amberjack--(1) Commercial sector. (i) If commercial 
landings for greater amberjack, as estimated by the SRD, reach or are 
projected to reach the commercial ACL (commercial quota) specified in 
Sec. 622.190(a)(3), the AA will file a notification with the Office of 
the Federal Register to close the commercial sector for the remainder of 
the fishing year. Applicable restrictions after a commercial quota 
closure are specified in Sec. 622.190(c).
    (ii) If commercial landings for greater amberjack, as estimated by 
the SRD, exceed the commercial ACL, and the combined commercial and 
recreational ACL of 1,968,001 lb (892,670 kg), round weight, is exceeded 
during the same fishing year, and the species is overfished based on the 
most recent Status of U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress, the AA will 
file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register to reduce 
the commercial ACL in the following fishing year by the amount of the 
commercial ACL overage in the prior fishing year.
    (2) Recreational sector. (i) If recreational landings for greater 
amberjack, as estimated by the SRD,

[[Page 363]]

reach or are projected to reach the recreational ACL of 1,167,837 lb 
(529,722 kg), round weight, the AA will file a notification with the 
Office of the Federal Register to close the recreational sector for the 
remainder of the fishing year regardless if the stock is overfished, 
unless NMFS determines that no closure is necessary based on the best 
scientific information available. On and after the effective date of 
such a notification, the bag and possession limits for greater amberjack 
in or from the South Atlantic EEZ are zero.
    (ii) If recreational landings for greater amberjack, as estimated by 
the SRD, exceed the recreational ACL, then during the following fishing 
year recreational landings will be monitored for a persistence in 
increased landings, and if necessary, the AA will file a notification 
with the Office of the Federal Register to reduce the length of the 
recreational fishing season and recreational ACL by the amount of the 
recreational ACL overage, if the species is overfished based on the most 
recent Status of U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress, and if the combined 
commercial and recreational ACL of 1,968,001 lb (892,670 kg), round 
weight, is exceeded during the same fishing year. The AA will use the 
best scientific information available to determine if reducing the 
length of the recreational season and recreational ACL is necessary. 
When the recreational sector is closed as a result of NMFS reducing the 
length of the recreational fishing season and ACL, the bag and 
possession limits for greater amberjack in or from the South Atlantic 
EEZ are zero.
    (l) Other jacks complex (including lesser amberjack, almaco jack, 
and banded rudderfish, combined)--(1) Commercial sector. (i) If 
commercial landings for the other jacks complex, as estimated by the 
SRD, reach or are projected to reach the commercial ACL of 189,422 lb 
(85,920 kg), round weight, the AA will file a notification with the 
Office of the Federal Register to close the commercial sector for the 
other jacks complex for the remainder of the fishing year. On and after 
the effective date of such a notification, all sale or purchase of 
lesser amberjack, almaco jack, and banded rudderfish is prohibited, and 
harvest or possession of any of these species in or from the South 
Atlantic EEZ is limited to the bag and possession limits. These bag and 
possession limits apply in the South Atlantic on board a vessel for 
which a valid Federal commercial or charter vessel/headboat permit for 
South Atlantic snapper-grouper has been issued, without regard to where 
such species were harvested, i.e., in state or Federal waters.
    (ii) If commercial landings for the other jacks complex, as 
estimated by the SRD, exceed the commercial ACL, and the combined 
commercial and recreational ACL of 457,221 lb (207,392 kg), round 
weight, is exceeded, and at least one of the species in the other jacks 
complex is overfished based on the most recent Status of U.S. Fisheries 
Report to Congress, the AA will file a notification with the Office of 
the Federal Register to reduce the commercial ACL for that following 
fishing year by the amount of the commercial ACL overage in the prior 
fishing year.
    (2) Recreational sector. (i) If recreational landings for the other 
jacks complex, as estimated by the SRD, reach or are projected to reach 
the recreational ACL of 267,799 lb (121,472 kg), round weight, the AA 
will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register to 
close the recreational sector for the remainder of the fishing year 
regardless if any stock in the other jacks complex is overfished, unless 
NMFS determines that no closure is necessary based on the best 
scientific information available. On and after the effective date of 
such a notification, the bag and possession limits for any species in 
the other jacks complex in or from the South Atlantic EEZ are zero.
    (ii) If recreational landings for the other jacks complex, as 
estimated by the SRD, exceed the recreational ACL, then during the 
following fishing year recreational landings will be monitored for a 
persistence in increased landings, and if necessary, the AA will file a 
notification with the Office of the Federal Register to reduce the 
length of the recreational fishing season and the recreational ACL by 
the amount of the recreational ACL overage, if at least one of the 
species in the other jacks complex is overfished based on the most 
recent Status of U.S. Fisheries

[[Page 364]]

Report to Congress, and if the combined commercial and recreational ACL 
of 457,221 lb (207,392 kg), round weight, is exceeded during the same 
fishing year. NMFS will use the best scientific information available to 
determine if reducing the length of the recreational fishing season and 
recreational ACL is necessary. When the recreational sector is closed as 
a result of NMFS reducing the length of the recreational fishing season 
and ACL, the bag and possession limits for any species in the other 
jacks complex in or from the South Atlantic EEZ are zero.
    (m) Bar jack--(1) Commercial sector. (i) If commercial landings for 
bar jack, as estimated by the SRD, reach or are projected to reach the 
commercial ACL of 13,228 lb (6,000 kg), round weight, the AA will file a 
notification with the Office of the Federal Register to close the 
commercial sector for the remainder of the fishing year. On and after 
the effective date of such a notification, all sale or purchase of bar 
jack is prohibited and harvest or possession of bar jack in or from the 
South Atlantic EEZ is limited to the bag and possession limits. These 
bag and possession limits apply in the South Atlantic on board a vessel 
for which a valid Federal commercial or charter vessel/headboat permit 
for South Atlantic snapper-grouper has been issued, without regard to 
where such species were harvested, i.e., in state or Federal waters.
    (ii) If commercial landings for bar jack, as estimated by the SRD, 
exceed the commercial ACL, and the combined commercial and recreational 
ACL of 62,249 lb (28,236 kg), round weight, is exceeded, and bar jack 
are overfished based on the most recent Status of U.S. Fisheries Report 
to Congress, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the 
Federal Register to reduce the commercial ACL for that following fishing 
year by the amount of the commercial ACL overage in the prior fishing 
year.
    (2) Recreational sector. (i) If recreational landings for bar jack, 
as estimated by the SRD, reach or are projected to reach the 
recreational ACL of 49,021 lb (22,236 kg), round weight, the AA will 
file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register to close the 
recreational sector for the remainder of the fishing year regardless if 
the stock is overfished, unless NMFS determines that no closure is 
necessary based on the best scientific information available. On and 
after the effective date of such a notification, the bag and possession 
limits for bar jack in or from the South Atlantic EEZ are zero.
    (ii) If recreational landings for bar jack, as estimated by the SRD, 
exceed the recreational ACL, then during the following fishing year 
recreational landings will be monitored for a persistence in increased 
landings, and if necessary, the AA will file a notification with the 
Office of the Federal Register to reduce the length of the recreational 
fishing season and the recreational ACL by the amount of the 
recreational ACL overage, if bar jack are overfished based on the most 
recent Status of U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress, and if the combined 
commercial and recreational ACL of 62,249 lb (28,236 kg), round weight, 
is exceeded during the same fishing year. NMFS will use the best 
scientific information available to determine if reducing the length of 
the recreational fishing season and recreational ACL is necessary. When 
the recreational sector is closed as a result of NMFS reducing the 
length of the recreational fishing season and ACL, the bag and 
possession limits for bar jack in or from the South Atlantic EEZ are 
zero.
    (n) Yellowtail snapper--(1) Commercial sector. (i) If commercial 
landings for yellowtail snapper, as estimated by the SRD, reach or are 
projected to reach the commercial ACL of 1,596,510 lb (724,165 kg), 
round weight, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the 
Federal Register to close the commercial sector for the remainder of the 
fishing year. On and after the effective date of such a notification, 
all sale or purchase of yellowtail snapper is prohibited and harvest or 
possession of yellowtail snapper in or from the South Atlantic EEZ is 
limited to the bag and possession limits. These bag and possession 
limits apply in the South Atlantic on board a vessel for which a valid 
Federal commercial or charter vessel/headboat permit for South Atlantic 
snapper-grouper has been issued, without regard to where

[[Page 365]]

such species were harvested, i.e., in state or Federal waters.
    (ii) If commercial landings for yellowtail snapper, as estimated by 
the SRD, exceed the commercial ACL, and the combined commercial and 
recreational ACL of 3,037,500 lb (1,377,787 kg), round weight, is 
exceeded during the same fishing year, and yellowtail snapper are 
overfished based on the most recent Status of U.S. Fisheries Report to 
Congress, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal 
Register to reduce the commercial ACL for that following fishing year by 
the amount of the commercial ACL overage in the prior fishing year.
    (2) Recreational sector. (i) If recreational landings for yellowtail 
snapper, as estimated by the SRD, reach or are projected to reach the 
recreational ACL of 1,440,990 lb (653,622 kg), round weight, the AA will 
file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register to close the 
recreational sector for the remainder of the fishing year regardless if 
the stock is overfished, unless NMFS determines that no closure is 
necessary based on the best scientific information available. On and 
after the effective date of such a notification, the bag and possession 
limits for yellowtail snapper in or from the South Atlantic EEZ are 
zero.
    (ii) If recreational landings for yellowtail snapper, as estimated 
by the SRD, exceed the recreational ACL, then during the following 
fishing year recreational landings will be monitored for a persistence 
in increased landings, and if necessary, the AA will file a notification 
with the Office of the Federal Register to reduce the length of the 
recreational fishing season and the recreational ACL by the amount of 
the recreational ACL overage, if the species is overfished based on the 
most recent Status of U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress, and if the 
combined commercial and recreational ACL of 3,037,500 lb (1,377,787 kg), 
round weight, is exceeded during the same fishing year. The AA will use 
the best scientific information available to determine if reducing the 
length of the recreational fishing season and recreational ACL is 
necessary. When the recreational sector is closed as a result of NMFS 
reducing the length of the recreational fishing season and ACL, the bag 
and possession limits for yellowtail snapper in or from the South 
Atlantic EEZ are zero.
    (o) Mutton snapper--(1) Commercial sector. (i) If commercial 
landings for mutton snapper, as estimated by the SRD, reach or are 
projected to reach the applicable commercial ACL specified in paragraph 
(o)(1)(iii) of this section, the AA will file a notification with the 
Office of the Federal Register to close the commercial sector for the 
remainder of the fishing year. On and after the effective date of such a 
notification, all sale or purchase of mutton snapper is prohibited and 
harvest or possession of mutton snapper in or from the South Atlantic 
EEZ is limited to the bag and possession limits. These bag and 
possession limits apply in the South Atlantic on board a vessel for 
which a valid Federal commercial or charter vessel/headboat permit for 
South Atlantic snapper-grouper has been issued, without regard to where 
such species were harvested, i.e., in state or Federal waters.
    (ii) If commercial landings for mutton snapper, as estimated by the 
SRD, exceed the applicable commercial ACL specified in paragraph 
(o)(1)(iii) of this section, and the applicable combined commercial and 
recreational ACL specified in paragraph (o)(3) of this section is 
exceeded during the same fishing year, and the species is overfished 
based on the most recent Status of U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress, 
the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register 
to reduce the commercial ACL in the following fishing year by the amount 
of the commercial ACL overage in the prior fishing year.
    (iii) The commercial ACLs for the following fishing years are given 
in round weight. For 2017--100,015 lb (45,366 kg); for 2018--104,231 lb 
(47,278 kg); for 2019--107,981 lb (48,979 kg); for 2020 and subsequent 
fishing years--111,354 lb (50,509 kg).
    (2) Recreational sector. (i) If recreational landings for mutton 
snapper, as estimated by the SRD, reach or are projected to reach the 
applicable recreational ACL specified in paragraph (o)(2)(iii) of this 
section, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the

[[Page 366]]

Federal Register to close the recreational sector for the remainder of 
the fishing year regardless if the stock is overfished, unless NMFS 
determines that no closure is necessary based on the best scientific 
information available. On and after the effective date of such a 
notification, the bag and possession limits for mutton snapper in or 
from the South Atlantic EEZ are zero.
    (ii) If recreational landings for mutton snapper, as estimated by 
the SRD, exceed the applicable recreational ACL specified in paragraph 
(o)(2)(iii) of this section, then during the following fishing year 
recreational landings will be monitored for a persistence in increased 
landings, and if necessary, the AA will file a notification with the 
Office of the Federal Register to reduce the length of the recreational 
fishing season and the recreational ACL by the amount of the 
recreational ACL overage, if the species is overfished based on the most 
recent Status of U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress, and if the 
applicable combined commercial and recreational ACL specified in 
paragraph (o)(3) of this section is exceeded during the same fishing 
year. NMFS will use the best scientific information available to 
determine if reducing the length of the recreational fishing season and 
recreational ACL is necessary. When the recreational sector is closed as 
a result of NMFS reducing the length of the recreational fishing season 
and ACL, the bag and possession limits for mutton snapper in or from the 
South Atlantic EEZ are zero.
    (iii) The recreational ACLs for the following fishing years are 
given in numbers of fish. For 2017--116,127; for 2018--121,318; for 
2019--124,766; for 2020 and subsequent fishing years--127,115.
    (3) Combined commercial and recreational ACL. The combined 
commercial and recreational ACLs for the following fishing years are 
given in round weight. For 2017--587,633 lb (266,546 kg); for 2018--
612,401 lb (277,780 kg); for 2019--634,435 lb (287,775 kg); for 2020 and 
subsequent fishing years--654,257 lb (296,766 kg).
    (p) Other snappers complex (including cubera snapper, gray snapper, 
and lane snapper)--(1) Commercial sector--(i) If commercial landings for 
the other snappers complex, as estimated by the SRD, reach or are 
projected to reach the complex commercial ACL of 344,575 lb (156,297 
kg), round weight, the AA will file a notification with the Office of 
the Federal Register, to close the commercial sector for this complex 
for the remainder of the fishing year. On and after the effective date 
of such a notification, all sale or purchase of cubera snapper, gray 
snapper, and lane snapper is prohibited, and harvest or possession of 
any of these species in or from the South Atlantic EEZ is limited to the 
bag and possession limits. These bag and possession limits apply in the 
South Atlantic on board a vessel for which a valid Federal commercial or 
charter vessel/headboat permit for South Atlantic snapper-grouper has 
been issued, without regard to where such species were harvested, i.e., 
in state or Federal waters.
    (ii) If commercial landings for the other snappers complex, as 
estimated by the SRD, exceed the commercial ACL, and the combined 
commercial and recreational ACL of 1,513,883 lb (686,686 kg), round 
weight, is exceeded, and at least one of the species in the other 
snappers complex is overfished, based on the most recent Status of U.S. 
Fisheries Report to Congress, the AA will file a notification with the 
Office of the Federal Register to reduce the commercial ACL for that 
following year by the amount of the commercial ACL overage in the prior 
fishing year.
    (2) Recreational sector--(i) If recreational landings for the other 
snappers complex, as estimated by the SRD, reach or are projected to 
reach the recreational ACL of 1,169,308 lb (530,391 kg), round weight, 
the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register 
to close the recreational sector for the remainder of the fishing year 
regardless if any stock in the other snappers complex is overfished, 
unless NMFS determines that no closure is necessary based on the best 
scientific information available. On and after the effective date of 
such a notification, the bag and possession limits for any species in 
the other snappers complex in or from the South Atlantic EEZ are zero.
    (ii) If recreational landings for the other snappers complex, as 
estimated by the SRD, exceed the recreational

[[Page 367]]

ACL, then during the following fishing year, recreational landings will 
be monitored for a persistence in increased landings, and if necessary, 
the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register, 
to reduce the length of the recreational fishing season and the 
recreational ACL by the amount of the recreational ACL overage, if at 
least one of the species in the other snappers complex is overfished 
based on the most recent Status of U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress, 
and the combined commercial and recreational ACL of 1,513,883 lb 
(686,686 kg), round weight, is exceeded during the same fishing year. 
NMFS will use the best scientific information available to determine if 
reducing the length of the recreational fishing season and recreational 
ACL is necessary. When the recreational sector is closed as a result of 
NMFS reducing the length of the recreational fishing season and the ACL, 
the bag and possession limits for any species in the other snappers 
complex in or from the South Atlantic EEZ are zero.
    (q) Gray triggerfish--(1) Commercial sector. (i) If commercial 
landings for gray triggerfish, as estimated by the SRD, reach or are 
projected to reach the commercial ACL (commercial quota) specified in 
Sec. 622.190(a)(8)(i) or (ii), the AA will file a notification with the 
Office of the Federal Register to close the commercial sector for the 
remainder of the fishing year. Applicable restrictions after a 
commercial quota closure are specified in Sec. 622.190(c).
    (ii) If commercial landings for gray triggerfish, as estimated by 
the SRD, exceed the commercial ACL, and the combined commercial and 
recreational ACL of 716,999 lb (325,225 kg), round weight, is exceeded, 
and gray triggerfish are overfished based on the most recent Status of 
U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress, the AA will file a notification with 
the Office of the Federal Register to reduce the commercial ACL for that 
following fishing year by the amount of the commercial ACL overage in 
the prior fishing year.
    (2) Recreational sector. (i) If recreational landings for gray 
triggerfish, as estimated by the SRD, reach or are projected to reach 
the recreational ACL of 404,675 lb (183,557 kg), round weight, the AA 
will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register to 
close the recreational sector for the remainder of the fishing year 
regardless if the stock is overfished, unless NMFS determines that no 
closure is necessary based on the best scientific information available. 
On and after the effective date of such a notification, the bag and 
possession limits for gray triggerfish in or from the South Atlantic EEZ 
are zero.
    (ii) If recreational landings for gray triggerfish, as estimated by 
the SRD, exceed the recreational ACL, then during the following fishing 
year recreational landings will be monitored for a persistence in 
increased landings, and if necessary, the AA will file a notification 
with the Office of the Federal Register to reduce the length of the 
recreational fishing season and the recreational ACL by the amount of 
the recreational ACL overage, if gray triggerfish are overfished based 
on the most recent Status of U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress, and if 
the combined commercial and recreational ACL of 716,999 lb (325,225 kg), 
round weight, is exceeded during the same fishing year. NMFS will use 
the best scientific information available to determine if reducing the 
length of the recreational fishing season and recreational ACL is 
necessary. When the recreational sector is closed as a result of NMFS 
reducing the length of the recreational fishing season and ACL, the bag 
and possession limits for gray triggerfish in or from the South Atlantic 
EEZ are zero.
    (r) Wreckfish--(1) Commercial sector. (i) The ITQ program for 
wreckfish in the South Atlantic serves as the accountability measures 
for commercial wreckfish. The commercial ACL for wreckfish is equal to 
the commercial quota specified in Sec. 622.190(b). Applicable 
restrictions after a commercial quota closure are specified in Sec. 
622.190(c).
    (ii) The combined commercial and recreational ACL for wreckfish is 
433,000 lb (196,405 kg), round weight, for 2015; 423,700 lb (192,187 
kg), round weight, for 2016; 414,200 lb (187,878 kg), round weight, for 
2017; 406,300 lb (184,295 kg), round weight, for 2018; 396,800 lb 
(179,985 kg), round weight, for 2019; and

[[Page 368]]

389,100 lb (176,493 kg), round weight, for 2020 and subsequent fishing 
years.
    (2) Recreational sector. (i) If recreational landings for wreckfish, 
as estimated by the SRD, reach or are projected to reach the 
recreational ACL specified in Sec. 622.193(r)(2)(iii), the AA will file 
a notification with the Office of the Federal Register to close the 
recreational sector for the remainder of the fishing year regardless if 
the stock is overfished, unless NMFS determines that no closure is 
necessary based on the best scientific information available. On and 
after the effective date of such a notification, the bag and possession 
limits for wreckfish in or from the South Atlantic EEZ are zero.
    (ii) If recreational landings for wreckfish, as estimated by the 
SRD, exceed the recreational ACL, then during the following fishing year 
recreational landings will be monitored for a persistence in increased 
landings, and if necessary, the AA will file a notification with the 
Office of the Federal Register to reduce the length of the recreational 
fishing season and the recreational ACL by the amount of the 
recreational ACL overage, if the species is overfished based on the most 
recent Status of U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress, and if the combined 
commercial and recreational ACL specified in Sec. 622.193(r)(1)(ii) is 
exceeded during the same fishing year. The AA will use the best 
scientific information available to determine if reducing the length of 
the recreational fishing season and recreational ACL is necessary. When 
the recreational sector is closed as a result of NMFS reducing the 
length of the recreational fishing season and ACL, the bag and 
possession limits for wreckfish in or from the South Atlantic EEZ are 
zero.
    (iii) The recreational ACL for wreckfish is 21,650 lb (9,820 kg), 
round weight, for 2015; 21,185 lb (9,609 kg), round weight, for 2016; 
20,710 lb (9,394 kg), round weight, for 2017; 20,315 lb (9,215 kg), 
round weight, for 2018; 19,840 lb (8,999 kg), round weight, for 2019; 
and 19,455 lb (8,825 kg), round weight, for 2020 and subsequent fishing 
years.
    (s) [Reserved]
    (t) Atlantic spadefish--(1) Commercial sector. (i) If commercial 
landings for Atlantic spadefish, as estimated by the SRD, reach or are 
projected to reach the commercial ACL of 150,552 lb (68,289 kg), round 
weight, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal 
Register to close the commercial sector for the remainder of the fishing 
year. On and after the effective date of such a notification, all sale 
or purchase of Atlantic spadefish is prohibited and harvest or 
possession of Atlantic spadefish in or from the South Atlantic EEZ is 
limited to the bag and possession limits. These bag and possession 
limits apply in the South Atlantic on board a vessel for which a valid 
Federal commercial or charter vessel/headboat permit for South Atlantic 
snapper-grouper has been issued, without regard to where such species 
were harvested, i.e., in state or Federal waters.
    (ii) If commercial landings for Atlantic spadefish, as estimated by 
the SRD, exceed the ACL, and the combined commercial and recreational 
ACL of 812,478 lb (368,534 kg), round weight, is exceeded, and Atlantic 
spadefish are overfished based on the most recent Status of U.S. 
Fisheries Report to Congress, the AA will file a notification with the 
Office of the Federal Register to reduce the commercial ACL for that 
following fishing year by the amount of the commercial ACL overage in 
the prior fishing year.
    (2) Recreational sector. (i) If recreational landings for Atlantic 
spadefish, as estimated by the SRD, reach or are projected to reach the 
recreational ACL of 661,926 lb (300,245 kg), round weight, the AA will 
file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register to close the 
recreational sector for the remainder of the fishing year regardless if 
the stock is overfished, unless NMFS determines that no closure is 
necessary based on the best scientific information available. On and 
after the effective date of such a notification, the bag and possession 
limits for Atlantic spadefish in or from the South Atlantic EEZ are 
zero.
    (ii) If recreational landings for Atlantic spadefish, as estimated 
by the SRD, exceed the recreational ACL, then during the following 
fishing year recreational landings will be monitored for a persistence 
in increased landings,

[[Page 369]]

and if necessary, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the 
Federal Register to reduce the length of the recreational fishing season 
and the recreational ACL by the amount of the recreational ACL overage, 
if Atlantic spadefish are overfished based on the most recent Status of 
U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress, and if the combined commercial and 
recreational ACL of 812,478 lb (368,534 kg), round weight, is exceeded 
during the same fishing year. NMFS will use the best scientific 
information available to determine if reducing the length of the 
recreational fishing season and recreational ACL is necessary. When the 
recreational sector is closed as a result of NMFS reducing the length of 
the recreational fishing season and ACL, the bag and possession limits 
for Atlantic spadefish in or from the South Atlantic EEZ are zero.
    (u) Hogfish--(1) Hogfish off Georgia, South Carolina, and North 
Carolina (Georgia-North Carolina)--(i) Commercial sector. (A) If 
commercial landings for the Georgia-North Carolina hogfish stock, as 
estimated by the SRD, reach or are projected to reach the commercial ACL 
specified in paragraph (u)(1)(iii)(A) of this section, the AA will file 
a notification with the Office of the Federal Register to close the 
commercial sector for the remainder of the fishing year. On and after 
the effective date of such a notification, all sale or purchase of 
hogfish in or from the South Atlantic EEZ off Georgia, South Carolina, 
and North Carolina is prohibited, and harvest or possession of this 
species is limited to the bag and possession limits. These bag and 
possession limits apply to the Georgia-North Carolina hogfish stock on 
board a vessel for which a valid Federal commercial or charter vessel/
headboat permit for South Atlantic snapper-grouper has been issued, 
without regard to where such species were harvested, i.e., in state or 
Federal waters.
    (B) If commercial landings for the Georgia-North Carolina hogfish 
stock, as estimated by the SRD, exceed the commercial ACL specified in 
paragraph (u)(1)(iii)(A) of this section, and the combined commercial 
and recreational ACL specified in paragraph (u)(1)(iii)(C) of this 
section is exceeded during the same fishing year, and the Georgia-North 
Carolina hogfish stock is overfished based on the most recent Status of 
U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress, the AA will file a notification with 
the Office of the Federal Register to reduce the commercial ACL for the 
stock in the following fishing year by the amount of the commercial ACL 
overage in the prior fishing year.
    (ii) Recreational sector. (A) If recreational landings for the 
Georgia-North Carolina hogfish stock, as estimated by the SRD, reach or 
are projected to reach the recreational ACL specified in paragraph 
(u)(1)(iii)(B) of this section, the AA will file a notification with the 
Office of the Federal Register to close the recreational sector for the 
remainder of the fishing year regardless if the stock is overfished, 
unless NMFS determines that no closure is necessary based on the best 
scientific information available. On and after the effective date of 
such a notification, the bag and possession limits for hogfish in or 
from the South Atlantic EEZ off Georgia, South Carolina, and North 
Carolina are zero.
    (B) If recreational landings for the Georgia-North Carolina hogfish 
stock, as estimated by the SRD, exceed the recreational ACL specified in 
paragraph (u)(1)(iii)(B) of this section, then during the following 
fishing year recreational landings will be monitored for a persistence 
in increased landings. If necessary, the AA will file a notification 
with the Office of the Federal Register to reduce the length of the 
following recreational fishing season and recreational ACL in the 
following fishing year by the amount of the recreational ACL overage if 
the Georgia-North Carolina hogfish stock is overfished, based on the 
most recent Status of U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress, and the 
combined commercial and recreational ACL is exceeded during the same 
fishing year to ensure recreational landings do not exceed the 
recreational ACL in the following fishing year. NMFS will use the best 
scientific information available to determine if reducing the length of 
the recreational fishing season and recreational ACL is necessary. When 
a recreational sector is closed as a result

[[Page 370]]

of NMFS reducing the length of the following recreational fishing season 
and ACL, the bag and possession limits for hogfish in or from the South 
Atlantic EEZ off Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina are zero.
    (iii) ACLs for the Georgia-North Carolina stock. This stock includes 
hogfish off Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. All weights are 
given in round weight.
    (A) Commercial ACL--23,456 lb (10,639 kg).
    (B) Recreational ACL--988 fish.
    (C) The combined commercial and recreational ACL for the Georgia-
North Carolina hogfish stock is 33,930 lb (15,390 kg).
    (2) Hogfish off the Florida Keys and east coast of Florida, and 
south of 25[deg]09[min] N. lat. off the west coast of Florida (Florida 
Keys-East Florida)--(i) Commercial sector. (A) If commercial landings 
for the Florida Keys-East Florida hogfish stock, as estimated by the 
SRD, reach or are projected to reach the applicable commercial ACL 
specified in paragraph (u)(2)(iii)(A) of this section, the AA will file 
a notification with the Office of the Federal Register to close the 
commercial sector for the remainder of the fishing year. On and after 
the effective date of such a notification, all sale or purchase of 
hogfish in or from the EEZ off the Florida Keys and east coast of 
Florida, and south of 25[deg]09[min] N. lat. off the west coast of 
Florida is prohibited, and harvest or possession of this species is 
limited to the bag and possession limits. These bag and possession 
limits apply for this hogfish stock on board a vessel for which a valid 
Federal commercial or charter vessel/headboat permit for South Atlantic 
snapper-grouper has been issued, without regard to where such species 
were harvested, i.e., in state or Federal waters.
    (B) If commercial landings for the Florida Keys-East Florida hogfish 
stock, as estimated by the SRD, exceed the applicable commercial ACL 
specified in paragraph (u)(2)(iii)(A) of this section, and the 
applicable combined commercial and recreational ACL specified in 
paragraph (u)(2)(iii)(C) of this section is exceeded during the same 
fishing year, and the stock is overfished based on the most recent 
Status of U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress, the AA will file a 
notification with the Office of the Federal Register to reduce the 
commercial ACL for the stock in the following fishing year by the amount 
of the applicable commercial ACL overage in the prior fishing year.
    (ii) Recreational sector. (A) If recreational landings for the 
Florida Keys-East Florida hogfish stock, as estimated by the SRD, reach 
or are projected to reach the applicable recreational ACL specified in 
paragraph (u)(2)(iii)(B) of this section, the AA will file a 
notification with the Office of the Federal Register to close the 
recreational sector for the remainder of the fishing year regardless if 
the stock is overfished, unless NMFS determines that no closure is 
necessary based on the best scientific information available. On and 
after the effective date of such a notification, the bag and possession 
limits for hogfish in or from the EEZ off the Florida Keys and east 
coast of Florida, and south of 25[deg]09[min] N. lat. off the west coast 
of Florida are zero.
    (B) If recreational landings for the Florida Keys-East Florida 
hogfish stock, as estimated by the SRD, exceed the applicable 
recreational ACL specified in paragraph (u)(2)(iii)(B) of this section, 
then during the following fishing year recreational landings will be 
monitored for a persistence in increased landings. If necessary, the AA 
will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register to 
reduce the length of the following applicable recreational fishing 
season and recreational ACL in the following fishing year by the amount 
of the recreational ACL overage if the Florida Keys-East Florida hogfish 
stock is overfished, based on the most recent Status of U.S. Fisheries 
Report to Congress, and the applicable combined commercial and 
recreational ACL is exceeded during the same fishing year to ensure 
recreational landings do not exceed the recreational ACL in the 
following fishing year. NMFS will use the best scientific information 
available to determine if reducing the length of the recreational 
fishing season and recreational ACL is necessary. When a recreational 
sector is closed as a result of NMFS reducing the length of the 
following recreational fishing season and

[[Page 371]]

ACL, the bag and possession limits for hogfish in or from the EEZ off 
the Florida Keys and east coast of Florida, and south of 25[deg]09[min] 
N. lat. off the west coast of Florida are zero.
    (iii) ACLs for the Florida Keys-East Florida stock. This stock 
includes hogfish off the Florida Keys and east coast of Florida, and 
south of 25[deg]09[min] N. lat. off the west coast of Florida.
    (A) Commercial ACL. See the following table. All weights are given 
in round weight.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   Year                            Commercial ACL
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2017......................................  3,510 lb (1,592 kg).
2018......................................  4,524 lb (2,052 kg).
2019......................................  5,670 lb (2,572 kg).
2020......................................  6,926 lb (3,142 kg).
2021......................................  8,277 lb (3,754 kg).
2022......................................  9,703 lb (4,401 kg).
2023......................................  11,179 lb (5,071 kg).
2024......................................  12,677 lb (5,750 kg).
2025......................................  14,167 lb (6,426 kg).
2026......................................  15,621 lb (7,086 kg).
2027......................................  17,018 lb (7,719 kg).
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (B) Recreational ACL. See the following table. The recreational ACL 
is in numbers of fish.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Recreational
                          Year                                  ACL
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2017....................................................          15,689
2018....................................................          18,617
2019....................................................          21,574
2020....................................................          25,086
2021....................................................          29,096
2022....................................................          33,358
2023....................................................          37,671
2024....................................................          41,934
2025....................................................          46,046
2026....................................................          49,949
2027....................................................          53,610
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (C) Combined commercial and recreational ACL. See the following 
table. The combined commercial and recreational ACL is in numbers of 
fish.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             Combined
                                                          commercial and
                          Year                             recreational
                                                                ACL
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2017....................................................          17,034
2018....................................................          20,350
2019....................................................          23,746
2020....................................................          27,740
2021....................................................          32,267
2022....................................................          37,076
2023....................................................          41,954
2024....................................................          46,791
2025....................................................          51,474
2026....................................................          55,934
2027....................................................          60,130
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (v) Red porgy--(1) Commercial sector. (i) If commercial landings for 
red porgy, as estimated by the SRD, reach or are projected to reach the 
commercial ACL (commercial quota) specified in Sec. 622.190(a)(6), the 
AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register to 
close the commercial sector for the remainder of the fishing year. 
Applicable restrictions after a commercial quota closure are specified 
in Sec. 622.190(c).
    (ii) If commercial landings for red porgy, as estimated by the SRD, 
exceed the commercial ACL, and the combined commercial and recreational 
ACL as specified in paragraph (v)(3) of this section, is exceeded during 
the same fishing year, and red porgy are overfished based on the most 
recent Status of U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress, the AA will file a 
notification with the Office of the Federal Register to reduce the 
commercial ACL in the following fishing year by the amount of the 
commercial ACL overage in the prior fishing year.
    (2) Recreational sector. (i) If recreational landings for red porgy, 
as estimated by the SRD, exceed the recreational ACL specified in 
paragraph (v)(2)(ii) of this section, then during the following fishing 
year, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal 
Register to reduce the length of the recreational fishing season by the 
amount necessary to ensure recreational landings do not exceed the 
recreational ACL. However, the length of the recreational fishing season 
will not be reduced in the following fishing year if NMFS determines, 
using the best scientific information available, that no fishing season 
reduction is necessary. When the recreational sector is closed as a 
result of NMFS reducing the length of the recreational fishing season, 
the bag and possession limits for red porgy in or from the South 
Atlantic EEZ are zero.
    (ii) The recreational ACL for red porgy is 35,026 lb (15,888 kg), 
gutted weight, for the 2022 fishing year; 37,829 lb (17,139 kg), gutted 
weight, for 2023 fishing year; 40,631 lb (18,430 kg), gutted weight, for 
the 2024 fishing year; 42,499 lb (19,277 kg), gutted weight, for the 
2025 fishing year; and 44,367 lb (20,125

[[Page 372]]

kg), gutted weight, for the 2026 and subsequent fishing years.
    (3) Combined commercial and recreational ACLs. The combined 
commercial and recreational ACL for red porgy is 72,115 lb (32,711 kg), 
gutted weight, 75,000 lb (34,019 kg), round weight, for the 2022 fishing 
year; 77,885 lb (35,328 kg), gutted weight, 81,000 lb (36,741 kg), round 
weight, for 2023 fishing year; 83,654 lb (37,945 kg), gutted weight, 
87,000 lb (39,463 kg), round weight, for the 2024 fishing year; 87,500 
lb (39,689 kg), gutted weight, 91,000 lb (41,277 kg), round weight, for 
the 2025 fishing year; and 91,346 lb (41,434 kg), gutted weight, 95,000 
lb (43,091 kg), round weight, for the 2026 and subsequent fishing years.
    (w) Other porgies complex (including jolthead porgy, knobbed porgy, 
whitebone porgy, scup, and saucereye porgy)--(1) Commercial sector. (i) 
If commercial landings for the other porgies complex, as estimated by 
the SRD, reach or are projected to reach the commercial ACL of 36,348 lb 
(16,487 kg), round weight, the AA will file a notification with the 
Office of the Federal Register to close the commercial sector for the 
other porgies complex for the remainder of the fishing year. On and 
after the effective date of such a notification, all sale or purchase of 
jolthead porgy, knobbed porgy, whitebone porgy, scup, and saucereye 
porgy is prohibited, and harvest or possession of any of these species 
in or from the South Atlantic EEZ is limited to the bag and possession 
limits. These bag and possession limits apply in the South Atlantic on 
board a vessel for which a valid Federal commercial or charter vessel/
headboat permit for South Atlantic snapper-grouper has been issued, 
without regard to where such species were harvested, i.e., in state or 
Federal waters.
    (ii) If commercial landings for the other porgies complex, as 
estimated by the SRD, exceed the commercial ACL, and the combined 
commercial and recreational ACL of 143,262 lb (64,983 kg), round weight, 
is exceeded, and at least one of the species in the complex is 
overfished based on the most recent Status of U.S. Fisheries Report to 
Congress, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal 
Register to reduce the commercial ACL for that following fishing year by 
the amount of the commercial ACL overage in the prior fishing year.
    (2) Recreational sector. (i) If recreational landings for the other 
porgies complex, as estimated by the SRD, reach or are projected to 
reach the recreational ACL of 106,914 lb (48,495 kg), round weight, the 
AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register to 
close the recreational sector for the remainder of the fishing year 
regardless if any stock in the other porgies complex is overfished, 
unless NMFS determines that no closure is necessary based on the best 
scientific information available. On and after the effective date of 
such a notification, the bag and possession limits for any species in 
the other porgies complex in or from the South Atlantic EEZ are zero.
    (ii) If recreational landings for the other porgies complex, as 
estimated by the SRD, exceed the recreational ACL, then during the 
following fishing year recreational landings will be monitored for a 
persistence in increased landings, and if necessary, the AA will file a 
notification with the Office of the Federal Register to reduce the 
length of the recreational fishing season and the recreational ACL by 
the amount of the recreational ACL overage, if one of the species in the 
complex is overfished based on the most recent Status of U.S. Fisheries 
Report to Congress, and if the combined commercial and recreational ACL 
of 143,262 lb (64,983 kg), round weight, is exceeded during the same 
fishing year. NMFS will use the best scientific information available to 
determine if reducing the length of the recreational fishing season and 
recreational ACL is necessary. When the recreational sector is closed as 
a result of NMFS reducing the length of the recreational fishing season 
and ACL, the bag and possession limits for any species in the other 
porgies complex in or from the South Atlantic EEZ are zero.
    (x) Grunts complex (including white grunt, sailor's choice, tomtate, 
and margate)--(1) Commercial sector. (i) If commercial landings for the 
grunts complex, as estimated by the SRD, reach or are projected to reach 
the commercial ACL of 217,903 lb (98,839 kg), round weight, the AA will 
file a

[[Page 373]]

notification with the Office of the Federal Register to close the 
commercial sector for this complex for the remainder of the fishing 
year. On and after the effective date of such a notification, all sale 
or purchase of white grunt, sailor's choice, tomtate, and margate is 
prohibited, and harvest or possession of these species in or from the 
South Atlantic EEZ is limited to the bag and possession limits. These 
bag and possession limits apply in the South Atlantic on board a vessel 
for which a valid Federal commercial or charter vessel/headboat permit 
for South Atlantic snapper-grouper has been issued, without regard to 
where such species were harvested, i.e., in state or Federal waters.
    (ii) If commercial landings for the grunts complex, as estimated by 
the SRD, exceed the commercial ACL, and the combined commercial and 
recreational ACL of 836,025 lb (379,215 kg), round weight, and at least 
one of the species in the complex is overfished based on the most recent 
Status of U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress, the AA will file a 
notification with the Office of the Federal Register, at or near the 
beginning of the following fishing year to reduce the commercial ACL for 
that following fishing year by the amount of the commercial ACL overage 
in the prior fishing year.
    (2) Recreational sector. (i) If recreational landings for the grunts 
complex, as estimated by the SRD, reach or are projected to reach the 
recreational ACL of 618,122 lb (280,375 kg), round weight, the AA will 
file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register to close the 
recreational sector for the remainder of the fishing year regardless if 
any stock in the grunts complex is overfished, unless NMFS determines 
that no closure is necessary based on the best scientific information 
available. On and after the effective date of such a notification, the 
bag and possession limits for any species in the grunts complex in or 
from the South Atlantic EEZ are zero.
    (ii) If recreational landings for the grunts complex, as estimated 
by the SRD, exceed the recreational ACL, then during the following 
fishing year recreational landings will be monitored for a persistence 
in increased landings, and if necessary, the AA will file a notification 
with the Office of the Federal Register to reduce the length of the 
recreational fishing season and the recreational ACL by the amount of 
the recreational ACL overage, if at least one of the species in the 
grunts complex is overfished based on the most recent Status of U.S. 
Fisheries Report to Congress, and if the combined commercial and 
recreational ACL of 836,025 lb (379,215 kg), round weight, is exceeded 
during the same fishing year. NMFS will use the best scientific 
information available to determine if reducing the length of the 
recreational fishing season and recreational ACL is necessary. When the 
recreational sector is closed as a result of NMFS reducing the length of 
the recreational fishing season and ACL, the bag and possession limits 
for any species in the grunts complex in or from the South Atlantic EEZ 
are zero.
    (y) Red snapper--(1) Commercial sector. The commercial ACL for red 
snapper is 124,815 lb (56,615 kg), round weight. See Sec. 622.183(b)(5) 
for details on the commercial fishing season. NMFS will monitor 
commercial landings during the season, and if commercial landings, as 
estimated by the SRD, reach or are projected to reach the commercial 
ACL, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal 
Register to close the commercial sector for red snapper for the 
remainder of the year. On and after the effective date of the closure 
notification, all sale or purchase of red snapper is prohibited and 
harvest or possession of red snapper is limited to the recreational bag 
and possession limits and only during such time as harvest by the 
recreational sector is allowed as described in Sec. 622.183(b)(5). This 
bag and possession limit and the prohibition on sale/purchase apply in 
the South Atlantic on board a vessel for which a valid Federal 
commercial or charter vessel/headboat permit for South Atlantic snapper-
grouper has been issued, without regard to where such species were 
harvested or possessed, i.e., in state or Federal waters.
    (2) Recreational sector. The recreational ACL for red snapper is 
29,656 fish. The AA will file a notification with the Office of the 
Federal Register

[[Page 374]]

to announce the length of the recreational fishing season for the 
current fishing year. The length of the recreational fishing season for 
red snapper serves as the in-season accountability measure. See Sec. 
622.183(b)(5) for details on the recreational fishing season. On and 
after the effective date of the recreational closure notification, the 
bag and possession limits for red snapper are zero.
    (z) Blueline tilefish--(1) Commercial sector. (i) If commercial 
landings for blueline tilefish, as estimated by the SRD, reach or are 
projected to reach the commercial ACL of 117,148 lb (53,137 kg), round 
weight, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal 
Register to close the commercial sector for the remainder of the fishing 
year. On and after the effective date of such a notification, all sale 
or purchase of blueline tilefish is prohibited and harvest or possession 
of blueline tilefish in or from the South Atlantic EEZ is limited to the 
bag and possession limits. These bag and possession limits apply in the 
South Atlantic on board a vessel for which a valid Federal commercial or 
charter vessel/headboat permit for South Atlantic snapper-grouper has 
been issued, without regard to where such species were harvested, i.e., 
in state or Federal waters.
    (ii) If commercial landings exceed the ACL, and the combined 
commercial and recreational ACL (total ACL) specified in paragraph 
(z)(3) of this section, is exceeded, and blueline tilefish is 
overfished, based on the most recent Status of U.S. Fisheries Report to 
Congress, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal 
Register, at or near the beginning of the following fishing year to 
reduce the commercial ACL for that following year by the amount of the 
commercial ACL overage in the prior fishing year.
    (2) Recreational sector. (i) If recreational landings for blueline 
tilefish, as estimated by the SRD, reach or are projected to reach the 
recreational ACL of 116,820 lb (52,989 kg), round weight, the AA will 
file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register to close the 
recreational sector for the remainder of the fishing year, unless the RA 
determines that no closure is necessary based on the best scientific 
information available. On and after the effective date of such a 
notification, the bag and possession limits are zero.
    (ii) If recreational landings for blueline tilefish, exceed the 
applicable recreational ACL, and the combined commercial and 
recreational ACL (total ACL) specified in paragraph (z)(3) of this 
section is exceeded, and blueline tilefish is overfished, based on the 
most recent Status of U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress, the AA will 
file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register, to reduce 
the length of the recreational fishing season in the following fishing 
year to ensure recreational landings do not exceed the recreational ACL 
the following fishing year. When NMFS reduces the length of the 
following recreational fishing season and closes the recreational 
sector, the following closure provisions apply: The bag and possession 
limits for blueline tilefish in or from the South Atlantic EEZ are zero. 
Additionally, the recreational ACL will be reduced by the amount of the 
recreational ACL overage in the prior fishing year. The fishing season 
and recreational ACL will not be reduced if the RA determines, using the 
best scientific information available, that no reduction is necessary.
    (3) The combined commercial and recreational sector ACL (total ACL) 
is 233,968 lb (106,126 kg), round weight.

[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013]

    Editorial Note: For Federal Register citations affecting Sec. 
622.193, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the 
Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.

    Effective Date Notes: 1. At 88 FR 65146, Sept. 21, 2023, Sec. 
622.193 was amended by revising paragraph (c), effective Oct. 23, 2023. 
For the convenience of the user, the revised text is set forth as 
follows:



Sec. 622.193  Annual catch limits (ACLs), annual catch targets (ACTs), 
          and accountability measures (AMs).

                                * * * * *

    (c) Gag--(1) Commercial sector. (i) If commercial landings for gag, 
as estimated by the SRD, reach or are projected to reach the commercial 
ACL (commercial quota) specified in Sec. 622.190(a)(7), the AA will 
file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register to close the 
commercial sector for gag

[[Page 375]]

for the remainder of the fishing year. Applicable restrictions after a 
commercial quota closure are specified in Sec. 622.190(c).
    (ii) If the commercial landings for gag, as estimated by the SRD, 
exceed the commercial ACL specified in Sec. 622.190(a)(7), and the 
combined commercial and recreational ACL specified in paragraph (c)(3) 
of this section, is exceeded during the same fishing year, and gag are 
overfished based on the most recent Status of U.S. Fisheries Report to 
Congress, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal 
Register to reduce the commercial ACL for that following fishing year by 
the amount of the commercial ACL overage in the prior fishing year.
    (2) Recreational sector. (i) If recreational landings for gag, as 
estimated by the SRD, reach or are projected to reach the recreational 
ACL, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal 
Register to close the recreational sector for the remainder of the 
fishing year regardless if the stock is overfished, unless NMFS 
determines that no closure is necessary based on the best scientific 
information available. On and after the effective date of such 
notification, the bag and possession limits for gag in or from the South 
Atlantic EEZ are zero. The recreational ACL for gag is 90,306 lb (40,962 
kg), gutted weight, for 2023; 133,075 lb (60,362 kg), gutted weight, for 
2024; 176,665 lb (80,134 kg), gutted weight, for 2025; 220,030 lb 
(99,804 kg), gutted weight, for 2026; 264,802 lb (120,112 kg), gutted 
weight, for 2027; 311,378 lb (141,239 kg), gutted weight, for 2028; 
358,199 lb (162,476 kg), gutted weight, for 2029; 402,533 lb (182,586 
kg), gutted weight, for 2030; 442,368 lb (200,655 kg), gutted weight, 
for 2031; 476,945 lb (216,339 kg), gutted weight, for 2032 and 
subsequent years.
    (ii) If recreational landings, as estimated by the SRD, exceed the 
recreational ACL specified in paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this section, then 
during the following fishing year, the AA will file a notification with 
the Office of the Federal Register to reduce the length of the 
recreational fishing season by the amount necessary to prevent the 
recreational ACL from being exceeded. NMFS will use the best scientific 
information available to determine if reducing the length of the 
recreational fishing season is necessary. When the recreational sector 
is closed as a result of NMFS reducing the length of the recreational 
fishing season, the bag and possession limits for gag in or from the 
South Atlantic EEZ are zero.
    (3) Combined commercial and recreational ACL. The combined 
commercial and recreational ACL for gag is 175,632 lb (79,665 kg), 
gutted weight, for 2023; 261,171 lb (118,465 kg), gutted weight, for 
2024; 348,352 lb (158,010 kg), gutted weight, for 2025; 435,081 lb 
(192,349 kg), gutted weight, for 2026; 524,625 lb (237,965 kg), gutted 
weight, for 2027; 617,778 lb (280,219 kg), gutted weight, for 2028; 
711,419 lb (322,694 kg), gutted weight, for 2029; 800,088 lb (362,914 
kg), gutted weight, for 2030; 879,758 lb (399,052 kg), gutted weight, 
for 2031; 948,911 lb (430,419 kg), gutted weight, for 2032 and 
subsequent years.

                                * * * * *

    2. At 88 FR 65823, Sept. 26, 2023, Sec. 622.193 was amended by 
revising the section heading and paragraph (k), effective Oct. 26, 2023. 
For the convenience of the user, the revised text is set forth as 
follows:



Sec. 622.193  Annual catch limits (ACLs) and accountability measures 
          (AMs).

                                * * * * *

    (k) Greater amberjack--(1) Commercial sector.
    (i) If commercial landings for greater amberjack, as estimated by 
the SRD, reach or are projected to reach the applicable commercial ACL 
(commercial quota) specified in Sec. 622.190(a)(3), the AA will file a 
notification with the Office of the Federal Register to close the 
commercial sector for that portion of the fishing year applicable to the 
respective quota. Applicable restrictions after a commercial quota 
closure are specified in Sec. 622.190(c).
    (ii) If commercial landings for greater amberjack, as estimated by 
the SRD, exceed the commercial ACL, and the combined commercial and 
recreational ACL as specified in paragraph (k)(3) of this section is 
exceeded during the same fishing year, and the species is overfished 
based on the most recent Status of U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress, 
the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register 
to reduce the commercial ACL in the following fishing year by the amount 
of the commercial ACL overage in the prior fishing year. The total 
commercial ACL is 1,088,029 lb (493,522 kg), gutted weight, for the 
2023-2024 fishing year; 948,365 lb (430,171 kg), gutted weight, for the 
2024-2025 fishing year; 908,317 lb (412,006 kg), gutted weight, for the 
2025-2026 fishing year; and 898,221 lb (407,426 kg), gutted weight, for 
the 2026-2027 and subsequent fishing years.
    (2) Recreational sector. (i) If recreational landings for greater 
amberjack, as estimated by the SRD, reach or are projected to reach the 
recreational ACL, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the 
Federal Register to close the recreational sector for the remainder of 
the fishing year regardless of whether the stock is overfished, unless 
NMFS determines that no closure is necessary based on the best 
scientific information available. On and after the effective date of 
such a notification, the bag and possession limits for greater amberjack 
in or from the South Atlantic EEZ are zero. The recreational ACL is 
2,101,450 lb (953,202 kg), round weight, for the 2023-2024 fishing year; 
1,831,700 lb (830,845 kg), round weight, for the 2024-2025 fishing year; 
1,754,350 lb (795,760 kg),

[[Page 376]]

round weight, for the 2025-2026 fishing year; and 1,734,850 lb (786,915 
kg), round weight, for the 2026-2027 and subsequent fishing years.
    (ii) If recreational landings for greater amberjack, as estimated by 
the SRD, exceed the recreational ACL, then during the following fishing 
year recreational landings will be monitored for a persistence in 
increased landings, and if necessary, the AA will file a notification 
with the Office of the Federal Register to reduce the length of the 
recreational fishing season and recreational ACL by the amount of the 
recreational ACL overage, if the species is overfished based on the most 
recent Status of U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress, and if the combined 
commercial and recreational ACL specified in paragraph (k)(3) of this 
section, is exceeded during the same fishing year. The AA will use the 
best scientific information available to determine if reducing the 
length of the recreational season and recreational ACL is necessary. 
When the recreational sector is closed as a result of NMFS reducing the 
length of the recreational fishing season and ACL, the bag and 
possession limits for greater amberjack in or from the South Atlantic 
EEZ are zero.
    (3) Combined commercial and recreational ACLs. The combined 
commercial and recreational ACL for greater amberjack is 3,233,000 lb 
(1,466,464 kg), round weight, for the 2023-2024 fishing year; 2,818,000 
lb (1,278,223 kg), round weight, for the 2024-2025 fishing year; 
2,699,000 lb (1,224,246 kg), round weight, for the 2025-2026 fishing 
year; and 2,669,000 lb (1,210,638 kg), round weight, for the 2026-2027 
and subsequent fishing years.

                                * * * * *



Sec. 622.194  Adjustment of management measures.

    In accordance with the framework procedures of the FMP for the 
Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region, the RA may 
establish or modify the items specified in paragraph (a) of this section 
for South Atlantic snapper-grouper and wreckfish, or paragraph (b) of 
this section for sea turtles and other protected species.
    (a) Biomass levels, age-structured analyses, target dates for 
rebuilding overfished species, MSY (or proxy), OY, ABC, TAC, quotas 
(including a quota of zero), annual catch limits (ACLs), annual catch 
targets (ACTs), AMs, maximum fishing mortality threshold (MFMT), minimum 
stock size threshold (MSST), trip limits, bag limits, size limits, gear 
restrictions (ranging from regulation to complete prohibition), seasonal 
or area closures, fishing year, rebuilding plans, definitions of 
essential fish habitat, essential fish habitat, essential fish habitat 
HAPCs or Coral HAPCs, restrictions on gear and fishing activities 
applicable in essential fish habitat and essential fish habitat HAPCs, 
and establish or modify spawning SMZs.
    (b) Possession, specifications, and use of required release gear and 
handling requirements for sea turtles and other protected species.

[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 78 FR 23863 Apr. 23, 2013; 82 
FR 29776, June 30, 2017; 84 FR 67238, Dec. 9, 2019]



          Subpart J_Shrimp Fishery of the South Atlantic Region



Sec. 622.200  Permits.

    (a) Commercial vessel permits--(1) South Atlantic penaeid shrimp. 
For a person aboard a trawler to fish for penaeid shrimp in the South 
Atlantic EEZ or possess penaeid shrimp in or from the South Atlantic 
EEZ, a valid commercial vessel permit for South Atlantic penaeid shrimp 
must have been issued to the vessel and must be on board.
    (2) South Atlantic rock shrimp. (i) For a person aboard a vessel to 
fish for rock shrimp in the South Atlantic EEZ off North Carolina or off 
South Carolina or possess rock shrimp in or from the South Atlantic EEZ 
off those states, a Commercial Vessel Permit for Rock Shrimp (Carolinas 
Zone) or a Commercial Vessel Permit for Rock Shrimp (South Atlantic EEZ) 
must be issued to the vessel and must be on board.
    (ii) For a person aboard a vessel to fish for rock shrimp in the 
South Atlantic EEZ off Georgia or off Florida or possess rock shrimp in 
or from the South Atlantic EEZ off those states, a Commercial Vessel 
Permit for Rock Shrimp (South Atlantic EEZ) must be issued to the vessel 
and must be on board. A Commercial Vessel Permit for Rock Shrimp (South 
Atlantic EEZ) is a limited access permit. See Sec. 622.201 for 
limitations on the issuance, transfer, or renewal of a Commercial Vessel 
Permit for Rock Shrimp (South Atlantic EEZ).
    (b) Operator permits. (1) An operator of a vessel that has or is 
required to

[[Page 377]]

have a Commercial Vessel Permit for Rock Shrimp (Carolinas Zone) or a 
Commercial Vessel Permit for Rock Shrimp (South Atlantic EEZ) issued 
under this section is required to have an operator permit.
    (2) A person required to have an operator permit under paragraph 
(b)(1) of this section must carry on board such permit and one other 
form of personal identification that includes a picture (driver's 
license, passport, etc.).
    (3) An owner of a vessel that is required to have a permitted 
operator under paragraph (b)(1) of this section must ensure that at 
least one person with a valid operator permit is aboard while the vessel 
is at sea or offloading.
    (4) An owner of a vessel that is required to have a permitted 
operator under paragraph (b)(1) of this section and the operator of such 
vessel are responsible for ensuring that a person whose operator permit 
is suspended, revoked, or modified pursuant to subpart D of 15 CFR part 
904 is not aboard that vessel.
    (c) Dealer permits and conditions--(1) Permits. For a dealer to 
first receive South Atlantic rock shrimp harvested in or from the EEZ, a 
Gulf and South Atlantic dealer permit must be issued to the dealer.
    (2) State license and facility requirements. To obtain a dealer 
permit, the applicant must have a valid state wholesaler's license in 
the state(s) where the dealer operates, if required by such state(s), 
and must have a physical facility at a fixed location in such state(s).
    (d) Permit procedures. See Sec. 622.4 for information regarding 
general permit procedures including, but not limited to application, 
fees, duration, transfer, renewal, display, sanctions and denials, and 
replacement.

[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 79 FR 19495, Apr. 9, 2014]



Sec. 622.201  South Atlantic rock shrimp limited access.

    (a) Commercial Vessel Permits for Rock Shrimp (South Atlantic EEZ). 
For a person aboard a vessel to fish for rock shrimp in the South 
Atlantic EEZ off Georgia or off Florida or possess rock shrimp in or 
from the South Atlantic EEZ off those states, a Commercial Permit for 
Rock Shrimp (South Atlantic EEZ) must be issued to the vessel and must 
be on board. No applications for additional Commercial Vessel Permits 
for Rock Shrimp (South Atlantic EEZ) will be accepted.
    (b) Transfer of an existing permit. A Commercial Vessel Permit for 
Rock Shrimp (South Atlantic EEZ) is valid only for the vessel and owner 
named on the permit. To change either the vessel or the owner, a 
complete application for transfer must be submitted to the RA. An owner 
of a vessel with a permit may request that the RA transfer a valid 
permit to another vessel owned by the same entity, to the same vessel 
owned by another entity, or to another vessel with another owner. A 
transfer of a permit under this paragraph will include the transfer of 
the vessel's entire catch history of South Atlantic rock shrimp to a new 
owner; no partial transfers are allowed.
    (c) Renewal. The RA will not reissue a Commercial Vessel Permit for 
Rock Shrimp (South Atlantic EEZ) if the permit is revoked or if the RA 
does not receive an application for renewal of the permit within 1 year 
after the expiration date of the permit.
    (d) Limitation on permits. A vessel for which a permit for South 
Atlantic rock shrimp is required may be issued either a Commercial 
Vessel Permit for Rock Shrimp (Carolinas Zone) or a Commercial Vessel 
Permit for Rock Shrimp (South Atlantic EEZ), depending on its 
eligibility. However, no such vessel may be issued both permits for the 
same period of effectiveness.



Sec. 622.202  [Reserved]



Sec. 622.203  Recordkeeping and reporting.

    (a) Commercial vessel owners and operators--(1) Reporting 
requirement. The owner or operator of a vessel that fishes for shrimp in 
the South Atlantic EEZ or in adjoining state waters, or that lands 
shrimp in an adjoining state, must provide information for any fishing 
trip, as requested by the SRD, including, but not limited to, vessel 
identification, gear, effort, amount of shrimp caught by species, shrimp 
condition (heads on/heads off), fishing

[[Page 378]]

areas and depths, and person to whom sold.
    (2) Reporting deadline. Completed fishing records required by 
paragraphs (a)(1) of this section must be submitted to the SRD 
postmarked not later than 7 days after the end of each fishing trip. If 
no fishing occurred during a calendar month, a report so stating must be 
submitted on one of the forms postmarked not later than 7 days after the 
end of that month. Information to be reported is indicated on the form 
and its accompanying instructions.
    (b) South Atlantic rock shrimp dealers. (1) A dealer who first 
receives South Atlantic rock shrimp must maintain records and submit 
information as specified in Sec. 622.5(c).
    (2) On demand, a dealer who has been issued a Gulf and South 
Atlantic dealer permit, as required under Sec. 622.200(c)(1), must make 
available to an authorized officer all records of offloadings, 
purchases, or sales of rock shrimp.

[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 79 FR 19495, Apr. 9, 2014]



Sec. 622.204  At-sea observer coverage.

    (a) Required coverage. A vessel for which a Federal commercial 
permit for South Atlantic rock shrimp or South Atlantic penaeid shrimp 
has been issued must carry a NMFS-approved observer, if the vessel's 
trip is selected by the SRD for observer coverage.
    (b) Notification to the SRD. When observer coverage is required, an 
owner or operator must advise the SRD in writing not less than 5 days in 
advance of each trip of the following:
    (1) Departure information (port, dock, date, and time).
    (2) Expected landing information (port, dock, and date).
    (c) Observer accommodations and access. An owner or operator of a 
vessel on which a NMFS-approved observer is embarked must:
    (1) Provide accommodations and food that are equivalent to those 
provided to the crew.
    (2) Allow the observer access to and use of the vessel's 
communications equipment and personnel upon request for the transmission 
and receipt of messages related to the observer's duties.
    (3) Allow the observer access to and use of the vessel's navigation 
equipment and personnel upon request to determine the vessel's position.
    (4) Allow the observer free and unobstructed access to the vessel's 
bridge, working decks, holding bins, weight scales, holds, and any other 
space used to hold, process, weigh, or store fish.
    (5) Allow the observer to inspect and copy the vessel's log, 
communications logs, and any records associated with the catch and 
distribution of fish for that trip.



Sec. 622.205  Vessel monitoring systems (VMSs).

    (a) VMS requirement for South Atlantic rock shrimp. An owner or 
operator of a vessel that has been issued a limited access endorsement 
for South Atlantic rock shrimp (until January 27, 2010) or a Commercial 
Vessel Permit for Rock Shrimp (South Atlantic EEZ) must ensure that such 
vessel has an operating VMS approved by NMFS for use in the South 
Atlantic rock shrimp fishery on board when on a trip in the South 
Atlantic. An operating VMS includes an operating mobile transmitting 
unit on the vessel and a functioning communication link between the unit 
and NMFS as provided by a NMFS-approved communication service provider.
    (b) Installation and activation of a VMS. Only a VMS that has been 
approved by NMFS for the South Atlantic rock shrimp fishery may be used, 
and the VMS must be installed by a qualified marine electrician. When 
installing and activating the NMFS-approved VMS, or when reinstalling 
and reactivating such VMS, the vessel owner or operator must--
    (1) Follow procedures indicated on a NMFS-approved installation and 
activation checklist for the applicable fishery, which is available from 
NMFS Office for Law Enforcement, Southeast Region, 263 13th Avenue 
South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701; phone: 800-758-4833; and
    (2) Submit to NMFS Office for Law Enforcement, Southeast Region, 263 
13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, a statement certifying 
compliance with the checklist, as prescribed on the checklist.

[[Page 379]]

    (3) Submit to NMFS Office for Law Enforcement, Southeast Region, 263 
13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, a vendor-completed 
installation certification checklist, which is available from NMFS 
Office for Law Enforcement, Southeast Region, 263 13th Avenue South, St. 
Petersburg, FL 33701; phone: 800-758-4833.
    (c) Interference with the VMS. No person may interfere with, tamper 
with, alter, damage, disable, or impede the operation of the VMS, or 
attempt any of the same.
    (d) Interruption of operation of the VMS. When a vessel's VMS is not 
operating properly, the owner or operator must immediately contact NMFS 
Office for Law Enforcement, Southeast Region, 263 13th Avenue South, St. 
Petersburg, FL 33701, phone: 800-758-4833, and follow instructions from 
that office. If notified by NMFS that a vessel's VMS is not operating 
properly, the owner and operator must follow instructions from that 
office. In either event, such instructions may include, but are not 
limited to, manually communicating to a location designated by NMFS the 
vessel's positions or returning to port until the VMS is operable.
    (e) Access to position data. As a condition of authorized fishing 
for or possession of fish in a fishery subject to VMS requirements in 
this section, a vessel owner or operator subject to the requirements for 
a VMS in this section must allow NMFS, the USCG, and their authorized 
officers and designees access to the vessel's position data obtained 
from the VMS.



Sec. 622.206  Area and seasonal closures.

    (a) South Atlantic shrimp cold weather closure. (1) Pursuant to the 
procedures and criteria established in the FMP for the Shrimp Fishery of 
the South Atlantic Region, when Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, or 
South Carolina closes all or a portion of its waters of the South 
Atlantic to the harvest of brown, pink, and white shrimp, the Assistant 
Administrator may concurrently close the South Atlantic EEZ adjacent to 
the closed state waters by filing a notification of closure with the 
Office of the Federal Register. Closure of the adjacent EEZ will be 
effective until the ending date of the closure in state waters, but may 
be ended earlier based on the state's request. In the latter case, the 
Assistant Administrator will terminate a closure of the EEZ by filing a 
notification to that effect with the Office of the Federal Register.
    (2) During a closure, as specified in paragraph (a)(1) of this 
section--
    (i) No person may trawl for brown shrimp, pink shrimp, or white 
shrimp in the closed portion of the EEZ (closed area); and no person may 
possess on board a fishing vessel brown shrimp, pink shrimp, or white 
shrimp in or from a closed area, except as authorized in paragraph 
(a)(2)(iii) of this section.
    (ii) No person aboard a vessel trawling in that part of a closed 
area that is within 25 nm of the baseline from which the territorial sea 
is measured may use or have on board a trawl net with a mesh size less 
than 4 inches (10.2 cm), as measured between the centers of opposite 
knots when pulled taut.
    (iii) Brown shrimp, pink shrimp, or white shrimp may be possessed on 
board a fishing vessel in a closed area, provided the vessel is in 
transit and that the shrimp fishing gear with trawl nets having a mesh 
size less than 4 inches (10.2 cm), as measured between the centers of 
opposite knots when pulled taut, is appropriately stowed. For the 
purposes of this paragraph (a), transit means a non-stop progression 
through a closed area and appropriately stowed means trawl doors out of 
the water and in the rack/cradle on deck, the nets must be out of the 
water and in the rigging and tied down, and any try net must be on deck.
    (b) [Reserved]

[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 85 FR 67310, Oct. 22, 2020]



Sec. 622.207  Bycatch Reduction Device (BRD) requirements.

    (a) BRD requirement for South Atlantic shrimp. On a shrimp trawler 
in the South Atlantic EEZ, each net that is rigged for fishing must have 
a BRD installed that is listed in paragraph (a)(3) of this section and 
is certified or provisionally certified for the area in which the shrimp 
trawler is located, unless exempted as specified in paragraphs (a)(1)(i) 
through (iii) of this section. A trawl net is rigged for fishing if it 
is in

[[Page 380]]

the water, or if it is shackled, tied, or otherwise connected to a sled, 
door, or other device that spreads the net, or to a tow rope, cable, 
pole, or extension, either on board or attached to a shrimp trawler.
    (1) Exemptions from BRD requirement--(i) Try net exemption. A shrimp 
trawler is exempt from the requirement to have a certified or 
provisionally certified BRD installed in a single try net with a 
headrope length of 16 ft (4.9 m) or less provided the single try net is 
either placed immediately in front of another net or is not connected to 
another net.
    (ii) Roller trawl exemption. A shrimp trawler is exempt from the 
requirement to have a certified or provisionally certified BRD installed 
in up to two rigid-frame roller trawls that are 16 ft (4.9 m) or less in 
length used or possessed on board. A rigid-frame roller trawl is a trawl 
that has a mouth formed by a rigid frame and a grid of rigid vertical 
bars; has rollers on the lower horizontal part of the frame to allow the 
trawl to roll over the bottom and any obstruction while being towed; and 
has no doors, boards, or similar devices attached to keep the mouth of 
the trawl open.
    (iii) BRD certification testing exemption. A shrimp trawler that is 
authorized by the RA to participate in the pre-certification testing 
phase or to test a BRD in the EEZ for possible certification, has such 
written authorization on board, and is conducting such test in 
accordance with the ``Bycatch Reduction Device Testing Manual'' is 
granted a limited exemption from the BRD requirement specified in this 
section. The exemption from the BRD requirement is limited to those 
trawls that are being used in the certification trials. All other trawls 
rigged for fishing must be equipped with certified or provisionally 
certified BRDs.
    (2) Procedures for certification and decertification of BRDs. The 
process for the certification of BRDs consists of two phases--an 
optional pre-certification phase and a required certification phase. The 
RA may also provisionally certify a BRD.
    (i) Pre-certification. The pre-certification phase allows a person 
to test and evaluate a new BRD design for up to 60 days without being 
subject to the observer requirements and rigorous testing requirements 
specified for certification testing in the ``Bycatch Reduction Device 
Testing Manual.''
    (A) A person who wants to conduct pre-certification phase testing 
must submit an application to the RA, as specified in the ``Bycatch 
Reduction Device Testing Manual.'' The ``Bycatch Reduction Device 
Testing Manual'', which is available from the RA, upon request, contains 
the application forms.
    (B) After reviewing the application, the RA will determine whether 
to issue a letter of authorization (LOA) to conduct pre-certification 
trials upon the vessel specified in the application. If the RA 
authorizes pre-certification, the RA's LOA must be on board the vessel 
during any trip involving the BRD testing.
    (ii) Certification. A person who proposes a BRD for certification 
for use in the South Atlantic EEZ must submit an application to test 
such BRD, conduct the testing, and submit the results of the test in 
accordance with the ``Bycatch Reduction Device Testing Manual.'' The RA 
will issue a LOA to conduct certification trials upon the vessel 
specified in the application if the RA finds that: The operation plan 
submitted with the application meets the requirements of the ``Bycatch 
Reduction Device Testing Manual''; the observer identified in the 
application is qualified; and the results of any pre-certification 
trials conducted have been reviewed and deemed to indicate a reasonable 
scientific basis for conducting certification testing. If authorization 
to conduct certification trials is denied, the RA will provide a letter 
of explanation to the applicant, together with relevant recommendations 
to address the deficiencies resulting in the denial. To be certified for 
use in the fishery, the BRD candidate must successfully demonstrate a 
30-percent reduction in total weight of finfish bycatch. In addition, 
the BRD candidate must satisfy the following conditions: There is at 
least a 50-percent probability the true reduction rate of the BRD 
candidate meets the bycatch reduction criterion and there is no more 
than a 10-percent probability the true

[[Page 381]]

reduction rate of the BRD candidate is more than 5 percentage points 
less than the bycatch reduction criterion. If a BRD meets both 
conditions, consistent with the ``Bycatch Reduction Device Testing 
Manual'', NMFS, through appropriate rulemaking procedures, will add the 
BRD to the list of certified BRDs in paragraph (a)(3) of this section; 
and provide the specifications for the newly certified BRD, including 
any special conditions deemed appropriate based on the certification 
testing results.
    (iii) Provisional certification. Based on data provided consistent 
with the ``Bycatch Reduction Device Testing Manual'', the RA may 
provisionally certify a BRD if there is at least a 50-percent 
probability the true reduction rate of the BRD is no more than 5 
percentage points less than the bycatch reduction criterion, i.e. 25 
percent reduction in total weight of finfish bycatch. Through 
appropriate rulemaking procedures, NMFS will add the BRD to the list of 
provisionally certified BRDs in paragraph (a)(3) of this section; and 
provide the specifications for the BRD, including any special conditions 
deemed appropriate based on the certification testing results. A 
provisional certification is effective for 2 years from the date of 
publication of the notification in the Federal Register announcing the 
provisional certification.
    (iv) Decertification. The RA will decertify a BRD if NMFS determines 
the BRD does not meet the requirements for certification or provisional 
certification. Before determining whether to decertify a BRD, the RA 
will notify the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council in writing, 
and the public will be provided an opportunity to comment on the 
advisability of any proposed decertification. The RA will consider any 
comments from the Council and public, and if the RA elects to decertify 
the BRD, the RA will proceed with decertification via appropriate 
rulemaking.
    (3) Certified and provisionally certified BRDs--(i) Certified BRDS. 
The following BRDs are certified for use in the South Atlantic EEZ. 
Specifications of these certified BRDs are contained in Appendix D to 
this part.
    (A) Fisheye--see Appendix D to part 622 for separate specifications 
in the Gulf and South Atlantic EEZ.
    (B) Gulf fisheye.
    (C) Jones-Davis.
    (D) Modified Jones-Davis.
    (E) Expanded mesh.
    (F) Extended funnel.
    (G) Cone Fish Deflector Composite Panel.
    (H) Square Mesh Panel (SMP) Composite Panel.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (b) [Reserved]



Sec. 622.208  Minimum mesh size applicable to rock shrimp off Georgia and Florida.

    (a) The minimum mesh size for the cod end of a rock shrimp trawl net 
in the South Atlantic EEZ off Georgia and Florida is 1\7/8\ inches (4.8 
cm), stretched mesh. This minimum mesh size is required in at least the 
last 40 meshes forward of the cod end drawstring (tie-off rings), and 
smaller-mesh bag liners are not allowed. A vessel that has a trawl net 
on board that does not meet these requirements may not possess a rock 
shrimp in or from the South Atlantic EEZ off Georgia and Florida.
    (b) [Reserved]



Sec. 622.209  Restrictions on sale/purchase.

    (a) South Atlantic rock shrimp. (1) Rock shrimp harvested in the 
South Atlantic EEZ on board a vessel that does not have a valid 
commercial permit for rock shrimp, as required under Sec. 
622.200(a)(2), may not be transferred, received, sold, or purchased.
    (2) Rock shrimp harvested in or from the EEZ or adjoining state 
waters by a vessel that has a valid commercial vessel permit for South 
Atlantic rock shrimp may be sold or transferred only to a dealer who has 
a valid Gulf and South Atlantic dealer permit, as required under Sec. 
622.200(c)(1).
    (3) Rock shrimp harvested in or from the EEZ may be first received 
by a dealer who has a valid Gulf and South Atlantic dealer permit, as 
required under Sec. 622.200(c)(1), only from a vessel that has a valid 
commercial vessel permit for rock shrimp.

[[Page 382]]

    (b) [Reserved]

[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 79 FR 19496, Apr. 9, 2014]



Sec. 622.210  Adjustment of management measures.

    In accordance with the framework procedures of the FMP for the 
Shrimp Fishery of the South Atlantic Region, the RA may establish or 
modify the items specified in paragraph (a) of this section for South 
Atlantic shrimp.
    (a) Biomass levels, age-structured analyses, BRD certification 
criteria, BRD specifications, BRD testing protocol, certified BRDs, nets 
required to use BRDs, times and locations when the use of BRDs is 
required, definitions of essential fish habitat, and essential fish 
habitat HAPCs or Coral HAPCs.
    (b) [Reserved]



Subpart K_Coral, Coral Reefs, and Live/Hard Bottom Habitats of the South 
                             Atlantic Region



Sec. 622.220  Permits.

    See Sec. 622.4 for information regarding general permit procedures 
including, but not limited to fees, duration, transfer, renewal, 
display, sanctions and denials, and replacement.
    (a) Required permits--(1) Allowable chemical. For an individual to 
take or possess fish or other marine organisms with an allowable 
chemical in a coral area, other than fish or other marine organisms that 
are landed in Florida, a Federal allowable chemical permit must have 
been issued to the individual. Such permit must be available when the 
permitted activity is being conducted and when such fish or other marine 
organisms are possessed, through landing ashore.
    (2) Allowable octocoral. For an individual to take or possess 
allowable octocoral in the South Atlantic EEZ, other than allowable 
octocoral that is landed in Florida, a Federal allowable octocoral 
permit must have been issued to the individual. Such permit must be 
available for inspection when the permitted activity is being conducted 
and when allowable octocoral is possessed, through landing ashore.
    (3) Aquacultured live rock. For a person to take or possess 
aquacultured live rock in the South Atlantic EEZ, a Federal aquacultured 
live rock permit must have been issued for the specific harvest site. 
Such permit, or a copy, must be on board a vessel depositing or 
possessing material on an aquacultured live rock site or harvesting or 
possessing live rock from an aquacultured live rock site.
    (4) Prohibited coral. A Federal permit may be issued to take or 
possess South Atlantic prohibited coral only as scientific research 
activity, exempted fishing, or exempted educational activity. See Sec. 
600.745 of this chapter for the procedures and limitations for such 
activities and fishing.
    (5) Florida permits. Appropriate Florida permits and endorsements 
are required for the following activities, without regard to whether 
they involve activities in the EEZ or Florida's waters:
    (i) Landing in Florida fish or other marine organisms taken with an 
allowable chemical in a coral area.
    (ii) Landing allowable octocoral in Florida.
    (iii) Landing live rock in Florida.
    (b) Application. (1) The applicant for a coral permit must be the 
individual who will be conducting the activity that requires the permit. 
In the case of a corporation or partnership that will be conducting live 
rock aquaculture activity, the applicant must be the principal 
shareholder or a general partner.
    (2) An applicant must provide the following:
    (i) Name, address, telephone number, and other identifying 
information of the applicant.
    (ii) Name and address of any affiliated company, institution, or 
organization.
    (iii) Information concerning vessels, harvesting gear/methods, or 
fishing areas, as specified on the application form.
    (iv) Any other information that may be necessary for the issuance or 
administration of the permit.
    (v) If applying for an aquacultured live rock permit, identification 
of each vessel that will be depositing material on or harvesting 
aquacultured live

[[Page 383]]

rock from the proposed aquacultured live rock site, specification of the 
port of landing of aquacultured live rock, and a site evaluation report 
prepared pursuant to generally accepted industry standards that--
    (A) Provides accurate coordinates of the proposed harvesting site so 
that it can be located using LORAN or Global Positioning System 
equipment;
    (B) Shows the site on a chart in sufficient detail to determine its 
size and allow for site inspection;
    (C) Discusses possible hazards to safe navigation or hindrance to 
vessel traffic, traditional fishing operations, or other public access 
that may result from aquacultured live rock at the site;
    (D) Describes the naturally occurring bottom habitat at the site; 
and
    (E) Specifies the type and origin of material to be deposited on the 
site and how it will be distinguishable from the naturally occurring 
substrate.



Sec. 622.221  Recordkeeping and reporting.

    (a) Individuals with coral or live rock permits. (1) An individual 
with a Federal allowable octocoral permit must submit a report of 
harvest to the SRD. Specific reporting requirements will be provided 
with the permit.
    (2) A person with a Federal aquacultured live rock permit must 
report to the RA each deposition of material on a site. Such reports 
must be postmarked not later than 7 days after deposition and must 
contain the following information:
    (i) Permit number of site and date of deposit.
    (ii) Geological origin of material deposited.
    (iii) Amount of material deposited.
    (iv) Source of material deposited, that is, where obtained, if 
removed from another habitat, or from whom purchased.
    (3) A person who takes aquacultured live rock must submit a report 
of harvest to the RA. Specific reporting requirements will be provided 
with the permit. This reporting requirement is waived for aquacultured 
live rock that is landed in Florida.
    (b) [Reserved]



Sec. 622.222  Prohibited gear and methods.

    Also see Sec. 622.9 for additional prohibited gear and methods that 
apply more broadly to multiple fisheries or in some cases all fisheries.
    (a) Power-assisted tools. A power-assisted tool may not be used in 
the South Atlantic EEZ to take allowable octocoral, prohibited coral, or 
live rock.
    (b) [Reserved]



Sec. 622.223  Prohibited species.

    (a) General. The harvest and possession restrictions of this section 
apply without regard to whether the species is harvested by a vessel 
operating under a commercial vessel permit. The operator of a vessel 
that fishes in the EEZ is responsible for the limit applicable to that 
vessel.
    (b) Prohibited coral. South Atlantic prohibited coral taken as 
incidental catch in the South Atlantic EEZ must be returned immediately 
to the sea in the general area of fishing. In fisheries where the entire 
catch is landed unsorted, such as the scallop and groundfish fisheries, 
unsorted prohibited coral may be landed ashore; however, no person may 
sell or purchase such prohibited coral.
    (c) Wild live rock. Wild live rock may not be harvested or possessed 
in the South Atlantic EEZ.
    (d) Octocoral. Octocoral may not be harvested or possessed in or 
from the portion of the South Atlantic EEZ managed under the FMP. 
Octocoral collected in the portion of the South Atlantic EEZ managed 
under the FMP must be released immediately with a minimum of harm.



Sec. 622.224  Area closures to protect South Atlantic corals.

    (a) Allowable octocoral closed area. No person may harvest or 
possess allowable octocoral in the South Atlantic EEZ north of 
28[deg]35.1[min] N. lat. (due east of the NASA Vehicle Assembly 
Building, Cape Canaveral, FL).
    (b) Oculina Bank--(1) HAPC. The Oculina Bank HAPC is bounded by 
rhumb lines connecting, in order, the following points:

[[Page 384]]



----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Point                       North lat.                           West long.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Origin.................................  29[deg]43[min]29.8  80[deg]14[min]48.06[sec]
                                          2[sec]
1......................................  29[deg]43[min]30[s  80[deg]15[min]48.24[sec]
                                          ec]
2......................................  29[deg]34[min]51.6  80[deg]15[min]00.78[sec]
                                          6[sec]
3......................................  29[deg]34[min]07.3  80[deg]15[min]51.66[sec]
                                          8[sec]
4......................................  29[deg]29[min]24.9  80[deg]15[min]15.78[sec]
                                          [sec]
5......................................  29[deg]09[min]32.5  80[deg]12[min]17.22[sec]
                                          2[sec]
6......................................  29[deg]04[min]45.1  80[deg]10[min]12[sec]
                                          8[sec]
7......................................  28[deg]56[min]01.8  80[deg]08[min]53.64[sec]
                                          6[sec]
8......................................  28[deg]52[min]44.4  80[deg]08[min]53.04[sec]
                                          0[sec]
9......................................  28[deg]47[min]28.5  80[deg]07[min]07.44[sec]
                                          6[sec]
10.....................................  28[deg]46[min]13.6  80[deg]07[min]15.9[sec]
                                          8[sec]
11.....................................  28[deg]41[min]16.3  80[deg]05[min]58.74[sec]
                                          2[sec]
12.....................................  28[deg]35[min]05.7  80[deg]05[min]14.28[sec]
                                          6[sec]
13.....................................  28[deg]33[min]50.9  80[deg]05[min]24.6[sec]
                                          4[sec]
14.....................................  28[deg]30[min]51.3  80[deg]04[min]23.94[sec]
                                          6[sec]
15.....................................  28[deg]30[min]00[s  80[deg]03[min]57.3[sec]
                                          ec]
16.....................................  28[deg]30[min]      80[deg]03[min]
17.....................................  28[deg]16[min]      80[deg]03[min]
18.....................................  28[deg]04[min]30[s  80[deg]01[min]10.08[sec]
                                          ec]
19.....................................  28[deg]04[min]30[s  80[deg]00[min]
                                          ec]
20.....................................  27[deg]30[min]      80[deg]00[min]
21.....................................  27[deg]30[min]      79[deg]54[sec]--Point corresponding with
                                                              intersection with the 100-fathom (183-m) contour,
                                                              as shown on the latest edition of NOAA chart 11460
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Note: Line between point 21 and point 22 follows the 100-fathom (183-m) contour, as shown on the latest edition
                                               of NOAA chart 11460
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
22.....................................  28[deg]30[min]00[s  79[deg]56[min]56[sec]-- Point corresponding with
                                          ec]                 intersection with the 100-fathom (183-m) contour,
                                                              as shown on the latest edition of NOAA chart 11460
23.....................................  28[deg]30[min]00[s  80[deg]00[min]46.02[sec]
                                          ec]
24.....................................  28[deg]46[min]00.8  80[deg]03[min]28.5[sec]
                                          4[sec]
25.....................................  28[deg]48[min]37.1  80[deg]03[min]56.76[sec]
                                          4[sec]
26.....................................  28[deg]53[min]18.3  80[deg]04[min]48.84[sec]
                                          6[sec]
27.....................................  29[deg]11[min]19.6  80[deg]08[min]36.9[sec]
                                          2[sec]
28.....................................  29[deg]17[min]33.9  80[deg]10[min]06.9[sec]
                                          6[sec]
29.....................................  29[deg]23[min]35.3  80[deg]11[min]30.06[sec]
                                          4[sec]
30.....................................  29[deg]30[min]15.7  80[deg]12[min]38.88[sec]
                                          2[sec]
31.....................................  29[deg]35[min]55.8  80[deg]13[min]41.04[sec]
                                          6[sec]
Origin.................................  29[deg]43[min]29.8  80[deg]14[min]55.27[sec]
                                          2[sec]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (i) In the Oculina Bank HAPC, no person may:
    (A) Use a bottom longline, bottom trawl, dredge, pot, or trap.
    (B) If aboard a fishing vessel, anchor, use an anchor and chain, or 
use a grapple and chain.
    (C) Fish for or possess rock shrimp in or from the Oculina Bank 
HAPC, except a shrimp vessel with a valid commercial vessel permit for 
rock shrimp that possesses rock shrimp may transit through the Oculina 
Bank HAPC if fishing gear is appropriately stowed. For the purpose of 
this paragraph, transit means a direct and non-stop continuous course 
through the area, maintaining a minimum speed of five knots as 
determined by an operating VMS and a VMS minimum ping rate of 1 ping per 
5 minutes; fishing gear appropriately stowed means that doors and nets 
are out of the water.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (2) Experimental closed area. Within the Oculina Bank HAPC, the 
experimental closed area is bounded on the north by 27[deg]53[min] N. 
lat., on the south by 27[deg]30[min] N. lat., on the east by 
79[deg]56[min] W. long., and on the west by 80[deg]00' W. long. No 
person may fish for South Atlantic snapper-grouper in the experimental 
closed area, and no person may retain South Atlantic snapper-grouper in 
or from the area. In the experimental closed area, any South Atlantic 
snapper-grouper taken incidentally by hook-and-line gear must be 
released immediately by cutting the line without removing the fish from 
the water.
    (c) Deepwater Coral HAPCs--(1) Locations. The following areas are 
designated Deepwater Coral HAPCs:
    (i) Cape Lookout Lophelia Banks is bounded by rhumb lines 
connecting, in order, the following points:

[[Page 385]]



------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Point                   North lat.           West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Origin........................  34[deg]24[min]37[se  75[deg]45[min]11[se
                                 c]                   c]
1.............................  34[deg]10[min]26[se  75[deg]58[min]44[se
                                 c]                   c]
2.............................  34[deg]05[min]47[se  75[deg]54[min]54[se
                                 c]                   c]
3.............................  34[deg]21[min]02[se  75[deg]41[min]25[se
                                 c]                   c]
4.............................  34[deg]23[min]28.99  75[deg]43[min]58.00
                                 8[sec]               2[sec]
5.............................  34[deg]27[min]00[se  75[deg]41[min]45[se
                                 c]                   c]
6.............................  34[deg]27[min]54[se  75[deg]42[min]45[se
                                 c]                   c]
Origin........................  34[deg]24[min]37[se  75[deg]45[min]11[se
                                 c]                   c]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (ii) Cape Fear Lophelia Banks is bounded by rhumb lines connecting, 
in order, the following points:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  North lat.            West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Origin......................  33[deg]38[min]49[sec  76[deg]29[min]32[sec
                               ]                     ]
1...........................  33[deg]32[min]21[sec  76[deg]32[min]38[sec
                               ]                     ]
2...........................  33[deg]29[min]49[sec  76[deg]26[min]19[sec
                               ]                     ]
3...........................  33[deg]36[min]09[sec  76[deg]23[min]37[sec
                               ]                     ]
Origin......................  33[deg]38[min]49[sec  76[deg]29[min]32[sec
                               ]                     ]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (iii) Stetson Reefs, Savannah and East Florida Lithoherms, and Miami 
Terrace (Stetson-Miami Terrace) is bounded by--
    (A) Rhumb lines connecting, in order, the following points:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Point                    North lat.        West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Origin..............................  at outer          79[deg]00[min]00
                                       boundary of EEZ   [sec]
1...................................  31[deg]23[min]37  79[deg]00[min]00
                                       [sec]             [sec]
2...................................  31[deg]23[min]37  77[deg]16[min]21
                                       [sec]             [sec]
3...................................  32[deg]38[min]37  77[deg]16[min]21
                                       [sec]             [sec]
4...................................  32[deg]38[min]21  77[deg]34[min]06
                                       [sec]             [sec]
5...................................  32[deg]35[min]24  77[deg]37[min]54
                                       [sec]             [sec]
6...................................  32[deg]32[min]18  77[deg]40[min]26
                                       [sec]             [sec]
7...................................  32[deg]28[min]42  77[deg]44[min]10
                                       [sec]             [sec]
8...................................  32[deg]25[min]51  77[deg]47[min]43
                                       [sec]             [sec]
9...................................  32[deg]22[min]40  77[deg]52[min]05
                                       [sec]             [sec]
10..................................  32[deg]20[min]58  77[deg]56[min]29
                                       [sec]             [sec]
11..................................  32[deg]20[min]30  77[deg]57[min]50
                                       [sec]             [sec]
12..................................  32[deg]19[min]53  78[deg]00[min]49
                                       [sec]             [sec]
13..................................  32[deg]18[min]44  78[deg]04[min]35
                                       [sec]             [sec]
14..................................  32[deg]17[min]35  78[deg]07[min]48
                                       [sec]             [sec]
15..................................  32[deg]17[min]15  78[deg]10[min]41
                                       [sec]             [sec]
16..................................  32[deg]15[min]50  78[deg]14[min]09
                                       [sec]             [sec]
17..................................  32[deg]15[min]20  78[deg]15[min]25
                                       [sec]             [sec]
18..................................  32[deg]12[min]15  78[deg]16[min]37
                                       [sec]             [sec]
19..................................  32[deg]10[min]26  78[deg]18[min]09
                                       [sec]             [sec]
20..................................  32[deg]04[min]42  78[deg]21[min]27
                                       [sec]             [sec]
21..................................  32[deg]03[min]41  78[deg]24[min]07
                                       [sec]             [sec]
22..................................  32[deg]04[min]58  78[deg]29[min]19
                                       [sec]             [sec]
23..................................  32[deg]06[min]59  78[deg]30[min]48
                                       [sec]             [sec]
24..................................  32[deg]09[min]27  78[deg]31[min]31
                                       [sec]             [sec]
25..................................  32[deg]11[min]23  78[deg]32[min]47
                                       [sec]             [sec]
26..................................  32[deg]13[min]09  78[deg]34[min]04
                                       [sec]             [sec]
27..................................  32[deg]14[min]08  78[deg]34[min]36
                                       [sec]             [sec]
28..................................  32[deg]12[min]48  78[deg]36[min]34
                                       [sec]             [sec]
29..................................  32[deg]13[min]07  78[deg]39[min]07
                                       [sec]             [sec]
30..................................  32[deg]14[min]17  78[deg]40[min]01
                                       [sec]             [sec]
31..................................  32[deg]16[min]20  78[deg]40[min]18
                                       [sec]             [sec]
32..................................  32[deg]16[min]33  78[deg]42[min]32
                                       [sec]             [sec]
33..................................  32[deg]14[min]26  78[deg]43[min]23
                                       [sec]             [sec]
34..................................  32[deg]11[min]14  78[deg]45[min]42
                                       [sec]             [sec]
35..................................  32[deg]10[min]19  78[deg]49[min]08
                                       [sec]             [sec]
36..................................  32[deg]09[min]42  78[deg]52[min]54
                                       [sec]             [sec]
37..................................  32[deg]08[min]15  78[deg]56[min]11
                                       [sec]             [sec]
38..................................  32[deg]05[min]00  79[deg]00[min]30
                                       [sec]             [sec]
39..................................  32[deg]01[min]54  79[deg]02[min]49
                                       [sec]             [sec]
40..................................  31[deg]58[min]40  79[deg]04[min]51
                                       [sec]             [sec]
41..................................  31[deg]56[min]32  79[deg]06[min]48
                                       [sec]             [sec]
42..................................  31[deg]53[min]27  79[deg]09[min]18
                                       [sec]             [sec]
43..................................  31[deg]50[min]56  79[deg]11[min]29
                                       [sec]             [sec]
44..................................  31[deg]49[min]07  79[deg]13[min]35
                                       [sec]             [sec]
45..................................  31[deg]47[min]56  79[deg]16[min]08
                                       [sec]             [sec]
46..................................  31[deg]47[min]11  79[deg]16[min]30
                                       [sec]             [sec]
47..................................  31[deg]46[min]29  79[deg]16[min]25
                                       [sec]             [sec]
48..................................  31[deg]44[min]31  79[deg]17[min]24
                                       [sec]             [sec]
49..................................  31[deg]43[min]20  79[deg]18[min]27
                                       [sec]             [sec]
50..................................  31[deg]42[min]26  79[deg]20[min]41
                                       [sec]             [sec]
51..................................  31[deg]41[min]09  79[deg]22[min]26
                                       [sec]             [sec]
52..................................  31[deg]39[min]36  79[deg]23[min]59
                                       [sec]             [sec]
53..................................  31[deg]37[min]54  79[deg]25[min]29
                                       [sec]             [sec]
54..................................  31[deg]35[min]57  79[deg]27[min]14
                                       [sec]             [sec]
55..................................  31[deg]34[min]14  79[deg]28[min]24
                                       [sec]             [sec]
56..................................  31[deg]31[min]08  79[deg]29[min]59
                                       [sec]             [sec]
57..................................  31[deg]30[min]26  79[deg]29[min]52
                                       [sec]             [sec]
58..................................  31[deg]29[min]11  79[deg]30[min]11
                                       [sec]             [sec]
59..................................  31[deg]27[min]58  79[deg]31[min]41
                                       [sec]             [sec]
60..................................  31[deg]27[min]06  79[deg]32[min]08
                                       [sec]             [sec]
61..................................  31[deg]26[min]22  79[deg]32[min]48
                                       [sec]             [sec]
62..................................  31[deg]24[min]21  79[deg]33[min]51
                                       [sec]             [sec]
63..................................  31[deg]22[min]53  79[deg]34[min]41
                                       [sec]             [sec]
64..................................  31[deg]21[min]03  79[deg]36[min]01
                                       [sec]             [sec]
65..................................  31[deg]20[min]00  79[deg]37[min]12
                                       [sec]             [sec]
66..................................  31[deg]18[min]34  79[deg]38[min]15
                                       [sec]             [sec]
67..................................  31[deg]16[min]49  79[deg]38[min]36
                                       [sec]             [sec]
68..................................  31[deg]13[min]06  79[deg]38[min]19
                                       [sec]             [sec]
70..................................  31[deg]11[min]04  79[deg]38[min]39
                                       [sec]             [sec]
70..................................  31[deg]09[min]28  79[deg]39[min]09
                                       [sec]             [sec]
71..................................  31[deg]07[min]44  79[deg]40[min]21
                                       [sec]             [sec]
72..................................  31[deg]05[min]53  79[deg]41[min]27
                                       [sec]             [sec]
73..................................  31[deg]04[min]40  79[deg]42[min]09
                                       [sec]             [sec]
74..................................  31[deg]02[min]58  79[deg]42[min]28
                                       [sec]             [sec]
75..................................  31[deg]01[min]03  79[deg]42[min]40
                                       [sec]             [sec]
76..................................  30[deg]59[min]50  79[deg]42[min]43
                                       [sec]             [sec]
77..................................  30[deg]58[min]27  79[deg]42[min]43
                                       [sec]             [sec]
78..................................  30[deg]57[min]15  79[deg]42[min]50
                                       [sec]             [sec]
79..................................  30[deg]56[min]09  79[deg]43[min]28
                                       [sec]             [sec]
80..................................  30[deg]54[min]49  79[deg]44[min]53
                                       [sec]             [sec]
81..................................  30[deg]53[min]44  79[deg]46[min]24
                                       [sec]             [sec]
82..................................  30[deg]52[min]47  79[deg]47[min]40
                                       [sec]             [sec]
83..................................  30[deg]51[min]45  79[deg]48[min]16
                                       [sec]             [sec]
84..................................  30[deg]48[min]36  79[deg]49[min]02
                                       [sec]             [sec]
85..................................  30[deg]45[min]24  79[deg]49[min]55
                                       [sec]             [sec]
86..................................  30[deg]41[min]36  79[deg]51[min]31
                                       [sec]             [sec]
87..................................  30[deg]38[min]38  79[deg]52[min]23
                                       [sec]             [sec]
88..................................  30[deg]37[min]00  79[deg]52[min]37
                                       [sec]             .2[sec]
89..................................  30[deg]37[min]00  80[deg]05[min]00
                                       [sec]             [sec]
90..................................  30[deg]34[min]6.  80[deg]05[min]54
                                       42[sec]           .96[sec]
91..................................  30[deg]26[min]59  80[deg]07[min]41
                                       .94[sec]          .22[sec]
92..................................  30[deg]23[min]53  80[deg]08[min]8.
                                       .28[sec]          58[sec]
93..................................  30[deg]19[min]22  80[deg]09[min]22
                                       .86[sec]          .56[sec]
94..................................  30[deg]13[min]17  80[deg]11[min]15
                                       .58[sec]          .24[sec]
95..................................  30[deg]07[min]55  80[deg]12[min]19
                                       .68[sec]          .62[sec]
96..................................  30[deg]00[min]00  80[deg]13[min]00
                                       [sec]             [sec]
97..................................  30[deg]00[min]9[  80[deg]09[min]30
                                       sec]              [sec]
98..................................  30[deg]03[min]00  80[deg]09[min]30
                                       [sec]             [sec]
99..................................  30[deg]03[min]00  80[deg]06[min]00
                                       [sec]             [sec]
100.................................  30[deg]04[min]00  80[deg]02[min]45
                                       [sec]             .6[sec]
101.................................  29[deg]59[min]16  80[deg]04[min]11
                                       [sec]             [sec]
102.................................  29[deg]49[min]12  80[deg]05[min]44
                                       [sec]             [sec]
103.................................  29[deg]43[min]59  80[deg]06[min]24
                                       [sec]             [sec]
104.................................  29[deg]38[min]37  80[deg]06[min]53
                                       [sec]             [sec]
105.................................  29[deg]36[min]54  80[deg]07[min]18
                                       [sec]             [sec]
106.................................  29[deg]31[min]59  80[deg]07[min]32
                                       [sec]             [sec]
107.................................  29[deg]29[min]14  80[deg]07[min]18
                                       [sec]             [sec]
108.................................  29[deg]21[min]48  80[deg]05[min]01
                                       [sec]             [sec]
109.................................  29[deg]20[min]25  80[deg]04[min]29
                                       [sec]             [sec]
110.................................  29[deg]08[min]00  79[deg]59[min]43
                                       [sec]             [sec]
111.................................  29[deg]06[min]56  79[deg]59[min]07
                                       [sec]             [sec]
112.................................  29[deg]05[min]59  79[deg]58[min]44
                                       [sec]             [sec]
113.................................  29[deg]03[min]34  79[deg]57[min]37
                                       [sec]             [sec]
114.................................  29[deg]02[min]11  79[deg]56[min]59
                                       [sec]             [sec]
115.................................  29[deg]00[min]00  79[deg]55[min]32
                                       [sec]             [sec]

[[Page 386]]

 
116.................................  28[deg]56[min]55  79[deg]54[min]22
                                       [sec]             [sec]
117.................................  28[deg]55[min]00  79[deg]53[min]31
                                       [sec]             [sec]
118.................................  28[deg]53[min]35  79[deg]52[min]51
                                       [sec]             [sec]
119.................................  28[deg]51[min]47  79[deg]52[min]07
                                       [sec]             [sec]
120.................................  28[deg]50[min]25  79[deg]51[min]27
                                       [sec]             [sec]
121.................................  28[deg]49[min]53  79[deg]51[min]20
                                       [sec]             [sec]
122.................................  28[deg]49[min]01  79[deg]51[min]20
                                       [sec]             [sec]
123.................................  28[deg]48[min]19  79[deg]51[min]10
                                       [sec]             [sec]
124.................................  28[deg]47[min]13  79[deg]50[min]59
                                       [sec]             [sec]
125.................................  28[deg]43[min]30  79[deg]50[min]36
                                       [sec]             [sec]
126.................................  28[deg]41[min]05  79[deg]50[min]04
                                       [sec]             [sec]
127.................................  28[deg]40[min]27  79[deg]50[min]07
                                       [sec]             [sec]
128.................................  28[deg]39[min]50  79[deg]49[min]56
                                       [sec]             [sec]
129.................................  28[deg]39[min]04  79[deg]49[min]58
                                       [sec]             [sec]
130.................................  28[deg]36[min]43  79[deg]49[min]35
                                       [sec]             [sec]
131.................................  28[deg]35[min]01  79[deg]49[min]24
                                       [sec]             [sec]
132.................................  28[deg]30[min]37  79[deg]48[min]35
                                       [sec]             [sec]
133.................................  28[deg]14[min]00  79[deg]46[min]20
                                       [sec]             [sec]
134.................................  28[deg]11[min]41  79[deg]46[min]12
                                       [sec]             [sec]
135.................................  28[deg]08[min]02  79[deg]45[min]45
                                       [sec]             [sec]
136.................................  28[deg]01[min]20  79[deg]45[min]20
                                       [sec]             [sec]
137.................................  27[deg]58[min]13  79[deg]44[min]51
                                       [sec]             [sec]
138.................................  27[deg]56[min]23  79[deg]44[min]53
                                       [sec]             [sec]
139.................................  27[deg]49[min]40  79[deg]44[min]25
                                       [sec]             [sec]
140.................................  27[deg]46[min]27  79[deg]44[min]22
                                       [sec]             [sec]
141.................................  27[deg]42[min]00  79[deg]44[min]33
                                       [sec]             [sec]
142.................................  27[deg]36[min]08  79[deg]44[min]58
                                       [sec]             [sec]
143.................................  27[deg]30[min]00  79[deg]45[min]29
                                       [sec]             [sec]
144.................................  27[deg]29[min]04  79[deg]45[min]47
                                       [sec]             [sec]
145.................................  27[deg]27[min]05  79[deg]45[min]54
                                       [sec]             [sec]
146.................................  27[deg]25[min]47  79[deg]45[min]57
                                       [sec]             [sec]
147.................................  27[deg]19[min]46  79[deg]45[min]14
                                       [sec]             [sec]
148.................................  27[deg]17[min]54  79[deg]45[min]12
                                       [sec]             [sec]
149.................................  27[deg]12[min]28  79[deg]45[min]00
                                       [sec]             [sec]
150.................................  27[deg]07[min]45  79[deg]46[min]07
                                       [sec]             [sec]
151.................................  27[deg]04[min]47  79[deg]46[min]29
                                       [sec]             [sec]
152.................................  27[deg]00[min]43  79[deg]46[min]39
                                       [sec]             [sec]
153.................................  26[deg]58[min]43  79[deg]46[min]28
                                       [sec]             [sec]
154.................................  26[deg]57[min]06  79[deg]46[min]32
                                       [sec]             [sec]
155.................................  26[deg]49[min]58  79[deg]46[min]54
                                       [sec]             [sec]
156.................................  26[deg]48[min]58  79[deg]46[min]56
                                       [sec]             [sec]
157.................................  26[deg]47[min]01  79[deg]47[min]09
                                       [sec]             [sec]
158.................................  26[deg]46[min]04  79[deg]47[min]09
                                       [sec]             [sec]
159.................................  26[deg]35[min]09  79[deg]48[min]01
                                       [sec]             [sec]
160.................................  26[deg]33[min]37  79[deg]48[min]21
                                       [sec]             [sec]
161.................................  26[deg]27[min]56  79[deg]49[min]09
                                       [sec]             [sec]
162.................................  26[deg]25[min]55  79[deg]49[min]30
                                       [sec]             [sec]
163.................................  26[deg]21[min]05  79[deg]50[min]03
                                       [sec]             [sec]
164.................................  26[deg]20[min]30  79[deg]50[min]20
                                       [sec]             [sec]
165.................................  26[deg]18[min]56  79[deg]50[min]17
                                       [sec]             [sec]
166.................................  26[deg]16[min]19  79[deg]54[min]06
                                       [sec]             [sec]
167.................................  26[deg]13[min]48  79[deg]54[min]48
                                       [sec]             [sec]
168.................................  26[deg]12[min]19  79[deg]55[min]37
                                       [sec]             [sec]
169.................................  26[deg]10[min]57  79[deg]57[min]05
                                       [sec]             [sec]
170.................................  26[deg]09[min]17  79[deg]58[min]45
                                       [sec]             [sec]
171.................................  26[deg]07[min]11  80[deg]00[min]22
                                       [sec]             [sec]
172.................................  26[deg]06[min]12  80[deg]00[min]33
                                       [sec]             [sec]
173.................................  26[deg]03[min]26  80[deg]01[min]02
                                       [sec]             [sec]
174.................................  26[deg]00[min]35  80[deg]01[min]13
                                       [sec]             [sec]
175.................................  25[deg]49[min]10  80[deg]00[min]38
                                       [sec]             [sec]
176.................................  25[deg]48[min]30  80[deg]00[min]23
                                       [sec]             [sec]
177.................................  25[deg]46[min]42  79[deg]59[min]14
                                       [sec]             [sec]
178.................................  25[deg]27[min]28  80[deg]02[min]26
                                       [sec]             [sec]
179.................................  25[deg]24[min]06  80[deg]01[min]44
                                       [sec]             [sec]
180.................................  25[deg]21[min]04  80[deg]01[min]27
                                       [sec]             [sec]
181.................................  25[deg]21[min]04  at outer
                                       [sec]             boundary of EEZ
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (B) The outer boundary of the EEZ in a northerly direction from 
Point 181 to the Origin.
    (iv) Pourtales Terrace is bounded by--
    (A) Rhumb lines connecting, in order, the following points:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  North lat.            West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Origin......................  24[deg]20[min]12[sec  80[deg]43[min]50[sec
                               ]                     ]
1...........................  24[deg]33[min]42[sec  80[deg]34[min]23[sec
                               ]                     ]
2...........................  24[deg]37[min]45[sec  80[deg]31[min]20[sec
                               ]                     ]
3...........................  24[deg]47[min]18[sec  80[deg]23[min]08[sec
                               ]                     ]
4...........................  24[deg]51[min]08[sec  80[deg]27[min]58[sec
                               ]                     ]
5...........................  24[deg]42[min]52[sec  80[deg]35[min]51[sec
                               ]                     ]
6...........................  24[deg]29[min]44[sec  80[deg]49[min]45[sec
                               ]                     ]
7...........................  24[deg]15[min]04[sec  81[deg]07[min]52[sec
                               ]                     ]
8...........................  24[deg]10[min]55[sec  80[deg]58[min]11[sec
                               ]                     ]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (B) The outer boundary of the EEZ in a northerly direction from 
Point 8 to the Origin.
    (v) Blake Ridge Diapir is bounded by rhumb lines connecting, in 
order, the following points:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  North lat.            West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Origin......................  32[deg]32[min]28[sec  76[deg]13[min]16[sec
                               ]                     ]
1...........................  32[deg]30[min]44[sec  76[deg]13[min]24[sec
                               ]                     ]
2...........................  32[deg]30[min]37[sec  76[deg]11[min]21[sec
                               ]                     ]
3...........................  32[deg]32[min]21[sec  76[deg]11[min]13[sec
                               ]                     ]
Origin......................  32[deg]32[min]28[sec  76[deg]13[min]16[sec
                               ]                     ]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) Restrictions. In the Deepwater Coral HAPCs specified in 
paragraph (c)(1) of this section, no person may:
    (i) Use a bottom longline, trawl (mid-water or bottom), dredge, pot, 
or trap.
    (ii) If aboard a fishing vessel, anchor, use an anchor and chain, or 
use a grapple and chain.
    (iii) Fish for coral or possess coral in or from the Deepwater Coral 
HAPC on board a fishing vessel.
    (3) Shrimp fishery access areas. The provisions of paragraph 
(c)(2)(i) of this section notwithstanding, an owner or operator of a 
vessel for which a valid commercial vessel permit for rock shrimp (South 
Atlantic EEZ) has been issued may trawl for shrimp in the following 
portions of the Stetson-Miami Terrace Deepwater Coral HAPC:
    (i) Shrimp access area 1 is bounded by rhumb lines connecting, in 
order, the following points:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Point                    North lat.        West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Origin..............................  30[deg]06[min]30  80[deg]02[min]2.
                                       [sec]             4[sec]
1...................................  30[deg]06[min]30  80[deg]05[min]39
                                       [sec]             .6[sec]
2...................................  30[deg]03[min]00  80[deg]09[min]30
                                       [sec]             [sec]
3...................................  30[deg]03[min]00  80[deg]06[min]00
                                       [sec]             [sec]
4...................................  30[deg]04[min]00  80[deg]02[min]45
                                       [sec]             .6[sec]
5...................................  29[deg]59[min]16  80[deg]04[min]11
                                       [sec]             [sec]
6...................................  29[deg]49[min]12  80[deg]05[min]44
                                       [sec]             [sec]
7...................................  29[deg]43[min]59  80[deg]06[min]24
                                       [sec]             [sec]
8...................................  29[deg]38[min]37  80[deg]06[min]53
                                       [sec]             [sec]
9...................................  29[deg]36[min]54  80[deg]07[min]18
                                       [sec]             [sec]
10..................................  29[deg]31[min]59  80[deg]07[min]32
                                       [sec]             [sec]

[[Page 387]]

 
11..................................  29[deg]29[min]14  80[deg]07[min]18
                                       [sec]             [sec]
12..................................  29[deg]21[min]48  80[deg]05[min]01
                                       [sec]             [sec]
13..................................  29[deg]20[min]25  80[deg]04[min]29
                                       [sec]             [sec]
14..................................  29[deg]20[min]25  80[deg]03[min]11
                                       [sec]             [sec]
15..................................  29[deg]21[min]48  80[deg]03[min]52
                                       [sec]             [sec]
16..................................  29[deg]29[min]14  80[deg]06[min]08
                                       [sec]             [sec]
17..................................  29[deg]31[min]59  80[deg]06[min]23
                                       [sec]             [sec]
18..................................  29[deg]36[min]54  80[deg]06[min]00
                                       [sec]             [sec]
19..................................  29[deg]38[min]37  80[deg]05[min]43
                                       [sec]             [sec]
20..................................  29[deg]43[min]59  80[deg]05[min]14
                                       [sec]             [sec]
21..................................  29[deg]49[min]12  80[deg]04[min]35
                                       [sec]             [sec]
22..................................  29[deg]59[min]16  80[deg]03[min]01
                                       [sec]             [sec]
23..................................  30[deg]06[min]30  80[deg]00[min]53
                                       [sec]             [sec]
Origin..............................  30[deg]06[min]30  80[deg]02[min]2.
                                       [sec]             4[sec]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (ii) Shrimp access area 2 is bounded by rhumb lines connecting, in 
order, the following points:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Point                    North lat.        West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Origin..............................  29[deg]08[min]00  79[deg]59[min]43
                                       [sec]             [sec]
1...................................  29[deg]06[min]56  79[deg]59[min]07
                                       [sec]             [sec]
2...................................  29[deg]05[min]59  79[deg]58[min]44
                                       [sec]             [sec]
3...................................  29[deg]03[min]34  79[deg]57[min]37
                                       [sec]             [sec]
4...................................  29[deg]02[min]11  79[deg]56[min]59
                                       [sec]             [sec]
5...................................  29[deg]00[min]00  79[deg]55[min]32
                                       [sec]             [sec]
6...................................  28[deg]56[min]55  79[deg]54[min]22
                                       [sec]             [sec]
7...................................  28[deg]55[min]00  79[deg]53[min]31
                                       [sec]             [sec]
8...................................  28[deg]53[min]35  79[deg]52[min]51
                                       [sec]             [sec]
9...................................  28[deg]51[min]47  79[deg]52[min]07
                                       [sec]             [sec]
10..................................  28[deg]50[min]25  79[deg]51[min]27
                                       [sec]             [sec]
11..................................  28[deg]49[min]53  79[deg]51[min]20
                                       [sec]             [sec]
12..................................  28[deg]49[min]01  79[deg]51[min]20
                                       [sec]             [sec]
13..................................  28[deg]48[min]19  79[deg]51[min]10
                                       [sec]             [sec]
14..................................  28[deg]47[min]13  79[deg]50[min]59
                                       [sec]             [sec]
15..................................  28[deg]43[min]30  79[deg]50[min]36
                                       [sec]             [sec]
16..................................  28[deg]41[min]05  79[deg]50[min]04
                                       [sec]             [sec]
17..................................  28[deg]40[min]27  79[deg]50[min]07
                                       [sec]             [sec]
18..................................  28[deg]39[min]50  79[deg]49[min]56
                                       [sec]             [sec]
19..................................  28[deg]39[min]04  79[deg]49[min]58
                                       [sec]             [sec]
20..................................  28[deg]36[min]43  79[deg]49[min]35
                                       [sec]             [sec]
21..................................  28[deg]35[min]01  79[deg]49[min]24
                                       [sec]             [sec]
22..................................  28[deg]30[min]37  79[deg]48[min]35
                                       [sec]             [sec]
23..................................  28[deg]30[min]37  79[deg]47[min]27
                                       [sec]             [sec]
24..................................  28[deg]35[min]01  79[deg]48[min]16
                                       [sec]             [sec]
25..................................  28[deg]36[min]43  79[deg]48[min]27
                                       [sec]             [sec]
26..................................  28[deg]39[min]04  79[deg]48[min]50
                                       [sec]             [sec]
27..................................  28[deg]39[min]50  79[deg]48[min]48
                                       [sec]             [sec]
28..................................  28[deg]40[min]27  79[deg]48[min]58
                                       [sec]             [sec]
29..................................  28[deg]41[min]05  79[deg]48[min]56
                                       [sec]             [sec]
30..................................  28[deg]43[min]30  79[deg]49[min]28
                                       [sec]             [sec]
31..................................  28[deg]47[min]13  79[deg]49[min]51
                                       [sec]             [sec]
32..................................  28[deg]48[min]19  79[deg]50[min]01
                                       [sec]             [sec]
33..................................  28[deg]49[min]01  79[deg]50[min]13
                                       [sec]             [sec]
34..................................  28[deg]49[min]53  79[deg]50[min]12
                                       [sec]             [sec]
35..................................  28[deg]50[min]25  79[deg]50[min]17
                                       [sec]             [sec]
36..................................  28[deg]51[min]47  79[deg]50[min]58
                                       [sec]             [sec]
37..................................  28[deg]53[min]35  79[deg]51[min]43
                                       [sec]             [sec]
38..................................  28[deg]55[min]00  79[deg]52[min]22
                                       [sec]             [sec]
39..................................  28[deg]56[min]55  79[deg]53[min]14
                                       [sec]             [sec]
40..................................  29[deg]00[min]00  79[deg]54[min]24
                                       [sec]             [sec]
41..................................  29[deg]02[min]11  79[deg]55[min]50
                                       [sec]             [sec]
42..................................  29[deg]03[min]34  79[deg]56[min]29
                                       [sec]             [sec]
43..................................  29[deg]05[min]59  79[deg]57[min]35
                                       [sec]             [sec]
44..................................  29[deg]06[min]56  79[deg]57[min]59
                                       [sec]             [sec]
45..................................  29[deg]08[min]00  79[deg]58[min]34
                                       [sec]             [sec]
Origin..............................  29[deg]08[min]00  79[deg]59[min]43
                                       [sec]             [sec]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (iii) Shrimp access area 3 is bounded by rhumb lines connecting, in 
order, the following points:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Point                    North lat.        West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Origin..............................  28[deg]14[min]00  79[deg]46[min]20
                                       [sec]             [sec]
1...................................  28[deg]11[min]41  79[deg]46[min]12
                                       [sec]             [sec]
2...................................  28[deg]08[min]02  79[deg]45[min]45
                                       [sec]             [sec]
3...................................  28[deg]01[min]20  79[deg]45[min]20
                                       [sec]             [sec]
4...................................  27[deg]58[min]13  79[deg]44[min]51
                                       [sec]             [sec]
5...................................  27[deg]56[min]23  79[deg]44[min]53
                                       [sec]             [sec]
6...................................  27[deg]49[min]40  79[deg]44[min]25
                                       [sec]             [sec]
7...................................  27[deg]46[min]27  79[deg]44[min]22
                                       [sec]             [sec]
8...................................  27[deg]42[min]00  79[deg]44[min]33
                                       [sec]             [sec]
9...................................  27[deg]36[min]08  79[deg]44[min]58
                                       [sec]             [sec]
10..................................  27[deg]30[min]00  79[deg]45[min]29
                                       [sec]             [sec]
11..................................  27[deg]29[min]04  79[deg]45[min]47
                                       [sec]             [sec]
12..................................  27[deg]27[min]05  79[deg]45[min]54
                                       [sec]             [sec]
13..................................  27[deg]25[min]47  79[deg]45[min]57
                                       [sec]             [sec]
14..................................  27[deg]19[min]46  79[deg]45[min]14
                                       [sec]             [sec]
15..................................  27[deg]17[min]54  79[deg]45[min]12
                                       [sec]             [sec]
16..................................  27[deg]12[min]28  79[deg]45[min]00
                                       [sec]             [sec]
17..................................  27[deg]07[min]45  79[deg]46[min]07
                                       [sec]             [sec]
18..................................  27[deg]04[min]47  79[deg]46[min]29
                                       [sec]             [sec]
19..................................  27[deg]00[min]43  79[deg]46[min]39
                                       [sec]             [sec]
20..................................  26[deg]58[min]43  79[deg]46[min]28
                                       [sec]             [sec]
21..................................  26[deg]57[min]06  79[deg]46[min]32
                                       [sec]             [sec]
22..................................  26[deg]57[min]06  79[deg]44[min]52
                                       [sec]             [sec]
23..................................  26[deg]58[min]43  79[deg]44[min]47
                                       [sec]             [sec]
24..................................  27[deg]00[min]43  79[deg]44[min]58
                                       [sec]             [sec]
25..................................  27[deg]04[min]47  79[deg]44[min]48
                                       [sec]             [sec]
26..................................  27[deg]07[min]45  79[deg]44[min]26
                                       [sec]             [sec]
27..................................  27[deg]12[min]28  79[deg]43[min]19
                                       [sec]             [sec]
28..................................  27[deg]17[min]54  79[deg]43[min]31
                                       [sec]             [sec]
29..................................  27[deg]19[min]46  79[deg]43[min]33
                                       [sec]             [sec]
30..................................  27[deg]25[min]47  79[deg]44[min]15
                                       [sec]             [sec]
31..................................  27[deg]27[min]05  79[deg]44[min]12
                                       [sec]             [sec]
32..................................  27[deg]29[min]04  79[deg]44[min]06
                                       [sec]             [sec]
33..................................  27[deg]30[min]00  79[deg]43[min]48
                                       [sec]             [sec]
34..................................  27[deg]30[min]00  79[deg]44[min]22
                                       [sec]             [sec]
35..................................  27[deg]36[min]08  79[deg]43[min]50
                                       [sec]             [sec]
36..................................  27[deg]42[min]00  79[deg]43[min]25
                                       [sec]             [sec]
37..................................  27[deg]46[min]27  79[deg]43[min]14
                                       [sec]             [sec]
38..................................  27[deg]49[min]40  79[deg]43[min]17
                                       [sec]             [sec]
39..................................  27[deg]56[min]23  79[deg]43[min]45
                                       [sec]             [sec]
40..................................  27[deg]58[min]13  79[deg]43[min]43
                                       [sec]             [sec]
41..................................  28[deg]01[min]20  79[deg]44[min]11
                                       [sec]             [sec]
42..................................  28[deg]04[min]42  79[deg]44[min]25
                                       [sec]             [sec]
43..................................  28[deg]08[min]02  79[deg]44[min]37
                                       [sec]             [sec]
44..................................  28[deg]11[min]41  79[deg]45[min]04
                                       [sec]             [sec]
45..................................  28[deg]14[min]00  79[deg]45[min]12
                                       [sec]             [sec]
Origin..............................  28[deg]14[min]00  79[deg]46[min]20
                                       [sec]             [sec]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (iv) Shrimp access area 4 is bounded by rhumb lines connecting, in 
order, the following points:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Point                    North lat.        West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Origin..............................  26[deg]49[min]58  79[deg]46[min]54
                                       [sec]             [sec]
1...................................  26[deg]48[min]58  79[deg]46[min]56
                                       [sec]             [sec]
2...................................  26[deg]47[min]01  79[deg]47[min]09
                                       [sec]             [sec]
3...................................  26[deg]46[min]04  79[deg]47[min]09
                                       [sec]             [sec]
4...................................  26[deg]35[min]09  79[deg]48[min]01
                                       [sec]             [sec]
5...................................  26[deg]33[min]37  79[deg]48[min]21
                                       [sec]             [sec]
6...................................  26[deg]27[min]56  79[deg]49[min]09
                                       [sec]             [sec]
7...................................  26[deg]25[min]55  79[deg]49[min]30
                                       [sec]             [sec]
8...................................  26[deg]21[min]05  79[deg]50[min]03
                                       [sec]             [sec]
9...................................  26[deg]20[min]30  79[deg]50[min]20
                                       [sec]             [sec]
10..................................  26[deg]18[min]56  79[deg]50[min]17
                                       [sec]             [sec]
11..................................  26[deg]18[min]56  79[deg]48[min]37
                                       [sec]             [sec]
12..................................  26[deg]20[min]30  79[deg]48[min]40
                                       [sec]             [sec]
13..................................  26[deg]21[min]05  79[deg]48[min]08
                                       [sec]             [sec]
14..................................  26[deg]25[min]55  79[deg]47[min]49
                                       [sec]             [sec]
15..................................  26[deg]27[min]56  79[deg]47[min]29
                                       [sec]             [sec]
16..................................  26[deg]33[min]37  79[deg]46[min]40
                                       [sec]             [sec]
17..................................  26[deg]35[min]09  79[deg]46[min]20
                                       [sec]             [sec]
18..................................  26[deg]46[min]04  79[deg]45[min]28
                                       [sec]             [sec]

[[Page 388]]

 
19..................................  26[deg]47[min]01  79[deg]45[min]28
                                       [sec]             [sec]
20..................................  26[deg]48[min]58  79[deg]45[min]15
                                       [sec]             [sec]
21..................................  26[deg]49[min]58  79[deg]45[min]13
                                       [sec]             [sec]
Origin..............................  26[deg]49[min]58  79[deg]46[min]54
                                       [sec]             [sec]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (4) Golden crab fishery access areas. The provisions of paragraphs 
(c)(2)(i) and (ii) of this section notwithstanding, an owner or operator 
of a vessel for which a valid commercial permit for South Atlantic 
golden crab has been issued may use a trap to fish for golden crab and 
use a grapple and chain while engaged in such fishing in the following 
portions of the Stetson-Miami Terrace and the Pourtales Terrace 
Deepwater Coral HAPCs. Access to an area specified in paragraph 
(c)(4)(i) through (v) of this section is contingent on that zone being 
authorized on the vessel's permit for South Atlantic golden crab. See 
Sec. 622.241(b) for specification of zones.
    (i) Golden crab northern zone access area is bounded by rhumb lines 
connecting, in order, the following points:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  North lat.            West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Origin......................  29[deg]00[min]00[sec  79[deg]54[min]24[sec
                               ]                     ]
1...........................  28[deg]56[min]55[sec  79[deg]53[min]14[sec
                               ]                     ]
2...........................  28[deg]55[min]00[sec  79[deg]52[min]22[sec
                               ]                     ]
3...........................  28[deg]53[min]35[sec  79[deg]51[min]43[sec
                               ]                     ]
4...........................  28[deg]51[min]47[sec  79[deg]50[min]58[sec
                               ]                     ]
5...........................  28[deg]50[min]25[sec  79[deg]50[min]17[sec
                               ]                     ]
6...........................  28[deg]49[min]53[sec  79[deg]50[min]12[sec
                               ]                     ]
7...........................  28[deg]49[min]01[sec  79[deg]50[min]13[sec
                               ]                     ]
8...........................  28[deg]48[min]19[sec  79[deg]50[min]01[sec
                               ]                     ]
9...........................  28[deg]47[min]13[sec  79[deg]49[min]51[sec
                               ]                     ]
10..........................  28[deg]43[min]30[sec  79[deg]49[min]28[sec
                               ]                     ]
11..........................  28[deg]41[min]05[sec  79[deg]48[min]56[sec
                               ]                     ]
12..........................  28[deg]40[min]27[sec  79[deg]48[min]58[sec
                               ]                     ]
13..........................  28[deg]39[min]50[sec  79[deg]48[min]48[sec
                               ]                     ]
14..........................  28[deg]39[min]04[sec  79[deg]48[min]50[sec
                               ]                     ]
15..........................  28[deg]36[min]43[sec  79[deg]48[min]27[sec
                               ]                     ]
16..........................  28[deg]35[min]01[sec  79[deg]48[min]16[sec
                               ]                     ]
17..........................  28[deg]30[min]37[sec  79[deg]47[min]27[sec
                               ]                     ]
18..........................  28[deg]30[min]37[sec  79[deg]42[min]12[sec
                               ]                     ]
19..........................  28[deg]14[min]00[sec  79[deg]40[min]54[sec
                               ]                     ]
20..........................  28[deg]14[min]00[sec  79[deg]45[min]12[sec
                               ]                     ]
21..........................  28[deg]11[min]41[sec  79[deg]45[min]04[sec
                               ]                     ]
22..........................  28[deg]08[min]02[sec  79[deg]44[min]37[sec
                               ]                     ]
23..........................  28[deg]04[min]42[sec  79[deg]44[min]25[sec
                               ]                     ]
24..........................  28[deg]01[min]20[sec  79[deg]44[min]11[sec
                               ]                     ]
25..........................  28[deg]00[min]00[sec  79[deg]43[min]59[sec
                               ]                     ]
26..........................  28[deg]00[min]00[sec  79[deg]38[min]16[sec
                               ]                     ]
27..........................  28[deg]11[min]42[sec  79[deg]38[min]13[sec
                               ]                     ]
28..........................  28[deg]23[min]02[sec  79[deg]38[min]57[sec
                               ]                     ]
29..........................  28[deg]36[min]50[sec  79[deg]40[min]25[sec
                               ]                     ]
30..........................  28[deg]38[min]33[sec  79[deg]41[min]33[sec
                               ]                     ]
31..........................  28[deg]38[min]20[sec  79[deg]43[min]04[sec
                               ]                     ]
32..........................  28[deg]41[min]00[sec  79[deg]43[min]39[sec
                               ]                     ]
33..........................  28[deg]48[min]16[sec  79[deg]44[min]32[sec
                               ]                     ]
34..........................  28[deg]54[min]29[sec  79[deg]45[min]55[sec
                               ]                     ]
35..........................  29[deg]00[min]00[sec  79[deg]45[min]50[sec
                               ]                     ]
Origin......................  29[deg]00[min]00[sec  79[deg]54[min]24[sec
                               ]                     ]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (ii) Golden crab middle zone access area A is bounded by--
    (A) Rhumb lines connecting, in order, the following points:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  North lat.            West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Origin......................  26[deg]58[min]45[sec  79[deg]35[min]05[sec
                               ]                     ]
1...........................  27[deg]00[min]39[sec  79[deg]36[min]26[sec
                               ]                     ]
2...........................  27[deg]07[min]55[sec  79[deg]37[min]52[sec
                               ]                     ]
3...........................  27[deg]14[min]52[sec  79[deg]37[min]09[sec
                               ]                     ]
4...........................  27[deg]29[min]21[sec  79[deg]37[min]15[sec
                               ]                     ]
5...........................  28[deg]00[min]00[sec  79[deg]38[min]16[sec
                               ]                     ]
6...........................  28[deg]00[min]00[sec  79[deg]43[min]59[sec
                               ]                     ]
7...........................  27[deg]58[min]13[sec  79[deg]43[min]43[sec
                               ]                     ]
8...........................  27[deg]56[min]23[sec  79[deg]43[min]45[sec
                               ]                     ]
9...........................  27[deg]49[min]40[sec  79[deg]43[min]17[sec
                               ]                     ]
10..........................  27[deg]46[min]27[sec  79[deg]43[min]14[sec
                               ]                     ]
11..........................  27[deg]42[min]00[sec  79[deg]43[min]25[sec
                               ]                     ]
12..........................  27[deg]36[min]08[sec  79[deg]43[min]50[sec
                               ]                     ]
13..........................  27[deg]30[min]00[sec  79[deg]44[min]22[sec
                               ]                     ]
14..........................  27[deg]30[min]00[sec  79[deg]43[min]48[sec
                               ]                     ]
15..........................  27[deg]29[min]04[sec  79[deg]44[min]06[sec
                               ]                     ]
16..........................  27[deg]27[min]05[sec  79[deg]44[min]12[sec
                               ]                     ]
17..........................  27[deg]25[min]47[sec  79[deg]44[min]15[sec
                               ]                     ]
18..........................  27[deg]19[min]46[sec  79[deg]43[min]33[sec
                               ]                     ]
19..........................  27[deg]17[min]54[sec  79[deg]43[min]31[sec
                               ]                     ]
20..........................  27[deg]12[min]28[sec  79[deg]43[min]19[sec
                               ]                     ]
21..........................  27[deg]07[min]45[sec  79[deg]44[min]26[sec
                               ]                     ]
22..........................  27[deg]04[min]47[sec  79[deg]44[min]48[sec
                               ]                     ]
23..........................  27[deg]00[min]43[sec  79[deg]44[min]58[sec
                               ]                     ]
24..........................  26[deg]58[min]43[sec  79[deg]44[min]47[sec
                               ]                     ]
25..........................  26[deg]57[min]06[sec  79[deg]44[min]52[sec
                               ]                     ]
26..........................  26[deg]57[min]06[sec  79[deg]42[min]34[sec
                               ]                     ]
27..........................  26[deg]49[min]58[sec  79[deg]42[min]34[sec
                               ]                     ]
28..........................  26[deg]49[min]58[sec  79[deg]45[min]13[sec
                               ]                     ]
29..........................  26[deg]48[min]58[sec  79[deg]45[min]15[sec
                               ]                     ]
30..........................  26[deg]47[min]01[sec  79[deg]45[min]28[sec
                               ]                     ]
31..........................  26[deg]46[min]04[sec  79[deg]45[min]28[sec
                               ]                     ]
32..........................  26[deg]35[min]09[sec  79[deg]46[min]20[sec
                               ]                     ]
33..........................  26[deg]33[min]37[sec  79[deg]46[min]40[sec
                               ]                     ]
34..........................  26[deg]27[min]56[sec  79[deg]47[min]29[sec
                               ]                     ]
35..........................  26[deg]25[min]55[sec  79[deg]47[min]49[sec
                               ]                     ]
36..........................  26[deg]21[min]05[sec  79[deg]48[min]08[sec
                               ]                     ]
37..........................  26[deg]20[min]30[sec  79[deg]48[min]40[sec
                               ]                     ]
38..........................  26[deg]18[min]56[sec  79[deg]48[min]37[sec
                               ]                     ]
39..........................  26[deg]03[min]38[sec  79[deg]48[min]16[sec
                               ]                     ]
40..........................  26[deg]03[min]35[sec  79[deg]46[min]09[sec
                               ]                     ]
41..........................  25[deg]58[min]33[sec  79[deg]46[min]08[sec
                               ]                     ]
42..........................  25[deg]54[min]27[sec  79[deg]45[min]37[sec
                               ]                     ]
43..........................  25[deg]46[min]55[sec  79[deg]44[min]14[sec
                               ]                     ]
44..........................  25[deg]38[min]04[sec  79[deg]45[min]58[sec
                               ]                     ]
45..........................  25[deg]38[min]05[sec  79[deg]42[min]27[sec
                               ]                     ]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (B) The outer boundary of the EEZ in a northerly direction from 
Point 45 to Point 46.
    (C) Rhumb lines connecting, in order, the following points:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  North lat.            West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
46..........................  26[deg]07[min]49[sec  79[deg]36[min]07[sec
                               ]                     ]
47..........................  26[deg]17[min]36[sec  79[deg]36[min]06[sec
                               ]                     ]
48..........................  26[deg]21[min]18[sec  79[deg]38[min]04[sec
                               ]                     ]
49..........................  26[deg]50[min]46[sec  79[deg]35[min]12[sec
                               ]                     ]
50..........................  26[deg]50[min]40[sec  79[deg]33[min]45[sec
                               ]                     ]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (D) The outer boundary of the EEZ in a northerly direction from 
Point 50 to the Origin.

[[Page 389]]

    (iii) Golden crab middle zone access area B is bounded by rhumb 
lines connecting, in order, the following points:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  North lat.            West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Origin......................  25[deg]49[min]10[sec  80[deg]00[min]38[sec
                               ]                     ]
1...........................  25[deg]48[min]30[sec  80[deg]00[min]23[sec
                               ]                     ]
2...........................  25[deg]46[min]42[sec  79[deg]59[min]14[sec
                               ]                     ]
3...........................  25[deg]27[min]28[sec  80[deg]02[min]26[sec
                               ]                     ]
4...........................  25[deg]24[min]06[sec  80[deg]01[min]44[sec
                               ]                     ]
5...........................  25[deg]21[min]04[sec  80[deg]01[min]27[sec
                               ]                     ]
6...........................  25[deg]21[min]04[sec  79[deg]58[min]12[sec
                               ]                     ]
7...........................  25[deg]23[min]25[sec  79[deg]58[min]19[sec
                               ]                     ]
8...........................  25[deg]32[min]52[sec  79[deg]54[min]48[sec
                               ]                     ]
9...........................  25[deg]36[min]58[sec  79[deg]54[min]46[sec
                               ]                     ]
10..........................  25[deg]37[min]20[sec  79[deg]56[min]20[sec
                               ]                     ]
11..........................  25[deg]49[min]11[sec  79[deg]56[min]00[sec
                               ]                     ]
Origin......................  25[deg]49[min]10[sec  80[deg]00[min]38[sec
                               ]                     ]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (iv) Golden crab middle zone access area C is bounded by--
    (A) Rhumb lines connecting, in order, the following points:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  North lat.            West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Origin......................  25[deg]33[min]32[sec  79[deg]42[min]18[sec
                               ]                     ]
1...........................  25[deg]33[min]32[sec  79[deg]47[min]14[sec
                               ]                     ]
2...........................  25[deg]21[min]04[sec  79[deg]53[min]45[sec
                               ]                     ]
3...........................  25[deg]21[min]04[sec  79[deg]42[min]04[sec
                               ]                     ]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (B) The outer boundary of the EEZ in a northerly direction from 
Point 3 to the Origin.
    (v) Golden crab southern zone access area is bounded by--
    (A) Rhumb lines connecting, in order, the following points:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  North lat.            West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Origin......................  24[deg]14[min]07[sec  80[deg]53[min]27[sec
                               ]                     ]
1...........................  24[deg]13[min]46[sec  81[deg]04[min]54[sec
                               ]                     ]
2...........................  24[deg]10[min]55[sec  80[deg]58[min]11[sec
                               ]                     ]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (B) The outer boundary of the EEZ in a northerly direction from 
Point 2 to the Origin.

[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 80 FR 42431, July 17, 2015; 
80 FR 46205, Aug. 4, 2015; 80 FR 60566, Oct. 7, 2015; 81 FR 7715, Feb. 
16, 2016]



Sec. 622.225  Harvest limitations.

    (a) Aquacultured live rock. In the South Atlantic EEZ:
    (1) Aquacultured live rock may be harvested only under a permit, as 
required under Sec. 622.220(a)(3), and aquacultured live rock on a site 
may be harvested only by the person, or his or her employee, contractor, 
or agent, who has been issued the aquacultured live rock permit for the 
site. A person harvesting aquacultured live rock is exempt from the 
prohibition on taking prohibited coral for such prohibited coral as 
attaches to aquacultured live rock.
    (2) The following restrictions apply to individual aquaculture 
activities:
    (i) No aquaculture site may exceed 1 acre (0.4 ha) in size.
    (ii) Material deposited on the aquaculture site--
    (A) May not be placed over naturally occurring reef outcrops, 
limestone ledges, coral reefs, or vegetated areas.
    (B) Must be free of contaminants.
    (C) Must be nontoxic.
    (D) Must be placed on the site by hand or lowered completely to the 
bottom under restraint, that is, not allowed to fall freely.
    (E) Must be placed from a vessel that is anchored.
    (F) Must be geologically distinguishable from the naturally 
occurring substrate and, in addition, may be indelibly marked or tagged.
    (iii) A minimum setback of at least 50 ft (15.2 m) must be 
maintained from natural vegetated or hard bottom habitats.
    (3) Mechanically dredging or drilling, or otherwise disturbing, 
aquacultured live rock is prohibited, and aquacultured live rock may be 
harvested only by hand.
    (4) The following activities are also prohibited: Chipping of 
aquacultured live rock in the EEZ, possession of chipped aquacultured 
live rock in or from the EEZ, removal of allowable octocoral or 
prohibited coral from aquacultured live rock in or from the EEZ, and 
possession of prohibited coral not attached to aquacultured live rock or 
allowable octocoral, while aquacultured live rock is in possession. See 
the definition of ``Allowable octocoral'' for clarification of the 
distinction between allowable octocoral and live rock. For the purposes 
of this paragraph (a)(4), chipping means breaking up reefs, ledges, or 
rocks into fragments, usually by means of a chisel and hammer.
    (5) Not less than 24 hours prior to harvest of aquacultured live 
rock, the owner or operator of the harvesting vessel must provide the 
following information to the NMFS Office for Law Enforcement, Southeast 
Region, St.

[[Page 390]]

Petersburg, FL, by telephone (727-824-5344):
    (i) Permit number of site to be harvested and date of harvest.
    (ii) Name and official number of the vessel to be used in 
harvesting.
    (iii) Date, port, and facility at which aquacultured live rock will 
be landed.
    (b) [Reserved]



Sec. 622.226  Restrictions on sale/purchase.

    (a) South Atlantic wild live rock. Wild live rock in or from the 
South Atlantic EEZ may not be sold or purchased. The prohibition on sale 
or purchase does not apply to wild live rock from the South Atlantic EEZ 
that was harvested and landed prior to January 1, 1996.
    (b) [Reserved]



Sec. 622.227  Adjustment of management measures.

    In accordance with the framework procedures of the FMP for Coral, 
Coral Reefs, and Live/Hard Bottom Habitats of the South Atlantic Region, 
the RA may establish or modify the following:
    (a) South Atlantic coral, coral reefs, and live/hard bottom 
habitats. Definitions of essential fish habitat and essential fish 
habitat HAPCs or Coral HAPCs.
    (b) [Reserved]



       Subpart L_Golden Crab Fishery of the South Atlantic Region



Sec. 622.240  Permits.

    (a) Commercial vessel permits. For a person aboard a vessel to fish 
for golden crab in the South Atlantic EEZ, possess golden crab in or 
from the South Atlantic EEZ, off-load golden crab from the South 
Atlantic EEZ, or sell golden crab in or from the South Atlantic EEZ, a 
commercial vessel permit for golden crab must be issued to the vessel 
and must be on board. It is a rebuttable presumption that a golden crab 
on board a vessel in the South Atlantic or off-loaded from a vessel in a 
port adjoining the South Atlantic was harvested from the South Atlantic 
EEZ. See Sec. 622.241 for limitations on the use, transfer, and renewal 
of a commercial vessel permit for golden crab.
    (b) Dealer permits and conditions--(1) Permits. For a dealer to 
first receive South Atlantic golden crab harvested in or from the EEZ, a 
Gulf and South Atlantic dealer permit must be issued to the dealer.
    (2) State license and facility requirements. To obtain a dealer 
permit, the applicant must have a valid state wholesaler's license in 
the state(s) where the dealer operates, if required by such state(s), 
and must have a physical facility at a fixed location in such state(s).
    (c) Permit procedures. See Sec. 622.4 for information regarding 
general permit procedures including, but not limited to application, 
fees, duration, transfer, renewal, display, sanctions and denials, and 
replacement.

[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 79 FR 19496, Apr. 9, 2014]



Sec. 622.241  South Atlantic golden crab controlled access.

    (a) General. In accordance with the procedures specified in the 
Fishery Management Plan for the Golden Crab Fishery of the South 
Atlantic Region, initial commercial vessel permits have been issued for 
the fishery. All permits in the fishery are issued on a fishing-year 
(calendar-year) basis. No additional permits may be issued except for 
the northern zone as follows:
    (1) The RA will issue up to two new vessel permits for the northern 
zone. Selection will be made from the list of historical participants in 
the South Atlantic golden crab fishery. Such list was used at the 
October 1995 meeting of the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council 
and was prioritized based on pounds of golden crab landed, without 
reference to a specific zone. Individuals on the list who originally 
received permits will be deleted from the list.
    (2) The RA will offer in writing an opportunity to apply for a 
permit for the northern zone to the individuals highest on the list 
until two individuals accept and apply in a timely manner. An offer that 
is not accepted within 30 days after it is received will no longer be 
valid.
    (3) An application for a permit from an individual who accepts the 
RA's offer must be received by the RA no later than 30 days after the 
date of the

[[Page 391]]

individual's acceptance. Application forms are available from the RA.
    (4) A vessel permit for the northern zone issued under paragraph 
(a)(1) of this section, and any successor permit, may not be changed to 
another zone. A successor permit includes a permit issued to that vessel 
for a subsequent owner and a permit issued via transfer from that vessel 
to another vessel.
    (b) Fishing zones--(1) Designation of fishing zones. The South 
Atlantic EEZ is divided into three fishing zones for golden crab as 
follows:
    (i) Northern zone--the South Atlantic EEZ north of 28[deg] N. lat.
    (ii) Middle zone--the South Atlantic EEZ from 28[deg] N. lat. to 
25[deg] N. lat.
    (iii) Southern zone--the South Atlantic EEZ south of 25[deg] N. lat.
    (2) Authorization to fish in zones. Each vessel permit indicates one 
of the zones specified in paragraph (b)(1) of this section. A vessel 
with a permit to fish for golden crab in the northern zone or the middle 
zone may fish only in that zone. A vessel with a documented length 
overall greater than 65 ft (19.8 m) with a permit to fish for golden 
crab in the southern zone may fish in that zone, consistent with the 
provisions of paragraph (b)(3) of this section. A vessel may possess 
golden crab only in a zone in which it is authorized to fish, except 
that other zones may be transited if the vessel notifies NMFS Office for 
Law Enforcement, Southeast Region, St. Petersburg, FL, by telephone 
(727-824-5344) in advance and does not fish in a zone in which it is not 
authorized to fish.
    (3) Small-vessel sub-zone. Within the southern zone, a small-vessel 
sub-zone is established bounded on the north by 24[deg]15[min] N. lat., 
on the south by 24[deg]07[min] N. lat., on the east by 81[deg]22[min] W. 
long., and on the west by 81[deg]56[min] W. long. No vessel with a 
documented length overall greater than 65 ft (19.8 m) may fish for 
golden crab in this sub-zone, and a vessel with a documented length 
overall of 65 ft (19.8 m) or less that is permitted for the southern 
zone may fish for golden crab only in this sub-zone.
    (4) Procedure for changing zones. Upon request from an owner of a 
permitted vessel, the RA will change the zone specified on a permit from 
the middle or southern zone to the northern zone. No other changes in 
the zone specified on a permit are allowed. An owner of a permitted 
vessel who desires a change to the northern zone must submit his/her 
request with the existing permit to the RA.
    (c) Transferring permits between vessels--(1) Procedure for 
transferring. An owner of a vessel who desires a golden crab permit may 
request that NMFS transfer an existing permit or permits to his or her 
vessel by returning an existing permit or permits to the RA with an 
application for a permit for the replacement vessel.
    (2) Vessel size limitations on transferring. (i) To obtain a permit 
for the middle or southern zone via transfer, the documented length 
overall of the replacement vessel may not exceed the documented length 
overall, or aggregate documented lengths overall, of the replaced 
vessel(s) by more than 20 percent. The owner of a vessel permitted for 
the middle or southern zone who has requested that NMFS transfer that 
permit to a smaller vessel (i.e., downsized) may subsequently request 
NMFS transfer that permit to a vessel of a length calculated from the 
length of the permitted vessel immediately prior to downsizing.
    (ii) There are no vessel size limitations to obtain a permit for the 
northern zone via transfer.
    (d) Permit renewal. NMFS will not renew a commercial vessel permit 
for South Atlantic golden crab if the permit is revoked or if the RA 
does not receive a required application for renewal within 6 months 
after the permit's expiration. See Sec. 622.4(g) for the applicable 
general procedures and requirements for permit renewals.



Sec. 622.242  Recordkeeping and reporting.

    (a) Commercial vessel owners and operators. (1) The owner or 
operator of a vessel for which a commercial permit for golden crab has 
been issued, as required under Sec. 622.240(a), who is selected to 
report by the SRD must maintain a fishing record on a form available 
from the SRD.
    (2) Reporting forms required in paragraph (a)(1) of this section 
must be submitted to the SRD postmarked not later than 30 days after 
sale of the

[[Page 392]]

golden crab offloaded from a trip. If no fishing occurred during a 
calendar month, a report so stating must be submitted on one of the 
forms postmarked not later than 7 days after the end of that month. 
Information to be reported is indicated on the form and its accompanying 
instructions.
    (b) Dealers. A dealer who first receives South Atlantic golden crab 
must maintain records and submit information as specified in Sec. 
622.5(c).

[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 79 FR 19496, Apr. 9, 2014]



Sec. 622.243  Gear identification.

    (a) Golden crab traps and associated buoys--(1) Golden crab traps. A 
golden crab trap used or possessed in the South Atlantic EEZ or on board 
a vessel with a commercial permit for golden crab must have the 
commercial vessel permit number permanently affixed so as to be easily 
distinguished, located, and identified; an identification tag issued by 
the RA may be used for this purpose but is not required.
    (2) Associated buoys. In the South Atlantic EEZ, buoys are not 
required to be used, but, if used, each buoy must display the official 
number assigned by the RA so as to be easily distinguished, located, and 
identified.
    (3) Presumption of ownership. A golden crab trap in the EEZ will be 
presumed to be the property of the most recently documented owner. This 
presumption will not apply with respect to such traps that are lost or 
sold if the owner reports the loss or sale within 15 days to the RA.
    (4) Unmarked golden crab traps. An unmarked golden crab trap or a 
buoy deployed in the EEZ where such trap or buoy is required to be 
marked is illegal and may be disposed of in any appropriate manner by 
the Assistant Administrator or an authorized officer.
    (b) [Reserved]



Sec. 622.244  At-sea observer coverage.

    (a) Required coverage. A vessel for which a Federal commercial 
permit for golden crab has been issued must carry a NMFS-approved 
observer, if the vessel's trip is selected by the SRD for observer 
coverage.
    (b) Notification to the SRD. When observer coverage is required, an 
owner or operator must advise the SRD in writing not less than 5 days in 
advance of each trip of the following:
    (1) Departure information (port, dock, date, and time).
    (2) Expected landing information (port, dock, and date).
    (c) Observer accommodations and access. An owner or operator of a 
vessel on which a NMFS-approved observer is embarked must:
    (1) Provide accommodations and food that are equivalent to those 
provided to the crew.
    (2) Allow the observer access to and use of the vessel's 
communications equipment and personnel upon request for the transmission 
and receipt of messages related to the observer's duties.
    (3) Allow the observer access to and use of the vessel's navigation 
equipment and personnel upon request to determine the vessel's position.
    (4) Allow the observer free and unobstructed access to the vessel's 
bridge, working decks, holding bins, weight scales, holds, and any other 
space used to hold, process, weigh, or store fish.
    (5) Allow the observer to inspect and copy the vessel's log, 
communications logs, and any records associated with the catch and 
distribution of fish for that trip.



Sec. 622.245  Prohibited species.

    (a) General. The harvest and possession restrictions of this section 
apply without regard to whether the species is harvested by a vessel 
operating under a commercial vessel permit. The operator of a vessel 
that fishes in the EEZ is responsible for the limit applicable to that 
vessel.
    (b) Female golden crabs. It is intended that no female golden crabs 
in or from the South Atlantic EEZ be retained on board a vessel and that 
any female golden crab in or from the South Atlantic EEZ be released in 
a manner that will ensure maximum probability of survival. However, to 
accommodate legitimate incidental catch and retention, the number of 
female golden crabs in or from the South Atlantic EEZ retained on board 
a vessel may not exceed 0.5 percent, by number, of all golden crabs on 
board. See

[[Page 393]]

Sec. 622.250(a) regarding the prohibition of sale of female golden 
crabs.
    (c) Snapper-grouper aboard a golden crab vessel. South Atlantic 
snapper-grouper may not be possessed in whole, gutted, or filleted form 
by a person aboard a vessel fishing for or possessing golden crab in or 
from the South Atlantic EEZ or possessing a golden crab trap in the 
South Atlantic. Only the head, fins, and backbone (collectively the 
``rack'') of South Atlantic snapper-grouper may be possessed for use as 
bait.



Sec. 622.246  Area closures.

    (a) Golden crab trap closed areas. In the golden crab northern zone, 
a golden crab trap may not be deployed in waters less than 900 ft (274 
m) deep. In the golden crab middle and southern zones, a golden crab 
trap may not be deployed in waters less than 700 ft (213 m) deep. See 
Sec. 622.241(b)(1) for specification of the golden crab zones.
    (b) [Reserved]



Sec. 622.247  Landing golden crab intact.

    The operator of a vessel that fishes in the EEZ is responsible for 
ensuring that golden crab on that vessel in the EEZ are maintained 
intact and, if taken from the EEZ, are maintained intact through 
offloading ashore.
    (a) A golden crab in or from the South Atlantic EEZ must be 
maintained in whole condition through landing ashore. For the purposes 
of this paragraph, whole means a crab that is in its natural condition 
and that has not been gutted or separated into component pieces, e.g., 
clusters.
    (b) [Reserved]



Sec. 622.248  Authorized gear.

    (a) Traps. Traps are the only fishing gear authorized in directed 
fishing for golden crab in the South Atlantic EEZ. Golden crab in or 
from the South Atlantic EEZ may not be retained on board a vessel 
possessing or using unauthorized gear.
    (b) Buoy line or mainline. Rope is the only material allowed to be 
used for a buoy line or mainline attached to a golden crab trap.



Sec. 622.249  Gear restrictions and requirements.

    (a) Maximum trap sizes. A golden crab trap deployed or possessed in 
the South Atlantic EEZ may not exceed 64 ft\3\ (1.8 m\3\) in volume in 
the northern zone or 48 ft\3\ (1.4 m\3\) in volume in the middle and 
southern zones. See Sec. 622.241(b)(1) for specification of the golden 
crab zones.
    (b) Required escape mechanisms for traps. (1) A golden crab trap 
that is used or possessed in the South Atlantic EEZ must have at least 
one escape gap or escape ring on each of two opposite vertical sides. 
The minimum allowable inside dimensions of an escape gap are 2.75 by 
3.75 inches (7.0 by 9.5 cm); the minimum allowable inside diameter of an 
escape ring is 4.5 inches (11.4 cm). In addition to the escape gaps--
    (i) A golden crab trap constructed of webbing must have an opening 
(slit) at least 1 ft (30.5 cm) long that may be closed (relaced) only 
with untreated cotton string no larger than \3/16\ inch (0.48 cm) in 
diameter.
    (ii) A golden crab trap constructed of material other than webbing 
must have an escape panel or door measuring at least 11\7/8\ by 11\7/8\ 
inches (30.2 by 30.2 cm), located on at least one side, excluding top 
and bottom. The hinges or fasteners of such door or panel must be made 
of either ungalvanized or uncoated iron wire no larger than 19 gauge 
(0.04 inch (1.0 mm) in diameter) or untreated cotton string no larger 
than \3/16\ inch (4.8 mm) in diameter.
    (2) [Reserved]
    (c) Restriction on tending traps. A golden crab trap in the South 
Atlantic EEZ may be pulled or tended only by a person (other than an 
authorized officer) aboard the vessel permitted to fish such pot or trap 
or aboard another vessel if such vessel has on board written consent of 
the owner or operator of the vessel so permitted. A vessel with written 
consent on board must also possess a valid commercial vessel permit for 
golden crab.



Sec. 622.250  Restrictions on sale/purchase.

    (a) A female golden crab in or from the South Atlantic EEZ may not 
be sold or purchased.

[[Page 394]]

    (b) A golden crab harvested in the South Atlantic EEZ on board a 
vessel that does not have a valid commercial permit for golden crab, as 
required under Sec. 622.240(a), may not be sold or purchased.
    (c) A golden crab harvested in or from the EEZ or adjoining state 
waters by a vessel that has a valid commercial vessel permit for South 
Atlantic golden crab may be sold or transferred only to a dealer who has 
a valid Gulf and South Atlantic dealer permit, as required under Sec. 
622.240(b)(1).
    (d) A golden crab harvested in or from the EEZ may be first received 
by a dealer who has a valid Gulf and South Atlantic dealer permit, as 
required under Sec. 622.240(b)(1), only from a vessel that has a valid 
commercial vessel permit for golden crab.

[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 79 FR 19496, Apr. 9, 2014]



Sec. 622.251  Annual catch limits (ACLs), annual catch targets (ACTs), and accountability measures (AMs).

    (a) Commercial sector. (1) If commercial landings for golden crab, 
as estimated by the SRD, reach or are projected to reach the ACL of 2 
million lb (907,185 kg), round weight, the AA will file a notification 
with the Office of the Federal Register to close the golden crab fishery 
for the remainder of the fishing year. On and after the effective date 
of such a notification, all harvest, possession, sale, or purchase of 
golden crab in or from the South Atlantic EEZ is prohibited.
    (2) If commercial landings for golden crab, as estimated by the SRD, 
exceed the ACL, and the species is overfished based on the most recent 
Status of U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress, the AA will file a 
notification with the Office of the Federal Register to reduce the ACL 
in the following fishing year by the amount of the ACL overage in the 
prior fishing year.
    (b) [Reserved]

[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 81 FR 3746, Jan. 22, 2016]



Sec. 622.252  Adjustment of management measures.

    In accordance with the framework procedures of the FMP for the 
Golden Crab Fishery of the South Atlantic Region, the RA may establish 
or modify the following:
    (a) South Atlantic golden crab. Biomass levels, age-structured 
analyses, MSY, ABC, TAC, quotas (including quotas equal to zero), trip 
limits, minimum sizes, gear regulations and restrictions, permit 
requirements, seasonal or area closures, sub-zones and their management 
measures, time frame for recovery of golden crab if overfished, fishing 
year (adjustment not to exceed 2 months), observer requirements, 
authority for the RA to close the fishery when a quota is reached or is 
projected to be reached, definitions of essential fish habitat, and 
essential fish habitat HAPCs or Coral HAPCs.
    (b) [Reserved]



           Subpart M_Dolphin and Wahoo Fishery of the Atlantic



Sec. 622.270  Permits.

    (a) Commercial vessel permits. (1) For a person aboard a vessel to 
be eligible for exemption from the bag and possession limits for dolphin 
or wahoo in or from the Atlantic EEZ or to sell such dolphin or wahoo, a 
commercial vessel permit for Atlantic dolphin and wahoo must be issued 
to the vessel and must be on board, except as provided in paragraph 
(a)(2) of this section.
    (2) The provisions of paragraph (a)(1) of this section 
notwithstanding, a fishing vessel, except a vessel operating as a 
charter vessel or headboat, that does not have a commercial vessel 
permit for Atlantic dolphin and wahoo but has a Federal commercial 
vessel permit in any other fishery, is exempt from the bag and 
possession limits for dolphin and wahoo and may sell dolphin and wahoo, 
subject to the trip and geographical limits specified in Sec. 
622.278(a)(3). (A charter vessel/headboat permit is not a commercial 
vessel permit.)
    (b) Charter vessel/headboat permits. (1) For a person aboard a 
vessel that is operating as a charter vessel or headboat to fish for or 
possess Atlantic dolphin or wahoo, in or from the Atlantic EEZ, a valid 
charter vessel/headboat permit for Atlantic dolphin and wahoo must have 
been issued to the vessel and must be on board.

[[Page 395]]

    (2) A charter vessel or headboat may have both a charter vessel/
headboat permit and a commercial vessel permit. However, when a vessel 
is operating as a charter vessel or headboat, a person aboard must 
adhere to the bag limits. See the definitions of ``Charter vessel'' and 
``Headboat'' in Sec. 622.2 for an explanation of when vessels are 
considered to be operating as a charter vessel or headboat, 
respectively.
    (c) [Reserved]
    (d) Dealer permits and conditions--(1) Permits. For a dealer to 
first receive Atlantic dolphin or wahoo harvested in or from the EEZ, a 
Gulf and South Atlantic dealer permit must be issued to the dealer.
    (2) State license and facility requirements. To obtain a dealer 
permit, the applicant must have a valid state wholesaler's license in 
the state(s) where the dealer operates, if required by such state(s), 
and must have a physical facility at a fixed location in such state(s).
    (e) Permit procedures. See Sec. 622.4 for information regarding 
general permit procedures including, but not limited to application, 
fees, duration, transfer, renewal, display, sanctions and denials, and 
replacement.

[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 79 FR 19496, Apr. 9, 2014; 87 
FR 19018, Apr. 1, 2022]



Sec. 622.271  Recordkeeping and reporting.

    (a) Commercial vessel owners and operators--(1) Reporting 
requirement. The owner or operator of a vessel for which a commercial 
permit for Atlantic dolphin and wahoo has been issued, as required under 
Sec. 622.270(a)(1), or whose vessel fishes for or lands Atlantic 
dolphin or wahoo in or from state waters adjoining the Atlantic EEZ, who 
is selected to report by the SRD must maintain a fishing record on a 
form available from the SRD and must submit such record as specified in 
paragraph (a)(2) of this section.
    (2) Reporting deadlines. Completed fishing records required by 
paragraph (a)(1) of this section must be submitted to the SRD postmarked 
not later than 7 days after the end of each fishing trip. If no fishing 
occurred during a calendar month, a report so stating must be submitted 
on one of the forms postmarked not later than 7 days after the end of 
that month. Information to be reported is indicated on the form and its 
accompanying instructions.
    (b) Charter vessel/headboat owners and operators--(1) General 
reporting requirement--(i) Charter vessels. The owner or operator of a 
charter vessel for which a charter vessel/headboat permit for Atlantic 
dolphin and wahoo has been issued, as required under Sec. 
622.270(b)(1), and whose vessel is operating as a charter vessel, must 
record all fish harvested and discarded, and any other information 
requested by the SRD for each trip, and submit an electronic fishing 
report within the time period specified in paragraph (b)(2) of this 
section. The electronic fishing report must be submitted to the SRD via 
NMFS-approved hardware and software, as specified in paragraph (b)(5) of 
this section. If the owner or operator subject to this paragraph 
(b)(1)(i) has been issued a Federal permit that requires more 
restrictive reporting requirements, as determined by NMFS and posted on 
the NMFS Southeast Region website, reporting under those more 
restrictive regulations will meet the requirements of this paragraph 
(b)(1)(i).
    (ii) Headboats. The owner or operator of a headboat for which a 
charter vessel/headboat permit for Atlantic dolphin and wahoo has been 
issued, as required under Sec. 622.270(b)(1), and whose vessel is 
operating as a headboat in state or Federal waters, must record all fish 
harvested and discarded, and any other information requested by the SRD 
for each trip in state or Federal waters, and submit an electronic 
fishing report within the time period specified in paragraph (b)(2) of 
this section. The electronic fishing report must be submitted to the SRD 
via NMFS-approved hardware and software, as specified in paragraph 
(b)(5) of this section.
    (2) Reporting deadlines for charter vessels and headboats. Completed 
electronic fishing reports required by paragraph (b)(1) of this section 
must be submitted to the SRD by the Tuesday following each previous 
reporting week of Monday through Sunday, or at shorter intervals if 
notified by the SRD. If no fishing activity as a charter vessel or

[[Page 396]]

headboat occurred during a reporting week, an electronic report so 
stating must be submitted by the Tuesday following that reporting week, 
or at a shorter interval if notified by the SRD.
    (3) Catastrophic conditions. During catastrophic conditions only, 
NMFS provides for use of paper forms for basic required functions as a 
backup to the electronic reports required by paragraph (b)(1) of this 
section. The RA will determine when catastrophic conditions exist, the 
duration of the catastrophic conditions, and which participants or 
geographic areas are deemed affected by the catastrophic conditions. The 
RA will provide timely notice to affected participants via publication 
of notification in the Federal Register, and other appropriate means 
such as fishery bulletins or NOAA weather radio, and will authorize the 
affected participants' use of paper forms for the duration of the 
catastrophic conditions. The paper forms will be available from NMFS. 
During catastrophic conditions, the RA has the authority to waive or 
modify reporting time requirements.
    (4) Compliance requirements. Electronic reports required by 
paragraph (b)(1) of this section must be submitted and received by NMFS 
according to the reporting requirements under this section. A report not 
received within the applicable time specified in paragraph (b)(2) of 
this section is delinquent. A delinquent report results in the owner and 
operator of a charter vessel or headboat for which a charter vessel/
headboat permit for Atlantic dolphin and wahoo has been issued being 
prohibited from harvesting or possessing such species automatically, 
with no additional requirement for NMFS to provide notice to the owner 
and operator of their delinquency. The owner and operator who are 
prohibited from harvesting or possessing such species due to delinquent 
reports are authorized to harvest or possess such species only after all 
required and delinquent reports have been submitted and received by NMFS 
according to the reporting requirements under this section.
    (5) Hardware and software requirements for electronic reporting. 
Owners and operators must submit electronic reports using NMFS-approved 
hardware and software as posted on the NMFS Southeast Region website.
    (c) Dealers. (1) A dealer who first receives Atlantic dolphin or 
wahoo must maintain records and submit information as specified in Sec. 
622.5(c).
    (2) Alternate SRD. For the purpose of Sec. 622.5(c), in the states 
from Maine through Virginia, or in the waters off those states, ``SRD'' 
means the Science and Research Director, Northeast Fisheries Science 
Center, NMFS, or a designee.
    (3) On demand, a dealer who has been issued a Gulf and South 
Atlantic dealer permit, as required under Sec. 622.270(d)(1), must make 
available to an authorized officer all records of offloadings, 
purchases, or sales of Atlantic dolphin or wahoo.

[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 78 FR 78781, Dec. 27, 2013; 
79 FR 19496, Apr. 9, 2014; 85 FR 10340, Feb. 24, 2020]



Sec. 622.272  Authorized gear.

    (a) Atlantic dolphin and wahoo--(1) Authorized gear. Except as 
allowed in paragraph (a)(2) of this section, the following are the only 
authorized gear types in the fishery for dolphin and wahoo in the 
Atlantic EEZ: Automatic reel, bandit gear, handline, pelagic longline, 
rod and reel, and spearfishing gear (including powerheads). A person 
aboard a vessel in the Atlantic EEZ that has on board gear types other 
than authorized gear types may not possess a dolphin or wahoo.
    (2) Trap, pot, and buoy gear authorization. A vessel in the Atlantic 
EEZ that possesses both a valid Federal commercial permit for Atlantic 
dolphin and wahoo and any Federal commercial permit(s) required that 
allow a vessel to fish using trap, pot, or buoy gear or that is in 
compliance with the permitting requirements for the spiny lobster 
fishery of the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic as described at Sec. 
622.400, is authorized to retain both dolphin and wahoo harvested by rod 
and reel while in possession of trap, pot, or buoy gear. See Sec. 
622.278(a)(2)(ii) for the amount of dolphin that may be retained under 
the commercial trip limits as described in this paragraph (a)(2). See 
Sec. 622.278(a)(1)(ii) for the amount of wahoo that may be retained 
under the

[[Page 397]]

commercial trip limits as described in this paragraph (a)(2).
    (b) [Reserved]

[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 87 FR 19018, Apr. 1, 2022]



Sec. 622.273  Conservation measures for protected species.

    (a) Atlantic dolphin and wahoo pelagic longliners. The owner or 
operator of a vessel for which a commercial permit for Atlantic dolphin 
and wahoo has been issued, as required under Sec. 622.270(a)(1), and 
that has on board a pelagic longline must post inside the wheelhouse the 
sea turtle handling and release guidelines provided by NMFS. Such owner 
or operator must also comply with the sea turtle bycatch mitigation 
measures, including gear requirements and sea turtle handling 
requirements, as specified in Sec. 635.21(c)(5)(i) and (ii) of this 
chapter, respectively. For the purpose of this paragraph, a vessel is 
considered to have pelagic longline gear on board when a power-operated 
longline hauler, a mainline, floats capable of supporting the mainline, 
and leaders (gangions) with hooks are on board. Removal of any one of 
these elements constitutes removal of pelagic longline gear.
    (b) [Reserved]



Sec. 622.274  Pelagic longline closed areas.

    (a) If pelagic longline gear is on board a vessel, a person aboard 
such vessel may not fish for or retain a dolphin or wahoo--
    (1) In the Northeastern United States closed area from June 1 
through June 30 each year. The Northeastern United States closed area is 
that portion of the EEZ between 40[deg] N. lat. and 39[deg] N. lat. from 
68[deg] W. long. to 74[deg] W. long.
    (2) In the Charleston Bump closed area from February 1 through April 
30 each year. The Charleston Bump closed area is that portion of the EEZ 
off North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia between 34[deg] N. lat. 
and 31[deg] N. lat. and west of 76[deg] W. long.
    (3) In the East Florida Coast closed area year round. The East 
Florida Coast closed area is that portion of the EEZ off Georgia and the 
east coast of Florida from the inner boundary of the EEZ at 31[deg] N. 
lat.; thence due east to 78[deg] W. long.; thence by a rhumb line to 
28[deg]17[min] N. lat., 79[deg]12[min] W. long.; thence proceeding in a 
southerly direction along the outer boundary of the EEZ to 24[deg] N. 
lat.; thence due west to 24[deg] N. lat., 81[deg]47[min] W. long.; 
thence due north to the innermost boundary of the EEZ at 81[deg]47[min] 
W. long.
    (b) A vessel is considered to have pelagic longline gear on board 
when a power-operated longline hauler, a mainline, floats capable of 
supporting the mainline, and gangions with hooks are on board. Removal 
of any one of these elements constitutes removal of pelagic longline 
gear.
    (c) If a vessel is in a closed area during a time specified in 
paragraph (a) of this section with pelagic longline gear on board, it is 
a rebuttable presumption that fish on board such vessel were taken with 
pelagic longline gear in the closed area.



Sec. 622.275  Size limits.

    All size limits in this section are minimum size limits unless 
specified otherwise. A fish not in compliance with its size limit, as 
specified in this section, in or from the Atlantic EEZ, may not be 
possessed, sold, or purchased. A fish not in compliance with its size 
limit must be released immediately with a minimum of harm. The operator 
of a vessel that fishes in the EEZ is responsible for ensuring that fish 
on board are in compliance with the size limits specified in this 
section.
    (a) Dolphin in the Atlantic off Florida, Georgia, and South 
Carolina--20 inches (50.8 cm), fork length.
    (b) [Reserved]



Sec. 622.276  Landing fish intact.

    (a) Dolphin or wahoo in or from the Atlantic EEZ must be maintained 
with head and fins intact, except as specified in paragraph (b) of this 
section. Such fish may be eviscerated, gilled, and scaled, but must 
otherwise be maintained in a whole condition. The operator of a vessel 
that fishes in the EEZ is responsible for ensuring that fish on that 
vessel in the EEZ are maintained intact and, if taken from the EEZ, are 
maintained intact through offloading ashore, as specified in this 
section.
    (b) In the Atlantic EEZ, dolphin or wahoo lawfully harvested in 
Bahamian

[[Page 398]]

waters are exempt from the requirement that they be maintained with head 
and fins intact, provided that the skin remains intact on the entire 
fillet of any dolphin or wahoo carcasses, valid Bahamian fishing and 
cruising permits are on board the vessel, each person on the vessel has 
a valid government passport with current stamps and dates from The 
Bahamas, and the vessel is in transit through the Atlantic EEZ with 
fishing gear appropriately stowed. For the purpose of this paragraph, a 
vessel is in transit through the Atlantic EEZ when it is on a direct and 
continuous course through the Atlantic EEZ and no one aboard the vessel 
fishes in the EEZ. For the purpose of this paragraph, fishing gear 
appropriately stowed means that terminal gear (i.e., hook, leader, 
sinker, flasher, or bait) used with an automatic reel, bandit gear, buoy 
gear, handline, or rod and reel must be disconnected and stowed 
separately from such fishing gear. Sinkers must be disconnected from the 
down rigger and stowed separately.

[80 FR 80689, Dec. 28, 2015]



Sec. 622.277  Bag and possession limits.

    Section 622.11(a) provides the general applicability for bag and 
possession limits.
    (a) Atlantic dolphin and wahoo. Bag and possession limits are as 
follows:
    (1) Dolphin. (i) In the Atlantic EEZ--10, not to exceed 54 per 
vessel, whichever is less, except on board a headboat, 10 per paying 
passenger.
    (ii) In the Atlantic EEZ and lawfully harvested in Bahamian waters 
(as per Sec. 622.276(b))--10, not to exceed 60 per vessel, whichever is 
less, except on board a headboat, 10 per paying passenger. For the 
purposes of this paragraph, for determining how many dolphin are on 
board a vessel in fillet form when harvested lawfully in Bahamian 
waters, two fillets of dolphin, regardless of the length of each fillet, 
is equivalent to one dolphin. The skin must remain intact on the entire 
fillet of any dolphin carcass.
    (2) Wahoo. (i) In the Atlantic EEZ--2.
    (ii) In the Atlantic EEZ and lawfully harvested in Bahamian waters 
(as per Sec. 622.276(b))--2. For the purposes of this paragraph, for 
determining how many wahoo are on board a vessel in fillet form when 
harvested lawfully in Bahamian waters, two fillets of wahoo, regardless 
of the length of each fillet, is equivalent to one wahoo. The skin must 
remain intact on the entire fillet of any wahoo carcass.
    (b) [Reserved]

[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 80 FR 80689, Dec. 28, 2015; 
87 FR 19019, Apr. 1, 2022]



Sec. 622.278  Commercial trip limits.

    Commercial trip limits are limits on the amount of Atlantic dolphin 
and wahoo that may be possessed on board or landed, purchased, or sold 
from a vessel per day. A person who fishes in the EEZ may not combine a 
trip limit specified in this section with any trip or possession limit 
applicable to state waters. A species subject to a trip limit specified 
in this section taken in the EEZ may not be transferred at sea, 
regardless of where such transfer takes place, and such species may not 
be transferred in the EEZ. Commercial trip limits apply as follows (all 
weights are round or eviscerated weights unless specified otherwise):
    (a) Trip-limited permits--(1) Atlantic wahoo. (i) When using the 
fishing gear for wahoo and as authorized under Sec. 622.272(a)(1), the 
trip limit for wahoo in or from the Atlantic EEZ is 500 lb (227 kg). 
This trip limit applies to a vessel that has a Federal commercial permit 
for Atlantic dolphin and wahoo, provided that the vessel is not 
operating as a charter vessel or headboat.
    (ii) When using the fishing gear for wahoo and as authorized and 
permitted as described under Sec. 622.272(a)(2), the trip limit for 
wahoo in or from the Atlantic EEZ is 500 lb (227 kg). The trip limit in 
this paragraph (a)(1)(ii) may not be combined with the trip limit 
specified in paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this section.
    (iii) See Sec. 622.280(b)(1) for the limitations regarding wahoo 
after the ACL is reached.
    (2) Atlantic dolphin. (i) Once 75 percent of the ACL specified in 
Sec. 622.280(a)(1)(i) is reached, the trip limit is 4,000 lb (1,814 
kg), round weight. When the conditions in this paragraph (a)(3)(i) have 
been met, the

[[Page 399]]

Assistant Administrator will implement this trip limit by filing a 
notification with the Office of the Federal Register. This trip limit 
applies to a vessel that has a Federal commercial permit for Atlantic 
dolphin and wahoo, provided that the vessel is not operating as a 
charter vessel or headboat.
    (ii) When using the fishing gear for dolphin and as authorized and 
permitted as described under Sec. 622.272(a)(2), the trip limit for 
dolphin in or from the Atlantic EEZ is 500 lb (227 kg), gutted weight. 
The trip limit in this paragraph (a)(2)(ii) may not be combined with the 
trip limit specified in paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this section.
    (iii) See Sec. 622.280(a)(1) for the limitations regarding dolphin 
after the ACL is reached.
    (3) Vessels without a Federal dolphin and wahoo commercial permit. 
The trip limit for a vessel that does not have a Federal commercial 
vessel permit for Atlantic dolphin and wahoo but has a Federal 
commercial vessel permit in any other fishery is 200 lb (91 kg) of 
dolphin and wahoo, combined, provided that all fishing on and landings 
from that trip are north of 39[deg] N lat. (A charter vessel/headboat 
permit is not a commercial vessel permit.)
    (b) [Reserved]

[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 81 FR 96930, Dec. 30, 2016; 
87 FR 19019, Apr. 1, 2022]



Sec. 622.279  Restrictions on sale/purchase.

    (a) Dolphin or wahoo harvested in or from the Atlantic EEZ or 
adjoining state waters by a vessel that has a valid commercial vessel 
permit for Atlantic dolphin and wahoo, as required under Sec. 
622.270(a)(1), or by a vessel authorized a 200-lb (91-kg) trip limit for 
dolphin or wahoo, as specified in Sec. 622.278(a)(2), may be sold or 
transferred only to a dealer who has a valid Gulf and South Atlantic 
dealer permit, as required under Sec. 622.270(d)(1).
    (b) In addition to the provisions of paragraph (a)(1) of this 
section, a person may not sell dolphin or wahoo possessed under the 
recreational bag limit harvested in the Atlantic EEZ or adjoining state 
waters by a vessel while it is operating as a charter vessel or 
headboat. A dolphin or wahoo harvested or possessed by a vessel that is 
operating as a charter vessel or headboat with a Federal charter vessel/
headboat permit for Atlantic dolphin and wahoo may not be purchased or 
sold if harvested in or from the Atlantic EEZ or adjoining state waters.
    (c) Dolphin or wahoo harvested in or from the Atlantic EEZ may be 
first received only by a dealer who has a valid Gulf and South Atlantic 
dealer permit, as required under Sec. 622.270(d)(1), and only from a 
vessel authorized to sell dolphin and wahoo under paragraph (a)(1) of 
this section.
    (d) Dolphin or wahoo possessed pursuant to the bag and possession 
limits specified in Sec. 622.277(a)(1)(ii) and (a)(2)(ii) may not be 
sold or purchased.

[79 FR 19496, Apr. 9, 2014, as amended at 80 FR 80689, Dec. 28, 2015]



Sec. 622.280  Annual catch limits (ACLs) and accountability measures (AMs).

    (a) Atlantic dolphin--(1) Commercial sector. (i) If commercial 
landings for Atlantic dolphin, as estimated by the SRD, reach or are 
projected to reach the commercial ACL of 1,719,953 lb (780,158 kg), 
round weight, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the 
Federal Register to close the commercial sector for the remainder of the 
fishing year. On and after the effective date of such a notification, 
all sale or purchase of Atlantic dolphin is prohibited and harvest or 
possession of Atlantic dolphin in or from the Atlantic EEZ is limited to 
the bag and possession limits. These bag and possession limits apply in 
the Atlantic on board a vessel for which a valid Federal commercial or 
charter vessel/headboat permit for Atlantic dolphin and wahoo has been 
issued, without regard to where such species were harvested, i.e., in 
state or Federal waters.
    (ii) In addition to the measures specified in paragraph (a)(1)(i) of 
this section, if the combined Atlantic dolphin commercial and 
recreational landings exceed the combined commercial and recreational 
ACLs specified in paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(2)(i) of this section, 
and Atlantic dolphin are overfished, based on the most recent Status of 
U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress, the AA will file a notification with 
the Office of the Federal Register, at or

[[Page 400]]

near the beginning of the following fishing year, to reduce the 
commercial ACL for that following year by the amount of the commercial 
overage in the prior fishing year.
    (2) Recreational sector. If the total ACL specified in paragraph 
(a)(3) of this section is exceeded in a fishing year, then during the 
following fishing year, the AA will file a notification with the Office 
of the Federal Register to reduce the length of the recreational fishing 
season by the amount necessary to ensure that the recreational ACL is 
not exceeded during the fishing year following the total ACL overage. 
However, the recreational fishing season will not be reduced in the 
following fishing year if NMFS determines, based on the best scientific 
information available, that the reduction in the recreational fishing 
season is unnecessary. The recreational ACL is 22,850,811 lb (10,364,954 
kg), round weight.
    (3) Total ACL. The total ACL, commercial and recreation ACLs 
combined, for Atlantic dolphin, is 24,570,764 lb (11,145,111 kg), round 
weight.
    (b) Atlantic wahoo--(1) Commercial sector. (i) If commercial 
landings for Atlantic wahoo, as estimated by the SRD, reach or are 
projected to reach the commercial ACL of 70,690 lb (32,064 kg), round 
weight, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal 
Register to close the commercial sector for the remainder of the fishing 
year. On and after the effective date of such a notification, all sale 
or purchase of Atlantic wahoo is prohibited and harvest or possession of 
Atlantic wahoo in or from the Atlantic EEZ is limited to the bag and 
possession limits. These bag and possession limits apply in the Atlantic 
on board a vessel for which a valid Federal commercial or charter 
vessel/headboat permit for Atlantic dolphin and wahoo has been issued, 
without regard to where such species were harvested, i.e., in state or 
Federal waters.
    (ii) In addition to the measures specified in paragraph (b)(1)(i) of 
this section, if the combined Atlantic wahoo commercial and recreational 
landings exceed the combined commercial and recreational ACLs specified 
in paragraphs (b)(1)(i) and (b)(2)(i) of this section, and Atlantic 
wahoo are overfished, based on the most recent Status of U.S. Fisheries 
Report to Congress, the AA will file a notification with the Office of 
the Federal Register, at or near the beginning of the following fishing 
year, to reduce the commercial ACL for that following year by the amount 
of the commercial overage in the prior fishing year.
    (2) Recreational sector. As described in the FMP, if average annual 
recreational landings, when determined using 3-year geometric mean, 
exceed the recreational ACL of 2,814,613 lb (1,276,687 kg), round 
weight, then in the following fishing year, the AA will file a 
notification with the Office of the Federal Register to reduce the 
length of the recreational fishing season by the amount necessary to 
ensure that the recreational ACL is not exceeded during the fishing year 
following the recreational ACL overage determination. However, the 
length of the recreational fishing season will not be reduced in the 
following fishing year if NMFS determines, based on the best scientific 
information available, that the reduction in the recreational fishing 
season is unnecessary.

[79 FR 32879, June 9, 2014, as amended at 81 FR 3746, Jan. 22, 2016; 87 
FR 19019, Apr. 1, 2022]



Sec. 622.281  Adjustment of management measures.

    In accordance with the framework procedures of the FMP for the 
Dolphin and Wahoo Fishery of the Atlantic, the RA may establish or 
modify the following items specified in paragraph (a) of this section 
for Atlantic dolphin and wahoo.
    (a) Atlantic dolphin and wahoo. Biomass levels, age-structured 
analyses, MSY, OY, OFL, TAC, ABC, ABC Control Rule, ACLs, ACTs, AMs, 
trip limits, minimum sizes, gear regulations and restrictions, permit 
requirements, seasonal or area closures, sub-zones and their management 
measures, overfishing definitions and other status determination 
criteria, time frame for recovery of Atlantic dolphin or wahoo if 
overfished, fishing year (adjustment not to exceed 2 months), authority 
for the RA to close a fishery when a quota is reached or is projected to 
be reached or reopen a fishery when additional

[[Page 401]]

quota becomes available, definitions of essential fish habitat, and 
essential fish habitat HAPCs or Coral HAPCs.
    (b) [Reserved]

[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 79 FR 32880, June 9, 2014; 85 
FR 10340, Feb. 24, 2020]



    Subpart N_Pelagic Sargassum Habitat of the South Atlantic Region



Sec. 622.300  At-sea observer coverage.

    (a) Required coverage. (1) A vessel that harvests or possesses 
pelagic sargassum on any trip in the South Atlantic EEZ must carry a 
NMFS-approved observer.
    (2) [Reserved]
    (b) Notification to the SRD. When observer coverage is required, an 
owner or operator must advise the SRD in writing not less than 5 days in 
advance of each trip of the following:
    (1) Departure information (port, dock, date, and time).
    (2) Expected landing information (port, dock, and date).
    (c) Observer accommodations and access. An owner or operator of a 
vessel on which a NMFS-approved observer is embarked must:
    (1) Provide accommodations and food that are equivalent to those 
provided to the crew.
    (2) Allow the observer access to and use of the vessel's 
communications equipment and personnel upon request for the transmission 
and receipt of messages related to the observer's duties.
    (3) Allow the observer access to and use of the vessel's navigation 
equipment and personnel upon request to determine the vessel's position.
    (4) Allow the observer free and unobstructed access to the vessel's 
bridge, working decks, holding bins, weight scales, holds, and any other 
space used to hold, process, weigh, or store fish.
    (5) Allow the observer to inspect and copy the vessel's log, 
communications logs, and any records associated with the catch and 
distribution of fish for that trip.



Sec. 622.301  Area and seasonal restrictions.

    (a) Pelagic sargassum area and seasonal restrictions--(1) Area 
restrictions. (i) No person may harvest pelagic sargassum in the South 
Atlantic EEZ between 36[deg]33[min]01.0[sec] N. lat. (directly east from 
the Virginia/North Carolina boundary) and 34[deg] N. lat., within 100 
nautical miles east of the North Carolina coast.
    (ii) No person may harvest or possess pelagic sargassum in or from 
the South Atlantic EEZ south of 34[deg] N. lat.
    (2) Seasonal restriction. No person may harvest or possess pelagic 
sargassum in or from the South Atlantic EEZ during the months of July 
through October. This prohibition on possession does not apply to 
pelagic sargassum that was harvested and landed ashore prior to the 
closed period.
    (b) [Reserved]



Sec. 622.302  Minimum mesh size.

    (a) The minimum allowable mesh size for a net used to fish for 
pelagic sargassum in the South Atlantic EEZ is 4.0 inches (10.2 cm), 
stretched mesh, and such net must be attached to a frame no larger than 
4 ft by 6 ft (1.2 m by 1.8 m). A vessel in the South Atlantic EEZ with a 
net on board that does not meet these requirements may not possess any 
pelagic sargassum.
    (b) [Reserved]



Sec. 622.303  Quotas.

    See Sec. 622.8 for general provisions regarding quota applicability 
and closure and reopening procedures. This section provides quotas and 
specific quota closure restrictions for South Atlantic pelagic 
sargassum.
    (a) Quota. The quota for all persons who harvest pelagic sargassum 
in the South Atlantic EEZ is 5,000 lb (2,268 kg), wet, landed weight. 
See Sec. 622.301(a) for area and seasonal limitations on the harvest of 
pelagic sargassum.
    (b) Restrictions applicable after a quota closure. Pelagic sargassum 
may not be fished for or possessed in the South Atlantic EEZ and the 
sale or purchase of pelagic sargassum in or from the South Atlantic EEZ 
is prohibited. The prohibition on sale/purchase during a closure for 
pelagic sargassum does not apply to pelagic sargassum that was

[[Page 402]]

harvested and landed ashore prior to the effective date of the closure.

Subparts O-P [Reserved]



  Subpart Q_Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources (Gulf of Mexico, South 
                       Atlantic, and Mid-Atlantic)



Sec. 622.369  Description of zones.

    (a) Migratory groups of king mackerel. In the EEZ, king mackerel are 
divided into the Gulf migratory group and the Atlantic migratory group. 
The Gulf migratory group is bound by a line extending east of the U.S./
Mexico border and a line extending east of the Miami-Dade/Monroe County, 
FL, boundary. The Atlantic migratory group is bound by a line extending 
east of the Miami-Dade/Monroe County, FL, boundary and a line from the 
intersection point of Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New York (as 
described in Sec. 600.105(a) of this chapter). The zone boundaries 
remain in place year round. See Table 1 of this section for the boundary 
coordinates. See Figure 1 in Appendix G of this part for illustration.
    (1) Gulf migratory group. The Gulf migratory group is divided into 
western, northern, and southern zones. See Table 1 of this section for 
the boundary coordinates. See Figure 1 in Appendix G of this part for 
illustration.
    (i) Western zone. The western zone encompasses an area of the EEZ 
north of a line extending east of the US/Mexico border, and west of a 
line extending due south of the Alabama/Florida border, including the 
EEZ off Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama.
    (ii) Northern zone. The northern zone encompasses an area of the EEZ 
east of a line extending due south of the Florida/Alabama border, and 
north of a line extending due west of the Lee/Collier County, FL, 
boundary.
    (iii) Southern zone. The southern zone encompasses an area of the 
EEZ south of a line extending due west of the Lee/Collier County, FL, 
boundary on the FL west coast, and south of a line extending due east of 
the Monroe/Miami-Dade County, FL, boundary on the FL east coast, which 
includes the EEZ off Collier and Monroe Counties, FL.
    (2) Atlantic migratory group. The Atlantic migratory group is 
divided into the northern and southern zones separated by a line 
extending from the North Carolina/South Carolina border, as specified in 
Sec. 622.2. See Table 1 of this section for the boundary coordinates. 
See Figure 1 in Appendix G of this part for illustration. See Sec. 
622.385(a)(1) for a description of the areas for Atlantic migratory 
group king mackerel commercial trip limits.
    (i) Northern zone. The northern zone encompasses an area of the EEZ 
south of a line extending from the intersection point of New York, 
Connecticut, and Rhode Island (as described in Sec. 600.105(a) of this 
chapter), and north of a line extending from the North Carolina/South 
Carolina border, as specified in Sec. 622.2, including the EEZ off each 
state from North Carolina to New York. This zone remains the same year 
round.
    (ii) Southern zone. The southern zone encompasses an area of the EEZ 
south of a line extending from the North Carolina/South Carolina border, 
as specified in Sec. 622.2, and north of a line extending due east of 
the Monroe/Miami-Dade County, FL, boundary.

      Table 1 to Sec. 622.369--King Mackerel Description of Zones
       [For illustration, see Figure 1 in Appendix G of this part]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Area                   Boundary 1            Boundary 2
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gulf Migratory Group--        U.S./Mexico, A line   AL/FL,
 Western Zone.                 east of the           87[deg]31[min]6[sec
                               intersection of       ] W. long.
                               25[deg]58[min]30.57
                               [sec] N. lat. and
                               96[deg]55[min]27.37
                               [sec] W. long.
Gulf Migratory Group--        AL/FL,                Lee/Collier,
 Northern Zone.                87[deg]31[min]6[sec   26[deg]19[min]48[se
                               ] W. long.            c] N. lat.
Gulf Migratory Group--        Lee/Collier,          Monroe/Miami-Dade,
 Southern Zone.                26[deg]19[min]48[se   25[deg]20[min]24[se
                               c] N. lat.            c] N. lat.
Atlantic Migratory Group--    NY/CT/RI,             NC/SC, a line
 Northern Zone.                41[deg]18[min]16.24   extending in a
                               9[sec] N. lat. and    direction of
                               71[deg]54[min]28.47   135[deg]34[min]55[s
                               7[sec] W. long.       ec] from true north
                               southeast to          beginning at
                               37[deg]22[min]32.75   33[deg]51[min]07.9[
                               [sec] N. lat. and     sec] N. lat. and
                               the intersection      78[deg]32[min]32.6[
                               point with the        sec] W. long. to
                               outward boundary of   the intersection
                               the EEZ.              point with the
                                                     outward boundary of
                                                     the EEZ.

[[Page 403]]

 
Atlantic Migratory Group--    NC/SC, a line         Monroe/Miami-Dade,
 Southern Zone.                extending in a        25[deg]20[min]24[se
                               direction of          c] N. lat.
                               135[deg]34[min]55[s
                               ec] from true north
                               beginning at
                               33[deg]51[min]07.9[
                               sec] N. lat. and
                               78[deg]32[min]32.6[
                               sec] W. long. to
                               the intersection
                               point with the
                               outward boundary of
                               the EEZ.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (b) Migratory groups of Spanish mackerel--(1) Gulf migratory group. 
In the EEZ, the Gulf migratory group is bounded by a line extending east 
of the U.S./Mexico border and a line extending due east of the Monroe/
Miami-Dade County, FL, boundary. See Table 2 of this section for the 
boundary coordinates. See Figure 2 in Appendix G of this part for 
illustration.
    (2) Atlantic migratory group. In the EEZ, the Atlantic migratory 
group is bounded by a line extending due east of the Monroe/Miami-Dade 
County, FL, boundary and a line extending from the intersection point of 
New York, Connecticut, and Rhode Island (as described in Sec. 
600.105(a) of this chapter). The Atlantic migratory group is divided 
into the northern and southern zones. See Table 2 of this section for 
the boundary coordinates. See Figure 2 in Appendix G of this part for 
illustration. See Sec. 622.385(b)(1) for a description of the areas for 
Atlantic migratory group Spanish mackerel commercial trip limits.
    (i) Northern zone. The northern zone encompasses an area of the EEZ 
south of a line extending from the intersection point of New York, 
Connecticut, and Rhode Island (as described in Sec. 600.105(a) of this 
chapter), and north of a line extending from the North Carolina/South 
Carolina border, as specified in Sec. 622.2, including the EEZ off each 
state from North Carolina to New York.
    (ii) Southern zone. The southern zone encompasses an area of the EEZ 
south of a line extending from the North Carolina/South Carolina border, 
as specified in Sec. 622.2, and north of a line extending due east of 
the Monroe/Miami-Dade County, FL, boundary, including the EEZ off South 
Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.

    Table 2 to Sec. 622.369--Spanish Mackerel Description of Zones
       [For illustration, see Figure 2 in Appendix G of this part]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Area                   Boundary 1            Boundary 2
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gulf Migratory Group........  US/Mexico, A line     Monroe/Miami-Dade,
                               east of the           25[deg]20[min]24[se
                               intersection of       c] N. lat.
                               25[deg]58[min]30.57
                               [sec] N. lat. and
                               96[deg]55[min]27.37
                               [sec] W. long.
Atlantic Migratory Group--    NY/CT/RI,             NC/SC, a line
 Northern Zone.                41[deg]18[min]16.24   extending in a
                               9[sec] N. lat. and    direction of
                               71[deg]54[min]28.47   135[deg]34[min]55[s
                               7[sec] W. long.       ec] from true north
                               southeast to          beginning at
                               37[deg]22[min]32.75   33[deg]51[min]07.9[
                               [sec] N. lat. and     sec] N. lat. and
                               the intersection      78[deg]32[min]32.6[
                               point with the        sec] W. long. to
                               outward boundary of   the intersection
                               the EEZ.              point with the
                                                     outward boundary of
                                                     the EEZ.
Atlantic Migratory Group--    NC/SC, a line         Monroe/Miami-Dade,
 Southern Zone.                extending in a        25[deg]20[min]24[se
                               direction of          c] N. lat.
                               135[deg]34[min]55[s
                               ec] from true north
                               beginning at
                               33[deg]51[min]07.9[
                               sec] N. lat. and
                               78[deg]32[min]32.6[
                               sec] W. long. to
                               the intersection
                               point with the
                               outward boundary of
                               the EEZ.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (c) Migratory groups of cobia--(1) Gulf migratory group. In the EEZ, 
the Gulf migratory group is bounded by a line extending east from the 
United States/Mexico border and a line extending due east from the 
Florida/Georgia border. See Table 3 of this section for the boundary 
coordinates. (See Figure 3 in Appendix G of this part for illustration.)
    (i) Gulf zone. The Gulf zone encompasses an area of the EEZ north of 
a line extending east of the United States/Mexico border, and north and 
west of the line of demarcation between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf

[[Page 404]]

of Mexico (the Council boundary, as described in Sec. 600.105(c) of 
this chapter).
    (ii) Florida east coast zone. The Florida east coast zone 
encompasses an area of the EEZ south and east of the line of demarcation 
between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico (as described in Sec. 
600.105(c) of this chapter), and south of a line extending due east from 
the Florida/Georgia border.
    (2) Atlantic migratory group. In the EEZ, the Atlantic migratory 
group is bounded by a line extending from the intersection point of New 
York, Connecticut, and Rhode Island (as described in Sec. 600.105(a) of 
this chapter) and a line extending due east of the Florida/Georgia 
border. See Table 3 of this section for the boundary coordinates. (See 
Figure 3 in Appendix G of this part for illustration.)

          Table 3 to Sec. 622.369--Cobia Description of Zones
       [For illustration, see Figure 3 in Appendix G of this part]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Area                   Boundary 1            Boundary 2
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gulf Migratory Group--Gulf    US/Mexico, A line     Council Boundary--
 Zone.                         east of the           the intersection of
                               intersection of       the outer boundary
                               25[deg]58[min]30.57   of the EEZ and
                               [sec] N. lat. and     83[deg]00[min] W.
                               96[deg]55[min]27.37   long., north to
                               [sec] W. long.        24[deg]35[min] N.
                                                     lat., (near the Dry
                                                     Tortugas Islands),
                                                     then east to the
                                                     mainland.
Gulf Migratory Group--        Council Boundary--    FL/GA,
 Florida East Coast Zone.      the intersection of   30[deg]42[min]45.6[
                               the outer boundary    sec] N. lat.
                               of the EEZ and
                               83[deg]00[min] W.
                               long., north to
                               24[deg]35[min] N.
                               lat., (near the Dry
                               Tortugas Islands),
                               then east to the
                               mainland.
Atlantic Migratory Group....  NY/CT/RI,             FL/GA,
                               41[deg]18[min]16.24   30[deg]42[min]45.6[
                               9[sec] N. lat. and    sec] N. lat.
                               71[deg]54[min]28.47
                               7[sec] W. long.
                               southeast to
                               37[deg]22[min]32.75
                               [sec] N. lat. and
                               the intersection
                               point with the
                               outward boundary of
                               the EEZ.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[82 FR 17394, Apr. 11, 2017]



Sec. 622.370  Permits.

    (a) Commercial vessel permits--(1) King mackerel. For a person 
aboard a vessel to be eligible for exemption from the bag limits, to 
fish under a quota, or to sell king mackerel in or from the Gulf, Mid-
Atlantic, or South Atlantic EEZ, a commercial vessel permit for king 
mackerel must have been issued to the vessel and must be on board. See 
Sec. 622.371 regarding a limited access system applicable to commercial 
vessel permits for king mackerel and transfers of permits under the 
limited access system.
    (2) Gillnets for king mackerel in the Gulf southern zone. For a 
person aboard a vessel to use a run-around gillnet for king mackerel in 
the southern zone (see Sec. 622.369(a)(1)(iii)), a commercial vessel 
permit for king mackerel and a king mackerel gillnet permit must have 
been issued to the vessel and must be on board. See Sec. 622.372 
regarding a limited access system applicable to king mackerel gillnet 
permits in the southern zone and restrictions on transferability of king 
mackerel gillnet permits.
    (3) Spanish mackerel. For a person aboard a vessel to be eligible 
for exemption from the bag limits, to fish under a quota, or to sell 
Spanish mackerel in or from the Gulf, Mid-Atlantic, or South Atlantic 
EEZ, a commercial vessel permit for Spanish mackerel must have been 
issued to the vessel and must be on board.
    (b) Charter vessel/headboat permits. (1) For a person aboard a 
vessel that is operating as a charter vessel or headboat to fish for or 
possess, in or from the EEZ, Gulf coastal migratory pelagic fish or 
Atlantic coastal migratory pelagic fish, a valid charter vessel/headboat 
permit for Gulf coastal migratory pelagic fish or Atlantic coastal 
migratory pelagic fish, respectively, must have been issued to the 
vessel and must be on board.
    (i) See Sec. 622.373 regarding a limited access system for charter 
vessel/headboat permits for Gulf coastal migratory pelagic fish.
    (ii) A charter vessel or headboat may have both a charter vessel/
headboat permit and a commercial vessel permit. However, when a vessel 
is operating as a charter vessel or headboat, a person aboard must 
adhere to the bag

[[Page 405]]

limits. See the definitions of ``Charter vessel'' and ``Headboat'' in 
Sec. 622.2 for an explanation of when vessels are considered to be 
operating as a charter vessel or headboat, respectively.
    (2) [Reserved]
    (c) Dealer permits and conditions--(1) Permits. For a dealer to 
first receive Gulf or Atlantic coastal migratory pelagic fish harvested 
in or from the EEZ, a Gulf and South Atlantic dealer permit must be 
issued to the dealer.
    (2) State license and facility requirements. To obtain a dealer 
permit, the applicant must have a valid state wholesaler's license in 
the state(s) where the dealer operates, if required by such state(s), 
and must have a physical facility at a fixed location in such state(s).
    (d) Permit procedures. See Sec. 622.4 for information regarding 
general permit procedures including, but not limited to application, 
fees, duration, transfer, renewal, display, sanctions and denials, and 
replacement.

[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 79 FR 19496, Apr. 9, 2014; 79 
FR 34250, June 16, 2014; 82 FR 17396, Apr. 11, 2017]



Sec. 622.371  Limited access system for commercial vessel permits for king mackerel.

    (a) No applications for additional commercial vessel permits for 
king mackerel will be accepted. Existing vessel permits may be renewed, 
are subject to the restrictions on transfer or change in paragraph (b) 
of this section, and are subject to the requirement for timely renewal 
in paragraph (c) of this section.
    (b) An owner of a permitted vessel may transfer the commercial 
vessel permit for king mackerel issued under this limited access system 
to another vessel owned by the same entity. A permit holder may also 
transfer the commercial vessel permit for king mackerel to the owner of 
another vessel or to a new vessel owner when he or she transfers 
ownership of the permitted vessel.
    (c) NMFS will not reissue a commercial vessel permit for king 
mackerel if the permit is revoked or if the RA does not receive an 
application for renewal within one year of the permit's expiration date.

[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 79 FR 34250, June 16, 2014; 
80 FR 78674, Dec. 17, 2015; 85 FR 22045, Apr. 21, 2020]



Sec. 622.372  Limited access system for king mackerel gillnet permits applicable in the Gulf southern zone.

    (a) Except for applications for renewals of king mackerel gillnet 
permits, no applications for king mackerel gillnet permits will be 
accepted. Application forms for permit renewal are available from the 
RA.
    (b) An owner of a vessel with a king mackerel gillnet permit issued 
under this limited access system may transfer that permit upon a change 
of ownership of a permitted vessel with such permit from one to another 
of the following: Husband, wife, son, daughter, brother, sister, mother, 
or father. Such permit also may be transferred to another vessel owned 
by the same entity.
    (c) A king mackerel gillnet permit that is not renewed or that is 
revoked will not be reissued. A permit is considered to be not renewed 
when an application for renewal is not received by the RA within one 
year after the expiration date of the permit.
    (d) Renewal criteria for a king mackerel gillnet permit. A king 
mackerel gillnet permit may be renewed only if NMFS determines at least 
1 year of landings from 2006 to 2015 associated with that permit was 
greater than 1 lb (0.45 kg), round or gutted weight.
    (1) Initial determination. On or about December 24, 2015, the RA 
will mail each king mackerel gillnet permittee a letter via certified 
mail, return receipt requested, to the permittee's address of record as 
listed in NMFS' permit files, advising the permittee whether the permit 
is eligible for renewal. A permittee who does not receive a letter from 
the RA, must contact the RA no later than December 31, 2015, to clarify 
the renewal status of the permit. A permittee who is advised that the 
permit is not renewable based on the RA's determination of eligibility 
and who disagrees with that determination may appeal that determination.
    (2) Procedure for appealing landings information. The only item 
subject to appeal is the landings used to determine

[[Page 406]]

whether the permit is eligible for renewal. Appeals based on hardship 
factors will not be considered. Any appeal under this regulation will be 
processed by the NMFS National Appeals Office. Appeals will be governed 
by the regulations and policy of the National Appeals Office at 15 CFR 
part 906. Appeals must be submitted to the National Appeals Office no 
later than 90 days after the date the initial determination in issued. 
Determinations of appeals regarding landings data for 2006 to 2015 will 
be based on NMFS' logbook records, submitted on or before February 16, 
2016. If NMFS' logbooks are not available, state landings records or 
data for 2006 to 2015 that were submitted in compliance with applicable 
Federal and state regulations on or before February 16, 2016, may be 
used.

[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 80 FR 78674, Dec. 17, 2015; 
80 FR 80686, Dec. 28, 2015]



Sec. 622.373  Limited access system for charter vessel/headboat permits for Gulf coastal migratory pelagic fish.

    (a) General. No applications for additional charter vessel/headboat 
permits for Gulf coastal migratory pelagic fish will be accepted. 
Existing permits may be renewed, are subject to the restrictions on 
transfer in paragraph (b) of this section, and are subject to the 
renewal requirements in paragraph (c) of this section. An eligible 
charter vessel/headboat permit with a historical captain endorsement may 
be converted to a charter vessel/headboat permit without a historical 
captain endorsement, per procedures at paragraph (f) of this section.
    (b) Transfer of permits--(1) Permits without a historical captain 
endorsement. A charter vessel/headboat permit for Gulf coastal migratory 
pelagic fish that does not have a historical captain endorsement is 
fully transferable, with or without sale of the permitted vessel.
    (2) Permits with a historical captain endorsement. A charter vessel/
headboat permit for Gulf coastal migratory pelagic fish that has a 
historical captain endorsement may only be transferred to a vessel 
operated by the historical captain and is not otherwise transferable.
    (3) Procedure for permit transfer. To request that the RA transfer a 
charter vessel/headboat permit for Gulf coastal migratory pelagic fish, 
the owner of the vessel who is transferring the permit and the owner of 
the vessel that is to receive the transferred permit must complete the 
transfer information on the reverse side of the permit and return the 
permit and a completed application for transfer to the RA. See Sec. 
622.4(f) for additional transfer-related requirements applicable to all 
permits issued under this section.
    (c) Renewal. (1) Renewal of a charter vessel/headboat permit for 
Gulf coastal migratory pelagic fish is contingent upon compliance with 
the recordkeeping and reporting requirements specified in Sec. 
622.374(b).
    (2) A charter vessel/headboat permit for Gulf coastal migratory 
pelagic fish that is not renewed or that is revoked will not be 
reissued. A permit is considered to be not renewed when an application 
for renewal, as required, is not received by the RA within 1 year of the 
expiration date of the permit.
    (d) Requirement to display a vessel decal. Upon renewal or transfer 
of a charter vessel/headboat permit for Gulf coastal migratory pelagic 
fish, the RA will issue the owner of the permitted vessel a vessel decal 
for that fishery. The vessel decal must be displayed on the port side of 
the deckhouse or hull and must be maintained so that it is clearly 
visible.
    (e) Passenger capacity compliance requirement. A vessel operating as 
a charter vessel or headboat with a valid charter vessel/headboat permit 
for Gulf coastal migratory pelagic fish, which is carrying more 
passengers on board the vessel than is specified on the permit, is 
prohibited from harvesting or possessing the species identified on the 
permit.
    (f) Procedure for conversion of permit with historical captain 
endorsement. A charter vessel headboat permit with a historical captain 
endorsement may be converted to a charter vessel/headboat permit for 
Gulf coastal migratory pelagic fish without a historical captain 
endorsement as described in paragraph (b)(1) of this section. A charter 
vessel/headboat permit with a historical captain endorsement that is 
converted to

[[Page 407]]

a charter vessel/headboat permit without a historical captain 
endorsement will retain the same vessel permit maximum passenger 
capacity as the permit it replaces. To convert an eligible charter 
vessel/headboat permit with a historical captain endorsement, the permit 
holder must submit a permit application to the RA by July 30, 2025. If 
no application to convert an eligible charter vessel/headboat permit 
with a historical captain endorsement is submitted by July 30, 2025, the 
permit holder will retain a charter vessel/headboat permit with the 
historical captain endorsement that is subject to the restrictions 
described in paragraph (b)(2) of this section.

[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended 78 FR 46293, July 31, 2013; 85 
FR 22045, Apr. 21, 2020; 85 FR 44019, July 21, 2020; 88 FR 42272, June 
30, 2023]



Sec. 622.374  Recordkeeping and reporting.

    (a) Commercial vessel owners and operators. The owner or operator of 
a vessel that fishes for or lands coastal migratory pelagic fish for 
sale in or from the Gulf, Mid-Atlantic, or South Atlantic EEZ or 
adjoining state waters, or whose vessel is issued a commercial permit 
for king or Spanish mackerel, as required under Sec. 622.370(a)(1) or 
(3), respectively, who is selected to report by the SRD, must maintain a 
fishing record on a form available from the SRD. These completed fishing 
records must be submitted to the SRD postmarked not later than 7 days 
after the end of each fishing trip. If no fishing occurred during a 
calendar month, a report so stating must be submitted on one of the 
forms postmarked not later than 7 days after the end of that month. 
Information to be reported is indicated on the form and its accompanying 
instructions.
    (b) Charter vessel/headboat owners and operators--(1) General 
reporting requirement--(i) Gulf of Mexico. The owner or operator of a 
charter vessel or headboat for which a charter vessel/headboat permit 
for Gulf coastal migratory pelagic fish has been issued, as required 
under Sec. 622.370(b)(1), and whose vessel is operating as a charter 
vessel or headboat, regardless of fishing location, must submit an 
electronic fishing report of all fish harvested and discarded, and any 
other information requested by the SRD for each trip within the time 
period specified in paragraph (b)(2)(i) of this section. An electronic 
fishing report must be submitted to the SRD via NMFS approved hardware 
and software, as specified in paragraph (b)(5)(i) of this section. If 
selected by the SRD, the owner or operator of a vessel for which a 
charter vessel/headboat permit for Gulf coastal migratory pelagic fish 
has been issued must report via the NMFS approved software for the 
Southeast Region Headboat Survey.
    (ii) Atlantic--(A) Charter vessels. The owner or operator of a 
charter vessel for which a charter vessel/headboat permit for Atlantic 
coastal migratory pelagic fish has been issued, as required under Sec. 
622.370(b)(1), and whose vessel is operating as a charter vessel, must 
record all fish harvested and discarded, and any other information 
requested by the SRD for each trip, and submit an electronic fishing 
report within the time period specified in paragraph (b)(2)(ii) of this 
section. The electronic fishing report must be submitted to the SRD via 
NMFS-approved hardware and software, as specified in paragraph (b)(5) of 
this section. If the owner or operator subject to this paragraph 
(b)(1)(ii)(A) has been issued a Federal permit that requires more 
restrictive reporting requirements, as determined by NMFS and posted on 
the NMFS Southeast Region website, reporting under those more 
restrictive regulations will meet the requirements of this paragraph 
(b)(1)(ii)(A).
    (B) Headboats. The owner or operator of a headboat for which a 
charter vessel/headboat permit for Atlantic coastal migratory pelagic 
fish has been issued, as required under Sec. 622.370(b)(1), and whose 
vessel is operating as a headboat in state or Federal waters, must 
record all fish harvested and discarded, and any other information 
requested by the SRD for each trip in state or Federal waters, and 
submit an electronic fishing report within the time period specified in 
paragraph (b)(2)(ii) of this section. The electronic fishing report must 
be submitted to the SRD via NMFS-approved hardware and

[[Page 408]]

software, as specified in paragraph (b)(5) of this section.
    (2) Reporting deadlines--(i) Gulf of Mexico. Completed electronic 
fishing reports required by paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section must be 
submitted to the SRD prior to removing any fish from the vessel. If no 
fish were retained by any person on the vessel during a trip, the 
completed electronic fishing report must be submitted to the SRD within 
30 minutes of the completion of the trip, e.g., arrival at the dock.
    (ii) Atlantic. Completed electronic fishing reports required by 
paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of this section must be submitted to the SRD by the 
Tuesday following each previous reporting week of Monday through Sunday, 
or at shorter intervals if notified by the SRD. If no fishing activity 
as a charter vessel or headboat occurred during a reporting week, an 
electronic report so stating must be submitted by the Tuesday following 
that reporting week, or at a shorter interval if notified by the SRD.
    (3) Catastrophic conditions. During catastrophic conditions only, 
NMFS provides for use of paper forms for basic required functions as a 
backup to the electronic reports required by paragraphs (b)(1)(i) and 
(ii) of this section. The RA will determine when catastrophic conditions 
exist, the duration of the catastrophic conditions, and which 
participants or geographic areas are deemed affected by the catastrophic 
conditions. The RA will provide timely notice to affected participants 
via publication of notification in the Federal Register, and other 
appropriate means, such as fishery bulletins or NOAA weather radio, and 
will authorize the affected participants' use of paper-based components 
for the duration of the catastrophic conditions. The paper forms will be 
available from NMFS. During catastrophic conditions, the RA has the 
authority to waive or modify reporting time requirements.
    (4) Compliance requirement. Electronic reports required by 
paragraphs (b)(1)(i) and (ii) of this section must be submitted and 
received by NMFS according to the reporting requirements under this 
section. A report not received within the applicable time specified in 
paragraphs (b)(2)(i) or (ii) of this section is delinquent. A delinquent 
report automatically results in the owner and operator of a charter 
vessel or headboat for which a charter vessel/headboat permit for Gulf 
or Atlantic coastal migratory pelagic fish has been issued, as required 
under Sec. 622.370(b)(1), being prohibited from harvesting or 
possessing such species, regardless of any additional notification to 
the delinquent owner and operator by NMFS. The owner and operator who 
are prohibited from harvesting or possessing such species due to 
delinquent reports are authorized to harvest or possess such species 
only after all required and delinquent reports have been submitted and 
received by NMFS according to the reporting requirements under this 
section.
    (5) Hardware and software requirements for electronic reporting--(i) 
Owner or operator applicability. An owner or operator of a vessel for 
which a charter vessel/headboat permit for Gulf or Atlantic coastal 
migratory pelagic fish has been issued must submit electronic reports 
using NMFS-approved hardware and software as posted on the NMFS 
Southeast Region website.
    (ii) Vessel applicability. For a vessel for which a charter vessel/
headboat permit for Gulf coastal migratory pelagic fish has been issued, 
the NMFS-approved hardware and software must have a minimum capability 
of archiving GPS locations, and the cellular or satellite VMS must be 
permanently affixed to the vessel and have uninterrupted operation.
    (iii) Use of a NMFS-approved satellite VMS. An owner or operator of 
a vessel for which a charter vessel/headboat permit for Gulf coastal 
migratory pelagic fish has been issued, and who uses a NMFS-approved 
satellite VMS to comply with the reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements of this section, must adhere to the VMS requirements for 
the Gulf reef fish fishery specified in Sec. 622.28, except for the 
trip declaration requirements specified in Sec. 622.28(e). For trip 
declaration requirements, see paragraph (b)(6) of this section.
    (iv) Use of NMFS-approved cellular VMS. An owner or operator of a 
vessel for which a charter vessel/headboat permit for Gulf coastal 
migratory pelagic fish has been issued, and who uses

[[Page 409]]

NMFS-approved cellular VMS to comply with reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements of this section must comply with the following--
    (A) Cellular VMS unit operation and replacement. Ensure that such 
vessel has an operating cellular VMS unit approved by NMFS on board at 
all times whether or not the vessel is underway, unless exempted by NMFS 
under the power-down exemption specified in paragraph (b)(5)(iv)(D) of 
this section. An operating cellular VMS unit includes an operating 
mobile transmitting unit on the vessel and a functioning communication 
link between the unit and NMFS as provided by a NMFS-approved 
communication service provider. NMFS maintains a current list of 
approved cellular VMS units and communication providers, which is 
available at https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/southeast/about-us/
sustainable-fisheries-division-gulf-mexico-branch. If NMFS OLE removes a 
cellular VMS unit from the approved list, a vessel owner who purchased 
and installed such a unit prior to its removal from the approved list 
will still comply with the requirement to have an approved unit, unless 
otherwise notified by NMFS. At the end of a cellular VMS unit's service 
life, it must be replaced with a currently approved unit.
    (B) Hourly position reporting requirement. An owner or operator of a 
vessel using a NMFS-approved cellular VMS unit as specified in paragraph 
(b)(5)(iv)(A) of this section must ensure that the required cellular VMS 
unit archives the vessel's accurate position at least once per hour, 24 
hours a day, every day of the year, unless exempted from this 
requirement under paragraphs (b)(5)(iv)(C) or (D) of this section.
    (C) In-port exemption. While in port, an owner or operator of a 
vessel with a NMFS-approved cellular VMS unit configured with the 4-hour 
position reporting feature may utilize the 4-hour reporting feature 
rather than comply with the hourly position reporting requirement 
specified in paragraph (b)(5)(iv)(B) of this section. Once the vessel is 
no longer in port, the hourly position reporting requirement specified 
in paragraph (b)(5)(iv)(B) of this section applies. For the purposes of 
this section, ``in port'' means secured at a land-based facility, or 
moored or anchored after the return to a dock, berth, beach, seawall, or 
ramp.
    (D) Power-down exemption. An owner or operator of a vessel subject 
to the requirement to have a cellular VMS unit operating at all times as 
specified in paragraph (b)(5)(iv)(A) of this section can be exempted 
from that requirement and may power down the required cellular VMS unit 
if--
    (1) The vessel will be continuously out of the water or in port, as 
defined in paragraph (b)(5)(iv)(C) of this section, for more than 72 
consecutive hours; and
    (2) The owner or operator of the vessel applies for and obtains a 
valid letter of exemption from NMFS. The letter of exemption must be 
maintained on board the vessel and remains valid for the period 
specified in the letter for all subsequent power-down requests conducted 
for the vessel consistent with the provisions of paragraphs 
(b)(5)(iv)(D)(3) and (4) of this section.
    (3) Prior to each power down, the owner or operator of the vessel 
files a report using a NMFS-approved form that includes the name of the 
person filing the report, vessel name, U.S. Coast Guard vessel 
documentation number or state vessel registration number, permit number 
of the Gulf coastal migratory pelagic charter vessel/headboat permit, 
vessel port location during cellular VMS power down, estimated duration 
of the power-down exemption, and reason for power down; and
    (4) Prior to powering down the cellular VMS unit, the owner or 
operator of the vessel receives a confirmation from NMFS that the 
information was successfully delivered.
    (E) Installation and activation of a cellular VMS unit. Only a 
cellular VMS unit that has been approved by NMFS for the Gulf coastal 
migratory pelagic fishery may be used, and the cellular VMS unit must be 
installed by a qualified marine electrician. When installing and 
activating or when reinstalling and reactivating the NMFS-approved 
cellular VMS unit, the vessel owner or operator must--
    (1) Follow procedures indicated on the VMS installation and 
activation

[[Page 410]]

form, which is available from NMFS; and
    (2) Submit a completed and signed VMS installation and activation 
form to NMFS as specified on the form.
    (F) Interference with the cellular VMS. No person may interfere 
with, tamper with, alter, damage, disable, or impede the operation of 
the cellular VMS, or attempt any of the same.
    (G) Interruption of operation of the cellular VMS. If a vessel's 
cellular VMS is not operating properly, the vessel owner or operator 
must immediately contact NMFS and follow NMFS' instructions. If notified 
by NMFS that a vessel's cellular VMS is not operating properly, the 
vessel owner or operator must follow NMFS' instructions. In either 
event, such instructions may include, but are not limited to, manually 
communicating to a location designated by NMFS the vessel's positions or 
returning to port until the cellular VMS is operable.
    (v) Access to position data. As a condition of authorized fishing 
for or possession of Gulf coastal migratory pelagic fish subject to the 
reporting and recordkeeping requirements in this section, a vessel owner 
or operator subject to the hardware and software requirements in this 
section must allow NMFS, the U.S. Coast Guard, and their authorized 
officers and designees access to the vessel's position data obtained 
from the cellular VMS.
    (6) Trip declaration requirements in the Gulf. For purposes of this 
paragraph (b)(6), a trip begins anytime the vessel departs from a dock, 
berth, beach, seawall, or ramp, and terminates with return to a dock, 
berth, beach, seawall, or ramp, regardless of the duration or purpose, 
including non-fishing activities. Prior to departure for each trip, the 
owner or operator of a vessel for which a charter vessel/headboat permit 
for Gulf coastal migratory pelagic fish has been issued must notify NMFS 
and report the type of trip, the U.S. Coast Guard vessel documentation 
number or state vessel registration number, and whether the vessel will 
be operating as a charter vessel or headboat, or is departing on another 
type of trip, such as a commercial trip. If the vessel will be operating 
as a charter vessel or headboat during the trip, the owner or operator 
must also report the expected trip completion date, time, and landing 
location.
    (c) Dealers. (1) A dealer who first receives Gulf or Atlantic 
coastal migratory pelagic fish must maintain records and submit 
information as specified in Sec. 622.5(c).
    (2) Alternate SRD. For the purpose of Sec. 622.5(c), in the states 
from New York through Virginia, or in the waters off those states, 
``SRD'' means the Science and Research Director, Northeast Fisheries 
Science Center, NMFS, or a designee.

[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 79 FR 6100, Feb. 3, 2014; 79 
FR 19496, Apr. 9, 2014; 82 FR 17396, Apr. 11, 2017; 85 FR 10339, Feb. 
24, 2020; 85 FR 44017, July 21, 2020]



Sec. 622.375  Authorized and unauthorized gear.

    (a) Authorized gear--(1) King and Spanish mackerel. Subject to the 
prohibitions on gear/methods specified in Sec. 622.9, the following are 
the only fishing gears that may be used in the Gulf, Mid-Atlantic, and 
South Atlantic EEZ in directed fisheries for king and Spanish mackerel:
    (i) King mackerel, Atlantic migratory group--(A) North of 
34[deg]37.3[min] N. lat., the latitude of Cape Lookout Light, NC--all 
gear except drift gillnet and long gillnet.
    (B) South of 34[deg]37.3[min] N. lat.--automatic reel, bandit gear, 
handline, and rod and reel.
    (ii) King mackerel, Gulf migratory group--hook-and-line gear and, in 
the southern zone only, run-around gillnet. (See Sec. 
622.369(a)(1)(iii) for a description of the southern zone.)
    (iii) Spanish mackerel, Atlantic migratory group--automatic reel, 
bandit gear, handline, rod and reel, cast net, run-around gillnet, and 
stab net.
    (iv) Spanish mackerel, Gulf migratory group--all gear except drift 
gillnet, long gillnet, and purse seine.
    (2) Cobia, Gulf migratory group. Subject to the prohibitions on 
gear/methods specified in Sec. 622.9, the following are the only 
fishing gears that may be used in the Gulf EEZ, and in the South 
Atlantic EEZ south of a line extending due east from the Florida/Georgia 
border for cobia--all gear except drift gillnet and long gillnet.

[[Page 411]]

    (b) Unauthorized gear. Gear types other than those specified in 
paragraph (a) of this section are unauthorized gear and the following 
possession limitations apply:
    (1) Long gillnets. A vessel with a long gillnet on board in, or that 
has fished on a trip in, the Gulf, Mid-Atlantic, or South Atlantic EEZ 
may not have on board on that trip a coastal migratory pelagic fish.
    (2) Drift gillnets. A vessel with a drift gillnet on board in, or 
that has fished on a trip in, the Gulf EEZ may not have on board on that 
trip a coastal migratory pelagic fish.
    (3) Other unauthorized gear. Except as specified in paragraph (b)(4) 
of this section, a person aboard a vessel with unauthorized gear other 
than a drift gillnet in the Gulf EEZ or a long gillnet on board in, or 
that has fished in, the EEZ where such gear is not authorized in 
paragraph (a) of this section, is subject to the bag limits for king and 
Spanish mackerel specified in Sec. 622.382(a)(1)(ii) and (iv), 
respectively, and to the limit on cobia specified in Sec. 622.383(b).
    (4) Exception for king mackerel in the Gulf EEZ. The provisions of 
this paragraph (b)(4) apply to king mackerel taken in the Gulf EEZ and 
to such king mackerel possessed in the Gulf. Paragraph (b)(3) of this 
section notwithstanding, a person aboard a vessel that has a valid 
commercial permit for king mackerel is not subject to the bag limit for 
king mackerel when the vessel has on board on a trip unauthorized gear 
other than a drift gillnet in the Gulf EEZ, a long gillnet, or a run-
around gillnet in an area other than the southern zone. Thus, the 
following applies to a vessel that has a commercial permit for king 
mackerel:
    (i) Such vessel may not use unauthorized gear in a directed fishery 
for king mackerel in the Gulf EEZ.
    (ii) If such a vessel has a drift gillnet or a long gillnet on board 
or a run-around gillnet in an area other than the southern zone, no king 
mackerel may be possessed.
    (iii) If such a vessel has unauthorized gear on board other than a 
drift gillnet in the Gulf EEZ, a long gillnet, or a run-around gillnet 
in an area other than the southern zone, the possession of king mackerel 
taken incidentally is restricted only by the closure provisions of Sec. 
622.384(e) and the trip limits specified in Sec. 622.385(a). See also 
Sec. 622.379 regarding the purse seine catch allowances of king 
mackerel.

[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 80 FR 4221, Jan. 27, 2015; 82 
FR 17396, Apr. 11, 2017; 84 FR 4736, Feb. 19, 2019]



Sec. 622.376  Gear identification.

    (a) Spanish mackerel gillnet buoys. On board a vessel with a valid 
Spanish mackerel permit that is fishing for Spanish mackerel in, or that 
possesses Spanish mackerel in or from, the South Atlantic EEZ off 
Florida north of 25[deg]20.4[min] N. lat., which is a line directly east 
from the Miami-Dade/Monroe County, FL, boundary, the float line of each 
gillnet possessed, including any net in use, must have a maximum of nine 
distinctive floats, i.e., different from the usual net buoys, spaced 
uniformly at a distance of 100 yd (91.4 m) or less. Each such 
distinctive float must display the official number of the vessel.
    (b) [Reserved]



Sec. 622.377  Gillnet restrictions.

    (a) Gillnets for king mackerel. The minimum allowable mesh size for 
a gillnet used to fish in the Gulf, Mid-Atlantic, or South Atlantic EEZ 
for king mackerel is 4.75 inches (12.1 cm), stretched mesh. A vessel in 
such EEZ, or having fished on a trip in such EEZ, with a gillnet on 
board that has a mesh size less than 4.75 (12.1 cm) inches, stretched 
mesh, may not possess on that trip an incidental catch of king mackerel 
that exceeds 10 percent, by number, of the total lawfully possessed 
Spanish mackerel on board.
    (b) Gillnets for Spanish mackerel. (1) The minimum allowable mesh 
size for a gillnet used to fish for Spanish mackerel in the Gulf, Mid-
Atlantic, or South Atlantic EEZ is 3.5 inches (8.9 cm), stretched mesh.
    (i) A vessel in the Gulf EEZ, or having fished on a trip in the Gulf 
EEZ, with a gillnet on board that has a mesh size less than 3.5 inches 
(8.9 cm), stretched mesh, may not possess on that trip any Spanish 
mackerel.
    (ii) A vessel in the South Atlantic or Mid-Atlantic EEZ, or having 
fished on

[[Page 412]]

a trip in such EEZ, with a gillnet on board that has a mesh size less 
than 3.5 inches (8.9 cm), stretched mesh, may possess or land on the day 
of that trip no more than 500 lb (227 kg) of incidentally caught Spanish 
mackerel.
    (2) On board a vessel with a valid Spanish mackerel permit that is 
fishing for Spanish mackerel in, or that possesses Spanish mackerel in 
or from, the South Atlantic EEZ off Florida north of 25[deg]20.4[min] N. 
lat., which is a line directly east from the Miami-Dade/Monroe County, 
FL, boundary--
    (i) No person may fish with, set, place in the water, or have on 
board a gillnet with a float line longer than 800 yd (732 m).
    (ii) No person may fish with, set, or place in the water more than 
one gillnet at any one time.
    (iii) No more than two gillnets, including any net in use, may be 
possessed at any one time, except for a vessel with a valid commercial 
vessel permit for Spanish mackerel engaged in a transfer as specified in 
paragraph (b)(2)(vi) of this section. If two gillnets, including any net 
in use, are possessed at any one time, they must have stretched mesh 
sizes (as allowed under the regulations) that differ by at least .25 
inch (.64 cm), except for a vessel with a valid commercial vessel permit 
for Spanish mackerel engaged in a transfer as specified in paragraph 
(b)(2)(vi) of this section, in which case the vessel may possess two 
gillnets of the same mesh size provided that one of the nets is 
transferred to that vessel.
    (iv) No person may soak a gillnet for more than 1 hour. The soak 
period begins when the first mesh is placed in the water and ends either 
when the first mesh is retrieved back on board the vessel or the 
gathering of the gillnet is begun to facilitate retrieval on board the 
vessel, whichever occurs first; providing that, once the first mesh is 
retrieved or the gathering is begun, the retrieval is continuous until 
the gillnet is completely removed from the water.
    (v) The float line of each gillnet possessed, including any net in 
use, must have the distinctive floats specified in Sec. 622.376(a).
    (vi) A portion of a gillnet may be transferred at sea only in the 
EEZ and only from a vessel with a valid commercial vessel permit for 
Spanish mackerel that has exceeded a trip limit specified in Sec. 
622.385 (b) to another vessel with a valid commercial vessel permit for 
Spanish mackerel that has not yet reached the trip limit (the receiving 
vessel). Only one such transfer is allowed per vessel per day. In 
addition, to complete a legal transfer at sea, all of the following must 
apply:
    (A) All fish exceeding the applicable commercial trip limit may not 
be removed from the gillnet until the transfer is complete (i.e., the 
gillnet is onboard the receiving vessel). The fish transferred to the 
receiving vessel may not exceed the applicable commercial trip limit.
    (B) The receiving vessel may possess no more than three gillnets on 
board after the transfer is complete.
    (C) Prior to cutting the gillnet and prior to any transfer of 
Spanish mackerel from one vessel to another, the owner or operator of 
both vessels must contact NMFS Office for Law Enforcement, St 
Petersburg, Florida, phone: 1-727-824-5344.

[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 79 FR 68805, Nov. 19, 2014; 
84 FR 47904, Sept. 11, 2019]



Sec. 622.378  Seasonal closures of the Gulf migratory group king mackerel gillnet fishery.

    (a) Seasonal closures of the gillnet component for Gulf migratory 
group king mackerel. The gillnet component for Gulf migratory group king 
mackerel in or from the southern zone is closed each fishing year from 
July 1 until 6 a.m. on the day after the Martin Luther King Jr. Federal 
holiday. The gillnet component is open on the first weekend following 
the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, provided a notification of closure 
has not been filed under Sec. 622.8(b). The gillnet component is closed 
all subsequent weekends and observed Federal holidays. Weekend closures 
are effective from 6 a.m. Saturday to 6 a.m. Monday. Holiday closures 
are effective from 6 a.m. on the observed Federal holiday to 6 a.m. the 
following day. All times are eastern standard time. During these 
closures, a person aboard a vessel using or possessing a gillnet with a 
stretched-mesh

[[Page 413]]

size of 4.75 inches (12.1 cm) or larger in the southern zone may not 
fish for or possess Gulf migratory group king mackerel. (See Sec. 
622.369(a)(1)(iii) for a description of the southern zone.)
    (b) [Reserved]

[80 FR 4221, Jan. 27, 2015, as amended at 82 FR 17396, Apr. 11, 2017]

    Effective Date Note: At 88 FR 61477, Sept. 7, 2023 was amended by 
revising paragraph (a), effective Oct. 10, 2023. For the convenience of 
the user, the revised text is set forth as follows:



Sec. 622.378  Seasonal closures of the Gulf migratory group king 
          mackerel gillnet fishery.

    (a) Seasonal closure of the gillnet component for Gulf migratory 
group king mackerel. The gillnet component for Gulf migratory group king 
mackerel in or from the southern zone is closed each fishing year from 
July 1 until 6 a.m. eastern standard time on the day after the Martin 
Luther King Jr. Federal holiday. During the closure, a person aboard a 
vessel using or possessing a gillnet with a stretched-mesh size of 4.75 
inches (12.1 cm) or larger in the southern zone may not fish for or 
possess Gulf migratory group king mackerel. (See Sec. 
622.369(a)(1)(iii) for a description of the southern zone.)

                                * * * * *



Sec. 622.379  Incidental catch allowances.

    (a) Purse seine incidental catch allowance. A vessel in the EEZ, or 
having fished in the EEZ, with a purse seine on board will not be 
considered as fishing, or having fished, for king or Spanish mackerel in 
violation of a prohibition of purse seines under Sec. 622.375(b), in 
violation of the possession limits under Sec. 622.375(b)(3), or, in the 
case of king mackerel from the Atlantic migratory group, in violation of 
a closure effected in accordance with Sec. 622.8(b), provided the king 
mackerel on board does not exceed 1 percent, or the Spanish mackerel on 
board does not exceed 10 percent, of all fish on board the vessel. 
Incidental catch will be calculated by number and/or weight of fish. 
Neither calculation may exceed the allowable percentage. Incidentally 
caught king or Spanish mackerel are counted toward the quotas provided 
for under Sec. 622.384 and are subject to the prohibition of sale under 
Sec. 622.384(e)(2).
    (b) Shark gillnet incidental catch allowance. A vessel in the 
Atlantic EEZ with a valid Federal Atlantic commercial shark directed 
permit and a valid Federal king mackerel commercial permit that is 
engaged in directed shark fishing with gillnets that are not an 
authorized gear for Atlantic migratory group king mackerel (See Sec. 
622.375(a)(1)(i)), may retain and sell a limited number of king 
mackerel. Any king mackerel retained must be sold to a dealer with a 
valid Federal Gulf and South Atlantic dealer permit.
    (1) Northern zone. No more than three king mackerel per crew member 
may be retained or sold per trip (See Sec. 622.385(a)(1)(i) for the 
commercial trip limit for directed king mackerel trips using authorized 
gillnets (in the Atlantic EEZ north of 34[deg]37.3[min] N. lat., the 
latitude of Cape Lookout, NC)).
    (2) Southern zone. No more than two king mackerel per crew member 
may be retained or sold per trip.

[82 FR 17397, Apr. 11, 2017, as amended at 82 FR 35660, Aug. 1, 2017]



Sec. 622.380  Size limits.

    All size limits in this section are minimum size limits unless 
specified otherwise. A fish not in compliance with its size limit, as 
specified in this section, in or from the Gulf, South Atlantic, or Mid-
Atlantic EEZ, as appropriate, may not be possessed, sold, or purchased. 
A fish not in compliance with its size limit must be released 
immediately with a minimum of harm. The operator of a vessel that fishes 
in the EEZ is responsible for ensuring that fish on board are in 
compliance with the size limits specified in this section.
    (a) Cobia--(1) Gulf migratory group. (i) Gulf zone--36 inches (91.4 
cm), fork length.
    (ii) Florida east coast zone. 36 inches (91.4 cm), fork length.
    (2) [Reserved]
    (b) King mackerel in the Gulf, South Atlantic, or Mid-Atlantic--24 
inches (61.0 cm), fork length, except that a vessel fishing under a 
quota for king mackerel specified in Sec. 622.384(b) may possess 
undersized king mackerel in quantities not exceeding 5 percent, by 
weight, of the king mackerel on board.
    (c) Spanish mackerel in the Gulf, South Atlantic, or Mid-Atlantic--
12 inches (30.5 cm), fork length, except

[[Page 414]]

that a vessel fishing under a quota for Spanish mackerel specified in 
Sec. 622.384(c) may possess undersized Spanish mackerel in quantities 
not exceeding 5 percent, by weight, of the Spanish mackerel on board.

[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 82 FR 36347, Aug. 4, 2017; 84 
FR 4736, Feb. 19, 2019; 85 FR 10331, Feb. 24, 2020; 87 FR 63966, Oct. 
21, 2022]



Sec. 622.381  Landing fish intact.

    (a) Intact fish requirement. Cobia in or from the Gulf and in the 
South Atlantic EEZ south of a line extending due east from the Florida/
Georgia border, and king mackerel and Spanish mackerel in or from the 
Gulf, Mid-Atlantic, or South Atlantic EEZ, except as specified for king 
mackerel and Spanish mackerel in paragraph (b) of this section, must be 
maintained with head and fins intact. Such fish may be eviscerated, 
gilled, and scaled, but must otherwise be maintained in a whole 
condition. The operator of a vessel that fishes in the EEZ is 
responsible for ensuring that fish on that vessel in the EEZ are 
maintained intact and, if taken from the EEZ, are maintained intact 
through offloading ashore, as specified in this section.
    (b) Damaged king or Spanish mackerel. (1) Commercial. Damaged king 
or Spanish mackerel in the Gulf, Mid-Atlantic, and South Atlantic EEZ 
that comply with the minimum size limits in Sec. 622.380(b) and (c), 
respectively, and the trip limits in Sec. 622.385(a) and (b), 
respectively, may be possessed in the Gulf, Mid-Atlantic, or South 
Atlantic EEZ on, and offloaded ashore from, a vessel that is operating 
under the respective trip limits. Such damaged fish also may be sold. A 
maximum of five additional damaged king mackerel, not subject to the 
size limits or trip limits, may be possessed or offloaded ashore but may 
not be sold or purchased and are not counted against the trip limit. For 
the purposes of this paragraph (b)(1), damaged fish, refers to king or 
Spanish mackerel that are damaged only through natural predation.
    (2) Recreational. Damaged king or Spanish mackerel in the Mid-
Atlantic and South Atlantic EEZ that comply with the minimum size limits 
Sec. 622.380(b) and (c), respectively, and the recreational bag and 
possession limits in Sec. 622.382(a), may be possessed in the Mid-
Atlantic or South Atlantic EEZ on, and offloaded ashore from, a vessel 
that is operating under the respective bag and possession limits. For 
the purposes of this paragraph (b)(2), damaged fish, refers to king or 
Spanish mackerel that are damaged only through natural predation.

[88 FR 29847, May 9, 2023]



Sec. 622.382  Bag and possession limits.

    Section 622.11(a) provides the general applicability for bag and 
possession limits.
    (a) King mackerel and Spanish mackerel--(1) Bag limits. (i) Atlantic 
migratory group king mackerel--3.
    (ii) Gulf migratory group king mackerel--3.
    (iii) Atlantic migratory group Spanish mackerel--15.
    (iv) Gulf migratory group Spanish mackerel--15.
    (v) Coastal migratory pelagic fish within certain South Atlantic 
SMZs--Sec. 622.11(a) notwithstanding, all harvest and possession of 
coastal migratory pelagic fish within the South Atlantic SMZs specified 
in Sec. 622.182(a)(1)(i) through (xi) and (a)(1)(xxii) through (xxxix) 
is limited to the bag limits specified in paragraphs (a)(1)(i) through 
(iv) of this section.
    (2) Possession limits--(i) Possession limits for vessels with a 
valid Federal charter vessel/headboat permit for Atlantic coastal 
migratory pelagic fish. A person who is on a trip that spans more than 
24 hours may possess no more than two daily bag limits, provided such 
trip is on a vessel that is operating as a charter vessel or headboat, 
the vessel has two licensed operators aboard, and each passenger is 
issued and has in possession a receipt issued on behalf of the vessel 
that verifies the length of the trip.
    (ii) Possession limits for vessels with a valid Federal charter 
vessel/headboat permit for Gulf coastal migratory pelagic fish. A person 
who is on a trip that spans more than 30 hours may possess, at any time 
during the trip, no more than two daily bag limits of Gulf king and 
Spanish mackerel, provided such trip is on a vessel that is operating as 
a charter vessel or headboat, the vessel

[[Page 415]]

has two licensed operators aboard, each passenger is issued and has in 
possession a receipt issued on behalf of the vessel that verifies the 
date and time of departure and length of the trip, and the entire trip 
occurs on days when the harvest and possession of the applicable coastal 
migratory pelagic species are allowed.
    (b) Gulf migratory group cobia--(1) Bag limits. The following 
applies to persons who fish for cobia in the Gulf zone or Florida east 
coast zone, and do not sell their catch.
    (i) One fish per person per day, not to exceed 2 fish per vessel per 
trip.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (2) [Reserved]

[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 82 FR 17397, Apr. 11, 2017; 
82 FR 36347, Aug. 4, 2017; 84 FR 4736, Feb. 19, 2019; 86 FR 11155, Feb. 
24, 2021; 87 FR 23150, Apr. 19, 2022; 87 FR 56237, Sept. 13, 2022; 87 FR 
63966, Oct. 21, 2022; 88 FR 29847, May 9, 2023]



Sec. 622.383  [Reserved]



Sec. 622.384  Quotas.

    See Sec. 622.8 for general provisions regarding quota applicability 
and closure and reopening procedures. See Sec. 622.369 for the 
descriptions of the zones. This section provides quotas and specific 
quota closure restrictions for coastal migratory pelagic fish. All 
weights are in round and eviscerated weight combined, unless specified 
otherwise.
    (a) King and Spanish mackerel quotas apply to persons who fish under 
commercial vessel permits for king or Spanish mackerel, as required 
under Sec. 622.370(a)(1) or (3). A fish is counted against the quota 
for the area where it is caught, not where it is landed.
    (b) King mackerel--(1) Gulf migratory group. The Gulf migratory 
group is divided into zones. The description of the zones is specified 
in Sec. 622.369(a). Quotas for the western, northern, and southern 
zones are as follows:
    (i) Western zone. The quota is 1,199,360 lb (544,021 kg) for the 
2021-2022 fishing year, 1,244,160 lb (564,341 kg) for the 2022-2023 
fishing year, and 1,278,720 lb (580,018 kg) for the 2023-2024 fishing 
year and subsequent fishing years.
    (ii) Northern zone. The quota is 539,712 lb (244,809 kg) for the 
2021-2022 fishing year, 559,872 lb (253,954 kg) for the 2022-2023 
fishing year, and 575,424 lb (261,008 kg) for the 2023-2024 fishing year 
and subsequent fishing years.
    (iii) Southern zone. (A) The hook-and-line quota is 629,664 lb 
(285,611 kg) for the 2021-2022 fishing year, 653,184 lb (296,279 kg) for 
the 2022-2023 fishing year, and 671,328 lb (304,509 kg) for the 2023-
2024 and subsequent fishing years.
    (B) The run-around gillnet quota is 629,664 lb (285,611 kg) for the 
2021-2022 fishing year, 653,184 lb (296,279 kg) for the 2022-2023 
fishing year, and 671,328 lb (304,509 kg) for the 2023-2024 and 
subsequent fishing years.
    (2) Atlantic migratory group. The Atlantic migratory group is 
divided into northern and southern zones. The descriptions of the zones 
are specified in Sec. 622.369(a). Quotas for the northern and southern 
zones are as follows:
    (i) Northern zone. The quota is 2,663,507 lb (1,208,146 kg) for the 
2022-2023 fishing year, 2,306,207 lb (1,046,078 kg) for the 2023-2024 
fishing year, 2,062,594 lb (935,577 kg) for the 2024-2025 fishing year, 
1,892,064 lb (858,226 kg) for the 2025-2026 fishing year, and 1,770,258 
lb (802,976 kg) for the 2026-2027 and subsequent fishing years. No more 
than 0.40 million lb (0.18 million kg) may be harvested by purse seine 
gear.
    (ii) Southern zone. The quota is 8,896,853 lb (4,035,545 kg) for the 
2022-2023 fishing year, 7,703,373 lb (3,494,191 kg) for the 2023-2024 
fishing year, 6,889,636 lb (3,125,086 kg) for the 2024-2025 fishing 
year, 6,320,021 lb (2,866,713 kg) for the 2025-2026 fishing year, and 
5,913,152 lb (2,682,161 kg) for the 2026-2027 and subsequent fishing 
years.
    (A) For the period March 1 through September 30, each year, the 
seasonal quota is 5,338,112 lb (2,421,327 kg) for the 2022-2023 fishing 
year, 4,622,024 lb (2,096,515 kg) for the 2023-2024 fishing year, 
4,133,782 lb (1,875,052 kg) for the 2024-2025 fishing year, 3,792,012 lb 
(1,720,028 kg) for the 2025-2026 fishing year, and 3,547,891 lb 
(1,609,296 kg) for the 2026-2027 fishing year and subsequent fishing 
years.
    (B) For the period October 1 through the end of February each year, 
the seasonal quota is 3,558,741 lb (1,614,218 kg) for the 2022-2023 
fishing year, 3,081,349 lb (1,397,676 kg) for the 2023-2024 fishing 
year, 2,755,854 lb (1,250,034 kg) for the 2024-2025 fishing year, 
2,528,008 lb

[[Page 416]]

(1,146,685 kg) for the 2025-2026 fishing year, and 2,365,261 lb 
(1,072,864 kg) for the 2026-2027 fishing year and subsequent fishing 
years.
    (C) Any unused portion of the quota specified in paragraph 
(b)(2)(ii)(A) of this section will be added to the quota specified in 
paragraph (b)(2)(ii)(B) of this section. Any unused portion of the quota 
specified in paragraph (b)(2)(ii)(B) of this section, including any 
addition of quota specified in paragraph (b)(2)(ii)(A) of this section 
that was unused, will become void at the end of the fishing year and 
will not be added to any subsequent quota.
    (iii) Quota transfers. North Carolina or Florida, in consultation 
with the other states in their respective zones, may request approval 
from the RA to transfer part or all of their respective zone's annual 
commercial quota to the other zone. Requests for transfer of commercial 
quota for king mackerel must be made by a letter signed by the principal 
state official with marine fishery management responsibility and 
expertise of the state requesting the transfer, or his/her previously 
named designee. The letter must certify that all pertinent state 
requirements have been met and identify the states involved and the 
amount of quota to be transferred. For the purposes of quota closures as 
described in Sec. 622.8, the receiving zone's quota will be the 
original quota plus any transferred amount, for that fishing season 
only. Landings associated with any transferred quota will be included in 
the total landings for the Atlantic migratory group, which will be 
evaluated relative to the total ACL.
    (A) Within 10 working days following the receipt of the letter from 
the state requesting the transfer, the RA shall notify the appropriate 
state officials of the disposition of the request. In evaluating 
requests to transfer a quota, the RA shall consider whether:
    (1) The transfer would allow the overall annual quota to be fully 
harvested; and
    (2) The transfer is consistent with the objectives of the FMP and 
the Magnuson-Stevens Act.
    (B) The transfer of quota will be valid only for the fishing year 
for which the request was made and does not permanently alter the quotas 
specified in paragraphs (b)(2)(i) and (ii) of this section.
    (3) Transit provisions applicable in areas closed due to a quota 
closure for king mackerel. A vessel with a valid commercial vessel 
permit for king mackerel that has onboard king mackerel harvested in an 
open area of the EEZ may transit through areas closed to the harvest of 
king mackerel due to a quota closure, if fishing gear is appropriately 
stowed. For the purpose of paragraph (b) of this section, transit means 
direct and non-stop continuous course through the area. To be 
appropriately stowed fishing gear means--
    (i) A gillnet must be left on the drum. Any additional gillnets not 
attached to the drum must be stowed below deck.
    (ii) A rod and reel must be removed from the rod holder and stowed 
securely on or below deck. Terminal gear (i.e., hook, leader, sinker, 
flasher, or bait) must be disconnected and stowed separately from the 
rod and reel. Sinkers must be disconnected from the down rigger and 
stowed separately.
    (c) Spanish mackerel--(1) Gulf migratory group. [Reserved]
    (2) Atlantic migratory group. The Atlantic migratory group is 
divided into northern and southern zones. The descriptions of the zones 
are specified in Sec. 622.369(b). The quota for the Atlantic migratory 
group of Spanish mackerel is 3.33 million lb (1.51 million kg). Quotas 
for the northern and southern zones are as follows:
    (i) Northern zone--662,670 lb (300,582 kg).
    (ii) Southern zone--2,667,330 lb (1,209,881 kg).
    (iii) Quota transfers. North Carolina or Florida, in consultation 
with the other states in their respective zones, may request approval 
from the RA to transfer part or all of their respective zone's annual 
commercial quota to the other zone. Requests for transfer of commercial 
quota for Spanish mackerel must be made by a letter signed by the 
principal state official with marine fishery management responsibility 
and expertise, or his/her previously named designee, for each state 
involved. The letter must certify that all pertinent state requirements 
have been met and

[[Page 417]]

identify the states involved and the amount of quota to be transferred. 
For the purposes of quota closures as described in Sec. 622.8, the 
receiving zone's quota will be the original quota plus any transferred 
amount, for that fishing season only. Landings associated with any 
transferred quota will be included in the total landings for the 
Atlantic migratory group, which will be evaluated relative to the total 
ACL.
    (A) Within 10 working days following the receipt of the letter from 
the states involved, the RA shall notify the appropriate state officials 
of the disposition of the request. In evaluating requests to transfer a 
quota, the RA shall consider whether:
    (1) The transfer would allow the overall annual quota to be fully 
harvested; and
    (2) The transfer is consistent with the objectives of the FMP and 
the Magnuson-Stevens Act.
    (B) The transfer of quota will be valid only for the fishing year 
for which the request was made and does not permanently alter any zone's 
quota specified in paragraph (c)(2)(i) or (c)(2)(ii) of this section.
    (d) Cobia--(1) Gulf migratory group--(i) Gulf zone. For the 2022 
fishing year, the stock quota is 1,474,200 lb (668,686 kg). For the 2023 
fishing year and subsequent fishing years, the stock quota is 1,564,920 
lb (709,836 kg).
    (ii) Florida east coast zone. The following quotas apply to persons 
who fish for cobia and sell their catch. For the 2022 fishing year the 
quota is 76,960 lb (34,908 kg). For the 2023 fishing year and subsequent 
fishing years the quota is 81,696 lb (37,057 kg).
    (2) [Reserved]
    (e) Restrictions applicable after a quota closure. (1) If the 
recreational sector for the applicable species, migratory group, zone, 
or gear is open, the bag and possession limits for king and Spanish 
mackerel specified in Sec. 622.382(a) apply to all harvest or 
possession for the closed species, migratory group, zone, or gear in or 
from the EEZ. If the recreational sector for the applicable species, 
migratory group, zone, or gear is closed, all applicable harvest or 
possession in or from the EEZ is prohibited.
    (2) The sale or purchase of king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, or 
cobia of the closed species, migratory group, zone, or gear type is 
prohibited, including any king or Spanish mackerel taken under the bag 
and possession limits specified in Sec. 622.382(a), or cobia taken 
under the bag and possession limits specified in Sec. 622.382(b). The 
prohibition on the sale or purchase during a closure for coastal 
migratory pelagic fish does not apply to coastal migratory pelagic fish 
that were harvested, landed ashore, and sold prior to the effective date 
of the closure and were held in cold storage by a dealer or processor.

[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 79 FR 69060, Nov. 20, 2014; 
80 FR 4221, Jan. 27, 2015; 82 FR 17397, Apr. 11, 2017; 82 FR 35660, Aug. 
1, 2017; 84 FR 4736, Feb. 19, 2019; 87 FR 63966, Oct. 21, 2022; 87 FR 
74990, Dec. 7, 2022; 88 FR 29848, May 9, 2023]



Sec. 622.385  Commercial trip limits.

    Commercial trip limits are limits on the amount of the applicable 
species that may be possessed on board or landed, purchased, or sold 
from a vessel per day. A person who fishes in the EEZ may not combine a 
trip limit specified in this section with any trip or possession limit 
applicable to state waters. Except for Atlantic migratory group Spanish 
mackerel harvested by gillnet, as specified in Sec. 622.377(b)(2)(vi), 
a species subject to a trip limit specified in this section taken in the 
EEZ may not be transferred at sea, regardless of where such transfer 
takes place, and such species may not be transferred in the EEZ. 
Commercial trip limits apply as follows (all weights are round or 
eviscerated weights unless specified otherwise):
    (a) King mackerel--(1) Atlantic migratory group. The following trip 
limits apply to vessels for which commercial permits for king mackerel 
have been issued, as required under Sec. 622.370(a)(1):
    (i) North of 29[deg]25[min] N. lat., which is a line directly east 
from the Flagler/Volusia County, FL, boundary, king mackerel in or from 
the EEZ may not be possessed on board or landed from a vessel in a day 
in amounts exceeding 3,500 lb (1,588 kg).
    (ii) In the area between 29[deg]25[min] N lat., which is a line 
directly east from the

[[Page 418]]

Flagler/Volusia County, FL, boundary, and 28[deg]47[min]48'' N lat., 
which is a line directly east from the Volusia/Brevard County, FL, 
boundary, king mackerel in or from the EEZ may not be possessed on board 
or landed from a vessel in a day in amounts not to exceed:
    (A) From March 1 through March 31--75 fish.
    (B) From April 1 through September 30--3,500 lb (1,588 kg).
    (C) From October 1 through the end of February--100 fish.
    (iii) In the area between 28[deg]47[min]48'' N lat., which is a line 
directly east from the Volusia/Brevard County, FL, boundary, and 
25[deg]20[min]24'' N lat., which is a line directly east from the Miami-
Dade/Monroe County, FL, boundary, king mackerel in or from the EEZ may 
not be possessed on board or landed from a vessel in a day in amounts 
not to exceed:
    (A) From March 1 through March 31--75 fish.
    (B) From April 1 through September 30--75 fish, unless NMFS 
determines that 75 percent or more of the quota specified in Sec. 
622.384(b)(2)(ii)(A) has been landed, then, 50 fish.
    (C) From October 1 through the end of February--100 fish.
    (2) Gulf migratory group. Commercial trip limits are established in 
the southern, northern, and western zones as follows. (See Sec. 
622.369(a) for descriptions of the southern, northern, and western 
zones.)
    (i) Southern zone--(A) Gillnet gear. (1) King mackerel in or from 
the EEZ may be possessed on board or landed from a vessel for which a 
commercial vessel permit for king mackerel and a king mackerel gillnet 
permit have been issued, as required under Sec. 622.370(a)(2), in 
amounts not exceeding 45,000 lb (20,411 kg) per day.
    (2) King mackerel in or from the EEZ may be possessed on board or 
landed from a vessel that uses or has on board a run-around gillnet on a 
trip only when such vessel has on board a commercial vessel permit for 
king mackerel and a king mackerel gillnet permit.
    (3) King mackerel from the southern zone landed by a vessel for 
which a commercial vessel permit for king mackerel and a king mackerel 
gillnet permit have been issued will be counted against the run-around 
gillnet quota specified in Sec. 622.384(b)(1)(iii)(B).
    (4) King mackerel in or from the EEZ harvested with gear other than 
run-around gillnet may not be retained on board a vessel for which a 
commercial vessel permit for king mackerel and a king mackerel gillnet 
permit have been issued.
    (B) Hook-and-line gear. King mackerel in or from the EEZ may be 
possessed on board or landed from a vessel with a commercial permit for 
king mackerel, as required by Sec. 622.370(a)(1), and operating under 
the hook-and-line gear quotas in Sec. 622.384(b)(1)(iii)(A) in amounts 
not exceeding 1,250 lb (567 kg) per day.
    (ii) Northern zone. King mackerel in or from the EEZ may be 
possessed on board or landed from a vessel for which a commercial permit 
for king mackerel has been issued, as required under Sec. 
622.370(a)(1), in amounts not exceeding 1,250 lb (567 kg) per day.
    (iii) Western zone. King mackerel in or from the EEZ may be 
possessed on board or landed from a vessel for which a commercial permit 
for king mackerel has been issued, as required under Sec. 
622.370(a)(1), in amounts not exceeding 3,000 lb (1,361 kg) per day.
    (b) Spanish mackerel--(1) Atlantic migratory group. The following 
trip limits apply to vessels for which commercial permits for Spanish 
mackerel have been issued, as required under Sec. 622.370(a)(3).
    (i) Northern zone. Spanish mackerel in or from the EEZ may not be 
possessed on board or landed in a day from a vessel for which a permit 
for Spanish mackerel has been issued, as required under Sec. 
622.370(a)(3), in amounts exceeding 3,500 lb (1,588 kg).
    (ii) Southern zone. Spanish mackerel in or from the EEZ may not be 
possessed on board or landed in a day from a vessel for which a permit 
for Spanish mackerel has been issued, as required under Sec. 
622.370(a)(3)--
    (A) From March 1 until 75 percent of the adjusted quota for the 
southern zone has been reached or is projected to be reached, in amounts 
exceeding 3,500 lb (1,588 kg).
    (B) After 75 percent of the adjusted quota for the southern zone has 
been

[[Page 419]]

reached or is projected to be reached, in amounts exceeding 1,500 lb 
(680 kg).
    (C) After 100 percent of the adjusted quota for the southern zone 
has been reached or is projected to be reached, and until the end of the 
fishing year or the southern zone's quota has been reached or is 
projected to be reached, in amounts exceeding 500 lb (227 kg). See Sec. 
622.384(e) for limitations regarding Atlantic migratory group Spanish 
mackerel after the southern zone's quota is reached.
    (2) For the purpose of paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of this section, the 
adjusted quota for the southern zone is 2,417,330 lb (1,096,482 kg). The 
adjusted quota for the southern zone is the quota for the Atlantic 
migratory group Spanish mackerel southern zone reduced by an amount 
calculated to allow continued harvest of Atlantic migratory group 
Spanish mackerel at the rate of 500 lb (227 kg) per vessel per day for 
the remainder of the fishing year after the adjusted quota is reached. 
Total commercial harvest in the southern zone is still subject to the 
southern zone quota and accountability measures. By filing a 
notification with the Office of the Federal Register, the Assistant 
Administrator will announce when 75 percent and 100 percent of the 
adjusted quota are reached or are projected to be reached.
    (3) For the purpose of paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of this section, a day 
starts at 6 a.m., local time, and extends for 24 hours. If a vessel 
terminates a trip prior to 6 a.m., but retains Spanish mackerel on board 
after that time, the Spanish mackerel retained on board will not be 
considered in possession during the succeeding day, provided the vessel 
is not underway between 6 a.m. and the time such Spanish mackerel are 
unloaded, and provided such Spanish mackerel are unloaded prior to 6 
p.m.
    (c) Cobia. (1) [Reserved]
    (2) Gulf migratory group. The following trip limit applies to 
persons who fish for cobia and sell their catch.
    (i) Gulf zone and Florida east coast zone. Cobia in or from the EEZ 
may be possessed or landed in amounts not exceeding 1 fish per person 
and 2 fish per vessel.
    (ii) [Reserved]

[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 79 FR 68805, Nov. 19, 2014; 
79 FR 69090, Nov. 20, 2014; 80 FR 4222, Jan. 27, 2014; 80 FR 40937, July 
14, 2015; 80 FR 78675, Dec. 17, 2015; 82 FR 36347, Aug. 4, 2017; 84 FR 
4736, Feb. 19, 2019; 84 FR 47904, Sept. 11, 2019; 84 FR 51438, Sept. 30, 
2019; 85 FR 55594, Sept. 9, 2020; 87 FR 63966, Oct. 21, 2022]



Sec. 622.386  Restrictions on sale/purchase.

    The restrictions in this section are in addition to the restrictions 
on the sale or purchase related to commercial quota closures as 
specified in Sec. 622.384(e)(2).
    (a) King and Spanish mackerel. A king or Spanish mackerel harvested 
or possessed in the EEZ on board a vessel that does not have a valid 
commercial vessel permit for king mackerel, as required under Sec. 
622.370(a)(1), or a valid commercial vessel permit for Spanish mackerel, 
as required under Sec. 622.370(a)(3), or a king or Spanish mackerel 
harvested in the EEZ or possessed under the bag limits specified in 
Sec. 622.382, may not be sold or purchased, except when harvested under 
the bag limits on board a vessel operating in the Gulf as a charter 
vessel or headboat and that vessel has both a valid Federal charter 
vessel/headboat permit for Gulf coastal migratory pelagic fish, as 
required under Sec. 622.370(b)(1), and a valid commercial vessel permit 
for king mackerel or Spanish mackerel, as required under Sec. 
622.370(a)(1), as appropriate to the species harvested or possessed.
    (b) Coastal migratory pelagic fish harvested in or from the EEZ or 
adjoining state waters by a vessel that has a valid Federal commercial 
vessel permit or a charter vessel/headboat permit may be sold or 
transferred only to a dealer who has a valid Gulf and South Atlantic 
dealer permit, as required under Sec. 622.370(c)(1).
    (c) Dealer receipt of fish. King or Spanish mackerel harvested in or 
from the Gulf, Mid-Atlantic, or South Atlantic EEZ may be first received 
by a dealer who has a valid Federal Gulf and South Atlantic dealer 
permit, as required under Sec. 622.370(c)(1), only from a vessel that 
has a valid Federal commercial vessel permit for king or Spanish 
mackerel, as required under Sec. 622.370(a),

[[Page 420]]

or a valid Federal charter vessel/headboat permit for coastal migratory 
pelagic fish, as required under Sec. 622.370(b).
    (d) Cut-off (damaged) king or Spanish mackerel. A person may not 
sell or purchase a cut-off (damaged) king or Spanish mackerel that does 
not comply with the minimum size limits specified in Sec. 622.380(b) or 
(c), respectively, or that is in excess of the trip limits specified in 
Sec. 622.385(a) or (b), respectively.
    (e) State-permitted tournaments. King or Spanish mackerel harvested 
in a state-permitted tournament in the South Atlantic, Mid-Atlantic, or 
the Gulf may not be sold for profit but may be donated to a state dealer 
or Federal dealer. Dealers accepting these tournament-caught king or 
Spanish mackerel must be permitted and must comply with all transfer and 
reporting requirements. Federally permitted dealers who accept donated 
king or Spanish mackerel under this section are exempt from the 
restrictions in paragraph (c) of this section, and can first receive 
these fish from non-federally permitted vessels. Dealers must donate the 
monetary value (sale price or cash equivalent of value received for the 
landings) from the sale of tournament-caught fish to a charitable 
organization, as determined by the state. The monetary value received 
from the sale of tournament-caught fish may not be used to pay for 
tournament expenses. In addition, the fish must be handled and iced 
according to the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) 
standards, and dealers must report tournament caught king and Spanish 
mackerel as ``tournament catch'' and comply with all Federal and state 
reporting requirements.

[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 79 FR 34250, June 16, 2014; 
79 FR 19496, Apr. 9, 2014; 80 FR 4222, Jan. 27, 2015; 82 FR 35660, Aug. 
1, 2017; 87 FR 63966, Oct. 21, 2022]



Sec. 622.387  [Reserved]



Sec. 622.388  Annual catch limits (ACLs), annual catch targets (ACTs), and accountability measures (AMs).

    All weights are in round and eviscerated weight combined, unless 
specified otherwise.
    (a) Gulf migratory group king mackerel--(1) Commercial sector. (i) 
If commercial landings, as estimated by the SRD, reach or are projected 
to reach the applicable quota specified in Sec. 622.384(b)(1), the AA 
will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register to 
close the commercial sector for that zone, or gear type for the 
remainder of the fishing year.
    (ii) The commercial ACL for the Gulf migratory group of king 
mackerel is 2,998,400 lb (1,360,051 kg) for the 2021-2022 fishing year, 
3,110,400 lb (1,410,854 kg) for the 2022-2023 fishing year, and 
3,196,800 lb (1,450,044 kg) for the 2023-2024 and subsequent fishing 
years. The ACL is further divided into a commercial ACL for vessels 
fishing with hook-and-line and a commercial ACL for vessels fishing with 
run-around gillnets. The hook-and-line ACL (which applies to the entire 
Gulf) is 2,368,736 lb (1,074,441 kg) for the 2021-2022 fishing year, 
2,457,216 lb (1,114,574 kg) for the 2022-2023 fishing year, and 
2,525,472 lb (1,145,535 kg) for the 2023-2024 and subsequent fishing 
years. The run-around gillnet ACL (which applies to the southern zone) 
is 629,664 lb (285,611 kg) for the 2021-2022 fishing year, 653,184 lb 
(296,279 kg) for the 2022-2023 fishing year, and 671,328 lb (304,509 kg) 
for the 2023-2024 and subsequent fishing years.
    (iii) If commercial landings of Gulf migratory group king mackerel 
caught by run-around gillnet in the southern zone, as estimated by the 
SRD, exceed the commercial ACL, the AA will file a notification with the 
Office of the Federal Register to reduce the commercial ACL for king 
mackerel harvested by run-around gillnet in the southern zone in the 
following fishing year by the amount of the commercial ACL overage in 
the prior fishing year.
    (2) Recreational sector. If recreational landings, as estimated by 
the SRD, reach or are projected to reach the recreational ACL of 
6,371,600 lb (2,890,109 kg) for the 2021-2022 fishing year, 6,609,600 lb 
(2,998,064 kg) for the 2022-2023 fishing year, and 6,793,200 lb 
(3,081,344 kg) for the 2023-2024 and subsequent fishing years, the AA 
will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register to 
implement bag and possession limits for Gulf migratory group king 
mackerel of zero, unless the

[[Page 421]]

best scientific information available determines that a bag limit 
reduction is unnecessary.
    (3) For purposes of tracking the ACL, recreational landings will be 
monitored based on the commercial fishing year.
    (b) Atlantic migratory group king mackerel--(1) Commercial sector. 
(i) If commercial landings, as estimated by the SRD, reach or are 
projected to reach the applicable quota for the zone or season specified 
in Sec. 622.384(b)(2), the AA will file a notification with the Office 
of the Federal Register to close the commercial sector for that zone for 
the remainder of the applicable fishing season or fishing year.
    (ii) In addition to the measures specified in paragraph (b)(1)(i) of 
this section, if the sum of the commercial and recreational landings, as 
estimated by the SRD, exceeds the stock ACL, as specified in paragraph 
(b)(3) of this section, and Atlantic migratory group king mackerel are 
overfished, based on the most recent status of U.S. Fisheries Report to 
Congress, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal 
Register, at or near the beginning of the following fishing year to 
reduce the commercial quota for that zone for that following year by the 
amount of any commercial sector overage in the prior fishing year for 
that zone.
    (iii) The commercial ACL for the Atlantic migratory group of king 
mackerel is 11,560,360 lb (5,243,691 kg) for the 2022-2023 fishing year, 
10,009,580 lb (4,540,269 kg) for the 2023-2024 fishing year, 8,952,230 
lb (4,060,663 kg) for the 2024-2025 fishing year, 8,212,085 lb 
(3,724,939 kg) for the 2025-2026 fishing year, and 7,683,410 lb 
(3,485,136 kg) for the 2026-2027 fishing year and subsequent fishing 
years.
    (2) Recreational sector. (i) If the recreational landings exceed the 
recreational ACL as specified in this paragraph and the sum of the 
commercial and recreational landings, as estimated by the SRD, exceeds 
the stock ACL, as specified in paragraph (b)(3) of this section, the AA 
will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register, at or 
near the beginning of the following fishing year to reduce the bag limit 
by the amount necessary to ensure recreational landings may achieve the 
recreational ACT, but do not exceed the recreational ACL, in the 
following fishing year. The recreational ACL is 19,599,640 lb (8,890,247 
kg) for the 2022-2023 fishing year, 16,970,420 lb (7,697,653 kg) for the 
2023-2024 fishing year, 15,177,770 lb (6,884,521 kg) for the 2024-2025 
fishing year, 13,922,915 lb (6,315,328 kg) for the 2025-2026 fishing 
year, and 13,026,590 lb (5,908,762 kg) for the 2026-2027 fishing year 
and subsequent fishing years. The recreational ACT is 16,914,489 lb 
(7,672,283 kg) for the 2022-2023 fishing year, 14,645,472 lb (6,643,074 
kg) for the 2023-2024 fishing year, 13,098,416 million lb (5,941,342 kg) 
for the 2024-2025 fishing year, 12,015,476 lb (5,450,128 kg) for the 
2025-2026 fishing year, and 11,241,947 lb (5,099,261 kg) for the 2026-
2027 fishing year and subsequent fishing years.
    (ii) In addition to the measures specified in paragraph (b)(2)(i) of 
this section, if the sum of the commercial and recreational landings, as 
estimated by the SRD, exceeds the stock ACL, as specified in paragraph 
(b)(3) of this section, and Atlantic migratory group king mackerel are 
overfished, based on the most recent status of U.S. Fisheries Report to 
Congress, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal 
Register, at or near the beginning of the following fishing year to 
reduce the recreational ACL and ACT for that following year by the 
amount of any recreational sector overage in the prior fishing year.
    (iii) For purposes of tracking the ACL, recreational landings will 
be evaluated based on the commercial fishing year, March through 
February. Recreational landings will be evaluated relative to the ACL 
based on a moving multi-year average of landings, as described in the 
FMP.
    (3) The stock ACL for Atlantic migratory group king mackerel is 
31,160,000 lb (14,133,938 kg) for the 2022-2023 fishing year, 26,980,000 
lb (12,237,922 kg) for the 2023-2024 fishing year, 24,130,000 lb 
(10,945,184 kg) for the 2024-2025 fishing year, 22,135,000 lb 
(10,040,267 kg) for the 2025-2026 fishing year, and 20,710,000 lb 
(9,393,898 kg) for the 2026-2027 fishing year and subsequent fishing 
years.
    (c) Gulf migratory group Spanish mackerel. (1) If the sum of the 
commercial

[[Page 422]]

and recreational landings, as estimated by the SRD, reaches or is 
projected to reach the stock ACL, as specified in paragraph (c)(3) of 
this section, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the 
Federal Register to close the commercial and recreational sectors for 
the remainder of the fishing year. On and after the effective date of 
such a notification, all sale and purchase of Gulf migratory group 
Spanish mackerel is prohibited and the harvest and possession limit of 
this species in or from the Gulf EEZ is zero.
    (2) For purposes of tracking the ACL, recreational landings will be 
evaluated based on the commercial fishing year, April through March.
    (3) The stock ACL for Gulf migratory group Spanish mackerel is 12.7 
million lb (5.76 million kg) for the 2014-2015 fishing year, 11.8 
million lb (5.35 million kg) for the 2015-2016 fishing year, and 11.3 
million lb (5.13 million kg) for the 2016-2017 fishing year and 
subsequent fishing years.
    (d) Atlantic migratory group Spanish mackerel--(1) Commercial 
sector. (i) If commercial landings, as estimated by the SRD, reach or 
are projected to reach the applicable quota specified in Sec. 
622.384(c)(2), the AA will file a notification with the Office of the 
Federal Register to close the commercial sector for that zone for the 
remainder of the fishing year.
    (ii) In addition to the measures specified in paragraph (d)(1)(i) of 
this section, if the sum of the commercial and recreational landings, as 
estimated by the SRD, exceeds the stock ACL, as specified in paragraph 
(d)(3) of this section, and Atlantic migratory group Spanish mackerel 
are overfished, based on the most recent status of U.S. Fisheries Report 
to Congress, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the 
Federal Register, at or near the beginning of the following fishing year 
to reduce the commercial quota for that zone for that following year by 
the amount of any commercial sector overage in the prior fishing year 
for that zone.
    (iii) The commercial ACL for the Atlantic migratory group Spanish 
mackerel is 3.33 million lb (1.51 million kg).
    (2) Recreational sector. (i) If the recreational landings exceed the 
recreational ACL as specified in this paragraph and the sum of the 
commercial and recreational landings, as estimated by the SRD, exceeds 
the stock ACL, as specified in paragraph (d)(3) of this section, the AA 
will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register, at or 
near the beginning of the following fishing year to reduce the bag limit 
by the amount necessary to ensure recreational landings may achieve the 
recreational ACT, but do not exceed the recreational ACL, in the 
following fishing year. The recreational ACT for the Atlantic migratory 
group is 2.364 million lb (1.072 million kg). The recreational ACL for 
the Atlantic migratory group is 2.727 million lb (1.236 million kg).
    (ii) In addition to the measures specified in paragraph (d)(2)(i) of 
this section, if the sum of the commercial and recreational landings, as 
estimated by the SRD, exceeds the stock ACL, as specified in paragraph 
(d)(3) of this section, and Atlantic migratory group Spanish mackerel 
are overfished, based on the most recent status of U.S. Fisheries Report 
to Congress, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the 
Federal Register, at or near the beginning of the following fishing year 
to reduce the recreational ACT for that following year by the amount of 
any recreational sector overage in the prior fishing year.
    (iii) For purposes of tracking the ACL and ACT, recreational 
landings will be evaluated based on the commercial fishing year, March 
through February. Recreational landings will be evaluated relative to 
the ACL based on a moving multi-year average of landings, as described 
in the FMP.
    (3) The stock ACL for Atlantic migratory group Spanish mackerel is 
6.063 million lb (2.76 million kg).
    (e) Gulf migratory group cobia--(1) Gulf zone. (i) If the sum of all 
cobia landings, as estimated by the SRD, reaches or is projected to 
reach the stock quota (stock ACT), specified in Sec. 622.384(d)(1), the 
AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register to 
prohibit the harvest of Gulf migratory group cobia in the Gulf zone for 
the remainder of the fishing year. On and after the effective date of 
such a notification, all sale and purchase of Gulf

[[Page 423]]

migratory group cobia in the Gulf zone is prohibited and the possession 
limit of this species in or from the Gulf EEZ is zero.
    (ii) The stock ACLs for Gulf migratory group cobia in the Gulf zone 
are 1,638,000 lb (742,984 kg) for 2022, and 1,738,800 lb (788,706 kg) 
for 2023 and subsequent fishing years.
    (2) Florida east coast zone--(i) The following ACLs and AMs apply to 
cobia that are sold. (A) If the sum of cobia landings that are sold, as 
estimated by the SRD, reach or are projected to reach the quota 
specified in Sec. 622.384(d)(1)(ii) (ACL), the AA will file a 
notification with the Office of the Federal Register to prohibit the 
sale and purchase of cobia in or from the Florida east coast zone for 
the remainder of the fishing year.
    (B) In addition to the measures specified in paragraph (e)(2)(i)(A) 
of this section, if the sum of cobia landings that are sold and not sold 
in or from the Florida east coast zone, as estimated by the SRD, exceeds 
the stock ACL for the Florida east coast zone, as specified in paragraph 
(e)(2)(iii) of this section, and Gulf migratory group cobia are 
overfished, based on the most recent status of U.S. Fisheries Report to 
Congress, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal 
Register, at or near the beginning of the following fishing year to 
reduce the quota (ACL) for the Florida east coast zone cobia that are 
sold for that following year by the amount of any overage in the prior 
fishing year.
    (ii) The following ACLs and AMs apply to cobia that are not sold.
    (A) If the sum of cobia landings that are sold and not sold, as 
estimated by the SRD, exceeds the stock ACL, as specified in paragraph 
(e)(2)(iii) of this section, the AA will file a notification with the 
Office of the Federal Register, at or near the beginning of the 
following fishing year to reduce the length of the following fishing 
season by the amount necessary to ensure landings may achieve the 
applicable ACT, but do not exceed the applicable ACL in the following 
fishing year. Further, during that following year, if necessary, the AA 
may file additional notification with the Office of the Federal Register 
to readjust the reduced fishing season to ensure harvest achieves the 
ACT but does not exceed the ACL. The applicable ACTs for the Florida 
east coast zone of cobia are 796,536 lb (361,303 kg) for 2022, and 
845,554 lb (383,537 kg) for 2023 and subsequent fishing years. The 
applicable ACLs for the Florida east coast zone of cobia are 885,040 lb 
(401,447 kg) for 2022, and 939,504 lb (426,152 kg) for 2023 and 
subsequent fishing years.
    (B) In addition to the measures specified in paragraph (e)(2)(ii)(A) 
of this section, if the sum of the cobia landings that are sold and not 
sold in or from the Florida east coast zone, as estimated by the SRD, 
exceeds the stock ACL, as specified in paragraph (e)(2)(iii) of this 
section, and Gulf migratory group cobia are overfished, based on the 
most recent status of U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress, the AA will 
file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register, at or near 
the beginning of the following fishing year to reduce the applicable ACL 
and applicable ACT for the Florida east coast zone for that following 
year by the amount of any ACL overage in the prior fishing year.
    (C) Landings will be evaluated relative to the ACL based on a moving 
multi-year average of landings, as described in the FMP.
    (iii) Stock ACLs. The stock ACLs for Florida east coast zone cobia 
are 962,000 lb (436,356 kg) for 2022, and 1,021,200 lb (463,209 kg) for 
2023 and subsequent fishing years.

[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 79 FR 69060, Nov. 20, 2014; 
80 FR 4222, Jan. 27, 2015; 80 FR 10007, Feb. 25, 2015; 80 FR 78675, Dec. 
17, 2015; 82 FR 17399, Apr. 11, 2017; 82 FR 36347, Aug. 4, 2017; 84 FR 
4737, Feb. 19, 2019; 87 FR 63966, Oct. 21, 2022; 87 FR 74990, Dec. 7, 
2023; 88 FR 29848, May 9, 2023]



Sec. 622.389  Adjustment of management measures.

    In accordance with the framework procedures of the FMP for Coastal 
Migratory Pelagic Resources, the RA may establish or modify, and the 
applicable council is required to approve, the following items specified 
in paragraph (a) of this section for coastal migratory pelagic fish. 
(Note: The applicable

[[Page 424]]

council refers to the council whose jurisdiction applies to the 
management measures.)
    (a) For a species or species group: Reporting and monitoring 
requirements, permitting requirements, bag and possession limits 
(including a bag limit of zero), size limits, vessel trip limits, closed 
seasons or areas and reopenings, acceptable biological catches (ABCs) 
and ABC control rules, annual catch limits (ACLs) and ACL control rules, 
accountability measures (AMs), annual catch targets (ACTs), quotas 
(including a quota of zero), MSY (or proxy), OY, management parameters 
such as overfished and overfishing definitions, gear restrictions 
(ranging from regulation to complete prohibition), gear markings and 
identification, vessel markings and identification, rebuilding plans, 
and restrictions relative to conditions of harvested fish (maintaining 
fish in whole condition, use as bait).
    (b) [Reserved]

[80 FR 4224, Jan. 27, 2015]



Subpart R_Spiny Lobster Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic



Sec. 622.400  Permits and fees.

    (a) Applicability--(1) Licenses, certificates, and permits--(i) EEZ 
off Florida and spiny lobster landed in Florida. For a person to sell, 
trade, or barter, or attempt to sell, trade, or barter, a spiny lobster 
harvested or possessed in the EEZ off Florida, or harvested in the EEZ 
other than off Florida and landed from a fishing vessel in Florida, or 
for a person to be exempt from the daily bag and possession limit 
specified in Sec. 622.408(b)(1) for such spiny lobster, such person 
must have the licenses and certificates specified to be a ``commercial 
harvester,'' as defined in Rule 68B-24.002(4), Florida Administrative 
Code, in effect as of May 1, 2017 (incorporated by reference, see Sec. 
622.19).
    (ii) EEZ other than off Florida. For a person to sell, trade, or 
barter, or attempt to sell, trade, or barter, a spiny lobster harvested 
in the EEZ other than off Florida or for a person to be exempt from the 
daily bag and possession limit specified in Sec. 622.408(b)(1) for such 
spiny lobster, a Federal vessel permit must be issued to the harvesting 
vessel and must be on board. However, see paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this 
section for the licenses and certificates required for a person to 
possess or land spiny lobster harvested in the EEZ other than off 
Florida and subsequently possessed in the EEZ off Florida or landed from 
a fishing vessel in Florida.
    (2) Tail-separation permits. For a person to possess aboard a 
fishing vessel a separated spiny lobster tail in or from the EEZ, a 
valid Federal tail-separation permit must be issued to the vessel and 
must be on board. Permitting prerequisites for the tail-separation 
permit are either a valid Federal vessel permit for spiny lobster or a 
valid Florida Saltwater Products License with a valid Florida Restricted 
Species Endorsement and a valid Crawfish Endorsement.
    (3) Corporation/partnership-owned vessels. For a vessel owned by a 
corporation or partnership to be eligible for a Federal vessel permit 
specified in paragraph (a)(1)(ii) of this section, the earned income 
qualification specified in paragraph (b)(2)(vi) of this section must be 
met by, and the statement required by that paragraph must be submitted 
by, an officer or shareholder of the corporation, a general partner of 
the partnership, or the vessel operator.
    (4) Operator-qualified permits. A vessel permit issued upon the 
qualification of an operator is valid only when that person is the 
operator of the vessel.
    (5) Dealer permits and conditions--(i) Permits. For a dealer to 
first receive Gulf or South Atlantic spiny lobster harvested in or from 
the EEZ, a Gulf and South Atlantic dealer permit must be issued to the 
dealer.
    (ii) State license and facility requirements. To obtain a dealer 
permit, the applicant must have a valid state wholesaler's license in 
the state(s) where the dealer operates, if required by such state(s), 
and must have a physical facility at a fixed location in such state(s).
    (b) Applications for permits. (1) An application for a Federal 
vessel and/or tail-separation permit must be submitted and signed by the 
owner (in the case of a corporation, a qualifying officer or 
shareholder; in the case of a

[[Page 425]]

partnership, a qualifying general partner) or operator of the vessel. 
The application must be submitted to the RA at least 30 days prior to 
the date on which the applicant desires to have the permit made 
effective.
    (2) An applicant must provide the following information:
    (i) A copy of the vessel's U.S. Coast Guard certificate of 
documentation or, if not documented, a copy of its state registration 
certificate.
    (ii) The vessel's name and official number.
    (iii) Name, mailing address including zip code, telephone number, 
social security number, and date of birth of the owner (if the owner is 
a corporation/partnership, in lieu of the social security number, 
provide the employer identification number, if one has been assigned by 
the Internal Revenue Service, and, in lieu of the date of birth, provide 
the date the corporation/partnership was formed).
    (iv) If the owner does not meet the earned income qualification 
specified in paragraph (b)(2)(vi) of this section and the operator does 
meet that qualification, the name, mailing address including zip code, 
telephone number, social security number, and date of birth of the 
operator.
    (v) Information concerning vessel, gear used, fishing areas, and 
fisheries vessel is used in, as requested by the RA and included on the 
application form.
    (vi) A sworn statement by the applicant for a vessel permit 
certifying that at least 10 percent of his or her earned income was 
derived from commercial fishing, that is, sale of the catch, during the 
calendar year preceding the application.
    (vii) Documentation supporting the statement of income, if required 
under paragraph (b)(3) of this section.
    (viii) If a tail-separation permit is desired, a sworn statement by 
the applicant certifying that his or her fishing activity--
    (A) Is routinely conducted in the EEZ on trips of 48 hours or more; 
and
    (B) Necessitates the separation of carapace and tail to maintain a 
quality product.
    (ix) Any other information that may be necessary for the issuance or 
administration of the permit.
    (3) The RA may require the applicant to provide documentation 
supporting the sworn statement under paragraph (b)(2)(vi) of this 
section before a permit is issued or to substantiate why such permit 
should not be revoked or otherwise sanctioned under paragraph (i) of 
this section. Such required documentation may include copies of 
appropriate forms and schedules from the applicant's income tax return. 
Copies of income tax forms and schedules are treated as confidential.
    (c) Change in application information. The owner or operator of a 
vessel with a permit must notify the RA within 30 days after any change 
in the application information specified in paragraph (b) of this 
section. The permit is void if any change in the information is not 
reported within 30 days.
    (d) Fees. A fee is charged for each permit application submitted 
under paragraph (b) of this section. The amount of the fee is calculated 
in accordance with the procedures of the NOAA Finance Handbook for 
determining the administrative costs of each special product or service. 
The fee may not exceed such costs and is specified with each application 
form. The appropriate fee must accompany each application.
    (e) Issuance. (1) The RA will issue a permit at any time to an 
applicant if the application is complete and the applicant meets the 
earned income requirement specified in paragraph (b)(2)(vi) of this 
section. An application is complete when all requested forms, 
information, and documentation have been received.
    (2) Upon receipt of an incomplete application, the RA will notify 
the applicant of the deficiency. If the applicant fails to correct the 
deficiency within 30 days of the date of the RA's letter of 
notification, the application will be considered abandoned.
    (f) Duration. A permit remains valid for the period specified on it 
unless the vessel is sold or the permit is revoked, suspended, or 
modified pursuant to subpart D of 15 CFR part 904.
    (g) Transfer. A permit issued pursuant to this section is not 
transferable or assignable. A person purchasing a

[[Page 426]]

permitted vessel who desires to conduct activities for which a permit is 
required must apply for a permit in accordance with the provisions of 
paragraph (b) of this section. The application must be accompanied by a 
copy of a signed bill of sale.
    (h) Display. A permit issued pursuant to this section must be 
carried on board the vessel, and such vessel must be identified as 
required by Sec. 622.402. The operator of a vessel must present the 
permit for inspection upon the request of an authorized officer.
    (i) Sanctions and denials. A permit issued pursuant to this section 
may be revoked, suspended, or modified, and a permit application may be 
denied, in accordance with the procedures governing enforcement-related 
permit sanctions and denials found at subpart D of 15 CFR part 904.
    (j) Alteration. A permit that is altered, erased, or mutilated is 
invalid.
    (k) Replacement. A replacement permit may be issued. An application 
for a replacement permit will not be considered a new application. A 
fee, the amount of which is stated with the application form, must 
accompany each request for a replacement permit.

[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 79 FR 19497, Apr. 9, 2014; 84 
FR 37151, July 31, 2019; 87 FR 56237, Sept. 13, 2022]



Sec. 622.401  Recordkeeping and reporting.

    (a) Dealers. A dealer who first receives Gulf or South Atlantic 
spiny lobster must maintain records and submit information as specified 
in Sec. 622.5(c).
    (b) [Reserved]

[79 FR 19497, Apr. 9, 2014]



Sec. 622.402  Vessel and gear identification.

    (a) EEZ off Florida. (1) An owner or operator of a vessel that is 
used to harvest spiny lobster by traps in the EEZ off Florida must 
comply with the vessel and gear identification requirements specified in 
Rule 68B-24.006(3), (4), and (5), Florida Administrative Code, in effect 
as of May 1, 2017 (incorporated by reference, see Sec. 622.19).
    (2) An owner or operator of a vessel that is used to harvest spiny 
lobster by diving in the EEZ off Florida must comply with the vessel 
identification requirements applicable to the harvesting of spiny 
lobsters by diving in Florida's waters in Rule 68B-24.006(6), Florida 
Administrative Code, in effect as of May 1, 2017 (incorporated by 
reference, see Sec. 622.19).
    (3) An owner or operator of a vessel that is used to harvest spiny 
lobster by bully net in the EEZ off Florida must comply with the vessel 
identification requirements applicable to the harvesting of spiny 
lobsters by bully net in Florida's waters in Rule 68B-24.006(7), Florida 
Administrative Code, in effect as of May 1, 2017 (incorporated by 
reference, see Sec. 622.19).
    (b) EEZ other than off Florida. (1) The owner or operator of a 
vessel that is used to harvest spiny lobsters in the EEZ other than off 
Florida, must meet the following vessel and gear identification 
requirements:
    (i) The vessel's Florida crawfish license or trap number or, if not 
licensed by Florida, the vessel's Federal vessel permit number must be 
permanently and conspicuously displayed horizontally on the uppermost 
structural portion of the vessel in numbers at least 10 inches (25.4 cm) 
high so as to be readily identifiable from the air and water;
    (ii) If the vessel uses spiny lobster traps in the EEZ, other than 
off Florida--
    (A) The vessel's color code, as assigned by Florida or, if a color 
code has not been assigned by Florida, as assigned by the RA, must be 
permanently and conspicuously displayed above the number specified in 
paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section so as to be readily identifiable 
from the air and water, such color code being in the form of a circle at 
least 20 inches (50.8 cm) in diameter on a background of colors 
contrasting to those contained in the assigned color code;
    (B) A buoy or timed-release buoy of such strength and buoyancy to 
float must be attached to each spiny lobster trap or at each end of a 
string of traps;
    (C) A buoy used to mark spiny lobster traps must bear the vessel's 
assigned color code and be of such color, hue, and brilliancy as to be 
easily distinguished, seen, and located;

[[Page 427]]

    (D) A buoy used to mark spiny lobster traps must bear the vessel's 
Florida crawfish license or trap number or, if not licensed by Florida, 
the vessel's Federal vessel permit number in numbers at least 2 inches 
(5.08 cm) high; and
    (E) A spiny lobster trap must bear the vessel's Florida crawfish 
license or trap number or, if not licensed by Florida, the vessel's 
Federal vessel permit number permanently and legibly affixed.
    (2) A spiny lobster trap in the EEZ, other than off Florida, will be 
presumed to be the property of the most recently documented owner. Upon 
the sale or transfer of a spiny lobster trap used in the EEZ, other than 
off Florida, within 5 days of acquiring ownership, the person acquiring 
ownership must notify the Florida Division of Law Enforcement of the 
Department of Environmental Protection for a trap that bears a Florida 
crawfish license or trap number, or the RA, for a trap that bears a 
Federal vessel permit number, as to the number of traps purchased, the 
vendor, and the crawfish license or trap number, or Federal vessel 
permit number, currently displayed on the traps, and must request 
issuance of a crawfish license or trap number, or Federal vessel permit, 
if the acquiring owner does not possess such license or trap number or 
permit.
    (c) Unmarked traps and buoys. An unmarked spiny lobster trap or buoy 
in the EEZ is illegal gear.
    (1) EEZ off Florida. Such trap or buoy, and any connecting lines 
will be considered derelict and may be disposed of in accordance with 
Rules 68B-55.002 and 68B-55.004 of the Florida Administrative Code, in 
effect as of October 15, 2007 (incorporated by reference, see Sec. 
622.19). An owner of such trap or buoy remains subject to appropriate 
civil penalties.
    (2) EEZ other than off Florida. Such trap or buoy, and any 
connecting lines, will be considered unclaimed or abandoned property and 
may be disposed of in any manner considered appropriate by the Assistant 
Administrator or an authorized officer. An owner of such trap or buoy 
remains subject to appropriate civil penalties.

[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 84 FR 37151, July 31, 2019; 
87 FR 56237, Sept. 13, 2022]



Sec. 622.403  Seasons.

    (a) EEZ off the southern Atlantic states, other than Florida. In the 
EEZ off the southern Atlantic states, other than Florida, there are no 
seasonal restrictions on the harvest of spiny lobster or on the 
possession of traps.
    (b) EEZ off Florida and off the Gulf states, other than Florida--(1) 
Commercial and recreational fishing season. The commercial and 
recreational fishing season for spiny lobster in the EEZ off Florida and 
the EEZ off the Gulf states, other than Florida, begins on August 6 and 
ends on March 31.
    (2) Special recreational fishing seasons--(i) EEZ off Florida. There 
is a 2-day special recreational fishing season in the EEZ off Florida on 
the last Wednesday and successive Thursday of July each year during 
which fishing for spiny lobster is limited to diving or use of a bully 
net or hoop net. (See Sec. 622.404 for general prohibitions on gear and 
methods.) In the EEZ off Monroe County, Florida, no person may harvest 
spiny lobster by diving at night, that is, from 1 hour after official 
sunset to 1 hour before official sunrise, during this 2-day special 
recreational fishing season.
    (ii) EEZ off the Gulf states, other than Florida. There is a 2-day 
special recreational fishing season in the EEZ off the Gulf states, 
other than Florida, during the last Saturday and successive Sunday of 
July each year during which fishing for spiny lobster may be conducted 
by authorized gear and methods other than traps. (See Sec. 622.404 for 
prohibitions on gear and methods.)
    (3) Possession of traps. (i) In the EEZ off Florida, the rules and 
regulations applicable to the possession of spiny lobster traps in 
Florida's waters in Rule 68B-24.005(3), (4), and (5), Florida 
Administrative Code, in effect as of November 1, 2018 (incorporated by 
reference, see Sec. 622.19), apply in their entirety to the possession 
of spiny lobster traps in the EEZ off Florida. A spiny lobster trap, 
buoy, or rope in the EEZ

[[Page 428]]

off Florida, during periods not authorized will be considered derelict 
and may be disposed of in accordance with Rules 68B-55.002 and 68B-
55.004 of the Florida Administrative Code, in effect as of October 15, 
2007 (incorporated by reference, see Sec. 622.19). An owner of such 
trap, buoy, or rope remains subject to appropriate civil penalties.
    (ii) In the EEZ off the Gulf states, other than Florida, a spiny 
lobster trap may be placed in the water prior to the commercial and 
recreational fishing season, which is specified in paragraph (b)(1) of 
this section, beginning on August 1 and must be removed from the water 
after such season not later than April 5. A spiny lobster trap, buoy, or 
rope in the EEZ off the Gulf states, other than Florida, during periods 
not authorized in this paragraph will be considered unclaimed or 
abandoned property and may be disposed of in any manner considered 
appropriate by the Assistant Administrator or an authorized officer. An 
owner of such trap, buoy, or rope remains subject to appropriate civil 
penalties.
    (4) Possession of spiny lobsters. In the EEZ off Florida and the 
Gulf states, a whole or a part of a spiny lobster subject to these 
regulations may only be possessed during the commercial and recreational 
fishing season and the special recreational fishing season specified in 
Sec. 622.403, unless accompanied by proof of lawful harvest in the 
waters of a foreign nation. Consistent with the provisions of paragraphs 
(b)(3)(i) and (ii) of this section, a spiny lobster in a trap in this 
area will not be deemed to be possessed provided such spiny lobster is 
returned immediately to the water unharmed when a trap is removed from 
the water between March 31 and April 15.
    (c) Primacy of seasonal restrictions in the EEZ off Florida. The 
seasonal restrictions applicable in the EEZ off Florida apply to all 
spiny lobsters and traps in the EEZ off Florida, without regard to 
harvest or use elsewhere, unless accompanied by proof of lawful harvest 
elsewhere.

[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 84 FR 37151, July 31, 2019; 
87 FR 56237, Sept. 13, 2022]



Sec. 622.404  Prohibited gear and methods.

    Also see Sec. 622.9 for additional prohibited gear and methods that 
apply more broadly to multiple fisheries or in some cases all fisheries.
    (a) A spiny lobster may not be taken in the EEZ with a spear, hook, 
or similar device, or gear containing such devices. In the EEZ, the 
possession of a speared, pierced, or punctured spiny lobster is prima 
facie evidence that prohibited gear was used to take such lobster. Hook, 
as used in this paragraph (a), does not include a hook in a hook-and-
line fishery for species other than spiny lobster; and possession of a 
spiny lobster that has been speared, pierced, or punctured by such hook 
is not considered evidence that prohibited gear was used to take the 
spiny lobster, provided no prohibited gear is on board the vessel.
    (b) A spiny lobster may not be taken in a directed fishery by the 
use of a net or trawl. See Sec. 622.408(b)(4) for the bycatch limits 
applicable to a vessel that uses or has on board a net or trawl.
    (c) Poisons and explosives may not be used to take a spiny lobster 
in the EEZ. For the purposes of this paragraph (c), chlorine, bleach, 
and similar substances, which are used to flush a spiny lobster out of 
rocks or coral, are poisons. A vessel in the spiny lobster fishery may 
not possess on board in the EEZ any dynamite or similar explosive 
substance.
    (d) Except for black sea bass pots and golden crab traps as allowed 
in Sec. 622.188 and Sec. 622.248, respectively, the possession of all 
other traps is prohibited onboard a vessel in the South Atlantic EEZ 
when spiny lobster subject to the recreational bag and possession limits 
specified in Sec. 622.408 is also onboard the vessel. The recreational 
harvest of spiny lobster using a trap is prohibited in the South 
Atlantic EEZ.
    (e) In the EEZ off Florida, simultaneous possession of a bully net 
and any underwater breathing apparatus, not including dive masks or 
snorkels, onboard a vessel used to harvest or transport spiny lobster 
for commercial purposes is prohibited in accordance with Rule 68B-
24.007(5), Florida Administrative Code, in effect as of May 1, 2017 
(incorporated by reference, see Sec. 622.19). For the purpose of this 
paragraph, an

[[Page 429]]

``underwater breathing apparatus'' is any apparatus, whether self-
contained or connected to a distant source of air or other gas, whereby 
a person wholly or partially submerged in water is able to obtain or 
reuse air or any other gas or gasses for breathing without returning to 
the surface of the water.
    (f) In the EEZ off Florida, vessels that are or are required to be 
marked with or have identification associated with a bully net permit 
for the harvest of spiny lobster are prohibited from having trap pullers 
aboard, in accordance with Rule 68B-24.006(8), the Florida 
Administrative Code, in effect as of May 1, 2017 (incorporated by 
reference, see Sec. 622.19).

[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 83 FR 29047, June 22, 2018; 
84 FR 37152, July 31, 2019; 87 FR 56237, Sept. 13, 2022]



Sec. 622.405  Trap construction specifications and tending restrictions.

    (a) Construction specifications. In the EEZ, a spiny lobster trap 
may be no larger in dimension than 3 feet by 2 feet by 2 feet (91.4 cm 
by 61.0 cm by 61.0 cm), or the volume equivalent. A trap constructed of 
material other than wood must have a panel constructed of wood, cotton, 
or other material that will degrade at the same rate as a wooden trap. 
Such panel must be located in the upper half of the sides or on top of 
the trap, so that, when removed, there will be an opening in the trap no 
smaller than the diameter found at the throat or entrance of the trap.
    (b) Tending restrictions. (1) A spiny lobster trap in the EEZ may be 
pulled or tended during daylight hours only, that is, from 1 hour before 
official sunrise to 1 hour after official sunset.
    (2) A spiny lobster trap in the EEZ may be pulled or tended only by 
the owner's vessel, except that permission to pull or work traps 
belonging to another person may be granted--
    (i) For traps in the EEZ off Florida, by the Division of Law 
Enforcement, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, in 
accordance with the procedures in Rule 68B-24.006(9), Florida 
Administrative Code, in effect as of May 1, 2017 (incorporated by 
reference, see Sec. 622.19).
    (ii) For traps in the EEZ, other than off Florida, by the RA, as may 
be arranged upon written request.

[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 84 FR 37152, July 31, 2019; 
87 FR 56237, Sept. 13, 2022]



Sec. 622.406  Areas closed to lobster trap gear.

    (a) Fishing with spiny lobster trap gear is prohibited year-round in 
the following areas bounded by rhumb lines connecting, in order, the 
points listed.
    (1) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 1.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  North lat.            West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A...........................  24[deg]31[min]15.002  81[deg]31[min]00.000
                               [sec]                 [sec]
B...........................  24[deg]31[min]15.002  81[deg]31[min]19.994
                               [sec]                 [sec]
C...........................  24[deg]31[min]29.999  81[deg]31[min]19.994
                               [sec]                 [sec]
D...........................  24[deg]31[min]29.999  81[deg]31[min]00.000
                               [sec]                 [sec]
A...........................  24[deg]31[min]15.002  81[deg]31[min]00.000
                               [sec]                 [sec]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 2.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  North lat.            West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A...........................  24[deg]31[min]20.205  81[deg]30[min]17.213
                               [sec]                 [sec]
B...........................  24[deg]31[min]17.858  81[deg]30[min]27.700
                               [sec]                 [sec]
C...........................  24[deg]31[min]27.483  81[deg]30[min]30.204
                               [sec]                 [sec]
D...........................  24[deg]31[min]29.831  81[deg]30[min]19.483
                               [sec]                 [sec]
A...........................  24[deg]31[min]20.205  81[deg]30[min]17.213
                               [sec]                 [sec]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (3) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 3.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  North lat.            West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A...........................  24[deg]31[min]42.665  81[deg]30[min]02.892
                               [sec]                 [sec]
B...........................  24[deg]31[min]45.013  81[deg]29[min]52.093
                               [sec]                 [sec]
C...........................  24[deg]31[min]34.996  81[deg]29[min]49.745
                               [sec]                 [sec]
D...........................  24[deg]31[min]32.335  81[deg]30[min]00.466
                               [sec]                 [sec]
A...........................  24[deg]31[min]42.665  81[deg]30[min]02.892
                               [sec]                 [sec]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (4) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 4.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  North lat.            West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A...........................  24[deg]31[min]50.996  81[deg]28[min]39.999
                               [sec]                 [sec]
B...........................  24[deg]31[min]50.996  81[deg]29[min]03.002
                               [sec]                 [sec]
C...........................  24[deg]31[min]56.998  81[deg]29[min]03.002
                               [sec]                 [sec]
D...........................  24[deg]31[min]56.998  81[deg]28[min]39.999
                               [sec]                 [sec]
A...........................  24[deg]31[min]50.996  81[deg]28[min]39.999
                               [sec]                 [sec]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (5) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 5.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  North lat.            West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A...........................  24[deg]32[min]20.014  81[deg]26[min]20.390
                               [sec]                 [sec]
B...........................  24[deg]32[min]13.999  81[deg]26[min]41.999
                               [sec]                 [sec]
C...........................  24[deg]32[min]27.004  81[deg]26[min]45.611
                               [sec]                 [sec]
D...........................  24[deg]32[min]33.005  81[deg]26[min]23.995
                               [sec]                 [sec]
A...........................  24[deg]32[min]20.014  81[deg]26[min]20.390
                               [sec]                 [sec]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (6) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 6.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  North lat.            West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A...........................  24[deg]32[min]30.011  81[deg]24[min]47.000
                               [sec]                 [sec]
B...........................  24[deg]32[min]23.790  81[deg]24[min]56.558
                               [sec]                 [sec]
C...........................  24[deg]32[min]45.997  81[deg]25[min]10.998
                               [sec]                 [sec]

[[Page 430]]

 
D...........................  24[deg]32[min]52.218  81[deg]25[min]01.433
                               [sec]                 [sec]
A...........................  24[deg]32[min]30.011  81[deg]24[min]47.000
                               [sec]                 [sec]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (7) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 7.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  North lat.            West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A...........................  24[deg]32[min]46.834  81[deg]27[min]17.615
                               [sec]                 [sec]
B...........................  24[deg]32[min]41.835  81[deg]27[min]35.619
                               [sec]                 [sec]
C...........................  24[deg]32[min]54.003  81[deg]27[min]38.997
                               [sec]                 [sec]
D...........................  24[deg]32[min]59.002  81[deg]27[min]21.000
                               [sec]                 [sec]
A...........................  24[deg]32[min]46.834  81[deg]27[min]17.615
                               [sec]                 [sec]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (8) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 8.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  North lat.            West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A...........................  24[deg]33[min]10.002  81[deg]25[min]50.995
                               [sec]                 [sec]
B...........................  24[deg]33[min]04.000  81[deg]26[min]18.996
                               [sec]                 [sec]
C...........................  24[deg]33[min]17.253  81[deg]26[min]21.839
                               [sec]                 [sec]
D...........................  24[deg]33[min]23.254  81[deg]25[min]53.838
                               [sec]                 [sec]
A...........................  24[deg]33[min]10.002  81[deg]25[min]50.995
                               [sec]                 [sec]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (9) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 9.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  North lat.            West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A...........................  24[deg]33[min]22.004  81[deg]30[min]31.998
                               [sec]                 [sec]
B...........................  24[deg]33[min]22.004  81[deg]30[min]41.000
                               [sec]                 [sec]
C...........................  24[deg]33[min]29.008  81[deg]30[min]41.000
                               [sec]                 [sec]
D...........................  24[deg]33[min]29.008  81[deg]30[min]31.998
                               [sec]                 [sec]
A...........................  24[deg]33[min]22.004  81[deg]30[min]31.998
                               [sec]                 [sec]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (10) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 10.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  North lat.            West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A...........................  24[deg]33[min]33.004  81[deg]30[min]00.000
                               [sec]                 [sec]
B...........................  24[deg]33[min]33.004  81[deg]30[min]09.998
                               [sec]                 [sec]
C...........................  24[deg]33[min]41.999  81[deg]30[min]09.998
                               [sec]                 [sec]
D...........................  24[deg]33[min]41.999  81[deg]30[min]00.000
                               [sec]                 [sec]
A...........................  24[deg]33[min]33.004  81[deg]30[min]00.000
                               [sec]                 [sec]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (11) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 11.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  North lat.            West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A...........................  24[deg]33[min]50.376  81[deg]23[min]35.039
                               [sec]                 [sec]
B...........................  24[deg]33[min]27.003  81[deg]24[min]51.003
                               [sec]                 [sec]
C...........................  24[deg]33[min]40.008  81[deg]24[min]54.999
                               [sec]                 [sec]
D...........................  24[deg]34[min]03.382  81[deg]23[min]39.035
                               [sec]                 [sec]
A...........................  24[deg]33[min]50.376  81[deg]23[min]35.039
                               [sec]                 [sec]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (12) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 12.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  North lat.            West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A...........................  24[deg]34[min]00.003  81[deg]19[min]29.996
                               [sec]                 [sec]
B...........................  24[deg]34[min]00.003  81[deg]20[min]04.994
                               [sec]                 [sec]
C...........................  24[deg]34[min]24.997  81[deg]20[min]04.994
                               [sec]                 [sec]
D...........................  24[deg]34[min]24.997  81[deg]19[min]29.996
                               [sec]                 [sec]
A...........................  24[deg]34[min]00.003  81[deg]19[min]29.996
                               [sec]                 [sec]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (13) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 13.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  North lat.            West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A...........................  24[deg]35[min]19.997  81[deg]14[min]25.002
                               [sec]                 [sec]
B...........................  24[deg]35[min]19.997  81[deg]14[min]34.999
                               [sec]                 [sec]
C...........................  24[deg]35[min]29.006  81[deg]14[min]34.999
                               [sec]                 [sec]
D...........................  24[deg]35[min]29.006  81[deg]14[min]25.002
                               [sec]                 [sec]
A...........................  24[deg]35[min]19.997  81[deg]14[min]25.002
                               [sec]                 [sec]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (14) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 14.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  North lat.            West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A...........................  24[deg]44[min]37.004  80[deg]46[min]47.000
                               [sec]                 [sec]
B...........................  24[deg]44[min]37.004  80[deg]46[min]58.000
                               [sec]                 [sec]
C...........................  24[deg]44[min]47.002  80[deg]46[min]58.000
                               [sec]                 [sec]
D...........................  24[deg]44[min]47.002  80[deg]46[min]47.000
                               [sec]                 [sec]
A...........................  24[deg]44[min]37.004  80[deg]46[min]47.000
                               [sec]                 [sec]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (15) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 15.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  North lat.            West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A...........................  24[deg]49[min]53.946  80[deg]38[min]17.646
                               [sec]                 [sec]
B...........................  24[deg]48[min]32.331  80[deg]40[min]15.530
                               [sec]                 [sec]
C...........................  24[deg]48[min]44.389  80[deg]40[min]23.879
                               [sec]                 [sec]
D...........................  24[deg]50[min]06.004  80[deg]38[min]26.003
                               [sec]                 [sec]
A...........................  24[deg]49[min]53.946  80[deg]38[min]17.646
                               [sec]                 [sec]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (16) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 16.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  North lat.            West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A...........................  24[deg]53[min]32.085  80[deg]33[min]22.065
                               [sec]                 [sec]
B...........................  24[deg]53[min]38.992  80[deg]33[min]14.670
                               [sec]                 [sec]
C...........................  24[deg]53[min]31.673  80[deg]33[min]07.155
                               [sec]                 [sec]
D...........................  24[deg]53[min]24.562  80[deg]33[min]14.886
                               [sec]                 [sec]
A...........................  24[deg]53[min]32.085  80[deg]33[min]22.065
                               [sec]                 [sec]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (17) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 17.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  North lat.            West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A...........................  24[deg]53[min]33.410  80[deg]32[min]50.247
                               [sec]                 [sec]
B...........................  24[deg]53[min]40.149  80[deg]32[min]42.309
                               [sec]                 [sec]
C...........................  24[deg]53[min]32.418  80[deg]32[min]35.653
                               [sec]                 [sec]
D...........................  24[deg]53[min]25.348  80[deg]32[min]43.302
                               [sec]                 [sec]
A...........................  24[deg]53[min]33.410  80[deg]32[min]50.247
                               [sec]                 [sec]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (18) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 18.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  North lat.            West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A...........................  24[deg]54[min]06.317  80[deg]32[min]34.115
                               [sec]                 [sec]
B...........................  24[deg]53[min]59.368  80[deg]32[min]41.542
                               [sec]                 [sec]
C...........................  24[deg]54[min]06.667  80[deg]32[min]48.994
                               [sec]                 [sec]
D...........................  24[deg]54[min]13.917  80[deg]32[min]41.238
                               [sec]                 [sec]
A...........................  24[deg]54[min]06.317  80[deg]32[min]34.115
                               [sec]                 [sec]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (19) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 19.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  North lat.            West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A...........................  24[deg]54[min]06.000  80[deg]31[min]33.995
                               [sec]                 [sec]
B...........................  24[deg]54[min]06.000  80[deg]31[min]45.002
                               [sec]                 [sec]
C...........................  24[deg]54[min]36.006  80[deg]31[min]45.002
                               [sec]                 [sec]
D...........................  24[deg]54[min]36.006  80[deg]31[min]33.995
                               [sec]                 [sec]

[[Page 431]]

 
A...........................  24[deg]54[min]06.000  80[deg]31[min]33.995
                               [sec]                 [sec]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (20) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 20.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  North lat.            West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A...........................  24[deg]56[min]21.104  80[deg]28[min]52.331
                               [sec]                 [sec]
B...........................  24[deg]56[min]17.012  80[deg]29[min]05.995
                               [sec]                 [sec]
C...........................  24[deg]56[min]26.996  80[deg]29[min]08.996
                               [sec]                 [sec]
D...........................  24[deg]56[min]31.102  80[deg]28[min]55.325
                               [sec]                 [sec]
A...........................  24[deg]56[min]21.104  80[deg]28[min]52.331
                               [sec]                 [sec]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (21) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 21.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  North lat.            West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A...........................  24[deg]56[min]53.006  80[deg]27[min]46.997
                               [sec]                 [sec]
B...........................  24[deg]56[min]21.887  80[deg]28[min]25.367
                               [sec]                 [sec]
C...........................  24[deg]56[min]35.002  80[deg]28[min]36.003
                               [sec]                 [sec]
D...........................  24[deg]57[min]06.107  80[deg]27[min]57.626
                               [sec]                 [sec]
A...........................  24[deg]56[min]53.006  80[deg]27[min]46.997
                               [sec]                 [sec]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (22) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 22.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  North lat.            West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A...........................  24[deg]57[min]35.001  80[deg]27[min]14.999
                               [sec]                 [sec]
B...........................  24[deg]57[min]28.011  80[deg]27[min]21.000
                               [sec]                 [sec]
C...........................  24[deg]57[min]33.999  80[deg]27[min]27.997
                               [sec]                 [sec]
D...........................  24[deg]57[min]40.200  80[deg]27[min]21.106
                               [sec]                 [sec]
A...........................  24[deg]57[min]35.001  80[deg]27[min]14.999
                               [sec]                 [sec]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (23) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 23.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  North lat.            West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A...........................  24[deg]58[min]58.154  80[deg]26[min]03.911
                               [sec]                 [sec]
B...........................  24[deg]58[min]48.005  80[deg]26[min]10.001
                               [sec]                 [sec]
C...........................  24[deg]58[min]52.853  80[deg]26[min]18.090
                               [sec]                 [sec]
D...........................  24[deg]59[min]03.002  80[deg]26[min]11.999
                               [sec]                 [sec]
A...........................  24[deg]58[min]58.154  80[deg]26[min]03.911
                               [sec]                 [sec]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (24) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 24.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  North lat.            West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A...........................  24[deg]59[min]17.009  80[deg]24[min]32.999
                               [sec]                 [sec]
B...........................  24[deg]58[min]41.001  80[deg]25[min]21.998
                               [sec]                 [sec]
C...........................  24[deg]58[min]57.591  80[deg]25[min]34.186
                               [sec]                 [sec]
D...........................  24[deg]59[min]33.598  80[deg]24[min]45.187
                               [sec]                 [sec]
A...........................  24[deg]59[min]17.009  80[deg]24[min]32.999
                               [sec]                 [sec]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (25) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 25.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  North lat.            West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A...........................  24[deg]59[min]44.008  80[deg]25[min]38.999
                               [sec]                 [sec]
B...........................  24[deg]59[min]27.007  80[deg]25[min]48.997
                               [sec]                 [sec]
C...........................  24[deg]59[min]32.665  80[deg]25[min]58.610
                               [sec]                 [sec]
D...........................  24[deg]59[min]49.666  80[deg]25[min]48.612
                               [sec]                 [sec]
A...........................  24[deg]59[min]44.008  80[deg]25[min]38.999
                               [sec]                 [sec]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (26) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 26.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  North lat.            West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A...........................  25[deg]01[min]00.006  80[deg]21[min]55.002
                               [sec]                 [sec]
B...........................  25[deg]01[min]00.006  80[deg]22[min]11.996
                               [sec]                 [sec]
C...........................  25[deg]01[min]18.010  80[deg]22[min]11.996
                               [sec]                 [sec]
D...........................  25[deg]01[min]18.010  80[deg]21[min]55.002
                               [sec]                 [sec]
A...........................  25[deg]01[min]00.006  80[deg]21[min]55.002
                               [sec]                 [sec]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (27) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 27.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  North lat.            West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A...........................  25[deg]01[min]34.997  80[deg]23[min]12.998
                               [sec]                 [sec]
B...........................  25[deg]01[min]18.010  80[deg]23[min]44.000
                               [sec]                 [sec]
C...........................  25[deg]01[min]22.493  80[deg]23[min]46.473
                               [sec]                 [sec]
D...........................  25[deg]01[min]36.713  80[deg]23[min]37.665
                               [sec]                 [sec]
E...........................  25[deg]01[min]46.657  80[deg]23[min]19.390
                               [sec]                 [sec]
A...........................  25[deg]01[min]34.997  80[deg]23[min]12.998
                               [sec]                 [sec]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (28) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 28.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  North lat.            West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A...........................  25[deg]01[min]38.005  80[deg]21[min]25.998
                               [sec]                 [sec]
B...........................  25[deg]01[min]28.461  80[deg]21[min]46.158
                               [sec]                 [sec]
C...........................  25[deg]01[min]45.009  80[deg]21[min]53.999
                               [sec]                 [sec]
D...........................  25[deg]01[min]54.553  80[deg]21[min]33.839
                               [sec]                 [sec]
A...........................  25[deg]01[min]38.005  80[deg]21[min]25.998
                               [sec]                 [sec]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (29) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 29.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  North lat.            West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A...........................  25[deg]01[min]53.001  80[deg]23[min]08.995
                               [sec]                 [sec]
B...........................  25[deg]01[min]53.001  80[deg]23[min]17.997
                               [sec]                 [sec]
C...........................  25[deg]02[min]01.008  80[deg]23[min]17.997
                               [sec]                 [sec]
D...........................  25[deg]02[min]01.008  80[deg]23[min]08.995
                               [sec]                 [sec]
A...........................  25[deg]01[min]53.001  80[deg]23[min]08.995
                               [sec]                 [sec]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (30) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 30.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  North lat.            West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A...........................  25[deg]02[min]20.000  80[deg]22[min]11.001
                               [sec]                 [sec]
B...........................  25[deg]02[min]10.003  80[deg]22[min]50.002
                               [sec]                 [sec]
C...........................  25[deg]02[min]22.252  80[deg]22[min]53.140
                               [sec]                 [sec]
D...........................  25[deg]02[min]32.250  80[deg]22[min]14.138
                               [sec]                 [sec]
A...........................  25[deg]02[min]20.000  80[deg]22[min]11.001
                               [sec]                 [sec]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (31) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 31.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  North lat.            West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A...........................  25[deg]02[min]29.503  80[deg]20[min]30.503
                               [sec]                 [sec]
B...........................  25[deg]02[min]16.498  80[deg]20[min]43.501
                               [sec]                 [sec]
C...........................  25[deg]02[min]24.999  80[deg]20[min]52.002
                               [sec]                 [sec]
D...........................  25[deg]02[min]38.004  80[deg]20[min]38.997
                               [sec]                 [sec]
A...........................  25[deg]02[min]29.503  80[deg]20[min]30.503
                               [sec]                 [sec]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (32) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 32.

[[Page 432]]



------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  North lat.            West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A...........................  25[deg]02[min]34.008  80[deg]21[min]57.000
                               [sec]                 [sec]
B...........................  25[deg]02[min]34.008  80[deg]22[min]14.997
                               [sec]                 [sec]
C...........................  25[deg]02[min]50.007  80[deg]22[min]14.997
                               [sec]                 [sec]
D...........................  25[deg]02[min]50.007  80[deg]21[min]57.000
                               [sec]                 [sec]
A...........................  25[deg]02[min]34.008  80[deg]21[min]57.000
                               [sec]                 [sec]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (33) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 33.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  North lat.            West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A...........................  25[deg]03[min]11.294  80[deg]21[min]36.864
                               [sec]                 [sec]
B...........................  25[deg]03[min]02.540  80[deg]21[min]43.143
                               [sec]                 [sec]
C...........................  25[deg]03[min]08.999  80[deg]21[min]51.994
                               [sec]                 [sec]
D...........................  25[deg]03[min]17.446  80[deg]21[min]45.554
                               [sec]                 [sec]
A...........................  25[deg]03[min]11.294  80[deg]21[min]36.864
                               [sec]                 [sec]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (34) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 34.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  North lat.            West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A...........................  25[deg]03[min]30.196  80[deg]21[min]34.263
                               [sec]                 [sec]
B...........................  25[deg]03[min]39.267  80[deg]21[min]29.506
                               [sec]                 [sec]
C...........................  25[deg]03[min]35.334  80[deg]21[min]19.801
                               [sec]                 [sec]
D...........................  25[deg]03[min]26.200  80[deg]21[min]24.304
                               [sec]                 [sec]
A...........................  25[deg]03[min]30.196  80[deg]21[min]34.263
                               [sec]                 [sec]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (35) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 35.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  North lat.            West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A...........................  25[deg]03[min]26.001  80[deg]19[min]43.001
                               [sec]                 [sec]
B...........................  25[deg]03[min]26.001  80[deg]19[min]54.997
                               [sec]                 [sec]
C...........................  25[deg]03[min]41.011  80[deg]19[min]54.997
                               [sec]                 [sec]
D...........................  25[deg]03[min]41.011  80[deg]19[min]43.001
                               [sec]                 [sec]
A...........................  25[deg]03[min]26.001  80[deg]19[min]43.001
                               [sec]                 [sec]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (36) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 36.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  North lat.            West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A...........................  25[deg]07[min]03.008  80[deg]17[min]57.999
                               [sec]                 [sec]
B...........................  25[deg]07[min]03.008  80[deg]18[min]10.002
                               [sec]                 [sec]
C...........................  25[deg]07[min]14.997  80[deg]18[min]10.002
                               [sec]                 [sec]
D...........................  25[deg]07[min]14.997  80[deg]17[min]57.999
                               [sec]                 [sec]
A...........................  25[deg]07[min]03.008  80[deg]17[min]57.999
                               [sec]                 [sec]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (37) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 37.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  North lat.            West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A...........................  25[deg]07[min]51.156  80[deg]17[min]27.910
                               [sec]                 [sec]
B...........................  25[deg]07[min]35.857  80[deg]17[min]37.091
                               [sec]                 [sec]
C...........................  25[deg]07[min]43.712  80[deg]17[min]50.171
                               [sec]                 [sec]
D...........................  25[deg]07[min]59.011  80[deg]17[min]40.998
                               [sec]                 [sec]
A...........................  25[deg]07[min]51.156  80[deg]17[min]27.910
                               [sec]                 [sec]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (38) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 38.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  North lat.            West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A...........................  25[deg]08[min]12.002  80[deg]17[min]09.996
                               [sec]                 [sec]
B...........................  25[deg]07[min]55.001  80[deg]17[min]26.997
                               [sec]                 [sec]
C...........................  25[deg]08[min]04.998  80[deg]17[min]36.995
                               [sec]                 [sec]
D...........................  25[deg]08[min]22.000  80[deg]17[min]20.000
                               [sec]                 [sec]
A...........................  25[deg]08[min]12.002  80[deg]17[min]09.996
                               [sec]                 [sec]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (39) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 39.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  North lat.            West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A...........................  25[deg]08[min]18.003  80[deg]17[min]34.001
                               [sec]                 [sec]
B...........................  25[deg]08[min]18.003  80[deg]17[min]45.997
                               [sec]                 [sec]
C...........................  25[deg]08[min]29.003  80[deg]17[min]45.997
                               [sec]                 [sec]
D...........................  25[deg]08[min]29.003  80[deg]17[min]34.001
                               [sec]                 [sec]
A...........................  25[deg]08[min]18.003  80[deg]17[min]34.001
                               [sec]                 [sec]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (40) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 40.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  North lat.            West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A...........................  25[deg]08[min]45.002  80[deg]15[min]50.002
                               [sec]                 [sec]
B...........................  25[deg]08[min]37.999  80[deg]15[min]56.998
                               [sec]                 [sec]
C...........................  25[deg]08[min]42.009  80[deg]16[min]00.995
                               [sec]                 [sec]
D...........................  25[deg]08[min]48.999  80[deg]15[min]53.998
                               [sec]                 [sec]
A...........................  25[deg]08[min]45.002  80[deg]15[min]50.002
                               [sec]                 [sec]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (41) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 41.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  North lat.            West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A...........................  25[deg]08[min]58.007  80[deg]17[min]24.999
                               [sec]                 [sec]
B...........................  25[deg]08[min]58.007  80[deg]17[min]35.999
                               [sec]                 [sec]
C...........................  25[deg]09[min]09.007  80[deg]17[min]35.999
                               [sec]                 [sec]
D...........................  25[deg]09[min]09.007  80[deg]17[min]24.999
                               [sec]                 [sec]
A...........................  25[deg]08[min]58.007  80[deg]17[min]24.999
                               [sec]                 [sec]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (42) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 42.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  North lat.            West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A...........................  25[deg]09[min]10.999  80[deg]16[min]00.000
                               [sec]                 [sec]
B...........................  25[deg]09[min]10.999  80[deg]16[min]09.997
                               [sec]                 [sec]
C...........................  25[deg]09[min]20.996  80[deg]16[min]09.997
                               [sec]                 [sec]
D...........................  25[deg]09[min]20.996  80[deg]16[min]00.000
                               [sec]                 [sec]
A...........................  25[deg]09[min]10.999  80[deg]16[min]00.000
                               [sec]                 [sec]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (43) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 43.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  North lat.            West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A...........................  25[deg]09[min]28.316  80[deg]17[min]03.713
                               [sec]                 [sec]
B...........................  25[deg]09[min]14.006  80[deg]17[min]17.000
                               [sec]                 [sec]
C...........................  25[deg]09[min]21.697  80[deg]17[min]25.280
                               [sec]                 [sec]
D...........................  25[deg]09[min]36.006  80[deg]17[min]12.001
                               [sec]                 [sec]
A...........................  25[deg]09[min]28.316  80[deg]17[min]03.713
                               [sec]                 [sec]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (44) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 44.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  North lat.            West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A...........................  25[deg]10[min]00.011  80[deg]16[min]06.000
                               [sec]                 [sec]
B...........................  25[deg]10[min]00.011  80[deg]16[min]17.000
                               [sec]                 [sec]
C...........................  25[deg]10[min]09.995  80[deg]16[min]17.000
                               [sec]                 [sec]
D...........................  25[deg]10[min]09.995  80[deg]16[min]06.000
                               [sec]                 [sec]
A...........................  25[deg]10[min]00.011  80[deg]16[min]06.000
                               [sec]                 [sec]
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 433]]

    (45) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 45.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  North lat.            West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A...........................  25[deg]10[min]29.002  80[deg]15[min]52.995
                               [sec]                 [sec]
B...........................  25[deg]10[min]29.002  80[deg]16[min]04.002
                               [sec]                 [sec]
C...........................  25[deg]10[min]37.997  80[deg]16[min]04.002
                               [sec]                 [sec]
D...........................  25[deg]10[min]37.997  80[deg]15[min]52.995
                               [sec]                 [sec]
A...........................  25[deg]10[min]29.002  80[deg]15[min]52.995
                               [sec]                 [sec]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (46) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 46.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  North lat.            West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A...........................  25[deg]11[min]05.998  80[deg]14[min]25.997
                               [sec]                 [sec]
B...........................  25[deg]11[min]05.998  80[deg]14[min]38.000
                               [sec]                 [sec]
C...........................  25[deg]11[min]20.006  80[deg]14[min]38.000
                               [sec]                 [sec]
D...........................  25[deg]11[min]20.006  80[deg]14[min]25.997
                               [sec]                 [sec]
A...........................  25[deg]11[min]05.998  80[deg]14[min]25.997
                               [sec]                 [sec]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (47) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 47.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  North lat.            West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A...........................  25[deg]12[min]00.998  80[deg]13[min]24.996
                               [sec]                 [sec]
B...........................  25[deg]11[min]43.008  80[deg]13[min]35.000
                               [sec]                 [sec]
C...........................  25[deg]11[min]48.007  80[deg]13[min]44.002
                               [sec]                 [sec]
D...........................  25[deg]12[min]06.011  80[deg]13[min]33.998
                               [sec]                 [sec]
A...........................  25[deg]12[min]00.998  80[deg]13[min]24.996
                               [sec]                 [sec]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (48) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 48.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  North lat.            West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A...........................  25[deg]12[min]18.343  80[deg]14[min]32.768
                               [sec]                 [sec]
B...........................  25[deg]12[min]02.001  80[deg]14[min]44.001
                               [sec]                 [sec]
C...........................  25[deg]12[min]07.659  80[deg]14[min]52.234
                               [sec]                 [sec]
D...........................  25[deg]12[min]24.001  80[deg]14[min]41.001
                               [sec]                 [sec]
A...........................  25[deg]12[min]18.343  80[deg]14[min]32.768
                               [sec]                 [sec]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (49) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 49.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  North lat.            West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A...........................  25[deg]15[min]23.998  80[deg]12[min]29.000
                               [sec]                 [sec]
B...........................  25[deg]15[min]04.676  80[deg]12[min]36.120
                               [sec]                 [sec]
C...........................  25[deg]15[min]09.812  80[deg]12[min]50.066
                               [sec]                 [sec]
D...........................  25[deg]15[min]29.148  80[deg]12[min]42.946
                               [sec]                 [sec]
A...........................  25[deg]15[min]23.998  80[deg]12[min]29.000
                               [sec]                 [sec]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (50) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 50.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  North lat.            West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A...........................  25[deg]16[min]01.997  80[deg]12[min]32.996
                               [sec]                 [sec]
B...........................  25[deg]15[min]33.419  80[deg]12[min]52.394
                               [sec]                 [sec]
C...........................  25[deg]15[min]44.007  80[deg]13[min]08.001
                               [sec]                 [sec]
D...........................  25[deg]16[min]12.585  80[deg]12[min]48.597
                               [sec]                 [sec]
A...........................  25[deg]16[min]01.997  80[deg]12[min]32.996
                               [sec]                 [sec]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (51) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 51.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  North lat.            West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A...........................  25[deg]16[min]33.006  80[deg]13[min]30.001
                               [sec]                 [sec]
B...........................  25[deg]16[min]33.006  80[deg]13[min]41.001
                               [sec]                 [sec]
C...........................  25[deg]16[min]34.425  80[deg]13[min]41.026
                               [sec]                 [sec]
D...........................  25[deg]16[min]41.850  80[deg]13[min]37.475
                               [sec]                 [sec]
E...........................  25[deg]16[min]42.001  80[deg]13[min]30.001
                               [sec]                 [sec]
A...........................  25[deg]16[min]33.006  80[deg]13[min]30.001
                               [sec]                 [sec]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (52) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 52.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  North lat.            West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A...........................  25[deg]17[min]04.715  80[deg]12[min]11.305
                               [sec]                 [sec]
B...........................  25[deg]16[min]17.007  80[deg]12[min]27.997
                               [sec]                 [sec]
C...........................  25[deg]16[min]23.997  80[deg]12[min]47.999
                               [sec]                 [sec]
D...........................  25[deg]17[min]11.705  80[deg]12[min]31.300
                               [sec]                 [sec]
A...........................  25[deg]17[min]04.715  80[deg]12[min]11.305
                               [sec]                 [sec]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (53) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 53.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  North lat.            West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A...........................  25[deg]17[min]23.008  80[deg]12[min]40.000
                               [sec]                 [sec]
B...........................  25[deg]17[min]23.008  80[deg]12[min]49.997
                               [sec]                 [sec]
C...........................  25[deg]17[min]33.005  80[deg]12[min]49.997
                               [sec]                 [sec]
D...........................  25[deg]17[min]33.005  80[deg]12[min]40.000
                               [sec]                 [sec]
A...........................  25[deg]17[min]23.008  80[deg]12[min]40.000
                               [sec]                 [sec]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (54) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 54.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  North lat.            West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A...........................  25[deg]20[min]57.996  80[deg]09[min]50.000
                               [sec]                 [sec]
B...........................  25[deg]20[min]57.996  80[deg]10[min]00.000
                               [sec]                 [sec]
C...........................  25[deg]21[min]07.005  80[deg]10[min]00.000
                               [sec]                 [sec]
D...........................  25[deg]21[min]07.005  80[deg]09[min]50.000
                               [sec]                 [sec]
A...........................  25[deg]20[min]57.996  80[deg]09[min]50.000
                               [sec]                 [sec]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (55) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 55.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  North lat.            West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A...........................  25[deg]21[min]45.004  80[deg]09[min]51.998
                               [sec]                 [sec]
B...........................  25[deg]21[min]38.124  80[deg]09[min]56.722
                               [sec]                 [sec]
C...........................  25[deg]21[min]49.124  80[deg]10[min]12.728
                               [sec]                 [sec]
D...........................  25[deg]21[min]56.004  80[deg]10[min]07.997
                               [sec]                 [sec]
A...........................  25[deg]21[min]45.004  80[deg]09[min]51.998
                               [sec]                 [sec]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (56) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 56.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  North lat.            West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A...........................  25[deg]21[min]49.000  80[deg]09[min]21.999
                               [sec]                 [sec]
B...........................  25[deg]21[min]49.000  80[deg]09[min]31.996
                               [sec]                 [sec]
C...........................  25[deg]21[min]58.998  80[deg]09[min]31.996
                               [sec]                 [sec]
D...........................  25[deg]21[min]58.998  80[deg]09[min]21.999
                               [sec]                 [sec]
A...........................  25[deg]21[min]49.000  80[deg]09[min]21.999
                               [sec]                 [sec]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (57) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 57.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  North lat.            West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A...........................  25[deg]24[min]31.008  80[deg]07[min]36.997
                               [sec]                 [sec]
B...........................  25[deg]24[min]31.008  80[deg]07[min]48.999
                               [sec]                 [sec]
C...........................  25[deg]24[min]41.005  80[deg]07[min]48.999
                               [sec]                 [sec]
D...........................  25[deg]24[min]41.005  80[deg]07[min]36.997
                               [sec]                 [sec]

[[Page 434]]

 
A...........................  25[deg]24[min]31.008  80[deg]07[min]36.997
                               [sec]                 [sec]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (58) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 58.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  North lat.            West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A...........................  25[deg]25[min]14.005  80[deg]07[min]27.995
                               [sec]                 [sec]
B...........................  25[deg]25[min]14.005  80[deg]07[min]44.001
                               [sec]                 [sec]
C...........................  25[deg]25[min]26.008  80[deg]07[min]44.001
                               [sec]                 [sec]
D...........................  25[deg]25[min]26.008  80[deg]07[min]27.995
                               [sec]                 [sec]
A...........................  25[deg]25[min]14.005  80[deg]07[min]27.995
                               [sec]                 [sec]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (59) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 59.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  North lat.            West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A...........................  25[deg]35[min]13.996  80[deg]05[min]39.999
                               [sec]                 [sec]
B...........................  25[deg]35[min]13.996  80[deg]05[min]50.999
                               [sec]                 [sec]
C...........................  25[deg]35[min]24.007  80[deg]05[min]50.999
                               [sec]                 [sec]
D...........................  25[deg]35[min]24.007  80[deg]05[min]39.999
                               [sec]                 [sec]
A...........................  25[deg]35[min]13.996  80[deg]05[min]39.999
                               [sec]                 [sec]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (60) Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 60.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  North lat.            West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A...........................  25[deg]40[min]57.003  80[deg]05[min]43.000
                               [sec]                 [sec]
B...........................  25[deg]40[min]57.003  80[deg]05[min]54.000
                               [sec]                 [sec]
C...........................  25[deg]41[min]06.550  80[deg]05[min]53.980
                               [sec]                 [sec]
D...........................  25[deg]41[min]18.136  80[deg]05[min]49.158
                               [sec]                 [sec]
E...........................  25[deg]41[min]18.001  80[deg]05[min]43.000
                               [sec]                 [sec]
A...........................  25[deg]40[min]57.003  80[deg]05[min]43.000
                               [sec]                 [sec]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (b) [Reserved]



Sec. 622.407  Minimum size limits and other harvest limitations.

    (a) Minimum size limits. (1) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of 
this section--
    (i) No person may possess a spiny lobster in or from the EEZ with a 
carapace length of 3.0 inches (7.62 cm) or less; and
    (ii) A spiny lobster, harvested in the EEZ by means other than 
diving, with a carapace length of 3.0 inches (7.62 cm) or less must be 
returned immediately to the water unharmed.
    (2) No person may harvest or attempt to harvest a spiny lobster by 
diving in the EEZ unless he or she possesses, while in the water, a 
measuring device capable of measuring the carapace length. A spiny 
lobster captured by a diver must be measured in the water using such 
measuring device and, if the spiny lobster has a carapace length of 3.0 
inches (7.62 cm) or less, it must be released unharmed immediately 
without removal from the water.
    (3) Aboard a vessel authorized under paragraph (d) of this section 
to possess a separated spiny lobster tail, no person may possess in or 
from the EEZ a separated spiny lobster tail with a tail length less than 
5.5 inches (13.97 cm).
    (b) Berried lobsters. A berried (egg-bearing) spiny lobster in or 
from the EEZ must be returned immediately to the water unharmed. If 
found in a trap in the EEZ, a berried spiny lobster may not be retained 
in the trap. A berried spiny lobster in or from the EEZ may not be 
stripped of its eggs or otherwise molested. The possession of a spiny 
lobster, or part thereof, in or from the EEZ from which eggs, 
swimmerettes, or pleopods have been removed or stripped is prohibited.
    (c) Undersized attractants. A live spiny lobster under the minimum 
size limit specified in paragraph (a)(1) of this section that is 
harvested in the EEZ by a trap may be retained aboard the harvesting 
vessel for future use as an attractant in a trap provided it is held in 
a live well aboard the vessel. The live well must provide a minimum of 
\3/4\ gallons (1.7 liters) of seawater per spiny lobster. An undersized 
spiny lobster so retained must be released to the water alive and 
unharmed immediately upon leaving the trap lines and prior to 1 hour 
after official sunset each day. No more than 50 undersized spiny 
lobsters plus 1 per trap aboard the vessel may be retained aboard for 
use as attractants.
    (d) Tail separation. (1) The possession aboard a fishing vessel of a 
separated spiny lobster tail in or from the EEZ, is authorized only when 
the possession is incidental to fishing exclusively in the EEZ on a trip 
of 48 hours or more and a valid Federal tail-separation permit, and 
either a valid Federal vessel permit for spiny lobster or a valid 
Florida Saltwater Products License with a valid Florida Restricted 
Species Endorsement and a valid Crawfish Endorsement, as specified in 
Sec. 622.400(a)(2), has been issued to and are on board the vessel.
    (2) Spiny lobster must be landed either all whole or all tailed on a 
single fishing trip.

[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 83 FR 29047, June 22, 2018]

[[Page 435]]



Sec. 622.408  Bag/possession limits.

    (a) EEZ off the southern Atlantic states, other than Florida. The 
daily bag or possession limit for spiny lobster in or from the EEZ off 
the southern Atlantic states, other than Florida, is two per person for 
commercial and recreational fishing, year-round.
    (b) EEZ off Florida and off the Gulf states, other than Florida--(1) 
Commercial and recreational fishing season. Except as specified in 
paragraphs (b)(3) and (4) of this section, during the commercial and 
recreational fishing season specified in Sec. 622.403(b)(1), the daily 
bag or possession limit of spiny lobster in or from the EEZ off Florida 
and off the Gulf states, other than Florida, is six per person.
    (2) Special recreational fishing seasons. During the special 
recreational fishing seasons specified in Sec. 622.403(b)(2), the daily 
bag or possession limit of spiny lobster--
    (i) In or from the EEZ off the Gulf states, other than Florida, is 
six per person;
    (ii) In or from the EEZ off Florida other than off Monroe County, 
Florida, is twelve per person; and
    (iii) In or from the EEZ off Monroe County, Florida, is six per 
person.
    (3) Exemption from the bag/possession limit. During the commercial 
and recreational fishing season specified in Sec. 622.403(b)(1), a 
person is exempt from the bag and possession limit specified in 
paragraph (b)(1) of this section, provided--
    (i) The harvest of spiny lobsters is by diving, or by the use of a 
bully net, hoop net, or spiny lobster trap; and
    (ii) The vessel from which the person is operating has on board the 
required licenses, certificates, or permits, as specified in Sec. 
622.400(a)(1).
    (4) Harvest by net or trawl. During the commercial and recreational 
fishing season specified in Sec. 622.403(b)(1), aboard a vessel with 
the required licenses, certificates, or permits specified in Sec. 
622.400(a)(1) that harvests spiny lobster by net or trawl or has on 
board a net or trawl, the possession of spiny lobster in or from the EEZ 
off Florida and off the Gulf states, other than Florida, may not exceed 
at any time 5 percent, whole weight, of the total whole weight of all 
fish lawfully in possession on board such vessel. If such vessel 
lawfully possesses a separated spiny lobster tail, the possession of 
spiny lobster in or from the EEZ may not exceed at any time 1.6 percent, 
by weight of the spiny lobster or parts thereof, of the total whole 
weight of all fish lawfully in possession on board such vessel. For the 
purposes of this paragraph (b)(4), the term ``net or trawl'' does not 
include a hand-held net, a loading or dip net, a bully net, or a hoop 
net.
    (5) Harvest by diving. (i) The commercial daily harvest and 
possession limit of spiny lobster harvested by diving in or from the EEZ 
off Broward, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Collier, and Lee Counties, Florida, is 
250 spiny lobster per vessel.
    (ii) Diving at night. The provisions of paragraph (b)(3) of this 
section notwithstanding, a person who harvests spiny lobster in the EEZ 
by diving at night, that is, from 1 hour after official sunset to 1 hour 
before official sunrise, is limited to the bag limit specified in 
paragraph (b)(1) of this section, whether or not a Federal vessel permit 
specified in Sec. 622.400(a)(1) has been issued to and is on board the 
vessel from which the diver is operating.
    (6) Harvest by bully nets in the EEZ off Florida. The commercial 
daily harvest and possession limit of spiny lobster harvested by bully 
net in the EEZ off Florida is 250 spiny lobsters per vessel.
    (c) Combination of bag/possession limits. A person who fishes for or 
possesses spiny lobster in or from the EEZ under a bag or possession 
limit specified in paragraph (a) or (b) of this section may not combine 
the bag or possession limits of those paragraphs or combine such bag or 
possession limit with a bag or possession limit applicable to state 
waters.
    (d) Responsibility for bag/possession limits. The operator of a 
vessel that fishes for or possesses spiny lobster in or from the EEZ is 
responsible for the cumulative bag or possession limit specified in 
paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section applicable to that vessel, based 
on the number of persons aboard.
    (e) Transfer at sea. A person who fishes for or possesses spiny 
lobster in or from the EEZ under a bag or possession limit specified in 
paragraph (a) or

[[Page 436]]

(b) of this section may not transfer a spiny lobster at sea from a 
fishing vessel to any other vessel, and no person may receive at sea 
such spiny lobster.

[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 84 FR 37152, July 31, 2019]



Sec. 622.409  Spiny lobster import prohibitions.

    (a) Minimum size limits for imported spiny lobster. Multiple minimum 
size limits apply to the importation of spiny lobster into the United 
States--one that applies any place subject to the jurisdiction of the 
United States other than Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands, and 
more restrictive minimum size limits that apply to Puerto Rico, St. 
Croix, and St. Thomas and St. John, respectively.
    (1) No person may import a spiny lobster with less than a 5-ounce 
(142-gram) tail weight into any place subject to the jurisdiction of the 
United States excluding Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. For the 
purposes of paragraph (a) of this section, a 5-ounce (142-gram) tail 
weight is defined as a tail that weighs 4.2-5.4 ounces (119-153 grams). 
If the documentation accompanying an imported spiny lobster (including 
but not limited to product packaging, customs entry forms, bills of 
lading, brokerage forms, or commercial invoices) indicates that the 
product does not satisfy the minimum tail-weight requirement, the person 
importing such spiny lobster has the burden to prove that such spiny 
lobster actually does satisfy the minimum tail-weight requirement or 
that such spiny lobster has a tail length of 5.5 inches (13.97 cm) or 
greater or that such spiny lobster has or had a carapace length of 
greater than 3.0 inches (7.62 cm). If the imported product itself does 
not satisfy the minimum tail-weight requirement, the person importing 
such spiny lobster has the burden to prove that such spiny lobster has a 
tail length of 5.5 inches (13.97 cm) or greater or that such spiny 
lobster has or had a carapace length of greater than 3.0 inches (7.62 
cm). If the burden is satisfied, such spiny lobster will be considered 
to be in compliance with the minimum 5-ounce (142-gram) tail-weight 
requirement.
    (2) See subparts S, T, and U of this part for the more restrictive 
minimum size limits that apply to spiny lobster imported into Puerto 
Rico, St. Croix, and St. Thomas and St. John, respectively.
    (b) Additional spiny lobster import prohibitions--(1) Prohibition 
related to tail meat. No person may import into any place subject to the 
jurisdiction of the United States spiny lobster tail meat that is not in 
whole tail form with the exoskeleton attached.
    (2) Prohibitions related to egg-bearing spiny lobster. No person may 
import into any place subject to the jurisdiction of the United States 
spiny lobster with eggs attached or spiny lobster from which eggs or 
pleopods (swimmerets) have been removed or stripped. Pleopods 
(swimmerets) are the first five pairs of abdominal appendages.

[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, amended at 87 FR 56217, Sept. 13, 2022]



Sec. 622.410  Restrictions within the Tortugas marine reserves.

    The following activities are prohibited within the Tortugas marine 
reserves: Fishing for any species and anchoring by fishing vessels.
    (a) EEZ portion of Tortugas North. The area is bounded by rhumb 
lines connecting the following points: From point A at 
24[deg]40[min]00[sec] N. lat., 83[deg]06[min]00[sec] W. long. to point B 
at 24[deg]46[min]00[sec] N. lat., 83[deg]06[min]00[sec] W. long. to 
point C at 24[deg]46[min]00[sec] N. lat., 83[deg]00[min]00[sec] W. 
long.; thence along the line denoting the seaward limit of Florida's 
waters, as shown on the current edition of NOAA chart 11438, to point A 
at 24[deg]40[min]00[sec] N. lat., 83[deg]06[min]00[sec] W. long.
    (b) Tortugas South. The area is bounded by rhumb lines connecting, 
in order, the following points:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  North lat.            West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A...........................  24[deg]33[min]00[sec  83[deg]09[min]00[sec
                               ]                     ]
B...........................  24[deg]33[min]00[sec  83[deg]05[min]00[sec
                               ]                     ]
C...........................  24[deg]18[min]00[sec  83[deg]05[min]00[sec
                               ]                     ]
D...........................  24[deg]18[min]00[sec  83[deg]09[min]00[sec
                               ]                     ]
A...........................  24[deg]33[min]00[sec  83[deg]09[min]00[sec
                               ]                     ]
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 437]]



Sec. 622.411  Annual catch limits (ACLs), annual catch targets (ACTs), and accountability measures (AMs).

    For recreational and commercial spiny lobster landings combined, the 
ACL is 9.60 million lb (4.35 million kg), whole weight. The ACT is 8.64 
million lb, (3.92 million kg) whole weight.

[83 FR 29047, June 22, 2018]



Sec. 622.412  Adjustment of management measures.

    In accordance with the framework procedures of the Fishery 
Management Plan for the Spiny Lobster Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico and 
South Atlantic, the RA may establish or modify the following items:
    (a) Reporting and monitoring requirements, permitting requirements, 
bag and possession limits, size limits, vessel trip limits, closed 
seasons, closed areas, reopening of sectors that have been prematurely 
closed, annual catch limits (ACLs), annual catch targets (ACTs), quotas, 
accountability measures (AMs), maximum sustainable yield (or proxy), 
optimum yield, total allowable catch (TAC), management parameters such 
as overfished and overfishing definitions, gear restrictions, gear 
markings and identification, vessel identification requirements, 
acceptable biological catch (ABC) and ABC control rule, rebuilding 
plans, and restrictions relative to conditions of harvested fish (such 
as tailing lobster, undersized attractants, and use as bait).
    (b) [Reserved]

[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 84 FR 37152, July 31, 2019]



Sec. Sec. 622.413--622.414  [Reserved]



Sec. 622.415  Limited exemption regarding harvest in waters of a foreign nation.

    (a) An owner or operator of a vessel that has legally harvested 
spiny lobsters in the waters of a foreign nation and possesses spiny 
lobster, or separated tails, in the EEZ incidental to such foreign 
harvesting is exempt from the requirements of this subpart, except for 
Sec. 622.409 with which such an owner or operator must comply, provided 
proof of lawful harvest in the waters of a foreign nation accompanies 
such lobsters or tails.
    (b) [Reserved]

[84 FR 37153, July 31, 2019]



Sec. 622.416  Restrictions on sale/purchase.

    (a) Spiny lobster harvested in or from the EEZ or adjoining state 
waters by a vessel that has a valid Federal commercial vessel permit for 
spiny lobster, as required under Sec. 622.400(a)(1), or a valid Federal 
tail-separation permit for spiny lobster, as required under Sec. 
622.400(a)(2), may be sold or transferred only to a dealer who has a 
valid Gulf and South Atlantic dealer permit, as required under Sec. 
622.400(a)(5).
    (b) Spiny lobster harvested in or from the EEZ may be first received 
by a dealer who has a valid Gulf and South Atlantic dealer permit, as 
required under Sec. 622.400(a)(5), only from a vessel that has a valid 
Federal commercial vessel permit for spiny lobster or a valid Federal 
tail-separation permit for spiny lobster.

[79 FR 19497, Apr. 9, 2014]



              Subpart S_FMP for the EEZ around Puerto Rico

    Source: 87 FR 56216, Sept. 13, 2022 unless otherwise noted.



Sec. 622.430  Management area.

    The management area is the EEZ around Puerto Rico bounded by rhumb 
lines connecting the following points and geographic instructions in 
order:

                        Table 1 to Sec. 622.430
------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Point                   North lat.          West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A (intersects with the            19[deg]37[min]29[s  65[deg]20[min]57[s
 international and EEZ boundary).  ec].                ec]
B...............................  18[deg]25[min]46.3  65[deg]06[min]31.8
                                   015[sec].           66[sec]
From Point B proceed southerly
 along the 3-nautical mile
 territorial boundary of the St.
 Thomas and St. John island
 group to Point C.
C...............................  18[deg]13[min]59.0  65[deg]05[min]33.0
                                   606[sec].           58[sec]
D...............................  18[deg]01[min]16.9  64[deg]57[min]38.8
                                   636[sec].           17[sec]
E...............................  17[deg]30[min]00.0  65[deg]20[min]00.1
                                   00[sec].            716[sec]
F...............................  16[deg]02[min]53.5  65[deg]20[min]00.1
                                   812[sec].           716[sec]

[[Page 438]]

 
From Point F proceed along the
 international and EEZ boundary
 southwesterly, then northerly,
 then easterly, and finally
 southerly to Point A.
A (intersects with the            19[deg]37[min]29[s  65[deg]20[min]57[s
 International and EEZ boundary).  ec].                ec]
------------------------------------------------------------------------



Sec. 622.431  Definitions.

    In addition to the definitions and acronyms in Sec. 622.2, the 
terms and acronyms used in this subpart have the following meanings:
    Coral means any or all species, or a part thereof, of coral 
occurring in the EEZ around Puerto Rico, including any or all species, 
or a part thereof, of soft corals and gorgonians in Order Alcyonacea; 
sea pens and sea pansies in Order Pennatulacea; black corals in Order 
Antipatharia; stony corals in Order Scleractinia; and, within Order 
Anthoatheacata, fire corals in Family Milleporidae and lace corals in 
Family Stylasteridae.
    Coral reef resource means any or all species, or a part thereof, of 
coral, sea cucumber, and sea urchin.
    Pelagic fish means any or all species, or a part thereof, as 
follows:

                        Table 1 to Sec. 622.431
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        English common
         Class or Family            Scientific name          name
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dolphinfishes--Coryphaenidae....  Coryphaena          Dolphinfish.
                                   hippurus.
                                  Coryphaena          Pompano
                                   equiselis.          dolphinfish.
Barracudas--Sphyraenidae........  Sphyraena           Great barracuda.
                                   barracuda.
Mackerels and tunas--Scombridae.  Thunnus atlanticus  Blackfin tuna.
                                  Scomberomorus       Cero.
                                   regalis.
                                  Scomberomorus       King mackerel.
                                   cavalla.
                                  Euthynnus           Little tunny.
                                   alletteratus.
                                  Acanthocybium       Wahoo.
                                   solandri.
Tripletails--Lobotidae..........  Lobotes             Tripletail.
                                   surinamensis.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Queen conch means the species Lobatus gigas, or a part thereof.
    Rays means any or all species, or a part thereof, as follows:

                        Table 2 to Sec. 622.431
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        English common
         Class or Family            Scientific name          name
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eagle and manta rays--            Manta birostris...  Giant manta.
 Myliobatidae.
                                  Aetobatus narinari  Spotted eagle ray.
Stingrays--Dasyatidae...........  Dasyatis americana  Southern stingray.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Reef fish means any or all species, or a part thereof, as follows:

                        Table 3 to Sec. 622.431
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        English common
         Class or Family            Scientific name          name
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Angelfishes--Pomacanthidae......  Pomacanthus paru..  French angelfish.
                                  Pomacanthus         Gray angelfish.
                                   arcuatus.
                                  Holacanthus         Queen angelfish.
                                   ciliaris.
Groupers--Serranidae............  Mycteroperca        Black grouper.
                                   bonaci.
                                  Cephalopholis       Coney.
                                   fulva.
                                  Epinephelus         Goliath grouper.
                                   itajara.
                                  Cephalopholis       Graysby.
                                   cruentata.
                                  Hyporthodus         Misty grouper.
                                   mystacinus.
                                  Epinephelus         Nassau grouper.
                                   striatus.
                                  Epinephelus morio.  Red grouper.
                                  Epinephelus         Red hind.
                                   guttatus.
                                  Epinephelus         Rock hind.
                                   adscensionis.
                                  Mycteroperca        Tiger grouper.
                                   tigris.
                                  Hyporthodus         Yellowedge
                                   flavolimbatus.      grouper.
                                  Mycteroperca        Yellowfin grouper.
                                   venenosa.
                                  Mycteroperca        Yellowmouth
                                   interstitialis.     grouper.
Grunts--Haemulidae..............  Haemulon plumierii  White grunt.
Jacks--Carangidae...............  Alectis ciliaris..  African pompano.
                                  Caranx hippos.....  Crevalle jack.
                                  Elagatis            Rainbow runner.
                                   bipinnulata.
Parrotfishes--Scaridae..........  Scarus coeruleus..  Blue parrotfish.
                                  Scarus coelestinus  Midnight
                                                       parrotfish.
                                  Scarus              Princess
                                   taeniopterus.       parrotfish.
                                  Scarus vetula.....  Queen parrotfish.
                                  Scarus guacamaia..  Rainbow
                                                       parrotfish.
                                  Sparisoma           Redband
                                   aurofrenatum.       parrotfish.
                                  Sparisoma           Redtail
                                   chrysopterum.       parrotfish.
                                  Sparisoma viride..  Stoplight
                                                       parrotfish.
                                  Scarus iseri......  Striped
                                                       parrotfish.

[[Page 439]]

 
Snappers--Lutjanidae............  Apsilus dentatus..  Black snapper.
                                  Lutjanus            Blackfin snapper.
                                   buccanella.
                                  Pristipomoides      Cardinal snapper.
                                   macrophthalmus.
                                  Lutjanus            Cubera snapper.
                                   cyanopterus.
                                  Lutjanus jocu.....  Dog snapper.
                                  Lutjanus synagris.  Lane snapper.
                                  Lutjanus analis...  Mutton snapper.
                                  Etelis oculatus...  Queen snapper.
                                  Lutjanus apodus...  Schoolmaster.
                                  Lutjanus vivanus..  Silk snapper.
                                  Rhomboplites        Vermilion snapper.
                                   aurorubens.
                                  Pristipomoides      Wenchman.
                                   aquilonaris.
                                  Ocyurus chrysurus.  Yellowtail
                                                       snapper.
Surgeonfishes--Acanthuridae.....  Acanthurus          Blue tang.
                                   coeruleus.
                                  Acanthurus          Doctorfish.
                                   chirurgus.
                                  Acanthurus tractus  Ocean surgeonfish.
Triggerfishes--Balistidae.......  Balistes capriscus  Gray triggerfish.
                                  Canthidermis        Ocean triggerfish.
                                   sufflamen.
                                  Balistes vetula...  Queen triggerfish.
Wrasses--Labridae...............  Lachnolaimus        Hogfish.
                                   maximus.
                                  Halichoeres         Puddingwife.
                                   radiatus.
                                  Bodianus rufus....  Spanish hogfish.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Sea cucumber means any or all species, or a part thereof, in Class 
Holothuroidea and occurring in the EEZ around Puerto Rico.
    Sea urchin means any or all species of sea urchin, or a part 
thereof, in Class Echinoidea and occurring in the EEZ around Puerto 
Rico.
    Spiny lobster trap means a trap and its component parts, including 
the lines and buoys, used for or capable of taking spiny lobster and 
meeting the spiny lobster trap construction specifications of this 
subpart.



Sec. 622.432  [Reserved]



Sec. 622.433  Vessel identification.

    See Sec. 622.6 for vessel identification requirements applicable to 
this subpart.



Sec. 622.434  Gear identification.

    (a) Reef fish--(1) Fish traps and associated buoys. All fish traps 
used or possessed in the EEZ around Puerto Rico must display the 
official number specified for the vessel by Puerto Rico or the U.S. 
Virgin Islands. A fish trap that is fished individually, rather than 
tied together in a trap line, must have at least one buoy attached that 
floats on the surface. Fish traps that are tied together in a trap line 
must have at least one buoy that floats at the surface attached at each 
end of the trap line. All buoys must display the official number and 
color code assigned to the vessel by Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin 
Islands, whichever is applicable.
    (2) Presumption of ownership of fish traps. A fish trap in the EEZ 
around Puerto Rico will be presumed to be the property of the most 
recently documented owner. This presumption will not apply with respect 
to such traps that are lost or sold if the owner reports the loss or 
sale within 15 days to the RA.
    (3) Disposition of unmarked fish traps or buoys. An unmarked fish 
trap or buoy deployed in the EEZ around Puerto Rico is illegal and may 
be disposed of in any appropriate manner by the Assistant Administrator 
or an authorized officer.
    (b) [Reserved]
    (c) Spiny lobster--(1) Spiny lobster traps and associated buoys. All 
spiny lobster traps used or possessed in the EEZ around Puerto Rico must 
display the official number specified for the vessel by Puerto Rico or 
the U.S. Virgin Islands. A spiny lobster trap that is fished 
individually, rather than tied together in a trap line, must have at 
least one buoy attached that floats on the surface. Spiny lobster traps 
that are tied together in a trap line must have at least one buoy that 
floats at the surface attached at each end of the trap line. All buoys 
must display the official number and color code assigned to the vessel 
by Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands, whichever is applicable.
    (2) Presumption of ownership of spiny lobster traps. A spiny lobster 
trap in the EEZ around Puerto Rico will be presumed to be the property 
of the most recently documented owner. This presumption will not apply 
with respect to such traps that are lost or sold if the owner reports 
the loss or sale within 15 days to the RA.
    (3) Disposition of unmarked spiny lobster traps or buoys. An 
unmarked spiny

[[Page 440]]

lobster trap or buoy deployed in the EEZ around Puerto Rico is illegal 
and may be disposed of in any appropriate manner by the Assistant 
Administrator or an authorized officer.



Sec. 622.435  Trap construction specifications and tending restrictions.

    (a) Reef fish--(1) Construction specifications--(i) Minimum mesh 
size. A bare-wire fish trap used or possessed in the EEZ around Puerto 
Rico that has hexagonal mesh openings must have a minimum mesh size of 
1.5 inches (3.8 cm) in the smallest dimension measured between centers 
of opposite strands. A bare-wire fish trap used or possessed in the EEZ 
around Puerto Rico that has other than hexagonal mesh openings or a fish 
trap of other than bare wire, such as coated wire or plastic, used or 
possessed in the EEZ around Puerto Rico, must have a minimum mesh size 
of 2 inches (5.1 cm) in the smallest dimension measured between centers 
of opposite strands.
    (ii) Escape mechanisms. A fish trap used or possessed in the EEZ 
around Puerto Rico must have a panel located on one side of the trap, 
excluding the top, bottom, and side containing the trap entrance. The 
opening covered by the panel must measure not less than 8 by 8 inches 
(20.3 by 20.3 cm). The mesh size of the panel may not be smaller than 
the mesh size of the trap. The panel must be attached to the trap with 
untreated jute twine with a diameter not exceeding \1/8\-inch (3.2 mm). 
An access door may serve as the panel, provided it is on an appropriate 
side, it is hinged only at its bottom, its only other fastening is 
untreated jute twine with a diameter not exceeding \1/8\-inch (3.2 mm), 
and such fastening is at the top of the door so that the door will fall 
open when such twine degrades. Jute twine used to secure a panel may not 
be wrapped or overlapped.
    (2) Tending restrictions. A fish trap in the EEZ around Puerto Rico 
may be pulled or tended only by a person (other than an authorized 
officer) aboard the fish trap owner's vessel, or aboard another vessel 
if such vessel has on board written consent of the trap owner, or if the 
trap owner is aboard and has documentation verifying his identification 
number and color code. An owner's written consent must specify the time 
period such consent is effective and the trap owner's gear 
identification number and color code.
    (b) [Reserved]
    (c) Spiny lobster--(1) Construction specifications--
    (i) Escape mechanisms. A spiny lobster trap used or possessed in the 
EEZ around Puerto Rico must contain on any vertical side or on the top a 
panel no smaller in diameter than the throat or entrance of the trap. 
The panel must be made of or attached to the trap by one of the 
following degradable materials:
    (A) Untreated fiber of biological origin with a diameter not 
exceeding \1/8\-inch (3.2 mm). This includes, but is not limited to tyre 
palm, hemp, jute, cotton, wool, or silk.
    (B) Ungalvanized or uncoated iron wire with a diameter not exceeding 
\1/16\-inch (1.6 mm), that is, 16-gauge wire.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (2) Tending restrictions. A spiny lobster trap in the EEZ around 
Puerto Rico may be pulled or tended only by a person (other than an 
authorized officer) aboard the trap owner's vessel, or aboard another 
vessel if such vessel has on board written consent of the trap owner, or 
if the trap owner is aboard and has documentation verifying his 
identification number and color code. An owner's written consent must 
specify the time period such consent is effective and the trap owner's 
gear identification number and color code.



Sec. 622.436  Anchoring restrictions.

    The owner or operator of any fishing vessel, recreational or 
commercial, that fishes for or possesses reef fish in or from the EEZ 
around Puerto Rico must ensure that the vessel uses only an anchor 
retrieval system that recovers the anchor by its crown, thereby 
preventing the anchor from dragging along the bottom during recovery. 
For a grapnel hook, this could include an incorporated anchor rode 
reversal bar that runs parallel along the shank, which allows the rode 
to reverse and slip back toward the crown. For a fluke- or plow-type 
anchor, a trip line consisting of a line from the crown of the anchor to 
a surface buoy is required.

[[Page 441]]



Sec. 622.437  Prohibited gear and methods.

    Also see Sec. 622.9 for additional prohibited gear and methods that 
apply more broadly to multiple fisheries or in some cases all fisheries.
    (a) Reef fish--(1) Poisons. A poison, drug, or other chemical may 
not be used to fish for reef fish in the EEZ around Puerto Rico.
    (2) Powerheads. A powerhead may not be used in the EEZ around Puerto 
Rico to harvest reef fish. The possession of a mutilated reef fish in or 
from the EEZ around Puerto Rico and a powerhead constitutes a rebuttable 
presumption of a violation of this paragraph (a)(2).
    (3) Gillnets and trammel nets. A gillnet or trammel net may not be 
used in the EEZ around Puerto Rico to fish for reef fish. The possession 
of a reef fish in or from the EEZ around Puerto Rico and a gillnet or 
trammel net constitutes a rebuttable presumption of a violation of this 
paragraph (a)(3). A gillnet or trammel net used in the EEZ around Puerto 
Rico to fish for any other species must be tended at all times.
    (b) [Reserved]
    (c) Spiny lobster--(1) Spears and hooks. A spear, hook, or similar 
device may not be used in the EEZ around Puerto Rico to harvest a spiny 
lobster. The possession of a speared, pierced, or punctured spiny 
lobster in or from the EEZ around Puerto Rico constitutes a rebuttable 
presumption of a violation of this paragraph (c)(1).
    (2) Gillnets and trammel nets. A gillnet or trammel net may not be 
used in the EEZ around Puerto Rico to fish for spiny lobster. The 
possession of a spiny lobster in or from the EEZ around Puerto Rico and 
a gillnet or trammel net constitutes a rebuttable presumption of a 
violation of this paragraph (c)(2). A gillnet or trammel net used in the 
EEZ around Puerto Rico to fish for any other species must be tended at 
all times.



Sec. 622.438  Prohibited species.

    The harvest and possession restrictions of this section apply 
without regard to whether the species is harvested by a vessel operating 
under a commercial vessel permit. The operator of a vessel that fishes 
in the EEZ around Puerto Rico is responsible for the limit applicable to 
that vessel. Any of the following species caught in the EEZ around 
Puerto Rico must be released immediately with a minimum of harm.
    (a) Reef fish. No person may fish for or possess the following reef 
fish species in or from the EEZ around Puerto Rico.
    (1) Goliath grouper or Nassau grouper.
    (2) Blue parrotfish, midnight parrotfish, or rainbow parrotfish.
    (b)-(c) [Reserved]
    (d) Coral, sea cucumber, and sea urchin. A coral, sea cucumber, or 
sea urchin may not be fished for or possessed in or from the EEZ around 
Puerto Rico. The taking of coral in the EEZ around Puerto Rico is not 
considered unlawful possession provided it is returned immediately to 
the sea in the general area of fishing.
    (e) Queen conch. No person may fish for or possess queen conch in or 
from the EEZ around Puerto Rico.
    (f) Rays. No person may fish for or possess giant manta, spotted 
eagle ray, or southern stingray in or from the EEZ around Puerto Rico.



Sec. 622.439  Area and seasonal closures.

    (a) Closures applicable to specific areas--(1) Abrir La Sierra Bank 
red hind spawning aggregation area. Abrir La Sierra Bank is bounded by 
rhumb lines connecting, in order, the points listed in Table 1 to this 
paragraph (a)(1).
    (i) From December 1 through the last day of February, each year, 
fishing is prohibited in Abrir La Sierra Bank.
    (ii) Fishing with pots, traps, bottom longlines, gillnets or trammel 
nets is prohibited year-round in Abrir La Sierra Bank.

          Table 1 to Sec. 622.439(a)(1)--Abrir La Sierra Bank
------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Point                 North lat.              West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A                         18[deg]06.5[min]......  67[deg]26.9[min]
B                         18[deg]06.5[min]......  67[deg]23.9[min]
C                         18[deg]03.5[min]......  67[deg]23.9[min]
D                         18[deg]03.5[min]......  67[deg]26.9[min]
A                         18[deg]06.5[min]......  67[deg]26.9[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) Tourmaline Bank red hind spawning aggregation area. Tourmaline 
Bank is bounded by rhumb lines connecting, in order, the points listed 
in Table 2 to this paragraph (a)(2).

[[Page 442]]

    (i) From December 1 through the last day of February, each year, 
fishing is prohibited in those parts of Tourmaline Bank that are in the 
EEZ around Puerto Rico.
    (ii) Fishing with pots, traps, bottom longlines, gillnets or trammel 
nets is prohibited year-round in those parts of Tourmaline Bank that are 
in the EEZ around Puerto Rico.

            Table 2 to Sec. 622.439(a)(2)--Tourmaline Bank
------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Point                 North lat.              West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A                         18[deg]11.2[min]......  67[deg]22.4[min]
B                         18[deg]11.2[min]......  67[deg]19.2[min]
C                         18[deg]08.2[min]......  67[deg]19.2[min]
D                         18[deg]08.2[min]......  67[deg]22.4[min]
A                         18[deg]11.2[min]......  67[deg]22.4[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (3) Bajo de Sico. Bajo de Sico is bounded by rhumb lines connecting, 
in order, the points listed in Table 3 to this paragraph (a)(3).
    (i) From October 1 through March 31, each year, no person may fish 
for or possess any reef fish in or from those parts of Bajo de Sico that 
are in the EEZ around Puerto Rico. The prohibition on possession does 
not apply to such reef fish harvested and landed ashore prior to the 
closure.
    (ii) Fishing with pots, traps, bottom longlines, gillnets or trammel 
nets is prohibited year-round in those parts of Bajo de Sico that are in 
the EEZ around Puerto Rico.
    (iii) Anchoring by fishing vessels is prohibited year-round in those 
parts of Bajo de Sico that are in the EEZ around Puerto Rico.

              Table 3 to Sec. 622.439(a)(3)--Bajo de Sico
------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Point                 North lat.              West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A                         18[deg]15.7[min]......  67[deg]26.4[min]
B                         18[deg]15.7[min]......  67[deg]23.2[min]
C                         18[deg]12.7[min]......  67[deg]23.2[min]
D                         18[deg]12.7[min]......  67[deg]26.4[min]
A                         18[deg]15.7[min]......  67[deg]26.4[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (b) Seasonal closures applicable to specific species--(1) Black, 
red, tiger, yellowedge, and yellowfin grouper closure. From February 1 
through April 30, each year, no person may fish for or possess black, 
red, tiger, yellowedge, or yellowfin grouper in or from the EEZ around 
Puerto Rico. The prohibition on possession does not apply to such 
grouper harvested and landed ashore prior to the closure.
    (2) Red hind closure. From December 1 through the last day of 
February, each year, no person may fish for or possess red hind in or 
from the EEZ around Puerto Rico west of 67[deg]10[min] W. longitude. The 
prohibition on possession does not apply to red hind harvested and 
landed ashore prior to the closure.
    (3) Black, blackfin, silk, and vermilion snapper closure. From 
October 1 through December 31, each year, no person may fish for or 
possess black, blackfin, silk, or vermilion snapper in or from the EEZ 
around Puerto Rico. The prohibition on possession does not apply to such 
snapper harvested and landed ashore prior to the closure.
    (4) Lane and mutton snapper closure. From April 1 through June 30, 
each year, no person may fish for or possess lane or mutton snapper in 
or from the EEZ around Puerto Rico. The prohibition on possession does 
not apply to such snapper harvested and landed ashore prior to the 
closure.



Sec. 622.440  Annual catch limits (ACLs), annual catch targets (ACTs), and accountability measures (AMs).

    (a) Reef fish. For those fishing commercially, the applicable ACL is 
the commercial ACL. For those fishing recreationally, the applicable ACL 
is the recreational ACL. When landings for one sector are not available 
for comparison to that sector's ACL, the ACL for the sector with 
available landings is the ACL for the stock or stock complex.
    (1) Commercial ACLs. The commercial ACLs are as follows and given in 
round weight.

                                         Table 1 to Sec. 622.440(a)(1)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                              Stock or stock complex and species
                 Family                                   composition                       Commercial ACL
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Angelfishes.............................  Angelfish--French angelfish, gray           137 lb (62.1 kg).
                                           angelfish, queen angelfish.
Groupers................................  Grouper 3--coney,\1\ graysby..............  23,890 lb (10,836.3 kg).
                                          Grouper 4--black grouper, red grouper,      2,492 lb (1,130.3 kg)
                                           tiger grouper, yellowfin grouper,
                                           yellowmouth grouper.
                                          Grouper 5--misty grouper, yellowedge        15,327 lb (6,952.2 kg).
                                           grouper.

[[Page 443]]

 
                                          Grouper 6--red hind,\1\ rock hind.........  121,729 lb (55,215.3 kg).
Grunts..................................  Grunts--white grunt.......................  177,923 lb (80,704.5 kg).
Jacks...................................  Jacks 1--crevalle jack....................  46 lb (20.8 kg).
                                          Jacks 2--African pompano..................  1,052 lb (477.1 kg).
                                          Jacks 3--rainbow runner...................  913 lb (414.1 kg).
Parrotfishes............................  Parrotfish 2--princess parrotfish, queen    147,774 lb (67,029.1 kg).
                                           parrotfish, redband parrotfish, redtail
                                           parrotfish, stoplight parrotfish, striped
                                           parrotfish.
Snappers................................  Snapper 1--black snapper, blackfin          424,009 lb (192,327.2 kg).
                                           snapper, silk snapper,\1\ vermilion
                                           snapper, wenchman.
                                          Snapper 2--cardinal snapper, queen snapper  257,236 lb (116,680.2 kg).
                                           \1\.
                                          Snapper 3--lane snapper...................  244,376 lb (110,847 kg).
                                          Snapper 4--dog snapper, mutton snapper,\1\  116,434 lb (52,813.5 kg).
                                           schoolmaster.
                                          Snapper 5--yellowtail snapper.............  315,806 lb (143,247.1 kg).
                                          Snapper 6--cubera snapper.................  119 lb (53.9 kg).
Surgeonfishes...........................  Surgeonfish--blue tang, doctorfish, ocean   147 lb (66.6 kg).
                                           surgeonfish.
Triggerfishes...........................  Triggerfish--gray triggerfish, ocean        83,099 lb (37,693 kg).
                                           triggerfish, queen triggerfish \1\.
Wrasses.................................  Wrasses 1--hogfish........................  70,140 lb (31,814.9 kg).
                                          Wrasses 2--puddingwife, Spanish hogfish...  20,126 lb (9,129 kg).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Indicator stock.

    (2) Recreational ACLs. The recreational ACLs are as follows and 
given in round weight.

                                         Table 2 to Sec. 622.440(a)(2)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       Stock or stock complex and species
               Family                             composition                         Recreational ACL
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Angelfishes........................  Angelfish--French angelfish, gray      2,985 lb (1,353.9 kg).
                                      angelfish, queen angelfish.
Groupers...........................  Grouper 3--coney \1\, graysby........  19,634 lb (8,905.8 kg).
                                     Grouper 4--black grouper, red          5,867 lb (2,661.2 kg).
                                      grouper, tiger grouper, yellowfin
                                      grouper, yellowmouth grouper.
                                     Grouper 5--misty grouper, yellowedge   4,225 lb (1,916.4 kg).
                                      grouper.
                                     Grouper 6--red hind \1\, rock hind...  34,493 lb (15,645.7 kg).
Grunts.............................  Grunts--white grunt..................  2,461 lb (1,116.2 kg).
Jacks..............................  Jacks 1--crevalle jack...............  41,894 lb (19,002.7 kg).
                                     Jacks 2--African pompano.............  5,719 lb (2,594 kg).
                                     Jacks 3--rainbow runner..............  8,091 lb (3,670 kg).
Parrotfishes.......................  Parrotfish 2--princess parrotfish,     17,052 lb (7,734.6 kg).
                                      queen parrotfish, redband
                                      parrotfish, redtail parrotfish,
                                      stoplight parrotfish, striped
                                      parrotfish.
Snappers...........................  Snapper 1--black snapper, blackfin     111,943 lb (50,776.4 kg).
                                      snapper, silk snapper \1\, vermilion
                                      snapper, wenchman.
                                     Snapper 2--cardinal snapper, queen     24,974 lb (11,328 kg).
                                      snapper \1\.
                                     Snapper 3--lane snapper..............  21,603 lb (9,798.9 kg).
                                     Snapper 4--dog snapper, mutton         76,625 lb (34,756.5 kg).
                                      snapper \1\, schoolmaster.
                                     Snapper 5--yellowtail snapper........  23,988 lb (10,880.7 kg).
                                     Snapper 6--cubera snapper............  6,448 lb (2,924.7 kg).
Surgeonfishes......................  Surgeonfish--blue tang, doctorfish,    860 lb (390 kg).
                                      ocean surgeonfish.
Triggerfishes......................  Triggerfish--gray triggerfish, ocean   7,453 lb (3,380.6 kg).
                                      triggerfish, queen triggerfish \1\.
Wrasses............................  Wrasses 1--hogfish...................  8,263 lb (3,748 kg).
                                     Wrasses 2--puddingwife, Spanish        5,372 lb (2,436.6 kg).
                                      hogfish.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Indicator stock.

    (3) Total ACLs. The total ACLs (combined commercial and recreational 
ACLs) are as follows and given in round weight.

[[Page 444]]



                                         Table 3 to Sec. 622.440(a)(3)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                              Stock or stock complex and species
                 Family                                   composition                          Total ACL
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Angelfishes.............................  Angelfish--French angelfish, gray           3,122 lb (1,416.1 kg).
                                           angelfish, queen angelfish.
Groupers................................  Grouper 3--coney,\1\ graysby..............  43,524 lb (19,742.1 kg).
                                          Grouper 4--black grouper, red grouper,      8,359 lb (3,791.5 kg).
                                           tiger grouper, yellowfin grouper,
                                           yellowmouth grouper.
                                          Grouper 5--misty grouper, yellowedge        19,552 lb (8,868.6 kg).
                                           grouper.
                                          Grouper 6--red hind,\1\ rock hind.........  156,222 lb (70,861.1 kg).
Grunts..................................  Grunts--white grunt.......................  180,384 lb (81,820.8 kg).
Jacks...................................  Jacks 1--crevalle jack....................  41,940 lb (19,023.6 kg).
                                          Jacks 2--African pompano..................  6,771 lb (3,071.2 kg).
                                          Jacks 3--rainbow runner...................  9,004 lb (4,084.1 kg).
Parrotfishes............................  Parrotfish 2--princess parrotfish, queen    164,826 lb (74,763.8 kg).
                                           parrotfish, redband parrotfish, redtail
                                           parrotfish, stoplight parrotfish, striped
                                           parrotfish.
Snappers................................  Snapper 1--black snapper, blackfin          535,952 lb (243,103.7 kg).
                                           snapper, silk snapper,\1\ vermilion
                                           snapper, wenchman.
                                          Snapper 2--cardinal snapper, queen snapper  282,210 lb (128,008.3 kg).
                                           \1\.
                                          Snapper 3--lane snapper...................  265,979 lb (120,646 kg).
                                          Snapper 4--dog snapper, mutton snapper,\1\  193,059 lb (87,570 kg).
                                           schoolmaster.
                                          Snapper 5--yellowtail snapper.............  339,794 lb (154,127.9 kg).
                                          Snapper 6--cubera snapper.................  6,567 lb (2,978.7 kg).
Surgeonfishes...........................  Surgeonfish--blue tang, doctorfish, ocean   1,007 lb (456.7 kg).
                                           surgeonfish.
Triggerfishes...........................  Triggerfish--gray triggerfish, ocean        90,552 lb (41,073.6 kg).
                                           triggerfish, queen triggerfish \1\.
Wrasses.................................  Wrasses 1--hogfish........................  78,403 lb (35,563 kg).
                                          Wrasses 2--puddingwife, Spanish hogfish...  25,498 lb (11,565.6 kg).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Indicator stock.

    (4) General applicability and monitoring of AMs. At or near the 
beginning the fishing year, landings for each stock, stock complex, or 
indicator stock will be evaluated relative to the ACL based on a moving 
multi-year average of landings, as described in the FMP. When landings 
for one sector are not available for comparison to that sector's ACL, 
the ACL for the sector with available landings is the ACL for the stock 
or stock complex and the AM specified in paragraph (a)(7) of this 
section applies. Any fishing season reduction required under paragraph 
(a) of this section will be applied starting from September 30 and 
moving earlier toward the beginning of the fishing year. If the length 
of the required fishing season reduction exceeds the time period of 
January 1 through September 30, any additional fishing season reduction 
will be applied starting from October 1 and moving later toward the end 
of the fishing year.
    (5) Commercial AMs. If NMFS estimates that commercial landings for a 
stock, stock complex, or indicator stock have exceeded the applicable 
commercial ACL specified in paragraph (a)(1) of this section for the 
stock or stock complex, and the combined commercial and recreational 
landings for the stock, stock complex, or indicator stock have exceeded 
the applicable combined commercial and recreational sector ACL (total 
ACL) specified in paragraph (a)(3) of this section for that stock or 
stock complex, the Assistant Administrator for NOAA Fisheries (AA) will 
file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register to reduce 
the length of the commercial fishing season for the stock or stock 
complex within that fishing year by the amount necessary to prevent 
commercial landings from exceeding the commercial ACL for the stock or 
stock complex, unless NMFS determines that a fishing season reduction is 
not necessary based on the best scientific information available. If 
NMFS determines that either the commercial ACL or total ACL for the 
stock or stock complex was exceeded because data collection or 
monitoring improved rather than because landings increased, NMFS will 
not reduce the length of the commercial fishing season for the stock or 
stock complex.
    (6) Recreational AMs. If NMFS estimates that recreational landings 
for a

[[Page 445]]

stock, stock complex, or indicator stock have exceeded the applicable 
recreational ACL specified in paragraph (a)(2) of this section for the 
stock or stock complex, and the combined commercial and recreational 
landings for the stock, stock complex, or indicator stock have exceeded 
the applicable combined commercial and recreational ACL (total ACL) 
specified in paragraph (a)(3) of this section for that stock or stock 
complex, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal 
Register to reduce the length of the recreational fishing season for the 
stock or stock complex within that fishing year by the amount necessary 
to prevent recreational landings from exceeding the recreational ACL for 
the stock or stock complex, unless NMFS determines that a fishing season 
reduction is not necessary based on the best scientific information 
available. If NMFS determines that either the recreational ACL or total 
ACL for the stock or stock complex was exceeded because data collection 
or monitoring improved rather than because landings increased, NMFS will 
not reduce the length of the recreational fishing season for the stock 
or stock complex.
    (7) AM when only one sector's landings are available. When landings 
for one sector are not available for comparison to that sector's ACL, 
the ACL for the sector with available landings in paragraph (a) of this 
section is the applicable ACL for the stock or stock complex. If NMFS 
estimates that available landings for the stock, stock complex, or 
indicator stock, have exceeded the applicable ACL for the stock or stock 
complex, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal 
Register to reduce the length of the fishing season for the stock or 
stock complex within that fishing year by the amount necessary to 
prevent landings from exceeding the ACL, unless NMFS determines that a 
fishing season reduction is not necessary based on the best scientific 
information available. If NMFS determines that the ACL was exceeded 
because data collection or monitoring improved rather than because 
landings increased, NMFS will not reduce the length of the fishing 
season for the stock or stock complex.
    (b) Pelagic fish. The ACLs and ACTs are given in round weight. 
Indicator stocks are noted in the relevant tables to paragraph (a) of 
this section. For those fishing commercially, the applicable ACL is the 
commercial ACL and the applicable ACT is the commercial ACT. For those 
fishing recreationally, the applicable ACL is the recreational ACL and 
the applicable ACT is the recreational ACT. When landings for one sector 
are not available for comparison to that sector's ACL and ACT, the ACL 
and ACT for the sector with available landings are the ACL and ACT for 
the stock or stock complex.
    (1) Barracuda--great barracuda. (i) Commercial ACL--495 lb (224.5 
kg).
    (ii) Commercial ACT--445 lb (201.8 kg).
    (iii) Recreational ACL--167,693 lb (76,064.2 kg).
    (iv) Recreational ACT--150,924 lb (68,457.9 kg).
    (2) Dolphinfishes--dolphinfish, pompano dolphinfish. (i) Commercial 
ACL--232,173 lb (105,311.9 kg).
    (ii) Commercial ACT--208,956 lb (94,780.8 kg).
    (iii) Recreational ACL--1,513,873 lb (686,681.2 kg).
    (iv) Recreational ACT--1,362,486 lb (618,013.2 kg).
    (3) Mackerels--cero, king mackerel. (i) Commercial ACL--232,422 lb 
(105,424.8 kg).
    (ii) Commercial ACT--209,180 lb (94,882.4 kg).
    (iii) Recreational ACL--129,180 lb (58,595 kg).
    (iv) Recreational ACT--116,262 lb (52,735.5 kg).
    (4) Tripletail. (i) Commercial ACL--270 lb (122.4 kg).
    (ii) Commercial ACT--243 lb (110.2 kg).
    (iii) Recreational ACL--39,005 lb (17,692.3 kg).
    (iv) Recreational ACT--35,105 lb (15,923.3 kg).
    (5) Tunas--blackfin tuna, little tunny. (i) Commercial ACL--82,779 
lb (37,547.9 kg).
    (ii) Commercial ACT--74,501 lb (33,793 kg).
    (iii) Recreational ACL--34,485 lb (15,642.1 kg).
    (iv) Recreational ACT--31,037 lb (14,078.1 kg).

[[Page 446]]

    (6) Wahoo. (i) Commercial ACL--25,911 lb (11,753 kg).
    (ii) Commercial ACT--23,320 lb (10,577.7 kg).
    (iii) Recreational ACL--210,737 lb (95,588.6 kg).
    (iv) Recreational ACT--189,663 lb (86,029.6 kg).
    (7) Pelagic fish AM application. At or near the beginning the 
fishing year, landings for each stock, stock complex, or indicator stock 
will be evaluated relative to the applicable ACT for the stock or stock 
complex based on a moving multi-year average of landings, as described 
in the FMP. If NMFS estimates that landings have exceeded the applicable 
ACT specified in paragraph (b) of this section for a stock or stock 
complex, NMFS in consultation with the Caribbean Fishery Management 
Council will determine appropriate corrective action.
    (c) Spiny lobster. (1) For the 2023 fishing year, the ACL is 369,313 
lb (167,517 kg), round weight. For the 2024 and subsequent fishing 
years, the ACL is 366,965 lb (166,452 kg), round weight.
    (2) At or near the beginning of the fishing year, NMFS will compare 
a 3 year average of available landings to the average ACLs effective 
during those same years, as described in the FMP. If NMFS estimates that 
average landings have exceeded the average ACLs, the AA will file a 
notification with the Office of the Federal Register to reduce the 
length of the fishing season for spiny lobster within that fishing year 
by the amount necessary to prevent average landings from exceeding the 
ACL for that fishing year, as specified in paragraph (c)(1) of this 
section. If NMFS determines that a fishing season reduction is not 
necessary based on the best scientific information available, or if NMFS 
determines the ACL exceedance was due to improved data collection or 
monitoring rather than from increased landings, NMFS will not reduce the 
length of the fishing season. Any fishing season reduction required 
under this paragraph (c)(2) will be applied starting from September 30 
and moving earlier toward the beginning of the fishing year. If the 
length of the required fishing season reduction exceeds the time period 
of January 1 through September 30, any additional fishing season 
reduction will be applied starting from October 1 and moving later 
toward the end of the fishing year.
    (d)-(e) [Reserved]
    (f) Closure provisions for reef fish and spiny lobster--(1) 
Restrictions applicable during a commercial closure for a reef fish 
stock or stock complex in the EEZ around Puerto Rico. During the closure 
period announced in the notification filed pursuant to paragraph (a)(5) 
of this section, the commercial sector included in the notification is 
closed, and such stock or stock complex in or from the EEZ around Puerto 
Rico may not be purchased or sold. Harvest or possession of such reef 
fish stock or stock complex in or from the EEZ around Puerto Rico is 
limited to the recreational bag and possession limits. If the 
recreational sector for such stock or stock complex also is closed, such 
stock or stock complex in or from the EEZ around Puerto Rico may not be 
harvested, possessed, purchased, or sold, and the bag and possession 
limits are zero.
    (2) Restrictions applicable during a recreational closure for a reef 
fish stock or stock complex in the EEZ around Puerto Rico. During the 
closure period announced in the notification filed pursuant to paragraph 
(a)(6) of this section, the recreational sector for the reef fish stock 
or stock complex included in the notification is closed, and the bag and 
possession limits for such stock or stock complex in or from the EEZ 
around Puerto Rico are zero. If the commercial sector for such stock or 
stock complex also is closed, such stock or stock complex in or from the 
EEZ around Puerto Rico may not be harvested, possessed, purchased, or 
sold, and the bag and possession limits are zero.
    (3) Restrictions applicable during a closure for a reef fish stock 
or stock complex in the EEZ around Puerto Rico when only one sector's 
landings are available. During the closure period announced in the 
notification filed pursuant to paragraph (a)(7) of this section, the 
fishing season for the reef fish stock or stock complex included in the 
notification is closed, and such stock or stock complex in or from the 
EEZ around Puerto Rico may not be harvested, possessed,

[[Page 447]]

purchased, or sold, and the bag and possession limits for such stock or 
stock complex are zero.
    (4) Restrictions applicable during a spiny lobster closure in the 
EEZ around Puerto Rico. During the closure period announced in the 
notification filed pursuant to paragraph (c)(2) of this section, the 
fishing season for spiny lobster is closed, and spiny lobster in or from 
the EEZ around Puerto Rico may not be harvested, possessed, purchased, 
or sold, and the bag and possession limits are zero.

[87 FR 56216, Sept. 13, 2022, as amended at 88 FR 16195, Mar. 16, 2023; 
88 FR 46695, July 20, 2023]



Sec. 622.441  Size limits.

    All size limits in this section are minimum size limits unless 
specified otherwise. A fish not in compliance with its size limit in or 
from the EEZ around Puerto Rico may not be possessed, sold, or 
purchased, and must be released immediately with a minimum of harm. The 
operator of a vessel that fishes in the EEZ around Puerto Rico is 
responsible for ensuring that all species on board are in compliance 
with the size limits specified in this section. See Sec. 622.10 
regarding requirements for landing fish intact. See Sec. 622.445(c)(2) 
regarding requirements for landing spiny lobster intact.
    (a) Reef fish. (1) Yellowtail snapper--12 inches (30.5 cm), TL.
    (2) [Reserved]
    (b) [Reserved]
    (c) Spiny lobster. 3.5 inches (8.9 cm), carapace length.



Sec. 622.442  [Reserved]



Sec. 622.443  Restrictions on sale or purchase.

    (a) Reef fish. A live red hind or live mutton snapper in or from the 
EEZ around Puerto Rico may not be sold or purchased and used in the 
marine aquarium trade.
    (b) [Reserved]
    (c) Coral. (1) No person may sell or purchase a coral harvested in 
the EEZ around Puerto Rico.
    (2) A coral that is sold in Puerto Rico will be presumed to have 
been harvested in the EEZ around Puerto Rico, unless it is accompanied 
by documentation showing that it was harvested elsewhere. Such 
documentation must contain:
    (i) The information specified in subpart K of part 300 of this title 
for marking containers or packages of fish or wildlife that are 
imported, exported, or transported in interstate commerce.
    (ii) The name and home port of the vessel, or the name and address 
of the individual harvesting the coral.
    (iii) The port and date of landing the coral.
    (iv) A statement signed by the person selling the coral attesting 
that, to the best of his or her knowledge, information, and belief, such 
coral was harvested from other than in the EEZ around Puerto Rico or the 
waters of Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands.



Sec. 622.444  Bag and possession limits.

    Section 622.11(a) provides the general applicability for bag and 
possession limits. However, Sec. 622.11(a) notwithstanding, the bag 
limits of this section do not apply to a person who has a valid 
commercial fishing license issued by Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin 
Islands.
    (a) Reef fish. (1) Groupers, parrotfishes, and snappers combined--5 
per person per day or, if 3 or more persons are aboard, 15 per vessel 
per day; but not to exceed 2 parrotfish per person per day or 6 
parrotfish per vessel per day.
    (2) Angelfishes, grunts, jacks, surgeonfishes, triggerfishes, and 
wrasses combined--5 per person per day or, if 3 or more persons are 
aboard, 15 per vessel per day, but not to exceed 1 surgeonfish per 
person per day or 4 surgeonfish per vessel per day.
    (b) [Reserved]
    (c) Spiny lobster. 3 per person per day, not to exceed 10 per vessel 
per day, whichever is less.



Sec. 622.445  Other harvest restrictions.

    (a)-(b) [Reserved]
    (c) Spiny lobster--(1) Prohibition on harvest of egg-bearing spiny 
lobster. Egg-bearing spiny lobster in the EEZ around Puerto Rico must be 
returned to the water unharmed. An egg-bearing spiny lobster may be 
retained in a spiny lobster trap, provided the trap is returned 
immediately to the water. An

[[Page 448]]

egg-bearing spiny lobster may not be stripped, scraped, shaved, clipped, 
or in any other manner molested, in order to remove the eggs.
    (2) Landing spiny lobster intact. (i) A spiny lobster in or from the 
EEZ around Puerto Rico must be maintained with head and carapace intact 
through offloading ashore.
    (ii) The operator of a vessel that fishes in the EEZ around Puerto 
Rico is responsible for ensuring that spiny lobster on that vessel are 
maintained intact through offloading ashore, as specified in this 
section.



Sec. 622.446  Spiny lobster import prohibitions.

    (a) Minimum size limits for imported spiny lobster. Multiple minimum 
size limits apply to importation of spiny lobster into the United 
States--one that applies any place subject to the jurisdiction of the 
United States other than Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands, and 
more restrictive minimum size limits that apply to Puerto Rico, St. 
Croix, and St. Thomas and St. John, respectively.
    (1) No person may import a spiny lobster with less than a 6-ounce 
(170-gram) tail weight into Puerto Rico. For the purposes of paragraph 
(a) of this section, a 6-ounce (170-gram) tail weight is defined as a 
tail that weighs 5.9-6.4 ounces (167-181 grams). If the documentation 
accompanying an imported spiny lobster, including but not limited to 
product packaging, customs entry forms, bills of lading, brokerage 
forms, or commercial invoices, indicates that the product does not 
satisfy the minimum tail-weight, the person importing such spiny lobster 
has the burden to prove that such spiny lobster does satisfy the minimum 
tail-weight requirement or that such spiny lobster has a tail length of 
6.2 inches (15.75 cm) or greater or that such spiny lobster has or had a 
carapace length of 3.5 inches (8.89 cm) or greater. If the imported 
product itself does not satisfy the minimum tail-weight requirement, the 
person importing such spiny lobster has the burden to prove that such 
spiny lobster has a tail length of 6.2 inches (15.75 cm) or greater or 
that such spiny lobster has or had a carapace length of 3.5 inches (8.89 
cm) or greater. If the burden is satisfied, such spiny lobster will be 
considered to be in compliance with the minimum 6-ounce (170-gram) tail-
weight requirement.
    (2) See Sec. 622.409 regarding the minimum size limit that applies 
to spiny lobster imported into any place subject to the jurisdiction of 
the United States other than Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands.
    (3) See subparts T and U of this part for the minimum size limits 
that apply to spiny lobster imported into St. Croix and St. Thomas and 
St. John, respectively.
    (b) Additional spiny lobster import prohibitions--(1) Prohibition 
related to tail meat. No person may import into any place subject to the 
jurisdiction of the United States spiny lobster tail meat that is not in 
whole tail form with the exoskeleton attached.
    (2) Prohibitions related to egg-bearing spiny lobster. No person may 
import into any place subject to the jurisdiction of the United States 
spiny lobster with eggs attached or spiny lobster from which eggs or 
pleopods (swimmerets) have been removed or stripped. Pleopods are the 
first five pairs of abdominal appendages.



Sec. 622.447  Adjustment of management measures.

    In accordance with the framework procedure of the Fishery Management 
Plan for the EEZ around Puerto Rico, the RA may establish or modify the 
following items.
    (a) Standard open framework procedures. Re-specify maximum 
sustainable yield (MSY), optimum yield (OY), overfishing limit (OFL), 
maximum fishing mortality threshold (MFMT), minimum stock size threshold 
(MSST), acceptable biological catch (ABC), ACL, ACT, sustainable yield 
level, and other related management reference points and status 
determination criteria; establish or revise rebuilding plans; revise 
AMs; modify reporting or monitoring requirements, and time or area 
closures and closure procedures.
    (b) Abbreviated open framework procedures. Gear or vessel marking 
requirements, maintaining fish in a specific condition, size limits, 
commercial trip limits, recreational bag and possession

[[Page 449]]

limits, changes to the length of an established closed season of no more 
than 1 day, and gear modifications to address conservation issues 
including responding to interactions with species listed under the 
Endangered Species Act or protected under the Marine Mammal Protection 
Act.



               Subpart T_FMP for the EEZ Around St. Croix

    Source: 87 FR 56217, Sept. 13, 2022 unless otherwise noted.



Sec. 622.470  Management area.

    The management area is the EEZ around St. Croix bounded by rhumb 
lines connecting the following points and geographic instructions in 
order:

                                            Table 1 to Sec. 622.470
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Point                               North lat.                          West long.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
G.......................................  18[deg]03[min]03[sec]               64[deg] 38[min] 03[sec]
From Point G proceed along the
 international and EEZ boundary
 easterly, then southerly, then
 southwesterly to Point F.
F.......................................  16[deg] 02[min]53.5812[sec]         65[deg]20[min]00.1716[sec]
E.......................................  17[deg]30[min]00.000[sec]           65[deg]20[min]00.1716[sec]
D.......................................  18[deg]01[min]16.9636[sec]          64[deg]57[min]38.817[sec]
G.......................................  18[deg]03[min]03[sec]               64[deg]38[min]03[sec]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Sec. 622.471  Definitions.

    In addition to the definitions and acronyms in Sec. 622.2, the 
terms and acronyms used in this subpart have the following meanings:
    Coral means any or all species, or a part thereof, of coral 
occurring in the EEZ around St. Croix, including any or all species, or 
a part thereof, of soft corals and gorgonians in Order Alcyonacea; sea 
pens and sea pansies in Order Pennatulacea; black corals in Order 
Antipatharia; stony corals in Order Scleractinia; and, within Order 
Anthoatheacata, fire corals in Family Milleporidae and lace corals in 
Family Stylasteridae.
    Coral reef resource means any or all species, or a part thereof, of 
coral, sea cucumber, and sea urchin.
    Pelagic fish means any or all species, or a part thereof, as 
follows:

                        Table 1 to Sec. 622.471
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        English common
         Class or Family            Scientific name          name
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dolphinfishes--Coryphaenidae....  Coryphaena          Dolphinfish.
                                   hippurus.
Mackerels and tunas--Scombridae.  Acanthocybium       Wahoo.
                                   solandri.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Queen conch means the species Lobatus gigas, or a part thereof.
    Reef fish means any or all species, or a part thereof, as follows:

                        Table 2 to Sec. 622.471
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        English common
         Class or family            Scientific name          name
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Angelfishes--Pomacanthidae......  Pomacanthus paru..  French angelfish.
                                  Pomacanthus         Gray angelfish.
                                   arcuatus.
                                  Holacanthus         Queen angelfish.
                                   ciliaris.
Groupers--Serranidae............  Mycteroperca        Black grouper.
                                   bonaci.
                                  Cephalopholis       Coney.
                                   fulva.
                                  Epinephelus         Goliath grouper.
                                   itajara.
                                  Cephalopholis       Graysby.
                                   cruentata.
                                  Hyporthodus         Misty grouper.
                                   mystacinus.
                                  Epinephelus         Nassau grouper.
                                   striatus.
                                  Epinephelus morio.  Red grouper.
                                  Epinephelus         Red hind.
                                   guttatus.
                                  Epinephelus         Rock hind.
                                   adscensionis.
                                  Mycteroperca        Tiger grouper.
                                   tigris.
                                  Mycteroperca        Yellowfin grouper.
                                   venenosa.

[[Page 450]]

 
Grunts--Haemulidae..............  Haemulon sciurus..  Bluestriped grunt.
                                  Haemulon plumierii  White grunt.
Parrotfishes--Scaridae..........  Scarus coeruleus..  Blue parrotfish.
                                  Scarus coelestinus  Midnight
                                                       parrotfish.
                                  Scarus              Princess
                                   taeniopterus.       parrotfish.
                                  Scarus vetula.....  Queen parrotfish.
                                  Scarus guacamaia..  Rainbow
                                                       parrotfish.
                                  Sparisoma           Redband
                                   aurofrenatum.       parrotfish.
                                  Sparisoma           Redfin parrotfish.
                                   rubripinne.
                                  Sparisoma           Redtail
                                   chrysopterum.       parrotfish.
                                  Sparisoma viride..  Stoplight
                                                       parrotfish.
                                  Scarus iseri......  Striped
                                                       parrotfish.
Snappers--Lutjanidae............  Apsilus dentatus..  Black snapper.
                                  Lutjanus            Blackfin snapper.
                                   buccanella.
                                  Lutjanus griseus..  Gray snapper.
                                  Lutjanus synagris.  Lane snapper.
                                  Lutjanus analis...  Mutton snapper.
                                  Etelis oculatus...  Queen snapper.
                                  Lutjanus apodus...  Schoolmaster.
                                  Lutjanus vivanus..  Silk snapper.
                                  Rhomboplites        Vermilion snapper.
                                   aurorubens.
                                  Ocyurus chrysurus.  Yellowtail
                                                       snapper.
Squirrelfishes--Holocentridae...  Holocentrus rufus.  Longspine
                                                       squirrelfish.
Surgeonfishes--Acanthuridae.....  Acanthurus          Blue tang.
                                   coeruleus.
                                  Acanthurus          Doctorfish.
                                   chirurgus.
                                  Acanthurus tractus  Ocean surgeonfish.
Triggerfishes--Balistidae.......  Balistes vetula...  Queen triggerfish.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Sea cucumber means any or all species, or a part thereof, in Class 
Holothuroidea and occurring in the EEZ of St. Croix.
    Sea urchin means any or all species of sea urchin, or a part 
thereof, in Class Echinoidea and occurring in the EEZ of St. Croix.
    Spiny lobster trap means a trap and its component parts, including 
the lines and buoys, used for or capable of taking spiny lobster and 
meeting the spiny lobster trap construction specifications of this 
subpart.



Sec. 622.472  [Reserved]



Sec. 622.473  Vessel identification.

    See Sec. 622.6 for vessel identification requirements applicable to 
this subpart.



Sec. 622.474  Gear identification.

    (a) Reef fish--(1) Fish traps and associated buoys. All fish traps 
used or possessed in the EEZ around St. Croix must display the official 
number specified for the vessel by Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin 
Islands. A fish trap that is fished individually, rather than tied 
together in a trap line, must have at least one buoy attached that 
floats on the surface. Fish traps that are tied together in a trap line 
must have at least one buoy that floats at the surface attached at each 
end of the trap line. All buoys must display the official number and 
color code assigned to the vessel by Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin 
Islands, whichever is applicable.
    (2) Presumption of ownership of fish traps. A fish trap in the EEZ 
around St. Croix will be presumed to be the property of the most 
recently documented owner. This presumption will not apply with respect 
to such traps that are lost or sold if the owner reports the loss or 
sale within 15 days to the RA.
    (3) Disposition of unmarked fish traps or buoys. An unmarked fish 
trap or buoy deployed in the EEZ around St. Croix is illegal and may be 
disposed of in any appropriate manner by the Assistant Administrator or 
an authorized officer.
    (b) [Reserved]
    (c) Spiny lobster--(1) Spiny lobster traps and associated buoys. All 
spiny lobster traps used or possessed in the EEZ around St. Croix must 
display the official number specified for the vessel by Puerto Rico or 
the U.S. Virgin Islands. A spiny lobster trap that is fished 
individually, rather than tied together in a trap line, must have at

[[Page 451]]

least one buoy attached that floats on the surface. Spiny lobster traps 
that are tied together in a trap line must have at least one buoy that 
floats at the surface attached at each end of the trap line. All buoys 
must display the official number and color code assigned to the vessel 
by Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands, whichever is applicable.
    (2) Presumption of ownership of spiny lobster traps. A spiny lobster 
trap in the EEZ around St. Croix will be presumed to be the property of 
the most recently documented owner. This presumption will not apply with 
respect to such traps that are lost or sold if the owner reports the 
loss or sale within 15 days to the RA.
    (3) Disposition of unmarked spiny lobster traps or buoys. An 
unmarked spiny lobster trap or buoy deployed in the EEZ around St. Croix 
is illegal and may be disposed of in any appropriate manner by the 
Assistant Administrator or an authorized officer.



Sec. 622.475  Trap construction specifications and tending restrictions.

    (a) Reef fish--(1) Construction specifications--(i) Minimum mesh 
size. A bare-wire fish trap used or possessed in the EEZ around St. 
Croix that has hexagonal mesh openings must have a minimum mesh size of 
1.5 inches (3.8 cm) in the smallest dimension measured between centers 
of opposite strands. A bare-wire fish trap used or possessed in the EEZ 
around St. Croix that has other than hexagonal mesh openings or a fish 
trap of other than bare wire, such as coated wire or plastic, used or 
possessed in the EEZ around St. Croix, must have a minimum mesh size of 
2 inches (5.1 cm) in the smallest dimension measured between centers of 
opposite strands.
    (ii) Escape mechanisms. A fish trap used or possessed in the EEZ 
around St. Croix must have a panel located on one side of the trap, 
excluding the top, bottom, and side containing the trap entrance. The 
opening covered by the panel must measure not less than 8 by 8 inches 
(20.3 by 20.3 cm). The mesh size of the panel may not be smaller than 
the mesh size of the trap. The panel must be attached to the trap with 
untreated jute twine with a diameter not exceeding \1/8\-inch (3.2 mm). 
An access door may serve as the panel, provided it is on an appropriate 
side, it is hinged only at its bottom, its only other fastening is 
untreated jute twine with a diameter not exceeding \1/8\-inch (3.2 mm), 
and such fastening is at the top of the door so that the door will fall 
open when such twine degrades. Jute twine used to secure a panel may not 
be wrapped or overlapped.
    (2) Tending restrictions. A fish trap in the EEZ around St. Croix 
may be pulled or tended only by a person (other than an authorized 
officer) aboard the fish trap owner's vessel, or aboard another vessel 
if such vessel has on board written consent of the trap owner, or if the 
trap owner is aboard and has documentation verifying his identification 
number and color code. An owner's written consent must specify the time 
period such consent is effective and the trap owner's gear 
identification number and color code.
    (b) [Reserved]
    (c) Spiny lobster--(1) Construction specifications--(i) Escape 
mechanisms. A spiny lobster trap used or possessed in the EEZ around St. 
Croix must contain on any vertical side or on the top a panel no smaller 
in diameter than the throat or entrance of the trap. The panel must be 
made of or attached to the trap by one of the following degradable 
materials:
    (A) Untreated fiber of biological origin with a diameter not 
exceeding \1/8\-inch (3.2 mm). This includes, but is not limited to tyre 
palm, hemp, jute, cotton, wool, or silk.
    (B) Ungalvanized or uncoated iron wire with a diameter not exceeding 
\1/16\-inch (1.6 mm), that is, 16-gauge wire.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (2) Tending restrictions. A spiny lobster trap in the EEZ around St. 
Croix may be pulled or tended only by a person (other than an authorized 
officer) aboard the trap owner's vessel, or aboard another vessel if 
such vessel has on board written consent of the trap owner, or if the 
trap owner is aboard and has documentation verifying his identification 
number and color code. An owner's written consent must specify the time 
period such consent is effective and the trap owner's gear 
identification number and color code.

[[Page 452]]



Sec. 622.476  Anchoring restrictions.

    The owner or operator of any fishing vessel, recreational or 
commercial, that fishes for or possesses reef fish in or from the EEZ 
around St. Croix must ensure that the vessel uses only an anchor 
retrieval system that recovers the anchor by its crown, thereby 
preventing the anchor from dragging along the bottom during recovery. 
For a grapnel hook, this could include an incorporated anchor rode 
reversal bar that runs parallel along the shank, which allows the rode 
to reverse and slip back toward the crown. For a fluke- or plow-type 
anchor, a trip line consisting of a line from the crown of the anchor to 
a surface buoy is required.



Sec. 622.477  Prohibited gear and methods.

    Also see Sec. 622.9 for additional prohibited gear and methods that 
apply more broadly to multiple fisheries or in some cases all fisheries.
    (a) Reef fish--(1) Poisons. A poison, drug, or other chemical may 
not be used to fish for reef fish in the EEZ around St. Croix.
    (2) Powerheads. A powerhead may not be used in the EEZ around St. 
Croix to harvest reef fish. The possession of a mutilated reef fish in 
or from the EEZ around St. Croix and a powerhead constitutes a 
rebuttable presumption of a violation of this paragraph (a)(2).
    (3) Gillnets and trammel nets. A gillnet or trammel net may not be 
used in the EEZ around St. Croix to fish for reef fish. The possession 
of a reef fish in or from the EEZ around St. Croix and a gillnet or 
trammel net constitutes a rebuttable presumption of a violation of this 
paragraph (a)(3). A gillnet or trammel net used in the EEZ around St. 
Croix to fish for any other species must be tended at all times.
    (b) [Reserved]
    (c) Spiny lobster--(1) Spears and hooks. A spear, hook, or similar 
device may not be used in the EEZ around St. Croix to harvest a spiny 
lobster. The possession of a speared, pierced, or punctured spiny 
lobster in or from the EEZ around St. Croix constitutes a rebuttable 
presumption of a violation of this paragraph (c)(1).
    (2) Gillnets and trammel nets. A gillnet or trammel net may not be 
used in the EEZ around St. Croix to fish for spiny lobster. The 
possession of a spiny lobster in or from the EEZ around St. Croix and a 
gillnet or trammel net constitutes a rebuttable presumption of a 
violation of this paragraph (c)(2). A gillnet or trammel net used in the 
EEZ around St. Croix to fish for any other species must be tended at all 
times.
    (d) [Reserved]
    (e) Queen conch. In the EEZ around St. Croix, no person may harvest 
queen conch by diving while using a device that provides a continuous 
air supply from the surface.



Sec. 622.478  Prohibited species.

    The harvest and possession restrictions of this section apply 
without regard to whether the species is harvested by a vessel operating 
under a commercial vessel permit. The operator of a vessel that fishes 
in the EEZ around St. Croix is responsible for the limit applicable to 
that vessel. Any of the following species caught in the EEZ around St. 
Croix must be released immediately with a minimum of harm.
    (a) Reef fish. No person may fish for or possess the following reef 
fish species in or from the EEZ around St. Croix.
    (1) Goliath grouper or Nassau grouper.
    (2) Blue parrotfish, midnight parrotfish, or rainbow parrotfish.
    (b)-(c) [Reserved]
    (d) Coral, sea cucumber, and sea urchin. A coral, sea cucumber, or 
sea urchin may not be fished for or possessed in or from the EEZ around 
St. Croix. The taking of coral in the EEZ around St. Croix is not 
considered unlawful possession provided it is returned immediately to 
the sea in the general area of fishing.
    (e) [Reserved]



Sec. 622.479  Area and seasonal closures.

    (a) Closures applicable to specific areas--(1) Mutton snapper 
spawning aggregation area. The mutton snapper spawning aggregation area 
is bounded by rhumb lines connecting, in order, the points listed in 
Table 1 to this paragraph (a).
    (i) From March 1 through June 30, each year, fishing is prohibited 
in those parts of the mutton snapper spawning

[[Page 453]]

aggregation area that are in the EEZ around St. Croix.
    (ii) Fishing with pots, traps, bottom longlines, gillnets or trammel 
nets is prohibited year-round in those parts of the mutton snapper 
spawning aggregation area that are in the EEZ around St. Croix.

                     Table 1 to Sec. 622.479(a)--Mutton Snapper Spawning Aggregation Area
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Point                               North lat.                          West long.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A.......................................  17[deg]37.8[min]                    64[deg]53.0[min]
B.......................................  17[deg]39.0[min]                    64[deg]53.0[min]
C.......................................  17[deg]39.0[min]                    64[deg]50.5[min]
D.......................................  17[deg]38.1[min]                    64[deg]50.5[min]
E.......................................  17[deg]37.8[min]                    64[deg]52.5[min]
A.......................................  17[deg]37.8[min]                    64[deg]53.0[min]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) Red hind spawning aggregation area east of St. Croix. The red 
hind spawning aggregation area east of St. Croix is bounded by rhumb 
lines connecting, in order, the points listed in Table 2 to this 
paragraph (a)(2).
    (i) From December 1 through the last day of February, each year, 
fishing is prohibited in the red hind spawning aggregation area east of 
St. Croix.
    (ii) Fishing with pots, traps, bottom longlines, gillnets or trammel 
nets is prohibited year-round in the red hind spawning aggregation area 
east of St. Croix.

              Table 2 to Sec. 622.479(a)(2)--Red Hind Spawning Aggregation Area East of St. Croix
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Point                               North lat.                          West long.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A.......................................  17[deg]50.2[min]                    64[deg]27.9[min]
B.......................................  17[deg]50.1[min]                    64[deg]26.1[min]
C.......................................  17[deg]49.2[min]                    64[deg]25.8[min]
D.......................................  17[deg]48.6[min]                    64[deg]25.8[min]
E.......................................  17[deg]48.1[min]                    64[deg]26.1[min]
F.......................................  17[deg]47.5[min]                    64[deg]26.9[min]
A.......................................  17[deg]50.2[min]                    64[deg]27.9[min]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (b) Seasonal closures applicable to specific species--(1) Black, 
red, tiger, and yellowfin grouper closure. From February 1 through April 
30, each year, no person may fish for or possess black, red, tiger, or 
yellowfin grouper in or from the EEZ around St. Croix. The prohibition 
on possession does not apply to such grouper harvested and landed ashore 
prior to the closure.
    (2) Black, blackfin, silk, and vermilion snapper closure. From 
October 1 through December 31, each year, no person may fish for or 
possess black, blackfin, silk, or vermilion snapper in or from the EEZ 
around St. Croix. The prohibition on possession does not apply to such 
snapper harvested and landed ashore prior to the closure.
    (3) Lane and mutton snapper closure. From April 1 through June 30, 
each year, no person may fish for or possess lane or mutton snapper in 
or from the EEZ around St. Croix. The prohibition on possession does not 
apply to such snapper harvested and landed ashore prior to the closure.
    (4) Queen conch. No person may fish for or possess a queen conch in 
or from the EEZ around St. Croix, except from November 1 through May 31 
in the area east of 64[deg]34[min] W longitude, which includes Lang 
Bank.



Sec. 622.480  Annual catch limits (ACLs), annual catch targets (ACTs), and accountability measures (AMs).

    (a) Reef fish. (1) The ACLs are as follows and given in round 
weight.

[[Page 454]]



                     Table 1 to Sec. 622.480(a)(1)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                Stock or stock complex
            Family                    and species              ACL
                                      composition
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Angelfishes...................  Angelfish--French       6,412 lb
                                 angelfish, gray         (2,908.4 kg).
                                 angelfish, queen
                                 angelfish.
Groupers......................  Grouper 3--coney,\1\    13,529 lb
                                 graysby.                (6,136.6 kg).
                                Grouper 4--red          11,849 lb
                                 hind,\1\ rock hind.     (5,374.6 kg).
                                Grouper 5--black        701 lb (317.9
                                 grouper, red grouper,   kg).
                                 tiger grouper,
                                 yellowfin grouper.
                                Grouper 6--misty        77 lb (34.9 kg).
                                 grouper.
Grunts........................  Grunts--bluestriped     27,169 lb
                                 grunt, white grunt.     (12,323.6 kg).
Parrotfishes..................  Parrotfish 2--princess  72,365 lb
                                 parrotfish, queen       (32,824.2 kg).
                                 parrotfish, redband
                                 parrotfish, redfin
                                 parrotfish, redtail
                                 parrotfish,\1\
                                 stoplight
                                 parrotfish,\1\
                                 striped parrotfish.
Snappers......................  Snapper 1--black        61,455 lb
                                 snapper, blackfin       (27,875.5 kg).
                                 snapper,\1\ silk
                                 snapper,\1\ vermilion
                                 snapper.
                                Snapper 2--queen        7,911 lb
                                 snapper.                (3,588.3 kg).
                                Snapper 3--gray         14,156 lb (6,421
                                 snapper, lane snapper.  kg).
                                Snapper 4--mutton       8,513 lb
                                 snapper.                (3,861.4 kg).
                                Snapper 5--             22,879 lb
                                 schoolmaster.           (10,377.7 kg).
                                Snapper 6--yellowtail   15,670 lb
                                 snapper.                (7,107.7 kg).
Squirrelfishes................  Squirrelfish--longspin  3,514 (1,593.9
                                 e squirrelfish.         kg).
Surgeonfishes.................  Surgeonfish--blue       39,061 lb
                                 tang, doctorfish,       (17,717.7 kg).
                                 ocean surgeonfish.
Triggerfishes.................  Triggerfish--queen      21,450 lb
                                 triggerfish.            (9,729.5 kg).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Indicator stock.

    (2) At or near the beginning the fishing year, landings for each 
stock, stock complex, or indicator stock will be evaluated relative to 
the ACL based on a moving multi-year average of landings, as described 
in the FMP. If NMFS estimates that landings for a stock, stock complex, 
or indicator stock have exceeded the ACL specified in paragraph (a)(1) 
of this section for the stock or stock complex, the Assistant 
Administrator for NOAA Fisheries (AA) will file a notification with the 
Office of the Federal Register to reduce the length of the fishing 
season for the stock or stock complex within that fishing year by the 
amount necessary to prevent landings from exceeding the ACL for the 
stock or stock complex, unless NMFS determines that a fishing season 
reduction is not necessary based on the best scientific information 
available. If NMFS determines that the ACL for a particular stock or 
stock complex was exceeded because data collection or monitoring 
improved rather than because landings increased, NMFS will not reduce 
the length of the fishing season for the stock or stock complex. Any 
fishing season reduction required under this paragraph (a)(2) will be 
applied starting from September 30 and moving earlier toward the 
beginning of the fishing year. If the length of the required fishing 
season reduction exceeds the time period of January 1 through September 
30, any additional fishing season reduction will be applied starting 
from October 1 and moving later toward the end of the fishing year.
    (b) Pelagic fish. The ACLs and ACTs are given in round weight.
    (1) Dolphinfish. (i) ACL--86,633 lb (39,296 kg).
    (ii) ACT--77,970 lb (35,366.5 kg).
    (2) Wahoo. (i) ACL--27,260 lb (12,364.9 kg).
    (ii) ACT--24,534 lb (11,128.4 kg).
    (3) Pelagic fish AM application. At or near the beginning the 
fishing year, landings for the stock or stock complex will be evaluated 
relative to the ACT for the stock or stock complex based on a moving 
multi-year average of landings, as described in the FMP. If NMFS 
estimates that landings have exceeded the ACT specified in paragraph (b) 
of this section, NMFS in consultation with the Caribbean Fishery 
Management Council will determine appropriate corrective action.
    (c) Spiny lobster. (1) For the 2023 fishing year, the ACL is 140,667 
lb (63,805 kg), round weight. For the 2024 and subsequent fishing years, 
the ACL is 120,830 lb (54,807 kg), round weight.
    (2) At or near the beginning of the fishing year, NMFS will compare 
a 3 year average of available landings to the average ACLs effective 
during those same years, as described in the FMP. If NMFS estimates that 
average landings have exceeded the average

[[Page 455]]

ACLs, the AA will file a notification with the Office of the Federal 
Register to reduce the length of the fishing season for spiny lobster 
within that fishing year by the amount necessary to prevent average 
landings from exceeding the ACL for that fishing year, as specified in 
paragraph (c)(1) of this section. If NMFS determines that a fishing 
season reduction is not necessary based on the best scientific 
information available, or if NMFS determines the ACL exceedance was due 
to improved data collection or monitoring rather than from increased 
landings, NMFS will not reduce the length of the fishing season. Any 
fishing season reduction required under this paragraph (c)(2) will be 
applied starting from September 30 and moving earlier toward the 
beginning of the fishing year. If the length of the required fishing 
season reduction exceeds the time period of January 1 through September 
30, any additional fishing season reduction will be applied starting 
from October 1 and moving later toward the end of the fishing year.
    (d) [Reserved]
    (e) Queen conch. (1) ACL--50,000 lb (22,679.6 kg), round weight.
    (2) If NMFS estimates landings reach or are projected to reach the 
ACL specified in paragraph (e)(1) of this section, the AA will close the 
area east of 64[deg]34[min] W longitude in the EEZ around St. Croix to 
the harvest and possession of queen conch by filing a notification of 
the closure with the Office of the Federal Register. During the closure 
period, no person may fish for or possess a queen conch in or from the 
area east of 64[deg]34[min] W longitude in the EEZ around St. Croix.
    (f) Closure provisions for reef fish, spiny lobster, and queen 
conch. The following restrictions apply during a fishing season closure 
for reef fish, spiny lobster, or queen conch in the EEZ around St. 
Croix. During the closure period announced in the notification filed 
pursuant to paragraph (a)(2), (c)(2), or (e)(2) of this section, such 
stock or stock complex in or from the EEZ around St. Croix may not be 
harvested, possessed, purchased, or sold, and the commercial trip limits 
and recreational bag and possession limits are zero.

[87 FR 56216, Sept. 13, 2022, as amended at 88 FR 16196, Mar. 16, 2023]



Sec. 622.481  Size limits.

    All size limits in this section are minimum size limits unless 
specified otherwise. A fish not in compliance with its size limit in or 
from the EEZ around St. Croix may not be possessed, sold, or purchased, 
and must be released immediately with a minimum of harm. The operator of 
a vessel that fishes in the EEZ around St. Croix is responsible for 
ensuring that all species on board are in compliance with the size 
limits specified in this section. See Sec. 622.10 regarding 
requirements for landing fish intact. See Sec. 622.485(c)(2) regarding 
requirements for landing spiny lobster intact. See Sec. 622.485(e) 
regarding requirements for landing queen conch with the meat and shell 
intact.
    (a) Reef fish. (1) Yellowtail snapper--12 inches (30.5 cm), TL.
    (2) Parrotfishes, except for redband parrotfish, and prohibited blue 
parrotfish, midnight parrotfish, or rainbow parrotfish--9 inches (22.9 
cm), FL.
    (3) Redband parrotfish--8 inches (20.3 cm), FL.
    (b) [Reserved]
    (c) Spiny lobster. 3.5 inches (8.9 cm), carapace length.
    (d) [Reserved]
    (e) Queen conch. (1) The minimum size limit is either 9 inches (22.9 
cm) in length, that is, from the tip of the spire to the distal end of 
the shell, or \3/8\-inch (9.5 mm) in lip width at its widest point.
    (2) A queen conch not in compliance with its size limit, as 
specified in paragraph (e)(1) of this section, in or from the EEZ around 
St. Croix, may not be possessed, sold, or purchased and must be released 
immediately with a minimum of harm. The operator of a vessel that fishes 
in the EEZ around St. Croix is responsible for ensuring that queen conch 
on board are in compliance with the size limit specified in paragraph 
(e)(1) this section.



Sec. 622.482  Commercial trip limits.

    Commercial trip limits are limits on the amount of the applicable 
species

[[Page 456]]

that may be possessed on board or landed, purchased, or sold from a 
vessel per day. A person who fishes in the EEZ around St. Croix may not 
combine a trip limit specified in this section with any trip or 
possession limit applicable to state waters. A species subject to a trip 
limit specified in this section taken in the EEZ around St. Croix may 
not be transferred at sea, regardless of where such transfer takes 
place.
    (a) Queen conch. (1) 200.
    (2) The trip limits specified in paragraph (a)(1) of this section 
apply to a vessel that has at least one person on board with a valid 
commercial fishing license issued by Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin 
Islands. If no person on the vessel has a valid commercial fishing 
license issued by Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands, the bag and 
possession limits specified in Sec. 622.484(e) apply.
    (b) [Reserved]



Sec. 622.483  Restrictions on sale or purchase.

    (a) Reef fish. A live red hind or live mutton snapper in or from the 
EEZ around St. Croix may not be sold or purchased and used in the marine 
aquarium trade.
    (b) [Reserved]
    (c) Coral. (1) No person may sell or purchase a coral harvested in 
the EEZ around St. Croix.
    (2) A coral that is sold in St. Croix will be presumed to have been 
harvested in the EEZ around St. Croix, unless it is accompanied by 
documentation showing that it was harvested elsewhere. Such 
documentation must contain:
    (i) The information specified in subpart K of part 300 of this title 
for marking containers or packages of fish or wildlife that are 
imported, exported, or transported in interstate commerce.
    (ii) The name and home port of the vessel, or the name and address 
of the individual harvesting the coral.
    (iii) The port and date of landing the coral.
    (iv) A statement signed by the person selling the coral attesting 
that, to the best of his or her knowledge, information, and belief, such 
coral was harvested from other than in the EEZ around St. Croix or the 
waters of Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands.



Sec. 622.484  Bag and possession limits.

    Section 622.11(a) provides the general applicability for bag and 
possession limits. However, Sec. 622.11(a) notwithstanding, the bag 
limits of this section do not apply to a person who has a valid 
commercial fishing license issued by Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin 
Islands.
    (a) Reef fish. (1) Groupers, parrotfishes, and snappers combined--5 
per person per day or, if 3 or more persons are aboard, 15 per vessel 
per day; but not to exceed 2 parrotfish per person per day or 6 
parrotfish per vessel per day.
    (2) Angelfishes, grunts, squirrelfishes, surgeonfishes, and 
triggerfishes combined--5 per person per day or, if 3 or more persons 
are aboard, 15 per vessel per day, but not to exceed 1 surgeonfish per 
person per day or 4 surgeonfish per vessel per day.
    (b) [Reserved]
    (c) Spiny lobster. 3 per person per day, not to exceed 10 per vessel 
per day, whichever is less.
    (d) [Reserved]
    (e) Queen conch. 3 per person per day or, if more than 4 persons are 
aboard, 12 per vessel per day.



Sec. 622.485  Other harvest restrictions.

    (a)-(b) [Reserved]
    (c) Spiny lobster--(1) Prohibition on harvest of egg-bearing spiny 
lobster. Egg-bearing spiny lobster in the EEZ around St. Croix must be 
returned to the water unharmed. An egg-bearing spiny lobster may be 
retained in a spiny lobster trap, provided the trap is returned 
immediately to the water. An egg-bearing spiny lobster may not be 
stripped, scraped, shaved, clipped, or in any other manner molested, in 
order to remove the eggs.
    (2) Landing spiny lobster intact. (i) A spiny lobster in or from the 
EEZ around St. Croix must be maintained with head and carapace intact 
through offloading ashore.
    (ii) The operator of a vessel that fishes in the EEZ around St. 
Croix is

[[Page 457]]

responsible for ensuring that spiny lobster on that vessel are 
maintained intact through offloading ashore, as specified in this 
section.
    (d) [Reserved]
    (e) Queen conch. (1) A queen conch in or from the EEZ around St. 
Croix must be maintained with meat and shell intact through offloading 
ashore.
    (2) The operator of a vessel that fishes in the EEZ around St. Croix 
is responsible for ensuring that queen conch on that vessel are 
maintained intact through offloading ashore, as specified in this 
section.



Sec. 622.486  Spiny lobster import prohibitions.

    (a) Minimum size limits for imported spiny lobster. Multiple minimum 
size limits apply to importation of spiny lobster into the United 
States--one that applies any place subject to the jurisdiction of the 
United States other than Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands, and 
more restrictive minimum size limits that apply to Puerto Rico, St 
Croix, and St. Thomas and St. John, respectively.
    (1) No person may import a spiny lobster with less than a 6-ounce 
(170-gram) tail weight into St. Croix. For the purposes of paragraph (a) 
of this section, a 6-ounce (170-gram) tail weight is defined as a tail 
that weighs 5.9-6.4 ounces (167-181 grams). If the documentation 
accompanying an imported spiny lobster, including but not limited to 
product packaging, customs entry forms, bills of lading, brokerage 
forms, or commercial invoices, indicates that the product does not 
satisfy the minimum tail-weight, the person importing such spiny lobster 
has the burden to prove that such spiny lobster does satisfy the minimum 
tail-weight requirement or that such spiny lobster has a tail length of 
6.2 inches (15.75 cm) or greater or that such spiny lobster has or had a 
carapace length of 3.5 inches (8.89 cm) or greater. If the imported 
product itself does not satisfy the minimum tail-weight requirement, the 
person importing such spiny lobster has the burden to prove that such 
spiny lobster has a tail length of 6.2 inches (15.75 cm) or greater or 
that such spiny lobster has or had a carapace length of 3.5 inches (8.89 
cm) or greater. If the burden is satisfied, such spiny lobster will be 
considered to be in compliance with the minimum 6-ounce (170-gram) tail-
weight requirement.
    (2) See Sec. 622.409 regarding the minimum size limit that applies 
to spiny lobster imported into any place subject to the jurisdiction of 
the United States other than Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands.
    (3) See subparts S and U of this part for the minimum size limits 
that apply to spiny lobster imported into Puerto Rico and St. Thomas and 
St. John, respectively.
    (b) Additional spiny lobster import prohibitions--(1) Prohibition 
related to tail meat. No person may import into any place subject to the 
jurisdiction of the United States spiny lobster tail meat that is not in 
whole tail form with the exoskeleton attached.
    (2) Prohibitions related to egg-bearing spiny lobster. No person may 
import into any place subject to the jurisdiction of the United States 
spiny lobster with eggs attached or spiny lobster from which eggs or 
pleopods (swimmerets) have been removed or stripped. Pleopods are the 
first five pairs of abdominal appendages.



Sec. 622.487  Adjustment of management measures.

    In accordance with the framework procedure of the Fishery Management 
Plan for the EEZ around St Croix, the RA may establish or modify the 
following items.
    (a) Standard open framework procedures. Re-specify maximum 
sustainable yield (MSY), optimum yield (OY), overfishing limit (OFL), 
maximum fishing mortality threshold (MFMT), minimum stock size threshold 
(MSST), acceptable biological catch (ABC), ACL, ACT, sustainable yield 
level, and other related management reference points and status 
determination criteria; establish or revise rebuilding plans; revise 
AMs; modify reporting or monitoring requirements, and time or area 
closures and closure procedures.
    (b) Abbreviated open framework procedures. Gear or vessel marking 
requirements, maintaining fish in a specific condition, size limits, 
commercial trip limits, recreational bag and possession

[[Page 458]]

limits, changes to the length of an established closed season of no more 
than 1 day, and gear modifications to address conservation issues 
including responding to interactions with species listed under the 
Endangered Species Act or protected under the Marine Mammal Protection 
Act.



        Subpart U_FMP for the EEZ around St. Thomas and St. John

    Source: 87 FR 56217, Sept. 13, 2022 unless otherwise noted.



Sec. 622.505  Management area.

    The management area is the EEZ around St. Thomas and St. John 
bounded by rhumb lines connecting the following points and geographic 
instructions in order:

                                            Table 1 to Sec. 622.505
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Point                               North lat.                          West long.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A (intersects with the international and  19[deg]37[min]29[sec]               65[deg]20[min]57[sec]
 EEZ boundary).
From Point A proceed along the
 international and EEZ boundary
 southeasterly to Point G.
G.......................................  18[deg]03[min]03[sec]               64[deg]38[min]03[sec]
D.......................................  18[deg]01[min]16.9636[sec]          64[deg]57[min]38.817[sec]
C.......................................  18[deg]13[min]59.0606[sec]          65[deg]05[min]33.058[sec]
From Point C proceed along the 3-
 nautical mile territorial boundary
 around St. Thomas and St. John
 northerly to Point B.
B.......................................  18[deg]25[min]46.3015[sec]          65[deg]06[min]31.866[sec]
A (intersects with the international and  19[deg]37[min]29[sec]               65[deg]20[min]57[sec]
 EEZ boundary).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Sec. 622.506  Definitions.

    In addition to the definitions and acronyms in Sec. 622.2, the 
terms and acronyms used in this subpart have the following meanings:
    Coral means any or all species, or a part thereof, of coral 
occurring in the EEZ around St. Thomas and St. John, including any or 
all species, or a part thereof, of soft corals and gorgonians in Order 
Alcyonacea; sea pens and sea pensies in Order Pennatulacea; black corals 
in Order Antipatharia; and stony corals in Order Scleractinia; and, 
within Order Anthoatheacata, fire corals in Family Milleporidae and lace 
corals in Family Stylasteridae.
    Coral reef resource means any or all species, or a part thereof, of 
coral, sea cucumber, and sea urchin.
    Pelagic fish means any or all species, or a part thereof, as 
follows:

                        Table 1 to Sec. 622.506
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        English common
         Class or family            Scientific name          name
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dolphinfishes--Coryphaenidae....  Coryphaena          Dolphinfish.
                                   hippurus.
Mackerels and tunas--Scombridae.  Acanthocybium       Wahoo.
                                   solandri.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Queen conch means the species Lobatus gigas, or a part thereof.
    Reef fish means any or all species, or a part thereof, as follows:

                        Table 2 to Sec. 622.506
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        English common
         Class or family            Scientific name          name
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Angelfishes--Pomacanthidae......  Pomacanthus paru..  French angelfish.
                                  Pomacanthus         Gray angelfish.
                                   arcuatus.
                                  Holacanthus         Queen angelfish.
                                   ciliaris.
Groupers--Serranidae............  Mycteroperca        Black grouper.
                                   bonaci.
                                  Cephalopholis       Coney.
                                   fulva.
                                  Epinephelus         Goliath grouper.
                                   itajara.
                                  Hyporthodus         Misty grouper.
                                   mystacinus.
                                  Epinephelus         Nassau grouper.
                                   striatus.
                                  Epinephelus morio.  Red grouper.

[[Page 459]]

 
                                  Epinephelus         Red hind.
                                   guttatus.
                                  Mycteroperca        Tiger grouper.
                                   tigris.
                                  Hyporthodus         Yellowedge
                                   flavolimbatus.      grouper.
                                  Mycteroperca        Yellowfin grouper.
                                   venenosa.
                                  Mycteroperca        Yellowmouth
                                   interstitialis.     grouper.
Grunts--Haemulidae..............  Haemulon sciurus..  Bluestriped grunt.
                                  Haemulon album....  Margate.
                                  Haemulon plumierii  White grunt.
Jacks--Carangidae...............  Caranx crysos.....  Blue runner.
Parrotfishes--Scaridae..........  Scarus coeruleus..  Blue parrotfish.
                                  Scarus coelestinus  Midnight
                                                       parrotfish.
                                  Scarus              Princess
                                   taeniopterus.       parrotfish.
                                  Scarus vetula.....  Queen parrotfish.
                                  Scarus guacamaia..  Rainbow
                                                       parrotfish.
                                  Sparisoma           Redband
                                   aurofrenatum.       parrotfish.
                                  Sparisoma           Redfin parrotfish.
                                   rubripinne.
                                  Sparisoma           Redtail
                                   chrysopterum.       parrotfish.
                                  Sparisoma viride..  Stoplight
                                                       parrotfish.
                                  Scarus iseri......  Striped
                                                       parrotfish.
Porgies--Sparidae...............  Calamus bajonado..  Jolthead porgy.
                                  Calamus calamus...  Saucereye porgy.
                                  Archosargus         Sea bream.
                                   rhomboidalis.
                                  Calamus penna.....  Sheepshead porgy.
Snappers--Lutjanidae............  Apsilus dentatus..  Black snapper.
                                  Lutjanus            Blackfin snapper.
                                   buccanella.
                                  Lutjanus synagris.  Lane snapper.
                                  Lutjanus analis...  Mutton snapper.
                                  Etelis oculatus...  Queen snapper.
                                  Lutjanus vivanus..  Silk snapper.
                                  Rhomboplites        Vermilion snapper.
                                   aurorubens.
                                  Ocyurus chrysurus.  Yellowtail
                                                       snapper.
Surgeonfishes--Acanthuridae.....  Acanthurus          Blue tang.
                                   coeruleus.
                                  Acanthurus          Doctorfish.
                                   chirurgus.
                                  Acanthurus tractus  Ocean surgeonfish.
Triggerfishes--Balistidae.......  Balistes vetula...  Queen triggerfish.
Wrasses--Labridae...............  Lachnolaimus        Hogfish.
                                   maximus.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Sea cucumber means any or all species, or a part thereof, in Class 
Holothuroidea and occurring in the EEZ of St. Thomas and St. John.
    Sea urchin means any or all species of sea urchin, or a part 
thereof, in Class Echinoidea and occurring in the EEZ of St. Thomas and 
St. John.
    Spiny lobster trap means a trap and its component parts, including 
the lines and buoys, used for or capable of taking spiny lobster and 
meeting the spiny lobster trap construction specifications of this 
subpart.



Sec. 622.507  [Reserved]



Sec. 622.508  Vessel identification.

    See Sec. 622.6 for vessel identification requirements applicable to 
this subpart.



Sec. 622.509  Gear identification.

    (a) Reef fish--(1) Fish traps and associated buoys. All fish traps 
used or possessed in the EEZ around St. Thomas and St. John must display 
the official number specified for the vessel by Puerto Rico or the U.S. 
Virgin Islands. A fish trap that is fished individually, rather than 
tied together in a trap line, must have at least one buoy attached that 
floats on the surface. Fish traps that are tied together in a trap line 
must have at least one buoy that floats at the surface attached at each 
end of the trap line. All buoys must display the official number and 
color code assigned to the vessel by Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin 
Islands, whichever is applicable.
    (2) Presumption of ownership of fish traps. A fish trap in the EEZ 
around St. Thomas and St. John will be presumed to be the property of 
the most recently documented owner. This presumption will not apply with 
respect to such traps that are lost or sold if the owner reports the 
loss or sale within 15 days to the RA.

[[Page 460]]

    (3) Disposition of unmarked fish traps or buoys. An unmarked fish 
trap or buoy deployed in the EEZ around St. Thomas and St. John is 
illegal and may be disposed of in any appropriate manner by the 
Assistant Administrator or an authorized officer.
    (b) [Reserved]
    (c) Spiny lobster--(1) Spiny lobster traps and associated buoys. All 
spiny lobster traps used or possessed in the EEZ around St. Thomas and 
St. John must display the official number specified for the vessel by 
Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands. A spiny lobster trap that is 
fished individually, rather than tied together in a trap line, must have 
at least one buoy attached that floats on the surface. Spiny lobster 
traps that are tied together in a trap line must have at least one buoy 
that floats at the surface attached at each end of the trap line. All 
buoys must display the official number and color code assigned to the 
vessel by Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands, whichever is 
applicable.
    (2) Presumption of ownership of spiny lobster traps. A spiny lobster 
trap in the EEZ around St. Thomas and St. John will be presumed to be 
the property of the most recently documented owner. This presumption 
will not apply with respect to such traps that are lost or sold if the 
owner reports the loss or sale within 15 days to the RA.
    (3) Disposition of unmarked spiny lobster traps or buoys. An 
unmarked spiny lobster trap or buoy deployed in the EEZ around St. 
Thomas and St. John is illegal and may be disposed of in any appropriate 
manner by the Assistant Administrator or an authorized officer.



Sec. 622.510  Trap construction specifications and tending restrictions.

    (a) Reef fish--(1) Construction specifications--(i) Minimum mesh 
size. A bare-wire fish trap used or possessed in the EEZ around St. 
Thomas and St. John that has hexagonal mesh openings must have a minimum 
mesh size of 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) in the smallest dimension measured 
between centers of opposite strands. A bare-wire fish trap used or 
possessed in the EEZ around St. Thomas and St. John that has other than 
hexagonal mesh openings or a fish trap of other than bare wire, such as 
coated wire or plastic, used or possessed in the EEZ around St. Thomas 
and St. John, must have a minimum mesh size of 2 inches (5.1 cm) in the 
smallest dimension measured between centers of opposite strands.
    (ii) Escape mechanisms. A fish trap used or possessed in the EEZ 
around St. Thomas and St. John must have a panel located on one side of 
the trap, excluding the top, bottom, and side containing the trap 
entrance. The opening covered by the panel must measure not less than 8 
by 8 inches (20.3 by 20.3 cm). The mesh size of the panel may not be 
smaller than the mesh size of the trap. The panel must be attached to 
the trap with untreated jute twine with a diameter not exceeding \1/8\-
inch (3.2 mm). An access door may serve as the panel, provided it is on 
an appropriate side, it is hinged only at its bottom, its only other 
fastening is untreated jute twine with a diameter not exceeding \1/8\-
inch (3.2 mm), and such fastening is at the top of the door so that the 
door will fall open when such twine degrades. Jute twine used to secure 
a panel may not be wrapped or overlapped.
    (2) Tending restrictions. A fish trap in the EEZ around St. Thomas 
and St. John may be pulled or tended only by a person (other than an 
authorized officer) aboard the fish trap owner's vessel, or aboard 
another vessel if such vessel has on board written consent of the trap 
owner, or if the trap owner is aboard and has documentation verifying 
his identification number and color code. An owner's written consent 
must specify the time period such consent is effective and the trap 
owner's gear identification number and color code.
    (b) [Reserved]
    (c) Spiny lobster--(1) Construction specifications--(i) Escape 
mechanisms. A spiny lobster trap used or possessed in the EEZ around St. 
Thomas and St. John must contain on any vertical side or on the top a 
panel no smaller in diameter than the throat or entrance of the trap. 
The panel must be made of or attached to the trap by one of the 
following degradable materials:
    (A) Untreated fiber of biological origin with a diameter not 
exceeding \1/8\-inch (3.2 mm). This includes, but is not

[[Page 461]]

limited to tyre palm, hemp, jute, cotton, wool, or silk.
    (B) Ungalvanized or uncoated iron wire with a diameter not exceeding 
\1/16\-inch (1.6 mm), that is, 16-gauge wire.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (2) Tending restrictions. A spiny lobster trap in the EEZ around St. 
Thomas and St. John may be pulled or tended only by a person (other than 
an authorized officer) aboard the trap owner's vessel, or aboard another 
vessel if such vessel has on board written consent of the trap owner, or 
if the trap owner is aboard and has documentation verifying his 
identification number and color code. An owner's written consent must 
specify the time period such consent is effective and the trap owner's 
gear identification number and color code.



Sec. 622.511  Anchoring restrictions.

    The owner or operator of any fishing vessel, recreational or 
commercial, that fishes for or possesses reef fish in or from the EEZ 
around St. Thomas and St. John must ensure that the vessel uses only an 
anchor retrieval system that recovers the anchor by its crown, thereby 
preventing the anchor from dragging along the bottom during recovery. 
For a grapnel hook, this could include an incorporated anchor rode 
reversal bar that runs parallel along the shank, which allows the rode 
to reverse and slip back toward the crown. For a fluke- or plow-type 
anchor, a trip line consisting of a line from the crown of the anchor to 
a surface buoy is required.



Sec. 622.512  Prohibited gear and methods.

    Also see Sec. 622.9 for additional prohibited gear and methods that 
apply more broadly to multiple fisheries or in some cases all fisheries.
    (a) Reef fish--(1) Poisons. A poison, drug, or other chemical may 
not be used to fish for reef fish in the EEZ around St. Thomas and St. 
John.
    (2) Powerheads. A powerhead may not be used in the EEZ around St. 
Thomas and St. John to harvest reef fish. The possession of a mutilated 
reef fish in or from the EEZ around St. Thomas and St. John and a 
powerhead constitutes a rebuttable presumption of a violation of this 
paragraph (a)(2).
    (3) Gillnets and trammel nets. A gillnet or trammel net may not be 
used in the EEZ around St. Thomas and St. John to fish for reef fish. 
The possession of a reef fish in or from the EEZ around St. Thomas and 
St. John and a gillnet or trammel net constitutes a rebuttable 
presumption of a violation of this paragraph (a)(3). A gillnet or 
trammel net used in the EEZ around St. Thomas and St. John to fish for 
any other species must be tended at all times.
    (b) [Reserved]
    (c) Spiny lobster--(1) Spears and hooks. A spear, hook, or similar 
device may not be used in the EEZ around St. Thomas and St. John to 
harvest a spiny lobster. The possession of a speared, pierced, or 
punctured spiny lobster in or from the EEZ around St. Thomas and St. 
John constitutes a rebuttable presumption of a violation of this 
paragraph (c)(1).
    (2) Gillnets and trammel nets. A gillnet or trammel net may not be 
used in the EEZ around St. Thomas and St. John to fish for spiny 
lobster. The possession of a spiny lobster in or from the EEZ around St. 
Thomas and St. John and a gillnet or trammel net constitutes a 
rebuttable presumption of a violation of this paragraph (c)(2). A 
gillnet or trammel net used in the EEZ around St. Thomas and St. John to 
fish for any other species must be tended at all times.



Sec. 622.513  Prohibited species.

    The harvest and possession restrictions of this section apply 
without regard to whether the species is harvested by a vessel operating 
under a commercial vessel permit. The operator of a vessel that fishes 
in the EEZ around St. Thomas and St. John is responsible for the limit 
applicable to that vessel. Any of the following species caught in the 
EEZ around St. Thomas and St. John must be released immediately with a 
minimum of harm.
    (a) Reef fish. No person may fish for or possess the following reef 
fish species in or from the EEZ around St. Thomas and St. John.
    (1) Goliath grouper or Nassau grouper.
    (2) Blue parrotfish, midnight parrotfish, or rainbow parrotfish.
    (b)-(c) [Reserved]

[[Page 462]]

    (d) Coral, sea cucumber, and sea urchin. A coral, sea cucumber, or 
sea urchin may not be fished for or possessed in or from the EEZ around 
St. Thomas and St. John. The taking of coral in the EEZ around St. 
Thomas and St. John is not considered unlawful possession provided it is 
returned immediately to the sea in the general area of fishing.
    (e) Queen conch. No person may fish for or possess queen conch in or 
from the EEZ around St. Thomas and St. John.



Sec. 622.514  Area and seasonal closures.

    (a) Closures applicable to specific areas--(1) Grammanik Bank. The 
Grammanik Bank is bounded by rhumb lines connecting, in order, the 
points listed in Table 1 to this paragraph (a)(1).
    (i) From February 1 through April 30, each year, no person may fish 
for or possess any species of fish, except highly migratory species, in 
or from the Grammanik Bank. The prohibition on possession does not apply 
to such fish harvested and landed ashore prior to the closure. For the 
purpose of this paragraph (a)(1)(i), fish means finfish, mollusks, 
crustaceans, and all other forms of marine animal and plant life other 
than marine mammals and birds. Highly migratory species means bluefin, 
bigeye, yellowfin, albacore, and skipjack tunas; swordfish; sharks 
(listed in appendix A to part 635 of this title); and white marlin, blue 
marlin, sailfish, and longbill spearfish.
    (ii) Fishing with pots, traps, bottom longlines, gillnets or trammel 
nets is prohibited year-round in the Grammanik Bank.

                                 Table 1 to Sec. 622.514(a)(1)--Grammanik Bank
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Point                               North lat.                          West long.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A.......................................  18[deg]11.898[min]                  64[deg]56.328[min]
B.......................................  18[deg]11.645[min]                  64[deg]56.225[min]
C.......................................  18[deg]11.058[min]                  64[deg]57.810[min]
D.......................................  18[deg]11.311[min]                  64[deg]57.913[min]
A.......................................  18[deg]11.898[min]                  64[deg]56.328[min]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) Hind Bank Marine Conservation District (MCD). The Hind Bank MCD 
is bounded by rhumb lines connecting, in order, the points listed in 
Table 2 to this paragraph (a)(2). Fishing for any species and anchoring 
by fishing vessels is prohibited year-round in those parts of the Hind 
Bank MCD that are in the EEZ around St. Thomas and St. John.

                                 Table 2 to Sec. 622.514(a)(2)--Hind Bank MCD
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Point                               North lat.                          West long.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A.......................................  18[deg]13.2[min]                    65[deg]06.0[min]
B.......................................  18[deg]13.2[min]                    64[deg]59.0[min]
C.......................................  18[deg]11.8[min]                    64[deg]59.0[min]
D.......................................  18[deg]10.7[min]                    65[deg]06.0[min]
A.......................................  18[deg]13.2[min]                    65[deg]06.0[min]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (b) Seasonal closures applicable to specific species--(1) Black, 
red, tiger, yellowedge, and yellowfin grouper closure. From February 1 
through April 30, each year, no person may fish for or possess black, 
red, tiger, yellowedge, or yellowfin grouper in or from the EEZ around 
St. Thomas and St. John. The prohibition on possession does not apply to 
such grouper harvested and landed ashore prior to the closure.
    (2) Black, blackfin, silk, and vermilion snapper closure. From 
October 1 through December 31, each year, no person may fish for or 
possess black, blackfin, silk, or vermilion snapper in or from the EEZ 
around St. Thomas and St. John. The prohibition on possession does not 
apply to such snapper harvested and landed ashore prior to the closure.

[[Page 463]]

    (3) Lane and mutton snapper closure. From April 1 through June 30, 
each year, no person may fish for or possess lane or mutton snapper in 
or from the EEZ around St. Thomas and St. John. The prohibition on 
possession does not apply to such snapper harvested and landed ashore 
prior to the closure.



Sec. 622.515  Annual catch limits (ACLs), annual catch targets (ACTs), and accountability measures (AMs).

    (a) Reef fish. (1) The following ACLs are as follows and given in 
round weight.

                                         Table 1 to Sec. 622.515(a)(1)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                          Stock or stock complex and
                Family                       species composition                          ACL
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Angelfishes...........................  Angelfish--French angelfish,   18,297 lb (8,299.3 kg).
                                         gray angelfish,\1\ queen
                                         angelfish.
Groupers..............................  Grouper 3--coney, red hind     65,030 lb (29,497.1 kg).
                                         \1\.
                                        Grouper 4--black grouper, red  2,254 lb (1,022.3 kg).
                                         grouper, tiger grouper,
                                         yellowfin grouper.
                                        Grouper 5--misty grouper,      390 lb (176.9 kg).
                                         yellowedge grouper,
                                         yellowmouth grouper.
Grunts................................  Grunts 1--bluestriped grunt,   30,581 lb (13,871.3 kg).
                                         white grunt \1\.
                                        Grunts 2--margate............  2,319 lb (1,051.8 kg).
Jacks.................................  Jacks--blue runner...........  44,665 lb (20,259.7 kg).
Parrotfishes..........................  Parrotfish 2--princess         60,026 lb (27,227.3 kg).
                                         parrotfish, queen
                                         parrotfish, redband
                                         parrotfish, redfin
                                         parrotfish, redtail
                                         parrotfish\1\, stoplight
                                         parrotfish,\1\ striped
                                         parrotfish.
Porgies...............................  Porgies--jolthead porgy,       29,039 lb (13,171.8 kg).
                                         saucereye porgy,\1\ sea
                                         bream, sheepshead porgy.
Snappers..............................  Snapper 1--black snapper,      20,090 lb (9,112.6 kg).
                                         blackfin snapper,\1\ silk
                                         snapper, vermilion snapper.
                                        Snapper 2--queen snapper.....  568 lb (257.6 kg).
                                        Snapper 3--lane snapper,       30,784 lb (13,963.3 kg).
                                         mutton snapper \1\.
                                        Snapper 4--yellowtail snapper  88,952 lb (40,347.9 kg).
Surgeonfishes.........................  Surgeonfish--blue tang,        22,630 lb (10,264.7 kg).
                                         doctorfish,\1\ ocean
                                         surgeonfish.
Triggerfishes.........................  Triggerfish--queen             97,670 lb (44,302.3 kg).
                                         triggerfish.
Wrasses...............................  Wrasses--hogfish.............  2,951 lb (1,338.5 kg).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Indicator stock.

    (2) At or near the beginning of the fishing year, landings for each 
stock, stock complex, or indicator stock will be evaluated relative to 
the ACL based on a moving multi-year average of landings, as described 
in the FMP. If NMFS estimates that landings for a stock, stock complex, 
or indicator stock have exceeded the ACL specified in paragraph (a)(1) 
of this section for the stock or stock complex, the Assistant 
Administrator for NOAA Fisheries (AA) will file a notification with the 
Office of the Federal Register to reduce the length of the fishing 
season for the stock or stock complex within that fishing year by the 
amount necessary to prevent landings from exceeding the ACL for the 
stock or stock complex, unless NMFS determines that a fishing season 
reduction is not necessary based on the best scientific information 
available. If NMFS determines that the ACL for a particular stock or 
stock complex was exceeded because data collection or monitoring 
improved rather than because landings increased, NMFS will not reduce 
the length of the fishing season for the stock or stock complex. Any 
fishing season reduction required under this paragraph (a)(2) will be 
applied starting from September 30 and moving earlier toward the 
beginning of the fishing year. If the length of the required fishing 
season reduction exceeds the time period of January 1 through September 
30, any additional fishing season reduction will be applied starting 
from October 1 and moving later toward the end of the fishing year.
    (b) Pelagic fish. The ACLs and ACTs are given in round weight.
    (1) Dolphinfish. (i) ACL--9,778 lb (4,435.2 kg).
    (ii) ACT--8,800 lb (3,991.6 kg).
    (2) Wahoo. (i) ACL--6,879 lb (3,120.2 kg).
    (ii) ACT--6,191 lb (2,808.1 kg).
    (3) Pelagic fish AM application. At or near the beginning the 
fishing year, landings for the stock or stock complex will be evaluated 
relative to the ACT for the stock or stock complex based on a moving 
multi-year average of landings, as described in the FMP. If

[[Page 464]]

NMFS estimates that landings have exceeded the ACT specified in 
paragraph (b) of this section, NMFS in consultation with the Caribbean 
Fishery Management Council will determine appropriate corrective action.
    (c) Spiny lobster. (1) For the 2023 fishing year, the ACL is 142,636 
lb (64,698 kg), round weight. For the 2024 and subsequent fishing years, 
the ACL is 126,089 lb (57,193 kg), round weight.
    (2) At or near the beginning of the fishing year, NMFS will compare 
a 3 year average of available landings to the average ACLs effective 
during those same years, as described in the FMP. If NMFS estimates that 
average landings have exceeded the average ACLs, the AA will file a 
notification with the Office of the Federal Register to reduce the 
length of the fishing season for spiny lobster within that fishing year 
by the amount necessary to prevent average landings from exceeding the 
ACL for that fishing year, as specified in paragraph (c)(1) of this 
section. If NMFS determines that a fishing season reduction is not 
necessary based on the best scientific information available, or if NMFS 
determines the ACL exceedance was due to improved data collection or 
monitoring rather than from increased landings, NMFS will not reduce the 
length of the fishing season. Any fishing season reduction required 
under this paragraph (c)(2) will be applied starting from September 30 
and moving earlier toward the beginning of the fishing year. If the 
length of the required fishing season reduction exceeds the time period 
of January 1 through September 30, any additional fishing season 
reduction will be applied starting from October 1 and moving later 
toward the end of the fishing year.
    (d)-(e) [Reserved]
    (f) Closure provisions for reef fish and spiny lobster. The 
following restrictions apply during a fishing season closure for reef 
fish or spiny lobster in the EEZ around St. Thomas and St. John. During 
the closure period announced in the notification filed pursuant to 
paragraph (a)(2) or (c)(2) of this section, such stock or stock complex 
in or from the EEZ around St. Thomas and St. John may not be harvested, 
possessed, purchased, or sold, and the bag and possession limits for 
such stock or stock complex are zero.

[87 FR 56217, Sept. 13, 2022, as amended at 88 FR 16196, Mar. 16, 2023]



Sec. 622.516  Size limits.

    All size limits in this section are minimum size limits unless 
specified otherwise. A fish not in compliance with its size limit in or 
from the EEZ around St. Thomas and St. John may not be possessed, sold, 
or purchased, and must be released immediately with a minimum of harm. 
The operator of a vessel that fishes in the EEZ around St. Thomas and 
St. John is responsible for ensuring that all species on board are in 
compliance with the size limits specified in this section. See Sec. 
622.10 regarding requirements for landing fish intact. See Sec. 
622.520(c)(2) regarding requirements for landing spiny lobster intact.
    (a) Reef fish. (1) Yellowtail snapper--12 inches (30.5 cm), TL.
    (2) [Reserved]
    (b) [Reserved]
    (c) Spiny lobster. 3.5 inches (8.9 cm), carapace length.



Sec. 622.517  [Reserved]



Sec. 622.518  Restrictions on sale or purchase.

    (a) Reef fish. A live red hind or live mutton snapper in or from the 
EEZ around St. Thomas and St. John may not be sold or purchased and used 
in the marine aquarium trade.
    (b) [Reserved]
    (c) Coral. (1) No person may sell or purchase a coral harvested in 
the EEZ around St. Thomas and St. John.
    (2) A coral that is sold in St. Thomas or St. John will be presumed 
to have been harvested in the EEZ around St. Thomas and St. John, unless 
it is accompanied by documentation showing that it was harvested 
elsewhere. Such documentation must contain:
    (i) The information specified in subpart K of part 300 of this title 
for marking containers or packages of fish or wildlife that are 
imported, exported, or transported in interstate commerce.
    (ii) The name and home port of the vessel, or the name and address 
of the individual harvesting the coral.

[[Page 465]]

    (iii) The port and date of landing the coral.
    (iv) A statement signed by the person selling the coral attesting 
that, to the best of his or her knowledge, information, and belief, such 
coral was harvested from other than in the EEZ around St. Thomas and St. 
John, or the waters of Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands.



Sec. 622.519  Bag and possession limits.

    Section 622.11(a) provides the general applicability for bag and 
possession limits. However, Sec. 622.11(a) notwithstanding, the bag 
limits of this section do not apply to a person who has a valid 
commercial fishing license issued by Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin 
Islands.
    (a) Reef fish. (1) Groupers, parrotfishes, and snappers combined--5 
per person per day or, if 3 or more persons are aboard, 15 per vessel 
per day; but not to exceed 2 parrotfish per person per day or 6 
parrotfish per vessel per day.
    (2) Angelfishes, grunts, jacks, porgies, surgeonfishes, 
triggerfishes, and wrasses combined--5 per person per day or, if 3 or 
more persons are aboard, 15 per vessel per day, but not to exceed 1 
surgeonfish per person per day or 4 surgeonfish per vessel per day.
    (b) [Reserved]
    (c) Spiny lobster. 3 per person per day, not to exceed 10 per vessel 
per day, whichever is less.



Sec. 622.520  Other harvest restrictions.

    (a)-(b) [Reserved]
    (c) Spiny lobster--(1) Prohibition on harvest of egg-bearing spiny 
lobster. Egg-bearing spiny lobster in the EEZ around St. Thomas and St. 
John must be returned to the water unharmed. An egg-bearing spiny 
lobster may be retained in a spiny lobster trap, provided the trap is 
returned immediately to the water. An egg-bearing spiny lobster may not 
be stripped, scraped, shaved, clipped, or in any other manner molested, 
in order to remove the eggs.
    (2) Landing spiny lobster intact. (i) A spiny lobster in or from the 
EEZ around St. Thomas and St. John must be maintained with head and 
carapace intact through offloading ashore.
    (ii) The operator of a vessel that fishes in the EEZ around St. John 
and St. Thomas is responsible for ensuring that spiny lobster on that 
vessel are maintained intact through offloading ashore, as specified in 
this section.



Sec. 622.521  Spiny lobster import prohibitions.

    (a) Minimum size limits for imported spiny lobster. Multiple minimum 
size limits apply to importation of spiny lobster into the United 
States--one that applies any place subject to the jurisdiction of the 
United States other than Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands, and 
more restrictive minimum size limits that apply to Puerto Rico, St. 
Croix, and St. Thomas and St. John, respectively.
    (1) No person may import a spiny lobster with less than a 6-ounce 
(170-gram) tail weight into St. Thomas or St. John. For the purposes of 
paragraph (a) of this section, a 6-ounce (170-gram) tail weight is 
defined as a tail that weighs 5.9-6.4 ounces (167-181 grams). If the 
documentation accompanying an imported spiny lobster, including but not 
limited to product packaging, customs entry forms, bills of lading, 
brokerage forms, or commercial invoices, indicates that the product does 
not satisfy the minimum tail-weight, the person importing such spiny 
lobster has the burden to prove that such spiny lobster does satisfy the 
minimum tail-weight requirement or that such spiny lobster has a tail 
length of 6.2 inches (15.75 cm) or greater or that such spiny lobster 
has or had a carapace length of 3.5 inches (8.89 cm) or greater. If the 
imported product itself does not satisfy the minimum tail-weight 
requirement, the person importing such spiny lobster has the burden to 
prove that such spiny lobster has a tail length of 6.2 inches (15.75 cm) 
or greater or that such spiny lobster has or had a carapace length of 
3.5 inches (8.89 cm) or greater. If the burden is satisfied, such spiny 
lobster will be considered to be in compliance with the minimum 6-ounce 
(170-gram) tail-weight requirement.
    (2) See Sec. 622.409 regarding the minimum size limit that applies 
to spiny lobster imported into any place subject to the jurisdiction of 
the United States

[[Page 466]]

other than Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands.
    (3) See subparts S and T of this part for the minimum size limits 
that apply to spiny lobster imported into Puerto Rico and St. Croix, 
respectively.
    (b) Additional spiny lobster import prohibitions--(1) Prohibition 
related to tail meat. No person may import into any place subject to the 
jurisdiction of the United States spiny lobster tail meat that is not in 
whole tail form with the exoskeleton attached.
    (2) Prohibitions related to egg-bearing spiny lobster. No person may 
import into any place subject to the jurisdiction of the United States 
spiny lobster with eggs attached or spiny lobster from which eggs or 
pleopods (swimmerets) have been removed or stripped. Pleopods are the 
first five pairs of abdominal appendages.



Sec. 622.522  Adjustment of management measures.

    In accordance with the framework procedure of the Fishery Management 
Plan for the EEZ around St. Thomas and St. John, the RA may establish or 
modify the following items.
    (a) Standard open framework procedures. Re-specify maximum 
sustainable yield (MSY), optimum yield (OY), overfishing limit (OFL), 
maximum fishing mortality threshold (MFMT), minimum stock size threshold 
(MSST), acceptable biological catch (ABC), ACL, ACT, sustainable yield 
level, and other related management reference points and status 
determination criteria; establish or revise rebuilding plans; revise 
AMs; modify reporting or monitoring requirements, and time or area 
closures and closure procedures.
    (b) Abbreviated open framework procedures. Gear or vessel marking 
requirements, maintaining fish in a specific condition, size limits, 
commercial trip limits, recreational bag and possession limits, changes 
to the length of an established closed season of no more than 1 day, and 
gear modifications to address conservation issues including responding 
to interactions with species listed under the Endangered Species Act or 
protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.



               Sec. Appendix A to Part 622--Species Tables

       Table 1 to Appendix A to Part 622--Gulf of Mexico Reef Fish
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balistidae--Triggerfishes
    Gray triggerfish, Balistes capriscus
Carangidae--Jacks
    Greater amberjack, Seriola dumerili
    Lesser amberjack, Seriola fasciata
    Almaco jack, Seriola rivoliana
    Banded rudderfish, Seriola zonata
Labridae--Wrasses
    Hogfish, Lachnolaimus maximus
Lutjanidae--Snappers
    Queen snapper, Etelis oculatus
    Mutton snapper, Lutjanus analis
    Blackfin snapper, Lutjanus buccanella
    Red snapper, Lutjanus campechanus
    Cubera snapper, Lutjanus cyanopterus
    Gray (mangrove) snapper, Lutjanus griseus
    Lane snapper, Lutjanus synagris
    Silk snapper, Lutjanus vivanus
    Yellowtail snapper, Ocyurus chrysurus
    Wenchman, Pristipomoides aquilonaris
    Vermilion snapper, Rhomboplites aurorubens
Malacanthidae--Tilefishes
    Goldface tilefish, Caulolatilus chrysops
    Blueline tilefish, Caulolatilus microps
    Tilefish, Lopholatilus chamaeleonticeps
Serranidae--Groupers
    Speckled hind, Epinephelus drummondhayi
    Yellowedge grouper, Epinephelus flavolimbatus
    Goliath grouper, Epinephelus itajara
    Red grouper, Epinephelus morio
    Warsaw grouper, Epinephelus nigritus
    Snowy grouper, Epinephelus niveatus
    Black grouper, Mycteroperca bonaci
    Yellowmouth grouper, Mycteroperca interstitialis
    Gag, Mycteroperca microlepis
    Scamp, Mycteroperca phenax
    Yellowfin grouper, Mycteroperca venenosa
------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Table 2 to Appendix A to Part 622--South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balistidae--Triggerfishes
    Gray triggerfish, Balistes capriscus
Carangidae--Jacks
    Bar jack, Caranx ruber
    Greater amberjack, Seriola dumerili
    Lesser amberjack, Seriola fasciata
    Almaco jack, Seriola rivoliana
Ephippidae--Spadefishes
    Spadefish, Chaetodipterus faber
Haemulidae--Grunts
    Margate, Haemulon album
    Tomtate, Haemulon aurolineatum
    Sailor's choice, Haemulon parra
    White grunt, Haemulon plumierii

[[Page 467]]

 
Labridae--Wrasses
    Hogfish, Lachnolaimus maximus
Lutjanidae--Snappers
    Queen snapper, Etelis oculatus
    Mutton snapper, Lutjanus analis
    Blackfin snapper, Lutjanus buccanella
    Red snapper, Lutjanus campechanus
    Cubera snapper, Lutjanus cyanopterus
    Gray snapper, Lutjanus griseus
    Lane snapper, Lutjanus synagris
    Silk snapper, Lutjanus vivanus
    Yellowtail snapper, Ocyurus chrysurus
    Vermilion snapper, Rhomboplites aurorubens
Malacanthidae--Tilefishes
    Blueline tilefish, Caulolatilus microps
    Golden tilefish, Lopholatilus chamaeleonticeps
    Sand tilefish, Malacanthus plumieri
Percichthyidae--Temperate basses
    Wreckfish, Polyprion americanus
Serranidae--Groupers
    Rock hind, Epinephelus adscensionis
    Graysby, Epinephelus cruentatus
    Speckled hind, Epinephelus drummondhayi
    Yellowedge grouper, Epinephelus flavolimbatus
    Coney, Epinephelus fulvus
    Red hind, Epinephelus guttatus
    Goliath grouper, Epinephelus itajara
    Red grouper, Epinephelus morio
    Misty grouper, Epinephelus mystacinus
    Warsaw grouper, Epinephelus nigritus
    Snowy grouper, Epinephelus niveatus
    Nassau grouper, Epinephelus striatus
    Black grouper, Mycteroperca bonaci
    Yellowmouth grouper, Mycteroperca interstitialis
    Gag, Mycteroperca microlepis
    Scamp, Mycteroperca phenax
    Yellowfin grouper, Mycteroperca venenosa
Serranidae--Sea Basses:
    Black sea bass, Centropristis striata
Sparidae--Porgies
    Jolthead porgy, Calamus bajonado
    Saucereye porgy, Calamus calamus
    Whitebone porgy, Calamus leucosteus
    Knobbed porgy, Calamus nodosus
    Red porgy, Pagrus pagrus
    Scup, Stenotomus chrysops
 
The following species are designated as ecosystem component species:
 
    Cottonwick, Haemulon melanurum
    Bank sea bass, Centropristis ocyurus
    Rock sea bass, Centropristis philadelphica
    Longspine porgy, Stenotomus caprinus
    Ocean triggerfish, Canthidermis sufflamen
------------------------------------------------------------------------


      Table 3 to Appendix A to Part 622--Atlantic Dolphin and Wahoo
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Dolphin, Coryphaena equiselis or Coryphaena hippurus
    Wahoo, Acanthocybium solandri
 
The following species are designated as ecosystem component species:
 
    Bullet mackerel, Auxis rochei
    Frigate mackerel, Auxis thazard
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[87 FR 56236, Sept. 13, 2022]

                   Appendix B to Part 622--Gulf Areas

 Table 1 of Appendix B to Part 622--Seaward Coordinates of the Longline
                      and Buoy Gear Restricted Area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Point number and reference
           location 1                 North lat.          West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Seaward limit of State and      24[deg]48.0[min]..  82[deg]48.0[min]
 Federal Reef Fish Management
 Boundary north of Dry Tortugas.
2 North of Rebecca Shoal........  25[deg]07.5[min]..  82[deg]34.0[min]
3 Off Sanibel Island--Offshore..  26[deg]26.0[min]..  82[deg]59.0[min]
4 West of Egmont Key............  27[deg]30.0[min]..  83[deg]21.5[min]
5 Off Anclote Keys--Offshore....  28[deg]10.0[min]..  83[deg]45.0[min]
6 Southeast corner of Florida     28[deg]11.0[min]..  84[deg]00.0[min]
 Middle Ground.
7 Southwest corner of Florida     28[deg]11.0[min]..  84[deg]07.0[min]
 Middle Ground.
8 West corner of Florida Middle   28[deg]26.6[min]..  84[deg]24.8[min]
 Ground.
9 Northwest corner of Florida     28[deg]42.5[min]..  84[deg]24.8[min]
 Middle Ground.
10 South of Carrabelle..........  29[deg]05.0[min]..  84[deg]47.0[min]
11 South of Cape St. George.....  29[deg]02.5[min]..  85[deg]09.0[min]
12 South of Cape San Blas         29[deg]21.0[min]..  85[deg]30.0[min]
 lighted bell buoy--20 fathoms.
13 South of Cape San Blas         28[deg]58.7[min]..  85[deg]30.0[min]
 lighted bell buoy--50 fathoms.
14 De Soto Canyon...............  30[deg]06.0[min]..  86[deg]55.0[min]
15 South of Pensacola...........  29[deg]46.0[min]..  87[deg]19.0[min]
16 South of Perdido Bay.........  29[deg]29.0[min]..  87[deg]27.5[min]
17 East of North Pass of          29[deg]14.5[min]..  88[deg]28.0[min]
 Mississippi River.

[[Page 468]]

 
18 East of South Pass of          29[deg]04.0[min]..  88[deg]49.7[min]
 Mississippi River.                                    at State and
                                                       Federal Reef Fish
                                                       Management
                                                       Boundary
Then westerly along the seaward
 limit of the State and Federal
 Reef Fish Management Boundary
 to:
19 South of Southwest Pass of     28[deg]45.8[min]..  89[deg]29.5[min]
 Mississippi River.
20 Northwest tip of Mississippi   28[deg]38.5[min]..  90[deg]08.5[min]
 Canyon.
21 West side of Mississippi       28[deg]34.5[min]..  89[deg]59.5[min]
 Canyon.
22 South of Timbalier Bay.......  28[deg]22.5[min]..  90[deg]02.5[min]
23 South of Terrebonne Bay......  28[deg]10.5[min]..  90[deg]31.5[min]
24 South of Freeport............  27[deg]58.0[min]..  95[deg]00.0[min]
25 Off Matagorda Island.........  27[deg]43.0[min]..  96[deg]02.0[min]
26 Off Aransas Pass.............  27[deg]30.0[min]..  96[deg]23.5[min]
27 Northeast of Port Mansfield..  27[deg]00.0[min]..  96[deg]39.0[min]
28 East of Port Mansfield.......  26[deg]44.0[min]..  96[deg]37.5[min]
29 Northeast of Port Isabel.....  26[deg]22.0[min]..  96[deg]21.0[min]
30 U.S. and Mexico EEZ boundary.  26[deg]00.5[min]..  96[deg]24.5[min]
Then westerly along U.S. and
 Mexico EEZ boundary to seaward
 limit of the State and Federal
 Reef Fish Management Boundary
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Nearest identifiable landfall, boundary, navigational aid, or
  submarine area.


 Table 2 of Appendix B to Part 622--Seaward Coordinates of the Stressed
                                  Area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Point number and reference
           location 1                 North lat.          West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Seaward limit of State and      24[deg]45.5[min]..  82[deg]41.5[min]
 Federal Reef Fish Management
 Boundary northeast of Dry
 Tortugas.
2 North of Marquesas Keys.......  24[deg]48.0[min]..  82[deg]06.5[min]
3 Off Cape Sable................  25[deg]15.0[min]..  82[deg]02.0[min]
4 Off Sanibel Island--Inshore...  26[deg]26.0[min]..  82[deg]29.0[min]
5 Off Sanibel Island--Offshore..  26[deg]26.0[min]..  82[deg]59.0[min]
6 West of Egmont Key............  27[deg]30.0[min]..  83[deg]21.5[min]
7 Off Anclote Keys--Offshore....  28[deg]10.0[min]..  83[deg]45.0[min]
8 Off Anclote Keys--Inshore.....  28[deg]10.0[min]..  83[deg]14.0[min]
9 Off Deadman Bay...............  29[deg]38.0[min]..  84[deg]00.0[min]
10 Seaward limit of State and     29[deg]35.5[min]..  84[deg]38.6[min]
 Federal Reef Fish Management
 Boundary east of Cape St.
 George.
Then westerly along the seaward
 limit of State and Federal Reef
 Fish Management Boundary to:
11 Seaward limit of State and     29[deg]32.2[min]..  85[deg]27.1[min]
 Federal Reef Fish Management
 Boundary south of Cape San Blas.
12 Southwest of Cape San Blas...  29[deg]30.5[min]..  85[deg]52.0[min]
13 Off St. Andrew Bay...........  29[deg]53.0[min]..  86[deg]10.0[min]
14 De Soto Canyon...............  30[deg]06.0[min]..  86[deg]55.0[min]
15 South of Florida and Alabama   29[deg]34.5[min]..  87[deg]38.0[min]
 border.
16 Off Mobile Bay...............  29[deg]41.0[min]..  88[deg]00.0[min]
17 South of Alabama and           30[deg]01.5[min]..  88[deg]23.7[min]
 Mississippi border.
18 Horn and Chandeleur Islands..  30[deg]01.5[min]..  88[deg]39.8[min]
                                                       at State and
                                                       Federal Reef Fish
                                                       Management
                                                       Boundary
Then southerly along the seaward
 limit of State and Federal Reef
 Fish Management Boundary to:
19 Seaward limit of State and     29[deg]50.8[min]..  88[deg]39.07[min]
 Federal Reef Fish Management                          at State and
 Boundary off Chandeleur Islands.                      Federal Reef Fish
                                                       Management
                                                       Boundary
20 Chandeleur Islands...........  29[deg]35.5[min]..  88[deg]37.0[min]
21 Seaward limit of State and     29[deg]21.0[min]..  88[deg]54.43[min]
 Federal Reef Fish Management                          at State and
 Boundary off North Pass of                            Federal Reef Fish
 Mississippi River.                                    Management
                                                       Boundary
Then southerly and westerly
 along the seaward limit of
 State and Federal Reef Fish
 Management Boundary to:
22 Seaward limit of State and     29[deg]01.3[min]..  89[deg]34.67[min]
 Federal Reef Fish Management                          at State and
 Boundary off Southwest Pass of                        Federal Reef Fish
 Mississippi River.                                    Management
                                                       Boundary
23 Seaward limit of the State     29[deg]5.24[min]    89[deg]41.0[min]
 and Federal Reef Fish             at State and
 Management Boundary west of       Federal Reef Fish
 Mississippi River.                Management
                                   Boundary.
Then westerly along the seaward
 limit of the State and Federal
 Reef Fish Management Boundary
 to:

[[Page 469]]

 
24 Seaward limit of State and     29[deg]3.03[min]    89[deg]56.0[min]
 Federal Reef Fish Management      at State and
 Boundary south of Grand Isle.     Federal Reef Fish
                                   Management
                                   Boundary.
25 Quick flashing horn buoy       28[deg]32.5[min]..  90[deg]42.0[min]
 south of Isles Dernieres.
26 Southeast of Calcasieu Pass..  29[deg]10.0[min]..  92[deg]37.0[min]
27 South of Sabine Pass--10       29[deg]09.0[min]..  93[deg]41.0[min]
 fathoms.
28 South of Sabine Pass--30       28[deg]21.5[min]..  93[deg]28.0[min]
 fathoms.
29 East of Aransas Pass.........  27[deg]49.0[min]..  96[deg]19.5[min]
30 East of Baffin Bay...........  27[deg]12.0[min]..  96[deg]51.0[min]
31 Northeast of Port Mansfield..  26[deg]46.5[min]..  96[deg]52.0[min]
32 Northeast of Port Isabel.....  26[deg]21.5[min]..  96[deg]35.0[min]
33 U.S. and Mexico EEZ boundary.  26[deg]00.5[min]..  96[deg]36.0[min]
Then westerly along U.S. and
 Mexico EEZ boundary to seaward
 limit of the State and Federal
 Reef Fish Management Boundary
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Nearest identifiable landfall, boundary, navigational aid, or
  submarine area.


[85 FR 20614, Apr. 14, 2020, as amended at 85 FR 36165, June 15, 2020]



          Sec. Appendix C to Part 622--Fish Length Measurements
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR17AP13.000


[[Page 470]]


[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR17AP13.001



     Sec. Appendix D to Part 622--Specifications for Certified BRDs

    A. Extended Funnel.
    1. Description. The extended funnel BRD consists of an extension 
with large-mesh webbing in the center (the large-mesh escape section) 
and small-mesh webbing on each end held open by a semi-rigid hoop. A 
funnel of small-mesh webbing is placed inside the extension to form a 
passage for shrimp to the cod end. It also creates an area of reduced 
water flow to allow for fish escapement through the large mesh. One side 
of the funnel is extended vertically to form a lead panel and area of 
reduced water flow. There are two sizes of extended funnel BRDs, a 
standard size and an inshore size for small trawls.
    2. Minimum Construction and Installation Requirements for Standard 
Size.
    (a) Extension Material. The small-mesh sections used on both sides 
of the large-mesh escape section are constructed of 1\5/8\ inch (4.13 
cm), No. 30 stretched mesh, nylon webbing. The front section is 120 
meshes around by 6\1/2\

[[Page 471]]

meshes deep. The back section is 120 meshes around by 23 meshes deep.
    (b) Large-Mesh Escape Section. The large-mesh escape section is 
constructed of 8 to 10 inch (20.3 to 25.4 cm), stretched mesh, webbing. 
This section is cut on the bar to form a section that is 15 inches (38.1 
cm) in length by 95 inches (241.3 cm) in circumference. The leading edge 
is attached to the 6\1/2\-mesh extension section and the rear edge is 
attached to the 23-mesh extension section.
    (c) Funnel. The funnel is constructed of 1\1/2\ inch (3.81 cm), 
stretched mesh, No. 30 depth-stretched and heat-set polyethylene 
webbing. The circumference of the leading edge is 120 meshes and the 
back edge is 78 meshes. The short side of the funnel is 34 to 36 inches 
(86.4 to 91.4 cm) long and the opposite side of the funnel extends an 
additional 22 to 24 inches (55.9 to 61.0 cm). The circumference of the 
leading edge of the funnel is attached to the forward small-mesh section 
three meshes forward of the large-mesh escape section and is evenly 
sewn, mesh for mesh, to the small-mesh section. The after edge of the 
funnel is attached to the after small-mesh section at its top and bottom 
eight meshes back from the large-mesh escape panel. Seven meshes of the 
top and seven meshes of the bottom of the funnel are attached to eight 
meshes at the top and bottom of the small-mesh section, such eight 
meshes being located immediately adjacent to the top and bottom centers 
of the small-mesh section on the side of the funnel's extended side. The 
extended side of the funnel is sewn at its top and bottom to the top and 
bottom of the small-mesh section, extending at an angle toward the top 
and bottom centers of the small-mesh section.
    (d) Semi-Rigid Hoop. A 30-inch (76.2-cm) diameter hoop constructed 
of plastic-coated trawl cable, swaged together with a \3/8\-inch (9.53-
mm) micropress sleeve, is installed five meshes behind the trailing edge 
of the large-mesh escape section. The extension webbing must be laced to 
the ring around the entire circumference and must be equally distributed 
on the hoop, that is, 30 meshes must be evenly attached to each 
quadrant.
    (e) Installation. The extended funnel BRD is attached 8 inches (20.3 
cm) behind the posterior edge of the TED. If it is attached behind a 
soft TED, a second semi-rigid hoop, as prescribed in paragraph A.2.(d), 
must be installed in the front section of the BRD extension webbing at 
the leading edge of the funnel. The cod end of the trawl net is attached 
to the trailing edge of the BRD.
    3. Minimum Construction and Installation Requirements for Inshore 
Size.
    (a) Extension Material. The small-mesh sections used on both sides 
of the large-mesh escape section are constructed of 1\3/8\ inch (3.5 
cm), No. 18 stretched mesh, nylon webbing. The front section is 120 
meshes around by 6\1/2\ meshes deep. The back section is 120 meshes 
around by 23 meshes deep.
    (b) Large-Mesh Escape Section. The large-mesh escape section is 
constructed of 8 to 10 inch (20.3 to 25.4 cm), stretched mesh, webbing. 
This section is cut on the bar to form a section that is 15 inches (38.1 
cm) by 75 inches (190.5 cm) in circumference. The leading edge is 
attached to the 6\1/2\-mesh extension section and the rear edge is 
attached to the 23-mesh extension section.
    (c) Funnel. The funnel is constructed of 1\3/8\ inch (3.5 cm), 
stretched mesh, No. 18 depth-stretched and heat-set polyethylene 
webbing. The circumference of the leading edge is 120 meshes and the 
back edge is 78 meshes. The short side of the funnel is 30 to 32 inches 
(76.2 to 81.3 cm) long and the opposite side of the funnel extends an 
additional 20 to 22 inches (50.8 to 55.9 cm). The circumference of the 
leading edge of the funnel is attached to the forward small-mesh section 
three meshes forward of the large-mesh escape section and is evenly 
sewn, mesh for mesh, to the small-mesh section. The after edge of the 
funnel is attached to the after small-mesh section at its top and bottom 
eight meshes back from the large-mesh escape panel. Seven meshes of the 
top and seven meshes of the bottom of the funnel are attached to eight 
meshes at the top and bottom of the small-mesh section, such eight 
meshes being located immediately adjacent to the top and bottom centers 
of the small-mesh section on the side of the funnel's extended side. The 
extended side of the funnel is sewn at its top and bottom to the top and 
bottom of the small-mesh section, extending at an angle toward the top 
and bottom centers of the small-mesh section.
    (d) Semi-Rigid Hoop. A 24-inch (61.0-cm) diameter hoop constructed 
of plastic-coated trawl cable, swaged together with a \3/8\-inch (9.53-
mm) micropress sleeve, is installed five meshes behind the trailing edge 
of the large mesh section. The extension webbing must be laced to the 
ring around the entire circumference and must be equally distributed on 
the hoop, that is, 30 meshes must be evenly attached to each quadrant.
    (e) Installation. The extended funnel BRD is attached 8 inches (20.3 
cm) behind the posterior edge of the TED. If it is attached behind a 
soft TED, a second semi-rigid hoop, as prescribed in paragraph A.3.(d), 
must be installed in the front section of the BRD extension webbing at 
the leading edge of the funnel. The cod end of the trawl net is attached 
to the trailing edge of the BRD.
    B. Expanded Mesh. The expanded mesh BRD is constructed and installed 
exactly the same as the standard size extended funnel BRD, except that 
one side of the funnel is not extended to form a lead panel.
    C. Fisheye.

[[Page 472]]

    1. Description. The fisheye BRD is a cone-shaped rigid frame 
constructed from aluminum or steel rod of at least \1/4\ inch (6.35-mm) 
diameter, which is inserted into the cod end to form an escape opening.
    2. Minimum Construction and Installation Requirements. The fisheye 
has a minimum escape opening dimension of 5 inches (12.7 cm) and a 
minimum total escape opening area of 36 in\2\ (91.4 cm\2\). When the 
fisheye BRD is installed, no part of the lazy line attachment system 
(i.e., any mechanism, such as elephant ears or choker straps, used to 
attach the lazy line to the cod end) may overlap the fisheye escape 
opening when the fisheye is installed aft of the attachment point of the 
cod end retrieval system.
    (a) In the Gulf EEZ, the fisheye BRD must be installed at the top 
center of the cod end of the trawl to create an opening in the trawl 
facing in the direction of the mouth of the trawl no further forward 
than 9 ft (2.7 m) from the cod end drawstring (tie-off rings).
    (b) In the South Atlantic EEZ, the fisheye BRD must be installed at 
the top center of the cod end of the trawl to create an escape opening 
in the trawl facing the direction of the mouth of the trawl no further 
forward than 11 ft (3.4 m) from the cod end tie-off rings.
    D. Gulf fisheye.
    1. Description. The Gulf fisheye is a cone-shaped rigid frame 
constructed from aluminum or steel rod of at least \1/4\ inch (6.35-mm) 
diameter, which is inserted into the top center of the cod end, and is 
offset not more than 15 meshes perpendicular to the top center of the 
cod end to form an escape opening.
    2. Minimum Construction and Installation Requirements. The Gulf 
fisheye has a minimum escape opening dimension of 5 inches (12.7 cm) and 
a minimum total escape opening area of 36 in\2\ (91.4 cm\2\). To be used 
in the South Atlantic EEZ, the Gulf fisheye BRD must be installed in the 
cod end of the trawl to create an escape opening in the trawl, facing in 
the direction of the mouth of the trawl, no less than 8.5 ft (2.59 m) 
and no further forward than 12.5 ft (3.81 m) from the cod end tie-off 
rings, and may be offset no more than 15 meshes perpendicular to the top 
center of the cod end. When the Gulf fisheye BRD is installed, no part 
of the lazy line attachment system (i.e., any mechanism, such as 
elephant ears or choker straps, used to attach the lazy line to the cod 
end) may overlap the fisheye escape opening when the fisheye is 
installed aft of the attachment point of the cod end retrieval system.
    E. Jones-Davis.
    1. Description. The Jones-Davis BRD is similar to the expanded mesh 
and the extended funnel BRDs except that the fish escape openings are 
windows cut around the funnel rather than large-mesh sections. In 
addition, a webbing cone fish deflector is installed behind the funnel.
    2. Minimum Construction and Installation Requirements. The Jones-
Davis BRD must contain all of the following.
    (a) Webbing extension. The webbing extension must be constructed 
from a single piece of 1\5/8\-inch (3.5-cm) stretch mesh number 30 nylon 
42 meshes by 120 meshes. A tube is formed from the extension webbing by 
sewing the 42-mesh side together.
    (b) 28-inch (71.1-cm) cable hoop. A single hoop must be constructed 
of \1/2\-inch (1.3-cm) steel cable 88 inches (223.5 cm) in length. The 
cable must be joined at its ends by a 3-inch (7.6-cm) piece of \1/2\-
inch (1.3-cm) aluminum pipe and pressed with a \3/8\-inch (0.95-cm) die 
to form a hoop. The inside diameter of this hoop must be between 27 and 
29 inches (68.6 and 73.7 cm). The hoop must be attached to the extension 
webbing 17\1/2\ meshes behind the leading edge. The extension webbing 
must be quartered and attached in four places around the hoop, and every 
other mesh must be attached all the way around the hoop using number 24 
twine or larger. The hoop must be laced with \3/8\-inch (0.95-cm) 
polypropylene or polyethylene rope for chaffing.
    (c) 24-inch (61.0-cm) hoop. A single hoop must be constructed of 
either number 60 twine 80 inches (203.2 cm) in length or \3/8\-inch 
(0.95-cm) steel cable 75\1/2\ inches (191.8 cm) in length. If twine is 
used, the twine must be laced in and out of the extension webbing 39 
meshes behind the leading edge, and the ends must be tied together. If 
cable is used, the cable must be joined at its ends by a 3-inch (7.6-cm) 
piece of \3/8\-inch (0.95-cm) aluminum pipe and pressed together with a 
\1/4\-inch (0.64-cm) die to form a hoop. The inside diameter of this 
hoop must be between 23 and 25 inches (58.4 and 63.4 cm). The hoop must 
be attached to the extension webbing 39 meshes behind the leading edge. 
The extension webbing must be quartered and attached in four places 
around the hoop, and every other mesh must be attached all the way 
around the hoop using number 24 twine or larger. The hoop must be laced 
with \3/8\-inch (0.95-cm) polypropylene or polyethylene rope for 
chaffing.
    (d) Funnel. The funnel must be constructed from four sections of 
1\1/2\-inch (3.8-cm) heat-set and depth-stretched polypropylene or 
polyethylene webbing. The two side sections must be rectangular in 
shape, 29\1/2\ meshes on the leading edge by 23 meshes deep. The top and 
bottom sections are 29\1/2\ meshes on the leading edge by 23 meshes deep 
and tapered 1 point 2 bars on both sides down to 8 meshes across the 
back. The four sections must be sewn together down the 23-mesh edge to 
form the funnel.
    (e) Attachment of the funnel in the webbing extension. The funnel 
must be installed two meshes behind the leading edge of the extension 
starting at the center seam of the extension and the center mesh of the 
funnel's

[[Page 473]]

top section leading edge. On the same row of meshes, the funnel must be 
sewn evenly all the way around the inside of the extension. The funnel's 
top and bottom back edges must be attached one mesh behind the 28-inch 
(71.1-cm) cable hoop (front hoop). Starting at the top center seam, the 
back edge of the top funnel section must be attached four meshes each 
side of the center. Counting around 60 meshes from the top center, the 
back edge of the bottom section must be attached 4 meshes on each side 
of the bottom center. Clearance between the side of the funnel and the 
28-inch (71.1-cm) cable hoop (front hoop) must be at least 6 inches 
(15.2 cm) when measured in the hanging position.
    (f) Cutting the escape openings. The leading edge of the escape 
opening must be located within 18 inches (45.7 cm) of the posterior edge 
of the turtle excluder device (TED) grid. The area of the escape opening 
must total at least 864 in\2\ (5,574.2 cm\2\). Two escape openings 10 
meshes wide by 13 meshes deep must be cut 6 meshes apart in the 
extension webbing, starting at the top center extension seam, 3 meshes 
back from the leading edge and 16 meshes to the left and to the right 
(total of four openings). The four escape openings must be double 
selvaged for strength.
    (g) Alternative Method for Constructing the Funnel and Escape 
Openings. The following method for constructing the funnel and escape 
openings may be used instead of the method described in paragraphs 
F.2.d., F.2.e., and F.2.f. of this section. With this alternative 
method, the funnel and escape openings are formed by cutting a flap in 
each side of the extension webbing; pushing the flaps inward; and 
attaching the top and bottom edges along the bars of the extension 
webbing to form the v-shape of the funnel. Minimum requirements 
applicable to this method include: The funnel's top and bottom back 
edges must be attached one mesh behind the 28-inch (71.1-cm) cable hoop 
(front hoop); clearance between the side of the funnel and the 28-inch 
(71.1-cm) cable hoop (front hoop) must be at least 6 inches (15.2 cm) 
when measured in the hanging position; the leading edge of the escape 
opening must be located within 18 inches (45.7 cm) of the posterior edge 
of the turtle excluder device (TED) grid; and, the area of the escape 
opening must total at least 864 in\2\ (5,574.2 cm\2\). To construct the 
funnel and escape openings using this method, begin 3\1/2\ meshes from 
the leading edge of the extension, at the top center seam, count over 18 
meshes on each side, and cut 13 meshes toward the back of the extension. 
Turn parallel to the leading edge, and cut 26 meshes toward the bottom 
center of the extension. Next, turn parallel to the top center seam, and 
cut 13 meshes forward toward the leading edge, creating a flap of 
webbing 13 meshes by 26 meshes by 13 meshes. Lengthen the flap to 18 
meshes by adding a 4\1/2\-mesh by 26-mesh rectangular section of webbing 
to the 26-mesh edge. Attach the 18-mesh edges to the top and bottom of 
the extension by sewing 2 bars of the extension to 1 mesh on the flap in 
toward the top center and bottom center of the extension, forming the 
exit opening and the funnel. Connect the two flaps together in the 
center with a 7-inch piece of number 42 twine to allow adequate 
clearance for fish escapement between the flaps and the side openings. 
On each side, sew a 6-mesh by 10\1/2\-mesh section of webbing to 6 
meshes of the center of the 26-mesh cut on the extension and 6 meshes 
centered between the 13-mesh cuts 3\1/2\ meshes from the leading edge. 
This forms two 10-mesh by 13-mesh openings on each side.
    (h) Cone fish deflector. The cone fish deflector is constructed of 2 
pieces of 1\5/8\-inch (4.13-cm) polypropylene or polyethylene webbing, 
40 meshes wide by 20 meshes in length and cut on the bar on each side 
forming a triangle. Starting at the apex of the two triangles, the two 
pieces must be sewn together to form a cone of webbing. The apex of the 
cone fish deflector must be positioned within 10-14 inches (25.4-35.6 
cm) of the posterior edge of the funnel.
    (i) 11-inch (27.9-cm) cable hoop for cone deflector. A single hoop 
must be constructed of \5/16\-inch (0.79-cm) or \3/8\-inch (0.95-cm) 
cable 34\1/2\ inches (87.6 cm) in length. The ends must be joined by a 
3-inch (7.6-cm) piece of \3/8\-inch (0.95-cm) aluminum pipe pressed 
together with a \1/4\-inch (0.64-cm) die. The hoop must be inserted in 
the webbing cone, attached 10 meshes from the apex and laced all the way 
around with heavy twine.
    (j) Installation of the cone in the extension. The cone must be 
installed in the extension 12 inches (30.5 cm) behind the back edge of 
the funnel and attached in four places. The midpoint of a piece of 
number 60 twine 4 ft (1.22 m) in length must be attached to the apex of 
the cone. This piece of twine must be attached to the 28-inch (71.1-cm) 
cable hoop at the center of each of its sides; the points of attachment 
for the two pieces of twine must be measured 20 inches (50.8 cm) from 
the midpoint attachment. Two 8-inch (20.3-cm) pieces of number 60 twine 
must be attached to the top and bottom of the 11-inch (27.9-cm) cone 
hoop. The opposite ends of these two pieces of twine must be attached to 
the top and bottom center of the 24-inch (61-cm) cable hoop; the points 
of attachment for the two pieces of twine must be measured 4 inches 
(10.2 cm) from the points where they are tied to the 11-inch (27.9-cm) 
cone hoop.
    F. Modified Jones-Davis.
    1. Description. The Modified Jones-Davis BRD is a variation to the 
alternative funnel construction method of the Jones-Davis BRD except the 
funnel is assembled by using depth-stretched and heat-set polyethylene 
webbing instead of the flaps formed from the

[[Page 474]]

extension webbing. In addition, no hoops are used to hold the BRD open.
    2. Minimum Construction and Installation Requirements. The Modified 
Jones-Davis BRD must contain all of the following.
    (a) Webbing extension. The webbing extension must be constructed 
from a single rectangular piece of 1\5/8\-inch (4.1-cm) stretch mesh 
number 30 nylon with dimensions of 39\1/2\ meshes by 150 meshes. A tube 
is formed from the extension webbing by sewing the 39\1/2\-mesh-sides 
together.
    (b) Funnel. The funnel must be constructed from two sections of 1\5/
8\-inch (4.1-cm) heat-set and depth-stretched polypropylene or 
polyethylene webbing. The two side sections must be rectangular in 
shape, 25 meshes on the leading edge by 21 meshes deep. The 25-mesh 
leading edge of each polyethylene webbing section must be sewn evenly 
two meshes in from the front of the extension webbing starting 25 meshes 
from the top center on each side. The 21-mesh edge must be sewn to the 
extension webbing on a 9-bar and 1-mesh angle in the top and bottom, 
forming a V-shape funnel.
    (c) Cutting the escape opening. The leading edge of the escape 
openings must be located within 18 inches (45.7 cm) of the posterior 
edge of the turtle excluder device (TED) grid. The area of the escape 
opening must total at least 635 in\2\ (4,097 cm\2\). Two escape 
openings, 6 meshes wide by 12 meshes deep, must be cut 4 meshes apart in 
the extension webbing, starting at the top center extension seam, 7 
meshes back from the leading edge, and 30 meshes to the left and to the 
right (total of four openings). The four escape openings must be double 
selvaged for strength.
    (d) Cone fish deflector. The cone fish deflector is constructed of 2 
pieces of 1\5/8\-inch (4.1-cm) polypropylene or polyethylene webbing, 40 
meshes wide by 20 meshes in length and cut on the bar on each side 
forming a triangle. Starting at the apex of the two triangles, the two 
pieces must be sewn together to form a cone of webbing. The apex of the 
cone fish deflector must be positioned within 12 inches (30.5 cm) of the 
posterior edge of the funnel.
    (e) 11-inch (27.9-cm) cable hoop for cone deflector. A single hoop 
must be constructed of \5/16\-inch (0.79-cm) or \3/8\-inch (0.95-cm) 
cable 34\1/2\ inches (87.6 cm) in length. The ends must be joined by a 
3-inch (7.6-cm) piece of \3/8\-inch (0.95-cm) aluminum pipe pressed 
together with a \1/4\-inch (0.64-cm) die. The hoop must be inserted in 
the webbing cone, attached 10 meshes from the apex and laced all the way 
around with heavy twine.
    (f) Installation of the cone in the extension. The apex of the cone 
must be installed in the extension within 12 inches (30.5 cm) behind the 
back edge of the funnel and attached in four places. The midpoint of a 
piece of number 60 twine (or at least 4-mesh wide strip of number 21 or 
heavier webbing) 3 ft (1.22 m) in length must be attached to the apex of 
the cone. This piece of twine or webbing must be attached within 5 
meshes of the aft edge of the funnel at the center of each of its sides. 
Two 12-inch (30.5-cm) pieces of number 60 (or heavier) twine must be 
attached to the top and bottom of the 11-inch (27.9-cm) cone hoop. The 
opposite ends of these two pieces of twine must be attached to the top 
and bottom center of the extension webbing to keep the cone from 
inverting into the funnel.
    G. [Reserved]
    H. Cone Fish Deflector Composite Panel. 1. Description. The Cone 
Fish Deflector Composite Panel BRD is a variation to the alternative 
funnel construction method of the Jones-Davis BRD, except the funnel is 
assembled by using depth-stretched and heat-set polyethylene webbing 
with square mesh panels on the inside instead of the flaps formed from 
the extension webbing. In addition, no hoops are used to hold the BRD 
open.
    2. Minimum Construction and Installation Requirements. The Cone Fish 
Deflector Composite Panel BRD must contain all of the following:
    (a) Webbing extension. The webbing extension must be constructed 
from a single rectangular piece of 1\1/2\-inch to 1\3/4\-inch (3.8-cm to 
4.5-cm) stretch mesh with dimensions of 24\1/2\ meshes by 150 to 160 
meshes. A tube is formed from the extension webbing piece by sewing the 
24\1/2\-mesh sides together. The leading edge of the webbing extension 
must be attached no more than 4 meshes from the posterior edge of the 
TED grid.
    (b) Funnel. The V-shaped funnel consists of two webbing panels 
attached to the extension along the leading edge of the panels. The top 
and bottom edges of the panels are sewn diagonally across the extension 
toward the center to form the funnel. The panels are 2-ply in design, 
each with an inner layer of 1\1/2\-inch to 1\5/8\-inch (3.8-cm to 4.1-
cm) heat-set and depth-stretched polyethylene webbing and an outer layer 
constructed of no larger than 2-inch (5.1-cm) square mesh webbing (1-
inch bar). The inner webbing layer must be rectangular in shape, 36 
meshes on the leading edge by 20 meshes deep. The 36-mesh leading edges 
of the polyethylene webbing should be sewn evenly to 24 meshes of the 
extension webbing 1\1/2\ meshes from and parallel to the leading edge of 
the extension starting 12 meshes up from the bottom center on each side. 
Alternately sew 2 meshes of the polyethylene webbing to 1 mesh of the 
extension webbing then 1 mesh of the polyethylene webbing to 1 mesh of 
the extension webbing toward the top. The bottom 20-mesh edges of the 
polyethylene layers are sewn evenly to the extension webbing on a 2 bar 
1 mesh angle toward the bottom back center forming a v-shape in the 
bottom of the extension webbing. The top 20-mesh edges of the 
polyethylene layers are sewn evenly

[[Page 475]]

along the bars of the extension webbing toward the top back center. The 
square mesh layers must be rectangular in shape and constructed of no 
larger than 2-inch (5.1-cm) webbing that is 18 inches (45.7 cm) in 
length on the leading edge. The depth of the square mesh layer must be 
no more than 2 inches (5.1 cm) less than the 20 mesh side of the inner 
polyethylene layer when stretched taught. The 18-inch (45.7-cm) leading 
edge of each square mesh layer must be sewn evenly to the 36-mesh 
leading edge of the polyethylene section and the sides are sewn evenly 
(in length) to the 20-mesh edges of the polyethylene webbing. This will 
form a v-shape funnel using the top of the extension webbing as the top 
of the funnel and the bottom of the extension webbing as the bottom of 
the funnel.
    (c) Cutting the escape opening. There are two escape openings on 
each side of the funnel. The leading edge of the escape openings must be 
located on the same row of meshes in the extension webbing as the 
leading edge of the composite panels. The lower openings are formed by 
starting at the first attachment point of the composite panels and 
cutting 9 meshes in the extension webbing on an even row of meshes 
toward the top of the extension. Next, turn 90 degrees and cut 15 points 
on an even row toward the back of the extension webbing. At this point 
turn and cut 18 bars toward the bottom front of the extension webbing. 
Finish the escape opening by cutting 6 points toward the original 
starting point. The top escape openings start 5 meshes above and mirror 
the lower openings. Starting at the leading edge of the composite panel 
and 5 meshes above the lower escape opening, cut 9 meshes in the 
extension on an even row of meshes toward the top of the extension. 
Next, turn 90 degrees, and cut 6 points on an even row toward the back 
of the extension webbing. Then cut 18 bars toward the bottom back of the 
extension. To complete the escape opening, cut 15 points forward toward 
the original starting point. The area of each escape opening must total 
at least 212 in\2\ (1,368 cm\2\). The four escape openings must be 
double selvaged for strength.
    (d) Cone fish deflector. The cone fish deflector is constructed of 2 
pieces of 1\5/8\-inch (4.1-cm) polypropylene or polyethylene webbing, 40 
meshes wide by 20 meshes in length and cut on the bar on each side 
forming a triangle. Starting at the apex of the two triangles, the two 
pieces must be sewn together to form a cone of webbing. The apex of the 
cone fish deflector must be positioned within 12 inches (30.5 cm) of the 
posterior edge of the funnel.
    (e) 11-inch (27.9-cm) cable hoop for cone deflector. A single hoop 
must be constructed of \5/16\-inch (0.79-cm) or \3/8\-inch (0.95-cm) 
cable 34\1/2\ inches (87.6 cm) in length. The ends must be joined by a 
3-inch (7.6-cm) piece of \3/8\-inch (0.95-cm) aluminum pipe pressed 
together with a \1/4\-inch (0.64-cm) die. The hoop must be inserted in 
the webbing cone, attached 10 meshes from the apex and laced all the way 
around with heavy twine.
    (f) Installation of the cone in the extension. The apex of the cone 
must be installed in the extension within 12 inches (30.5 cm) behind the 
back edge of the funnel and attached in four places. The midpoint of a 
piece of number 60 twine (or at least 4-mesh wide strip of number 21 or 
heavier webbing) 3 ft (1.22 m) in length must be attached to the apex of 
the cone. This piece of twine or webbing must be attached within 5 
meshes of the aft edge of the funnel at the center of each of its sides. 
Two 12-inch (30.5-cm) pieces of number 60 (or heavier) twine must be 
attached to the top and bottom of the 11-inch (27.9-cm) cone hoop. The 
opposite ends of these two pieces of twine must be attached to the top 
and bottom center of the extension webbing to keep the cone from 
inverting into the funnel.
    I. Square Mesh Panel (SMP) Composite Panel
    1. Description. The SMP is a panel of square mesh webbing placed in 
the top of the cod end to provide finfish escape openings.
    2. Minimum Construction and Installation Requirements. The SMP 
Composite Panel BRD must contain all of the following:
    (a) Webbing extension. The webbing extension must be constructed 
from a single rectangular piece of 1\1/2\-inch to 1\3/4\-inch (3.8-cm to 
4.5-cm) stretch mesh with dimensions of 24\1/2\ meshes by 150 to 160 
meshes. A tube is formed from the extension webbing piece by sewing the 
24\1/2\-mesh sides together. The leading edge of the webbing extension 
must be attached no more than 4 meshes from the posterior edge of the 
TED grid.
    (b) Funnel. The V-shaped funnel consists of two webbing panels 
attached to the extension along the leading edge of the panels. The top 
and bottom edges of the panels are sewn diagonally across the extension 
toward the center to form the funnel. The panels are 2-ply in design, 
each with an inner layer of 1\1/2\-inch to 1\5/8\-inch (3.8-cm to 4.1-
cm) heat-set and depth-stretched polyethylene webbing and an outer layer 
constructed of no larger than 2-inch (5.1-cm) square mesh webbing (1-
inch bar). The inner webbing layer must be rectangular in shape, 36 
meshes on the leading edge by 20 meshes deep. The 36-mesh leading edges 
of the polyethylene webbing should be sewn evenly to 24 meshes of the 
extension webbing 1\1/2\ meshes from and parallel to the leading edge of 
the extension starting 12 meshes up from the bottom center on each side. 
Alternately sew 2 meshes of the polyethylene webbing to 1 mesh of the 
extension webbing then 1 mesh of the polyethylene webbing to 1 mesh of 
the extension webbing toward the top. The bottom 20-mesh edges of the 
polyethylene layers are sewn evenly to the extension webbing on a 2 bar 
1 mesh angle toward the bottom back center

[[Page 476]]

forming a v-shape in the bottom of the extension webbing. The top 20-
mesh edges of the polyethylene layers are sewn evenly along the bars of 
the extension webbing toward the top back center. The square mesh layers 
must be rectangular in shape and constructed of no larger than 2-inch 
(5.1-cm) webbing that is 18 inches (45.7 cm) in length on the leading 
edge. The depth of the square mesh layer must be no more than 2 inches 
(5.1 cm) less than the 20 mesh side of the inner polyethylene layer when 
stretched taught. The 18-inch (45.7-cm) leading edge of each square mesh 
layer must be sewn evenly to the 36-mesh leading edge of the 
polyethylene section and the sides are sewn evenly (in length) to the 
20-mesh edges of the polyethylene webbing. This will form a v-shape 
funnel using the top of the extension webbing as the top of the funnel 
and the bottom of the extension webbing as the bottom of the funnel.
    (c) Cutting the escape opening. There are two escape openings on 
each side of the funnel. The leading edge of the escape openings must be 
located on the same row of meshes in the extension webbing as the 
leading edge of the composite panels. The lower openings are formed by 
starting at the first attachment point of the composite panels and 
cutting 9 meshes in the extension webbing on an even row of meshes 
toward the top of the extension. Next, turn 90 degrees and cut 15 points 
on an even row toward the back of the extension webbing. At this point 
turn and cut 18 bars toward the bottom front of the extension webbing. 
Finish the escape opening by cutting 6 points toward the original 
starting point. The top escape openings start 5 meshes above and mirror 
the lower openings. Starting at the leading edge of the composite panel 
and 5 meshes above the lower escape opening, cut 9 meshes in the 
extension on an even row of meshes toward the top of the extension. 
Next, turn 90 degrees, and cut 6 points on an even row toward the back 
of the extension webbing. Then cut 18 bars toward the bottom back of the 
extension. To complete the escape opening, cut 15 points forward toward 
the original starting point. The area of each escape opening must total 
at least 212 in\2\ (1,368 cm\2\). The four escape openings must be 
double selvaged for strength.
    (d) SMP. The SMP is constructed from a single piece of square mesh 
webbing with a minimum dimension of 5 squares wide and 12 squares in 
length with a minimum mesh size of 3-inch (76-mm) stretched mesh. The 
maximum twine diameter of the square mesh is number 96 twine (4 mm).
    (e) Cutting the SMP escape opening. The escape opening is a 
rectangular hole cut in the top center of the cod end webbing. The 
posterior edge of the escape opening must be placed no farther forward 
that 8 ft (2.4 m) from the cod end drawstring (tie-off rings). The width 
of the escape opening, as measured across the cod end, must be four cod 
end meshes per square of the SMP (i.e., a cut of 20 cod end meshes for a 
SMP that is 5 meshes wide). The stretched mesh length of the escape 
opening must be equal to the total length of the SMP. No portion of the 
SMP escape opening may be covered with additional material or netting 
such as chaffing webbing, which might impede or prevent fish escapement.
    (f) Installation of the SMP. The SMP must be attached to the edge of 
the escape opening evenly around the perimeter of the escape opening cut 
with heavy twine.

 Appendix E to Part 622--Caribbean Island/Island Group Management Areas

   Table 1 of Appendix E to Part 622--Coordinates of the Puerto Rico 
                            Management Area.

    The Puerto Rico management area is bounded by rhumb lines 
connecting, in order, the following points.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                North latitude        West longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A (intersects with the        19[deg]37[min]29[sec  65[deg]20[min]57[sec
 International/EEZ boundary).  ]                     ]
B...........................  18[deg]25[min]46.301  65[deg]06[min]31.866
                               5[sec]                [sec]
From Point B, proceed
 southerly along the 3-
 nautical mile Territorial
 boundary of the St. Thomas/
 St. John island group to
 Point C.
C...........................  18[deg]13[min]59.060  65[deg]05[min]33.058
                               6[sec]                [sec]
D...........................  18[deg]01[min]16.963  64[deg]57[min]38.817
                               6[sec]                [sec]
E...........................  17[deg]30[min]00.000  65[deg]20[min]00.171
                               [sec]                 6[sec]
F...........................  16[deg]02[min]53.581  65[deg]20[min]00.171
                               2[sec]                6[sec]
From Point F, proceed
 southwesterly, then
 northerly, then easterly,
 and finally southerly along
 the International/EEZ
 boundary to Point A.
A (intersects with the        19[deg]37[min]29[sec  65[deg]20[min]57[sec
 International/EEZ boundary).  ]                     ]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Table 2 of Appendix E to Part 622--Coordinates of the St. Croix 
                            Management Area.

    The St. Croix management area is bounded by rhumb lines connecting, 
in order, the following points.

[[Page 477]]



------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                North latitude        West longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
G...........................  18[deg]03[min]03[sec  64[deg]38[min]03[sec
                               ]                     ]
From Point G, proceed
 easterly, then southerly,
 then southwesterly along
 the International/EEZ
 boundary to Point F.
F...........................  16[deg]02[min]53.581  65[deg]20[min]00.171
                               2[sec]                6[sec]
E...........................  17[deg]30[min]00.000  65[deg]20[min]00.171
                               [sec]                 6[sec]
D...........................  18[deg]01[min]16.963  64[deg]57[min]38.817
                               6[sec]                [sec]
G...........................  18[deg]03[min]03[sec  64[deg]38[min]03[sec
                               ]                     ]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

  Table 3 of Appendix E to Part 622--Coordinates of the St. Thomas/St. 
                          John Management Area.

    The St. Thomas/St. John management area is bounded by rhumb lines 
connecting, in order, the following points.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                North latitude        West longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A (intersects with the        19[deg]37[min]29[sec  65[deg]20[min]57[sec
 International/EEZ boundary).  ]                     ]
From Point A, proceed
 southeasterly along the
 International/EEZ boundary
 to Point G.
G...........................  18[deg]03[min]03[sec  64[deg]38[min]03[sec
                               ]                     ]
D...........................  18[deg]01[min]16.963  64[deg]57[min]38.817
                               6[sec]                [sec]
C...........................  18[deg]13[min]59.060  65[deg]05[min]33.058
                               6[sec]                [sec]
From Point C, proceed
 northerly along the 3-
 nautical mile Territorial
 boundary of the St. Thomas/
 St. John island group to
 Point B.
B...........................  18[deg]25[min]46.301  65[deg]06[min]31.866
                               5[sec]                [sec]
A (intersects with the        19[deg]37[min]29[sec  65[deg]20[min]57[sec
 International/EEZ boundary).  ]                     ]
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[78 FR 33258, June 4, 2013]



Sec. Appendix F to Part 622--Specifications for Sea Turtle Release Gear 
                        and Handling Requirements

                       A. Sea Turtle Release Gear

    1. Long-handled line clipper or cutter. Line cutters are intended to 
cut fishing line as close as possible to the hook, and assist in 
removing line from an entangled sea turtle to minimize any remaining 
gear upon release. One long-handled line clipper or cutter and one set 
of replacement blades are required to be on board. The minimum design 
standards are as follows:
    (a) A protected and secured cutting blade. The cutting blade(s) must 
be capable of cutting 2.0 to 2.1-mm (0.078 to 0.083-inch) diameter 
monofilament line (approximately 400 to 450-lb test strength) or 
polypropylene multistrand material, known as braided or tarred mainline, 
and the cutting blade must be maintained in working order. The cutting 
blade must be curved, recessed, contained in a holder, or otherwise 
designed to facilitate its safe use so that direct contact between the 
cutting surface and the sea turtle or the user is prevented. The cutting 
instrument must be securely attached to an extended reach handle and the 
blade(s) must be easily replaceable during a trip if necessary. The 
extra set of replacement blades must meet these standards and be carried 
on board to replace all cutting surfaces on the line cutter or clipper.
    (b) An extended reach handle. The line cutter blade must be securely 
fastened to an extended reach handle or pole with a minimum length equal 
to or greater than 150 percent of the freeboard, or a minimum length of 
6 ft (1.8 m), whichever is greater. The extended reach handle may break 
down into sections for storage, but it is not required. There is no 
restriction on the type of material used to construct this handle as 
long as it is sturdy and facilitates the secure attachment of the 
cutting blade.
    2. Long-handled dehooker for internal hooks. One long-handled 
dehooker to remove internal hooks from sea turtles that cannot be 
brought on board is required on the vessel. It should also be used to 
engage an unattached hook when a sea turtle is entangled but not hooked, 
and line is being removed. The design must shield the point of the hook 
and prevent the hook from re-engaging during the removal process. The 
minimum design standards are as follows:
    (a) Hook removal device. The dehooker must be constructed of \3/16\-
inch (4.8-mm) to \5/16\-inch (7.9-mm) diameter 316L or 304L stainless 
steel and have a dehooking end no larger than 1\7/8\ inches (4.8 cm) 
outside diameter. The dehooker must securely engage and control the 
leader while shielding the point to prevent the hook from re-engaging 
during removal. It may not have any unprotected terminal points 
(including blunt ones), as these could cause injury to the esophagus 
during hook removal. The dehooker must be of a size appropriate to 
secure the range of hook sizes and styles used on the vessel.
    (b) Extended reach handle. The dehooking end that secures the 
fishhook must be securely fastened to an extended reach handle

[[Page 478]]

or pole with a minimum length equal to or greater than 150 percent of 
the freeboard, or a minimum of 6 ft (1.8 m), whichever is greater. The 
extended reach handle may break down into sections for storage, but it 
is not required. The handle must be sturdy and strong enough to 
facilitate the secure attachment of the dehooking end.
    3. Long-handled dehooker for external hooks. One long-handled 
dehooker to remove external hooks from sea turtles that cannot be 
brought on board is required on the vessel. The long-handled dehooker 
for internal hooks described in paragraph A.2. of this appendix may be 
used to comply with this requirement. The minimum design standards are 
as follows:
    (a) Hook removal device. A long-handled dehooker must be constructed 
of \3/16\-inch (4.8-mm) to \5/16\-inch (7.9-mm) diameter 316L or 304L 
stainless steel and have a dehooking end no larger than 1\7/8\ inches 
(4.8 cm) outside diameter. The dehooking end that secures the fishhook 
must be blunt with all edges rounded. The dehooker must be of a size 
appropriate to secure the range of hook sizes and styles used on the 
vessel.
    (b) Extended reach handle. The handle must be a minimum length equal 
to the freeboard of the vessel or 6 ft (1.8 m), whichever is greater. 
The extended reach handle may break down into sections for storage, but 
it is not required.
    4. Long-handled device to pull an ``inverted V''. One long-handled 
device to pull an ``inverted V'' is required on board. This tool is used 
to pull an ``inverted V'' in the fishing line when implementing the 
``inverted V'' dehooking technique, as described in the 2019 version of 
the document titled ``Careful Release Protocols for Sea Turtle Release 
with Minimal Injury,'' for dehooking and disentangling sea turtles. A 
long-handled J-style dehooker as described in paragraph A.3. of this 
appendix may be used to comply with this requirement. The minimum design 
standards are as follows:
    (a) Hook end. This device, such as a standard boat hook or gaff must 
be constructed of stainless steel or aluminum; if a long-handled J-style 
dehooker is used to comply with this requirement, it must be constructed 
of 316L or 304L stainless steel. The semicircular or ``J'' shaped hook 
end must be securely attached to the handle to allow the hook end to 
engage and pull an ``inverted V'' in the fishing line. A gaff or any 
other tool with a sharp point is to be used only for holding fishing 
lines and must never contact the sea turtle.
    (b) Extended reach handle. The handle must have a minimum length 
equal to the freeboard of the vessel or must be at least 6 ft (1.8 m) in 
length, whichever is greater. The extended reach handle may break down 
into sections for storage, but it is not required. The handle must be 
sturdy and strong enough to facilitate the secure attachment of the hook 
end.
    5. Net or hoist. One approved net or hoist is required on board. 
These devices are to be used to facilitate safe handling of sea turtles 
by allowing them to be brought on board for fishing gear removal, 
without causing further injury to the animal. Sea turtles must not be 
brought on board without the use of a net or hoist. There must be no 
sharp edges or burrs on the hoop or frame, or where the hoop or frame 
attaches to the handle. There is no requirement for the hoop or frame to 
be circular as long as it meets the applicable minimum specifications. 
In this appendix, bar measure means the non-stretched distance between a 
side knot and a bottom knot of a net mesh; also known as the square mesh 
measurement. The types and minimum design standards for approved nets 
and hoists are as follows:
    (a) Dip net--(i) Size of the net. The dip net must have a sturdy net 
hoop or frame of at least 31 inches (78.7 cm) inside diameter and a bag 
depth of at least 38 inches (96.5 cm) to accommodate sea turtles up to 3 
ft (0.9 m) in carapace (shell) length. The bag mesh size must not exceed 
3 inches (7.6 cm), bar measure. The net hoop or frame must be made of a 
rigid material strong enough to facilitate the sturdy attachment of the 
net.
    (ii) Extended reach handle. The dip net hoop or frame must be 
securely fastened to an extended reach handle or pole with a minimum 
length equal to or greater than 150 percent of the freeboard, or at 
least 6 ft (1.8 m) in length, whichever is greater. The handle and net 
must be able to support a minimum of 100 lb (45.4 kg) without breaking 
or significant bending or distortion. The extended reach handle may 
break down into sections for storage, but it is not required.
    (b) Collapsible hoop net--(i) Size of the net. The collapsible hoop 
net must have a sturdy net hoop of at least 31 inches (78.7 cm) inside 
diameter and a bag depth of at least 38 inches (96.5 cm) to accommodate 
sea turtles up to 3 ft (0.9 m) in carapace (shell) length. The bag mesh 
size must not exceed 3 inches (7.6 cm), bar measure. The net hoop must 
be strong enough to facilitate the sturdy attachment of the net.
    (ii) Extended reach handle. The collapsible hoop net must be 
securely fastened with rope(s) or other line(s) connected to the hoop 
with a minimum length equal to or greater than 150 percent of the 
freeboard, or at least 6 ft (1.8 m) in length, whichever is greater. The 
rope(s) and net must be able to support a minimum of 100 lb (45.4 kg) 
without breaking or significant distortion.
    (c) Small hoist--(i) Size of the hoist. The sea turtle hoist must 
have a sturdy net hoop or frame of at least 31 inches (78.7 cm) inside 
diameter to accommodate sea turtles up to 3 ft (0.9 m) in carapace 
(shell) length. The net mesh size must not exceed 3 inches (7.6 cm),

[[Page 479]]

bar measure. If polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, pipe is used to construct 
the hoist, the pipe fittings must be glued together and a minimum 
strength of Schedule 40 pipe must be used. The hoist hoop or frame must 
be made of a rigid material strong enough to facilitate the sturdy 
attachment of the net.
    (ii) Extended reach handle. The sea turtle hoist must be securely 
fastened with ropes or other lines connected to the hoop or frame with a 
minimum length equal to or greater than 150 percent of the freeboard, or 
at least 6 ft (1.8 m) in length, whichever is greater. The ropes and 
hoist hoop or frame must be able to support a minimum of 100 lb (45.4 
kg) without breaking or significant distortion.
    6. Cushion or support device. A standard automobile tire free of 
exposed steel belts, a boat cushion, or any other comparable cushioned 
and elevated surface, is required for supporting a sea turtle in an 
upright orientation while the sea turtle is on board. The cushion or 
support device must be appropriately sized to fully support a range of 
sea turtle sizes. Any life-saving device that would be used to support a 
sea turtle on board must be dedicated for that purpose and in addition 
to all minimum human safety at sea requirements.
    7. Short-handled dehooker for internal hooks. One short-handled 
dehooker for removing internal hooks is required on board. This dehooker 
is designed to remove internal hooks from sea turtles brought on board. 
This dehooker can also be used on external hooks. The minimum design 
standards are as follows:
    (a) General. The dehooker must allow the hook to be secured and the 
hook point shielded without re-engaging during the removal process. It 
may not have any unprotected terminal points, including blunt ones, as 
this could cause injury to the esophagus during hook removal. A sliding 
plastic bite block must be permanently installed around the shaft to 
protect the beak and facilitate hook removal in case a sea turtle bites 
down on the dehooker. The dehooker must be of a size appropriate to 
secure the range of hook sizes and styles used on the vessel.
    (b) Specifications. The dehooker must be constructed of 316L or 304L 
stainless steel. The shaft must be \3/16\ inch (4.8-mm) to \5/16\ inch 
(7.9-mm) in diameter. The shaft must be 16 to 24 inches (40.6 cm to 60.7 
cm) long, with approximately a 4 to 6-inch (10.2 to 15.2-cm) long tube 
T-handle, wire loop handle, or similar. The bite block must be 
constructed of a \3/4\ to 1-inch (1.9 to 2.5-cm) inside diameter high 
impact rated, rigid plastic cylinder (e.g., Schedule 80 PVC) that is 4 
to 6 inches (10.2 to 15.2 cm) long to allow for 5 inches (12.7 cm) of 
slide along the shaft. The dehooking end must be no larger than 1\7/8\ 
inches (4.8 cm) outside diameter.
    8. Short-handled dehooker for external hooks. One short-handled 
dehooker for external hooks is required on board. This dehooker is 
designed to remove external hooks from sea turtles brought on board. The 
short-handled dehooker for internal hooks required to comply with 
paragraph A.7. of this appendix may be used to comply with this 
requirement. The minimum design standards are as follows:
    (a) Fixed handle dehooker--(i) General. The dehooking end that 
secures the fishhook must be blunt and all edges rounded. The dehooker 
must be of a size appropriate to secure the range of hook sizes and 
styles used on the vessel.
    (ii) Specifications. The dehooker must be constructed of 316L or 
304L stainless steel. The shaft must be \3/16\ inch (4.8-mm) to \5/16\ 
inch (7.9-mm) in diameter. The shaft must be 16 to 24 inches (40.6 to 
60.7 cm) long with approximately a 4 to 6-inch (10.2 to 15.2-cm) long 
tube T-handle, wire loop handle, or similar.
    (b) Squeeze handle dehooker--(i) General. The dehooking end that 
secures the fishhook must be blunt and all edges rounded. The dehooker 
must be able to secure the range of hook sizes and styles used on the 
vessel. This dehooker secures a fishhook for removal by squeezing the 
handles together using one hand to grab and pull the hook into notches 
at the top of the shaft of the dehooker.
    (ii) Specifications. The dehooker must be constructed of 316L or 
304L stainless steel. The overall length must be a minimum of 11 inches 
(27.9 cm) long.
    9. Long-nose or needle-nose pliers. One pair of long-nose or needle-
nose pliers is required on board. Required long-nose or needle-nose 
pliers can be used to remove hooks from the sea turtle's flesh or for 
removing hooks from the front of the mouth. They can also hold PVC 
splice couplings in place, when used as mouth gags. The minimum design 
standards are as follows: The long-nose or needle-nose pliers must be a 
minimum of 11 inches (27.9 cm) in length. It is recommended that the 
pliers be constructed of stainless steel or other corrosion resistant 
metal material.
    10. Bolt cutters. One pair of bolt cutters is required on board. 
Required bolt cutters may be used to cut off the eye or barb of a hook 
to facilitate the hook removal without causing further injury to the sea 
turtle. They should also be used to cut off as much of the hook as 
possible, when the remainder of the hook cannot be removed. The minimum 
design standards are as follows: The bolt cutters must be a minimum of 
14 inches (35.6 cm) in total length, with blades that are a minimum of 4 
inches (10.2 cm) long and 2\1/4\ inches (5.7 cm) wide, when closed. 
Required bolt cutters must be able to cut hard metals, such as stainless 
or carbon steel hooks, up to \1/4\-inch (6.4-mm) wire diameter, and they 
must be capable of cutting through the hooks used on the vessel.

[[Page 480]]

    11. Monofilament line cutters. One pair of monofilament line cutters 
is required on board. Required monofilament line cutters must be used to 
remove fishing line entangling a sea turtle, or to cut fishing line as 
close to the eye of the hook as possible if the hook is swallowed or if 
the hook cannot be removed. The minimum design standards are as follows: 
The monofilament line cutters must be a minimum of 6 inches (15.2 cm) in 
length. The blades must be a minimum of 1 inch (2.5 cm) in length and 
\5/8\ inches (1.6 cm) wide, when closed.
    12. Mouth openers or mouth gags. Required mouth openers and mouth 
gags are used to open sea turtle mouths, and to keep them open when 
removing internal hooks from sea turtles brought on board. They must 
allow access to the hook or line without causing further injury to the 
sea turtle. Design standards are included in the item descriptions. At 
least two of the seven different types of mouth openers or mouth gags 
described in paragraphs A.12.(a) through (g) of this appendix are 
required.
    (a) A block of hard wood. A block of hard wood of a type that does 
not splinter (e.g., maple) with rounded and smoothed edges, or a wooden-
handled brush with the bristles removed. The dimensions must be a 
minimum of 10 inches (25.4 cm) by \3/4\ inch (1.9 cm) by \3/4\ inch (1.9 
cm).
    (b) A set of three canine mouth gags. A set of canine mouth gags 
must include one of each of the following sizes: small--5 inches (12.7 
cm), medium--6 inches (15.2 cm), and large--7 inches (17.8 cm). They 
must be constructed of stainless steel.
    (c) A set of two sturdy dog chew bones. Required canine chews must 
be constructed of durable nylon or thermoplastic polymer, and strong 
enough to withstand biting without splintering. To accommodate a variety 
of sea turtle beak sizes, a set must include one large (5\1/2\ to 8 
inches (14 cm to 20.3 cm) in length), and one small (3\1/2\ to 4\1/2\ 
inches (8.9 cm to 11.4 cm) in length) canine chew bones.
    (d) A set of two rope loops covered with protective tubing. A 
required set consists of two 3-ft (0.9-m) lengths of poly braid rope 
(\3/8\-inch (9.5-mm) diameter suggested), each covered with an 8-inch 
(20.3-cm) long section of \1/2\-inch (1.3-cm) to \3/4\-inch (1.9-cm) 
diameter light duty garden hose or similar flexible tubing, and each 
rope tied into a loop.
    (e) A hank of rope. A length of soft braided or twisted nylon rope a 
minimum of \3/16\-inch (4.8-mm) diameter must be folded to create a 
hank, or looped bundle, of rope. The rope must create a hank of 2 to 4 
inches (5.1 cm to 10.2 cm) in thickness.
    (f) A set of four PVC splice couplings. A required set must consist 
of the following Schedule 40 PVC splice coupling sizes: 1 inch (2.5 cm), 
1\1/4\ inch (3.2 cm), 1\1/2\ inch (3.8 cm), and 2 inches (5.1 cm). PVC 
splice couplings are held in a sea turtle's mouth with the needle-nose 
pliers.
    (g) A large avian oral speculum. The avian oral speculum must be 9 
inches (22.9 cm) long, and constructed of \3/16\-inch (4.8-mm) wire 
diameter 304 stainless steel. The wire must be covered with 8 inches 
(20.3 cm) of clear vinyl tubing (\5/16\-inch (7.9-mm) outside diameter, 
\3/16\-inch (4.8-mm) inside diameter), friction tape, or similar to pad 
the surface.
    B. Sea turtle handling requirements. Any sea turtle incidentally 
captured during fishing operations must be handled, and release gear 
must be used, in accordance with the NMFS careful handling, 
resuscitation, and release protocols as specified in this appendix, in 
the 2019 version of the NMFS document titled, ``Careful Release 
Protocols for Sea Turtle Release with Minimal Injury'', or on the NMFS 
sea turtle handling and release guidelines placard.
    1. Sea turtles brought on board. When practicable, both active and 
inactive (comatose) sea turtles must be brought on board the vessel 
without causing further injury to the animal, using a net or hoist as 
specified in paragraph A.5. of this appendix. Release gear specified in 
paragraphs A.6. through A.12. of this appendix must be used to remove 
fishing gear from sea turtles. All sea turtles up to 3 ft (0.9 m) 
carapace (shell) length must be brought on board to remove fishing gear 
if sea conditions allow.
    (a) Place a sea turtle upright on its bottom shell on a cushion or 
support device, as specified in paragraph A.6. of this appendix, to 
immobilize it and facilitate gear removal. Then, determine if the 
fishing gear can be removed without causing further injury. All 
externally embedded hooks should be removed, unless hook removal would 
result in further injury to the sea turtle. No attempt to remove a hook 
should be made if it has been swallowed and the insertion point of the 
hook is not clearly visible, or if it is determined that removal would 
result in further injury to the sea turtle.
    (b) If a hook cannot be removed, remove as much line as possible 
from the sea turtle and the hook using monofilament cutters as specified 
in paragraph A.11. of this appendix, and as much of the hook as possible 
should be removed before releasing the sea turtle, using bolt cutters as 
specified in paragraph A.10. of this appendix.
    (c) If a hook can be removed, an effective technique may be to cut 
off the barb or the eye of the hook using bolt cutters, and then to 
slide the hook out. When the hook is visible in the mouth, a mouth 
opener or mouth gag, as specified in paragraph A.12. of this appendix, 
may facilitate opening the sea turtle's mouth and keeping the mouth 
open. Short-handled dehookers for internal hooks, or long-nose or 
needle-nose pliers, as specified in paragraphs A.7. and A.8. of this 
appendix, respectively, should be used to remove

[[Page 481]]

visible hooks from the mouth that have not been swallowed on boated sea 
turtles, as appropriate.
    (d) If a sea turtle appears comatose or inactive, follow the NMFS 
resuscitation protocols to attempt revival before its release. As much 
gear as possible must be removed from the sea turtle without causing 
further injury prior to its release.
    (e) Sea turtle resuscitation. Resuscitation must be attempted on any 
sea turtle that is comatose or appears inactive by the following 
methods:
    (i) Place the sea turtle upright on its bottom shell and elevate its 
hindquarters at least 6 inches (15.2 cm) to drain any water from the sea 
turtle for a period of at least 4 hours and up to 24 hours. The amount 
of the elevation depends on the size of the sea turtle; greater 
elevations are needed for larger sea turtles.
    (ii) Periodically rock the sea turtle gently from left to right by 
holding the outer edge of the shell (carapace) and lift one side about 3 
inches (7.6 cm), and then alternate to the other side.
    (iii) The sea turtle being resuscitated must be shaded and kept damp 
or moist. Do not put the sea turtle into a container holding water. A 
water-soaked towel placed over the head, shell, and flippers is the most 
effective method to keep a sea turtle moist.
    (iv) Gently touch the corner of the eye and pinch the tail (reflex 
test) periodically to see if there is a response indicating the sea 
turtle may be recovering.
    (f) Sea turtle release. A sea turtle that is actively moving or 
determined to be dead as described in paragraph B.1.(g) of this appendix 
must be released. Release the sea turtle when fishing gear is not in use 
to avoid recapturing the sea turtle. Place the engine gear in neutral 
position, and then lower the sea turtle into the water from a low part 
on the vessel, in an area where the sea turtle is unlikely to be 
recaptured or injured by vessels.
    (g) A sea turtle is determined to be dead if the muscles are stiff 
(rigor mortis) and/or the flesh has begun to rot; otherwise the sea 
turtle is determined to be comatose or inactive, and resuscitation 
attempts are necessary as specified in paragraph B.1.(e).
    (h) A sea turtle that fails to respond to the reflex test or fails 
to move within 4 hours (up to 24 hours if possible) must be returned to 
the water in the same manner as that for an actively moving sea turtle.
    2. Sea turtles that cannot be brought on board. If a sea turtle is 
too large, or is hooked or entangled in a manner that prevents bringing 
the sea turtle on board safely and without causing further injury, 
release gear specified in paragraph A. of this appendix must be used to 
remove the maximum amount of fishing gear from the sea turtle, or to 
remove as much line as possible from the sea turtle or from a hook that 
cannot be removed prior to releasing the sea turtle.
    (a) A non-boated sea turtle should be brought close to the boat. 
Then, determine whether the hook can be removed without causing further 
injury to the sea turtle. All externally embedded hooks should be 
removed, unless hook removal would result in further injury to the sea 
turtle. No attempt should be made to remove a hook if it has been 
swallowed and the insertion point is not clearly visible, or if it is 
determined that removal would result in further injury.
    (b) If the hook cannot be removed or if the sea turtle is only 
entangled, remove as much line as possible prior to its release using a 
long-handled line cutter or monofilament line cutters specified in 
paragraphs A.1. and A.11. of this appendix.
    (c) If the hook can be removed, it must be removed using the 
appropriate dehooker or other hook removal device specified in paragraph 
A. of this appendix. Without causing further injury, as much gear as 
possible must be removed from the sea turtle prior to its release.
    3. Other sea turtle requirements. Any sea turtle taken incidentally 
while fishing, regardless of whether the sea turtle is alive or dead, or 
whether it is brought on board, must not be consumed, sold, landed, 
offloaded, transshipped, or kept below deck.
    C. Incorporation by reference. The standards required in paragraphs 
A. and B. of this appendix are incorporated by reference into this 
appendix with the approval of the Director of the Federal Register under 
5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. All approved material is available 
for inspection at the National Marine Fisheries Service, Southeast 
Regional Office, 263 13th Ave. South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, phone: 
727-824-5301, website: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/southeast/
endangered-species-conservation/sea-turtle-and-smalltooth-sawfish-
release-gear-protocols, and is available from the sources listed below. 
It is also available for inspection at the National Archives and Records 
Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this 
material at NARA, email [email protected] or go to www.archives.gov/
federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
    1. U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, Southeast Fisheries 
Science Center, 75 Virginia Beach Drive, Miami, FL 33149.
    (a) Careful Release Protocols for Sea Turtle Release with Minimal 
Injury, NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-SEFSC-735, Stokes, L., and 
Bergmann, C. (Editors), 2019.
    (b) [Reserved]
    2. U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration,

[[Page 482]]

National Marine Fisheries Service, Southeast Regional Office, 263 13th 
Ave. South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701.
    (a) Sea Turtle Handling/Release Guidelines: Quick Reference for Hook 
and Line Fisheries, English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Revised April 2019.
    (b) [Reserved]

[84 FR 67238, Dec. 9, 2019]



      Sec. Appendix G to Part 622--Coastal Migratory Pelagics Zone 
                              Illustrations
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR11AP17.000


[[Page 483]]


[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR11AP17.001


[[Page 484]]


[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR19FE19.022


[82 FR 17400, Apr. 11, 2017, as amended at 84 FR 4737, Feb. 19, 2019]



PART 635_ATLANTIC HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES--Table of Contents



                            Subpart A_General

Sec.
635.1 Purpose and scope.
635.2 Definitions.
635.3 Relation to other laws.
635.4 Permits and fees.
635.5 Recordkeeping and reporting.
635.6 Vessel and gear identification.
635.7 At-sea observer coverage.
635.8 Workshops.
635.9 Electronic monitoring.

                  Subpart B_Individual Vessel Measures

635.14 [Reserved]
635.15 Individual bluefin tuna quotas (IBQ).
635.16 [Reserved]

                      Subpart C_Management Measures

635.19 Authorized gears.
635.20 Size limits.
635.21 Gear operation and deployment restrictions.
635.22 Recreational retention limits.
635.23 Retention limits for bluefin tuna.
635.24 Commercial retention limits for sharks, swordfish, and BAYS 
          tunas.
635.25 Fishing areas.
635.26 Catch and release.
635.27 Quotas.
635.28 Fishery closures.
635.29 Transfer at sea and transshipment.
635.30 Possession at sea and landing.
635.31 Restrictions on sale and purchase.
635.32 Specifically authorized activities.
635.33 Archival tags.
635.34 Adjustment of management measures.

                    Subpart D_Restrictions on Imports

635.40 Restrictions to enhance conservation.
635.41 Products denied entry.

                 Subpart E_International Port Inspection

635.50 Basis and purpose.
635.51 Authorized officer.
635.52 Vessels subject to inspection.

[[Page 485]]

635.53 Prior notification.
635.54 Reports.

                          Subpart F_Enforcement

635.69 Vessel monitoring systems.
635.70 Penalties.
635.71 Prohibitions.

Appendix A to Part 635--Species Tables

    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 971 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.

    Source: 64 FR 29135, May 28, 1999, unless otherwise noted.



                            Subpart A_General



Sec. 635.1  Purpose and scope.

    (a) The regulations in this part govern the conservation and 
management of Atlantic tunas, Atlantic billfish, Atlantic sharks, and 
Atlantic swordfish under the authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Act and 
ATCA. They implement the 2006 Consolidated Highly Migratory Species 
Fishery Management Plan and its amendments. The Atlantic tunas 
regulations govern conservation and management of Atlantic tunas in the 
management unit. The Atlantic billfish regulations govern conservation 
and management of Atlantic billfish in the management unit. The Atlantic 
swordfish regulations govern conservation and management of North and 
South Atlantic swordfish in the management unit. North Atlantic 
swordfish are managed under the authority of both ATCA and the Magnuson-
Stevens Act. South Atlantic swordfish are managed under the sole 
authority of ATCA. The shark regulations govern conservation and 
management of sharks in the management unit, under the authority of the 
Magnuson-Stevens Act.
    (b) Under section 9(d) of ATCA, NMFS has determined that the 
regulations contained in this part with respect to Atlantic tunas are 
applicable within the territorial sea of the United States adjacent to, 
and within the boundaries of, the States of Maine, New Hampshire, 
Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, 
Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, 
Louisiana, and Texas, and the Commonwealths of Puerto Rico and the 
Virgin Islands. NMFS will undertake a continuing review of State 
regulations to determine if regulations applicable to Atlantic tunas, 
swordfish, or billfish are at least as restrictive as regulations 
contained in this part and if such regulations are effectively enforced. 
In such case, NMFS will file with the Office of the Federal Register for 
publication notification of the basis for the determination and of the 
specific regulations that shall or shall not apply in the territorial 
sea of the identified State.

[64 FR 29135, May 28, 1999, as amended at 75 FR 30524, June 1, 2010; 86 
FR 42744, Aug. 5, 2021]



Sec. 635.2  Definitions.

    In addition to the definitions in the Magnuson-Stevens Act, ATCA, 
and Sec. 600.10 of this chapter, the terms used in this part have 
following meanings. If applicable, the terms used in this part supercede 
those used in Sec. 600.10:
    Archival tag means a device that is implanted or affixed to a fish 
to electronically record scientific information about the migratory 
behavior of that fish.
    ATCA Certificate of Eligibility (COE) means the certificate that 
must accompany any applicable shipment of fish pursuant to a finding 
under 16 U.S.C. 971d (c)(4) or (c)(5).
    Atlantic Aggregated LCS means one of the following species, or parts 
thereof, as listed in Table 1 of appendix A to this part: Atlantic 
blacktip, bull, lemon, nurse, silky, spinner, and tiger.
    Atlantic HMS means Atlantic tunas, billfish, sharks, and swordfish.
    Atlantic Ocean, as used in this part, includes the North and South 
Atlantic Oceans, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean Sea.
    Atlantic shark identification workshop certificate means the 
document issued by NMFS, or its designee, indicating that the person 
named on the certificate has successfully completed the Atlantic shark 
identification workshop.
    Atlantic States, consistent with section 803 of Public law 103-206 
(16 U.S.C. 5102), refers to Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode 
Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, 
Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina,

[[Page 486]]

Georgia, Florida, the District of Columbia, and the Potomac River 
Fisheries Commission, for purposes of applying the Shark Conservation 
Act exception at 50 CFR 635.30(c)(5).
    BAYS means Atlantic bigeye, albacore, yellowfin, and skipjack tunas 
as defined in Sec. 600.10 of this part.
    BFT means Atlantic bluefin tuna as defined in Sec. 600.10 of this 
chapter.
    BFT landings quota means the portion of the ICCAT BFT catch quota 
allocated to the United States against which landings of BFT are 
counted.
    Bottom longline means a longline that is deployed with enough 
weights and/or anchors to maintain contact with the ocean bottom. For 
the purposes of this part, a vessel is considered to have bottom 
longline gear on board when a power-operated longline hauler, a 
mainline, weights and/or anchors capable of maintaining contact between 
the mainline and the ocean bottom, and leaders (gangions) with hooks are 
on board. Removal of any of these elements constitutes removal of bottom 
longline gear. Bottom longline vessels may have a limited number of 
floats and/or high flyers onboard for the purposes of marking the 
location of the gear but removal of these floats does not constitute 
removal of bottom longline gear.
    BSD tag means a numbered tag affixed to a BFT issued by any country 
in conjunction with a catch statistics information program and recorded 
on a BSD.
    Buoy gear means a fishing gear consisting of one or more floatation 
devices supporting a single mainline to which no more than two hooks or 
gangions are attached.
    Caudal keel means the horizontal ridges along each side of a fish at 
the base of the tail fin.
    CFL (curved fork length) means the length of a fish measured from 
the tip of the upper jaw to the fork of the tail along the contour of 
the body in a line that runs along the top of the pectoral fin and the 
top of the caudal keel (i.e., in dorsal direction above caudal keel).
    Charter/headboat commercial sale endorsement means an authorization 
added to an HMS Charter/Headboat permit that is required for vessels 
that sell or intend to sell Atlantic tunas, sharks, and swordfish, 
provided that all other requirements in this part are also met.
    Charleston Bump closed area means the Atlantic Ocean area seaward of 
the inner boundary of the U.S. EEZ from a point intersecting the inner 
boundary of the U.S. EEZ at 34[deg]00[min] N. lat. near Wilmington 
Beach, NC, and proceeding due east to connect by straight lines the 
following coordinates in the order stated: 34[deg]00[min] N. lat., 
76[deg]00[min] W. long.; 31[deg]00[min] N. lat., 76[deg]00[min] W. 
long.; then proceeding due west to intersect the inner boundary of the 
U.S. EEZ at 31[deg]00[min] N. lat. near Jekyll Island, GA.
    Circle hook means a fishing hook originally designed and 
manufactured so that the point is turned perpendicularly back to the 
shank to form a generally circular, or oval, shape.
    Cleithrum to Caudal Keel or CK measurement means the length of a 
fish measured along the body contour, i.e., a curved measurement, from 
the point on the cleithrum that provides the shortest possible 
measurement along the body contour to the anterior portion of the caudal 
keel. The cleithrum is the semicircular bony structure at the posterior 
edge of the gill opening.
    Convention means the International Convention for the Conservation 
of Atlantic Tunas, signed at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on May 14, 1966, 20 
U.S.T. 2887, TIAS 6767, including any amendments or protocols thereto, 
which are binding upon the United States.
    Conventional tag means a numbered, flexible ribbon that is implanted 
or affixed to a fish that is released back into the ocean that allows 
for the identification of that fish in the event it is recaptured.
    Corrodible Hook means a fishing hook composed of any material other 
than stainless steel.
    Dealer tag means the numbered, flexible, self-locking ribbon issued 
by NMFS for the identification of BFT sold to a permitted dealer as 
required under Sec. 635.5(b)(2)(ii).
    Dehooking device means a device intended to remove a hook embedded 
in a fish in order to release the fish with minimum damage.
    Designated by NMFS means the address or location indicated in a 
letter

[[Page 487]]

to permit holders or in a letter accompanying reporting forms.
    DeSoto Canyon closed area means the area within the Gulf of Mexico 
bounded by straight lines connecting the following coordinates in the 
order stated: 30[deg]00[min] N. lat., 88[deg]00[min] W. long.; 
30[deg]00[min] N. lat., 86[deg]00[min] W. long.; 28[deg]00[min] N. lat., 
86[deg]00[min] W. long.; 28[deg]00[min] N. lat., 84[deg]00[min] W. 
long.; 26[deg]00[min] N. lat., 84[deg]00[min] W. long.; 26[deg]00[min] 
N. lat., 86[deg]00[min] W. long.; 28[deg]00[min] N. lat., 86[deg]00[min] 
W. long.; 28[deg]00[min] N. lat., 88[deg]00[min] W. long.; 
30[deg]00[min] N. lat., 88[deg]00[min] W. long.
    Display permit means a permit issued in order to catch and land HMS 
for the purpose of public display pursuant to Sec. 635.32(d).
    Division Chief means the Chief, Highly Migratory Species Management 
Division, NMFS (F/SF1), 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD, 
20910; (301) 427-8503.
    Downrigger means a piece of equipment attached to a vessel and with 
a weight on a cable that is in turn attached to hook-and-line gear to 
maintain lures or bait at depth while trolling. The downrigger has a 
release system to retrieve the weight by rod and reel or by manual, 
electric, or hydraulic winch after a fish strike on the hook-and-line 
gear.
    Dress, for swordfish, tunas, and billfish, means to process a fish 
by removal of head, viscera, and fins, but does not include removal of 
the backbone, halving, quartering, or otherwise further reducing the 
carcass. For sharks, dress means to process a fish by removal of head 
and viscera, but does not include removal of the fins, backbone, 
halving, quartering, or otherwise further reducing the carcass.
    Dressed weight (dw), for swordfish, tunas, and billfish, means the 
weight of a fish after it has been dressed. For sharks, dressed weight 
means the weight of a fish after it has been dressed and had its fins, 
including the tail, removed.
    Drift gillnet means a gillnet that is floating unattached to the 
ocean bottom and not anchored, secured, or weighted to the ocean bottom.
    East Florida Coast closed area means the Atlantic Ocean area seaward 
of the inner boundary of the U.S. EEZ from a point intersecting the 
inner boundary of the U.S. EEZ at 31[deg]00[min] N. lat. near Jekyll 
Island, GA, and proceeding due east to connect by straight lines the 
following coordinates in the order stated: 31[deg]00[min] N. lat., 
78[deg]00[min] W. long.; 28[deg]17[min]10[sec] N. lat., 
79[deg]11[min]24[sec] W. long.; then proceeding along the outer boundary 
of the EEZ to the intersection of the EEZ with 24[deg]00[min] N. lat.; 
then proceeding due west to 24[deg]00[min] N. lat., 81[deg]47[min] W. 
long.; and then proceeding due north to intersect the inner boundary of 
the U.S. EEZ at 81[deg]47[min] W. long. near Key West, FL.
    Edges 40 Fathom Contour closed area means a parallelogram-shaped 
area in the Gulf of Mexico bounded by straight lines connecting the 
following coordinates in the order stated: 28[deg] 51' N. lat., 85[deg] 
16' W. long.; 28[deg] 51' N. lat., 85[deg] 04' W. long.; 28[deg] 14' N. 
lat., 84[deg] 42' W. long.; 28[deg] 14' N. lat., 84[deg] 54' W. long.
    EFP means an exempted fishing permit issued pursuant to Sec. 
600.745 of this chapter or to Sec. 635.32(c).
    Electronic monitoring (EM) system means a system of video cameras 
and recording and other related equipment installed on a vessel.
    Eviscerated means a fish that has only the alimentary organs 
removed.
    Export, for purposes of this subpart, means to effect exportation.
    Exportation has the same general meaning as 19 CFR 101.1 and 
generally refers to a severance of goods from the mass of things 
belonging to one country with the intention of uniting them to the mass 
of things belonging to some foreign country. For purposes of this 
subpart, a shipment between the United States and its insular 
possessions is not an export.
    Exporter, for purposes of this subpart, is the principal party in 
interest, meaning the party that receives the primary benefit, monetary 
or otherwise, of the export transaction. For exports from the United 
States, the exporter is the U.S. principal party in interest, as 
identified in 15 CFR part 30. An exporter is subject to the requirements 
of this subpart, even if exports are exempt from statistical reporting 
requirements under 15 CFR part 30.
    Federal Atlantic Commercial Shark Permit means any of the commercial 
shark permits issued pursuant to Sec. 635.4.
    Finlet means one of the small individual fins on a tuna located 
behind

[[Page 488]]

the second dorsal and anal fins and forward of the tail fin.
    First receive means to take possession for commercial purposes of 
any fish or any part thereof by purchasing, trading or bartering for it 
from the fishing vessel owner or operator once it is offloaded, where 
the vessel has been issued, or should have been issued, a valid permit 
under this part. First receive does not mean to take possession solely 
for transport.
    First transaction in the United States means the time and place at 
which a fish is filleted, cut into steaks, or processed in any way that 
physically alters it after being landed in or imported into the United 
States.
    Fishing record means all records of navigation and operations of a 
fishing vessel, as well as all records of catching, harvesting, 
transporting, landing, purchasing, or selling a fish.
    Fishing vessel means any vessel engaged in fishing, processing, or 
transporting fish loaded on the high seas, or any vessel outfitted for 
such activities.
    Fishing year means January 1 through December 31.
    FL (fork length) means the straight-line measurement of a fish from 
the midpoint of the anterior edge of the fish to the fork of the caudal 
fin. The measurement is not made along the curve of the body.
    Floatation device means any positively buoyant object rigged to be 
attached to a fishing gear.
    Floatline means a line attached to a buoyant object that is used to 
support the mainline of a longline at a specific target depth.
    Florida Swordfish Management Area means the Atlantic Ocean area 
shoreward of the outer boundary of the U.S. EEZ from a point where 
latitude 28[deg]17[min]10[sec] N. lat. intersects the U.S. mainland near 
Rockledge, Florida and proceeding due east across the barrier island 
near Cocoa Beach, Florida to connect by straight lines the following 
coordinates in the order stated: 28[deg]17[min]10[sec] N. lat., 
79[deg]11[min]24[sec] W. long.; then proceeding along the outer boundary 
of the EEZ to the intersection of the EEZ with 24[deg]00[min] N. lat.; 
then proceeding due west to 24[deg]00[min] N. lat., 82[deg]0[min] W. 
long, then proceeding due north to 25[deg]48[min]' N. lat., 
82[deg]0[min] W. long., then proceeding due east to the shore near 
Chokoloskee, Florida).
    For-hire trip means a recreational fishing trip taken by a vessel 
with an Atlantic HMS Charter/Headboat permit during which paying 
passenger(s) are aboard; or, for uninspected vessels, trips during which 
there are more than three persons aboard, including operator and crew; 
or, for vessels that have been issued a Certificate of Inspection by the 
U.S. Coast Guard to carry passengers for hire, trips during which there 
are more persons aboard than the number of crew specified on the 
vessel's Certificate of Inspection.
    Freeboard is defined as the working distance between the top rail of 
the gunwale to the water's surface, and will vary based on the vessel 
design.
    Gangion means a line that serves to attach a hook, suspended at a 
specific target depth, to the mainline of a longline.
    Giant BFT means an Atlantic BFT measuring 81 inches (206 cm) CFL or 
greater.
    Green-stick gear means an actively trolled mainline attached to a 
vessel and elevated or suspended above the surface of the water with no 
more than 10 hooks or gangions attached to the mainline. The suspended 
line, attached gangions and/or hooks, and catch may be retrieved 
collectively by hand or mechanical means. Green-stick does not 
constitute a pelagic longline or a bottom longline as defined in this 
section.
    Gulf of Mexico Aggregated LCS means one of the following species, or 
parts thereof, as listed in Table 1 of appendix A to this part: Bull, 
lemon, nurse, silky, spinner, and tiger.
    Hammerhead shark(s) means great, scalloped, and smooth hammerhead 
shark species, or parts thereof, as listed in Table 1 of appendix A to 
this part.
    Handgear means handline, harpoon, rod and reel, bandit gear, buoy 
gear, or speargun gear.
    Handline means fishing gear that is attached to, or in contact with, 
a vessel; that consists of a mainline to which no more than two hooks or 
gangions may be attached; and that is released and retrieved by hand 
rather than by mechanical means.

[[Page 489]]

    High-flyer means a flag, radar reflector or radio beacon 
transmitter, suitable for attachment to a longline to facilitate its 
location and retrieval.
    Highly migratory species (HMS) means bluefin, bigeye, yellowfin, 
albacore, and skipjack tunas; swordfish; sharks (listed in Table 1 of 
appendix A to this part); white marlin; blue marlin; sailfish; longbill 
spearfish; and roundscale spearfish.
    IBQ (individual bluefin quota) refers to limited access privileges 
under the IBQ Program (Sec. 635.15), implemented for the management of 
Atlantic BFT incidentally caught by Atlantic Tunas Longline category LAP 
holders.
    Importer, for purposes of this subpart, means the principal party 
responsible for the import of product into a country. For imports into 
the United States, and for purposes of this subpart, ``importer'' means 
the consignee as identified on entry documentation or any authorized, 
equivalent electronic medium required for release of shipments, or any 
authorized equivalent entry documentation from the customs authority of 
the United States or the separate customs territory of a U.S. insular 
possession. If a consignee is not declared, then the importer of record 
is considered to be the consignee.
    In transit means non-stop progression through an area without any 
fishing activity occurring.
    LAP means a limited access permit issued pursuant to Sec. 635.4.
    Large coastal shark (LCS) means one of the species, or a part 
thereof, listed in heading A, Large Coastal Sharks, of Table 1 of 
appendix A to this part.
    Large medium BFT means a BFT measuring at least 73 inches (185 cm) 
and less than 81 inches (206 cm) CFL.
    Large school BFT means a BFT measuring at least 47 inches (119 cm) 
and less than 59 inches (150 cm) CFL.
    LJFL (lower jaw-fork length) means the straight-line measurement of 
a fish from the anterior tip of the lower jaw to the fork of the caudal 
fin. The measurement is not made along the curve of the body.
    Longline means fishing gear that is set horizontally, either 
anchored, floating, or attached to a vessel, and that consists of a 
mainline or groundline with three or more leaders (gangions) and hooks, 
whether retrieved by hand or mechanical means.
    Madison-Swanson closed area means a rectangular-shaped area in the 
Gulf of Mexico bounded by straight lines connecting the following 
coordinates in the order stated: 29[deg]17[min] N. lat., 85[deg]50[min] 
W. long.; 29[deg]17[min] N. lat., 85[deg]38[min] W. long.; 
29[deg]06[min] N. lat., 85[deg]38[min] W. long.; 29[deg]06[min] N. lat., 
85[deg]50[min] W. long.; and 29[deg]17[min] N. lat., 85[deg]50[min] W. 
long.
    Management group in regard to sharks means a group of shark species 
that are combined for quota management purposes. A management group may 
be split by region or sub-region, as defined at Sec. 635.27(b)(1). A 
fishery for a management group can be opened or closed as a whole or at 
the regional or sub-regional levels. Sharks have the following 
management groups: Atlantic aggregated LCS, Gulf of Mexico aggregated 
LCS, research LCS, hammerhead, Atlantic non-blacknose SCS, Gulf of 
Mexico non-blacknose SCS, and pelagic sharks other than blue or 
porbeagle.
    Management unit means in this part:
    (1) For Atlantic tunas, longbill spearfish, roundscale spearfish, 
blue marlin, and white marlin, means all fish of these species in the 
Atlantic Ocean;
    (2) For sailfish, means all fish of this species in the Atlantic 
Ocean west of 30[deg] W. long.;
    (3) For North Atlantic swordfish, means all fish of this species in 
the Atlantic Ocean north of 5[deg] N. lat.;
    (4) For South Atlantic swordfish, means all fish of this species in 
the Atlantic Ocean south of 5[deg] N. lat.; and
    (5) For sharks, means all fish of the species listed in Table 1 of 
Appendix A to this part, in the western north Atlantic Ocean, including 
the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea.
    Mid-Atlantic shark closed area means the Atlantic Ocean area seaward 
of the inner boundary of the U.S. EEZ from a point intersecting the 
inner boundary of the U.S. EEZ at 35[deg]41[min] N. lat. just south of 
Oregon Inlet, North Carolina, and connecting by straight lines the 
following coordinates in the order stated: 35[deg]41[min] N. lat., 
75[deg]25[min] W. long. proceeding due east to 35[deg]41[min] N. lat., 
74[deg]51[min] W. long.; then proceeding southeast to 35[deg]30[min] N. 
lat., 74[deg]46[min] W. long.; then proceeding southwest, roughly 
following

[[Page 490]]

the 55 fathom mark, to 33[deg]51[min] N. lat., 76[deg]24[min] W. long.; 
then proceeding due west to intersect the inner boundary of the U.S. EEZ 
at 33[deg]51[min] N. lat., 77[deg]53[min] W. long. near Cape Fear, North 
Carolina.
    Naturally attached, as it is used to describe shark fins, refers to 
shark fins that remain attached to the shark carcass via at least some 
portion of uncut skin. As used to describe the head of a swordfish, 
naturally attached refers to the whole head remaining fully attached to 
the carcass except for the bill, which may be removed provided it has 
been removed forward of the anterior tip of the lower jaw.
    Net check refers to a visual inspection of a shark gillnet where the 
vessel operator transits the length of the gear and inspects it either 
with a spotlight or by pulling up the gear.
    Non-blacknose SCS means one of the species, or part thereof, listed 
in heading B, Small Coastal Sharks, of Table 1 of appendix A to this 
part other than the blacknose shark.
    North Atlantic swordfish or North Atlantic swordfish stock means 
those swordfish occurring in the Atlantic Ocean north of 5[deg] N. lat.
    Northeast Distant gear restricted area (NED) means the Atlantic 
Ocean area bounded by straight lines connecting the following 
coordinates in the order stated: 35[deg]00[min] N. lat., 60[deg]00[min] 
W. long.; 55[deg]00[min] N. lat., 60[deg]00[min] W. long.; 
55[deg]00[min] N. lat., 20[deg]00[min] W. long.; 35[deg]00[min] N. lat., 
20[deg]00[min] W. long.; 35[deg]00[min] N. lat., 60[deg]00[min] W. long.
    Northeastern United States Pelagic Longline Monitoring Area means 
the area bounded by straight lines connecting the following coordinates 
in the order stated: 40[deg]00[min] N lat., 74[deg]00[min] W long.; 
40[deg]00[min] N lat., 68[deg]00[min] W long.; 39[deg]00[min] N lat., 
68[deg]00[min] W long.; and 39[deg]00[min] N lat., 74[deg]00[min] W 
long.
    Offset circle hook means a circle hook originally designed and 
manufactured so that the barbed end of the hook is displaced relative to 
the parallel plane of the eyed-end, or shank, of the hook when laid on 
its side.
    Operator, with respect to any vessel, means the master or other 
individual aboard and in charge of that vessel.
    Pectoral fin means the fin located behind the gill cover on either 
side of a fish.
    Pelagic longline means a longline that is suspended by floats in the 
water column and that is not fixed to or in contact with the ocean 
bottom. For the purposes of this part, a vessel is considered to have 
pelagic longline gear on board when a power-operated longline hauler, a 
mainline, floats capable of supporting the mainline, and leaders 
(gangions) with hooks are on board. Removal of any of these elements 
constitutes removal of pelagic longline gear.
    Pelagic shark means one of the species, or a part thereof, listed in 
heading C, Pelagic Sharks, of Table 1 of appendix A to this part.
    PFCFL (pectoral fin curved fork length) means the length of a 
beheaded fish from the dorsal insertion of the pectoral fin to the fork 
of the tail measured along the contour of the body in a line that runs 
along the top of the pectoral fin and the top of the caudal keel.
    Prohibited shark means one of the species, or a part thereof, listed 
in heading D, Prohibited Sharks, of Table 1 of appendix A to this part.
    Reporting week means the period of time beginning at 0001 local time 
on Sunday and ending at 2400 hours local time the following Saturday.
    Research LCS means one of the species, or part thereof, listed in 
heading A, Large Coastal Sharks, of Table 1 of appendix A to this part, 
other than sandbar sharks.
    Restricted-fishing day (RFD) is a day, beginning at 0000 hours and 
ending at 2400 hours local time, during which a person aboard a vessel 
issued:
    (1) An Atlantic Tunas General category permit may not fish for, 
possess, retain, land, or sell a BFT; and
    (2) A Charter/Headboat permit with a commercial endorsement may not 
fish commercially for BFT under the General category rules, but may fish 
for, possess, retain, or land BFT under the Angling category 
restrictions and retention limits.
    Round wire stock means round metal wire, typically used in the 
manufacturing of fishing hooks, that has not been forged, or otherwise 
modified or treated in any way to increase the original factory tensile 
strength set by the hook manufacturer.

[[Page 491]]

    Safe handling, release, and identification workshop certificate 
means the document issued by NMFS, or its designee, indicating that the 
person named on the certificate has successfully completed the Atlantic 
HMS safe handling, release, and identification workshop.
    School BFT means a BFT measuring at least 27 inches (69 cm) and less 
than 47 inches (119 cm) CFL.
    Shark means one of the oceanic species, or a part thereof, listed in 
Table 1 of Appendix A to this part.
    Shark endorsement means an authorization added to an HMS Angling, 
HMS Charter/Headboat, Atlantic Tunas General, or Swordfish General 
Commercial permit that allows for the retention of authorized Atlantic 
sharks consistent with all other applicable regulations in this part.
    Shark research permit means a permit issued to catch and land a 
limited number of sharks to maintain time series for stock assessments 
and for other scientific research purposes. These permits may be issued 
only to the owner of a vessel who has been issued either a directed or 
incidental shark LAP. The permit is specific to the commercial shark 
vessel and owner combination and is valid only per the terms and 
conditions listed on the permit.
    Sink gillnet means a gillnet that is designed to be or is fished on 
or near the ocean bottom in the lower third of the water column by means 
of a weight line or enough weights and/or anchors that the bottom of the 
gillnet sinks to, on, or near the ocean bottom.
    Small coastal shark (SCS) means one of the species, or a part 
thereof, listed in heading B, Small Coastal Sharks, of Table 1 of 
appendix A to this part.
    Small medium BFT means a BFT measuring at least 59 inches (150 cm) 
and less than 73 inches (185 cm) CFL.
    Smoothhound shark(s) means one of the species, or part thereof, 
listed in heading E, Smoothhound Sharks, of Table 1 of appendix A to 
this part.
    South Atlantic swordfish or south Atlantic swordfish stock means 
those swordfish occurring in the Atlantic Ocean south of 5[deg] N. lat.
    Speargun fishing gear means a muscle-powered speargun equipped with 
a trigger mechanism, a spear with a tip designed to penetrate and retain 
fish, and terminal gear. Terminal gear may include, but is not limited 
to, trailing lines, reels, and floats. The term ``muscle-powered 
speargun'' for the purposes of this part means a speargun that stores 
potential energy provided from the operator's muscles, and that releases 
only the amount of energy that the operator has provided to it from his 
or her own muscles. Common energy storing methods for muscle-powered 
spearguns include compressing air and springs, and the stretching of 
rubber bands.
    Spring Gulf of Mexico Pelagic Longline Monitoring Area means two 
areas within the Gulf of Mexico described here. The first area is 
bounded by straight lines connecting the following coordinates in the 
order stated: 26[deg]30[min] N lat., 94[deg]40[min] W long.; 
27[deg]30[min] N lat., 94[deg]40[min] W long.; 27[deg]30[min] N lat., 
89[deg] W long.; 26[deg]30[min] N lat., 89[deg] W long.; 26[deg]30[min] 
N lat., 94[deg]40[min] W long. The second area is bounded by straight 
lines connecting the following coordinates in the order stated: 
27[deg]40[min] N lat., 88[deg] W long.; 28[deg] N lat., 88[deg] W long.; 
28[deg] N lat., 86[deg] W long.; 27[deg]40[min] N lat., 86[deg] W long.; 
27[deg]40[min] N lat., 88[deg] W long.
    Steamboat Lumps closed area means a rectangular-shaped area in the 
Gulf of Mexico bounded by straight lines connecting the following 
coordinates in the order stated: 28[deg]14[min] N. lat., 84[deg]48[min] 
W. long.; 28[deg]14[min] N. lat., 84[deg]37[min] W. long.; 
28[deg]03[min] N. lat., 84[deg]37[min] W. long.; 28[deg]03[min] N. lat., 
84[deg]48[min] W. long.; and 28[deg]14[min] N. lat., 84[deg]48[min] W. 
long.
    Tournament means any fishing competition involving Atlantic HMS in 
which participants must register or otherwise enter or in which a prize 
or award is offered for catching or landing such fish.
    Tournament operator means a person or entity responsible for 
maintaining records of participants and results used for awarding 
tournament points or prizes, regardless of whether fish are retained.
    Transiting means progressing through an area without any fishing 
activity occurring.
    Trip limit means the total allowable take from a single trip as 
defined in Sec. 600.10 of this chapter.
    Tuna or tuna-like means the Scombriformes (with the exception of 
families Trichiuridae and Gempylidae

[[Page 492]]

and the genus Scomber) and such other species of fishes that are 
regulated by ICCAT in the Atlantic Ocean.
    Vessel monitoring plan (VMP) means an on-board, EM system reference 
document required by Sec. 635.9(e)(1).
    Weighout slip means a document provided to the owner or operator of 
the vessel by a person who weighs fish or parts thereof that are landed 
from a fishing vessel. A document, such as a ``tally sheet,'' ``trip 
ticket,'' or ``sales receipt,'' that contains such information is 
considered a weighout slip.
    Young school BFT means an Atlantic BFT measuring less than 27 inches 
(69 cm) CFL.

[64 FR 29135, May 28, 1999]

    Editorial Note: For Federal Register citations affecting Sec. 
635.2, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the 
Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.



Sec. 635.3  Relation to other laws.

    (a) The relation of this part to other laws is set forth in Sec. 
600.705 of this chapter and in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section.
    (b) In accordance with regulations issued under the Marine Mammal 
Protection Act of 1972, as amended, it is unlawful for a commercial 
fishing vessel, a vessel owner, or a master or operator of a vessel to 
engage in fisheries for HMS in the Atlantic Ocean, unless the vessel 
owner or authorized representative has complied with specified 
requirements including, but not limited to, registration, exemption 
certificates, decals, and reports, as contained in part 229 of this 
title.
    (c) General provisions on facilitation of enforcement, penalties, 
and enforcement policy applicable to all domestic fisheries are set 
forth in Sec. Sec. 600.730, 600.735, and Sec. 600.740 of this chapter, 
respectively.
    (d) An activity that is otherwise prohibited by this part may be 
conducted if authorized as scientific research activity, exempted 
fishing or exempted educational activity, or for public display, as 
specified in Sec. 635.32.

[64 FR 29135, May 28, 1999, as amended at 68 FR 74784, Dec. 24, 2003]



Sec. 635.4  Permits and fees.

    Information on permits and permit requirements may be obtained from 
the Division Chief or where otherwise stated in this part.
    (a) General--(1) Authorized activities. Each permit issued by NMFS 
authorizes certain activities, and persons may not conduct these 
activities without the appropriate permit, unless otherwise authorized 
by NMFS in accordance with this part. In certain cases, additional 
permits may be required to authorize these same or related activities 
under federal, state or local jurisdictions.
    (2) Vessel permit inspection. The owner or operator of a vessel of 
the United States must have the appropriate valid permit on board the 
vessel to fish for, take, retain, or possess Atlantic HMS when engaged 
in recreational fishing and to fish for, take, retain or possess 
Atlantic tunas, swordfish, or sharks when engaged in commercial fishing. 
The vessel operator must make such permit available for inspection upon 
request by NMFS or by a person authorized by NMFS. The owner of the 
vessel is responsible for satisfying all of the requirements associated 
with obtaining, maintaining, and making available for inspection all 
required vessel permits.
    (3) Property rights. LAPs or any other permit issued pursuant to 
this part do not represent either an absolute right to the resource or 
any interest that is subject to the takings provision of the Fifth 
Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Rather, LAPs represent only a 
harvesting privilege that may be revoked, suspended, or amended subject 
to the requirements of the Magnuson-Stevens Act or other applicable law.
    (4) Dealer permit inspection. A dealer permit issued under this 
section, or a copy thereof, must be available at each of the dealer's 
places of business. A dealer must present the permit or a copy for 
inspection upon the request of a NMFS-authorized officer.
    (5) Display upon offloading. Upon offloading of Atlantic HMS for 
sale, the owner or operator of the harvesting vessel must present for 
inspection the vessel's HMS Charter/Headboat permit with a commercial 
sale endorsement;

[[Page 493]]

Atlantic tunas, shark, or swordfish permit; Incidental HMS squid trawl; 
HMS Commercial Caribbean Small Boat permit; and/or the shark research 
permit to the first receiver. The permit(s) must be presented prior to 
completing any applicable landing report specified at Sec. 635.5(a)(1), 
(a)(2), and (b)(2)(i).
    (6) Sanctions and denials. A permit issued under this section may be 
revoked, suspended, or modified, and a permit application may be denied, 
in accordance with the procedures governing enforcement-related permit 
sanctions and denials found at 15 CFR part 904, subpart D.
    (7) Alteration. A vessel or dealer permit that is altered, erased, 
mutilated, or otherwise modified is invalid.
    (8) Replacement. NMFS may issue a replacement permit upon the 
request of the permittee. An application for a replacement permit will 
not be considered a new application. An appropriate fee, consistent with 
paragraph (a)(9) of this section, may be charged for issuance of the 
replacement permit.
    (9) Fees. NMFS may charge a fee for each application for a permit or 
for each transfer or replacement of a permit. The amount of the fee is 
calculated in accordance with the procedures of the NOAA Finance 
Handbook, available from NMFS, for determining administrative costs of 
each special product or service. The fee may not exceed such costs and 
is specified in the instructions provided with each application form. 
Each applicant must include the appropriate fee with each application or 
request for transfer or replacement. A permit will not be issued to 
anyone who fails to pay the fee.
    (10) Permit condition. An owner of a vessel with a valid Atlantic 
tunas, swordfish, shark, HMS Angling, HMS Charter/Headboat, Incidental 
HMS squid trawl, or HMS Commercial Caribbean Small Boat permit issued 
pursuant to this part must agree, as a condition of such permit, that 
the vessel's HMS fishing, catch, and gear are subject to the 
requirements of this part during the period of validity of the permit, 
without regard to whether such fishing occurs in the U.S. EEZ, or 
outside the U.S. EEZ, and without regard to where such HMS, or gear, are 
possessed, taken, or landed. However, when a vessel fishes within the 
waters of a state that has more restrictive regulations pertaining to 
HMS, persons aboard the vessel must abide by the state's more 
restrictive regulations.
    (b) HMS Charter/Headboat permits. (1) The owner of a charter boat or 
headboat used to fish for, retain, possess, or land any Atlantic HMS 
must obtain an HMS Charter/Headboat permit. In order to fish for, 
retain, possess, or land Atlantic sharks, the owner must have a valid 
shark endorsement issued by NMFS. A vessel issued an HMS Charter/
Headboat permit for a fishing year shall not be issued an HMS Angling 
permit, a Swordfish General Commercial permit, or an Atlantic Tunas 
permit in any category for that same fishing year, regardless of a 
change in the vessel's ownership.
    (2) While persons aboard a vessel that has been issued an HMS 
Charter/Headboat permit are fishing for or are in possession of Atlantic 
HMS, the operator of the vessel must have a valid Merchant Marine 
License or Uninspected Passenger Vessel License, as applicable, issued 
by the U.S. Coast Guard pursuant to regulations at 46 CFR part 10. Such 
Coast Guard license must be carried on board the vessel.
    (3) The owner of a charter boat or headboat that intends to sell 
Atlantic tunas or swordfish must obtain a commercial sale endorsement 
for the vessel's HMS Charter/Headboat permit. The owner of a charter 
boat or headboat that intends to sell Atlantic sharks must obtain a 
commercial sale endorsement for the vessel's HMS Charter/Headboat permit 
at the time of permit renewal or when the permit is obtained and must 
also obtain any applicable Atlantic commercial shark permits. A vessel 
owner that has obtained an HMS Charter/Headboat permit without a 
commercial sale endorsement is prohibited from selling any Atlantic HMS.
    (c) HMS Angling permits. (1) The owner of any vessel used to fish 
recreationally for Atlantic HMS or on which Atlantic HMS are retained or 
possessed recreationally, must obtain an HMS Angling permit, except as 
provided in paragraph (c)(2) of this section. In order to fish for, 
retain, possess, or land Atlantic sharks, the

[[Page 494]]

owner must have a valid shark endorsement issued by NMFS. Atlantic HMS 
caught, retained, possessed, or landed by persons on board vessels with 
an HMS Angling permit may not be sold or transferred to any person for a 
commercial purpose. A vessel issued an HMS Angling permit for a fishing 
year shall not be issued an HMS Charter/Headboat permit, a Swordfish 
General Commercial permit, or an Atlantic Tunas permit in any category 
for that same fishing year, regardless of a change in the vessel's 
ownership.
    (2) A vessel with a valid Atlantic Tunas General category permit 
issued under paragraph (d) of this section or with a valid Swordfish 
General Commercial permit issued under paragraph (f) of this section may 
fish in a recreational HMS fishing tournament if the vessel has 
registered for, paid an entry fee to, and is fishing under the rules of 
a tournament that has registered with NMFS' HMS Management Division as 
required under Sec. 635.5(d). When a vessel with a valid Atlantic Tunas 
General category permit or a valid Swordfish General Commercial permit 
is fishing in such a tournament, such vessel must comply with HMS 
Angling category regulations, except as provided in paragraphs (c)(3) 
through (5) of this section.
    (3) A vessel issued an Atlantic Tunas General category permit 
fishing in a tournament, as authorized under Sec. 635.4(c)(2), shall 
comply with Atlantic Tunas General category regulations when fishing 
for, retaining, possessing, or landing Atlantic tunas.
    (4) A vessel issued a Swordfish General Commercial permit fishing in 
a tournament, as authorized under Sec. 635.4(c)(2), shall comply with 
Swordfish General Commercial permit regulations when fishing for, 
retaining, possessing, or landing Atlantic swordfish.
    (5) In order to fish for, retain, possess, or land sharks, the owner 
of a vessel fishing in a registered recreational HMS fishing tournament 
and issued either an Atlantic Tunas General category or Swordfish 
General Commercial permit must have a shark endorsement.
    (d) Atlantic Tunas vessel permits. (1) The owner of each vessel used 
to fish for or take Atlantic tunas commercially or on which Atlantic 
tunas are retained or possessed with the intention of sale must obtain 
an HMS Charter/Headboat permit with a commercial sale endorsement issued 
under paragraph (b) of this section, an HMS Commercial Caribbean Small 
Boat permit issued under paragraph (o) of this section, or an Atlantic 
tunas permit in one, and only one, of the following categories: General, 
Harpoon, Longline, or Trap.
    (2) Persons aboard a vessel with a valid Atlantic Tunas, HMS 
Angling, HMS Charter/Headboat, or an HMS Commercial Caribbean Small Boat 
permit may fish for, take, retain, or possess Atlantic tunas, but only 
in compliance with the quotas, catch limits, size classes, and gear 
applicable to the permit or permit category of the vessel from which he 
or she is fishing. Persons may sell Atlantic tunas only if the 
harvesting vessel has a valid permit in the General, Harpoon, Longline, 
or Trap category of the Atlantic Tunas permit, a valid HMS Charter/
Headboat permit with a commercial sale endorsement, or an HMS Commercial 
Caribbean Small Boat permit.
    (3) A vessel issued an Atlantic Tunas permit in any category for a 
fishing year shall not be issued an HMS Angling permit, HMS Charter/
Headboat permit, or an Atlantic Tunas permit in any other category for 
that same fishing year, regardless of a change in the vessel's 
ownership. A vessel issued an Atlantic Tunas permit may be issued an HMS 
Commercial Caribbean Small Boat permit, subject to restrictions set 
forth at Sec. 635.4(o), within that same fishing year; however, a 
vessel may not hold any other HMS fishing permit simultaneously with the 
HMS Commercial Caribbean Small Boat permit.
    (4) A person can obtain an Atlantic Tunas Longline category LAP for 
a vessel only if the vessel has been issued both a LAP for shark and a 
LAP, other than handgear, for swordfish. Atlantic Tunas Longline 
category LAPs may only be obtained through transfer from current owners 
consistent with the provisions under paragraph (l)(2) of this section.
    (e) Shark vessel permits. (1) The owner of each vessel used to fish 
for or take Atlantic sharks or on which Atlantic

[[Page 495]]

sharks are retained, possessed with an intention to sell, or sold must 
obtain, in addition to any other required permits, at least one of the 
Federal Atlantic commercial shark permits described below or an HMS 
Commercial Caribbean Small Boat permit. A Federal Atlantic commercial 
shark permit or HMS Commercial Caribbean Small Boat permit is not 
required if the vessel is recreationally fishing and retains no more 
sharks than the recreational retention limit specified in Sec. 
635.22(c), is operating pursuant to the conditions of a shark display or 
EFP issued pursuant to Sec. 635.32, or fishes exclusively within State 
waters. It is a rebuttable presumption that the owner or operator of a 
vessel without a permit issued pursuant to this part, on which sharks 
are possessed in excess of the recreational retention limits, intends to 
sell the sharks.
    (2) The owner of vessels that fish for, take, retain, or possess the 
Atlantic oceanic sharks listed in headings A, B, or C of Table 1 of 
appendix A to this part with an intention to sell must obtain a Federal 
Atlantic commercial shark directed or incidental LAP or an HMS 
Commercial Caribbean Small Boat permit. The only valid Federal 
commercial shark directed and shark incidental LAPs are those that have 
been issued under the limited access program consistent with the 
provisions under paragraphs (l) and (m) of this section.
    (3) A vessel owner issued or required to be issued a Federal 
Atlantic commercial shark directed or shark incidental LAP may harvest, 
consistent with the other regulations in this part, any shark species 
listed in headings A, B, or C of Table 1 of appendix A to this part.
    (4) Owners of vessels that fish for, take, retain, or possess the 
Atlantic oceanic sharks listed in heading E, Smoothhound Sharks, of 
Table 1 of appendix A to this part with an intention to sell them must 
obtain a Federal commercial smoothhound permit. In addition to other 
permits issued pursuant to this section or other authorities, a Federal 
commercial smoothhound permit may be issued to a vessel alone or to a 
vessel that also holds either a Federal Atlantic commercial shark 
directed or incidental LAP.
    (f) Swordfish vessel permits. (1) Except as specified in paragraphs 
(n) and (o) of this section, the owner of a vessel of the United States 
used to fish for or take swordfish commercially from the management 
unit, or on which swordfish from the management unit are retained or 
possessed with an intention to sell, or from which swordfish are sold, 
must obtain an HMS Charter/Headboat permit with a commercial sale 
endorsement issued under paragraph (b) of this section, or one of the 
following swordfish permits: A swordfish directed LAP, swordfish 
incidental LAP, swordfish handgear LAP, or a Swordfish General 
Commercial permit. These permits cannot be held in combination with each 
other on the same vessel, except that an HMS Charter/Headboat permit 
with a commercial sale endorsement may be held in combination with a 
swordfish handgear LAP on the same vessel. It is a rebuttable 
presumption that the owner or operator of a vessel on which swordfish 
are possessed in excess of the recreational retention limits intends to 
sell the swordfish.
    (2) The only valid commercial Federal vessel permits for swordfish 
are the HMS Charter/Headboat permit with a commercial sale endorsement 
issued under paragraph (b) of this section (and only when on a non for-
hire trip), the Swordfish General Commercial permit issued under 
paragraph (f) of this section, a swordfish LAP issued consistent with 
paragraphs (l) and (m) of this section, or permits issued under 
paragraphs (n) and (o) of this section.
    (3) A commercial Federal permit for swordfish is not required if the 
vessel is recreational fishing.
    (4) A directed or incidental swordfish LAP is valid only when the 
vessel has on board a valid shark LAP and a valid Atlantic Tunas 
Longline category LAP issued for such vessel.
    (5) A Swordfish General Commercial permit may not be held on a 
vessel in conjunction with an HMS Charter/Headboat permit issued under 
paragraph (b) of this section, an HMS Angling category permit issued 
under

[[Page 496]]

paragraph (c) of this section, a swordfish LAP issued consistent with 
paragraphs (l) and (m) of this section, an Incidental HMS Squid Trawl 
permit issued under paragraph (n) of this section, or an HMS Commercial 
Caribbean Small Boat permit issued under paragraph (o) of this section. 
A vessel issued a Swordfish General Commercial open access permit for a 
fishing year shall not be issued an HMS Angling permit or an HMS 
Charter/Headboat permit for that same fishing year, regardless of a 
change in the vessel's ownership.
    (g) Dealer permits--(1) Atlantic tunas. A dealer, as defined under 
Sec. 600.10 of this chapter, must possess a valid federal Atlantic 
tunas dealer permit to purchase, trade, or barter any Atlantic tunas 
except as noted under paragraph (o) of this section.
    (2) Shark. A dealer, as defined in Sec. 600.10 of this chapter, 
must possess a valid federal Atlantic shark dealer permit to purchase, 
trade, or barter any Atlantic shark listed in Table 1 of appendix A to 
this part except as noted under paragraph (o) of this section.
    (3) Swordfish. A dealer, as defined under Sec. 600.10 of this 
chapter, must possess a valid federal Atlantic swordfish dealer permit 
to purchase, trade, or barter any Atlantic swordfish except as noted 
under paragraph (o) of this section.
    (h) Applications for permits. An owner of a vessel or a dealer must 
submit to NMFS, at an address designated by NMFS, a complete application 
and required supporting documents at least 30 days before the date on 
which the permit is to be made effective. Application forms and 
instructions for their completion are available from NMFS.
    (1) Atlantic Tunas, HMS Angling, HMS Charter/Headboat, Swordfish 
General Commercial, Incidental HMS Squid Trawl, and HMS Commercial 
Caribbean Small Boat vessel permits. (i) An applicant must provide all 
information concerning his or her identification, vessel, gear used, 
fishing areas, fisheries participated in, the corporation or partnership 
owning the vessel, and income requirements requested by NMFS and 
included on the application form.
    (ii) An applicant must also submit a copy of the vessel's valid U.S. 
Coast Guard documentation or, if not documented, a copy of its valid 
state registration and any other information that may be necessary for 
the issuance or administration of the permit as requested by NMFS. The 
owner must submit such information to an address designated by NMFS.
    (iii) NMFS may require an applicant to provide documentation 
supporting the application before a permit is issued or to substantiate 
why such permit should not be revoked or otherwise sanctioned under 
paragraph (a)(6) of this section.
    (iv) An applicant for an incidental HMS squid trawl permit must 
submit, in addition to all other information specified in paragraph 
(h)(1) of this section, a copy of a valid Illex squid moratorium permit, 
as described at Sec. 648.4(a)(5)(ii) of this chapter.
    (2) LAPs for swordfish and shark. See paragraph (l) of this section 
for transfers of LAPs for shark and swordfish. See paragraph (m) of this 
section for renewals of LAPs for shark and swordfish.
    (3) Dealer permits. (i) An applicant for a dealer permit must 
provide all the information requested on the application form necessary 
to identify the company, its principal place of business, and mechanisms 
by which the company can be contacted.
    (ii) An applicant must also submit a copy of each state wholesaler's 
license held by the dealer and, if a business is owned by a corporation 
or partnership, the corporate or partnership documents requested on the 
application form.
    (iii) An applicant must also submit any other information that may 
be necessary for the issuance or administration of the permit, as 
requested by NMFS.
    (i) Change in application information. A vessel owner or dealer must 
report any change in the information contained in an application for a 
permit within 30 days after such change. The report must be submitted in 
a manner and/or to a location designated by NMFS. For certain 
information changes, a new permit may be issued to incorporate the new 
information, subject to limited access provisions specified in paragraph 
(l)(2) of this section.

[[Page 497]]

NMFS may require supporting documentation before a new permit will be 
issued. If a change in the permit information is not reported within 30 
days, the permit is void as of the 31st day after such change.
    (j) Permit issuance. (1) NMFS will issue a permit within 30 days of 
receipt of a complete and qualifying application. An application is 
complete when all requested forms, information, and documentation have 
been received, including all reports and fishing or catch information 
required to be submitted under this part.
    (2) NMFS will notify the applicant of any deficiency in the 
application, including failure to provide information or reports 
required to be submitted under this part. If the applicant fails to 
correct the deficiency within 30 days following the date of 
notification, the application will be considered abandoned.
    (3) A vessel owner issued an Atlantic Tunas permit in the General, 
Harpoon, or Trap category or an Atlantic HMS permit in the Angling or 
Charter/Headboat category under paragraph (b), (c), or (d) of this 
section may change the category of the vessel permit at any time during 
the fishing year, provided the vessel has not landed BFT during that 
fishing year as verified by NMFS via landings data.
    (4) In order to obtain a shark endorsement to fish for, retain, 
possess, or land sharks, a vessel owner with a vessel fishing in a 
registered recreational HMS fishing tournament and issued or required to 
be issued either an Atlantic Tunas General category or Swordfish General 
Commercial permit or a vessel owner of a vessel issued or required to be 
issued an HMS Angling or HMS Charter/Headboat permit must take a shark 
endorsement online quiz. After completion of the quiz, NMFS will issue 
the vessel owner a new or revised permit with the shark endorsement for 
the vessel. The vessel owner can take the quiz at any time during the 
fishing year, but his or her vessel may not leave the dock on a trip 
during which sharks will be fished for, retained, possessed, or landed 
unless a new or revised permit with a shark endorsement has been issued 
by NMFS for the vessel. The addition of a shark endorsement to the 
permit does not constitute a permit category change and does not change 
the timing considerations for permit category changes specified in 
paragraph (j)(3) of this section. Vessel owners may request that NMFS 
remove the shark endorsement from the permit at any time. If NMFS 
removes the shark endorsement from the vessel permit, no person on board 
the vessel may fish for, retain, possess, or land sharks.
    (k) Duration. A permit issued under this section will be valid for 
the period specified on it unless it is revoked, suspended, or modified 
pursuant to subpart D of 15 CFR part 904, the vessel or dealership is 
sold, or any other information previously submitted on the application 
changes, as specified in paragraph (i) of this section.
    (l) Transfer--(1) General. A permit issued under this section is not 
transferable or assignable to another vessel or owner or dealer; it is 
valid only for the vessel or owner or dealer to whom it is issued. If a 
person acquires a vessel or dealership and wants to conduct activities 
for which a permit is required, that person must apply for a permit in 
accordance with the provisions of paragraph (h) of this section or, if 
the acquired vessel is permitted in either the shark, swordfish, or tuna 
longline fishery, in accordance with paragraph (l)(2) of this section. 
If the acquired vessel or dealership is currently permitted, an 
application must be accompanied by the original permit, by a copy of a 
signed bill of sale or equivalent acquisition papers, and the 
appropriate workshop certificates as specified in Sec. 635.8.
    (2) Shark, swordfish, and tuna longline LAPs. (i) Subject to the 
restrictions on upgrading the harvesting capacity of permitted vessels 
in paragraph (l)(2)(ii) of this section, as applicable, and to the 
limitations on ownership of permitted vessels in paragraph (l)(2)(iii) 
of this section, an owner may transfer a shark or swordfish LAP or an 
Atlantic Tunas Longline category permit to another vessel that he or she 
owns or to another person. Directed handgear LAPs for swordfish may be 
transferred to another vessel or to another person but only for use with 
handgear and subject to the upgrading restrictions in

[[Page 498]]

paragraph (l)(2)(ii) of this section and the limitations on ownership of 
permitted vessels in paragraph (l)(2)(iii) of this section. Shark 
directed and incidental LAPs, swordfish directed and incidental LAPs, 
and Atlantic Tunas Longline category permits are not subject to the 
upgrading requirements specified in paragraph (l)(2)(ii) of this 
section. Shark and swordfish incidental LAPs are not subject to the 
ownership requirements specified in paragraph (l)(2)(iii) of this 
section.
    (ii) An owner may upgrade a vessel with a swordfish handgear LAP, or 
transfer such permit to another vessel or to another person, and be 
eligible to retain or renew such permit only if the upgrade or transfer 
does not result in an increase in horsepower of more than 20 percent or 
an increase of more than 10 percent in length overall, gross registered 
tonnage, or net tonnage from the vessel baseline specifications.
    (A) The vessel baseline specifications are the respective 
specifications (length overall, gross registered tonnage, net tonnage, 
horsepower) of the first vessel that was issued an initial LAP or, if 
applicable, of that vessel's replacement owned as of May 28, 1999.
    (B) Subsequent to the issuance of a swordfish handgear LAP, the 
vessel's horsepower may be increased, relative to the baseline 
specifications of the vessel initially issued the LAP, through 
refitting, replacement, or transfer. Such an increase may not exceed 20 
percent of the baseline specifications of the vessel initially issued 
the LAP.
    (C) Subsequent to the issuance of a swordfish handgear LAP, the 
vessel's length overall, gross registered tonnage, and net tonnage may 
be increased, relative to the baseline specifications of the vessel 
initially issued the LAP, through refitting, replacement, or transfer. 
An increase in any of these three specifications of vessel size may not 
exceed 10 percent of the baseline specifications of the vessel initially 
issued the LAP. This type of upgrade may be done separately from an 
engine horsepower upgrade.
    (iii) No person or entity may own or control more than 5 percent of 
the vessels for which swordfish directed, shark directed, or Atlantic 
Tunas Longline category LAPs have been issued.
    (iv) In order to transfer a swordfish, shark, or an Atlantic Tunas 
Longline category LAP to a replacement vessel, the owner of the vessel 
issued the LAP must submit a request to NMFS, at an address designated 
by NMFS, to transfer the LAP to another vessel, subject to requirements 
specified in paragraph (l)(2)(ii) of this section, if applicable. The 
owner must return the current valid LAP to NMFS with a complete 
application for a LAP, as specified in paragraph (h) of this section, 
for the replacement vessel. Copies of both vessels' U.S. Coast Guard 
documentation or state registration must accompany the application.
    (v) For swordfish, shark, and Atlantic Tunas Longline category LAP 
transfers to a different person, the transferee must submit a request to 
NMFS, at an address designated by NMFS, to transfer the original LAP(s), 
subject to the requirements specified in paragraphs (l)(2)(ii) and (iii) 
of this section, if applicable. The following must accompany the 
completed application: The original LAP(s) with signatures of both 
parties to the transaction on the back of the permit(s) and the bill of 
sale for the permit(s). A person must include copies of both vessels' 
U.S. Coast Guard documentation or state registration for LAP transfers 
involving vessels.
    (vi) For LAP transfers in conjunction with the sale of the permitted 
vessel, the transferee of the vessel and LAP(s) issued to that vessel 
must submit a request to NMFS, at an address designated by NMFS, to 
transfer the limited access permit(s) LAP(s), subject to the 
requirements specified in paragraphs (l)(2)(ii) and (iii) of this 
section, if applicable. The following must accompany the completed 
application: The original LAP(s) with signatures of both parties to the 
transaction on the back of the permit(s), the bill of sale for the 
LAP(s) and the vessel, and a copy of the vessel's U.S. Coast Guard 
documentation or state registration.
    (vii) The owner of a vessel issued a LAP(s) who sells the permitted 
vessel but retains the LAP(s) must notify NMFS within 30 days after the 
sale of the change in application information

[[Page 499]]

in accordance with paragraph (i) of this section. If the owner wishes to 
transfer the LAP(s) to a replacement vessel, he/she must apply according 
to the procedures in paragraph (l)(2)(iv) of this section.
    (viii) As specified in paragraph (f)(4) of this section, a directed 
or incidental swordfish LAP, a directed or incidental shark LAP, and an 
Atlantic Tunas Longline category LAP are required to retain swordfish 
for commercial purposes. Accordingly, a swordfish LAP obtained by 
transfer without either a directed or incidental shark LAP or an 
Atlantic Tunas Longline category LAP will not entitle an owner or 
operator to use a vessel to fish in the swordfish fishery.
    (ix) As specified in paragraph (d)(4) of this section, a directed or 
incidental swordfish LAP, a directed or incidental shark LAP, and an 
Atlantic Tunas Longline category LAP are required to retain Atlantic 
tunas taken by pelagic longline gear. Accordingly, an Atlantic Tunas 
Longline category LAP obtained by transfer without either a directed or 
incidental swordfish or shark LAP will not entitle an owner or operator 
to use the permitted vessel to fish in the Atlantic tunas fishery with 
pelagic longline gear.
    (m) Renewal--(1) General. Persons must apply annually for a dealer 
permit for Atlantic tunas, sharks, and swordfish, and for an Atlantic 
HMS Angling, HMS Charter/Headboat, tunas, shark, swordfish, Incidental 
HMS squid trawl, or HMS Commercial Caribbean Small Boat vessel permit. 
Except as specified in the instructions for automated renewals, persons 
must submit a renewal application to NMFS, along with a copy of the 
applicable valid workshop certificate or certificates, if required 
pursuant to Sec. 635.8, at an address designated by NMFS, at least 30 
days before a permit's expiration to avoid a lapse of permitted status. 
NMFS will renew a permit if the specific requirements for the requested 
permit are met, including those described in paragraphs (h)(1)(iv) and 
(l)(2) of this section; all reports required under the Magnuson-Stevens 
Act and ATCA have been submitted, including those described in 
Sec. Sec. 635.5 and 300.185 of this title; the applicant is not subject 
to a permit sanction or denial under paragraph (a)(6) of this section; 
and the workshop requirements specified in Sec. 635.8 are met.
    (2) Shark and swordfish permits. A vessel owner must obtain the 
applicable LAP(s) issued pursuant to the requirements in paragraphs (e) 
and (f) of this section and/or a Federal commercial smoothhound permit 
issued under paragraph (e) of this section; or an HMS Commercial 
Caribbean Small Boat permit issued under paragraph (o) of this section, 
if: The vessel is used to fish for or take sharks commercially from the 
management unit; sharks from the management unit are retained or 
possessed on the vessel with an intention to sell; or sharks from the 
management unit are sold from the vessel. A vessel owner must obtain the 
applicable LAP(s) issued pursuant to the requirements in paragraphs (e) 
and (f) of this section, a Swordfish General Commercial permit issued 
under paragraph (f) of this section, an Incidental HMS Squid Trawl 
permit issued under paragraph (n) of this section, an HMS Commercial 
Caribbean Small Boat permit issued under paragraph (o) of this section, 
or an HMS Charter/Headboat permit with a commercial sale endorsement 
issued under paragraph (b) of this section, which authorizes a Charter/
Headboat to fish commercially for swordfish on a non for-hire trip 
subject to the retention limits at Sec. 635.24(b)(4) if: The vessel is 
used to fish for or take swordfish commercially from the management 
unit; swordfish from the management unit are retained or possessed on 
the vessel with an intention to sell; or swordfish from the management 
unit are sold from the vessel. The commercial retention and sale of 
swordfish from vessels issued an HMS Charter/Headboat permit with a 
commercial sale endorsement is permissible only when the vessel is on a 
non for-hire trip. Only persons holding non-expired shark and swordfish 
LAP(s) in the preceding year are eligible to renew those LAP(s). 
Transferors may not renew LAP(s) that have been transferred according to 
the procedures in paragraph (l) of this section.
    (n) Incidental HMS Squid Trawl permits. (1) The owner of a vessel in 
the squid trawl fishery, as described at

[[Page 500]]

Sec. 635.24(b)(2), on which Atlantic swordfish are retained, or 
possessed with an intention to sell, or from which Atlantic swordfish 
are sold must obtain, in addition to any other required permits, an 
Incidental HMS squid trawl permit.
    (2) An Incidental HMS squid trawl permit is valid only when the 
vessel has on board a valid Illex squid moratorium permit, as described 
at Sec. 648.4(a)(5)(ii) of this chapter, and no commercial fishing gear 
other than trawl gear.
    (o) HMS Commercial Caribbean Small Boat permits. (1) The owner of a 
vessel who fishes in the U.S. Caribbean, as defined at Sec. 622.2 of 
this chapter, possesses handgear or green-stick gear and retains, with 
the intention to sell, any BAYS tunas, Atlantic swordfish, or Atlantic 
sharks may obtain an HMS Commercial Caribbean Small Boat permit. An HMS 
Commercial Caribbean Small Boat permit is valid only within the U.S. 
Caribbean, as defined at Sec. 622.2 of this chapter.
    (2) To be eligible for an HMS Commercial Caribbean Small Boat 
permit, vessel owners must provide documentation that the vessel is less 
than or equal to 13.7 m (45 ft) in length overall.
    (3) A vessel issued an HMS Commercial Caribbean Small Boat permit 
may not be issued any other HMS fishing permit, except those issued 
under Sec. 635.32, as long as the HMS Commercial Caribbean Small Boat 
permit is valid.
    (4) The owner of a vessel issued an HMS Commercial Caribbean Small 
Boat permit may fish for, take, retain, or possess only BAYS tunas, 
Atlantic swordfish, and Atlantic sharks, subject to the trip limits 
specified at Sec. 635.24.
    (5) HMS landed under an HMS Commercial Caribbean Small Boat permit 
may be sold by the owner or operator to individuals who do not possess a 
valid HMS dealer permit otherwise required under Sec. 635.4(g). HMS 
Commercial Caribbean Small Boat permit holders may not sell HMS 
harvested or landed by another vessel or purchase, barter, or trade for 
HMS harvested by other vessels with the intent to sell.

[64 FR 29135, May 28, 1999]

    Editorial Note: For Federal Register citations affecting Sec. 
635.4, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the 
Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.



Sec. 635.5  Recordkeeping and reporting.

    Information on HMS vessel and dealer reporting requirements may be 
obtained from the Division Chief or where otherwise stated in this part.
    (a) Vessels--(1) Logbooks. If an owner of an HMS charter/headboat 
vessel, an Atlantic tunas vessel, a shark vessel, a swordfish vessel, or 
a vessel in the squid trawl fishery for which a permit has been issued 
under Sec. 635.4(b), (d), (e), (f), or (n) is selected for logbook 
reporting in writing by NMFS, he or she must maintain and submit a 
fishing record on a logbook form specified by NMFS. Entries are required 
regarding the vessel's fishing effort and the number of fish landed and 
discarded. Entries on a day's fishing activities must be entered on the 
logbook form within 48 hours of completing that day's activities or 
before offloading, whichever is sooner. The owner or operator of the 
vessel must submit the logbook form(s) postmarked within 7 days of 
offloading all Atlantic HMS. If no fishing occurred during a calendar 
month, a no-fishing form so stating must be submitted postmarked no 
later than 7 days after the end of that month. If an owner of an HMS 
charter/headboat vessel, Atlantic tunas vessel, shark vessel, swordfish 
vessel, or a vessel in the squid trawl fishery permitted under Sec. 
635.4(b), (d), (e), (f), or (n) is selected in writing by NMFS to 
complete the cost-earnings portion of the logbook(s), the owner or 
operator must maintain and submit the cost-earnings portion of the 
logbook postmarked no later than 30 days after completing the offloading 
for each trip fishing for Atlantic HMS during that calendar year, and 
submit the Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Annual Expenditures form(s) 
postmarked no later than the date specified on the form of the following 
year.
    (2) Weighout slips. If an owner of a permitted vessel is required to 
maintain and submit logbooks under paragraph (a)(1) of this section, and 
Atlantic HMS harvested on a trip are sold, the owner or operator must 
obtain and submit copies of weighout slips for those fish. Each weighout 
slip must show the dealer to whom the fish were

[[Page 501]]

transferred, the date they were transferred, and the carcass weight of 
each fish for which individual weights are normally recorded. For fish 
that are not individually weighed, a weighout slip must record total 
weights by species and market category. A weighout slip for sharks prior 
to or as part of a commercial transaction involving shark carcasses or 
fins must record the weights of carcasses and any detached fins. The 
owner or operator must also submit copies of weighout slips with the 
logbook forms required to be submitted under paragraph (a)(1) of this 
section.
    (3) BFT landed by a commercial vessel and not sold. If a person who 
catches and lands a large medium or giant BFT from a vessel issued a 
permit in any of the commercial categories for Atlantic tunas does not 
sell or otherwise transfer the BFT to a dealer who has a dealer permit 
for Atlantic tunas, the person must contact a NMFS enforcement agent, as 
instructed by NMFS, immediately upon landing such BFT, provide the 
information needed for the reports required under paragraph (b)(2)(i) of 
this section, and, if requested, make the tuna available so that a NMFS 
enforcement agent or authorized officer may inspect the fish and attach 
a tag to it. Alternatively, such reporting requirement may be fulfilled 
if a dealer who has a dealer permit for Atlantic tunas affixes a dealer 
tag as required under paragraph (b)(2)(ii) of this section and reports 
the BFT as being landed but not sold on the reports required under 
paragraph (b)(2)(i) of this section. If a vessel is placed on a trailer, 
the person must contact a NMFS enforcement agent, or the BFT must have a 
dealer tag affixed to it by a permitted Atlantic tunas dealer, 
immediately upon the vessel being removed from the water. All BFT landed 
but not sold will be accounted against the quota category according to 
the permit category of the vessel from which it was landed.
    (4) Bluefin tuna discarded dead, or landed by a commercial vessel 
and sold. The owner of a vessel that has been permitted or that is 
required to be permitted under Sec. 635.4 in the Atlantic Tunas General 
or Harpoon categories, or has been permitted or is required to be 
permitted under Sec. 635.4 under the HMS Charter/Headboat category and 
fishing under the General category quotas and daily limits as specified 
at Sec. 635.23(c), must report all dead discards and/or landings of 
bluefin tuna through the NMFS electronic catch reporting system within 
24 hours of the landings or the end of trip. Such reports may be made by 
either calling a phone number designated by NMFS or by submitting the 
required information online to a website or application designated by 
NMFS. The owner of a vessel that has been permitted in a different 
bluefin tuna category must report as specified elsewhere in this 
section.
    (5) Chartering arrangements. (i) For the purposes of this section, a 
chartering arrangement means any contract, agreement, or commitment 
between a U.S. vessel owner and a foreign entity (e.g., government, 
company, person) by which the control, use, possession, or services of a 
vessel are secured, for a period of time for fishing targeting Atlantic 
HMS. Chartering arrangements under this part do not include bareboat 
charters under which a vessel enters into a fishing agreement with a 
foreign entity, changes registration to fish under another country's 
registration then, once the agreed-upon fishing is completed, reverts 
back to the vessel's original registration.
    (ii) Before fishing under a chartering arrangement, the owner of a 
fishing vessel subject to U.S. jurisdiction must apply for, and obtain, 
a chartering permit as specified in Sec. 635.32(e) and (g). If a 
chartering permit is obtained, the vessel owner must submit catch 
information as specified in the terms and conditions of that permit. All 
catches will be recorded and counted against the applicable quota of the 
Contracting Party to which the chartering foreign entity is a member 
and, unless otherwise provided in the chartering permit, must be 
offloaded in the ports of the chartering foreign entity or offloaded 
under the direct supervision of the chartering foreign entity.
    (iii) If the chartering arrangement terminates before the expiration 
of the charter permit, the vessel owner must notify NMFS immediately and 
in writing, upon termination of the chartering

[[Page 502]]

arrangement. Such notification requirements shall also apply to 
situations where the chartering arrangement is temporarily suspended and 
during intermittent periods where the vessel may be fishing under U.S. 
quotas for Atlantic HMS.
    (6) Atlantic Tunas Longline category permitted vessels. The owner or 
operator of a vessel issued, or that should have been issued, an 
Atlantic Tunas Longline category permit is subject to the VMS reporting 
requirements under Sec. 635.69(e)(4) and the applicable IBQ Program 
and/or leasing requirements under Sec. 635.15.
    (b) Dealers. Persons who have been issued a dealer permit under 
Sec. 635.4 must submit reports to NMFS, to an address designated by 
NMFS, and maintain records as follows:
    (1) Atlantic HMS. (i) Dealers that have been issued or should have 
been issued a Federal Atlantic BAYS tunas, swordfish, and/or shark 
dealer permit under Sec. 635.4 must submit to NMFS all reports required 
under this section within the timeframe specified under paragraph 
(b)(1)(ii) of this section. BAYS tunas, swordfish, and sharks 
commercially-harvested by a vessel can only be first received by dealers 
that have been issued or should have been issued an Atlantic tunas, 
swordfish, and/or shark dealer permit under Sec. 635.4. All federal 
Atlantic HMS dealers must provide a detailed report of all fish first 
received to NMFS within the period specified under paragraph (b)(1)(ii) 
of this section. All reports must be species-specific and must include 
the required information about all swordfish and sharks received by the 
dealer, including the required vessel information, regardless of where 
the fish were harvested or whether the harvesting vessel is permitted 
under Sec. 635.4. For sharks, each report must specify the total weight 
of the carcass(es) without the fins for each species, and the total fin 
weight by grade for all sharks combined. Dealers are also required to 
submit ``negative'' reports, indicating no receipt of any species, 
within the timeframe specified under paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of this 
section if they did not first receive any fish during the reporting 
period. As stated in Sec. 635.4(a)(6), failure to comply with these 
recordkeeping and reporting requirements may result in existing dealer 
permit(s) being revoked, suspended, or modified, and in the denial of 
any permit applications.
    (ii) Reports of any Atlantic BAYS tunas, sharks, and/or swordfish 
first received by dealers from a vessel must be submitted electronically 
on a weekly basis through a NMFS-approved electronic reporting system by 
the dealer and received by NMFS no later than midnight, local time, of 
the first Tuesday following the end of the reporting week unless the 
dealer is otherwise notified by NMFS. Reports of BAYS tunas, sharks, 
and/or swordfish may be modified for not more than 30 days from when the 
dealer report is submitted to NMFS. NMFS will require BAYS tunas, 
swordfish, and shark dealers to submit dealer reports to NMFS on a 
weekly basis. Atlantic BAYS tunas, sharks, and swordfish dealers must 
submit electronic negative reports stating that no BAYS tunas, sharks, 
and/or swordfish were first received when they received no fish of these 
species, and no parts thereof, during the reporting period. Reporting 
requirements for bluefin tuna are specified in paragraph (b)(2) of this 
section. The negative reporting requirement does not apply for bluefin 
tuna.
    (iii) Atlantic HMS dealers are not authorized to first receive 
Atlantic swordfish, sharks, and/or BAYS tunas if the required reports 
have not been submitted and received by NMFS according to reporting 
requirements under this section. Delinquent reports automatically result 
in an Atlantic HMS dealer becoming ineligible to first receive Atlantic 
swordfish, sharks, and/or BAYS tunas. Atlantic HMS dealers who become 
ineligible to first receive Atlantic swordfish, sharks, and/or BAYS 
tunas due to delinquent reports are authorized to first receive Atlantic 
swordfish, sharks, and/or BAYS tunas only once all required and 
delinquent reports have been completed, submitted by the dealer, and 
received by NMFS.
    (2) Requirements for bluefin tuna--(i) Dealer reports--(A) Landing 
reports. Each dealer with a valid Atlantic Tunas dealer permit issued 
under Sec. 635.4 must submit the landing reports to

[[Page 503]]

NMFS for each BFT received from a U.S. fishing vessel. Such reports must 
be submitted as instructed by NMFS not later than 24 hours after receipt 
of the BFT. Landing reports must include the name and permit number of 
the vessel that landed the BFT and other information regarding the catch 
as instructed by NMFS. When purchasing BFT from eligible IBQ Program 
participants, permitted Atlantic Tunas dealers must enter landing 
reports into the Catch Shares Online System established under Sec. 
635.15, not later than 24 hours after receipt of the BFT. The dealer 
must inspect the vessel's permit to verify that it is a commercial 
category, that the required vessel name and permit number as listed on 
the permit are correctly recorded in the landing report, and that the 
vessel permit has not expired.
    (B) Bi-weekly reports. Each dealer with a valid Atlantic tunas 
permit under Sec. 635.4 must submit a complete bi-weekly report on 
forms available from NMFS for BFT received from U.S. vessels. For BFT 
received from U.S. vessels on the 1\st\ through the 15\th\ of each 
month, the dealer must submit the bi-weekly report form to NMFS, to be 
received by NMFS, not later than the 25\th\ of that month. Reports of 
BFT received on the 16\th\ through the last day of each month must be 
received by NMFS not later than the 10\th\ of the following month.
    (ii) Dealer tags. NMFS will issue numbered dealer tags to each 
person issued a dealer permit for Atlantic tunas under Sec. 635.4. A 
dealer tag is not transferable and is usable only by the dealer to whom 
it is issued. Dealer tags may not be reused once affixed to a tuna or 
recorded on a package, container, or report.
    (A) Affixing dealer tags. A dealer or a dealer's agent must affix a 
dealer tag to each BFT purchased or received from a U.S. vessel 
immediately upon offloading the BFT. If a vessel is placed on a trailer, 
the dealer or dealer's agent must affix the dealer tag to the BFT 
immediately upon the vessel being removed from the water. The dealer tag 
must be affixed to the BFT between the fifth dorsal finlet and the 
caudal keel.
    (B) Removal of dealer tags. A dealer tag affixed to any BFT under 
paragraph (b)(2)(ii)(A) of this section or a BSD tag affixed to an 
imported bluefin tuna must remain on the fish until it is cut into 
portions. If the bluefin tuna or bluefin tuna parts subsequently are 
packaged for transport for domestic commercial use or for export, the 
number of the dealer tag or the BSD tag must be written legibly and 
indelibly on the outside of any package containing the tuna. Such tag 
number also must be recorded on any document accompanying the shipment 
of bluefin tuna for commercial use or export.
    (iii) Dealers must comply with dealer requirements related to the 
Individual Bluefin Quota Program under Sec. 635.15(a)(4)(iii).
    (3) Recordkeeping. Dealers must retain at their place of business a 
copy of each report required under paragraphs (b)(1)(i), (b)(1)(ii), and 
(b)(2)(i) of this section for a period of 2 years from the date on which 
each report was required to be submitted.
    (c) Anglers. All bluefin tuna, billfish, and North Atlantic 
swordfish non-tournament landings must be reported as specified under 
paragraphs (c)(1) or (c)(2) of this section, unless an alternative 
recreational catch reporting system has been established as specified 
under paragraph (c)(3) of this section. Tournament landings must be 
reported as specified under paragraph (d) of this section.
    (1) Bluefin tuna. The owner of a vessel permitted, or required to be 
permitted in the Atlantic HMS Angling or Atlantic HMS Charter/Headboat 
category under Sec. 635.4 must report the catch of all bluefin tuna 
discarded dead and/or retained under the Angling category quota 
designated at Sec. 635.27(a) through the NMFS electronic catch 
reporting system within 24 hours of the landing.
    (2) Non-tournament landings. The owner, or the owner's designee, of 
a vessel permitted, or required to be permitted, in the Atlantic HMS 
Angling or Atlantic HMS Charter/Headboat category must report all non-
tournament landings of Atlantic blue marlin, Atlantic white marlin, 
roundscale spearfish, and Atlantic sailfish, and all non-tournament and 
non-commercial landings of North Atlantic swordfish to

[[Page 504]]

NMFS by telephone to a number designated by NMFS, or electronically via 
the internet to an internet website designated by NMFS, or by other 
means as specified by NMFS, within 24 hours of that landing. For 
telephone landing reports, the owner, or the owner's designee, must 
provide a contact phone number so that a NMFS designee can call the 
vessel owner, or the owner's designee, for follow up questions and to 
confirm the reported landing. Regardless of how submitted, landing 
reports submitted to NMFS are not complete unless the vessel owner, or 
the owner's designee, has received a confirmation number from NMFS or a 
NMFS designee.
    (3) Alternative recreational catch reporting. Alternative 
recreational catch reporting procedures may be established by NMFS with 
cooperation from states which may include such methodologies as 
telephone, dockside or mail surveys, mail in or phone-in reports, 
tagging programs, catch cards, or mandatory check-in stations. A census 
or a statistical sample of persons fishing under the recreational 
fishing regulations of this part may be used for these alternative 
reporting programs (after the programs have received Paperwork Reduction 
Act approval from OMB). Persons or vessel owners selected for reporting 
will be notified by NMFS or by the cooperating state agency of the 
requirements and procedures for reporting recreational catch. Each 
person so notified must comply with those requirements and procedures. 
Additionally, NMFS may determine that recreational landing reporting 
systems implemented by the states, if mandatory, at least as 
restrictive, and effectively enforced, are sufficient for recreational 
landing monitoring as required under this part. In such case, NMFS will 
file with the Office of the Federal Register for publication 
notification indicating that compliance with the state system satisfies 
the reporting requirements of paragraph (c) of this section.
    (d) Tournament operators. For all tournaments that are conducted 
from a port in an Atlantic coastal state, including the U.S. Virgin 
Islands and Puerto Rico, a tournament operator must register with NMFS 
at least 4 weeks prior to commencement of the tournament. A tournament 
is not registered unless the tournament operator has received a 
confirmation number from NMFS. Tournament operators must maintain and 
submit to NMFS details of the tournament catch and fishing activities, 
completing all required fields, on the NMFS tournament summary report no 
later than 7 days after the tournament has ended.
    (e) Inspection. Any person authorized to carry out enforcement 
activities under the regulations in this part has the authority, without 
warrant or other process, to inspect, at any reasonable time, catch on 
board a vessel or on the premises of a dealer, logbooks, catch reports, 
statistical records, sales receipts, or other records and reports 
required by this part to be made, kept, or furnished. An owner or 
operator of a fishing vessel that has been issued a permit under Sec. 
635.4 or Sec. 635.32 must allow NMFS or an authorized person to inspect 
and copy any required reports and the records, in any form, on which the 
completed reports are based, wherever they exist. An agent of a person 
issued a permit under this part, or anyone responsible for offloading, 
storing, packing, or selling regulated HMS for such permittee, shall be 
subject to the inspection provisions of this section.
    (f) Additional data and inspection. Additional data on fishing 
effort directed at Atlantic HMS or on catch of Atlantic HMS, regardless 
of whether retained, may be collected by contractors and statistical 
reporting agents, as designees of NMFS, and by authorized officers. A 
person issued a permit under Sec. 635.4 is required to provide 
requested information about fishing activity, and a person, regardless 
of whether issued a permit under Sec. 635.4, who possesses an Atlantic 
HMS is required to make such fish or parts thereof available for 
inspection by NMFS or its designees upon request.

[64 FR 29135, May 28, 1999]

    Editorial Note: For Federal Register citations affecting Sec. 
635.5, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the 
Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.

[[Page 505]]



Sec. 635.6  Vessel and gear identification.

    (a) Vessel number. For the purposes of this section, a vessel's 
number is the vessel's official number issued by either by the U.S. 
Coast Guard or by the appropriate state agency.
    (b) Vessel identification. (1) An owner or operator of a vessel for 
which a permit has been issued under Sec. 635.4, other than an HMS 
Angling permit, must display the vessel number--
    (i) On the port and starboard sides of the deckhouse or hull and on 
an appropriate weather deck, so as to be clearly visible from an 
enforcement vessel or aircraft.
    (ii) In block Arabic numerals permanently affixed to or painted on 
the vessel in contrasting color to the background.
    (iii) At least 18 inches (45.7 cm) in height for vessels over 65 ft 
(19.8 m) in length; at least 10 inches (25.4 cm) in height for all other 
vessels over 25 ft (7.6 m) in length; and at least 3 inches (7.6 cm) in 
height for vessels 25 ft (7.6 m) in length or less.
    (2) The owner or operator of a vessel for which a permit has been 
issued under Sec. 635.4 must keep the vessel's number clearly legible 
and in good repair and ensure that no part of the vessel, its rigging, 
its fishing gear, or any other material on board obstructs the view of 
the vessel's number from an enforcement vessel or aircraft.
    (c) Gear identification. (1) The owner or operator of a vessel for 
which a permit has been issued under Sec. 635.4 and that uses handline, 
buoy gear, harpoon, longline, or gillnet, must display the vessel's 
name, registration number, or Atlantic Tunas, HMS Angling, or HMS 
Charter/Headboat permit number on each float attached to a handline, 
buoy gear, or harpoon, and on the terminal floats and high-flyers (if 
applicable) on a longline or gillnet used by the vessel. The vessel's 
name or number must be at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) in height in block 
letters or Arabic numerals in a color that contrasts with the background 
color of the float or high-flyer.
    (2) An unmarked handline, buoy gear, harpoon, longline, or gillnet, 
is illegal and may be disposed of in an appropriate manner by NMFS or an 
authorized officer.

[64 FR 29135, May 28, 1999, as amended at 66 FR 42804, Aug. 15, 2001; 67 
FR 77437, Dec. 18, 2002; 71 FR 58166, Oct. 2, 2006; 83 FR 33153, July 
17, 2018]



Sec. 635.7  At-sea observer coverage.

    (a) Applicability. NMFS may select for at-sea observer coverage any 
vessel that has an Atlantic HMS, tunas, shark, or swordfish permit 
issued under Sec. 635.4 or Sec. 635.32. When selected, vessels are 
required to take observers on a mandatory basis. Vessels permitted in 
the HMS Charter/Headboat and Angling categories may be requested to take 
observers on a voluntary basis.
    (b) Selection of vessels. NMFS will notify a vessel owner, in 
writing, by email, by phone, or in person when his or her vessel is 
selected for observer coverage. Vessels will be selected to provide 
information on catch, bycatch and other fishery data according to the 
need for representative samples.
    (c) Notification of trips. If selected to carry an observer, it is 
the responsibility of the vessel owner to arrange for and facilitate 
observer placement. The owner or operator of a vessel that is selected 
under paragraph (b) of this section must notify NMFS, at an address or 
by phone at a number designated by NMFS, before commencing any fishing 
trip that may result in the incidental catch or harvest of Atlantic HMS. 
Notification procedures and information requirements will be specified 
in a selection letter sent by NMFS.
    (d) Assignment of observers. Once a selected vessel notifies NMFS or 
its designee, NMFS will assign an observer for that trip based on 
current information needs relative to the expected catch and bycatch 
likely to be associated with the indicated gear deployment, trip 
duration and fishing area. If an observer is not assigned for a fishing 
trip, NMFS, or their designated observer service provider, will issue a 
waiver for that trip to the owner or operator of the selected vessel, so 
long as the waiver is consistent with other applicable laws. If an 
observer is assigned for a trip, the operator of the selected vessel 
must arrange to embark the observer and shall not fish for or retain

[[Page 506]]

any Atlantic HMS unless the NMFS-assigned observer is aboard.
    (e) Requirements. The owner or operator of a vessel on which a NMFS-
approved observer is embarked, regardless of whether required to carry 
the observer, must comply with safety regulations in Sec. 600.725 and 
Sec. 600.746 of this chapter and--
    (1) Provide accommodations and food that are equivalent to those 
provided to the crew.
    (2) Allow the observer access to and use of the vessel's 
communications equipment and personnel upon request for the transmission 
and receipt of messages related to the observer's duties.
    (3) Allow the observer access to and use of the vessel's navigation 
equipment and personnel upon request to determine the vessel's position.
    (4) Allow the observer free and unobstructed access to the vessel's 
bridge, working decks, holding bins, weight scales, holds, and any other 
space used to hold, process, weigh, or store fish.
    (5) Allow the observer to inspect and copy the vessel's log, 
communications logs, and any records associated with the catch and 
distribution of fish for that trip.
    (6) Notify the observer in a timely fashion of when fishing 
operations are to begin and end.
    (f) Vessel responsibilities. An owner or operator of a vessel 
required to carry one or more observer(s) must provide reasonable 
assistance to enable observer(s) to carry out their duties, including, 
but not limited to:
    (1) Measuring decks, codends, and holding bins.
    (2) Providing the observer(s) with a safe work area.
    (3) Collecting bycatch when requested by the observer(s).
    (4) Collecting and carrying baskets of fish when requested by the 
observer(s).
    (5) Allowing the observer(s) to collect biological data and samples.
    (6) Providing adequate space for storage of biological samples.

[80 FR 73144, Nov. 24, 2015]



Sec. 635.8  Workshops.

    (a) Safe handling, release, and identification workshops. (1) Both 
the owner and operator of a vessel that fishes with longline or gillnet 
gear must be certified by NMFS, or its designee, as having completed a 
workshop on the safe handling, release, and identification of protected 
species before a shark or swordfish LAP, pursuant to Sec. 635.4(e) and 
(f), is renewed. For the purposes of this section, it is a rebuttable 
presumption that a vessel fishes with longline or gillnet gear if: 
Longline or gillnet gear is onboard the vessel; logbook reports indicate 
that longline or gillnet gear was used on at least one trip in the 
preceding year; or, in the case of a permit transfer to new owners that 
occurred less than a year ago, logbook reports indicate that longline or 
gillnet gear was used on at least one trip since the permit transfer.
    (2) NMFS, or its designee, will issue a safe handling, release, and 
identification workshop certificate to any person who completes a safe 
handling, release, and identification workshop. If an owner owns 
multiple vessels, NMFS will issue a certificate for each vessel that the 
owner owns upon successful completion of one workshop. An owner who is 
also an operator will be issued multiple certificates, one as the owner 
of the vessel and one as the operator.
    (3) The owner of a vessel that fishes with longline or gillnet gear, 
as specified in paragraph (a)(1) of this section, is required to possess 
on board the vessel a valid protected species safe handling, release, 
and identification workshop certificate issued to that vessel owner. A 
copy of a valid protected species safe handling, release, and 
identification workshop certificate issued to the vessel owner for a 
vessel that fishes with longline or gillnet gear must be included in the 
application package to renew or obtain a shark or swordfish LAP.
    (4) An operator that fishes with longline or gillnet gear as 
specified in paragraph (a)(1) of this section must possess on board the 
vessel a valid safe handling, release, and identification workshop 
certificate issued to that operator, in addition to a certificate issued 
to the vessel owner.
    (b) Atlantic shark identification workshops. (1) As of December 31, 
2007, all Federal Atlantic shark dealers permitted or required to be 
permitted pursuant to Sec. 635.4(g)(2), or a proxy for

[[Page 507]]

each place of business as specified in paragraph (b)(4) of this section, 
must be certified by NMFS, or its designee, as having completed an 
Atlantic shark identification workshop.
    (2) NMFS, or its designee, will issue an Atlantic shark 
identification workshop certificate to any person who completes an 
Atlantic shark identification workshop.
    (3) Dealers who own multiple businesses and who attend and 
successfully complete the workshop will be issued a certificate for each 
place of business that is permitted to receive sharks pursuant to Sec. 
635.4(g)(2).
    (4) Only dealers issued a valid shark dealer permit may send a proxy 
to the Atlantic shark identification workshops. If a dealer opts to send 
a proxy, the dealer must designate at least one proxy from each place of 
business listed on the dealer permit, issued pursuant to Sec. 
635.4(g)(2), which first receives Atlantic shark. The proxy must be a 
person who is currently employed by a place of business covered by the 
dealer's permit; is a primary participant in the identification, 
weighing, and/or first receipt of fish as they are received; and fills 
out dealer reports as required under Sec. 635.5. Only one certificate 
will be issued to each proxy. If a proxy is no longer employed by a 
place of business covered by the dealer's permit, the dealer or another 
proxy must be certified as having completed a workshop pursuant to this 
section. At least one individual from each place of business listed on 
the dealer permit which first receives Atlantic sharks must possess a 
valid Atlantic shark identification workshop certificate.
    (5) An Atlantic shark dealer issued or required to be issued a shark 
dealer permit pursuant to Sec. 635.4(g)(2) must possess and make 
available for inspection a valid dealer or proxy Atlantic shark 
identification workshop certificate issued to the dealer or proxy at 
each place of business listed on the dealer permit which first receives 
Atlantic sharks. For the purposes of this part, trucks or other 
conveyances of a dealer's place of business are considered to be 
extensions of a dealer's place of business and must possess a copy of a 
valid dealer or proxy Atlantic shark identification workshop certificate 
issued to a place of business covered by the dealer permit. A copy of a 
valid Atlantic shark identification workshop certificate must be 
included in the dealer's application package to obtain or renew an 
Atlantic shark dealer permit. If multiple businesses are authorized to 
first receive Atlantic sharks under the Atlantic shark dealer's permit, 
a copy of the Atlantic shark identification workshop certificate for 
each place of business listed on the Atlantic shark dealer permit which 
first receives Atlantic sharks must be included in the Atlantic shark 
dealer permit renewal application package.
    (6) Persons holding an expired Atlantic shark dealer permit and 
persons who intend to apply for a new Atlantic shark dealer permit will 
be issued a participant certificate in their name upon successful 
completion of the Atlantic shark identification workshop. A participant 
certificate issued to such persons may be used only to apply for an 
Atlantic shark dealer permit. Pursuant to Sec. 635.8(c)(4), an Atlantic 
shark dealer may not first receive Atlantic shark without a valid dealer 
or proxy Atlantic shark identification workshop certificate issued to 
the dealer or proxy. After an Atlantic shark dealer permit is issued to 
a person using an Atlantic shark identification workshop participant 
certificate, such person may obtain an Atlantic shark identification 
workshop dealer certificate for each location which first receives 
Atlantic sharks by contacting NMFS at an address designated by NMFS.
    (c) Terms and conditions. (1) Certificates, as described in 
paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section, are valid for three calendar 
years. All certificates must be renewed prior to the expiration date on 
the certificate.
    (2) If a vessel fishes with longline or gillnet gear as described in 
paragraph (a)(1) of this section, the vessel owner may not renew a shark 
or swordfish LAP, issued pursuant to Sec. 635.4(e) or (f), without 
submitting a valid protected species workshop certificate with the 
permit renewal application.
    (3) A vessel that fishes with longline or gillnet gear as described 
in paragraph (a)(1) of this section and that has been, or should be, 
issued a valid LAP pursuant to Sec. 635.4(e) or (f), may not

[[Page 508]]

fish unless a valid protected species safe handling, release, and 
identification workshop certificate has been issued to both the owner 
and operator of that vessel.
    (4) An Atlantic shark dealer may not first receive Atlantic shark 
without a valid dealer or proxy Atlantic shark identification workshop 
certificate issued to the dealer or proxy. A valid dealer or proxy 
Atlantic shark identification workshop certificate issued to the dealer 
or proxy must be maintained on the premises of each place of business 
listed on the dealer permit which first receives Atlantic sharks. An 
Atlantic shark dealer may not renew a Federal dealer permit issued 
pursuant to Sec. 635.4(g)(2) unless a copy of a valid dealer or proxy 
Atlantic shark identification workshop certificate issued to the dealer 
or proxy has been submitted with the permit renewal application. If the 
dealer is not certified and opts to send a proxy or proxies to a 
workshop, the dealer must submit a copy of a valid proxy certificate for 
each place of business listed on the dealer permit which first receives 
Atlantic sharks.
    (5) A vessel owner, operator, shark dealer, proxy for a shark 
dealer, or participant who is issued either a safe handling, release, 
and identification workshop certificate or an Atlantic shark 
identification workshop certificate may not transfer that certificate to 
another person.
    (6) Vessel owners issued a valid safe handling, release, and 
identification workshop certificate may request, in the application for 
permit transfer per Sec. 635.4(l)(2), additional safe handling, 
release, and identification workshop certificates for additional vessels 
that they own. Shark dealers may request from NMFS additional Atlantic 
shark identification workshop certificates for additional places of 
business authorized to receive sharks that they own as long as they, and 
not a proxy, were issued the certificate. All certificates must be 
renewed prior to the date of expiration on the certificate.
    (7) To receive the safe handling, release, and identification 
workshop certificate or Atlantic shark identification workshop 
certificate, persons required to attend the workshop must first show a 
copy of their HMS permit, as well as proof of identification to NMFS or 
NMFS' designee at the workshop. If a permit holder is a corporation, 
partnership, association, or any other entity, the individual attending 
on behalf of the permit holder must show proof that he or she is the 
permit holder's agent and provide a copy of the HMS permit to NMFS or 
NMFS' designee at the workshop. For proxies attending on behalf of a 
shark dealer, the proxy must have documentation from the shark dealer 
acknowledging that the proxy is attending the workshop on behalf of the 
Atlantic shark dealer and must show a copy of the Atlantic shark dealer 
permit to NMFS or NMFS' designee at the workshop.

[71 FR 58166, Oct. 2, 2006, as amended at 73 FR 38153, July 3, 2008; 74 
FR 66586, Dec. 16, 2009; 77 FR 47316, Aug. 8, 2012; 82 FR 16506, Apr. 4, 
2017; 83 FR 33153, July 17, 2018]



Sec. 635.9  Electronic monitoring.

    (a) Applicability. An owner and/or operator of a commercial vessel 
permitted or required to be permitted in the Atlantic Tunas Longline 
category under Sec. 635.4, and that has pelagic longline gear on board, 
are required to have installed and maintain at all times during fishing 
trips, a fully operational EM system on the vessel, as specified in this 
section. Vessel owners and/or operators can contact NMFS or a NMFS-
approved contractor for more details on procuring an EM system.
    (b) EM Installation. (1) NMFS or a NMFS-approved contractor will 
assess individual Atlantic Tunas Longline permitted vessels that are 
currently eligible for IBQ share, install and test all EM systems; 
provide training to vessel owners or operators or their designees; and 
develop in consultation with vessel owners or operators or their 
designees required operational plans (Vessel Monitoring Plan or VMP) for 
the EM systems, as described in paragraph (e)(2) of this section.
    (2) Vessel owners and/or operators, as instructed by NMFS, may be 
required to coordinate with NMFS or a NMFS approved contractor to 
schedule a date or range of dates, and/or may be required to steam to a 
designated port for EM work on specific NMFS-determined dates. Such EM 
work may include, but is not limited to EM system

[[Page 509]]

installation, repair, or modifications; modifications to vessel 
equipment to facilitate installation or operation of EM systems, such as 
installation of a fitting for the pressure-side of the line of the drum 
hydraulic system; installation, repair or modification to a power supply 
or power switches/connections for the EM system; installation of 
additional lighting; or installation of mounting structure(s) for the 
camera(s) to provide views of areas and fish consistent with paragraphs 
(c)(1)(i) through (ii) of this section.
    (i) Certificate of Installation. After confirming that an EM system 
that meets the requirements of this section is properly installed, the 
system has been tested, and training and a required operational plan 
(VMP) are completed, NMFS or the NMFS-approved contractor will provide a 
Certificate of Installation to the vessel owner or operator.
    (ii) Vessels described under paragraph (a) of this section may not 
depart on a fishing trip without having a valid Certificate of 
Installation and VMP on board.
    (c) EM System Components. The EM system installed by the NMFS-
approved contractor must be comprised of video camera(s), recording 
equipment, and other related equipment and must have the following 
components and capabilities:
    (1) Video camera(s). (i) Video cameras must be mounted and placed so 
as to provide clear, unobstructed views of the area(s) where the pelagic 
longline gear is retrieved and of catch being removed from hooks prior 
to being placed in the hold or discarded. There must be lighting 
sufficient to illuminate clearly individual fish.
    (ii) Video camera(s) must be in sufficient numbers (a minimum of two 
and up to four), with sufficient resolution (no less than 720p (1280 x 
720)) for NMFS, the USCG, and their authorized officers and designees, 
or any individual authorized by NMFS to determine the number and species 
of fish harvested. To obtain the views required in paragraph (c)(1)(i) 
of this section, at least one camera must be mounted to record close-up 
images of fish being retained on the deck at the haulback station, and 
at least one camera must be mounted to provide views of the area from 
the rail to the water surface, where the gear and fish are hauled out of 
the water. NMFS or the NMFS-approved contractor will determine the 
number and placement of cameras needed to achieve the required views, 
based on the operation and physical layout of the vessel.
    (iii) The EM system must be capable of initiating video recording at 
the time gear retrieval starts. It must record all periods of time when 
the gear is being retrieved and catch is removed from the hooks until it 
is placed in the hold or discarded.
    (2) GPS receiver. A GPS receiver is required to produce output, 
which includes location coordinates, velocity, and heading data, and is 
directly logged continuously by the control box. The GPS receiver must 
be installed and remain in a location where it receives a strong signal 
continuously.
    (3) Hydraulic and drum rotation sensors. Hydraulic sensors are 
required to continuously monitor the hydraulic pressure and a drum 
rotation sensor must continuously monitor drum rotations.
    (4) EM control box. The system must include a control box that 
receives and stores the raw data provided by the sensors and cameras. 
The control box must contain removable hard drives and storage systems 
adequate for a trip lasting 30 days.
    (5) EM systems monitor. A wheelhouse monitor must provide a 
graphical user interface for harvester to monitor the state and 
performance of the control box and provide information on the current 
date and time synchronized via GPS, GPS coordinates, current hydraulic 
pressure reading, presence of a data disk, percentage used of the data 
disk, and video recording status.
    (6) EM software. The EM system must have software that enables the 
system to be tested for functionality and that records the outcome of 
the tests.
    (7) Standardized reference grid. The vessel must have a standardized 
grid on deck in view of the haulback station camera(s) in such a way 
that the video recording includes an image of each fish on the grid in 
order to provide a size reference. The standardized grid

[[Page 510]]

may be on a removable mat or carpet that is placed on the deck before 
the fish are brought on board, or may be painted directly on the deck. 
The standardized reference grid must have accurate dimensions and grid 
line intervals as instructed and specified in the vessel's VMP by NMFS 
or the NMFS-approved contractor. The vessel owner and/or operator is 
responsible for ensuring compliance with the provided instructions and 
specifications and for ensuring accurate, straight, clear and complete 
grid lines with no missing, incomplete, blurry or smudged lines.
    (d) Data maintenance, storage, and viewing. The EM system must have 
the capacity to allow NMFS, the USCG, and their authorized officers and 
designees, or any NMFS-approved contractor to observe the live video on 
the EM systems monitor as described in paragraph (c)(5) of this section. 
Vessel owner or operators must provide access to the system, including 
the data upon request.
    (e) Operation. Unless otherwise authorized by NMFS in writing, a 
vessel described in paragraph (a) of this section must collect video and 
sensor data in accordance with the requirements in this section, in 
order to fish with pelagic longline gear.
    (1) Vessel monitoring plan. The vessel owner and/or operator must 
have available onboard a written VMP for its system. At a minimum, the 
VMP must include: information on the locations of EM system components 
(including any customized camera mounting structure); contact 
information for technical support; instructions on how to conduct a pre-
trip system test; instructions on how to verify proper system functions; 
location(s) on deck where fish retrieval should occur to remain in view 
of the cameras; specifications and other relevant information regarding 
the dimensions and grid line intervals for the standardized reference 
grid; procedures for how to manage EM system hard drives; catch handling 
procedures; periodic checks of the monitor during the retrieval of gear 
to verify proper functioning; and reporting procedures. The VMP will be 
updated, revised, and approved periodically by NMFS or the NMFS-approved 
contractor, and will include both signature and date indicating when the 
VMP was approved by NMFS or the NMFS-approved contractor. The VMP should 
minimize to the extent practicable any impact of the EM systems on the 
current operating procedures of the vessel, and should help ensure the 
safety of the crew. The vessel owner and/or operator must implement, and 
ensure that the vessel complies with, all of the requirements, 
specifications and protocols outlined in the VMP no later than 6 months 
after the date of approval of the VMP.
    (2) Handling of fish and duties of care. The vessel owner and/or 
operator must ensure that all fish that are caught, even those that are 
released, are handled in a manner that enables the video system to 
record such fish, and must ensure that all handling and retention of BFT 
occurs in accordance with relevant regulations and the operational 
procedures outlined in the VMP. The vessel owner or operator must ensure 
that each retained fish is placed on the standardized reference grid in 
view of cameras in accordance with the operational procedures outlined 
in the VMP.
    (3) Additional duties of care. The vessel owner and/or operator is 
responsible for ensuring the proper continuous functioning of all 
aspects of the EM system, including that the EM system must remain 
powered on for the duration of each fishing trip from the time of 
departure to time of return; cameras must be functioning and cleaned 
routinely; the hydraulic and gear sensors must be operational; the GPS 
signal must be functioning; and EM system components must not be 
tampered with.
    (4) Completion of trip(s). Except when at capacity after one trip or 
otherwise stated by NMFS in writing, EM hard drives may be used to 
record up to two trips. Within 48 hours of completing a second fishing 
trip, or within 48 hours of completing one trip in the case where the 
hard drive does not have sufficient capacity for a second trip, the 
vessel owner and/or operator must mail the removable EM system hard 
drive(s) containing all data to NMFS or NMFS-approved contractor, 
according to instructions provided by NMFS. The vessel owner and/or 
operator is responsible

[[Page 511]]

for using shipping materials suitable to protect the hard drives (e.g., 
bubble wrap), tracking the package, and including a self-addressed 
mailing label for the next port of call so replacement hard drives can 
be mailed back to the sender. Prior to departing on any trip, the vessel 
owner and/or operator must ensure an EM system hard drive(s) is 
installed that has the capacity needed to enable data collection and 
video recording for the entire trip. The vessel owner and/or operator is 
responsible for contacting NMFS or NMFS-approved contractor if they have 
requested but not received a replacement hard drive(s) and for informing 
NMFS or NMFS-approved contractor of any lapse in the hard drive 
management procedures described in the VMP.
    (f) Failure to adequately monitor the gear and catch. The vessel 
owner or operator must monitor and maintain the EM system in working 
condition, which includes ensuring the proper continuous functioning of 
the EM system, cameras provide clear unobstructed views, and video 
picture quality is clear. Prior to departing on a trip with pelagic 
longline gear on board, the vessel owner or operator must test the 
functionality of the system and contact NMFS or the NMFS-approved 
contractor if the system is not functioning properly. In that case, or 
if NMFS independently determines that an EM system fails to meet the 
requirements of this section, the vessel cannot leave port unless and 
until NMFS provides written authorization. NMFS may grant such 
authorization after confirming that an EM system is functioning properly 
or other circumstances as determined by NMFS warrant authorization.
    (g) Repair and replacement. If the vessel owner or operator becomes 
aware that the EM system on the vessel is not functioning properly at 
sea, the vessel owner or operator must contact NMFS and follow the 
instructions given. Such instructions may include but are not limited to 
returning to port until the EM system is repaired. Once in port, an EM 
system must be functioning properly (e.g., repaired, reinstalled, or 
replaced) consistent with the installation requirements in this section 
before the vessel can fish with pelagic longline gear.

[79 FR 71588, Dec. 2, 2014, as amended at 83 FR 33154, July 17, 2018; 87 
FR 59998, Oct. 3, 2022]



                  Subpart B_Individual Vessel Measures



Sec. 635.14  [Reserved]



Sec. 635.15  Individual bluefin tuna quotas (IBQs).

    (a) General. This section describes the IBQ Program. As described 
below, under the IBQ Program, NMFS will assign eligible Atlantic Tunas 
Longline category LAP holders annual IBQ shares and resulting 
allocations. IBQ allocations are required for vessels with Atlantic 
Tunas Longline category permits to fish with pelagic longline or green-
stick gear. IBQ allocations may be leased by IBQ shareholders and 
Atlantic Tunas Longline category LAP holders using the Catch Shares 
Online System.
    (b) Eligibility--(1) IBQ shareholder. An Atlantic Tunas Longline 
category LAP holder that fished using pelagic longline gear on at least 
one set (i.e., deployment and retrieval) during a recent 36 month period 
is eligible to receive an annual IBQ share in accordance with paragraph 
(c) of this section and is considered an IBQ shareholder. In determining 
IBQ shareholders, NMFS will use data as described in paragraph (c) of 
this section. For an IBQ shareholder's vessel to be considered an 
``eligible vessel,'' the vessel must have been issued a valid Atlantic 
Tunas Longline category LAP when set(s) occurred during the relevant 36 
month period. In circumstances where a LAP is transferred from one 
vessel to another during the relevant 36 month period, the eligible 
vessel(s) is that which deployed the pelagic longline sets.
    (2) New entrants. New entrants to the fishery need to obtain an 
Atlantic Tunas Longline category LAP, as well as other required LAPs, as 
described under Sec. 635.4(l), and would need to lease IBQ allocations 
per paragraph (e) of this section if the Atlantic Tunas Longline 
category LAP acquired was not eligible for an annual IBQ share.

[[Page 512]]

    (c) Annual IBQ share determination. During the last quarter of each 
year, NMFS will review the relevant 36 months of best available data to 
determine eligible IBQ shareholders and the number of pelagic longline 
sets legally made by each permitted, eligible vessel, and assign IBQ 
shares based on the criteria below. The 36 month time period is a 
rolling period that changes annually, and is selected by NMFS based on 
the availability of recent data and time required by NMFS to conduct 
determinations under paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section. NMFS 
intends to include data from the majority of the year prior to the year 
for which shares are applied and the IBQ allocation distributed. The 
best available data as determined by NMFS may be a single data source 
such as VMS data, for which there is a relatively short time period from 
the time it is submitted by the vessel operator, and the time it can be 
used by NMFS; or the best available data may include other available 
data such as logbook, EM, or permit data, in order to accurately 
determine a vessel's eligibility status and shares. An IBQ shareholder 
does not need a valid LAP when NMFS makes annual IBQ share 
determinations, but NMFS will only distribute IBQ allocations to 
permitted vessels.
    (1) IBQ share calculations. Annually, NMFS will calculate IBQ shares 
for each IBQ shareholder based upon the total number of each eligible 
vessel's pelagic longline sets during the relevant 36 month period, and 
the relative amount (as a percentage) those pelagic longline sets 
represent compared to the total number of pelagic longline sets made by 
all IBQ shareholders' eligible vessels. NMFS will only count one set per 
calendar day toward a vessel's total number of pelagic longline sets, 
and will only count a set if a vessel was issued a valid Atlantic Tunas 
Longline category LAP when the set occurred. The annual IBQ share 
percentage is used to calculate the annual IBQ allocation (see paragraph 
(d) of this section).
    (2) Proxy calculation for Deepwater Horizon Oceanic Fish Restoration 
Project participants. For valid participants in this Project, the annual 
IBQ shares will be calculated as described in paragraph (c)(1) of this 
section, but in addition, a proxy amount of sets will be added to a 
vessel's history during the period of its participation in the Project. 
The proxy will be based upon the average number of sets made by IBQ 
shareholders' vessels that did not participate in the Project during the 
period that participants fished under the Project.
    (3) Regional designations of IBQ shares. Annually, IBQ shares and 
resultant allocations will be designated as either ``GOM'' (Gulf of 
Mexico) or ``ATL'' (Atlantic), based upon the location (i.e., in the 
Gulf of Mexico or Atlantic region) of sets included in the calculation 
under paragraph (c)(1) of this section. Subject to the GOM share cap 
described below, each region's total shares and resultant allocations 
for the year will be based on the percentage of sets designated for the 
region compared to total sets. Per Sec. 635.28(a)(1), NMFS will file a 
closure action when a region's IBQ allocations have been reached or are 
projected to be reached. For the purposes of this section, the Gulf of 
Mexico region includes all waters of the U.S. EEZ west and north of the 
boundary stipulated at Sec. 600.105(c) of this chapter, and the 
Atlantic region includes all other waters of the Atlantic Ocean 
including fishing taking place in the NED defined at Sec. 635.2. If an 
IBQ shareholder's vessel had fishing history in both the Gulf of Mexico 
and Atlantic region, it could receive both GOM and ATL shares.
    (i) GOM share cap. The maximum amount of designated GOM IBQ shares 
among all IBQ shareholders is capped at 35 percent of the baseline 
Longline category quota. Based on the criteria and process under Sec. 
635.27(a)(7), NMFS may make an inseason or annual adjustment to reduce 
the default 35-percent cap for all or the remainder of a calendar year.
    (ii) Adjustment of GOM shares to match the GOM share cap. If NMFS 
determines that the total amount of GOM-designated IBQ shares would be 
greater than the GOM share cap (default or adjusted), NMFS will reduce 
the total amount of GOM shares in order to equal the GOM share cap. The 
reduction in total GOM shares will be achieved through equal 
proportional

[[Page 513]]

reductions among all GOM shareholders. The ATL shares will be increased 
in an analogous manner, so that the total share percentages for the two 
regions add up to 100 percent. NMFS will notify affected shareholders of 
any reductions in their GOM shares or increases in ATL shares resulting 
from this adjustment. This adjustment is not subject to appeal under 
paragraph (e)(1)(i) of this section.
    (iii) Low GOM-designated share threshold. If NMFS determines that 
the total amount of GOM-designated IBQ shares is 5 percent or less of 
the total IBQ shares, NMFS will file an action with the Office of the 
Federal Register for publication that suspends for that year the 
requirement to account for BFT caught in the Gulf of Mexico with GOM-
designated shares and resultant allocations (paragraph (f)(1) of this 
section) and the minimum GOM IBQ allocation requirement (paragraph 
(f)(2) of this section). NMFS will also notify IBQ shareholders of such 
action per paragraph (e) of this section. In this situation, IBQ 
shareholders' vessels could fish in the Gulf of Mexico during that year 
using ATL-designated IBQ allocations. Any vessels fishing in the Gulf of 
Mexico would still need to account for BFT catch and have the minimum 
IBQ allocation of 0.25 mt ww (551 lb ww) before departing on the first 
fishing trip in a calendar year quarter. Those vessels that fish in the 
Gulf of Mexico may be issued GOM IBQ shares in the following year per 
the regional designation of shares process described in paragraph (c)(3) 
of this section. BFT catch (landings and dead discards) from the Gulf of 
Mexico by pelagic longline vessels will be capped at the weight of BFT 
equivalent to the GOM share cap (see paragraph (c)(3)(i) of this 
section) in the applicable year. If this level of catch is reached, or 
projected to be reached, NMFS will prohibit fishing with pelagic 
longline gear in the Gulf of Mexico for the rest of the year pursuant to 
Sec. 635.28(a)(1).
    (d) Annual IBQ allocations. An annual IBQ allocation is the amount 
of BFT (whole weight) in metric tons corresponding to an IBQ 
shareholder's share percentage, distributed to their vessel to account 
for incidental landings and dead discards of BFT during a specified 
calendar year. NMFS will only distribute IBQ allocations when there is a 
valid Atlantic Tunas Longline category LAP associated with a vessel. 
Unless otherwise required under paragraph (f)(4) of this section, an IBQ 
allocation is derived by multiplying the IBQ share percentage 
(calculated under paragraph (c)(1) of this section) by the baseline 
Longline category quota for that year. If the baseline quota is adjusted 
during the fishing year, the annual IBQ allocation may also be adjusted 
as specified in paragraph (e)(2) of this section.
    (e) Notification of IBQ shares and allocations, appeals, and 
adjustments. During the last quarter of each year, NMFS will notify 
Atlantic Tunas Longline permit holders via electronic methods (such as 
an email) and/or letter to inform them of their IBQ shares, their IBQ 
allocations, and the regional designations of those shares and 
allocations for the subsequent fishing year; whether adjustments were 
made to GOM-designated shares due to the GOM shares cap; and whether the 
low GOM-designated share threshold has been triggered. This notification 
represents the initial administrative determination (IAD) for the permit 
holder's IBQ share and allocation. NMFS will also notify permit holders 
of any existing quota debt, and provide instructions for appealing the 
IAD. As of December 31, if an IBQ shareholder does not have a valid 
Atlantic Tunas Longline category LAP associated with a vessel due to a 
permit renewal or transfer, NMFS will issue IBQ allocation for the 
relevant fishing year if/when the permit renewal or transfer is 
completed and a valid LAP is associated with a vessel. IBQ shares, 
allocations, and regional designations may change as a result of the 
following circumstances, in which case NMFS will notify eligible IBQ 
recipients.
    (1) Appeals. Appeals will be governed by the regulations and 
policies of the National Appeals Office at 15 CFR part 906. Per those 
regulations, Atlantic Tunas Longline Permit holders may appeal the IAD 
by submitting a written request for an appeal to the National Appeals 
Office within 45 days after the date the IAD is issued. NMFS will 
provide further instructions on how to

[[Page 514]]

submit a request for an appeal when it issues the IAD.
    (i) Items subject to appeal and adjustment. A permit holder may 
appeal their: eligibility for IBQ shares based on ownership of an active 
vessel with a valid Atlantic Tunas Longline category permit; IBQ share 
percentage; IBQ allocations; and regional designations of shares and 
allocations. A permit holder may also appeal NMFS' determination of the 
number of pelagic longline sets legally made by its permitted vessel. 
However, an adjustment of GOM shares under paragraph (c)(3)(ii) of this 
section or inseason quota adjustment under paragraph (e)(3) of this 
section is not subject to appeal. Appeals based on hardship factors will 
not be considered. Consistent with most limited effort and catch share 
programs, hardship is not a valid basis for appeal due to the multitude 
of potential definitions of hardship and the difficulty and complexity 
of administering such criteria in a fair manner. NMFS may utilize BFT 
quota from the Reserve category for any adjustment needed due to an 
appeal.
    (ii) Supporting documentation for appeals. NMFS permit records would 
be the sole basis for determining permit transfers, permit renewals, and 
the validity of permits. NMFS will only use the relevant 36 months of 
data described under paragraph (c) of this section to determine the 
numbers of pelagic longline sets made. NMFS will count only pelagic 
longline sets legally made when the permit holder had a valid permit. No 
other proof of sets or permit history will be considered. Photocopies of 
written documents are acceptable; NMFS may request originals at a later 
date. NMFS may refer any submitted materials that are of questionable 
authenticity to the NMFS Office of Law Enforcement for investigation 
into potential violations of Federal law.
    (2) Inseason quota transfers. NMFS may transfer additional quota to 
the Longline category inseason as authorized under Sec. 635.27(a), and 
in accordance with Sec. 635.27(a)(7) and (8). NMFS may distribute the 
quota that is transferred inseason to the Longline category either to 
all IBQ shareholders or to all permitted Atlantic Tunas Longline 
category LAP vessels that are determined by NMFS to have any recent 
fishing activity in the pelagic longline fishery. In making this 
decision, NMFS will consider factors for the subject and previous year 
such as the number of BFT landings and dead discards, the number of IBQ 
lease transactions, the average amount of IBQ leased, the average amount 
of quota debt, the annual amount of IBQ allocation, any previous 
inseason allocations of IBQ allocation, the amount of BFT quota in the 
Reserve category (at Sec. 635.27(a)(6)(i)), the percentage of BFT quota 
harvested by the other quota categories, the remaining number of days in 
the year, the number of active vessels fishing not associated with IBQ 
share, and the number of vessels that have incurred quota debt or that 
have low levels of IBQ allocation. NMFS will determine if a vessel has 
any recent fishing activity based upon the best available information 
for the subject and previous year, such as logbook, vessel monitoring 
system, or electronic monitoring data. Any distribution of quota 
transferred inseason will be equal among eligible IBQ shareholders or 
active vessels, and include regional designations of IBQ allocations 
(see paragraph (c)(3) of this section).
    (3) Inseason quota adjustments. NMFS may increase or decrease the 
baseline Longline quota on an inseason basis as authorized under Sec. 
635.27(a). When doing so, NMFS would apply each IBQ shareholder's share 
percentage to the amount of quota increase or decrease, and will notify 
IBQ shareholders of any resulting changes in their IBQ allocations. This 
adjustment is not subject to appeal under paragraph (e)(1)(i) of this 
section. Regional designations described in paragraph (c)(3) of this 
section will be applied to inseason quota distributed to IBQ 
shareholders, and subject to the applicable cap and other provisions 
under paragraph (c)(3) of this section.
    (f) Using IBQ shares and allocations. Unless specified otherwise, 
IBQ shares and resultant allocations will be available for use at the 
start of each fishing year and expire at the end of each fishing year. 
IBQ shares and allocations issued under this section are valid for

[[Page 515]]

the relevant fishing year unless revoked, suspended, or modified or 
unless the Atlantic Tunas Longline category quota is closed per Sec. 
635.28(a).
    (1) Usage of GOM and ATL shares and allocations. GOM shares and 
resultant allocations can be used to satisfy minimum IBQ allocation 
requirements under paragraph (f)(2) of this section, or to account for 
BFT caught with pelagic longline gear in either the Gulf of Mexico or 
the Atlantic regions. ATL shares and resultant allocations can only be 
used to satisfy minimum IBQ allocation requirements under paragraph 
(f)(2) of this section, or to account for BFT caught with pelagic 
longline gear in the Atlantic region, unless the provisions of paragraph 
(c)(3)(iii) of this section are in effect. For the purposes of this 
section, the Gulf of Mexico region includes all waters of the U.S. EEZ 
west and north of the boundary stipulated at Sec. 600.105(c) of this 
chapter, and the Atlantic region includes all other waters of the 
Atlantic Ocean including fishing taking place in the NED defined at 
Sec. 635.2.
    (2) Minimum IBQ allocation. For purposes of this section, calendar 
year quarters start on January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1.
    (i) First fishing trip in a calendar year quarter. Before departing 
on the first fishing trip in a calendar year quarter, a vessel with a 
valid Atlantic Tunas Longline category LAP that fishes with or has 
pelagic longline or green-stick gear onboard must have the minimum IBQ 
allocation for either the Gulf of Mexico or Atlantic, depending on 
fishing location. The minimum GOM allocation for a vessel fishing in the 
Gulf of Mexico, or departing for a fishing trip in the Gulf of Mexico, 
is 0.25 mt ww (551 lb ww). The minimum ATL or GOM allocation for a 
vessel fishing in the Atlantic or departing for a fishing trip in the 
Atlantic is 0.125 mt ww (276 lb ww). A vessel owner or operator may not 
declare into or depart on the first fishing trip in a calendar year 
quarter with pelagic longline gear onboard unless the vessel has the 
relevant required minimum IBQ allocation for the region in which the 
fishing activity will occur.
    (ii) Subsequent fishing trips in a calendar year quarter. Subsequent 
to the first fishing trip in a calendar year quarter, a vessel owner or 
operator may declare into or depart on other fishing trips with pelagic 
longline gear onboard with less than the relevant minimum IBQ allocation 
for the region in which the fishing activity will occur, but only within 
that same calendar year quarter.
    (3) Accounting for BFT that were landed or discarded dead. The 
following requirements apply to Atlantic Tunas Longline permit holders 
fishing with pelagic longline or green-stick gear regarding accounting 
for all BFT landings and dead discards from a vessel's IBQ allocation.
    (i) Catch deduction from IBQ allocations. Except as provided under 
paragraph (f)(6)(i) of this section, for vessels fishing in the NED, all 
BFT landings must be deducted from the vessel's IBQ allocation at the 
end of each trip by providing information to, and coordinating with the 
dealer. Dead discards will be deducted from the vessel's IBQ allocation 
by the Catch Shares Online System, when the vessel operator reports dead 
discards through VMS as required under Sec. 635.69(e)(4)(i).
    (ii) IBQ allocation balances. If the amount of BFT landed and 
discarded dead on a particular trip exceeds the amount of the vessel's 
IBQ allocation or results in an IBQ balance less than the minimum amount 
described in paragraph (f)(2) of this section, the vessel may continue 
to fish, complete the trip, and depart on subsequent trips within the 
same calendar year quarter. The vessel must resolve any quota debt (see 
paragraph (f)(4) of this section) before declaring into or departing on 
a fishing trip with pelagic longline gear onboard in a subsequent 
calendar year quarter by acquiring adequate IBQ allocation to resolve 
the debt and acquire the needed minimum allocation through leasing, as 
described in paragraph (g) of this section.
    (iii) End-of-year IBQ transactions by dealers. Federal Atlantic 
Tunas Dealer permit holders must comply with reporting requirements at 
Sec. 635.5(b)(2)(i)(A). No IBQ transactions will be processed between 6 
p.m. eastern time on December 31 and 2 p.m.

[[Page 516]]

Eastern Time on January 1 of each year to provide NMFS time to reconcile 
IBQ accounts and update IBQ shares and allocations for the upcoming 
fishing year.
    (4) Exceeding an available allocation. If the amount of BFT landed 
or discarded dead for a particular trip (as defined in Sec. 600.10 of 
this chapter) exceeds the amount of IBQ allocation available to the 
vessel, the permitted vessel is considered to have a ``quota debt'' 
equal to the difference between the catch and the allocation.
    (i) Quarter-level quota debt. A vessel with quota debt incurred in a 
given calendar year quarter cannot depart on a trip with pelagic 
longline gear onboard in a subsequent calendar year quarter until the 
vessel leases allocation or receives additional allocation (see 
paragraphs (e) and (g) of this section), and applies allocation for the 
appropriate region to settle the quota debt such that the vessel has the 
relevant minimum quota allocation required to fish for the region in 
which the fishing activity will occur (see paragraph (f)(2) of this 
section). For example, a vessel with quota debt incurred during January 
through March may not depart on a trip with pelagic longline gear 
onboard during April through June (or subsequent quarters) until the 
quota debt has been resolved such that the vessel has the relevant 
minimum quota allocation required to fish for the region in which the 
fishing activity will occur.
    (ii) Annual-level quota debt. If, by the end of the fishing year, a 
permit holder does not have adequate IBQ allocation to settle its 
vessel's quota debt through leasing or additional allocation (see 
paragraphs (e) and (g) of this section), the vessel's allocation will be 
reduced in the amount equal to the quota debt in the subsequent year or 
years until the quota debt is fully accounted for. A vessel may not 
depart on any pelagic longline trips if it has outstanding quota debt 
from a previous fishing year.
    (iii) Association with permit. Quota debt is associated with the 
vessel's Atlantic Tunas Longline permit, and remains associated with the 
permit if/when the permit is transferred or sold. At the end of the 
year, if an owner with multiple permitted vessels has a quota debt 
associated with one or more vessels owned, the IBQ system will apply any 
remaining unused IBQ allocation associated with that owner's other 
vessels to resolve the quota debt.
    (5) Unused IBQ allocation. Any IBQ allocation that is unused at the 
end of the fishing year may not be carried forward by a permit-holder to 
the following year, but would remain associated with the Longline 
category as a whole, and subject to the quota regulations under Sec. 
635.27, including annual quota adjustments.
    (6) The IBQ Program and the NED. The following restrictions apply to 
vessels fishing with pelagic longline gear in the NED:
    (i) When NED BFT quota is available. Permitted vessels fishing with 
pelagic longline or green-stick gear may fish in the NED, and any BFT 
catch will count toward the ICCAT-allocated separate NED quota, and will 
not be subject to the BFT accounting requirements of paragraph (f)(3) of 
this section, until the NED quota has been filled. Permitted vessels 
fishing in the NED must still fish in accordance with all other IBQ 
Program requirements, including the relevant minimum IBQ allocation 
requirements specified under paragraph (f)(2) of this section to depart 
on a trip using pelagic longline or green-stick gear.
    (ii) When NED BFT quota is filled. Permitted vessels fishing with 
pelagic longline or green-stick gear may fish in the NED after the 
ICCAT-allocated, separate NED quota has been filled and must abide by 
all IBQ Program requirements. Notably, when the NED BFT quota is filled, 
the BFT accounting requirement of paragraph (f)(3) of this section is 
applicable. BFT catch must be accounted for using the vessel's ATL or 
GOM IBQ allocation, as described under paragraph (f)(1) of this section.
    (g) IBQ allocation leasing--(1) Eligibility. The permit holders of 
vessels issued valid Atlantic Tunas Longline category LAPs are eligible 
to lease IBQ allocation to and/or from each other. A person who holds an 
Atlantic Tunas Longline category LAP that is not associated with a 
vessel may not lease IBQ allocation.

[[Page 517]]

    (2) Application to lease--(i) Application information requirements. 
All IBQ allocation leases must occur electronically through the Catch 
Shares Online System, and include all information required by NMFS.
    (ii) Approval of lease application. Unless NMFS denies an 
application to lease IBQ allocation according to paragraph (g)(2)(iii) 
of this section, the Catch Shares Online System will provide an approval 
code to the IBQ lessee confirming the transaction.
    (iii) Denial of lease application. NMFS may deny an application to 
lease IBQ allocation for any reason, including, but not limited to: The 
application is incomplete; the IBQ lessor or IBQ lessee is not eligible 
to lease per paragraph (g)(1) of this section; the IBQ lessor or IBQ 
lessee permits is sanctioned pursuant to an enforcement proceeding; or 
the IBQ lessor has an insufficient IBQ allocation available to lease 
(i.e., the requested amount of lease may not exceed the amount of IBQ 
allocation associated with the lessor). As the Catch Shares Online 
System is automated, if any of the criteria above are applicable, the 
lease transaction will not be allowed to proceed. The decision by NMFS 
is the final agency decision; there is no opportunity for an 
administrative appeal.
    (3) Conditions and restrictions of leased IBQ allocation--(i) 
Subleasing. In a fishing year, an IBQ allocation may be leased numerous 
times following the process specified in paragraph (g)(2) of this 
section.
    (ii) History of leased IBQ allocation use. The fishing history 
associated with the catch of BFT will be associated with the vessel that 
caught the BFT, regardless of how the vessel acquired the IBQ allocation 
(e.g., through annual allocation or lease), for the purpose of any 
potential, future relevant regulations based upon BFT catch.
    (iii) Duration of IBQ allocation lease. IBQ allocations expire at 
the end of each calendar year. Thus, an IBQ lessee may only use the 
leased IBQ allocation during the fishing year in which the IBQ 
allocation is applicable.
    (iv) Temporary prohibition on leasing IBQ allocation. No leasing of 
IBQ allocation is permitted between 6 p.m. eastern time on December 31 
of one year and 2 p.m. eastern time on January 1 of the next year. This 
period is necessary to provide NMFS time to reconcile IBQ accounts, and 
update IBQ shares and allocations for the upcoming fishing year.
    (h) Sale of IBQ shares. Sale of IBQ shares is not permitted.
    (i) Changes in vessel and permit ownership. In accordance with the 
regulations specified under Sec. 635.4(l), a vessel owner that has an 
annual IBQ share may transfer their Atlantic Tunas Longline category LAP 
to another vessel that he or she owns or transfer the permit to another 
person. The IBQ share as described under this section would transfer 
with the permit to the new vessel, and remain associated with that 
permit for the remainder of that fishing year. Within a fishing year, 
when an Atlantic Tunas Longline category LAP transfer occurs (from one 
vessel to another), the associated IBQ shares are transferred with the 
permit, however IBQ allocation is not, unless the IBQ allocation is also 
transferred through a separate transaction within the Catch Shares 
Online System. A person that holds an Atlantic Tunas Longline category 
LAP that is not associated with a vessel may not receive or lease IBQ 
allocation.
    (j) Evaluation. NMFS will conduct evaluations of the IBQ Program in 
accordance with Magnuson-Stevens Act requirements for Limited Access 
Privilege Programs (Section 303(c)(1)(G)).
    (k) Property rights. IBQ shares and resultant allocations issued 
pursuant to this part may be revoked, limited, modified or suspended at 
any time subject to the requirements of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, ATCA, 
or other applicable law. Such IBQ shares and resultant allocations do 
not confer any right to compensation and do not create any right, title, 
or interest in any BFT until it is landed or discarded dead.
    (l) Enforcement and monitoring. NMFS will enforce and monitor the 
IBQ Program through the use of the reporting and record keeping 
requirements described under Sec. 635.5, the monitoring requirements 
under Sec. Sec. 635.9 and 635.69, enforcement of the prohibitions in 
Sec. 635.71, and its authority to close the pelagic longline fishery 
specified under Sec. 635.28.

[[Page 518]]

    (m) Cost recovery program. This program of fees is intended to cover 
costs of management, data collection and analysis, and enforcement 
activities directly related to and in support of the IBQ Program. This 
program applies to vessels issued an Atlantic Tunas Longline category 
LAP that harvested BFT under the IBQ Program. NMFS will undertake the 
process described in paragraphs (m)(1) through (5) of this section, on 
an annual basis.
    (1) Estimation of incremental cost. NMFS will calculate the 
estimated incremental cost of the IBQ Program (e.g., oversight, customer 
service, database/computer maintenance and other costs, electronic 
monitoring program, data monitoring, preparation of fleet 
communications, providing status reports to the HMS Advisory Panel, 
preparation of Federal Register documents, and enforcement related 
activities), including an estimate of the administrative and operational 
cost of implementing the cost recovery program.
    (2) Estimation of ex-vessel value of catch share species. NMFS will 
calculate the ex-vessel value of BFT harvested under the IBQ Program 
using dealer data on the estimated average ex-vessel value price per 
pound (paid by the dealer to the vessel) and the total dressed weight of 
BFT sold to dealers.
    (3) Determination of fees. NMFS will compare its incremental cost 
under paragraph (m)(1) of this section to the estimate of BFT ex-vessel 
value under paragraph (m)(2) of this section to determine the total 
amount of fees that may be recovered. Fees shall not exceed 3 percent of 
the BFT ex-vessel value estimated under paragraph (m)(2) of this 
section. NMFS will determine the fee associated with each vessel that 
harvested BFT, based on the total dressed weight of BFT sold to dealers 
by a vessel, and the total amount of fees that may be recovered 
(fishery-wide). NMFS will not assess fees, if the amount of fees that 
may be recovered is similar to or less than the estimated cost of 
implementing the cost recovery program.
    (4) Notification of fees. NMFS will file with the Office of the 
Federal Register for publication a notification of its determination on 
fees, and notify Atlantic Tunas Longline permit holders, specifying the 
fee amount owed, and instructions for payment through the Catch Shares 
Online System or other Federal payment system. Federally permitted 
vessels (Atlantic Tunas Longline permit holders) that sold BFT that do 
not pay the fee or are delinquent in payment would be subject to 
relevant enforcement penalties, including permit revocation.
    (5) Annual report. NMFS will prepare a brief annual report, made 
available to the public, which summarizes relevant information including 
the estimation of recoverable costs, estimation of ex-vessel value of 
BFT, and determination of the cost recovery fee.
    (n) IBQ shares cap. An individual, partnership, corporation or other 
entity (collectively, ``entity'' for purposes of this paragraph) that 
holds an Atlantic Tunas Longline category LAP may not hold or acquire 
more than 25 percent of the total IBQ shares or resultant IBQ 
allocations annually. The cap applies to the sum of IBQ shares or 
associated IBQ allocations an entity holds, regardless of whether the 
entity is associated with a single or multiple Atlantic Tunas Longline 
category permits.

[87 FR 59999, Oct. 3, 2022]



Sec. 635.16  [Reserved]



                      Subpart C_Management Measures



Sec. 635.19  Authorized gears.

    (a) General. No person may fish for, catch, possess, or retain any 
Atlantic HMS with gears other than the primary gears specifically 
authorized in this part. Consistent with Sec. 635.21(a), secondary 
gears may be used at boat side to aid and assist in subduing, or 
bringing on board a vessel, Atlantic HMS that have first been caught or 
captured using primary gears. For purposes of this part, secondary gears 
include, but are not limited to, dart harpoons, gaffs, flying gaffs, 
tail ropes, etc. Secondary gears may not be used to capture, or attempt 
to capture, free-swimming or undersized HMS. Except for vessels 
permitted under Sec. 635.4(o) or as specified in this section, a vessel

[[Page 519]]

using or having onboard in the Atlantic Ocean any unauthorized gear may 
not possess an Atlantic HMS on board.
    (b) Atlantic tunas. Primary gears are the gears specifically 
authorized in this section for fishing for, catching, retaining, or 
possessing Atlantic BFT and BAYS.
    (1) Atlantic BFT. A person that fishes for, catches, retains, or 
possesses an Atlantic BFT may not have on board a vessel or use on board 
a vessel any primary gear other than those authorized for the specific 
permit category issued (Atlantic tunas or HMS permit categories) and 
listed here:
    (i) Angling category. Rod and reel (including downriggers) and 
handline.
    (ii) Charter/headboat category. Rod and reel (including 
downriggers), bandit gear, handline, and green-stick gear.
    (iii) General category. Rod and reel (including downriggers), 
handline, harpoon, bandit gear, and green-stick gear.
    (iv) Harpoon category. Harpoon.
    (v) Trap category. Pound net and fish weir.
    (vi) Longline category. Longline and green-stick gear.
    (2) BAYS. Subject to paragraph (b)(1) of this section that applies 
to possession or retention of BFT or fishing for or catching BFT, a 
person may otherwise use the primary gears authorized for the Atlantic 
Tunas or HMS permit categories and listed here to fish for, catch, 
retain, or possess BAYS:
    (i) Angling category. Speargun, rod and reel (including 
downriggers), and handline.
    (ii) Charter/Headboat category. Rod and reel (including 
downriggers), bandit gear, handline, and green-stick gear are authorized 
for all recreational and commercial Atlantic tuna fisheries. Speargun is 
authorized for recreational Atlantic BAYS tuna fisheries only.
    (iii) General category. Rod and reel (including downriggers), 
handline, harpoon, bandit gear, and green-stick gear.
    (iv) Harpoon category. Harpoon.
    (v) Longline category. Longline and green-stick gear.
    (3) HMS Commercial Caribbean Small Boat Permit. A person issued an 
HMS Commercial Caribbean Small Boat permit may use handline, harpoon, 
rod and reel, bandit gear, green-stick gear, and buoy gear to fish for, 
retain, or possess BAYS tunas in the U.S. Caribbean, as defined at Sec. 
622.2.
    (c) Billfish. (1) Only persons who have been issued a valid HMS 
Angling or valid Charter/Headboat permit, or who have been issued a 
valid Atlantic Tunas General category or Swordfish General Commercial 
permit and are participating in a tournament as provided in Sec. 
635.4(c), may possess a blue marlin, white marlin, or roundscale 
spearfish in, or take a blue marlin, white marlin, or roundscale 
spearfish from, its management unit. Blue marlin, white marlin, or 
roundscale spearfish may only be harvested by rod and reel.
    (2) Only persons who have been issued a valid HMS Angling or valid 
Charter/Headboat permit, or who have been issued a valid Atlantic Tunas 
General category or Swordfish General Commercial permit and are 
participating in a tournament as provided in Sec. 635.4(c), may possess 
or take a sailfish shoreward of the outer boundary of the Atlantic EEZ. 
Sailfish may only be harvested by rod and reel.
    (d) Sharks. (1) No person may possess a shark without a permit 
issued under Sec. 635.4.
    (2) No person issued a Federal Atlantic commercial shark permit 
under Sec. 635.4 may possess a shark taken by any gear other than rod 
and reel, handline, bandit gear, longline, or gillnet, except that 
smoothhound sharks may be retained incidentally while fishing with trawl 
gear subject to the restrictions specified in Sec. 635.24(a)(7).
    (3) No person issued an HMS Commercial Caribbean Small Boat permit 
may possess a shark taken from the U.S. Caribbean, as defined at Sec. 
622.2 of this chapter, by any gear other than with rod and reel, 
handline or bandit gear.
    (4) Persons on a vessel issued a permit with a shark endorsement 
under Sec. 635.4 may possess a shark only if the shark was taken by rod 
and reel or handline, except that persons on a vessel issued both an HMS 
Charter/Headboat permit with a commercial sale endorsement (with or 
without a

[[Page 520]]

shark endorsement) and a Federal Atlantic commercial shark permit may 
possess sharks taken by rod and reel, handline, bandit gear, longline, 
or gillnet if the vessel is engaged in a non for-hire fishing trip and 
the commercial shark fishery is open pursuant to Sec. 635.28(b).
    (e) Swordfish. (1) No person may possess North Atlantic swordfish 
taken from its management unit by any gear other than handgear, green-
stick, or longline, except that such swordfish taken incidentally while 
fishing with a squid trawl may be retained by a vessel issued a valid 
Incidental HMS squid trawl permit, subject to restrictions specified in 
Sec. 635.24(b)(2). No person may possess South Atlantic swordfish taken 
from its management unit by any gear other than longline.
    (2) An Atlantic swordfish may not be retained or possessed on board 
a vessel with a gillnet. A swordfish will be deemed to have been 
harvested by gillnet when it is onboard, or offloaded from, a vessel 
fishing with or having on board a gillnet.
    (3) A person aboard a vessel issued or required to be issued a valid 
directed handgear LAP for Atlantic swordfish or an HMS Commercial 
Caribbean Small Boat permit may not fish for swordfish with any gear 
other than handgear. A swordfish will be deemed to have been harvested 
by longline when the fish is on board or offloaded from a vessel fishing 
with or having on board longline gear. Only vessels that have been 
issued a valid directed or handgear swordfish LAP or an HMS Commercial 
Caribbean Small Boat permit under this part may utilize or possess buoy 
gear.
    (4) Except for persons aboard a vessel that has been issued a 
directed, incidental, or handgear swordfish LAP, a Swordfish General 
Commercial permit, an Incidental HMS squid trawl permit, or an HMS 
Commercial Caribbean Small Boat permit under Sec. 635.4, no person may 
fish for North Atlantic swordfish with, or possess a North Atlantic 
swordfish taken by, any gear other than handline or rod and reel.
    (5) A person aboard a vessel issued or required to be issued a valid 
Swordfish General Commercial permit may only possess North Atlantic 
swordfish taken from its management unit by rod and reel, handline, 
bandit gear, green-stick, or harpoon gear.

[79 FR 71594, Dec. 2, 2014, as amended at 80 FR 73144, Nov. 24, 2015; 82 
FR 16506, Apr. 4, 2017; 82 FR 57549, Dec. 6, 2017; 83 FR 33154, July 17, 
2018; 87 FR 11324, Mar. 1, 2022; 87 FR 60003, Oct. 3, 2022]



Sec. 635.20  Size limits.

    (a) General. The CFL will be the sole criterion for determining the 
size and/or size class of whole (head on) Atlantic tunas.
    (b) BFT size classes. If the head of a BFT is no longer attached, 
the size class of the BFT shall be determined using pectoral fin curved 
fork length (PFCFL) multiplied by a conversion factor of 1.35. The CFL, 
as determined by conversion of the PFCFL, will be the sole criterion for 
determining the size class of a beheaded BFT. The conversion factor may 
be adjusted after consideration of additional scientific information and 
fish measurement data, and will be made effective by filing notification 
of the adjustment with the Office of the Federal Register for 
publication.
    (c) BFT, bigeye tuna, and yellowfin tuna. (1) No person shall take, 
retain, or possess a BFT, bigeye tuna, or yellowfin tuna in the Atlantic 
Ocean that is less than 27 inches (69 cm) CFL;
    (2) Applying the conversion factor from PFCFL to CFL for a beheaded 
BFT in Sec. 635.20(b) means that no person shall retain or possess a 
BFT, with the head removed, that is less than 20 inches (51 cm) PFCFL.
    (3) No person aboard a vessel shall remove the head of a bigeye tuna 
or yellowfin tuna if the remaining portion would be less than 27 inches 
(69 cm) from the fork of the tail to the forward edge of the cut. A 
bigeye or yellowfin tuna that is damaged through predation by sharks or 
other marine species may be retained, possessed, or landed only if the 
length of the remainder of the fish is equal to or greater than 27 
inches (69 cm). No person shall cut or otherwise alter the predation-
damaged area in any manner.
    (d) Billfish. (1) No person shall take, retain or possess a blue 
marlin taken from its management unit that is less than 99 inches (251 
cm), LJFL.

[[Page 521]]

    (2) No person shall take, retain or possess a white marlin taken 
from its management unit that is less than 66 inches (168 cm), LJFL.
    (3) No person shall take, retain or possess shoreward of the outer 
boundary of the EEZ a sailfish taken from its management unit that is 
less than 63 inches (160 cm), LJFL.
    (4) No person shall take, retain or possess a roundscale spearfish 
taken from its management unit that is less than 66 inches (168 cm), 
LJFL.
    (5) The Atlantic blue marlin, white marlin, and roundscale spearfish 
minimum size limits, specified in paragraphs (d)(1) and (d)(2) of this 
section, may be adjusted to sizes between 117 and 138 inches (297.2 and 
350.5 cm) for blue marlin and 70 and 79 inches (177.8 and 200.7 cm) for 
white marlin and roundscale spearfish, to achieve, but not exceed, the 
annual Atlantic marlin landing limit specified in Sec. 635.27(d). 
Minimum size limit increases will be based upon a review of landings, 
the period of time remaining in the current fishing year, current and 
historical landing trends, and any other relevant factors. NMFS will 
adjust the minimum size limits specified in this section by filing an 
adjustment with the Office of the Federal Register for publication. In 
no case shall the adjustments be effective less than 14 calendar days 
after the date of publication. The adjusted minimum size limits will 
remain in effect through the end of the applicable fishing year or until 
otherwise adjusted.
    (e) Sharks. The following size limits change depending on the 
species being caught and the retention limit under which they are being 
caught as specified under Sec. 635.22(c).
    (1) All sharks landed under the recreational retention limits 
specified at Sec. 635.22(c) must have the head, tail, and fins 
naturally attached.
    (2) All sharks, except as otherwise specified in paragraphs (e)(3) 
through (6) of this section, landed under the recreational retention 
limits specified at Sec. 635.22(c)(2) must be at least 54 inches (137 
cm) FL.
    (3) There is no size limit for Atlantic sharpnose or bonnethead 
sharks taken under the recreational retention limits specified at Sec. 
635.22(c)(3).
    (4) All hammerhead sharks landed under the recreational retention 
limits specified at Sec. 635.22(c)(2) must be at least 78 inches (198.1 
cm) FL.
    (5) There is no size limit for smoothhound sharks taken under the 
recreational retention limits specified at Sec. 635.22(c)(6).
    (6) For shortfin mako sharks landed when the recreational retention 
limit specified at Sec. 635.22(c)(8) is greater than zero, males must 
be at least 71 inches (180 cm) fork length, and females must be at least 
83 inches (210 cm) fork length.
    (f) Swordfish. (1) For a swordfish that has its head naturally 
attached, the LJFL is the sole criterion for determining the size of a 
swordfish. No person shall take, retain, possess, or land a whole (head 
on) North or South Atlantic swordfish taken from its management unit 
that is not equal to or greater than 47 inches (119 cm) LJFL. A 
swordfish with the head naturally attached that is damaged by shark 
bites may be retained only if the length of the remainder of the fish is 
equal to or greater than 47 inches (119 cm) LJFL.
    (2) If the head of a swordfish is no longer naturally attached, the 
CK measurement is the sole criterion for determining the size of a 
swordfish. No person shall take, retain, possess, or land a dressed 
North or South Atlantic swordfish taken from its management unit that is 
not equal to or greater than 25 inches (63 cm) CK length. A swordfish 
that is damaged by shark bites may be retained only if the length of the 
remainder of the carcass is equal to or greater than 25 inches (63 cm) 
CK length.
    (3) No person shall import into the United States an Atlantic 
swordfish weighing less than 33 lb (15 kg) dressed weight, or a part 
derived from a swordfish that weighs less than 33 lb (15 kg) dressed 
weight.
    (4) Except for a swordfish landed in a Pacific state and remaining 
in that Pacific state of landing, a swordfish, or part thereof, not 
meeting the minimum size measurements specified in Sec. 635.20(f)(1) or 
(2) will be deemed to be an Atlantic swordfish harvested by a vessel of 
the United States and to be in

[[Page 522]]

violation of the minimum size requirement of this section unless such 
swordfish, or part thereof, is accompanied by a swordfish statistical 
document attesting that the swordfish was lawfully imported. Refer to 
Sec. 300.186 of this title for the requirements related to the 
swordfish statistical document.
    (5) A swordfish, or part thereof, will be monitored for compliance 
with the minimum size requirement of this section from the time it is 
landed in, or imported into, the United States up to, and including, the 
point of first transaction in the United States.

[64 FR 29135, May 28, 1999, as amended at 64 FR 37704, July 13, 1999; 66 
FR 42804, Aug. 15, 2001; 68 FR 714, Jan. 7, 2003; 68 FR 74785, Dec. 24, 
2003; 69 FR 67284, Nov. 17, 2004; 71 FR 58167, Oct. 2, 2006; 74 FR 
66587, Dec. 19, 2009; 75 FR 30525, June 1, 2010; 75 FR 57701, Sept. 22, 
2010; 76 FR 70066, Nov. 10, 2011; 77 FR 45280, July 31, 2012; 78 FR 
40346, July 3, 2013; 80 FR 73145, Nov. 24, 2015; 83 FR 33154, July 17, 
2018; 83 FR 51397, Oct. 11, 2018; 84 FR 5376, Feb. 21, 2019; 87 FR 
39382, July 1, 2022]



Sec. 635.21  Gear operation and deployment restrictions.

    (a) All Atlantic HMS fishing gears. (1) An Atlantic HMS harvested 
from its management unit that is not retained must be released in a 
manner that will ensure maximum probability of survival, but without 
removing the fish from the water.
    (2) If a billfish is caught by a hook and not retained, the fish 
must be released by cutting the line near the hook or by using a 
dehooking device, in either case without removing the fish from the 
water.
    (3) Restricted gear and closed areas for all Atlantic HMS fishing 
gears. (i) No person may fish for, catch, possess, or retain any 
Atlantic HMS or anchor a fishing vessel that has been issued a permit or 
is required to be permitted under this part, in the areas and seasons 
designated at Sec. 622.34(a)(3) of this chapter.
    (ii) From November through April of each year, no vessel issued, or 
required to be issued, a permit under this part may fish or deploy any 
type of fishing gear in the Madison-Swanson closed area or the Steamboat 
Lumps closed area, as defined in Sec. 635.2.
    (iii) From May through October of each year, no vessel issued, or 
required to be issued, a permit under this part may fish or deploy any 
type of fishing gear in the Madison-Swanson or the Steamboat Lumps 
closed areas except for surface trolling. For the purposes of this 
section, surface trolling is defined as fishing with lines trailing 
behind a vessel which is in constant motion at speeds in excess of four 
knots with a visible wake. Such trolling may not involve the use of down 
riggers, wire lines, planers, or similar devices.
    (iv) From January through April of each year, no vessel issued, or 
required to be issued, a permit under this part may fish or deploy any 
type of fishing gear in the Edges 40 Fathom Contour closed area, as 
defined in Sec. 635.2.
    (v) Within the areas of the Gulf coral HAPCs designated at Sec. 
622.74 of this chapter, no person may bottom anchor a fishing vessel or 
deploy fishing gear that may not be deployed pursuant to Sec. 622.74 of 
this chapter. For purposes of this provision, fishing gear is deployed 
if any part of the gear is in contact with the water.
    (4) Any person on board a vessel that is issued a commercial shark 
permit must release all shortfin mako sharks, whether alive or dead, 
caught with any gear other than pelagic longline, bottom longline, or 
gillnet gear, except that any person on board a vessel that is issued a 
commercial shark permit in combination with a permit that has a shark 
endorsement may retain shortfin mako sharks subject to the recreational 
minimum size limits in Sec. 635.20, the recreational retention limits 
in Sec. 635.22, and authorized gear requirements in Sec. 635.19.
    (b) Longline--general restrictions. (1) All vessels that have 
pelagic or bottom longline gear onboard and that have been issued, or 
are required to have, a swordfish, shark, or Atlantic Tunas Longline 
category LAP for use in the Atlantic Ocean including the Caribbean Sea 
and the Gulf of Mexico must possess inside the wheelhouse the document 
provided by NMFS entitled ``Careful Release Protocols for Sea Turtle 
Release with Minimal Injury,'' and must also post inside the wheelhouse 
the sea turtle handling and release guidelines provided by NMFS.
    (2) Transiting and gear stowage: If a vessel issued or required to 
be issued a

[[Page 523]]

LAP under this part has pelagic or bottom longline gear onboard and is 
in a closed or gear restricted area as designated in paragraph (c)(2) of 
this section or a monitoring area designated in paragraph (c)(3) of this 
section that has been closed, it is a rebuttable presumption that any 
fish on board such a vessel were taken with pelagic or bottom longline 
gear in the area except where such possession is aboard a vessel 
transiting such an area with all fishing gear stowed appropriately. 
Longline gear is stowed appropriately if all gangions and hooks are 
disconnected from the mainline and are stowed on or below deck, hooks 
are not baited, and all buoys and weights are disconnected from the 
mainline and drum (buoys may remain on deck).
    (3) When a marine mammal or sea turtle is hooked or entangled by 
pelagic or bottom longline gear, the operator of the vessel must 
immediately release the animal, retrieve the pelagic or bottom longline 
gear, and move at least 1 nm (2 km) from the location of the incident 
before resuming fishing. Similarly, when a smalltooth sawfish is hooked 
or entangled by bottom longline gear, the operator of the vessel must 
immediately release the animal, retrieve the bottom longline gear, and 
move at least 1 nm (2 km) from the location of the incident before 
resuming fishing. Reports of marine mammal entanglements must be 
submitted to NMFS consistent with regulations in Sec. 229.6 of this 
title.
    (4) Vessels that have pelagic or bottom longline gear on board and 
that have been issued, or are required to have been issued, a permit 
under this part must have only corrodible hooks on board.
    (c) Pelagic longlines. (1) If a vessel issued or required to be 
issued a permit under this part:
    (i) Has bottom longline gear on board and is in a closed or gear 
restricted area designated under paragraph (c)(2) of this section or is 
in a monitoring area designated under paragraph (c)(3) of this section 
that has been closed, the vessel may not, at any time, possess or land 
any pelagic species listed in table 2 of appendix A to this part in 
excess of 5 percent, by weight, of the total weight of pelagic and 
demersal species possessed or landed, that are listed in tables 2 and 3 
of appendix A to this part.
    (ii) Has pelagic longline gear on board, persons aboard that vessel 
may not possess, retain, transship, land, sell, or store silky sharks, 
oceanic whitetip sharks, or scalloped, smooth, or great hammerhead 
sharks.
    (iii) Has pelagic longline gear on board, persons aboard that vessel 
are required to release unharmed, to the extent practicable, porbeagle 
sharks that are alive at the time of haulback.
    (iv) Has pelagic longline gear on board, persons aboard that vessel 
are required to promptly release in a manner that causes the least harm 
any shortfin mako shark that is alive at the time of haulback, 
consistent with the requirements specified at paragraphs (a)(1) and 
(c)(6)(i) of this section. When the commercial retention limit specified 
at Sec. 635.24(a)(4)(v) is greater than zero, any shortfin mako shark 
that is dead at the time of haulback may be retained provided the 
electronic monitoring system is installed and functioning in compliance 
with the requirements at Sec. 635.9.
    (2) If pelagic longline gear is on board a vessel issued or required 
to be issued a LAP under this part, persons aboard that vessel may not 
fish or deploy any type of fishing gear:
    (i) In the Charleston Bump closed area from February 1 through April 
30 each calendar year;
    (ii) In the East Florida Coast closed area at any time;
    (iii) In the Desoto Canyon closed area at any time;
    (iv) In the NED at any time, unless persons onboard the vessel 
comply with the following:
    (A) The vessel is limited to possessing onboard and/or using only 
18/0 or larger circle hooks with an offset not to exceed 10 degrees. The 
outer diameter of the circle hook at its widest point must be no smaller 
than 2.16 inches (55 mm) when measured with the eye on the hook on the 
vertical axis (y-axis) and perpendicular to the horizontal axis (x-
axis), and the distance between the circle hook point and the shank 
(i.e., the gap) must be no larger than 1.13 inches (28.8 mm). The 
allowable offset is measured from the

[[Page 524]]

barbed end of the hook and is relative to the parallel plane of the 
eyed-end, or shank, of the hook when laid on its side. The only 
allowable offset circle hooks are those that are offset by the hook 
manufacturer. If green-stick gear, as defined at Sec. 635.2, is 
onboard, a vessel may possess up to 20 J-hooks. J-hooks may be used only 
with green-stick gear, and no more than 10 hooks may be used at one time 
with each green-stick gear. J-hooks used with green-stick gear may be no 
smaller than 1.5 inch (38.1 mm) when measured in a straight line over 
the longest distance from the eye to any other part of the hook; and,
    (B) The vessel is limited, at all times, to possessing onboard and/
or using only whole Atlantic mackerel and/or squid bait, except that 
artificial bait may be possessed and used only with green-stick gear, as 
defined at Sec. 635.2, if green-stick gear is onboard; and,
    (C) Vessels must possess, inside the wheelhouse, a document provided 
by NMFS entitled, ``Careful Release Protocols for Sea Turtle Release 
with Minimal Injury,'' and must post, inside the wheelhouse, sea turtle 
handling and release guidelines provided by NMFS; and,
    (D) Required sea turtle bycatch mitigation gear, which NMFS has 
approved under paragraph (c)(5)(iv) of this section, on the initial list 
of ``NMFS-Approved Models For Equipment Needed For The Careful Release 
of Sea Turtles Caught In Hook And Line Fisheries,'' must be carried 
onboard, and must be used in accordance with the handling requirements 
specified in paragraphs (c)(2)(iv)(E) through (G) of this section; and,
    (E) Sea turtle bycatch mitigation gear, specified in paragraph 
(c)(2)(iv)(D) of this section, must be used to disengage any hooked or 
entangled sea turtles that cannot be brought on board, and to facilitate 
access, safe handling, disentanglement, and hook removal or hook cutting 
from sea turtles that can be brought on board, where feasible. Sea 
turtles must be handled, and bycatch mitigation gear must be used, in 
accordance with the careful release protocols and handling/release 
guidelines specified in paragraph (c)(2)(iv)(C) of this section, and in 
accordance with the onboard handling and resuscitation requirements 
specified in Sec. 223.206(d)(1) of this title.
    (F) Boated turtles: When practicable, active and comatose sea 
turtles must be brought on board, with a minimum of injury, using a 
dipnet approved on the initial list specified in paragraph (c)(2)(iv)(D) 
of this section. All turtles less than 3 ft. (.91 m) carapace length 
should be boated, if sea conditions permit. A boated turtle should be 
placed on a standard automobile tire, or cushioned surface, in an 
upright orientation to immobilize it and facilitate gear removal. Then, 
it should be determined if the hook can be removed without causing 
further injury. All externally embedded hooks should be removed, unless 
hook removal would result in further injury to the turtle. No attempt to 
remove a hook should be made if the hook has been swallowed and the 
insertion point is not visible, or if it is determined that removal 
would result in further injury. If a hook cannot be removed, as much 
line as possible should be removed from the turtle using approved 
monofilament line cutters from the initial list specified in paragraph 
(c)(2)(iv)(D) of this section, and the hook should be cut as close as 
possible to the insertion point, using bolt cutters from that list, 
before releasing the turtle. If a hook can be removed, an effective 
technique may be to cut off either the barb, or the eye, of the hook 
using bolt cutters, and then to slide the hook out. When the hook is 
visible in the front of the mouth, an approved mouth-opener from the 
initial list specified in paragraph (c)(2)(iv)(D) of this section may 
facilitate opening the turtle's mouth, and an approved gag from that 
list may facilitate keeping the mouth open. Short-handled dehookers for 
ingested hooks, long-nose pliers, or needle-nose pliers from the initial 
list specified in paragraph (c)(2)(iv)(D) of this section should be used 
to remove visible hooks that have not been swallowed from the mouth of 
boated turtles, as appropriate. As much gear as possible must be removed 
from the turtle without causing further injury prior to its release. 
Refer to the careful release protocols and handling/release guidelines 
required in paragraph (c)(2)(iv)(C) of this section, and

[[Page 525]]

the handling and resuscitation requirements specified in Sec. 
223.206(d)(1) of this title, for additional information.
    (G) Non-boated turtles: If a sea turtle is too large, or hooked in a 
manner that precludes safe boating without causing further damage or 
injury to the turtle, sea turtle bycatch mitigation gear, specified in 
paragraph (c)(2)(iv)(D) of this section, must be used to disentangle sea 
turtles from fishing gear and disengage any hooks, or to clip the line 
and remove as much line as possible from a hook that cannot be removed, 
prior to releasing the turtle, in accordance with the protocols 
specified in paragraph (c)(2)(iv)(C) of this section. Non-boated turtles 
should be brought close to the boat and provided with time to calm down. 
Then, it must be determined whether or not the hook can be removed 
without causing further injury. A front flipper or flippers of the 
turtle must be secured, if possible, with an approved turtle control 
device from the list specified in paragraph (c)(2)(iv)(D) of this 
section. All externally embedded hooks must be removed, unless hook 
removal would result in further injury to the turtle. No attempt should 
be made to remove a hook if it has been swallowed, or if it is 
determined that removal would result in further injury. If the hook 
cannot be removed and/or if the animal is entangled, as much line as 
possible must be removed prior to release, using an approved line cutter 
from the list specified in paragraph (c)(2)(iv)(D) of this section. If 
the hook can be removed, it must be removed using a long-handled 
dehooker from the initial list specified in paragraph (c)(2)(iv)(D) of 
this section. Without causing further injury, as much gear as possible 
must be removed from the turtle prior to its release. Refer to the 
careful release protocols and handling/release guidelines required in 
paragraph (c)(2)(iv)(C) of this section, and the handling and 
resuscitation requirements specified in Sec. 223.206(d)(1) of this 
title, for additional information.
    (3) From April 2, 2020 to December 31, 2022, a vessel issued or 
required to be issued a LAP under this part may fish with pelagic 
longline gear in the Northeastern United States Pelagic Longline 
Monitoring Area during the month of June or in the Spring Gulf of Mexico 
Pelagic Longline Monitoring Area during the months of April and May 
until the annual IBQ allocation threshold for the monitoring area has 
been reached or is projected to be reached. The annual IBQ allocation 
threshold is 150,519 lb for the Northeastern United States Pelagic 
Longline Monitoring Area, and 63,150 lb for the Spring Gulf of Mexico 
Pelagic Longline Monitoring Area. If between April 2, 2020 and December 
31, 2022, the U.S. allocation of ICCAT bluefin tuna quota codified at 
Sec. 635.27(a) is reduced, and the BFT Longline category quota 
established at Sec. 635.26 (a)(3) is subsequently reduced, the annual 
IBQ allocation thresholds for each monitoring area will be modified as 
follows: The Gulf of Mexico threshold will be 55 percent of the Gulf of 
Mexico regional designation as defined at Sec. 635.15 (b)(2) and 72 
percent of the Atlantic regional designation as defined at Sec. 635.15 
(b)(2). When the relevant threshold is reached, or is projected to be 
reached, NMFS will file for publication with the Office of the Federal 
Register a closure for that monitoring area, which will be effective no 
fewer than five days from date of filing. From the effective date and 
time of the closure forward, vessels issued or required to be issued a 
LAP under this part and that have pelagic longline gear on board are 
prohibited from deploying pelagic longline gear within the boundaries of 
the relevant monitoring area during the months specified for that area 
in this paragraph above. After December 31, 2022, if no closure of a 
particular monitoring area has been implemented under the provisions of 
this paragraph, vessels with pelagic longline gear on board may continue 
to deploy pelagic longline gear in that area; if a closure has been 
issued for a particular monitoring area under the provisions of this 
paragraph, vessels with pelagic longline gear on board will continue to 
be prohibited from deploying pelagic longline gear in that area.
    (4) In the Gulf of Mexico, pelagic longline gear may not be fished 
or deployed from a vessel issued or required to have been issued a LAP 
under this part with live bait affixed to the hooks; and, a person 
aboard a vessel issued or

[[Page 526]]

required to have been issued a LAP under this part that has pelagic 
longline gear on board may not possess live baitfish, maintain live 
baitfish in any tank or well on board the vessel, or set up or attach an 
aeration or water circulation device in or to any such tank or well. For 
the purposes of this section, the Gulf of Mexico includes all waters of 
the U.S. EEZ west and north of the boundary stipulated at 50 CFR 
600.105(c).
    (5) The operator of a vessel permitted or required to be permitted 
under this part and that has pelagic longline gear on board must 
undertake the following sea turtle bycatch mitigation measures:
    (i) Possession and use of required mitigation gear. Required sea 
turtle bycatch mitigation gear, which NMFS has approved under paragraph 
(c)(5)(iv) of this section as meeting the minimum design standards 
specified in paragraphs (c)(5)(i)(A) through (M) of this section, must 
be carried onboard, and must be used to disengage any hooked or 
entangled sea turtles in accordance with the handling requirements 
specified in paragraph (c)(5)(ii) of this section.
    (A) Long-handled line clipper or cutter. Line cutters are intended 
to cut high test monofilament line as close as possible to the hook, and 
assist in removing line from entangled sea turtles to minimize any 
remaining gear upon release. NMFS has established minimum design 
standards for the line cutters, which may be purchased or fabricated 
from readily available and low-cost materials. The LaForce line cutter 
and the Arceneaux line clipper are models that meet these minimum design 
standards. One long-handled line clipper or cutter meeting the minimum 
design standards, and a set of replacement blades, are required to be 
onboard. The minimum design standards for line cutters are as follows:
    (1) A protected and secured cutting blade. The cutting blade(s) must 
be capable of cutting 2.0-2.1 mm (0.078 in.-0.083 in.) monofilament line 
(400-lb test) or polypropylene multistrand material, known as braided or 
tarred mainline, and must be maintained in working order. The cutting 
blade must be curved, recessed, contained in a holder, or otherwise 
designed to facilitate its safe use so that direct contact between the 
cutting surface and the sea turtle or the user is prevented. The cutting 
instrument must be securely attached to an extended reach handle and be 
easily replaceable. One extra set of replacement blades meeting these 
standards must also be carried on board to replace all cutting surfaces 
on the line cutter or clipper.
    (2) An extended reach handle. The line cutter blade(s) must be 
securely fastened to an extended reach handle or pole with a minimum 
length equal to, or greater than, 150 percent of the height of the 
vessel's freeboard, or 6 feet (1.83 m), whichever is greater. It is 
recommended, but not required, that the handle break down into sections. 
There is no restriction on the type of material used to construct this 
handle as long as it is sturdy and facilitates the secure attachment of 
the cutting blade.
    (B) Long-handled dehooker for ingested hooks. A long-handled 
dehooking device is intended to remove ingested hooks from sea turtles 
that cannot be boated. It should also be used to engage a loose hook 
when a turtle is entangled but not hooked, and line is being removed. 
The design must shield the barb of the hook and prevent it from re-
engaging during the removal process. One long-handled device, meeting 
the minimum design standards, is required onboard to remove ingested 
hooks. The minimum design standards are as follows:
    (1) Hook removal device. The hook removal device must be constructed 
of 5/16-inch (7.94 mm) 316 L stainless steel and have a dehooking end no 
larger than 1-7/8-inches (4.76 cm) outside diameter. The device must 
securely engage and control the leader while shielding the barb to 
prevent the hook from re-engaging during removal. It may not have any 
unprotected terminal points (including blunt ones), as these could cause 
injury to the esophagus during hook removal. The device must be of a 
size appropriate to secure the range of hook sizes and styles used in 
the pelagic longline fishery targeting swordfish and tuna.
    (2) Extended reach handle. The dehooking end must be securely 
fastened to an extended reach handle or

[[Page 527]]

pole with a minimum length equal to or greater than 150 percent of the 
height of the vessel's freeboard, or 6 ft. (1.83 m), whichever is 
greater. It is recommended, but not required, that the handle break down 
into sections. The handle must be sturdy and strong enough to facilitate 
the secure attachment of the hook removal device.
    (C) Long-handled dehooker for external hooks. A long-handled 
dehooker, meeting the minimum design standards, is required onboard for 
use on externally-hooked sea turtles that cannot be boated. The long-
handled dehooker for ingested hooks described in paragraph (c)(5)(i)(B) 
of this section would meet this requirement. The minimum design 
standards are as follows:
    (1) Construction. A long-handled dehooker must be constructed of 5/
16-inch (7.94 mm) 316 L stainless steel rod. A 5-inch (12.7-cm) tube T-
handle of 1-inch (2.54 cm) outside diameter is recommended, but not 
required. The design should be such that a fish hook can be rotated out, 
without pulling it out at an angle. The dehooking end must be blunt with 
all edges rounded. The device must be of a size appropriate to secure 
the range of hook sizes and styles used in the pelagic longline fishery 
targeting swordfish and tuna.
    (2) Extended reach handle. The handle must be a minimum length equal 
to the height of the vessel's freeboard or 6 ft. (1.83 m), whichever is 
greater.
    (D) Long-handled device to pull an ``inverted V.'' This tool is used 
to pull a ``V'' in the fishing line when implementing the ``inverted V'' 
dehooking technique, as described in the document entitled ``Careful 
Release Protocols for Sea Turtle Release With Minimal Injury,'' required 
under paragraph (a)(3) of this section, for disentangling and dehooking 
entangled sea turtles. One long-handled device to pull an ``inverted 
V'', meeting the minimum design standards, is required onboard. If a 6-
ft (1.83 m) J-style dehooker is used to comply with paragraph 
(c)(5)(i)(C) of this section, it will also satisfy this requirement. 
Minimum design standards are as follows:
    (1) Hook end. This device, such as a standard boat hook or gaff, 
must be constructed of stainless steel or aluminum. A sharp point, such 
as on a gaff hook, is to be used only for holding the monofilament 
fishing line and should never contact the sea turtle.
    (2) Extended reach handle. The handle must have a minimum length 
equal to the height of the vessel's freeboard, or 6 ft. (1.83 m), 
whichever is greater. The handle must be sturdy and strong enough to 
facilitate the secure attachment of the gaff hook.
    (E) Dipnet. One dipnet, meeting the minimum design standards, is 
required onboard. Dipnets are to be used to facilitate safe handling of 
sea turtles by allowing them to be brought onboard for fishing gear 
removal, without causing further injury to the animal. Turtles must not 
be brought onboard without the use of a dipnet. The minimum design 
standards for dipnets are as follows:
    (1) Size of dipnet. The dipnet must have a sturdy net hoop of at 
least 31 inches (78.74 cm) inside diameter and a bag depth of at least 
38 inches (96.52 cm) to accommodate turtles below 3 ft. (0.914 m) 
carapace length. The bag mesh openings may not exceed 3 inches (7.62 
cm). There must be no sharp edges or burrs on the hoop, or where the 
hoop is attached to the handle.
    (2) Extended reach handle. The dipnet hoop must be securely fastened 
to an extended reach handle or pole with a minimum length equal to, or 
greater than, 150 percent of the height of the vessel's freeboard, or at 
least 6 ft (1.83 m), whichever is greater. The handle must made of a 
rigid material strong enough to facilitate the sturdy attachment of the 
net hoop and able to support a minimum of 100 lbs (34.1 kg) without 
breaking or significant bending or distortion. It is recommended, but 
not required, that the extended reach handle break down into sections.
    (F) Tire. A minimum of one tire is required onboard for supporting a 
turtle in an upright orientation while it is onboard, although an 
assortment of sizes is recommended to accommodate a range of turtle 
sizes. The required tire must be a standard passenger vehicle tire, and 
must be free of exposed steel belts.
    (G) Short-handled dehooker for ingested hooks. One short-handled 
device, meeting the minimum design standards, is required onboard for 
removing ingested

[[Page 528]]

hooks. This dehooker is designed to remove ingested hooks from boated 
sea turtles. It can also be used on external hooks or hooks in the front 
of the mouth. Minimum design standards are as follows:
    (1) Hook removal device. The hook removal device must be constructed 
of \1/4\-inch (6.35 mm) 316 L stainless steel, and must allow the hook 
to be secured and the barb shielded without re-engaging during the 
removal process. It must be no larger than \15/16\ inch (3.33 cm) 
outside diameter. It may not have any unprotected terminal points 
(including blunt ones), as this could cause injury to the esophagus 
during hook removal. A sliding PVC bite block must be used to protect 
the beak and facilitate hook removal if the turtle bites down on the 
dehooking device. The bite block should be constructed of a \3/4\-inch 
(1.91 cm) inside diameter high impact plastic cylinder (e.g., Schedule 
80 PVC) that is 10 inches (25.4 cm) long to allow for 5 inches (12.7 cm) 
of slide along the shaft. The device must be of a size appropriate to 
secure the range of hook sizes and styles used in the pelagic longline 
fishery targeting swordfish and tuna.
    (2) Handle length. The handle should be approximately 16-24 inches 
(40.64 cm-60.69 cm) in length, with approximately a 5-inch (12.7 cm) 
long tube T-handle of approximately 1 inch (2.54 cm) in diameter.
    (H)  external hooks. One short-handled dehooker for external hooks, 
meeting the minimum design standards, is required onboard. The short-
handled dehooker for ingested hooks required to comply with paragraph 
(c)(5)(i)(G) of this section will also satisfy this requirement. Minimum 
design standards are as follows:
    (1) Hook removal device. The dehooker must be constructed of \5/16\-
inch (7.94 cm) 316 L stainless steel, and the design must be such that a 
hook can be rotated out without pulling it out at an angle. The 
dehooking end must be blunt, and all edges rounded. The device must be 
of a size appropriate to secure the range of hook sizes and styles used 
in the pelagic longline fishery targeting swordfish and tuna.
    (2) Handle length. The handle should be approximately 16-24 inches 
(40.64 cm-60.69 cm) long with approximately a 5-inch (12.7 cm) long tube 
T-handle of approximately 1 inch (2.54 cm) in diameter.
    (I) Long-nose or needle-nose pliers. One pair of long-nose or 
needle-nose pliers, meeting the minimum design standards, is required on 
board. Required long-nose or needle-nose pliers can be used to remove 
deeply embedded hooks from the turtle's flesh that must be twisted 
during removal. They can also hold PVC splice couplings, when used as 
mouth openers, in place. To meet the minimum design standards such 
pliers must generally be approximately 12 inches (30.48 cm) in length, 
and should be constructed of stainless steel material.
    (J) Bolt cutters. One pair of bolt cutters, meeting the minimum 
design standards, is required on board. Required bolt cutters may be 
used to cut hooks to facilitate their removal. They should be used to 
cut off the eye or barb of a hook, so that it can safely be pushed 
through a sea turtle without causing further injury. They should also be 
used to cut off as much of the hook as possible, when the remainder of 
the hook cannot be removed. To meet the minimum design standards such 
bolt cutters must generally be approximately 17 inches (43.18 cm) in 
total length, with 4-inch (10.16 cm) long blades that are 2\1/4\ inches 
(5.72 cm) wide, when closed, and with 13-inch (33.02 cm) long handles. 
Required bolt cutters must be able to cut hard metals, such as stainless 
or carbon steel hooks, up to \1/4\-inch (6.35 mm) diameter.
    (K) Monofilament line cutters. One pair of monofilament line cutters 
is required on board. Required monofilament line cutters must be used to 
remove fishing line as close to the eye of the hook as possible, if the 
hook is swallowed or cannot be removed. To meet the minimum design 
standards such monofilament line cutters must generally be approximately 
7\1/2\ inches (19.05 cm) in length. The blades must be 1 in (4.45 cm) in 
length and \5/8\-in (1.59 cm) wide, when closed, and are recommended to 
be coated with Teflon (a trademark owned by E.I. DuPont de Nemours and 
Company Corp.).

[[Page 529]]

    (L) Mouth openers/mouth gags. Required mouth openers and mouth gags 
are used to open sea turtle mouths, and to keep them open when removing 
ingested hooks from boated turtles. They must allow access to the hook 
or line without causing further injury to the turtle. Design standards 
are included in the item descriptions. At least two of the seven 
different types of mouth openers/gags described below are required:
    (1) A block of hard wood. Placed in the corner of the jaw, a block 
of hard wood may be used to gag open a turtle's mouth. A smooth block of 
hard wood of a type that does not splinter (e.g. maple) with rounded 
edges should be sanded smooth, if necessary, and soaked in water to 
soften the wood. The dimensions should be approximately 11 inches (27.94 
cm) 1 inch (2.54 cm) 1 inch (2.54 cm). A long-handled, wire shoe brush 
with a wooden handle, and with the wires removed, is an inexpensive, 
effective and practical mouth-opening device that meets these 
requirements.
    (2) A set of three canine mouth gags. Canine mouth gags are highly 
recommended to hold a turtle's mouth open, because the gag locks into an 
open position to allow for hands-free operation after it is in place. A 
set of canine mouth gags must include one of each of the following 
sizes: small (5 inches) (12.7 cm), medium (6 inches) (15.24 cm), and 
large (7 inches) (17.78 cm). They must be constructed of stainless 
steel. A 1-inch (4.45 cm) piece of vinyl tubing (\3/4\-inch (1.91 cm) 
outside diameter and \5/8\-inch (1.59 cm) inside diameter) must be 
placed over the ends to protect the turtle's beak.
    (3) A set of two sturdy dog chew bones. Placed in the corner of a 
turtle's jaw, canine chew bones are used to gag open a sea turtle's 
mouth. Required canine chews must be constructed of durable nylon, 
zylene resin, or thermoplastic polymer, and strong enough to withstand 
biting without splintering. To accommodate a variety of turtle beak 
sizes, a set must include one large (5\1/2\-8 inches (13.97 cm-20.32 cm) 
in length), and one small (3\1/2\-4\1/2\ inches (8.89 cm-11.43 cm) in 
length) canine chew bones.
    (4) A set of two rope loops covered with hose. A set of two rope 
loops covered with a piece of hose can be used as a mouth opener, and to 
keep a turtle's mouth open during hook and/or line removal. A required 
set consists of two 3-foot (0.91 m) lengths of poly braid rope (\3/8\-
inch (9.52 mm) diameter suggested), each covered with an 8-inch (20.32 
cm) section of \1/2\-inch (1.27 cm) or \3/4\-inch (1.91 cm) light-duty 
garden hose, and each tied into a loop. The upper loop of rope covered 
with hose is secured on the upper beak to give control with one hand, 
and the second piece of rope covered with hose is secured on the lower 
beak to give control with the user's foot.
    (5) A hank of rope. Placed in the corner of a turtle's jaw, a hank 
of rope can be used to gag open a sea turtle's mouth. A 6-foot (1.83 m) 
lanyard of approximately \3/16\-inch (4.76 mm) braided nylon rope may be 
folded to create a hank, or looped bundle, of rope. Any size soft-
braided nylon rope is allowed, however it must create a hank of 
approximately 2-4 inches (5.08 cm-10.16 cm) in thickness.
    (6) A set of four PVC splice couplings. PVC splice couplings can be 
positioned inside a turtle's mouth to allow access to the back of the 
mouth for hook and line removal. They are to be held in place with the 
needle-nose pliers. To ensure proper fit and access, a required set must 
consist of the following Schedule 40 PVC splice coupling sizes: 1 inch 
(2.54 cm), 1\1/4\ inch (3.18 cm), 1\1/2\ inch (3.81 cm), and 2 inches 
(5.08 cm).
    (7) A large avian oral speculum. A large avian oral speculum 
provides the ability to hold a turtle's mouth open and to control the 
head with one hand, while removing a hook with the other hand. The avian 
oral speculum must be 9-inches (22.86 cm) long, and constructed of \3/
16\-inch (4.76 mm) wire diameter surgical stainless steel (Type 304). It 
must be covered with 8 inches (20.32 cm) of clear vinyl tubing (\5/16\-
inch (7.9 mm) outside diameter, \3/16\-inch (4.76 mm) inside diameter).
    (M) Turtle control devices. One turtle control device, as described 
in paragraph (c)(5)(i)(M)(1) or (2) of this section, and meeting the 
minimum design standards, is required onboard and must be used to secure 
a front flipper

[[Page 530]]

of the sea turtle so that the animal can be controlled at the side of 
the vessel. It is strongly recommended that a pair of turtle control 
devices be used to secure both front flippers when crew size and 
conditions allow. Minimum design standards consist of:
    (1) Turtle tether and extended reach handle. Approximately 15-20 
feet of \1/2\-inch hard lay negative buoyance line is used to make an 
approximately 30-inch loop to slip over the flipper. The line is fed 
through a \3/4\-inch fair lead, eyelet, or eyebolt at the working end of 
a pole and through a \3/4\-inch eyelet or eyebolt in the midsection. A 
\1/2\-inch quick release cleat holds the line in place near the end of 
the pole. A final \3/4\-inch eyelet or eyebolt should be positioned 
approximately 7-inches behind the cleat to secure the line, while 
allowing a safe working distance to avoid injury when releasing the line 
from the cleat. The line must be securely fastened to an extended reach 
handle or pole with a minimum length equal to, or greater than, 150 
percent of the height of the vessel's freeboard, or a minimum of 6 feet 
(1.83 m), whichever is greater. There is no restriction on the type of 
material used to construct this handle, as long as it is sturdy. The 
handle must include a tag line to attach the tether to the vessel to 
prevent the turtle from breaking away with the tether still attached.
    (2) T&G ninja sticks and extended reach handles. Approximately 30-35 
feet of \1/2\-inch to \5/8\-inch soft lay polypropylene or nylon line or 
similar is fed through 2 PVC conduit, fiberglass, or similar sturdy 
poles and knotted using an overhand (recommended) knot at the end of 
both poles or otherwise secured. There should be approximately 18-24 
inches of exposed rope between the poles to be used as a working surface 
to capture and secure the flipper. Knot the line at the ends of both 
poles to prevent line slippage if they are not otherwise secured. The 
remaining line is used to tether the apparatus to the boat unless an 
additional tag line is used. Two lengths of sunlight resistant \3/4\-
inch schedule 40 PVC electrical conduit, fiberglass, aluminum, or 
similar material should be used to construct the apparatus with a 
minimum length equal to, or greater than, 150 percent of the height of 
the vessel's freeboard, or 6 feet (1.83 m), whichever is greater.
    (ii) Handling and release requirements. (A) Sea turtle bycatch 
mitigation gear, as required by paragraphs (c)(5)(i)(A) through (D) of 
this section, must be used to disengage any hooked or entangled sea 
turtles that cannot be brought onboard. Sea turtle bycatch mitigation 
gear, as required by paragraphs (c)(5)(i)(E) through (M) of this 
section, must be used to facilitate access, safe handling, 
disentanglement, and hook removal or hook cutting of sea turtles that 
can be brought onboard, where feasible. Sea turtles must be handled, and 
bycatch mitigation gear must be used, in accordance with the careful 
release protocols and handling/release guidelines specified in paragraph 
(a)(3) of this section, and in accordance with the onboard handling and 
resuscitation requirements specified in Sec. 223.206(d)(1) of this 
title.
    (B) Boated turtles. When practicable, active and comatose sea 
turtles must be brought on board, with a minimum of injury, using a 
dipnet as required by paragraph (c)(5)(i)(E) of this section. All 
turtles less than 3 ft. (.91 m) carapace length should be boated, if sea 
conditions permit.
    (1) A boated turtle should be placed on a standard automobile tire, 
or cushioned surface, in an upright orientation to immobilize it and 
facilitate gear removal. Then, it should be determined if the hook can 
be removed without causing further injury.
    (2) All externally embedded hooks should be removed, unless hook 
removal would result in further injury to the turtle. No attempt to 
remove a hook should be made if it has been swallowed and the insertion 
point is not visible, or if it is determined that removal would result 
in further injury.
    (3) If a hook cannot be removed, as much line as possible should be 
removed from the turtle using monofilament cutters as required by 
paragraph (c)(5)(i) of this section, and the hook should be cut as close 
as possible to the insertion point before releasing the turtle, using 
boltcutters as required by paragraph (c)(5)(i) of this section.

[[Page 531]]

    (4) If a hook can be removed, an effective technique may be to cut 
off either the barb, or the eye, of the hook using bolt cutters, and 
then to slide the hook out. When the hook is visible in the front of the 
mouth, a mouth-opener, as required by paragraph (c)(5)(i) of this 
section, may facilitate opening the turtle's mouth and a gag may 
facilitate keeping the mouth open. Short-handled dehookers for ingested 
hooks, long-nose pliers, or needle-nose pliers, as required by paragraph 
(c)(5)(i) of this section, should be used to remove visible hooks from 
the mouth that have not been swallowed on boated turtles, as 
appropriate.
    (5) As much gear as possible must be removed from the turtle without 
causing further injury prior to its release. Refer to the careful 
release protocols and handling/release guidelines required in paragraph 
(a)(3) of this section, and the handling and resuscitation requirements 
specified in Sec. 223.206(d)(1) of this title, for additional 
information.
    (C) Non-boated turtles. If a sea turtle is too large, or hooked in a 
manner that precludes safe boating without causing further damage or 
injury to the turtle, sea turtle bycatch mitigation gear required by 
paragraphs (c)(5)(i)(A) through (D) of this section must be used to 
disentangle sea turtles from fishing gear and disengage any hooks, or to 
clip the line and remove as much line as possible from a hook that 
cannot be removed, prior to releasing the turtle, in accordance with the 
protocols specified in paragraph (a)(3) of this section.
    (1) Non-boated turtles should be brought close to the boat and 
provided with time to calm down. Then, it must be determined whether or 
not the hook can be removed without causing further injury. A front 
flipper or flippers of the turtle must be secured with an approved 
turtle control device from the list specified in paragraph (c)(2)(iv)(D) 
of this section.
    (2) All externally embedded hooks must be removed, unless hook 
removal would result in further injury to the turtle. No attempt should 
be made to remove a hook if it has been swallowed, or if it is 
determined that removal would result in further injury. If the hook 
cannot be removed and/or if the animal is entangled, as much line as 
possible must be removed prior to release, using a line cutter as 
required by paragraph (c)(5)(i) of this section. If the hook can be 
removed, it must be removed using a long-handled dehooker as required by 
paragraph (c)(5)(i) of this section.
    (3) Without causing further injury, as much gear as possible must be 
removed from the turtle prior to its release. Refer to the careful 
release protocols and handling/release guidelines required in paragraph 
(a)(3) of this section, and the handling and resuscitation requirements 
specified in Sec. 223.206(d)(1) for additional information.
    (iii) Gear modifications. The following measures are required of 
vessel operators to reduce the incidental capture and mortality of sea 
turtles:
    (A) Gangion length. The length of any gangion on vessels that have 
pelagic longline gear on board and that have been issued, or are 
required to have, a swordfish, shark, or Atlantic Tunas Longline 
category LAP for use in the Atlantic Ocean including the Caribbean Sea 
and the Gulf of Mexico must be at least 10 percent longer than any 
floatline length if the total length of any gangion plus the total 
length of any floatline is less than 100 meters.
    (B) Bait. Vessels fishing outside of the NED, as defined at Sec. 
635.2, that have pelagic longline gear on board, and that have been 
issued or are required to be issued a LAP under this part, are limited, 
at all times, to possessing on board and/or using only whole finfish 
and/or squid bait except that if green-stick gear is also on board, 
artificial bait may be possessed, but may be used only with green-stick 
gear.
    (C) Hook size and type. Vessels fishing outside of the NED, as 
defined at Sec. 635.2, that have pelagic longline gear on board, and 
that have been issued or are required to be issued a LAP under this part 
are limited, at all times, to possessing on board and/or using only 16/0 
or larger non-offset circle hooks or 18/0 or larger circle hooks with an 
offset not to exceed 10[deg]. These hooks must meet the criteria listed 
in paragraphs

[[Page 532]]

(c)(5)(iii)(C)(1) through (3) of this section. A limited exception for 
the possession and use of J-hooks when green-stick gear is on board is 
described in paragraph (c)(5)(iii)(C)(4) of this section.
    (1) For the 18/0 or larger circle hooks with an offset not to exceed 
10[deg], the outer diameter of an 18/0 circle hook at its widest point 
must be no smaller than 2.16 inches (55 mm), when measured with the eye 
of the hook on the vertical axis (y-axis) and perpendicular to the 
horizontal axis (x-axis). The distance between the hook point and the 
shank (i.e., the gap) on an 18/0 circle hook must be no larger than 1.13 
inches (28.8 mm). The allowable offset is measured from the barbed end 
of the hook, and is relative to the parallel plane of the eyed-end, or 
shank, of the hook when laid on its side. The only allowable offset 
circle hooks are those that are offset by the hook manufacturer.
    (2) For the 16/0 or larger non-offset circle hooks, the outer 
diameter of a 16/0 circle hook at its widest point must be no smaller 
than 1.74 inches (44.3 mm), when measured with the eye of the hook on 
the vertical axis (y-axis) and perpendicular to the horizontal axis (x-
axis). The distance between the hook point and the shank (i.e., the gap) 
on a 16/0 circle hook must be no larger than 1.01 inches (25.8 mm).
    (3) Between the months of January through June of any given calendar 
year in the Gulf of Mexico, all circle hooks must also be constructed of 
corrodible round wire stock that is no larger than 3.65 mm in diameter. 
For the purposes of this section, the Gulf of Mexico includes all waters 
of the U.S. EEZ west and north of the boundary stipulated at 50 CFR 
600.105(c).
    (4) If green-stick gear, as defined at Sec. 635.2, is also on 
board, a vessel that has pelagic longline gear on board, may possess up 
to 20 J-hooks. J-hooks may be used only with green-stick gear, and no 
more than 10 hooks may be used at one time with each green-stick gear. 
J-hooks used with green-stick gear may be no smaller than 1.5 inch (38.1 
mm) when measured in a straight line over the longest distance from the 
eye to any other part of the hook.
    (iv) Approval of sea turtle bycatch mitigation gear. NMFS will file 
with the Office of the Federal Register for publication an initial list 
of required sea turtle bycatch mitigation gear that NMFS has approved as 
meeting the minimum design standards specified under paragraph (c)(5)(i) 
of this section. Other devices proposed for use, such as line clippers 
or cutters or dehookers, as specified under paragraphs (c)(5)(i)(A) 
through (C), (G), and (H) through (K) of this section, must be approved 
as meeting the minimum design standards before being used. NMFS will 
examine new devices, as they become available, to determine if they meet 
the minimum design standards, and will file with the Office of the 
Federal Register for publication notification of any new devices that 
are approved as meeting the standards.
    (6) The owner or operator of a vessel permitted or required to be 
permitted under this part and that has pelagic longline gear on board 
must undertake the following shark bycatch mitigation measures:
    (i) Handling and release requirements. As safely as practicable, any 
hooked or entangled sharks that are not being retained must be released 
using dehookers or line clippers or cutters. If using a line clipper or 
cutter, the gangion must be cut so that less than three feet (91.4 cm) 
of line remains attached to the hook.
    (ii) Fleet communication and relocation protocol. The owner or 
operator of any vessel that catches a dusky shark must, as quickly as 
practicable, broadcast the location of the dusky shark interaction over 
the radio to other fishing vessels in the surrounding area. Subsequent 
fishing sets by that vessel on that trip must be at least 1 nmi from the 
reported location of the dusky shark catch. Vessel owners and operators 
are encouraged to move the vessel further away than 1 nmi if conditions 
(e.g., water temperature, depth, tide, etc.) indicate that moving a 
greater distance is warranted to avoid additional dusky shark 
interactions.
    (d) Bottom longlines. (1) If bottom longline gear is onboard a 
vessel issued a permit under this part, persons aboard that vessel may 
not fish or deploy any type of fishing gear in the following areas:

[[Page 533]]

    (i) The mid-Atlantic shark closed area from January 1 through July 
31 each calendar year;
    (ii) The areas designated at Sec. 622.435(a)(2)(i) through (iii) of 
this chapter, year-round; and
    (iii) The areas described in paragraphs (d)(1)(iii)(A) through (H) 
of this section, year-round.
    (A) Snowy Grouper Wreck. Bounded by rhumb lines connecting, in 
order, the following points: 33[deg]25[min] N. lat., 77[deg]04.75[min] 
W. long.; 33[deg]34.75[min] N. lat., 76[deg]51.3[min] W. long.; 
33[deg]25.5[min] N. lat., 76[deg]46.5[min] W. long.; 33[deg]15.75[min] 
N. lat., 77[deg]00.0[min] W. long.; 33[deg]25[min] N. lat., 
77[deg]04.75[min] W. long.
    (B) Northern South Carolina. Bounded on the north by 
32[deg]53.5[min] N. lat.; on the south by 32[deg]48.5[min] N. lat.; on 
the east by 78[deg]04.75[min] W. long.; and on the west by 
78[deg]16.75[min] W. long.
    (C) Edisto. Bounded on the north by 32[deg]24[min] N. lat.; on the 
south by 32[deg]18.5[min] N. lat.; on the east by 78[deg]54.0[min] W. 
long.; and on the west by 79[deg]06.0[min] W. long.
    (D) Charleston Deep Artificial Reef. Bounded by rhumb lines 
connecting, in order, the following points: 32[deg]05.04[min] N lat. 
79[deg]13.575[min] W long.; 32[deg]9.65[min] N lat., 79[deg]9.2[min] W 
long.; 32[deg]7.155[min] N lat., 79[deg]5.595[min] W long.; 
32[deg]2.36[min] N lat., 79[deg]9.975[min] W long.; 32[deg]5.04[min] N 
lat., 79[deg]13.575[min] W long.
    (E) Georgia. Bounded by rhumb lines connecting, in order, the 
following points: 31[deg]43[min] N. lat., 79[deg]31[min] W. long.; 
31[deg]43[min] N. lat., 79[deg]21[min] W. long.; 31[deg]34[min] N. lat., 
79[deg]29[min] W. long.; 31[deg]34[min] N. lat., 79[deg]39[min] W. long; 
31[deg]43[min] N. lat., 79[deg]31[min] W. long.
    (F) North Florida. Bounded on the north by 30[deg]29[min] N. lat.; 
on the south by 30[deg]19[min] N. lat.; on the east by 80[deg]02[min] W. 
long.; and on the west by 80[deg]14[min] W. long.
    (G) St. Lucie Hump. Bounded on the north by 27[deg]08[min] N. lat.; 
on the south by 27[deg]04[min] N. lat.; on the east by 79[deg]58[min] W. 
long.; and on the west by 80[deg]00[min] W. long.
    (H) East Hump. Bounded by rhumb lines connecting, in order, the 
following points: 24[deg]36.5[min] N. lat., 80[deg]45.5[min] W. long.; 
24[deg]32[min] N. lat., 80[deg]36[min] W. long; 24[deg]27.5[min] N. 
lat., 80[deg]38.5[min] W. long; 24[deg]32.5[min] N. lat., 80[deg]48[min] 
W. long.; 24[deg]36.5[min] N. lat., 80[deg]45.5[min] W. long.
    (2) The operator of a vessel required to be permitted under this 
part and that has bottom longline gear on board must undertake the 
following bycatch mitigation measures:
    (i) Possession and use of required mitigation gear. The equipment 
listed in paragraph (c)(5)(i) of this section must be carried on board 
and must be used to handle, release, and disentangle hooked or entangled 
sea turtles, prohibited sharks, or smalltooth sawfish in accordance with 
requirements specified in paragraph (d)(2)(ii) of this section.
    (ii) Handling and release requirements. Sea turtle bycatch 
mitigation gear, as required by paragraph (d)(2)(i) of this section, 
must be used to disengage any hooked or entangled sea turtle as stated 
in paragraph (c)(5)(ii) of this section. This mitigation gear should 
also be employed to disengage any hooked or entangled species of 
prohibited sharks as listed under heading D, Prohibited Sharks, of Table 
1 of appendix A to this part, any hooked or entangled species of sharks 
that exceed the retention limits as specified in Sec. 635.24(a), and 
any hooked or entangled smalltooth sawfish. In addition, if a smalltooth 
sawfish is caught, the fish should be kept in the water while 
maintaining water flow over the gills and the fish should be examined 
for research tags. All smalltooth sawfish must be released in a manner 
that will ensure maximum probability of survival, but without removing 
the fish from the water or any research tags from the fish.
    (iii) Fleet communication and relocation protocol. The owner or 
operator of any vessel that catches a dusky shark must, as quickly as 
practicable, broadcast the location of the dusky shark interaction over 
the radio to other fishing vessels in the surrounding area. Subsequent 
fishing sets by that vessel on that trip must be at least 1 nmi from the 
reported location of the dusky shark catch. Vessel owners and operators 
are encouraged to move the vessel further away than 1 nmi if conditions 
(e.g., water temperature, depth, tide, etc.) indicate that moving a 
greater distance is warranted to avoid additional dusky shark 
interactions.
    (3) If a vessel issued or required to be issued a permit under this 
part is in a closed area designated under paragraph (d)(1) of this 
section and has pelagic longline gear onboard, the vessel may not, at 
any time, possess or land any

[[Page 534]]

demersal species listed in Table 3 of Appendix A to this part in excess 
of 5 percent, by weight, of the total weight of pelagic and demersal 
species possessed or landed, that are listed in Tables 2 and 3 of 
Appendix A to this part.
    (4) Vessels that have bottom longline gear on board and that have 
been issued, or are required to have been issued, a directed shark 
limited access permit under Sec. 635.4(e) must have only circle hooks 
as defined at Sec. 635.2 on board.
    (5) If a vessel issued or required to be issued a permit under this 
part has bottom longline gear on board persons aboard that vessel are 
required to promptly release in a manner that causes the least harm, any 
shortfin mako shark that is alive at the time of haulback.
    (e) Rod and reel. (1) Persons who have been issued or are required 
to be issued a permit under this part and who are participating in a 
``tournament,'' as defined in Sec. 635.2, that bestows points, prizes, 
or awards for Atlantic billfish must deploy only non-offset circle hooks 
when using natural bait or natural bait/artificial lure combinations, 
and may not deploy a J-hook or an offset circle hook in combination with 
natural bait or a natural bait/artificial lure combination.
    (2) A person on board a vessel that has been issued or is required 
to be issued a permit with a shark endorsement under this part and who 
is participating in an HMS registered tournament that bestows points, 
prizes, or awards for Atlantic sharks must deploy only non-offset, 
corrodible circle hooks when fishing for, retaining, possessing, or 
landing sharks, except when fishing with flies or artificial lures.
    (3) A person on board a vessel that has been issued or is required 
to be issued an HMS Angling permit with a shark endorsement or an HMS 
Charter/Headboat permit with a shark endorsement must deploy only non-
offset, corrodible circle hooks when fishing for, retaining, possessing, 
or landing sharks, except when fishing with flies or artificial lures.
    (f) Gillnet. (1) Persons fishing with gillnet gear must comply with 
the provisions implementing the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction 
Plan, the Bottlenose Dolphin Take Reduction Plan, the Harbor Porpoise 
Take Reduction Plan, and any other relevant Take Reduction Plan set 
forth in Sec. Sec. 229.32 through 229.35 of this title. If a listed 
whale is taken, the vessel operator must cease fishing operations 
immediately and contact NMFS as required under part 229 of this title.
    (2) While fishing with a drift gillnet, a vessel issued or required 
to be issued a Federal Atlantic commercial shark LAP and/or a Federal 
commercial smoothhound permit must conduct net checks at least every 2 
hours to look for and remove any sea turtles, marine mammals, Atlantic 
sturgeon, or smalltooth sawfish, and the drift gillnet must remain 
attached to at least one vessel at one end, except during net checks. 
Smalltooth sawfish must not be removed from the water while being 
removed from the net.
    (3) While fishing with a sink gillnet, vessels issued or required to 
be issued a Federal Atlantic commercial shark LAP and/or a Federal 
commercial smoothhound permit must limit the soak time of the sink 
gillnet gear to no more than 24 hours, measured from the time the sink 
gillnet first enters the water to the time it is completely removed from 
the water. Smalltooth sawfish must not be removed from the water while 
being removed from the net.
    (4) No person may fish for sharks with a gillnet with a total length 
of 2.5 km or more. No vessel may have on board a gillnet with a total 
length of 2.5 km or more.
    (5) Fleet communication and relocation protocol. The owner or 
operator of any vessel issued or required to be issued a Federal 
Atlantic commercial shark limited access permit that catches a dusky 
shark must, as quickly as practicable, broadcast the location of the 
dusky shark interaction over the radio to other fishing vessels in the 
surrounding area. Subsequent fishing sets by that vessel that trip must 
be at least 1 nmi from the reported location of the dusky shark catch. 
Vessel owners and operators are encouraged to move the vessel further 
away than 1 nmi if conditions (e.g., water temperature, depth, tide, 
etc.) indicate that moving a greater distance is warranted

[[Page 535]]

to avoid additional dusky shark interactions.
    (6) If a vessel issued or required to be issued a permit under this 
part has gillnet gear onboard, persons aboard that vessel are required 
to promptly release in a manner that causes the least harm any shortfin 
mako shark that is alive at the time of haulback.
    (g) Buoy gear. Vessels utilizing buoy gear may not possess or deploy 
more than 35 floatation devices, and may not deploy more than 35 
individual buoy gears per vessel. Buoy gear must be constructed and 
deployed so that the hooks and/or gangions are attached to the vertical 
portion of the mainline. Floatation devices may be attached to one but 
not both ends of the mainline, and no hooks or gangions may be attached 
to any floatation device or horizontal portion of the mainline. If more 
than one floatation device is attached to a buoy gear, no hook or 
gangion may be attached to the mainline between them. Individual buoy 
gears may not be linked, clipped, or connected together in any way. Buoy 
gears must be released and retrieved by hand. All deployed buoy gear 
must have some type of monitoring equipment affixed to it including, but 
not limited to, radar reflectors, beeper devices, lights, or reflective 
tape. If only reflective tape is affixed, the vessel deploying the buoy 
gear must possess on board an operable spotlight capable of illuminating 
deployed floatation devices. If a gear monitoring device is positively 
buoyant, and rigged to be attached to a fishing gear, it is included in 
the 35 floatation device vessel limit and must be marked appropriately.
    (h) Speargun fishing gear. Speargun fishing gear may only be 
utilized when recreational fishing for Atlantic BAYS tunas and only from 
vessels issued either a valid HMS Angling or valid HMS Charter/Headboat 
permit. Persons fishing for Atlantic BAYS tunas using speargun gear, as 
specified in Sec. 635.19, must be physically in the water when the 
speargun is fired or discharged, and may freedive, use SCUBA, or other 
underwater breathing devices. Only free-swimming BAYS tunas, not those 
restricted by fishing lines or other means, may be taken by speargun 
fishing gear. ``Powerheads,'' as defined at Sec. 600.10 of this 
chapter, or any other explosive devices, may not be used to harvest or 
fish for BAYS tunas with speargun fishing gear.
    (i) Green-stick gear. Green-stick gear may only be utilized when 
fishing from vessels issued a valid Atlantic Tunas General, Swordfish 
General Commercial, HMS Charter/Headboat, or Atlantic Tunas Longline 
category permit. The gear must be attached to the vessel, actively 
trolled with the mainline at or above the water's surface, and may not 
be deployed with more than 10 hooks or gangions attached.
    (j) Handline. (1) A person on board a vessel that has been issued or 
is required to be issued a permit with a shark endorsement under this 
part and who is participating in an HMS registered tournament that 
bestows points, prizes, or awards for Atlantic sharks must deploy only 
non-offset, corrodible circle hooks when fishing for, retaining, 
possessing, or landing sharks, except when fishing with flies or 
artificial lures.
    (2) A person on board a vessel that has been issued or is required 
to be issued an HMS Angling permit with a shark endorsement or a person 
on board a vessel with an HMS Charter/Headboat permit with a shark 
endorsement must deploy only non-offset, corrodible circle hooks when 
fishing for, retaining, possessing, or landing, except when fishing with 
flies or artificial lures.

[79 FR 71594, Dec. 2, 2014, as amended at 80 FR 60567, Oct. 7, 2015; 80 
FR 73145, Nov. 24, 2015; 81 FR 57806, Aug. 24, 2016; 82 FR 16507, Apr. 
4, 2017; 83 FR 33154, July 17, 2018; 84 FR 5376, Feb. 21, 2019; 85 FR 
18841, Apr. 2, 2020; 85 FR 65479, Oct. 16, 2020; 87 FR 11324, Mar. 1, 
2022; 87 FR 39382, July 1, 2022; 87 FR 60004, Oct. 3, 2022]



Sec. 635.22  Recreational retention limits.

    (a) General. (1) Atlantic HMS caught, possessed, retained, or landed 
under these recreational limits may not be sold or transferred to any 
person for a commercial purpose. Recreational retention limits apply to 
a longbill spearfish taken or possessed shoreward of the outer boundary 
of the Atlantic EEZ, to a shark taken from or possessed in the Atlantic 
Ocean including the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea,

[[Page 536]]

to a North Atlantic swordfish taken from or possessed in the Atlantic 
Ocean, and to bluefin and yellowfin tuna taken from or possessed in the 
Atlantic Ocean. The operator of a vessel for which a retention limit 
applies is responsible for the vessel retention limit and for the 
cumulative retention limit based on the number of persons aboard. 
Federal recreational retention limits may not be combined with any 
recreational retention limit applicable in state waters.
    (2) Vessels issued an Atlantic Tunas General category permit under 
Sec. 635.4(d) that are participating in an HMS registered tournament, 
vessels issued an HMS Angling category permit under Sec. 635.4(c), or 
vessels issued an HMS Charter/Headboat permit under Sec. 635.4(b) may 
not retain, possess, or land oceanic whitetip sharks or scalloped, 
smooth, or great hammerhead sharks if swordfish, tuna, or billfish are 
retained or possessed on board, or offloaded from, the vessel. Such 
vessels also may not retain, possess, or land swordfish, tuna, or 
billfish if oceanic whitetip sharks, or scalloped, smooth, or great 
hammerhead sharks are retained or possessed on board, or offloaded from, 
the vessel.
    (3) Vessels issued an Atlantic Tunas General category permit under 
Sec. 635.4(d) that are participating in an HMS registered tournament, 
vessels issued a Swordfish General commercial permit under Sec. 
635.4(f) that are participating in an HMS registered tournament, vessels 
issued a HMS Angling category permit under Sec. 635.4(c), or vessels 
issued an HMS Charter/Headboat permit under Sec. 635.4(b) are required 
to release unharmed, to the extent practicable, porbeagle sharks that 
are alive at the time of haulback if swordfish, tuna, or billfish are 
retained or possessed on board, or offloaded from, the vessel during 
that trip.
    (b) Billfish. No longbill spearfish from the management unit may be 
taken, retained, or possessed shoreward of the outer boundary of the 
EEZ.
    (c) Sharks. (1) The recreational retention limit for sharks applies 
to any person who fishes in any manner on a vessel that has been issued 
or is required to have been issued a permit with a shark endorsement, 
except as noted in paragraph (c)(7) of this section. The retention limit 
can change depending on the species being caught and the size limit 
under which they are being caught as specified under Sec. 635.20(e). A 
person on board a vessel that has been issued or is required to be 
issued a permit with a shark endorsement under Sec. 635.4 is required 
to use non-offset, corrodible circle hooks as specified in Sec. 
635.21(e) and (j) in order to retain sharks per the retention limits 
specified in this section.
    (2) Only one shark from the following list may be retained per 
vessel per trip, subject to the size limits described in Sec. 
635.20(e)(2) and (4): Atlantic blacktip, Gulf of Mexico blacktip, bull, 
great hammerhead, scalloped hammerhead, smooth hammerhead, lemon, nurse, 
spinner, tiger, blue, common thresher, oceanic whitetip, porbeagle, 
Atlantic sharpnose, finetooth, Atlantic blacknose, Gulf of Mexico 
blacknose, and bonnethead.
    (3) In addition to the sharks listed under paragraph (c)(2) of this 
section, one Atlantic sharpnose shark and one bonnethead shark may be 
retained per person per trip, subject to the size limits described in 
Sec. 635.20(e)(3).
    (4) No prohibited sharks, including parts or pieces of prohibited 
sharks, which are listed in section D of Table 1 of Appendix A to this 
part, may be retained regardless of where harvested.
    (5) Sharks listed in Table 1 of appendix A to this part that are not 
listed in this section, must be released by persons aboard a vessel that 
has not been issued a Federal Atlantic commercial shark vessel permit 
under Sec. 635.4(e).
    (6) The smoothhound sharks listed in Section E of Table 1 of 
Appendix A to this part may be retained and are subject only to the size 
limits described in Sec. 635.20(e)(5).
    (7) For persons on board vessels issued both a commercial shark 
permit and a permit with a shark endorsement, the recreational retention 
limit and sale prohibition applies for shortfin mako sharks at all 
times, even when the commercial pelagic shark quota is open. If such 
vessels retain a shortfin mako shark under the recreational retention 
limit, all other sharks retained by such vessels may only be retained 
under the applicable

[[Page 537]]

recreational retention limits and may not be sold. If a commercial 
Atlantic shark quota is closed under Sec. 635.28(b), the recreational 
retention limit for sharks and no sale provision in paragraph (a) of 
this section will be applied to persons aboard a vessel issued a Federal 
Atlantic commercial shark vessel permit under Sec. 635.4(e), if that 
vessel has also been issued a permit with a shark endorsement under 
Sec. 635.4(b) and is engaged in a for-hire fishing trip or is 
participating in a registered HMS tournament per Sec. 635.4(c)(2).
    (8) At the start of each fishing year, the default shortfin mako 
shark retention limit of zero sharks per vessel per trip will apply. 
During the fishing year, NMFS may adjust the default shortfin mako shark 
trip limit per the inseason trip limit adjustment criteria listed in 
Sec. 635.24(a)(8). Any retention within the trip limit is subject to 
the size limits described in Sec. 635.20(e)(6).
    (d) Yellowfin tuna. Three yellowfin tunas per person per day may be 
retained. Regardless of the length of a trip, no more than three 
yellowfin tuna per person may be possessed on board a vessel. The 
recreational retention limit for yellowfin tuna applies to a person who 
fishes in any manner, except to a person aboard a vessel issued an 
Atlantic Tunas vessel permit under Sec. 635.4(d). The recreational 
retention limit for yellowfin tuna applies to persons, including captain 
and crew, aboard a vessel that has been issued an Atlantic HMS Charter/
Headboat permit under Sec. 635.4(b) only when the vessel is engaged in 
a for-hire trip.
    (e) Bluefin tuna. Refer to Sec. 635.23 for Atlantic bluefin tuna 
recreational retention limits.
    (f) North Atlantic swordfish. The recreational retention limits for 
North Atlantic swordfish apply to persons who fish in any manner, except 
to persons aboard a vessel that has been issued an HMS Charter/Headboat 
permit with a commercial sale endorsement under Sec. 635.4(b) and only 
when on a non for-hire trip; a directed, incidental or handgear 
swordfish LAP under Sec. 635.4(e) and (f); a Swordfish General 
Commercial permit under Sec. 635.4(f); an Incidental HMS Squid Trawl 
permit under Sec. 635.4(n); or an HMS Commercial Caribbean Small boat 
permit under Sec. 635.4(o).
    (1) When on a for-hire trip as defined at Sec. 635.2, vessels 
issued an HMS Charter/Headboat permit under Sec. 635.4(b), that are 
charter boats as defined under Sec. 600.10 of this chapter, may retain, 
possess, or land no more than one North Atlantic swordfish per paying 
passenger and up to six North Atlantic swordfish per vessel per trip. 
When such vessels have been issued a commercial sale endorsement and are 
on a non for-hire trip, they must comply with the commercial retention 
limits for swordfish specified at Sec. 635.24(b)(4).
    (2) When on a for-hire trip as defined at Sec. 635.2, vessels 
issued an HMS Charter/Headboat permit under Sec. 635.4(b), that are 
headboats as defined under Sec. 600.10 of this chapter, may retain, 
possess, or land no more than one North Atlantic swordfish per paying 
passenger and up to 15 North Atlantic swordfish per vessel per trip. 
When such vessels have been issued a commercial sale endorsement and are 
on a non for-hire trip, they may land no more than the commercial 
retention limits for swordfish specified at Sec. 635.24(b)(4).
    (3) Vessels issued an HMS Angling category permit under Sec. 
635.4(c), may retain, possess, or land no more than one North Atlantic 
swordfish per person and up to four North Atlantic swordfish per vessel 
per trip.

[64 FR 29135, May 28, 1999]

    Editorial Note: For Federal Register citations affecting Sec. 
635.22, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the 
Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.



Sec. 635.23  Retention limits for bluefin tuna.

    The retention limits in this section are subject to the quotas and 
closure provisions in Sec. Sec. 635.27 and 635.28.
    (a) General category. (1) No person aboard a vessel that has an 
Atlantic Tunas General category permit may possess, retain, land, or 
sell a BFT in the school, large school, or small medium size class.
    (2) On an RFD, no person aboard a vessel that has been issued an 
Atlantic Tunas General category permit may fish for, possess, retain, 
land, or sell a

[[Page 538]]

BFT of any size class, and catch-and-release or tag-and-release fishing 
for BFT under Sec. 635.26(a) is not authorized from such vessel. On 
days other than RFDs, and when the General category is open, large 
medium or giant BFT may be caught and landed from such vessels up to the 
daily retention limit in effect for that day. NMFS will annually publish 
a schedule of RFDs in the Federal Register.
    (3) Regardless of the length of a trip, no more than a single day's 
retention limit of large medium or giant BFT may be possessed or 
retained aboard a vessel that has an Atlantic Tunas General category 
permit. On days other than RFDs, when the General category is open, no 
person aboard such vessel may continue to fish, and the vessel must 
immediately proceed to port, once the applicable limit for large medium 
or giant BFT is retained.
    (4) To provide for maximum utilization of the quota for BFT, and as 
allowed under paragraph (a)(2) of this section, NMFS may increase or 
decrease the daily retention limit of large medium and giant BFT over a 
range from zero (on RFDs) to a maximum of five per vessel. Such increase 
or decrease will be based on the criteria provided under Sec. 
635.27(a)(7). NMFS will adjust the daily retention limit by filing an 
adjustment with the Office of the Federal Register for publication. 
Previously designated RFDs may be waived effective upon closure of the 
General category fishery so that persons aboard vessels permitted in the 
General category may conduct tag-and-release fishing for BFT under Sec. 
635.26(a).
    (b) Angling category. BFT may be retained and landed under the daily 
limits and quotas applicable to the Angling category by persons aboard 
vessels issued an HMS Angling permit as follows:
    (1) Large medium and giant BFT. (i) No large medium or giant BFT may 
be retained, possessed, landed, or sold in the Gulf of Mexico, except 
one per vessel per year may be landed if caught incidentally to fishing 
for other species.
    (ii) One per vessel per year may be retained, possessed, and landed 
outside the Gulf of Mexico.
    (iii) When a large medium or giant BFT has been caught and retained 
under this paragraph (b)(1), no person aboard the vessel may continue to 
fish, the vessel must immediately proceed to port, and no such BFT may 
be sold or transferred to any person for a commercial purpose.
    (2) School, large school, or small medium BFT. (i) No school, large 
school, or small medium BFT may be retained, possessed, landed, or sold 
in the Gulf of Mexico.
    (ii) One school, large school, or small medium BFT per vessel per 
day may be retained, possessed, or landed outside the Gulf of Mexico. 
Regardless of the length of a trip, no more than a single day's 
allowable catch of school, large school, or small medium BFT may be 
possessed or retained.
    (3) Changes to retention limits. To provide for maximum utilization 
of the quota for BFT over the longest period of time, NMFS may increase 
or decrease the retention limit for any size class of BFT, or change a 
vessel trip limit to an angler trip limit and vice versa. Such increase 
or decrease in retention limit will be based on the criteria provided 
under Sec. 635.27(a)(7). The retention limits may be adjusted 
separately for persons aboard a specific vessel type, such as private 
vessels, headboats, or charter boats. NMFS will adjust the daily 
retention limit specified in paragraph (b)(2) of this section by filing 
an adjustment with the Office of the Federal Register for publication.
    (c) HMS Charter/Headboat. Persons aboard a vessel issued an HMS 
Charter/Headboat permit may retain and land BFT under the daily limits 
and quotas applicable to the Angling category or the General category as 
follows:
    (1) When fishing in the Gulf of Mexico, the restrictions and 
retention limits applicable to the Angling category specified in 
paragraph (b)(1) of this section apply.
    (2) When fishing other than in the Gulf of Mexico when the fishery 
for the General category is closed or on an RFD, the restrictions and 
retention limits applicable to the Angling category specified in 
paragraphs (b)(1) through (b)(3) of this section apply.

[[Page 539]]

    (3) When fishing other than in the Gulf of Mexico when the General 
category fishery is open and not on an RFD, a person aboard a vessel 
that has been issued an HMS Charter/Headboat permit with a commercial 
sale endorsement may fish under either the General category restrictions 
and retention limits as specified in paragraphs (a)(1) through (3) of 
this section or the Angling category restrictions and retention limits 
as specified in paragraphs (b)(1) through (3) of this section. The size 
category of the first BFT retained will determine whether the General 
category or Angling category restrictions and retention limits apply to 
the vessel that day.
    (4) When fishing other than in the Gulf of Mexico when the General 
category fishery is open and not on an RFD, a person aboard a vessel 
that has been issued an HMS Charter/Headboat permit without a commercial 
sale endorsement permit may only fish for, possess, retain, or land BFT 
under the Angling category restrictions and retention limits as 
specified in paragraphs (b)(1) through (3) of this section.
    (d) Harpoon category. (1) Persons aboard a vessel permitted in the 
Atlantic Tunas Harpoon category may retain, possess, or land no more 
than 10 large medium and giant BFT, combined, per vessel per day. The 
incidental catch of large medium BFT is limited as specified in 
paragraph (d)(2) of this section. NMFS may increase or decrease the 
overall daily retention limit of large medium and giant BFT, combined, 
per vessel per day over a range of 5 to a maximum of 10 fish per vessel 
per day. Such increase or decrease will be based upon the criteria under 
Sec. 635.27(a)(7). NMFS will adjust the daily retention limit by filing 
an adjustment with the Office of the Federal Register for publication.
    (2) Persons aboard a vessel permitted in the Atlantic Tunas Harpoon 
category may retain, possess, or land an incidental catch of no more 
than two large medium BFT per vessel per day, unless adjusted. NMFS may 
increase or decrease the incidental daily catch limit through an 
inseason adjustment over a range of two to a maximum of four, large 
medium BFT per vessel per day, based upon the criteria under Sec. 
635.27(a)(7).
    (3) Regardless of the length of a trip, no more than a single day's 
retention limit of large medium or giant BFT may be possessed or 
retained aboard a vessel that has an Atlantic Tunas Harpoon category 
permit.
    (e) Longline category. Persons aboard a vessel permitted in the 
Atlantic Tunas Longline category are subject to the BFT retention 
restrictions in paragraphs (e)(1) through (e)(3) of this section.
    (1) A vessel fishing with pelagic longline gear may retain, possess, 
land and sell large medium and giant bluefin tuna taken incidentally 
when fishing for other species if in compliance with all the IBQ 
requirements of Sec. 635.15, including the requirement that a vessel 
may not declare into or depart on a fishing trip with pelagic longline 
onboard unless it has the required minimum bluefin tuna IBQ allocation 
required for the region where fishing activity will occur.
    (2) A vessel with pelagic longline gear onboard must retain and land 
all dead large medium or giant BFT.
    (3) A vessel permitted in the Atlantic Tunas Longline LAP category 
may retain, possess, land, and sell one large medium or giant BFT 
incidentally caught with green-stick gear per trip, if the vessel is in 
compliance with all the IBQ requirements of Sec. 635.15, including the 
VMS set report requirement (Sec. 635.69(e)(4)), and IBQ allocation and 
usage requirements (Sec. 635.15(b)).
    (f) Trap category. Persons aboard a vessel permitted in the Atlantic 
Tunas Trap category may retain, possess, land, and sell each fishing 
year only one large medium or giant BFT that is taken incidentally while 
fishing for other species with a pound net or fish weir. No other 
Atlantic tunas caught in a pound net or fish weir may be retained.

[64 FR 29135, May 28, 1999, as amended at 65 FR 42887, July 12, 2000; 67 
FR 77438, Dec. 18, 2002; 68 FR 32417, May 30, 2003; 68 FR 56788, Oct. 2, 
2003; 68 FR 74511, Dec. 24, 2003; 69 FR 40758, July 6, 2004; 70 FR 
10900, Mar. 7, 2005; 71 FR 58169, Oct. 2, 2006; 76 FR 39031, July 5, 
2011; 76 FR 74009, Nov. 30, 2011; 79 FR 71601, Dec. 2, 2014; 82 FR 
57550, Dec. 6, 2017; 83 FR 33156, July 17, 2018; 86 FR 43428, Aug. 9, 
2021; 87 FR 60004, Oct. 3, 2022]

[[Page 540]]



Sec. 635.24  Commercial retention limits for sharks, swordfish, and BAYS tunas.

    The retention limits in this section are subject to the quotas and 
closure provisions in Sec. Sec. 635.27 and 635.28, and the gear 
operation and deployment restrictions in Sec. 635.21.
    (a) Sharks. (1) A person who owns or operates a vessel that has been 
issued a valid shark research permit under Sec. 635.32(f) and who has a 
NMFS-approved observer on board may retain, possess, or land LCS, 
including sandbar sharks, in excess of the retention limits in 
paragraphs (a)(2) through (6) of this section. The amount of LCS that 
can be landed by such a person will vary as specified on the shark 
research permit. Only a person who owns or operates a vessel issued a 
valid shark research permit with a NMFS-approved observer on board may 
retain, possess, or land sandbar sharks.
    (2) The commercial retention limit for LCS other than sandbar sharks 
for a person who owns or operates a vessel that has been issued a 
directed LAP for sharks and does not have a valid shark research permit, 
or a person who owns or operates a vessel that has been issued a 
directed LAP for sharks and that has been issued a shark research permit 
but does not have a NMFS-approved observer on board, may range between 
zero and 55 LCS other than sandbar sharks per vessel per trip if the 
respective LCS management group(s) is open per Sec. Sec. 635.27 and 
635.28. Such persons may not retain, possess, or land sandbar sharks. At 
the start of each fishing year, the default commercial retention limit 
is 45 LCS other than sandbar sharks per vessel per trip unless NMFS 
determines otherwise and files with the Office of the Federal Register 
for publication notification of an inseason adjustment. During the 
fishing year, NMFS may adjust the retention limit per the inseason trip 
limit adjustment criteria listed in paragraph (a)(8) of this section.
    (3) A person who owns or operates a vessel that has been issued an 
incidental LAP for sharks and does not have a valid shark research 
permit, or a person who owns or operates a vessel that has been issued 
an incidental LAP for sharks and that has been issued a valid shark 
research permit but does not have a NMFS-approved observer on board, may 
retain, possess, or land no more than 3 LCS other than sandbar sharks 
per vessel per trip if the respective LCS management group(s) is open 
per Sec. Sec. 635.27 and 635.28. Such persons may not retain, possess, 
or land sandbar sharks.
    (4) Additional retention limits for sharks. (i) Except as provided 
in Sec. 635.22(c)(7), a person who owns or operates a vessel that has 
been issued a directed shark LAP may retain, possess, land, or sell 
pelagic sharks if the pelagic shark fishery is open per Sec. Sec. 
635.27 and 635.28. Shortfin mako sharks may be retained by persons 
aboard vessels using pelagic longline, bottom longline, or gillnet gear 
only if NMFS has adjusted the commercial retention limit above zero 
pursuant to paragraph (a)(4)(v) of this section and only if the shark is 
dead at the time of haulback and consistent with the provisions of 
Sec. Sec. 635.21(c)(1), (d)(5), and (f)(6) and 635.22(c)(7).
    (ii) A person who owns or operates a vessel that has been issued a 
shark LAP and is operating south of 34[deg]00[min] N. lat. in the 
Atlantic region, as defined at Sec. 635.27(b)(1), may retain, possess, 
land, or sell blacknose and non-blacknose SCS if the respective 
blacknose and non-blacknose SCS management groups are open per 
Sec. Sec. 635.27 and 635.28. Such persons may retain, possess, land, or 
sell no more than 8 blacknose sharks per vessel per trip. A person who 
owns or operates a vessel that has been issued a shark LAP and is 
operating north of 34[deg]00[min] N. lat. in the Atlantic region, as 
defined at Sec. 635.27(b)(1), or a person who owns or operates a vessel 
that has been issued a shark LAP and is operating in the Gulf of Mexico 
region, as defined at Sec. 635.27(b)(1), may not retain, possess, land, 
or sell any blacknose sharks, but may retain, possess, land, or sell 
non-blacknose SCS if the respective non-blacknose SCS management group 
is open per Sec. Sec. 635.27 and 635.28.
    (iii) Consistent with paragraph (a)(4)(ii) of this section, a person 
who owns or operates a vessel that has been issued an incidental shark 
LAP may retain, possess, land, or sell no more

[[Page 541]]

than 16 SCS and pelagic sharks, combined, per vessel per trip, if the 
respective fishery is open per Sec. Sec. 635.27 and 635.28. Of those 16 
SCS and pelagic sharks per vessel per trip, no more than 8 shall be 
blacknose sharks. Shortfin mako sharks may only be retained under the 
commercial retention limits by persons using pelagic longline, bottom 
longline, or gillnet gear only if NMFS has adjusted the commercial 
retention limit above zero pursuant to paragraph (a)(4)(v) of this 
section and only if the shark is dead at the time of haulback and 
consistent with the provisions at Sec. 635.21(c)(1), (d)(5), and 
(f)(6). If the vessel has also been issued a permit with a shark 
endorsement and retains a shortfin mako shark, recreational retention 
limits apply to all sharks retained and none may be sold, per Sec. 
635.22(c)(7).
    (iv) A person who owns, operates, or is aboard a vessel that has 
been issued an HMS Commercial Caribbean Small Boat permit may retain, 
possess, land, or sell any blacktip, bull, lemon, nurse, spinner, tiger, 
Atlantic sharpnose, bonnethead, finetooth, and smoothhound shark, 
subject to the HMS Commercial Caribbean Small Boat permit shark 
retention limit. A person who owns, operates, or is aboard a vessel that 
has been issued an HMS Commercial Caribbean Small Boat permit may not 
retain, possess, land, or sell any hammerhead, blacknose, silky, 
sandbar, blue, thresher, oceanic whitetip, shortfin mako, or prohibited 
shark, including parts or pieces of these sharks. The shark retention 
limit for a person who owns, operates, or is aboard a vessel issued an 
HMS Commercial Caribbean Small Boat permit will range from zero to three 
sharks per vessel per trip. At the start of each fishing year, the 
default shark trip limit will apply. During the fishing year, NMFS may 
adjust the default shark trip limit per the inseason trip limit 
adjustment criteria listed in paragraph (a)(8) of this section. The 
default shark retention limit for the HMS Commercial Caribbean Small 
Boat permit is three sharks per vessel per trip.
    (v) At the start of each fishing year, the default shortfin mako 
shark retention limit of zero sharks will apply. During the fishing 
year, NMFS may adjust the default shortfin mako shark trip limit per the 
inseason trip limit adjustment criteria listed in paragraph (a)(8) of 
this section.
    (5) A person who owns or operates a vessel that has been issued a 
Federal Atlantic commercial shark permit may not retain, possess, land, 
sell, or purchase prohibited sharks, including any parts or pieces of 
prohibited sharks, which are listed in section D of Table 1 of Appendix 
A to this part under prohibited sharks.
    (6) A person who owns or operates a vessel that has been issued a 
Federal Atlantic commercial shark permit, and who decides to retain 
sharks, must retain, subject to the trip limits, all dead, legal-sized, 
non-prohibited sharks that are brought onboard the vessel and cannot 
replace those sharks with sharks of higher quality or size that are 
caught later in the trip. Any fish that are to be released cannot be 
brought onboard the vessel and must be released in the water in a manner 
that maximizes survival.
    (7) A person who owns or operates a vessel that has been issued a 
Federal commercial smoothhound permit may retain, possess, and land 
smoothhound sharks if the smoothhound fishery is open in accordance with 
Sec. Sec. 635.27 and 635.28. Persons aboard a vessel in a trawl fishery 
that has been issued a Federal commercial smoothhound permit and are in 
compliance with all other applicable regulations, may retain, possess, 
land, or sell incidentally-caught smoothhound sharks, but only up to an 
amount that does not exceed 25 percent, by weight, of the total catch on 
board and/or offloaded from the vessel. A vessel is in a trawl fishery 
when it has no commercial fishing gear other than trawls on board and 
when smoothhound sharks constitute no more than 25 percent by weight of 
the total catch on board or offloaded from the vessel.
    (8) Inseason trip limit adjustment criteria. NMFS will file with the 
Office of the Federal Register for publication notification of any 
inseason adjustments to trip limits by region or sub-region. Before 
making any adjustment, NMFS will consider the following criteria and 
other relevant factors:

[[Page 542]]

    (i) The amount of remaining shark quota in the relevant area, 
region, or sub-region, to date, based on dealer reports;
    (ii) The catch rates of the relevant shark species/complexes in the 
region or sub-region, to date, based on dealer reports;
    (iii) Estimated date of fishery closure based on when the landings 
are projected to reach 80 percent of the quota given the realized catch 
rates and whether they are projected to reach 100 percent before the end 
of the fishing season;
    (iv) Effects of the adjustment on accomplishing the objectives of 
the 2006 Consolidated HMS FMP and its amendments;
    (v) Variations in seasonal distribution, abundance, or migratory 
patterns of the relevant shark species based on scientific and fishery-
based knowledge;
    (vi) Effects of catch rates in one part of a region or sub-region 
precluding vessels in another part of that region or sub-region from 
having a reasonable opportunity to harvest a portion of the relevant 
quota; and/or
    (vii) Any shark retention allowance set by ICCAT, the amount of 
remaining allowance, and the expected or reported catch rates of the 
relevant shark species, based on dealer and other harvest reports.
    (9) Notwithstanding other provisions in this subsection, possession, 
retention, transshipment, landing, sale, or storage of silky sharks, 
oceanic whitetip sharks, and scalloped, smooth, and great hammerhead 
sharks is prohibited on vessels issued a permit under this part that 
have pelagic longline gear on board or on vessels issued both an HMS 
Charter/Headboat permit and a commercial shark permit when tuna, 
swordfish or billfish are on board the vessel, offloaded from the 
vessel, or being offloaded from the vessel.
    (10) Notwithstanding other provisions in this paragraph (a), vessels 
issued a permit under this part that have pelagic longline gear on board 
or on vessels issued both an HMS Charter/Headboat permit and a 
commercial shark permit when tuna, swordfish, or billfish are on board 
the vessel, offloaded from the vessel, or being offloaded from the 
vessel, are required to release unharmed, to the extent practicable, 
porbeagle sharks that are alive at the time of haulback.
    (b) Swordfish. (1) Persons aboard a vessel that has been issued an 
incidental LAP for swordfish may retain, possess, land, or sell no more 
than 30 swordfish per trip in or from the Atlantic Ocean north of 5[deg] 
N. lat.
    (2) Persons aboard a vessel in the squid trawl fishery that has been 
issued an Incidental HMS squid trawl permit may retain, possess, land, 
or sell no more than 15 swordfish per trip in or from the Atlantic Ocean 
north of 5[deg] N. lat. A vessel is considered to be in the squid trawl 
fishery when it has no commercial fishing gear other than trawls on 
board and when squid constitute not less than 75 percent by weight of 
the total fish on board or offloaded from the vessel.
    (3) A person who owns, operates, or is aboard a vessel that has been 
issued an HMS Commercial Caribbean Small Boat permit may retain, 
possess, land, or sell North Atlantic swordfish, subject to the HMS 
Commercial Caribbean Small Boat permit swordfish retention limit. The 
swordfish retention limit for a person who owns, operates, or is aboard 
a vessel issued an HMS Commercial Caribbean Small Boat permit will range 
from 0 to 18 swordfish per vessel per trip. At the start of each fishing 
year, the default retention limit will apply. During the fishing year, 
NMFS may adjust the default retention limit per the inseason regional 
retention limit adjustment criteria listed in paragraph (b)(5) of this 
section. The default retention limit for the HMS Commercial Caribbean 
Small Boat permit is eighteen swordfish per vessel per trip.
    (4) A person who owns, operates, or is aboard a vessel that has been 
issued a Swordfish General Commercial permit or an HMS Charter/Headboat 
permit with a commercial sale endorsement (and only when on a non for-
hire trip) are subject to the regional swordfish retention limits 
specified at paragraph (b)(4)(iii) of this section, which may be 
adjusted during the fishing year based upon the inseason regional 
retention limit adjustment criteria listed in paragraph (b)(5) of this 
section.

[[Page 543]]

    (i) Regions. Regional retention limits for swordfish apply in four 
regions. For purposes of this section, these regions are: the Florida 
Swordfish Management Area as defined in Sec. 635.2; the Northwest 
Atlantic region (federal waters along the entire Atlantic coast of the 
United States north of 28[deg]17[min]10[sec] N. latitude); the Gulf of 
Mexico region (any water located in the EEZ in the entire Gulf of Mexico 
west of 82[deg] W. longitude); and the Caribbean region (the U.S. 
territorial waters within the Caribbean as defined in Sec. 622.2 of 
this chapter).
    (ii) Vessels that have been issued a Swordfish General Commercial 
permit or an HMS Charter/Headboat permit with a commercial sale 
endorsement (and only when on a non for-hire trip), as a condition of 
these permits, may not possess, retain, or land any more swordfish than 
is specified for the region in which the vessel is located.
    (iii) Regional retention limits. The swordfish regional retention 
limits for each region will range from 0 to 18 swordfish per vessel per 
trip. At the start of each fishing year, the default regional retention 
limits will apply. During the fishing year, NMFS may adjust the default 
retention limits per the inseason regional retention limit adjustment 
criteria listed in paragraph (b)(5) of this section. The default 
retention limits for the regions set forth under paragraph (b)(4)(i) of 
this section are:
    (A) Zero swordfish per vessel per trip for the Florida Swordfish 
Management Area;
    (B) Eighteen swordfish per vessel per trip for the Caribbean region;
    (C) Eighteen swordfish per vessel per trip for the Northwest 
Atlantic region; and
    (D) Eighteen swordfish per vessel per trip for the Gulf of Mexico 
region.
    (5) NMFS will file with the Office of the Federal Register for 
publication notification of any inseason adjustments to the default 
swordfish retention limits specified at paragraphs (b)(3) and 
(b)(4)(iii) of this section. Before making any inseason adjustments to 
swordfish retention limits, NMFS will consider the following criteria 
and other relevant factors:
    (i) The usefulness of information obtained from biological sampling 
and monitoring of the North Atlantic swordfish stock;
    (ii) The estimated ability of vessels participating in the fishery 
to land the amount of swordfish quota available before the end of the 
fishing year;
    (iii) The estimated amounts by which quotas for other categories of 
the fishery might be exceeded;
    (iv) Effects of the adjustment on accomplishing the objectives of 
the fishery management plan and its amendments;
    (v) Variations in seasonal distribution, abundance, or migration 
patterns of swordfish;
    (vi) Effects of catch rates in one region precluding vessels in 
another region from having a reasonable opportunity to harvest a portion 
of the overall swordfish quota; and
    (vii) Review of dealer reports, landing trends, and the availability 
of swordfish on the fishing grounds.
    (c) BAYS tunas. Persons aboard a vessel that has been issued an HMS 
Commercial Caribbean Small Boat permit under Sec. 635.4 may retain, 
possess, land, or sell no more than 10 BAYS tunas per vessel per trip.

[64 FR 29135, May 28, 1999]

    Editorial Note: For Federal Register citations affecting Sec. 
635.24, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the 
Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.



Sec. 635.25  Fishing areas.

    (a) General. Persons on board fishing vessels subject to the 
jurisdiction of the United States are authorized to fish for, catch, 
retain, or land species governed by an international catch sharing 
agreement implemented under this part only in or from those management 
areas for which the United States has received an allocation.
    (b) Exemptions. Persons and vessels subject to the jurisdiction of 
the United States intending to fish for regulated species in fishing 
areas not otherwise authorized under this part, whether for the purposes 
of scientific research or commercial fishing under a chartering 
arrangement, must have a permit from NMFS issued under Sec. 635.32.

[[Page 544]]

    (c) Atlantic bluefin tuna. No person aboard a U.S. fishing vessel 
shall fish for bluefin tuna in, or possess on board that fishing vessel 
a bluefin tuna taken from, the Mediterranean Sea.

[67 FR 70026, Nov. 20, 2002]



Sec. 635.26  Catch and release.

    (a) BFT. (1) Notwithstanding the other provisions of this part, a 
person aboard a vessel issued a permit under this part, other than a 
person aboard a vessel permitted in the General category on a designated 
RFD, may fish with rod and reel or handline gear for BFT under a catch-
and-release or tag-and-release program. When fishing under a tag-and-
release program, vessel owner/operators should use tags issued or 
approved by NMFS. If a BFT is tagged, the tag information, including 
information on any previously applied tag remaining on the fish, must be 
reported to NMFS. All BFT caught under the catch-and-release or tag-and-
release programs must be returned to the sea immediately with a minimum 
of injury.
    (2) Persons may obtain NMFS-issued conventional tags, reporting 
cards, and detailed instructions for their use from the NMFS Cooperative 
Tagging Center. Persons may use a conventional tag obtained from a 
source other than NMFS to tag BFT, provided the use of such tags is 
registered each year with the Cooperative Tagging Center and the NMFS 
program manager has approved the use of a conventional tag from that 
source. An angler using an alternative source of tags wishing to tag BFT 
may contact the NMFS Cooperative Tagging Center at the Southeast Fishery 
Science Center.
    (3) An angler registering for the HMS tagging program is required to 
provide his or her name, address, phone number and, if applicable, the 
identity of the alternate source of tags.
    (b) Billfish. NMFS is encouraging further catch and release of 
Atlantic billfish by establishing a recreational catch-and-release 
fishery management program, consistent with the guidance of Sec. 
600.350(c).
    (c) Sharks. Notwithstanding the other provisions of this part, a 
person may fish for white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) with rod and 
reel, provided the person releases such fish to the sea immediately with 
a minimum of injury, and that such fish may not be removed from the 
water.

[64 FR 29135, May 28, 1999, as amended at 65 FR 42887, July 12, 2000; 70 
FR 10900, Mar. 7, 2005]



Sec. 635.27  Quotas.

    (a) BFT. Consistent with ICCAT recommendations, and with paragraph 
(a)(9)(iv) of this section, NMFS may subtract the most recent, complete, 
and available estimate of dead discards from the annual U.S. BFT quota, 
and make the remainder available to be retained, possessed, or landed by 
persons and vessels subject to U.S. jurisdiction. The remaining baseline 
annual U.S. BFT quota will be allocated among the General, Angling, 
Harpoon, Longline, Trap, and Reserve categories, as described in this 
section. BFT quotas are specified in whole weight. The baseline annual 
U.S. BFT quota is 1,316.14 mt, not including an additional annual 25-mt 
allocation provided in paragraph (a)(3) of this section. This baseline 
BFT quota is divided among the categories according to the following 
percentages: General--54 percent (710.7 mt); Angling--22.6 percent 
(297.4 mt), which includes the school BFT held in reserve as described 
under paragraph (a)(6)(ii) of this section; Longline--15.9 percent 
(209.3 mt) (i.e., total not including the 25-mt allocation from 
paragraph (a)(3) of this section); Harpoon--4.5 percent (59.2 mt); 
Trap--0.1 percent (1.3 mt); and Reserve--2.9 percent (38.2 mt). NMFS may 
make inseason and annual adjustments to quotas as specified in 
paragraphs (a)(8) and (9) of this section.
    (1) General category quota. (i) Catches from vessels for which 
Atlantic Tunas General category permits have been issued and certain 
catches from vessels for which an HMS Charter/Headboat permit has been 
issued are counted against the General category quota in accordance with 
Sec. 635.23(c)(3). Pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section, the 
amount of large medium and giant BFT that may be caught, retained, 
possessed, landed, or sold under the General category quota is 710.7 mt, 
and is apportioned as follows, unless modified as described under 
paragraph (a)(1)(ii) of this section:

[[Page 545]]

    (A) January 1 through March 31--5.3 percent;
    (B) June 1 through August 31--50 percent;
    (C) September 1 through September 30--26.5 percent;
    (D) October 1 through November 30--13 percent; and
    (E) December 1 through December 31--5.2 percent.
    (ii) NMFS may adjust each period's apportionment based on 
overharvest or underharvest in the prior period, and may transfer 
subquota from one time period to another time period, earlier in the 
year, through inseason action or annual specifications. For example, 
subquota could be transferred from the December 1 through December 31 
time period to the January 1 through March 31 time period; or from the 
October 1 through November 30 time period to the September 1 through 
September 30 time period. This inseason adjustment may occur prior to 
the start of that year. In other words, although subject to the inseason 
criteria under paragraph (a)(7) of this section, the adjustment could 
occur prior to the start of the fishing year. For example, an inseason 
action transferring the 2016 December 1 through December 31 time period 
subquota to the 2016 January 1 through March 31 time period subquota 
could be filed in 2015.
    (iii) When the General category fishery has been closed in any quota 
period specified under paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this section, NMFS will 
publish a closure action as specified in Sec. 635.28. The subsequent 
time-period subquota will automatically open in accordance with the 
dates specified under paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this section.
    (2) Angling category quota. In accordance with the framework 
procedures as described under Sec. 635.34, prior to each fishing year, 
or as early as feasible, NMFS will establish the Angling category daily 
retention limits. In accordance with paragraph (a) of this section, the 
total amount of BFT that may be caught, retained, possessed, and landed 
by anglers aboard vessels for which an HMS Angling permit or an HMS 
Charter/Headboat permit has been issued is 297.4 mt. No more than 3.1 
percent of the annual Angling category quota may be large medium or 
giant BFT. In addition, no more than 10 percent of the baseline annual 
U.S. BFT quota, inclusive of the allocation specified in paragraph 
(a)(3) of this section, may be school BFT. The Angling category quota 
includes the amount of school BFT held in reserve under paragraph 
(a)(6)(ii) of this section. The size class subquotas for BFT are further 
subdivided as follows:
    (i) After adjustment for the school BFT quota held in reserve (under 
paragraph (a)(6)(ii) of this section), 52.8 percent of the school BFT 
Angling category quota may be caught, retained, possessed, or landed 
south of 39[deg]18[min] N. lat. The remaining school BFT Angling 
category quota may be caught, retained, possessed or landed north of 
39[deg]18[min] N. lat.
    (ii) After adjustment (Angling category quota minus school and large 
medium/giant subquotas), resulting in a large school/small medium 
subquota of 154.1 mt, an amount equal to 52.8 percent may be caught, 
retained, possessed, or landed south of 39[deg]18[min] N. lat. The 
remaining large school/small medium BFT Angling category quota may be 
caught, retained, possessed, or landed north of 39[deg]18[min] N. lat.
    (iii) One fourth of the large medium and giant BFT Angling category 
quota may be caught retained, possessed, or landed, in each of the four 
following geographic areas: North of 42[deg] N. lat.; south of 42[deg] 
N. lat. and north of 39[deg]18[min] N. lat.; south of 39[deg]18[min] N. 
lat., and outside of the Gulf of Mexico; and in the Gulf of Mexico 
region. For the purposes of this section, the Gulf of Mexico region 
includes all waters of the U.S. EEZ west and north of the boundary 
stipulated at Sec. 600.105(c) of this chapter.
    (3) Longline category quota. Pursuant to paragraph (a) of this 
section, the total amount of large medium and giant BFT that may be 
caught, discarded dead, or retained, possessed, or landed by vessels 
that possess Atlantic Tunas Longline category permits is 209.3 mt. In 
addition, 25 mt shall be allocated for incidental catch by pelagic 
longline vessels fishing in the NED, and subject to the restrictions 
under Sec. 635.15(b)(6). For purposes of the closure authority under 
Sec. 635.28(a)(1), regional IBQ allocations under Sec. 635.15(c)(3) 
and the BFT catch cap for

[[Page 546]]

fishing in the Gulf of Mexico (Sec. 635.15(c)(3)(iii)) are considered 
quotas.
    (4) Harpoon category quota. The total amount of large medium and 
giant BFT that may be caught, retained, possessed, landed, or sold by 
vessels that possess Atlantic Tunas Harpoon category permits is 59.2 mt. 
The Harpoon category fishery commences on June 1 of each year, and 
closes on November 15 of each year.
    (5) Trap category quota. The total amount of large medium and giant 
BFT, that may be caught, retained, possessed, or landed by vessels that 
possess Atlantic Tunas Trap category permits is 1.3 mt.
    (6) Reserve category quota. (i) The total amount of BFT that is held 
in reserve is 38.2 mt, which may be augmented by allowable underharvest 
from the previous year. Consistent with paragraphs (a)(7) through (a)(9) 
of this section, NMFS may allocate any portion of the Reserve category 
quota for inseason or annual adjustments to any fishing category quota. 
NMFS may also use any portion of the Reserve category quota for 
adjustments to, or appeals of, IBQ allocations (see Sec. 
635.15(e)(1)(i)) and research using quota or subquotas (see Sec. 
635.32).
    (ii) The total amount of school BFT that is held in reserve for 
inseason or annual adjustments and fishery-independent research is 18.5 
percent of the total school BFT Angling category quota as described 
under paragraph (a)(2) of this section. This amount is in addition to 
the amounts specified in paragraph (a)(6)(i) of this section. Consistent 
with paragraph (a)(7) of this section, NMFS may allocate any portion of 
the school BFT Angling category quota held in reserve for inseason or 
annual adjustments to the Angling category.
    (7) Determination criteria. NMFS will file with the Office of the 
Federal Register for publication notification of any inseason or annual 
adjustments. Before making any adjustment, NMFS will consider the 
following criteria and other relevant factors:
    (i) The usefulness of information obtained from catches in the 
particular category for biological sampling and monitoring of the status 
of the stock.
    (ii) The catches of the particular category quota to date and the 
likelihood of closure of that segment of the fishery if no adjustment is 
made.
    (iii) The projected ability of the vessels fishing under the 
particular category quota to harvest the additional amount of BFT before 
the end of the fishing year.
    (iv) The estimated amounts by which quotas for other gear categories 
of the fishery might be exceeded.
    (v) Effects of the adjustment on BFT rebuilding and overfishing.
    (vi) Effects of the adjustment on accomplishing the objectives of 
the fishery management plan.
    (vii) Variations in seasonal distribution, abundance, or migration 
patterns of BFT.
    (viii) Effects of catch rates in one area precluding vessels in 
another area from having a reasonable opportunity to harvest a portion 
of the category's quota.
    (ix) Review of dealer reports, daily landing trends, and the 
availability of the BFT on the fishing grounds.
    (x) Optimize fishing opportunity.
    (xi) Account for dead discards.
    (xii) Facilitate quota accounting.
    (xiii) Support other fishing monitoring programs through quota 
allocations and/or generation of revenue.
    (xiv) Support research through quota allocations and/or generation 
of revenue.
    (8) Inseason adjustments. To be effective for all, or part of a 
fishing year, NMFS may transfer quotas specified under this section, 
among fishing categories or, as appropriate, subcategories, based on the 
criteria in paragraph (a)(7) of this section.
    (9) Annual adjustments. (i) Adjustments to category quotas specified 
under paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(6) of this section may be made in 
accordance with the restrictions of this paragraph and ICCAT 
recommendations. Based on landing, catch statistics, other available 
information, and in consideration of the criteria in paragraph (a)(7) of 
this section, if NMFS determines that a BFT quota for any category or, 
as appropriate, subcategory has been exceeded (overharvest), NMFS may 
subtract all or a portion of the overharvest from that quota category

[[Page 547]]

or subcategory for the following fishing year. If NMFS determines that a 
BFT quota for any category or, as appropriate, subcategory has not been 
reached (underharvest), NMFS may add all or a portion of the 
underharvest to, that quota category or subcategory, and/or the Reserve 
category for the following fishing year. The underharvest that is 
carried forward may not exceed 100 percent of each category's baseline 
allocation specified in paragraph (a) of this section, and the total of 
the adjusted fishing category quotas and the Reserve category quota must 
be consistent with ICCAT recommendations. Although quota may be carried 
over for the Longline category as a whole, IBQ shares and IBQ 
allocations may not be carried over from one year to the next, as 
specified under Sec. 635.15(f).
    (ii) NMFS may allocate any quota remaining in the Reserve category 
at the end of a fishing year to any fishing category, provided such 
allocation is consistent with the determination criteria specified in 
paragraph (a)(7) of this section.
    (iii) Regardless of the estimated landings in any year, NMFS may 
adjust the annual school bluefin tuna quota to ensure compliance with 
the ICCAT-recommended procedures for addressing overharvest of school 
bluefin tuna.
    (iv) NMFS may subtract the best available estimate of dead discards 
from the amount of BFT that can be landed in the subsequent fishing year 
by those categories accounting for the dead discards.
    (v) NMFS will file any annual adjustment with the Office of the 
Federal Register for publication and specify the basis for any quota 
reduction or increases made pursuant to this paragraph (a)(9).
    (b) Sharks--(1) Commercial quotas. The commercial quotas for sharks 
specified in this section apply to all sharks harvested from the 
management unit, regardless of where harvested. Sharks caught and landed 
commercially from state waters, even by fishermen without Federal shark 
permits, must be counted against the appropriate commercial quota. Any 
of the base quotas listed below, including regional and/or sub-regional 
base quotas, may be adjusted per paragraph (b)(2) of this section. Any 
sharks landed commercially as ``unclassified'' will be counted against 
the appropriate quota based on the species composition calculated from 
data collected by observers on non-research trips and/or dealer data. No 
prohibited sharks, including parts or pieces of prohibited sharks, which 
are listed under heading D, Prohibited Sharks, of Table 1 of appendix A 
to this part, may be retained except as authorized under Sec. 635.32. 
For the purposes of this section, the boundary between the Gulf of 
Mexico region and the Atlantic region is defined as a line beginning on 
the east coast of Florida at the mainland at 25[deg]20.4[min] N. lat., 
proceeding due east. Any water and land to the south and west of that 
boundary is considered, for the purposes of quota monitoring and setting 
of quotas, to be within the Gulf of Mexico region. Any water and land to 
the north and east of that boundary, for the purposes of quota 
monitoring and setting of quotas, is considered to be within the 
Atlantic region.
    (i) Commercial quotas that apply only in the Atlantic Region. The 
commercial quotas specified in this paragraph (b)(1)(i) apply only to 
those species of sharks and management groups within the management unit 
that were harvested in the Atlantic region, as defined in paragraph 
(b)(1) of this section.
    (A) Atlantic aggregated LCS. The base annual commercial quota for 
Atlantic aggregated LCS is 168.9 mt dw.
    (B) Atlantic hammerhead sharks. The regional base annual commercial 
quota for hammerhead sharks caught in the Atlantic region is 27.1 mt dw 
(51.7% of the overall base quota established in paragraph (b)(1)(iii) of 
this section).
    (C) Atlantic non-blacknose SCS. The base annual commercial quota for 
Atlantic non-blacknose SCS is 264.1 mt dw.
    (D) Atlantic blacknose sharks. The base annual commercial quota for 
Atlantic blacknose sharks is 17.2 mt dw. Blacknose sharks may only be 
harvested for commercial purposes in the Atlantic region south of 
34[deg]00[min] N. lat. The harvest of blacknose sharks by persons aboard 
a vessel that has been issued or should have been issued a

[[Page 548]]

shark LAP and that is operating north of 34[deg]00[min] N. lat. is 
prohibited.
    (E) Atlantic smoothhound sharks. The base annual commercial quota 
for Atlantic smoothhound sharks is 1,201.7 mt dw.
    (ii) Commercial quotas that apply only in the Gulf of Mexico Region. 
The commercial quotas specified in this paragraph (b)(1)(ii) apply only 
to those species of sharks and management groups within the management 
unit that were harvested in the Gulf of Mexico region, as defined in 
paragraph (b)(1) of this section. The Gulf of Mexico region is further 
split into western and eastern Gulf of Mexico sub-regions by a boundary 
that is drawn along 88[deg]00[min] W. long. All sharks harvested within 
the Gulf of Mexico region in fishing catch areas in waters westward of 
88[deg]00[min] W. long. are considered to be from the western Gulf of 
Mexico sub-region, and all sharks harvested within the Gulf of Mexico 
region in fishing catch areas in waters east of 88[deg]00[min] W. long., 
including within the Caribbean Sea, are considered to be from the 
eastern Gulf of Mexico sub-region.
    (A) Gulf of Mexico aggregated LCS. The base annual commercial quota 
for Gulf of Mexico aggregated LCS is 157.5 mt dw. The eastern Gulf of 
Mexico sub-region base quota is 85.5 mt dw (54.3% of the Gulf of Mexico 
region base quota) and the western Gulf of Mexico sub-region base quota 
is 72.0 mt dw (45.7% of the Gulf of Mexico region base quota).
    (B) Gulf of Mexico hammerhead sharks. The regional base annual 
commercial quota for hammerhead sharks caught in the Gulf of Mexico 
region is 25.3 mt dw (48.3% of the overall base quota established in 
paragraph (b)(1)(iii) of this section). The eastern Gulf of Mexico sub-
region base quota is 13.4 mt dw (52.8% of this regional base quota) and 
the western Gulf of Mexico sub-region base quota is 11.9 mt dw (47.2% of 
this regional base quota).
    (C) Gulf of Mexico blacktip sharks. The base annual commercial quota 
for Gulf of Mexico blacktip sharks is 256.6 mt dw. The eastern Gulf of 
Mexico sub-region base quota is 25.1 mt dw (9.8% of the Gulf of Mexico 
region base quota) and the western Gulf of Mexico sub-region base quota 
is 231.5 mt dw (90.2% of the Gulf of Mexico region base quota).
    (D) Gulf of Mexico non-blacknose SCS. The base annual commercial 
quota for Gulf of Mexico non-blacknose SCS is 112.6 mt dw. This base 
quota is not split between the eastern and western Gulf of Mexico sub-
regions.
    (E) Gulf of Mexico blacknose sharks. The base annual commercial 
quota for Gulf of Mexico blacknose sharks is 0.0 mt dw. The harvest of 
blacknose sharks by persons aboard a vessel that has been issued or 
should have been issued a shark LAP and that is operating in the Gulf of 
Mexico region is prohibited.
    (F) Gulf of Mexico smoothhound sharks. The base annual commercial 
quota for Gulf of Mexico smoothhound sharks is 336.4 mt dw.
    (iii) Commercial quotas that apply in all regions. The commercial 
quotas specified in this section apply to any sharks or management 
groups within the management unit that were harvested in either the 
Atlantic or Gulf of Mexico regions.
    (A) Sandbar sharks. The base annual commercial quota for sandbar 
sharks is 90.7 mt dw. This quota, as adjusted per paragraph (b)(2) of 
this section, is available only to the owners of commercial shark 
vessels that have been issued a valid shark research permit and that 
have a NMFS-approved observer onboard.
    (B) Research LCS. The base annual commercial quota for Research LCS 
is 50 mt dw. This quota, as adjusted per paragraph (b)(2) of this 
section, is available only to the owners of commercial shark vessels 
that have been issued a valid shark research permit and that have a 
NMFS-approved observer onboard.
    (C) Hammerhead sharks. The overall base annual commercial quota for 
hammerhead sharks is 52.4 mt dw. This overall base quota is further 
split for management purposes between the regions defined in paragraphs 
(b)(1)(i) and (ii) of this section.
    (D) Pelagic sharks. The base annual commercial quotas for pelagic 
sharks are 273.0 mt dw for blue sharks, 1.7 mt dw for porbeagle sharks, 
and 488.0 mt dw for pelagic sharks other than blue sharks or porbeagle 
sharks.
    (2) Annual and inseason adjustments of commercial quotas. NMFS will 
publish in

[[Page 549]]

the Federal Register any annual or inseason adjustments to the base 
annual commercial overall, regional, or sub-regional quotas. No quota 
will be available, and the fishery will not open, until any adjustments 
are published in the Federal Register and effective. Within a fishing 
year or at the start of a fishing year, NMFS may transfer quotas between 
regions and sub-regions of the same species or management group, as 
appropriate, based on the criteria in paragraph (b)(2)(iii) of this 
section.
    (i) Annual overharvest adjustments--(A) Adjustments of annual 
overall and regional base quotas. Except as noted in this section, if 
any of the available commercial base or adjusted overall quotas or 
regional quotas, as described in this section, is exceeded in any 
fishing year, NMFS will deduct an amount equivalent to the 
overharvest(s) from the base overall or regional quota the following 
fishing year or, depending on the level of overharvest(s), NMFS may 
deduct from the overall or regional base quota an amount equivalent to 
the overharvest(s) spread over a number of subsequent fishing years to a 
maximum of five years. If the blue shark quota is exceeded, NMFS will 
reduce the annual commercial quota for pelagic sharks by the amount that 
the blue shark quota is exceeded prior to the start of the next fishing 
year or, depending on the level of overharvest(s), deduct an amount 
equivalent to the overharvest(s) spread over a number of subsequent 
fishing years to a maximum of five years.
    (B) Adjustments to sub-regional quotas. If a sub-regional quota is 
exceeded but the regional quota is not, NMFS will not reduce the annual 
regional base quota the following year and sub-regional quotas will be 
determined as specified in paragraph (b)(1) of this section. If both a 
sub-regional quota(s) and the regional quota are exceeded, for each sub-
region in which an overharvest occurred, NMFS will deduct an amount 
equivalent to that sub-region's overharvest from that sub-region's quota 
the following fishing year or, depending on the level of overharvest, 
NMFS may deduct from that sub-region's base quota an amount equivalent 
to the overharvest spread over a number of subsequent fishing years to a 
maximum of five years.
    (C) Adjustments to quotas when the species or management group is 
split into regions or sub-regions for management purposes and not as a 
result of a stock assessment. If a regional quota for a species that is 
split into regions for management purposes only is exceeded but the 
overall quota is not, NMFS will not reduce the overall base quota for 
that species or management group the following year and the regional 
quota will be determined as specified in paragraph (b)(1) of this 
section. If both a regional quota(s) and the overall quota is exceeded, 
for each region in which an overharvest occurred, NMFS will deduct an 
amount equivalent to that region's overharvest from that region's quota 
the following fishing year or, depending on the level of overharvest(s), 
NMFS may deduct from that region's base quota an amount equivalent to 
the overharvest spread over a number of subsequent fishing years to a 
maximum of five years. If a sub-regional quota of a species or 
management group that is split into regions for management purposes only 
is exceeded, NMFS will follow the procedures specified in paragraph 
(b)(2)(i)(B) of this section.
    (ii) Annual underharvest adjustments. Except as noted in this 
paragraph (b)(2)(ii), if any of the annual base or adjusted quotas, 
including regional quotas, as described in this section is not 
harvested, NMFS may adjust the annual base quota, including regional 
quotas, depending on the status of the stock or management group. If a 
species or a specific species within a management group is declared to 
be overfished, to have overfishing occurring, or to have an unknown 
status, NMFS may not adjust the following fishing year's base quota, 
including regional quota, for any underharvest, and the following 
fishing year's quota will be equal to the base annual quota. If the 
species or all species in a management group is not declared to be 
overfished, to have overfishing occurring, or to have an unknown status, 
NMFS may increase the following year's base annual quota, including 
regional quota, by an equivalent amount of the underharvest up to 50 
percent above the base

[[Page 550]]

annual quota. Except as noted in paragraph (b)(2)(iii) of this section, 
underharvests are not transferable between regions, species, and/or 
management groups.
    (iii) Determination criteria for inseason and annual quota transfers 
between regions and sub-regions. Inseason or annual quota transfers of 
quotas between regions or sub-regions may be conducted only for species 
or management groups where the species are the same between regions or 
sub-regions and the quota is split between regions or sub-regions for 
management purposes and not as a result of a stock assessment. Before 
making any inseason or annual quota transfer between regions or sub-
regions, NMFS will consider the following criteria and other relevant 
factors:
    (A) The usefulness of information obtained from catches in the 
particular management group for biological sampling and monitoring of 
the status of the respective shark species and/or management group;
    (B) The catches of the particular species and/or management group 
quota to date and the likelihood of closure of that segment of the 
fishery if no adjustment is made;
    (C) The projected ability of the vessels fishing under the 
particular species and/or management group quota to harvest the 
additional amount of corresponding quota before the end of the fishing 
year;
    (D) Effects of the adjustment on the status of all shark species;
    (E) Effects of the adjustment on accomplishing the objectives of the 
fishery management plan;
    (F) Variations in seasonal distribution, abundance, or migration 
patterns of the appropriate shark species and/or management group;
    (G) Effects of catch rates in one area precluding vessels in another 
area from having a reasonable opportunity to harvest a portion of the 
quota; and/or
    (H) Review of dealer reports, daily landing trends, and the 
availability of the respective shark species and/or management group on 
the fishing grounds.
    (3) Opening commercial fishing season criteria. NMFS will file with 
the Office of the Federal Register for publication notification of the 
opening dates of the overall, regional, and sub-regional shark fisheries 
for each species and management group. Before making any decisions, NMFS 
would consider the following criteria and other relevant factors in 
establishing the opening dates:
    (i) The available annual quotas for the current fishing season for 
the different species/management groups based on any over- and/or 
underharvests experienced during the previous commercial shark fishing 
seasons;
    (ii) Estimated season length based on available quota(s) and average 
weekly catch rates of different species and/or management group from the 
previous years;
    (iii) Length of the season for the different species and/or 
management group in the previous years and whether fishermen were able 
to participate in the fishery in those years;
    (iv) Variations in seasonal distribution, abundance, or migratory 
patterns of the different species/management groups based on scientific 
and fishery information;
    (v) Effects of catch rates in one part of a region precluding 
vessels in another part of that region from having a reasonable 
opportunity to harvest a portion of the different species and/or 
management quotas;
    (vi) Effects of the adjustment on accomplishing the objectives of 
the 2006 Consolidated HMS FMP and its amendments; and/or,
    (vii) Effects of a delayed opening with regard to fishing 
opportunities in other fisheries.
    (4) Public display and non-specific research quotas. All sharks 
collected under the authority of a display permit or EFP, subject to 
restrictions at Sec. 635.32, will be counted against the following:
    (i) The base annual quota for persons who collect LCS other than 
sandbar, SCS, pelagic sharks other than shortfin mako, blue sharks, 
porbeagle sharks, or prohibited species under a display permit or EFP is 
57.2 mt ww (41.2 mt dw).
    (ii) The base annual quota for persons who collect sandbar sharks 
under a display permit is 1.4 mt ww (1.0 mt dw)

[[Page 551]]

and under an EFP is 1.4 mt ww (1.0 mt dw).
    (iii) No persons may collect dusky sharks under a display permit. 
Collection of dusky sharks for research under EFPs and/or SRPs may be 
considered on a case-by-case basis and any associated mortality would be 
deducted from the shark research and display quota.
    (iv) The base annual quota for persons who collect smoothhound 
sharks under a display permit or EFP is 6 mt ww (4.3 mt dw).
    (v) No persons may collect shortfin mako sharks under a display 
permit. Collection of shortfin mako sharks for research under EFPs and/
or SRPs may be considered on a case-by-case basis and any associated 
mortality would be deducted from the shark research and display quota if 
shortfin mako shark retention is otherwise prohibited or counted against 
U.S. allowable retention levels established at ICCAT when retention is 
allowed.
    (c) Swordfish--(1) Categories. Consistent with ICCAT 
recommendations, the fishing year's total amount of swordfish that may 
be caught, retained, possessed, or landed by persons and vessels subject 
to U.S. jurisdiction is divided into quotas for the North Atlantic 
swordfish stock and the South Atlantic swordfish stock. The quota for 
the North Atlantic swordfish stock is further divided into equal semi-
annual directed fishery quotas, an annual incidental catch quota for 
fishermen targeting other species or taking swordfish recreationally, 
and a reserve category.
    (i) North Atlantic swordfish. (A) A swordfish from the North 
Atlantic stock caught prior to the directed fishery closure by a vessel 
for which a directed swordfish LAP, a swordfish handgear LAP, an HMS 
Commercial Caribbean Small Boat permit, a Swordfish General Commercial 
open access permit, or an HMS Charter/Headboat permit with a commercial 
sale endorsement (and only when on a non for-hire trip) has been issued 
or is required to have been issued is counted against the directed 
fishery quota. The total baseline annual fishery quota, before any 
adjustments, is 2,937.6 mt dw for each fishing year. Consistent with 
applicable ICCAT recommendations, a portion of the total baseline annual 
fishery quota may be used for transfers to another ICCAT contracting 
party. The annual directed category quota is calculated by adjusting for 
over- or under harvests, dead discards, any applicable transfers, the 
incidental category quota, the reserve quota and other adjustments as 
needed, and is subdivided into two equal semiannual periods: One for 
January 1 through June 30, and the other for July 1 through December 31.
    (B) A swordfish from the North Atlantic swordfish stock landed by a 
vessel for which an incidental swordfish LAP, an incidental HMS Squid 
Trawl permit, an HMS Angling permit, or an HMS Charter/Headboat permit 
(and only when on a for-hire trip) has been issued, or a swordfish from 
the North Atlantic stock caught after the effective date of a closure of 
the directed fishery from a vessel for which a swordfish directed LAP, a 
swordfish handgear LAP, an HMS Commercial Caribbean Small Boat permit, a 
Swordfish General Commercial open access permit, or an HMS Charter/
Headboat permit with a commercial sale endorsement (when on a non for-
hire trip) has been issued, is counted against the incidental category 
quota. The annual incidental category quota is 300 mt dw for each 
fishing year.
    (C) All swordfish discarded dead from U.S. fishing vessels, 
regardless of whether such vessels are permitted under this part, shall 
be counted against the annual directed fishing quota.
    (D) Fifty (50) mt of the annual fishery quota of North Atlantic 
swordfish may be held in reserve for inseason adjustments to fishing 
categories, to compensate for projected or actual overharvest in any 
category, for fishery research, or for other purposes consistent with 
management objectives.
    (E) In the event of an overharvest of South Atlantic swordfish, up 
to 150.4 mt dw of swordfish landed between 5 degrees North and 5 degrees 
South latitude may be applied against the North Atlantic swordfish 
quota. Otherwise, swordfish landed from this area shall be applied 
against the South Atlantic swordfish quota. For example, if the South 
Atlantic swordfish quota were 100 mt dw, and 50 mt dw were landed

[[Page 552]]

between 5 degrees North and 5 degrees South latitude, and 75 mt dw were 
caught south of 5 degrees South latitude, then 25 mt dw of the swordfish 
caught between 5 degrees North and 5 degrees South latitude would be 
applied against the North Atlantic swordfish quota. If only 25 mt dw of 
swordfish were caught between 5 degrees North and 5 degrees South 
latitude, and 150 mt dw of swordfish were caught south of 5 degrees 
South latitude, 25 mt dw would be applied against the North Atlantic 
swordfish quota. The remaining 50 mt dw overharvest would be counted 
against the following year's South Atlantic swordfish quota.
    (ii) South Atlantic Swordfish. The annual directed fishery quota for 
the South Atlantic swordfish stock is 75.2 mt dw. After December 31, 
2007, the annual quota is subdivided into two equal semi-annual quotas 
of 37.6 mt dw: one for January 1 through June 30, and the other for July 
1 through December 31. The entire quota for the South Atlantic swordfish 
stock is reserved for vessels with pelagic longline gear onboard and 
that have been issued a directed fishery permit for swordfish. No person 
may retain swordfish caught incidental to other fishing activities or 
with other fishing gear in the Atlantic Ocean south of 5 degrees North 
latitude.
    (2) Inseason adjustments. (i) NMFS may adjust the July 1 through 
December 31 semiannual directed fishery quota or, as applicable, the 
reserve category, to reflect actual directed fishery and incidental 
fishing category catches during the January 1 through June 30 semiannual 
period.
    (ii) If NMFS determines that the annual incidental catch quota will 
not be taken before the end of the fishing year, excess quota may be 
allocated to the directed fishery quota or to the reserve, as necessary. 
If NMFS determines that the annual directed catch quota will not be 
taken before the end of the fishing year, some of the excess quota may 
be allocated to the incidental fishery quota or to the reserve, as 
necessary.
    (iii) If NMFS determines that it is necessary to close the directed 
swordfish fishery prior to the scheduled end of a semi-annual fishing 
season, any estimated overharvest or underharvest of the directed 
fishery quota for that semi-annual season will be used to adjust the 
annual incidental catch quota or the reserve as necessary to maintain 
landings and discards within the required annual limits.
    (iv) NMFS will file with the Office of the Federal Register for 
publication any inseason swordfish quota adjustment and its 
apportionment to fishing categories or to the reserve made under 
paragraph (c)(2) of this section.
    (3) Annual adjustments. NMFS will file with the Office of the 
Federal Register for publication notice of the following adjustments to 
or apportionments of the annual quota:
    (i) Adjustments to the quota necessary to meet the objectives of the 
Consolidated Highly Migratory Species Fishery Management Plan consistent 
with the quota provisions of paragraph (c)(1) of this section.
    (ii) If consistent with applicable ICCAT recommendations, total 
landings above or below the specific North Atlantic or South Atlantic 
swordfish annual quota will be subtracted from, or added to, the 
following year's quota for that area. As necessary to meet management 
objectives, such adjustments may be apportioned to fishing categories 
and/or to the reserve. Carryover adjustments for the North Atlantic 
shall be limited to 15 percent of the annual baseline quota allocation. 
Carryover adjustments for the South Atlantic shall be limited to 100 mt 
ww (75.2 mt dw). Any adjustments to the 12-month directed fishery quota 
will be apportioned equally between the two semiannual fishing seasons.
    (iii) The dressed weight equivalent of the amount by which dead 
discards exceed the allowance specified at paragraph (c)(1)(i)(C) of 
this section will be subtracted from the landings quota in the following 
fishing year or from the reserve category.
    (d) Atlantic blue and white marlin. (1) Unless adjusted under 
paragraph (d)(2) of this section or by an ICCAT recommendation, the 
annual landings limit is 250 Atlantic blue and white marlin, combined. 
Annual landings of roundscale spearfish are also included to the blue 
and white marlin annual landings limit. Should the U.S. recreational 
Atlantic marlin landing limit

[[Page 553]]

be adjusted by an ICCAT recommendation, NMFS will file a notice 
identifying the new landing limit with the Office of the Federal 
Register for publication prior to the start of the next fishing year or 
as early as possible.
    (2) Consistent with ICCAT recommendations and domestic management 
objectives, and based on landings statistics and other information as 
appropriate, if NMFS determines that aggregate landings of Atlantic blue 
marlin, white marlin, and roundscale spearfish exceeded the annual 
landings limit for a given fishing year, as established in paragraph 
(d)(1) of this section, NMFS will subtract any overharvest from the 
landings limit for the following fishing year. Additionally, if NMFS 
determines that aggregate landings of Atlantic blue marlin, white 
marlin, and roundscale spearfish were below the annual landings limit 
for a given fishing year, as established in paragraph (d)(1) of this 
section, NMFS may add any underharvest, or portion thereof, to the 
landings limit for the following fishing year. Such adjustments to the 
annual recreational marlin landings limit, as specified in paragraph 
(d)(1) of this section, if necessary, will be filed with the Office of 
the Federal Register for publication prior to the start of the next 
fishing year or as early as possible.
    (3) When the annual marlin landings limit specified in paragraph 
(d)(1) or, if adjusted, as specified in paragraph (d)(2) of this section 
is reached or projected to be reached, based upon a review of landings, 
the period of time remaining in the current fishing year, current and 
historical landings trends, and any other relevant factors, NMFS will 
file for publication with the Office of the Federal Register and action 
restricting fishing for Atlantic blue marlin, white marlin, and 
roundscale spearfish to catch-and-release fishing only. In no case shall 
such adjustment be effective less than 14 calendar days after the date 
of publication. From the effective date and time of such action until 
additional landings become available, no blue marlin, white marlin, or 
roundscale spearfish from the management unit may be taken, retained, or 
possessed.
    (e) Northern albacore tuna--(1) Annual quota. Consistent with ICCAT 
recommendations, the ICCAT northern albacore management procedure, and 
domestic management objectives, the baseline annual quota, before any 
adjustments, is 711.5 mt. The total quota, after any adjustments made 
per paragraph (e)(2) of this section, is the fishing year's total amount 
of northern albacore tuna that may be landed by persons and vessels 
subject to U.S. jurisdiction.
    (2) Annual adjustments. Consistent with ICCAT recommendations and 
domestic management objectives, and based on landings statistics and 
other information as appropriate, if for a particular year the total 
landings are above or below the annual quota for that year, the 
difference between the annual quota and the landings will be subtracted 
from, or added to, the following year's quota, respectively, or 
subtracted or added through a delayed, or multi-year adjustment. 
Carryover adjustments shall be limited to 25 percent of the baseline 
quota allocation for that year. NMFS will file with the Office of the 
Federal Register for publication any adjustment or apportionment made 
under this paragraph (e)(2).

[64 FR 29135, May 28, 1999]

    Editorial Note: For Federal Register citations affecting Sec. 
635.27, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the 
Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.



Sec. 635.28  Fishery closures.

    (a) Bluefin tuna. (1) When a BFT quota specified in Sec. 635.27(a) 
has been reached, or projected to be reached, NMFS will file a closure 
action with the Office of the Federal Register for publication. On and 
after the effective date and time of such action, for the remainder of 
the fishing year or for a specified period as indicated in the notice, 
fishing for, retaining, possessing, or landing BFT under that quota is 
prohibited until the opening of the subsequent quota period or until 
such date as specified in the notice.
    (2) If NMFS determines that variations in seasonal distribution, 
abundance, or migration patterns of BFT, or the catch rate in one area, 
precludes participants in another area from a

[[Page 554]]

reasonable opportunity to harvest any allocated domestic category quota, 
as stated in Sec. 635.27(a), NMFS may close all or part of the fishery 
under that category. NMFS may reopen the fishery at a later date if NMFS 
determines that reasonable fishing opportunities are available, e.g., 
BFT have migrated into the area or weather is conducive for fishing. In 
determining the need for any such interim closure or area closure, NMFS 
will also take into consideration the criteria specified in Sec. 
635.27(a)(7).
    (3) When the Atlantic Tunas Longline category quota is reached, 
projected to be reached, or exceeded, or when there is high uncertainty 
regarding the estimated or documented levels of bluefin tuna catch, NMFS 
will file a closure action with the Office of the Federal Register for 
publication. On and after the effective date and time of such action, 
for the remainder of the fishing year or for a specified period as 
indicated in the closure action, vessels that have been issued or are 
required to have a LAP under Sec. 635.4 and that have pelagic longline 
gear onboard are prohibited from leaving port, regardless of the amount 
of bluefin tuna quota allocation remaining to each vessel or the amount 
of fishery quota remaining for other species. In addition to providing 
notice in the Federal Register, NMFS will also notify vessels of any 
closures and their timing via VMS and may use other electronic methods, 
such as email. Vessels would be required to return to port prior to the 
closure date/time. When considering whether to close or reopen the 
Longline category quota, NMFS may consider the following factors:
    (i) Total estimated bluefin tuna catch (landings and dead discards) 
in relation to the quota;
    (ii) The estimated amount by which the bluefin tuna quota might be 
exceeded;
    (iii) The usefulness of data relevant to monitoring the quota;
    (iv) The uncertainty in the documented or estimated dead discards or 
landings of bluefin tuna;
    (v) The amount of bluefin tuna landings or dead discards within a 
short time;
    (vi) The effects of continued fishing on bluefin tuna rebuilding and 
overfishing;
    (vii) The provision of reasonable opportunity for pelagic longline 
vessels to pursue the target species;
    (viii) The variations in seasonal distribution, abundance or 
migration patterns of bluefin tuna; and
    (viii) Other relevant factors.
    (b) Sharks. (1) A shark fishery that meets any of the following 
circumstances is closed and subject to the requirements of paragraph 
(b)(6) of this section:
    (i) No overall, regional, and/or sub-regional quota, as applicable, 
is specified at Sec. 635.27(b)(1);
    (ii) The overall, regional, and/or sub-regional quota, as 
applicable, specified at Sec. 635.27(b)(1) is zero;
    (iii) After accounting for overharvests as specified at Sec. 
635.27(b)(2), the overall, regional, and/or sub-regional quota, as 
applicable, is determined to be zero or close to zero and NMFS has 
closed the fishery by publication of a notice in the Federal Register;
    (iv) The species is a prohibited species as listed under heading D, 
Prohibited Species of Table 1 of appendix A to this part; or
    (v) Landings of the species and/or management group meet the 
requirements specified in Sec. 635.28(b)(2) through (5) and NMFS has 
closed the fishery by publication of a notice in the Federal Register.
    (2) Non-linked quotas. If the overall, regional, and/or sub-regional 
quota of a species or management group is not linked to another species 
or management group and that overall, regional, and/or sub-regional 
quota is available as specified by a publication in the Federal 
Register, then that overall, regional, and/or sub-regional commercial 
fishery for the shark species or management group will open as specified 
in Sec. 635.27(b). When NMFS calculates that the overall, regional, 
and/or sub-regional landings for a shark species and/or management 
group, as specified in Sec. 635.27(b)(1), has reached or is projected 
to reach 80 percent of the applicable available overall, regional, and/
or sub-regional quota as specified in Sec. 635.27(b)(1) and is 
projected to reach 100 percent of the relevant quota by the

[[Page 555]]

end of the fishing season, NMFS will file for publication with the 
Office of the Federal Register a notice of an overall, regional, and/or 
sub-regional closure, as applicable, for that shark species and/or shark 
management group that will be effective no fewer than 4 days from date 
of filing. From the effective date and time of the closure until NMFS 
announces, via the publication of a notice in the Federal Register, that 
additional overall, regional, and/or sub-regional quota is available and 
the season is reopened, the overall, regional, and/or sub-regional 
fisheries for that shark species or management group are closed, even 
across fishing years.
    (3) Linked quotas. As specified in paragraph (b)(4) of this section, 
the overall, regional, and/or sub-regional quotas of some shark species 
and/or management groups are linked to the overall, regional, and/or 
sub-regional quotas of other shark species and/or management groups. For 
each pair of linked species and/or management groups, if the overall, 
regional, and/or sub-regional quota specified in Sec. 635.27(b)(1) is 
available for both of the linked species and/or management groups as 
specified by a publication in the Federal Register, then the overall, 
regional, and/or sub-regional commercial fishery for both of the linked 
species and/or management groups will open as specified in Sec. 
635.27(b)(1). When NMFS calculates that the overall, regional, and/or 
sub-regional landings for any species and/or management group of a 
linked group have reached or are projected to reach 80 percent of the 
applicable available overall, regional, and/or sub-regional quota as 
specified in Sec. 635.27(b)(1) and are projected to reach 100 percent 
of the relevant quota before the end of the fishing season, NMFS will 
file for publication with the Office of the Federal Register a notice of 
an overall, regional, and/or sub-regional closure for all of the species 
and/or management groups in that linked group that will be effective no 
fewer than 4 days from date of filing. From the effective date and time 
of the closure until NMFS announces, via the publication of a notice in 
the Federal Register, that additional overall, regional, and/or sub-
regional quota is available and the season is reopened, the overall, 
regional, and/or sub-regional fishery for all species and/or management 
groups in that linked group is closed, even across fishing years.
    (4) The quotas of the following species and/or management groups are 
linked:
    (i) Atlantic hammerhead sharks and Atlantic aggregated LCS.
    (ii) Eastern Gulf of Mexico hammerhead sharks and eastern Gulf of 
Mexico aggregated LCS.
    (iii) Western Gulf of Mexico hammerhead sharks and western Gulf of 
Mexico aggregated LCS.
    (iv) Atlantic blacknose sharks and Atlantic non-blacknose SCS south 
of 34[deg]00[min] N. lat.
    (5) NMFS may close the regional or sub-regional Gulf of Mexico 
blacktip shark management group(s) before landings reach, or are 
expected to reach, 80 percent of the quota, after considering the 
following criteria and other relevant factors:
    (i) Estimated Gulf of Mexico blacktip shark season length based on 
available sub-regional quotas and average sub-regional weekly catch 
rates during the current fishing year and from previous years;
    (ii) Variations in regional and/or sub-regional seasonal 
distribution, abundance, or migratory patterns of blacktip sharks, 
hammerhead sharks, and aggregated LCS based on scientific and fishery 
information;
    (iii) Effects of the adjustment on accomplishing the objectives of 
the 2006 Consolidated HMS FMP and its amendments;
    (iv) The amount of remaining shark quotas in the relevant sub-
regions, to date, based on dealer or other reports; and,
    (v) The regional and/or sub-regional catch rates of the relevant 
shark species or management group(s), to date, based on dealer or other 
reports.
    (6) When the overall, regional, and/or sub-regional fishery for a 
shark species and/or management group is closed, a fishing vessel, 
issued a Federal Atlantic commercial shark permit pursuant to Sec. 
635.4, may not possess, retain, land, or sell a shark of that species 
and/or management group that was caught

[[Page 556]]

within the closed region or sub-region, except under the conditions 
specified in Sec. 635.22(a) and (c) or if the vessel possesses a valid 
shark research permit under Sec. 635.32, a NMFS-approved observer is 
onboard, and the sandbar and/or Research LCS fishery, as applicable, is 
open. A shark dealer, issued a permit pursuant to Sec. 635.4, may not 
purchase or receive a shark of that species and/or management group that 
was caught within the closed region or sub-region from a vessel issued a 
Federal Atlantic commercial shark permit, except that a permitted shark 
dealer or processor may possess sharks that were caught in the closed 
region or sub-region that were harvested, off-loaded, and sold, traded, 
or bartered, prior to the effective date of the closure and were held in 
storage. Under a closure for a shark species or management group, a 
shark dealer, issued a permit pursuant to Sec. 635.4 may, in accordance 
with State regulations, purchase or receive a shark of that species or 
management group if the shark was harvested, off-loaded, and sold, 
traded, or bartered from a vessel that fishes only in State waters and 
that has not been issued a Federal Atlantic commercial shark permit, HMS 
Angling permit, or HMS Charter/Headboat permit pursuant to Sec. 635.4. 
Additionally, under an overall, a regional, or a sub-regional closure 
for a shark species and/or management group, a shark dealer, issued a 
permit pursuant to Sec. 635.4, may purchase or receive a shark of that 
species group if the sandbar or Research LCS fishery, as applicable, is 
open and the shark was harvested, off-loaded, and sold, traded, or 
bartered from a vessel issued a valid shark research permit (per Sec. 
635.32) that had a NMFS-approved observer on board during the trip the 
shark was collected.
    (7) If the Atlantic Tunas Longline category quota is closed as 
specified in paragraph (a)(3) of this section, vessels that have pelagic 
longline gear on board cannot possess, retain, land, or sell sharks.
    (c) Swordfish--(1) Directed fishery closure. When the annual or 
semiannual directed fishery quota specified in Sec. 635.27(c)(1)(i) or 
(ii) is reached, or is projected to be reached, NMFS will file with the 
Office of the Federal Register for publication notification of closure 
at least 14 days before the effective date. From the effective date and 
time of the closure until additional directed fishery quota becomes 
available, the directed fishery for the appropriate stock is closed and 
the following catch limits apply:
    (i) When the directed fishery for the North Atlantic swordfish stock 
is closed,
    (A) No more than 15 swordfish per trip may be possessed in or from 
the Atlantic Ocean north of 5[deg] N. lat. or landed in an Atlantic 
coastal state on a vessel using or having on board a pelagic longline, 
or issued an Incidental HMS squid trawl permit. However, North Atlantic 
swordfish legally taken prior to the effective date of the closure may 
be possessed in the Atlantic Ocean north of 5 N. lat. or landed in an 
Atlantic coastal state on a vessel with a pelagic longline on board, 
provided the harvesting vessel does no fishing after the closure in the 
Atlantic Ocean north of 5 N. lat., and reports positions with a vessel 
monitoring system, as specified in Sec. 635.69. Additionally, legally 
taken swordfish from the South Atlantic swordfish stock may be possessed 
or landed north of 5 N. lat. provided the harvesting vessel does no 
fishing on that trip north of 5 N. lat., and reports positions with a 
vessel monitoring system as specified in Sec. 635.69. NMFS may adjust 
the incidental catch retention limit by filing with the Office of the 
Federal Register for publication notification of the change at least 14 
days before the effective date. Changes in the incidental catch limits 
will be based upon the length of the directed fishery closure and the 
estimated rate of catch by vessels fishing under the incidental catch 
quota.
    (B) No more than 2 swordfish per trip may be possessed in or from 
the Atlantic Ocean north of 5[deg] N. lat. or landed in an Atlantic 
coastal state on a vessel that has been issued a handgear permit under 
Sec. 635.4(f)(1) provided that such swordfish were not taken with a 
harpoon.
    (C) No swordfish may be possessed, landed, or sold by vessels issued 
a Swordfish General Commercial open access permit.

[[Page 557]]

    (D) No swordfish may be sold by vessels issued an HMS Charter/
Headboat permit
    (ii) When the directed fishery for the South Atlantic swordfish 
stock is closed, swordfish from that stock taken incidental to fishing 
for other species may not be retained.
    (2) Incidental catch closure. When the annual incidental catch quota 
specified in Sec. 635.27(c)(1)(i) is reached, or is projected to be 
reached, NMFS will file with the Office of the Federal Register for 
publication notification of closure. From the effective date and time of 
such notification until additional incidental catch quota becomes 
available, no swordfish may be landed in an Atlantic coastal state, or 
be possessed or sold in or from the Atlantic Ocean north of 5[deg] N. 
lat. unless the directed fishery is open and the appropriate permits 
have been issued to the vessel. In the event of a directed and 
incidental North Atlantic swordfish category closure, South Atlantic 
swordfish may be possessed in the Atlantic Ocean north of 5[deg] N. lat. 
and/or landed in an Atlantic coastal state on a vessel with longline 
gear onboard, provided that the harvesting vessel does not fish on that 
trip in the Atlantic Ocean north of 5[deg] N. lat., the fish were taken 
legally from waters of the Atlantic Ocean south of 5[deg] N. lat., and 
the harvesting vessel reports positions with a vessel monitoring system 
as specified in Sec. 635.69.
    (3) Bluefin tuna Longline category closure. If the Atlantic Tunas 
Longline category quota is closed as specified in paragraph (a)(3) of 
this section, vessels that have pelagic longline gear on board cannot 
possess or land any North Atlantic swordfish or bluefin tuna.
    (d) Northern albacore tuna. When the annual fishery quota specified 
in Sec. 635.27(e) is reached, or is projected to be reached, NMFS will 
file a closure action with the Office of the Federal Register for 
publication. When the fishery for Northern albacore tuna is closed, 
Northern albacore tuna may not be retained. If the Atlantic Tunas 
Longline category quota is closed as specified in paragraph (a)(3) of 
this section, vessels that have pelagic longline gear on board cannot 
possess or land any Northern albacore tuna.

[64 FR 29135, May 28, 1999]

    Editorial Note: For Federal Register citations affecting Sec. 
635.28, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the 
Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.



Sec. 635.29  Transfer at sea and transshipment.

    (a) A person who owns or operates a vessel issued a permit, or 
required to be issued a permit, under Sec. 635.4 may not transfer any 
tuna or tuna-like species, or other HMS, at sea or in port, regardless 
of where the fish was harvested, except as provided in paragraph (c) of 
this section.
    (b) For the purposes of this part, ``transfer'' means the act of 
``transshipping'' as defined at 50 CFR 300.301. Notwithstanding the 
definition of ``harvest'' at Sec. 600.10, for the purposes of this 
part, transfer also includes, but is not limited to, moving or 
attempting to move a tuna that is on fishing gear or other gear in the 
water from one vessel to another vessel.

[79 FR 72559, Dec. 8, 2014, as amended at 80 FR 52204, Aug. 28, 2015; 87 
FR 60006, Oct. 3, 2022]



Sec. 635.30  Possession at sea and landing.

    (a) Atlantic tunas. Persons that own or operate a fishing vessel 
that possesses an Atlantic tuna in the Atlantic Ocean or that lands an 
Atlantic tuna in an Atlantic coastal port must maintain such Atlantic 
tuna through offloading either in round form or eviscerated with the 
head and fins removed, provided one pectoral fin and the tail remain 
attached. The upper and lower lobes of the tuna tail may be removed for 
storage purposes as long as the fork of the tail remains intact.
    (b) Billfish. Any person that possesses a blue marlin, white marlin, 
or roundscale spearfish taken from its management unit or a sailfish 
taken shoreward of the outer boundary of the EEZ or lands a blue marlin, 
white marlin, or roundscale spearfish in an Atlantic coastal port must 
maintain such billfish with its head, fins, and bill intact through 
offloading. Persons may eviscerate such billfish, but it must otherwise 
be maintained whole.

[[Page 558]]

    (c) Shark. (1) In addition to the regulations issued at part 600, 
subpart N, of this chapter, a person who owns or operates a vessel 
issued a Federal Atlantic commercial shark permit under Sec. 635.4 must 
maintain all the shark fins including the tail naturally attached to the 
shark carcass until the shark has been offloaded from the vessel, except 
for under the conditions specified in paragraph (c)(5) of this section. 
While sharks are on board and when sharks are being offloaded, persons 
issued a Federal Atlantic commercial shark permit under Sec. 635.4 are 
subject to the regulations at part 600, subpart N, of this chapter.
    (2) A person who owns or operates a vessel that has a valid Federal 
Atlantic commercial shark permit may remove the head and viscera of the 
shark while on board the vessel. At any time when on the vessel, sharks 
must not have the backbone removed and must not be halved, quartered, 
filleted, or otherwise reduced. All fins, including the tail, must 
remain naturally attached to the shark through offloading, except under 
the conditions specified in paragraph (c)(5) of this section. While on 
the vessel, fins may be sliced so that the fin can be folded along the 
carcass for storage purposes as long as the fin remains naturally 
attached to the carcass via at least a small portion of uncut skin. The 
fins and tail may only be removed from the carcass once the shark has 
been landed and offloaded, except under the conditions specified in 
paragraph (c)(5) of this section.
    (3) A person who owns or operates a vessel that has been issued a 
Federal Atlantic commercial shark permit and who lands sharks in an 
Atlantic coastal port, including ports in the Gulf of Mexico and 
Caribbean Sea, must have all fins and carcasses weighed and recorded on 
the weighout slips specified in Sec. 635.5(a)(2) and in accordance with 
part 600, subpart N, of this chapter. Persons may not possess any shark 
fins not naturally attached to a shark carcass on board a fishing vessel 
at any time, except under the conditions specified in paragraph (c)(5) 
of this section. Once landed and offloaded, sharks that have been 
halved, quartered, filleted, cut up, or reduced in any manner may not be 
brought back on board a vessel that has been or should have been issued 
a Federal Atlantic commercial shark permit.
    (4) Persons aboard a vessel that has been issued or is required to 
be issued a permit with a shark endorsement must maintain a shark intact 
through landing and offloading with the head, tail, and all fins 
naturally attached. The shark may be bled and the viscera may be 
removed.
    (5) A person who owns or operates a vessel that has been issued a 
Federal commercial smoothhound permit may remove the fins and tail of a 
smooth dogfish shark prior to offloading if the conditions in paragraphs 
(c)(5)(i) through (iv) of this section have been met. If the conditions 
in paragraphs (c)(5)(i) through (iv) of this section have not been met, 
all fins, including the tail, must remain naturally attached to the 
smooth dogfish through offloading from the vessel:
    (i) The smooth dogfish was caught within waters of the United States 
located shoreward of a line drawn in such a manner that each point on it 
is 50 nautical miles from the baseline of an Atlantic State from which 
the territorial sea is measured, from Maine south through Florida to the 
Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico shark regional boundary defined in Sec. 
635.27(b)(1).
    (ii) The vessel has been issued both a Federal commercial 
smoothhound permit and a valid State commercial fishing permit that 
allows for fishing for smooth dogfish.
    (iii) Smooth dogfish make up at least 25 percent of the catch on 
board at the time of landing.
    (iv) Total weight of the smooth dogfish fins landed or found on 
board a vessel cannot exceed 12 percent of the total dressed weight of 
smooth dogfish carcasses on board or landed from the fishing vessel.
    (d) Swordfish. Persons that own or operate a fishing vessel that 
possesses a swordfish in the Atlantic Ocean or lands a swordfish in an 
Atlantic coastal port must maintain such swordfish

[[Page 559]]

in round or dressed form through off-loading.

[64 FR 29135, May 28, 1999, as amended at 67 FR 6201, Feb. 11, 2002; 69 
FR 53362, Sept. 1, 2004; 71 FR 58173, Oct. 2, 2006; 73 FR 40711, July 
15, 2008; 75 FR 30528, June 1, 2010; 75 FR 57702, Sept. 22, 2010; 76 FR 
39032, July 5, 2011; 80 FR 73145, Nov. 24, 2015; 84 FR 5377, Feb. 21, 
2019]



Sec. 635.31  Restrictions on sale and purchase.

    (a) Atlantic tunas. (1) A person that owns or operates a vessel from 
which an Atlantic tuna is landed or offloaded may sell such Atlantic 
tuna only if that vessel has a valid HMS Charter/Headboat permit with a 
commercial sale endorsement; a valid Atlantic Tunas General, Harpoon, 
Longline, or Trap category permit; or a valid HMS Commercial Caribbean 
Small Boat permit issued under this part, and the appropriate category 
has not been closed, as specified at Sec. 635.28(a). However, no person 
may sell a BFT smaller than the large medium size class. Also, no large 
medium or giant BFT taken by a person aboard a vessel with an Atlantic 
HMS Charter/Headboat permit fishing in the Gulf of Mexico at any time, 
or fishing outside the Gulf of Mexico when the fishery under the General 
category has been closed, may be sold (see Sec. 635.23(c)). A person 
may sell Atlantic BFT only to a dealer that has a valid permit for 
purchasing Atlantic BFT issued under this part. A person may not sell or 
purchase Atlantic tunas harvested with speargun fishing gear.
    (2) Dealers may purchase Atlantic tunas only from a vessel that has 
a valid commercial permit for Atlantic tunas issued under this part in 
the appropriate category and the appropriate category has not been 
closed, as specified at Sec. 635.28(a).
    (i) Dealers may purchase Atlantic bluefin tuna only from a vessel 
that has a valid Federal commercial permit for Atlantic tunas issued 
under this part in the appropriate category. Vessel owners and operators 
of vessels that have been issued an Atlantic Tunas Longline category 
permit can sell bluefin tuna and dealers can purchase bluefin tuna from 
such vessels only if the Longline category is open, per Sec. 635.28(a) 
and if:
    (A) The vessel has met the minimum quota allocation and accounting 
requirements at Sec. 635.15(b)(4) and (5) for vessels departing on a 
trip with pelagic longline gear aboard, and
    (B) The dealer and vessel have met the IBQ program participant 
requirements at Sec. 635.15(a)(2).
    (ii) Dealers may first receive BAYS tunas only if they have 
submitted reports to NMFS according to reporting requirements at Sec. 
635.5(b)(1)(ii), and only from a vessel that has a valid Federal 
commercial permit for Atlantic tunas issued under this part in the 
appropriate category. Vessel owners and operators of vessels that have 
been issued an Atlantic Tunas Longline category permit can sell BAYS 
tunas and dealers can purchase BAYS tunas from such vessels only if the 
Longline category is open per Sec. 635.28(a). Individuals issued a 
valid HMS Commercial Caribbean Small Boat permit, and operating in the 
U.S. Caribbean as defined at Sec. 622.2 of this chapter, may sell their 
trip limits of BAYS tunas, codified at Sec. 635.24(c), to dealers and 
non-dealers. Persons may only sell albacore tuna and dealers may only 
first receive albacore tuna if the northern albacore tuna fishery has 
not been closed as specified at Sec. 635.28 (d).
    (3) Dealers or seafood processors may not purchase or sell a BFT 
smaller than the large medium size class unless it is lawfully imported 
and is accompanied by a bluefin tuna statistical document, as specified 
in Sec. 300.185(a) of this title.
    (4) A BFT in the possession of a dealer or seafood processor is 
deemed to be from the Atlantic Ocean. However, a BFT will not be deemed 
to be from the Atlantic Ocean if--
    (i) It was landed in a Pacific state and remains in the state of 
landing, or
    (ii) It is accompanied by a bluefin tuna statistical document, as 
specified in Sec. 300.185(a) of this title.
    (b) Billfish. Persons may not sell or purchase a billfish taken from 
its management unit.
    (c) Shark. (1) Persons that own or operate a vessel that possesses, 
retains, or lands a shark from the management unit may sell such shark 
only if the vessel has a valid commercial shark permit issued under this 
part. Persons

[[Page 560]]

may possess, retain, land, and sell a shark only to a federally-
permitted dealer and only when the fishery for that species, management 
group, region, and/or sub-region has not been closed, as specified in 
Sec. 635.28(b). Persons that own or operate a vessel that has pelagic 
longline gear onboard can possess, retain, land, and sell a shark only 
if the Atlantic Tunas Longline category has not been closed, as 
specified in Sec. 635.28(a).
    (2) Persons that own or operate a vessel for which a valid Federal 
Atlantic commercial shark permit has been issued and on which a shark 
from the management unit is possessed, may sell, barter or trade such 
shark only to a dealer that has a valid permit for shark issued under 
this part.
    (3) Regulations governing the harvest, possession, landing, 
purchase, and sale of shark fins are found at part 600, subpart N, of 
this chapter and in Sec. 635.30(c).
    (4) Only dealers who have a valid Federal Atlantic shark dealer 
permit and who have submitted reports to NMFS according to reporting 
requirements of Sec. 635.5(b)(1)(ii) may first receive a shark from an 
owner or operator of a vessel that has, or is required to have, a valid 
Federal Atlantic commercial shark permit issued under this part. Dealers 
may purchase a shark only from an owner or operator of a vessel who has 
a valid commercial shark permit issued under this part, except that 
dealers may purchase a shark from an owner or operator of a vessel who 
does not have a Federal Atlantic commercial shark permit if that vessel 
fishes exclusively in state waters and does not possess a HMS Angling 
permit or HMS Charter/Headboat permit pursuant to Sec. 635.4. Atlantic 
shark dealers may purchase a sandbar shark only from an owner or 
operator of a vessel who has a valid shark research permit and who had a 
NMFS-approved observer onboard the vessel for the trip in which the 
sandbar shark was collected. Atlantic shark dealers may purchase a shark 
from an owner or operator of a fishing vessel who has a valid commercial 
shark permit issued under this part only when the fishery for that 
species, management group, region, and/or sub-region has not been 
closed, as specified in Sec. 635.28(b). Atlantic shark dealers may 
first receive a shark from a vessel that has pelagic longline gear 
onboard only if the Atlantic Tunas Longline category has not been 
closed, as specified in Sec. 635.28(a).
    (5) An Atlantic shark dealer issued a permit under this part may 
first receive shark fins from an owner or operator of a fishing vessel 
only if the shark fins were harvested in accordance with the regulations 
found at part 600, subpart N, of this chapter and in Sec. 635.30(c).
    (6) A dealer issued a permit under this part may not first receive 
silky sharks, oceanic whitetip sharks or scalloped, smooth, or great 
hammerhead sharks from an owner or operator of a fishing vessel with 
pelagic longline gear on board, or from the owner of a fishing vessel 
issued both a HMS Charter/Headboat permit with a commercial sale 
endorsement and a commercial shark permit when tuna, swordfish or 
billfish are on board the vessel, offloaded from the vessel, or being 
offloaded from the vessel.
    (d) Swordfish. (1) Persons that own or operate a vessel on which a 
swordfish in or from the Atlantic Ocean is possessed may sell such 
swordfish only if the vessel has a valid commercial permit for swordfish 
issued under this part. Persons may offload such swordfish only to a 
dealer who has a valid permit for swordfish issued under this part; 
except that individuals issued a valid HMS Commercial Caribbean Small 
Boat permit, and operating in the U.S. Caribbean as defined at Sec. 
622.2 of this chapter, may sell swordfish, as specified at Sec. 
635.24(b)(3), to non-dealers. Persons that own or operate a vessel that 
has pelagic longline gear onboard can only possess and sell a swordfish 
if the Atlantic Tunas Longline category has not been closed, as 
specified in Sec. 635.28(a)(4).
    (2) Atlantic swordfish dealers may first receive a swordfish 
harvested from the Atlantic Ocean only from an owner or operator of a 
fishing vessel that has a valid commercial permit for swordfish issued 
under this part, and only if the dealer has submitted reports to NMFS 
according to reporting requirements of Sec. 635.5(b)(1)(ii). Atlantic 
swordfish dealers may first receive a

[[Page 561]]

swordfish from a vessel that has pelagic longline gear onboard only if 
the Atlantic Tunas Longline category has not been closed, as specified 
in Sec. 635.28(a)(3).

[64 FR 29135, May 28, 1999]

    Editorial Note: For Federal Register citations affecting Sec. 
635.31, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the 
Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.



Sec. 635.32  Specifically authorized activities.

    (a) General. (1) Consistent with the provisions of Sec. 600.745 of 
this chapter, except as indicated in this section, NMFS may authorize 
activities otherwise prohibited by the regulations contained in this 
part for the conduct of scientific research, the acquisition of 
information and data, the enhancement of safety at sea, the purpose of 
collecting animals for public education or display, the investigation of 
bycatch, economic discard and regulatory discard, or for chartering 
arrangements.
    (2) Activities subject to the provisions of this section include, 
but are not limited to: scientific research resulting in, or likely to 
result in, the take, harvest, or incidental mortality of Atlantic HMS; 
exempted fishing and educational activities; programs under which 
regulated species retained in contravention to otherwise applicable 
regulations may be donated through approved food bank networks; or 
chartering arrangements. Such activities must be authorized in writing 
and are subject to all conditions specified in any letter of 
acknowledgment, EFP, scientific research permit, display permit, 
chartering permit, or shark research permit issued in response to 
requests for authorization under this section.
    (3) For the purposes of all regulated species covered under this 
part, NMFS has the sole authority to issue permits, authorizations, and 
acknowledgments. If a regulated species landed or retained under the 
authority of this section is subject to a quota, the fish shall be 
counted against the quota category as specified in the written 
authorization.
    (4) Inspection requirements specified in Sec. 635.5(e) apply to the 
owner or operator of a fishing vessel that has been issued an exempted 
fishing permit, scientific research permit, display permit, or 
chartering permit.
    (b) Scientific research activities. For the purposes of all species 
covered under this part regulated under the authority of ATCA, the 
provisions for research plans under Sec. 600.745(a) and reports under 
Sec. 600.745(c)(1) of this chapter are mandatory. In such cases of 
authorized scientific research activities, NMFS shall issue scientific 
research permits. For scientific research activities involving the 
capture of Atlantic sharks, research plans and reports are requested; 
letters of acknowledgment shall be issued by NMFS as indicated under 
Sec. 600.745(a) of this chapter.
    (c) Exempted fishing permits. (1) For activities consistent with the 
purposes of this section and Sec. 600.745(b)(1) of this chapter, other 
than scientific research conducted from a scientific research vessel, 
NMFS may issue exempted fishing permits.
    (2) [Reserved]
    (d) Display permits. (1) For activities consistent with the purposes 
of this section and Sec. 600.745(b)(1) of this chapter, NMFS may issue 
display permits.
    (2) Notwithstanding the provisions of Sec. 600.745 of this chapter 
and other provisions of this part, a valid display permit is required to 
fish for, take, retain, or possess an HMS in or from the Atlantic EEZ 
for the purposes of public display. A valid display permit must be on 
board the harvesting vessel, must be available when the fish is landed, 
must be available when the fish is transported to the display facility, 
and must be presented for inspection upon request of an authorized 
officer. A display permit is valid for the specific time, area, gear, 
and species specified on it. Species landed under a display permit shall 
be counted against the appropriate quota specified in Sec. 635.27 or as 
otherwise provided in the display permit.
    (3) To be eligible for a display permit, a person must provide all 
information concerning his or her identification, numbers by species of 
HMS to be collected, when and where they will be collected, vessel(s) 
and gear to be used,

[[Page 562]]

description of the facility where they will be displayed, and any other 
information that may be necessary for the issuance or administration of 
the permit, as requested by NMFS.
    (4) Collectors of HMS for public display must notify the local NMFS 
Office for Law Enforcement at least 24 hours, excluding weekends and 
holidays, prior to departing on a collection trip, regardless of whether 
the fishing activity will occur in or outside the EEZ, as to collection 
plans and location and the number of animals to be collected. In the 
event that a NMFS agent is not available, a message may be left.
    (5) All live HMS collected for public display are required to have 
either a conventional dart tag or a microchip Passive Integrated 
Transponder (PIT) tag applied by the collector at the time of the 
collection. Both types of tags will be supplied by NMFS. Conventional 
dart tags will be issued unless PIT tags are specifically requested in 
the permit application and their use approved by NMFS. Terms and 
conditions of the permit will address requirements associated with the 
use of the tags supplied on a case-by-case basis.
    (e) Chartering permits. (1) For activities consistent with the 
purposes of this section, Sec. 635.5(a), and Sec. 600.745(b)(1) of 
this chapter, NMFS may issue chartering permits for record keeping and 
reporting purposes. An application for a chartering permit must include 
all information required under Sec. 600.745(b)(2) of this chapter and, 
in addition, written notification of: the species of fish covered by the 
chartering arrangement and quota allocated to the Contracting Party of 
which the chartering foreign entity is a member; duration of the 
arrangement; measures adopted by the chartering Contracting Party of 
which the foreign entity is a member to implement ICCAT chartering 
provisions; copies of fishing licenses, permits, and/or other 
authorizations issued by the chartering Contracting Party of which the 
foreign entity is a member for the vessel to fish under the arrangement; 
a copy of the High Seas Fishing Compliance Act Permit pursuant to 50 CFR 
300.10; documentation regarding interactions with protected resources; 
and documentation regarding the legal establishment of the chartering 
company. To be considered complete, an application for a chartering 
permit for a vessel must include all information specified in Sec. 
600.745(b)(2) of this chapter and in Sec. 635.32(e) and (f).
    (2) Notwithstanding the provisions of Sec. 600.745 of this chapter 
and other provisions of this part, a valid chartering permit is required 
to fish for, take, retain, or possess ICCAT-regulated species under 
chartering arrangements as specified in Sec. 635.5(a)(6). A valid 
chartering permit must be on board the harvesting vessel, must be 
available when ICCAT-regulated species are landed, and must be presented 
for inspection upon request of an authorized officer. A chartering 
permit is valid for the duration of the chartering arrangement or until 
the expiration date specified on the permit, whichever comes first. 
Vessels issued a chartering permit shall not be authorized to fish under 
applicable Atlantic Highly Migratory Species quotas or entitlements of 
the United States until the chartering permit expires or is terminated.
    (3) Charter permit holders must submit logbooks and comply with 
reporting requirements as specified in Sec. 635.5. NMFS will provide 
specific conditions and requirements in the chartering permit, so as to 
ensure consistency, to the extent possible, with laws of foreign 
countries, the 2006 Consolidated HMS FMP and its amendments, as well as 
ICCAT recommendations.
    (4) Observers may be placed on board vessels issued chartering 
permits as specified under Sec. 635.7.
    (5) NMFS will issue a chartering permit only if it determines that 
the chartering arrangement is in conformance with ICCAT's conservation 
and management programs.
    (6) A vessel shall be authorized to fish under only one chartering 
arrangement at a time.
    (7) All chartering permits are subject to sanctions and denials as 
indicated under Sec. 635.4(a)(6).
    (f) Shark research permits. (1) For activities consistent with the 
purposes of this section and Sec. 600.745(b)(1) of this chapter, NMFS 
may issue shark research permits.

[[Page 563]]

    (2) Notwithstanding the provisions of Sec. 600.745 of this chapter 
and other provisions of this part, a valid shark research permit is 
required to fish for, take, retain, or possess Atlantic sharks, 
including sandbar sharks, in excess of the retention limits described in 
Sec. 635.24(a). A valid shark research permit must be on board the 
harvesting vessel, must be available for inspection when the shark is 
landed, and must be presented for inspection upon request of an 
authorized officer. A shark research permit is only valid for the vessel 
and owner(s) combination specified and cannot be transferred to another 
vessel or owner(s). A shark research permit is only valid for the 
retention limits, time, area, gear specified, and other terms and 
conditions as listed on the permit and only when a NMFS-approved 
observer is onboard. Species landed under a shark research permit shall 
be counted against the appropriate quota specified in Sec. 635.27 or as 
otherwise provided in the shark research permit.
    (3) Regardless of the number of applicants, NMFS will issue only a 
limited number of shark research permits depending on available quotas 
as described in Sec. 635.27, research needs for stock assessments and 
other scientific purposes, and the number of sharks expected to be 
harvested by vessels issued LAPs for sharks.
    (4) In addition to the workshops required under Sec. 635.8, persons 
issued a shark research permit, and/or operators of vessels specified on 
the shark research permit, may be required to attend other workshops 
(e.g., shark identification workshops, captain's meeting, etc.) as 
deemed necessary by NMFS to ensure the collection of high quality data.
    (5) Issuance of a shark research permit does not guarantee the 
permit holder that a NMFS-approved observer will be deployed on any 
particular trip. Rather, permit issuance indicates that a vessel is 
eligible for a NMFS-approved observer to be deployed on the vessel for a 
particular trip and that, on such observed trips, the vessel may be 
allowed to harvest Atlantic sharks, including sandbar sharks, in excess 
of the retention limits described in Sec. 635.24(a).
    (6) The shark research permit may be revoked, limited, or modified 
at any time, does not confer any right to engage in activities beyond 
those authorized by the permit, and does not confer any right of 
compensation to the holder.
    (g) Applications and renewals. (1) Application procedures shall be 
as indicated under Sec. 600.745(b)(2) of this chapter, except that NMFS 
may consolidate requests for the purpose of obtaining public comment. In 
such cases, NMFS may file with the Office of the Federal Register, on an 
annual or more frequent basis as necessary, notification of previously 
authorized exempted fishing, scientific research, public display, 
chartering, and shark research activities and to solicit public comment 
on anticipated EFP, scientific research permit, letter of 
acknowledgment, public display, chartering, or shark research permit 
activities. Applications for EFPs, scientific research permits, public 
display permits, chartering permits, or shark research permits are 
required to include all reports specified in the applicant's previous 
permit including, if applicable, the year-end report, all delinquent 
reports for permits issued in prior years, and all other specified 
information. In situations of delinquent reports, applications will be 
deemed incomplete and a permit will not be issued under this section.
    (2) For the shark research permit, NMFS will publish annually, in a 
Federal Register notice(s), a description for the following fishing year 
of the expected research objectives. This description may include 
information such as the number of vessels needed, regions and seasons 
for which vessels are needed, the specific criteria for selection, and 
the application deadline. Complete applications, including all 
information requested in the applicable Federal Register notice(s) and 
on the application form and any previous reports required pursuant to 
this section and Sec. 635.5, must be received by NMFS by the 
application deadline in order for the vessel to be considered. Requested 
information could include, but is not limited to, applicant name and 
address, permit information, vessel information, availability of the 
vessel, past involvement in the shark fishery, and

[[Page 564]]

compliance with HMS regulations including observer regulations. NMFS 
will only review complete applications received by the published 
deadline to determine eligibility for participation in the shark 
research fishery. Qualified vessels will be chosen based on the 
information provided on the applications and their ability to meet the 
selection criteria as published in the Federal Register notice. A 
commercial shark permit holder whose vessel was selected to carry an 
observer in the previous two years for any HMS fishery but failed to 
comply with the observer regulations specified in Sec. 635.7 will not 
be considered. A commercial shark permit holder that has been charged 
criminally or civilly (i.e., issued a Notice of Violation and Assessment 
(NOVA) or Notice of Permit Sanction) for any HMS related violation will 
not be considered for participation in the shark research fishery. 
Qualified vessels will be randomly selected to participate in the shark 
research fishery based on their availability and the temporal and 
spatial needs of the research objectives. If a vessel issued a shark 
research permit cannot conduct the shark research tasks, for whatever 
reason, that permit will be revoked and, depending on the status of the 
research and the fishing year, NMFS will randomly select another 
qualified vessel to be issued a shark research permit.
    (h) Terms and conditions. (1) For EFPs, scientific research permits, 
and public display permits: Written reports on fishing activities, and 
disposition of all fish captured under a permit issued under this 
section must be submitted to NMFS within 5 days of return to port. NMFS 
will provide specific conditions and requirements as needed, consistent 
with the Consolidated HMS Fishery Management Plan, in the permit. If an 
individual issued a Federal permit under this section captures no HMS in 
any given month, either in or outside the EEZ, a ``no-catch'' report 
must be submitted to NMFS within 5 days of the last day of that month.
    (2) For chartering permits, written reports of fishing activities 
must be submitted to NMFS by a date specified, and to an address 
designated, in the terms and conditions of each chartering permit.
    (3) An annual written summary report of all fishing activities, and 
disposition of all fish captured, under the permit must be submitted to 
NMFS for all EFPs, scientific research permits, display permits, and 
chartering permits issued under this section within 30 days after the 
expiration date of the permit.
    (4) For shark research permits, all owners and/or operators must 
comply with the recordkeeping and reporting requirements specified in 
Sec. 635.5 per the requirement of holding a LAP for sharks.
    (5) As stated in Sec. 635.4(a)(6), failure to comply with the 
recordkeeping and reporting requirements of this section could result in 
the EFP, scientific research permit, display permit, chartering permit, 
or shark research permit being revoked, suspended, or modified, and in 
the denial of any future applications.

[64 FR 29135, May 28, 1999, as amended at 68 FR 63742, Nov. 10, 2003; 68 
FR 74786, Dec. 24, 2003; 69 FR 70399, Dec. 6, 2004; 73 FR 40711, July 
15, 2008; 75 FR 30528, June 1, 2010]



Sec. 635.33  Archival tags.

    (a) Landing an HMS with a surgically implanted archival tag. 
Notwithstanding other provisions of this part, persons may catch, 
possess, retain, and land an Atlantic HMS in which an archival tag has 
been surgically implanted, provided such persons return the tag to the 
research entity indicated on the tag or to NMFS at an address designated 
by NMFS and report the fish as required in Sec. 635.5.
    (b) Quota monitoring. If an Atlantic HMS landed under the authority 
of paragraph (a) of this section is subject to a quota, the fish will be 
counted against the applicable quota for the species consistent with the 
fishing gear and activity which resulted in the catch. In the event such 
fishing gear or activity is otherwise prohibited under applicable 
provisions of this part, the fish shall be counted against the reserve 
or research quota established for that species, as appropriate.

[81 FR 55379, Aug. 19, 2016]

[[Page 565]]



Sec. 635.34  Adjustment of management measures.

    (a) NMFS may adjust the IBQ shares or resultant allocations for 
bluefin tuna, as specified in Sec. 635.15; catch limits for bluefin 
tuna, as specified in Sec. 635.23; the overall, regional, and/or sub-
regional quotas for bluefin tuna, sharks, swordfish, and northern 
albacore tuna as specified in Sec. 635.27; the retention limits for 
sharks, as specified at Sec. 635.24; the regional retention limits for 
Swordfish General Commercial permit holders, as specified at Sec. 
635.24; the marlin landing limit, as specified in Sec. 635.27(d); and 
the minimum sizes for Atlantic blue marlin, white marlin, and roundscale 
spearfish as specified in Sec. 635.20.
    (b) In accordance with the framework procedures in the 2006 
Consolidated HMS FMP, NMFS may establish or modify for species or 
species groups of Atlantic HMS the following management measures: 
Maximum sustainable yield or optimum yield based on the latest stock 
assessment or updates in the SAFE report; domestic quotas; recreational 
and commercial retention limits, including target catch requirements; 
size limits; fishing years or fishing seasons; shark fishing regions, or 
regional and/or sub-regional quotas; species in the management unit and 
the specification of the species groups to which they belong; species in 
the prohibited shark species group; classification system within shark 
species groups; permitting and reporting requirements; workshop 
requirements; the IBQ shares or resultant allocations for BFT; 
administration of the IBQ program (including but not limited to 
requirements pertaining to leasing of IBQ allocations, regional or 
minimum IBQ share requirements, IBQ share caps (individual or by 
category), permanent sale of shares, NED IBQ rules, etc.); de minimis 
BFT quota set-aside for new entrants and associated requirements, 
process and conditions; time/area restrictions; allocations among user 
groups; gear prohibitions, modifications, or use restriction; effort 
restrictions; observer coverage requirements; EM requirements; essential 
fish habitat; and actions to implement ICCAT recommendations, as 
appropriate.
    (c) NMFS may add species to the prohibited shark species group 
specified in heading D, Prohibited Sharks, of Table 1 of appendix A to 
this part if, after considering the criteria in paragraphs (c)(1) 
through (4) of this section, the species is determined to meet at least 
two of the criteria. Alternatively, NMFS may remove species from the 
prohibited shark species group and place them in the appropriate shark 
species group in Table 1 of appendix A if, after considering the 
criteria in paragraphs (c)(1) through (4) of this section, NMFS 
determines the species only meets one criterion.
    (1) Biological information indicates that the stock warrants 
protection.
    (2) Information indicates that the species is rarely encountered or 
observed caught in HMS fisheries.
    (3) Information indicates that the species is not commonly 
encountered or observed caught as bycatch in fishing operations for 
species other than HMS.
    (4) The species is difficult to distinguish from other prohibited 
species.
    (d) When considering a framework adjustment to add, change, or 
modify time/area closures and/or gear restricted areas, NMFS will 
consider, consistent with the FMP, the Magnuson-Stevens Act and other 
applicable law, but is not limited to the following criteria: Any 
Endangered Species Act related issues, concerns, or requirements, 
including applicable BiOps; bycatch rates of protected species, 
prohibited HMS, or non-target species both within the specified or 
potential closure area(s) and throughout the fishery; bycatch rates and 
post-release mortality rates of bycatch species associated with 
different gear types; new or updated landings, bycatch, and fishing 
effort data; evidence or research indicating that changes to fishing 
gear and/or fishing practices can significantly reduce bycatch; social 
and economic impacts; and the practicability of implementing new or 
modified closures compared to other bycatch reduction options. If the 
species is an ICCAT managed species, NMFS will also consider the overall 
effect of the U.S.'s

[[Page 566]]

catch on that species before implementing time/area closures, gear 
restricted areas, or access to closed areas.

[64 FR 29135, May 28, 1999, as amended at 68 FR 74788, Dec. 24, 2003; 71 
FR 58173, Oct. 2, 2006; 75 FR 57702, Sept. 22, 2010; 78 FR 52031, Aug. 
21, 2013; 79 FR 71606, Dec. 2, 2014; 80 FR 50102, Aug. 18, 2015; 83 FR 
33157, July 17, 2018; 87 FR 60007, Oct. 3, 2022]



                    Subpart D_Restrictions on Imports



Sec. 635.40  Restrictions to enhance conservation.

    (a) Determinations. Upon a determination by NMFS that species of 
fish subject to regulation or under investigation by ICCAT are 
ineligible for entry into the United States under 16 U.S.C. 971d (c)(4) 
or (c)(5), NMFS, with the concurrence of the Secretary of State, will 
file with the Office of the Federal Register for publication a finding 
to that effect. Effective upon the date of filing of such finding, all 
shipments of fish in any form of the species found to be ineligible will 
be denied entry unless, with respect to a particular shipment, it is 
established by satisfactory proof pursuant to paragraph (b) of this 
section that the particular shipment of fish is eligible for entry. 
Entry will not be denied and no such proof will be required for any such 
shipment that, on the date of filing was in transit to the United States 
on board a vessel operating as a common carrier.
    (b) Proof of admissibility. (1) For the purposes of paragraph (a) of 
this section and section 971d(6)(a) of ATCA, a shipment of fish in any 
form of the species under regulation or under investigation by ICCAT 
offered for entry, directly or indirectly, from a country named in a 
finding filed with the Office of the Federal Register for publication 
under paragraph (a) of this section is eligible for entry if the 
shipment is accompanied by a completed ATCA COE attached to the invoice 
certifying that the fish in the shipment:
    (i) Are not of the species specified in the finding;
    (ii) Are of the species named in the finding, but were not taken in 
the regulatory area; or
    (iii) Are of the species named in the finding, but are products of 
an American fishery and were lawfully taken in conformity with 
applicable conservation laws and regulations and landed in the country 
named in the finding solely for transshipment.
    (2) If the fish are offered for entry under paragraph (b)(1)(i) or 
(b)(1)(ii) of this section, the ATCA COE must be executed by a duly 
authorized official of the country named in the finding and the ATCA COE 
must be validated by a consular officer or consular agent of the United 
States. Such validation must be attached to the ATCA COE.
    (3) [Reserved]
    (c) Removal of import restrictions. Upon a determination by NMFS 
that the conditions no longer exist that warranted the finding under 
paragraph (a) of this section, NMFS will remove the import restriction 
by filing with the Office of the Federal Register for publication 
notification of removal effective on the date of filing. However, for 1 
year from the date of filing every shipment of fish in any form that was 
subject to the finding under paragraph (a) of this section will continue 
to be denied entry, unless the shipment is accompanied by a 
certification executed by an authorized official of the country of 
export and authenticated by a consular officer or consular agent of the 
United States certifying that no portion of the shipment is composed of 
fish taken prior to or during the import restriction.

[64 FR 29135, May 28, 1999, as amended at 83 FR 33157, July 17, 2018]



Sec. 635.41  Products denied entry.

    (a) [Reserved]
    (b) All shipments of tuna or tuna-like species, or their products, 
in any form, harvested in the ICCAT convention area by a fishing vessel 
that is required to be listed, but not listed on the ICCAT record of 
authorized vessels will be denied entry into the United States.
    (c) All shipments of tuna or tuna-like species, or their products, 
in any form, harvested in the ICCAT convention area by a fishing vessel 
listed on the ICCAT record as engaged in illegal, unreported, and 
unregulated fishing will be denied entry into the United States.
    (d) All shipments of tuna or tuna-like species, placed in cages for 
farming and/or transshipment, harvested in the

[[Page 567]]

ICCAT convention area and caught by a fishing vessel included on the 
ICCAT list as engaged in illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing 
will be denied entry into the United States.
    (e) For the purposes of this section, it is a rebuttable presumption 
that any shipment containing swordfish, bluefin tuna, bigeye tuna, or 
their products offered for entry into the United States has been 
harvested by a vessel or vessels of the exporting nation.

[69 FR 70400, Dec. 6, 2004, as amended at 70 FR 28218, May 17, 2005; 77 
FR 52261, Aug. 29, 2012]



                 Subpart E_International Port Inspection



Sec. 635.50  Basis and purpose.

    The regulations in this subpart implement the ICCAT port inspection 
scheme. The text of the ICCAT port inspection scheme may be obtained 
from NMFS.



Sec. 635.51  Authorized officer.

    For the purposes of this subpart, an authorized officer is a person 
appointed by an ICCAT contracting party to conduct inspections for the 
purpose of determining compliance with ICCAT conservation and management 
measures and who possesses identification issued by the authorized 
officer's national government.

[79 FR 72559, Dec. 8, 2014]



Sec. 635.52  Vessels subject to inspection.

    (a) All U.S. fishing vessels carrying fish species subject to 
regulation pursuant to a recommendation of ICCAT that have not been 
previously landed or transshipped at port, as well as the vessel's 
catch, gear, equipment, records, and any documents the authorized 
officer deems necessary to determine compliance with ICCAT conservation 
and management measures, are subject to inspection when in a port of any 
ICCAT contracting or cooperating non-contracting party. A list of ports, 
designated by ICCAT contracting or cooperating non-contracting parties, 
to which foreign vessels carrying fish species subject to regulation 
pursuant to a recommendation of ICCAT may seek entry is available on the 
ICCAT Web site.
    (b) While in port, the master, crewmember, or any other person on a 
U.S. vessel carrying fish species subject to regulation pursuant to a 
recommendation of ICCAT must cooperate with an authorized officer during 
the conduct of an inspection, including by facilitating safe boarding. 
ICCAT recommendations require that inspections be carried out so that 
the vessel suffers minimum interference and inconvenience, and so that 
degradation of the quality of catch is avoided.

[79 FR 72559, Dec. 8, 2014]



Sec. 635.53  Prior notification.

    (a) U.S. vessels carrying tuna or tuna-like species or other HMS 
that are seeking to enter the port of another ICCAT contracting or 
cooperating party must provide to the port State, at least 72 hours 
before the estimated time of arrival at the port or in accordance with 
any other time period specified by the foreign government, the following 
information:
    (1) Vessel identification (External identification; Name; Flag 
State; ICCAT Record No., if any; IMO No., if any; and international 
radio call sign);
    (2) Name of the designated port, as referred to in the ICCAT 
register, to which it seeks entry and the purpose of the port call;
    (3) Fishing authorization or, where appropriate, any other 
authorization held by the vessel to support fishing operations on ICCAT-
managed species and/or fish products originating from such species;
    (4) Estimated date and time of arrival in port;
    (5) In kilograms, the estimated quantities of each ICCAT-managed 
species and/or fish products originating from such species to be held on 
board and to be landed, with associated catch areas;
    (6) Other information, as requested by the foreign ICCAT contracting 
or cooperating non-contracting party, to determine whether a vessel has 
engaged in IUU fishing, or related activities;
    (b) After receiving information pursuant to paragraph (a) of this 
section, the foreign ICCAT contracting or cooperating non-contracting 
party should

[[Page 568]]

decide whether to authorize or deny the entry of a vessel into its port.

[79 FR 72559, Dec. 8, 2014]



Sec. 635.54  Reports.

    Owners and operators of U.S. vessels subject to inspection under 
Sec. 635.52 are hereby notified that the ICCAT recommendation 
establishing a scheme for minimum standards for inspection in port 
requires that:
    (a) Upon completion of the inspection, the authorized officer shall 
provide the Master of the U.S. fishing vessel with the inspection report 
containing the findings of the inspection, including any violations 
found and possible subsequent measures that could be taken by the 
foreign ICCAT contracting or cooperating non-contracting party. The 
Master of the U.S. vessel is entitled to add or have added to the report 
any comments or objections, and to add his or her own signature as an 
acknowledgement of receipt,
    (b) Copies of the inspection report shall also be provided by the 
port State to the ICCAT Secretariat and, as appropriate, to NMFS and 
other contracting or cooperating non-contracting parties of ICCAT,
    (c) Any enforcement action taken by the foreign ICCAT contracting or 
cooperating non-contracting party in response to an infringement shall 
be reported to the United States and to the ICCAT Secretariat, and
    (d) The foreign ICCAT contracting or cooperating non-contracting 
party shall refer any infringements found that do not fall within its 
jurisdiction, or with respect to which it has not taken action, to the 
flag State of the vessel (i.e., to NMFS).

[79 FR 72560, Dec. 8, 2014, as amended at 87 FR 11325, Mar. 1, 2022]



                          Subpart F_Enforcement



Sec. 635.69  Vessel monitoring systems.

    (a) Applicability. To facilitate enforcement of time/area and 
fishery closures, enhance reporting, and support the IBQ Program (Sec. 
635.15), an owner or operator of a commercial vessel that has been 
issued or is required to be issued an Atlantic Tunas Longline category 
LAP or a vessel that is permitted, or required to be permitted, to fish 
for Atlantic HMS under Sec. 635.4 and that fishes with pelagic or 
bottom longline or gillnet gear is required to install a NMFS-approved 
enhanced mobile transmitting unit (E-MTU) vessel monitoring system (VMS) 
on board the vessel and operate the VMS unit under the circumstances 
listed in paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(5) of this section. For purposes 
of this section, a NMFS-approved E-MTU VMS is one that has been approved 
by NMFS as satisfying its type approval listing for E-MTU VMS units. 
Those requirements are published in the Federal Register and may be 
updated periodically.
    (1) Whenever the vessel has pelagic longline gear on board;
    (2) Whenever a vessel issued a directed shark LAP, has bottom 
longline gear on board, is located between 33[deg]00[min] N. lat. and 
36[deg]30[min] N. lat., and the mid-Atlantic shark closed area is closed 
as specified in Sec. 635.21(d)(1); or
    (3) Pursuant to Atlantic large whale take reduction plan 
requirements at 50 CFR 229.32(h), whenever a vessel issued a directed 
shark LAP has a gillnet(s) on board.
    (4) A vessel is considered to have pelagic or bottom longline gear 
on board, for the purposes of this section, when the gear components as 
specified at Sec. 635.2 are on board. A vessel is considered to have 
gillnet gear on board, for the purposes of this section, when gillnet, 
as defined in Sec. 600.10 of this chapter, is on board a vessel that 
has been issued a shark LAP.
    (5) Whenever a vessel issued an Atlantic Tunas Longline permit has 
green-stick gear on board.
    (b) Hardware specifications. The VMS hardware must be approved by 
NMFS and must be able to perform all NMFS required functions. NMFS will 
file with the Office of the Federal Register for publication 
notification listing the specifications for approved VMS units. As 
necessary, NMFS will make additions and/or amendments to the VMS 
hardware type approval list to account for changes in specifications or 
new products offered by manufacturers. NMFS will file with the Office of 
the Federal Register for publication notification listing such additions 
and/or amendments.

[[Page 569]]

    (c) Communications specifications. The communications service 
provider must be approved by NMFS and must be able to provide all NMFS 
required functions. NMFS will file with the Office of the Federal 
Register for publication notification listing the specifications for 
approved VMS communications service providers. As necessary, NMFS will 
make additions and/or amendments to the VMS communications service 
providers type approval list to account for changes in specifications or 
new services offered by communications providers. NMFS will file with 
the Office of the Federal Register for publication notification listing 
such additions and/or amendments.
    (d) Installation and activation. Only an E-MTU VMS that has been 
approved by NMFS for Atlantic HMS Fisheries may be used. Any VMS unit 
must be installed by a qualified marine electrician. When any NMFS-
approved E-MTU VMS is installed and activated or reinstalled and 
reactivated, the vessel owner or operator must--
    (1) Follow procedures indicated on a NMFS-approved installation and 
activation checklist for the applicable fishery, which is available from 
NMFS;
    (2) Submit to NMFS a statement certifying compliance with the 
checklist, as prescribed on the checklist; and,
    (3) Submit to NMFS the checklist, completed by a qualified marine 
electrician. Vessels fishing prior to NMFS' receipt of the completed 
checklist and compliance certification statement will be in violation of 
the VMS requirement.
    (e) Operation. (1) Owners or operators of vessels subject to 
requirements specified in paragraph (a) of this section must ensure the 
VMS unit is on so that it will submit automatic position reports every 
hour, 24 hours a day. Except as otherwise noted in this paragraph 
(e)(1), the VMS unit must always be on, operating and reporting without 
interruption, and NMFS enforcement must receive hourly position reports 
without interruption. No person may interfere with, tamper with, alter, 
damage, disable, or impede the operation of a VMS unit, or attempt any 
of the same. Vessels fishing outside the geographic area of operation of 
the installed VMS will be in violation of the VMS requirement. Owners of 
vessels may request a documented power down exemption from NMFS 
enforcement if the vessel will not be fishing for an extended period of 
time. The request must describe the reason an exemption is being 
requested; the location of the vessel during the time an exemption is 
sought; the exact time period for which an exemption is needed (i.e., 
the time the VMS signal will be turned off and turned on again); and 
sufficient information to determine that a power down exemption is 
appropriate. Approval of a power down must be documented and will be 
granted, at the discretion of NMFS enforcement, only in certain 
circumstances (e.g., when the vessel is going into dry dock for repairs, 
or will not be fishing for an extended period of time).
    (2) Hailing out. Prior to departure for each trip, a vessel owner or 
operator must initially report to NMFS declaring any highly migratory 
species the vessel will target on that trip and the specific type(s) of 
fishing gear that will be on board the vessel, using NMFS-defined gear 
codes. If the vessel owner or operator participates in multiple HMS 
fisheries, or possesses multiple fishing gears on board the vessel, the 
vessel owner or operator must submit multiple electronic reports to 
NMFS. If, during the trip, the vessel switches to a gear type or species 
group not reported on the initial declaration, another declaration must 
be submitted before this fishing begins. This information must be 
reported to NMFS using an attached VMS terminal or using another method 
as instructed by NMFS enforcement.
    (3) Hailing in. A vessel owner or operator must report advance 
notice of landing to NMFS. For the purposes of this paragraph (e)(3), 
landing means to arrive at a dock, berth, beach, seawall, or ramp. The 
vessel owner or operator is responsible for ensuring that NMFS is 
contacted at least 3 hours and no more than 12 hours in advance of 
landing regardless of trip duration. This information must be reported 
to NMFS using an attached VMS terminal and must include the date, 
approximate time, and location of landing.
    (4) BFT and fishing effort reporting requirements for vessels 
fishing with

[[Page 570]]

pelagic longline gear or vessels issued an Atlantic Tunas Longline 
category LAP fishing with green-stick gear.
    (i) Pelagic longline gear. The vessel owner or operator of a vessel 
that has pelagic longline gear on board must report to NMFS using the 
attached VMS terminal, or using an alternative method specified by NMFS 
as follows: For each set, as instructed by NMFS, the date and area of 
the set, the number of hooks and the length of all bluefin retained 
(actual), and the length of all bluefin tuna discarded dead or alive 
(approximate), must be reported within 12 hours of the completion each 
pelagic longline haul-back.
    (ii) Green-stick gear. The owner or operator of a vessel with an 
Atlantic Tunas Longline permit that is fishing with green-stick gear 
must report to NMFS using the attached VMS terminal, or using an 
alternative method specified by NMFS as follows: For each green-stick 
set that interacts with BFT, as instructed by NMFS, the date and area of 
the set, the length of BFT retained (actual), and the numbers and 
lengths of all BFT discarded dead or alive (approximate), must be 
reported within 12 hours of the completion of the retrieval of each set.
    (5) Vessel owners or operators that decide not to fish for or retain 
HMS for a period of time encompassing two or more trips may follow the 
requirements of this paragraph (e)(5) in lieu of paragraphs (e)(2) and 
(e)(3) of this section.
    (i) If a vessel owner or operator decides not to fish for or retain 
HMS for a period of time encompassing two or more trips, that owner or 
operator may choose to ``declare out'' of the fishery. To ``declare 
out,'' the vessel owner or operator must contact NMFS using an attached 
VMS terminal to indicate the operator does not plan to fish for or 
retain HMS. By ``declaring out'' of the HMS fishery, the vessel owner or 
operator is exempt from the requirements of paragraphs (e)(2) and (e)(3) 
of this section, unless the circumstances described in paragraph 
(e)(5)(ii) of this section apply, but must still comply with all other 
HMS regulations that are applicable to the vessel including area and 
gear closures.
    (ii) If a vessel owner or operator has advised NMFS that it will not 
be fishing for or retaining HMS as described in paragraph (e)(5)(i) of 
this section, but incidentally catches and retains any HMS while 
fishing, the vessel owner is required to change the target species 
declaration and advise NMFS, as described in paragraph (e)(2) of this 
section while at sea before landing with any HMS. The vessel must also 
report advance notice of landing to NMFS as described in paragraph 
(e)(3) of this section.
    (iii) Once the vessel owner or operator changes the declaration per 
paragraph (e)(5)(ii) of this section, that vessel is assumed to be 
fishing under the requirements of paragraphs (e)(1) through (e)(3) of 
this section until the vessel owner or operator makes another 
declaration under paragraph (e)(5) of this section.
    (f) Interruption. When the vessel operator is aware that 
transmission of automatic position reports has been interrupted, or when 
notified by NMFS that automatic position reports are not being received, 
the vessel operator must contact NMFS and follow the instructions given. 
Such instructions may include but are not limited to manually 
communicating to a location designated by NMFS the vessel's position or 
returning to port until the VMS is operable.
    (g) Repair and replacement. After a fishing trip during which 
interruption of automatic position reports has occurred, the vessel's 
owner or operator must have a qualified marine electrician replace or 
repair the VMS unit prior to the vessel's next trip. Repair or 
reinstallation of a VMS unit or installation of a replacement, including 
change of communications service provider, shall be in accordance with 
the installation and activation requirements specified at Sec. 
635.69(d) of this part.
    (h) Access. As a condition to obtaining a LAP for Atlantic 
swordfish, sharks, or tunas, all vessel owners or operators using 
pelagic or bottom longline or gillnet gear, subject to the VMS 
provisions of this section must allow NMFS, the USCG, and their 
authorized officers and designees access to the vessel's position data 
obtained

[[Page 571]]

from the VMS at the time of or after its transmission to the vendor or 
receiver, as the case may be.

[64 FR 29135, May 28, 1999, as amended at 64 FR 37705, July 13, 1999; 65 
FR 47238, Aug. 1, 2000; 68 FR 45169, Aug. 1, 2003; 68 FR 74788, Dec. 24, 
2003; 69 FR 51012, Aug. 17, 2004; 72 FR 57194, Oct. 5, 2007; 73 FR 
40712, July 15, 2008; 75 FR 30528, June 1, 2010; 76 FR 75502, Dec. 2, 
2011; 78 FR 68763, 68764, Nov. 15, 2013; 79 FR 71606, Dec. 2, 2014; 80 
FR 73146, Nov. 24, 2015; 87 FR 60007, Oct. 3, 2022]



Sec. 635.70  Penalties.

    (a) General. See Sec. 600.735 of this chapter.
    (b) Civil procedures for Atlantic tuna. Because of the perishable 
nature of Atlantic tuna when it is not chilled or frozen, an authorized 
officer may cause to be sold, for not less than its reasonable market 
value, unchilled or unfrozen Atlantic tuna that may be seized and 
forfeited under ATCA and this part.



Sec. 635.71  Prohibitions.

    In addition to the prohibitions specified in Sec. 600.725 of this 
chapter, it is unlawful for any person subject to the jurisdiction of 
the United States to violate any provision of this part, ATCA, the 
Magnuson-Stevens Act, or any other rules promulgated under ATCA or the 
Magnuson-Stevens Act.
    (a) General. It is unlawful for any person or vessel subject to the 
jurisdiction of the United States to:
    (1) Falsify information required on an application for a permit 
submitted under Sec. 635.4 or Sec. 635.32.
    (2) Fish for, catch, possess, retain, land, or sell Atlantic HMS 
without the appropriate valid vessel permit with the appropriate 
endorsements, LAP, EFP, scientific research permit, display permit, 
chartering permit, or shark research permit on board the vessel, as 
specified in Sec. Sec. 635.4 and 635.32.
    (3) Purchase, receive, or transfer or attempt to purchase, receive, 
or transfer, for commercial purposes, Atlantic bluefin tuna landed by 
owners of vessels not permitted to do so under Sec. 635.4, or purchase, 
receive, or transfer, or attempt to purchase, receive, or transfer 
Atlantic bluefin tuna without the appropriate valid Federal Atlantic 
tunas dealer permit issued under Sec. 635.4. Purchase, receive, or 
transfer or attempt to purchase, receive, or transfer, for commercial 
purposes, other than solely for transport, any BAYS tunas, swordfish, or 
sharks landed by owners of vessels not permitted to do so under Sec. 
635.4, or purchase, receive, or transfer, or attempt to purchase, 
receive, or transfer, for commercial purposes, other than solely for 
transport, any BAYS tunas, swordfish, or sharks without the appropriate 
valid dealer permit issued under Sec. 635.4 or submission of reports by 
dealers to NMFS according to reporting requirements specified in Sec. 
635.5. This prohibition does not apply to HMS harvested by HMS 
Commercial Caribbean Small Boat vessel permit holders operating in the 
U.S. Caribbean as defined at Sec. 622.2 or to a shark harvested from a 
vessel that has not been issued a permit under this part and that fishes 
exclusively within the waters under the jurisdiction of any state.
    (4) Sell or transfer or attempt to sell or transfer, for commercial 
purposes, an Atlantic tuna, shark, or swordfish other than to a dealer 
that has a valid dealer permit issued under Sec. 635.4, except that 
this does not apply to HMS Commercial Caribbean Small Boat vessel permit 
holders operating in the U.S. Caribbean as defined at Sec. 622.2, or to 
a shark harvested by a vessel that has not been issued a permit under 
this part and that fishes exclusively within the waters under the 
jurisdiction of any state.
    (5) Fail to possess and make available for inspection a vessel 
permit on board the permitted vessel or upon transfer of HMS to a dealer 
or a dealer permit at the dealer's place of business, or to alter any 
such permit as specified in Sec. 635.4(a).
    (6) Falsify or fail to record, report, or maintain information 
required to be recorded, reported, or maintained, as specified in 
Sec. Sec. 635.5 and 635.32 or in the terms and conditions of a permit 
issued under Sec. 635.4 or an EFP, scientific research permit, display 
permit, chartering permit, or shark research permit issued under Sec. 
635.32.
    (7) Fail to allow an authorized agent of NMFS to inspect and copy 
reports and records, as specified in Sec. 635.5(e) and (f) or Sec. 
635.32.

[[Page 572]]

    (8) Fail to make available for inspection an Atlantic HMS or its 
area of custody, as specified in Sec. 635.5(e) and (f).
    (9) Fail to report the catching of any Atlantic HMS to which a 
conventional tag has been affixed under a tag and release program as 
specified in Sec. 635.26(a).
    (10) Falsify or fail to display and maintain vessel and gear 
identification, as specified in Sec. 635.6.
    (11) Fail to comply with the requirements for at-sea observer 
coverage, as specified in Sec. 635.7 and Sec. 600.746.
    (12) For any person to assault, resist, oppose, impede, intimidate, 
interfere with, obstruct, delay, or prevent, by any means, any 
authorized officer in the conduct of any search, inspection, seizure or 
lawful investigation made in connection with enforcement of this part.
    (13) Interfere with, delay, or prevent by any means, the 
apprehension of another person, knowing that such person has committed 
any act prohibited by this part.
    (14) Fail to install, activate, repair, or replace a NMFS-approved 
E-MTU vessel monitoring system prior to leaving port with pelagic 
longline gear, bottom longline gear, or gillnet gear on board the 
vessel, or with green-stick gear on board a vessel issued an Atlantic 
Tunas Longline category permit as specified in Sec. 635.69.
    (15) Tamper with, or fail to operate and maintain a vessel 
monitoring system as specified in Sec. 635.69.
    (16) Fail to contact NMFS or follow NMFS instructions when automatic 
position reporting has been interrupted as specified in Sec. 635.69.
    (17) Fish for Atlantic tunas or swordfish with a gillnet or possess 
Atlantic tunas or swordfish on board a vessel with a gillnet on board, 
as specified in Sec. 635.19(a), (b), and (e).
    (18) Fail to retrieve fishing gear and move after an interaction 
with a protected species, as specified in Sec. 635.21(b)(3).
    (19) Utilize secondary gears as specified in Sec. 635.19(a) to 
capture, or attempt to capture, any undersized or free swimming Atlantic 
HMS, or fail to release a captured Atlantic HMS in the manner specified 
in Sec. 635.21(a).
    (20) Fail to return a surgically implanted archival tag of a 
retained Atlantic HMS to NMFS or the research entity, as specified in 
Sec. 635.33, or fail to report the fish, as specified in Sec. 635.5.
    (21) Fail to maintain an Atlantic HMS in the form specified in Sec. 
635.30.
    (22) Fish for, catch, retain, or possess an Atlantic HMS that is 
less than its minimum size limit specified in Sec. 635.20.
    (23) Fail to comply with the restrictions on use of pelagic 
longline, bottom longline, gillnet, buoy gear, speargun gear, or green-
stick gear as specified in Sec. 635.21.
    (24) Import, or attempt to import, any fish or fish products 
regulated under this part in a manner contrary to any import 
requirements or import restrictions specified at Sec. 635.40 or 635.41.
    (25) Dispose of fish or parts thereof or other matter in any manner 
after any communication or signal from an authorized officer, or after 
the approach of an authorized officer.
    (26) Violate the terms and conditions or any provision of a permit 
issued under Sec. 635.4 or Sec. 635.32.
    (27) Operate a charterboat or headboat without a valid U.S. Coast 
Guard merchant marine or uninspected passenger vessel license on board 
the vessel when fishing for or possessing Atlantic HMS as specified at 
Sec. 635.4(b).
    (28) Violate any provision of this part, the Magnuson-Stevens Act, 
ATCA, or any regulations or permits issued under the Magnuson-Stevens 
Act or ATCA.
    (29) Land, transship, ship, transport, purchase, sell, offer for 
sale, import, export, or have in custody, possession, or control:
    (i) Any fish that the person knows, or should have known, was taken, 
retained, possessed, or landed contrary to this part, without regard to 
the citizenship of the person or registry of the fishing vessel that 
harvested the fish.
    (ii) Any fish of a species regulated pursuant to a recommendation of 
ICCAT that was harvested, retained, or possessed in a manner contrary to 
the regulations of another country.
    (30) Deploy or fish with any fishing gear from a vessel or anchor a 
fishing vessel, permitted or required to be permitted under this part, 
in any closed area as specified at Sec. 635.21.

[[Page 573]]

    (31) Deploy or fish with any fishing gear from a vessel with a 
pelagic longline on board in any closed or gear restricted areas during 
the time periods specified at Sec. 635.21(c)(2).
    (32) In the Gulf of Mexico, deploy or fish a pelagic longline with 
live bait affixed to the hooks or to possess live bait, or set up a well 
or tank to maintain live bait, aboard a vessel with pelagic longline 
gear on board as specified at Sec. 635.21(c)(4).
    (33) Deploy or fish with any fishing gear from a vessel with pelagic 
or bottom longline gear on board without carrying the required sea 
turtle bycatch mitigation gear, as specified at Sec. 635.21(c)(5)(i) 
for pelagic longline gear and Sec. 635.21(d)(2) for bottom longline 
gear. This equipment must be utilized in accordance with Sec. 
635.21(c)(5)(ii) and (d)(2) for pelagic and bottom longline gear, 
respectively.
    (34) Fail to disengage any hooked or entangled sea turtle with the 
least harm possible to the sea turtle as specified at Sec. 635.21 
(c)(5) or (d)(2).
    (35) For any person to assault, resist, oppose, impede, intimidate, 
interfere with, obstruct, delay, or prevent, by any means, NMFS 
personnel or anyone collecting information for NMFS, under an agreement 
or contract, relating to the scientific monitoring or management of 
Atlantic HMS.
    (36) Fish with bottom or pelagic longline and shark gillnet gear for 
HMS without adhering to the gear operation and deployment restrictions 
required in 50 CFR 635.21.
    (37) Fail to report to NMFS, at the number designated by NMFS, the 
incidental capture of listed whales with shark gillnet gear as required 
by Sec. 635.21(f)(1).
    (38) Fish for, or possess on board a fishing vessel, species 
regulated under this part in unauthorized fishing areas as specified in 
Sec. 635.25.
    (39) Deploy or fish with any fishing gear, from a vessel with a 
bottom longline on board, in any closed area during the time periods 
specified at Sec. 635.21(d)(1).
    (40) Deploy or fish with any fishing gear, from a vessel with bottom 
longline gear on board, without carrying a dipnet, line clipper, and 
dehooking device as specified at Sec. 635.21(d)(2).
    (41) Fail to immediately notify NMFS upon the termination of a 
chartering arrangement as specified in Sec. 635.5(a)(5).
    (42) Count chartering arrangement catches against quotas other than 
those defined as the Contracting Party of which the chartering foreign 
entity is a member as specified in Sec. 635.5(a)(5).
    (43) Fail to submit catch information regarding fishing activities 
conducted under a chartering arrangement with a foreign entity, as 
specified in Sec. 635.5(a)(5).
    (44) Offload charter arrangement catch in ports other than ports of 
the chartering Contracting Party of which the foreign entity is a member 
or offload catch without the direct supervision of the chartering 
foreign entity as specified in Sec. 635.5(a)(5).
    (45) Import or attempt to import tuna or tuna-like species harvested 
from the ICCAT convention area by a fishing vessel that is not listed in 
the ICCAT record of authorized vessels as specified in Sec. 635.41(b).
    (46) Import or attempt to import tuna or tuna-like species harvested 
by a fishing vessel on the ICCAT illegal, unreported, and unregulated 
fishing list as specified in Sec. 635.41(c).
    (47) Import or attempt to import tuna or tuna-like species, placed 
in cages for farming and/or transshipment, harvested in the ICCAT 
convention area and caught by a fishing vessel included on the ICCAT 
list as engaged in illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing as 
specified in Sec. 635.41(d).
    (48) Purchase any HMS that was offloaded from an individual vessel 
in excess of the retention limits specified in Sec. Sec. 635.23 and 
635.24.
    (49) Sell any HMS that was offloaded from an individual vessel in 
excess of the retention limits specified in Sec. Sec. 635.23 and 
635.24.
    (50) Fish without a NMFS safe handling, release, and identification 
workshop certificate, as required in Sec. 635.8.
    (51) Fish without having on board the vessel a valid safe handling, 
release, and identification workshop certificate issued to the vessel 
owner and operator as required in Sec. 635.8.

[[Page 574]]

    (52) Falsify a NMFS safe handling, release, and identification 
workshop certificate or a NMFS Atlantic shark identification workshop 
certificate as specified at Sec. 635.8.
    (53) Fish for, catch, possess, retain, or land an Atlantic swordfish 
using, or captured on, ``buoy gear'' as defined at Sec. 635.2, unless 
the vessel owner has been issued a swordfish directed limited access 125 
permit or a swordfish handgear LAP in accordance with Sec. 635.4(f) or 
a valid HMS Commercial Caribbean Small Boat permit in accordance with 
Sec. 635.4(o).
    (54) Possess, use, or deploy, in the Gulf of Mexico, with pelagic 
longline gear on board, any circle hook that is constructed of round 
wire stock that is larger than 3.65 mm in diameter during the months of 
January through June of any calendar year as specified in Sec. 
635.21(c)(5)(iii).
    (55) Fail to electronically submit an Atlantic HMS dealer report 
through the HMS electronic dealer reporting system to report BAYS tunas, 
swordfish, and sharks to NMFS in accordance with Sec. 635.5, if issued, 
or required to be issued, a Federal Atlantic HMS dealer permit pursuant 
to Sec. 635.4.
    (56) Have been issued a valid HMS Commercial Caribbean Small Boat 
permit and to purchase, barter for, or trade for HMS harvested by other 
vessels with the intent to sell, as specified in Sec. 635.4(o)(5).
    (57) Fail to appropriately stow longline gear when transiting a 
closed or gear restricted area or a monitoring area that has been 
closed, as specified in Sec. 635.21(b)(2).
    (58) Deploy or fish with any fishing gear from a vessel with a 
pelagic longline gear on board in a monitoring area that has been closed 
as specified at Sec. 635.21(c)(3).
    (59) Fish for, retain, possess, or land any HMS from a vessel with a 
pelagic longline on board when the Atlantic Tunas Longline category 
fishery is closed, as specified in Sec. 635.28(a)(3), (b)(7), (c)(3), 
and (d).
    (60) Buy, trade, or barter for any HMS from a vessel with pelagic 
longline gear is on board when the Atlantic Tunas Longline category 
fishery is closed, as specified in Sec. 635.31(a)(2), (c), and (d).
    (61) Transfer in port or at sea any tuna, tuna-like species, or 
other HMS, as specified in Sec. 635.29(a).
    (62) A vessel owner or operator that has an HMS Charter/Headboat 
permit without a commercial sale endorsement is prohibited from selling 
any Atlantic HMS.
    (b) Atlantic tunas. It is unlawful for any person or vessel subject 
to the jurisdiction of the United States to:
    (1) Engage in fishing with a vessel that has been issued an Atlantic 
Tunas or Atlantic HMS permit under Sec. 635.4, unless the vessel 
travels to and from the area where it will be fishing under its own 
power and the person operating that vessel brings any BFT under control 
(secured to the catching vessel and/or brought on board) with no 
assistance from another vessel, except as shown by the operator that the 
safety of the vessel or its crew was jeopardized or other circumstances 
existed that were beyond the control of the operator.
    (2) [Reserved]
    (3) Fish for, catch, retain, or possess a BFT less than the large 
medium size class by a person aboard a vessel other than one that has on 
board a valid HMS Angling or Charter/Headboat permit as authorized under 
Sec. 635.23(b) and (c).
    (4) Fail to inspect a vessel's permit, fail to affix a dealer tag to 
a large medium or giant BFT, or fail to use such tag as specified in 
Sec. 635.5(b)(2).
    (5) Fail to report a large medium or giant bluefin tuna that is not 
sold, as specified in Sec. 635.5(a)(3), or fail to report a bluefin 
tuna that is sold, as specified in Sec. 635.5(a)(4).
    (6) As the owner of a vessel permitted, or required to be permitted, 
in the Atlantic HMS Angling or Atlantic HMS Charter/Headboat category, 
fail to report a BFT, as specified in Sec. 635.5(c)(1) or (c)(3).
    (7) Fish for, catch, retain, or possess a bluefin tuna with gear not 
authorized for the category permit issued to the vessel or to have such 
gear on board when in possession of a bluefin tuna, as specified in 
Sec. 635.19(b).
    (8) Fail to pay cost recovery fees as instructed by NMFS, as 
specified at Sec. 635.15(m)(4).

[[Page 575]]

    (9) Hold or acquire more than 25 percent of the total IBQ shares or 
associated allocations annually as specified under Sec. 635.15(n).
    (10) Fail to retain and land all dead large medium or giant BFT when 
pelagic longline gear is on board a vessel, as specified in Sec. 
635.23(e)(2).
    (11) Exceed the recreational catch limit for yellowfin tuna, as 
specified in Sec. 635.22(d).
    (12) Exceed a catch limit for BFT specified for the appropriate 
permit category, as specified in Sec. 635.23.
    (13) As a vessel with an Atlantic Tunas General category permit, 
fail to immediately cease fishing and immediately return to port after 
catching the applicable limit of large medium or giant bluefin tuna on a 
commercial fishing day, as specified in Sec. 635.23(a)(3).
    (14) As a person aboard a vessel issued an HMS Angling or Charter/
Headboat permit, fail to immediately cease fishing and immediately 
return to port after catching a large medium or giant BFT or fail to 
report such catch, as specified in Sec. 635.23(b)(1)(iii) and (c)(1) 
through (c)(3).
    (15) As a person aboard a vessel issued an HMS Angling or HMS 
Charter/Headboat permit, sell, offer for sale, or attempt to sell a 
large medium or giant BFT retained when fishing under the circumstances 
specified in Sec. 635.23(b)(1)(iii) and (c)(1) through (c)(3).
    (16) Retain a BFT caught under the catch and release program 
specified in Sec. 635.26.
    (17) Fish for, catch, retain, or possess BAYS tunas with gear not 
authorized for the category permit issued to the vessel, as specified in 
Sec. 635.19(b).
    (18) [Reserved]
    (19) Fish for, retain, possess, or land a BFT when the fishery is 
closed, as specified in Sec. 635.28(a), except as may be authorized for 
catch and release under Sec. 635.26.
    (20)--(22) [Reserved]
    (23) Fish for, catch, possess, or retain a bluefin tuna, except as 
specified under Sec. 635.23.
    (24) Fail to comply with the restrictions on sale and purchase of an 
Atlantic tuna, as specified in Sec. Sec. 635.5(b), 635.23, and 
635.31(a).
    (25) [Reserved]
    (26) For any person to refuse to provide information requested by 
NMFS personnel or anyone collecting information for NMFS, under an 
agreement or contract, relating to the scientific monitoring or 
management of Atlantic tunas.
    (27) Possess a large medium or giant BFT, after it has been landed, 
that does not have a dealer tag affixed to it as specified in Sec. 
635.5(b)(2)(ii), unless the BFT is not to be sold and has been reported 
per the requirements specified in Sec. Sec. 635.5(a)(3) or 635.5(c).
    (28) Participate in any HMS recreational fishing activity aboard a 
vessel issued an Atlantic Tunas General category permit unless, as 
specified at Sec. 635.4(c)(2) and (3), the vessel has registered and 
paid an entry fee to, and is fishing under the rules of, a recreational 
HMS fishing tournament registered as required under Sec. 635.5(d)
    (29) [Reserved]
    (30) Fish for any HMS, other than Atlantic BAYS tunas, with speargun 
fishing gear, as specified at Sec. 635.21(h).
    (31) Harvest or fish for BAYS tunas using speargun gear with 
powerheads, or any other explosive devices, as specified in Sec. 
635.21(h).
    (32) Sell, purchase, barter for, or trade for an Atlantic BAYS tuna 
harvested with speargun fishing gear, as specified at Sec. 
635.31(a)(1).
    (33) Fire or discharge speargun gear without being physically in the 
water, as specified at Sec. 635.21(h).
    (34) Use speargun gear to harvest a BAYS tuna restricted by fishing 
lines or other means, as specified at Sec. 635.21(h).
    (35) Use speargun gear to fish for BAYS tunas from a vessel that 
does not possess either a valid HMS Angling or HMS Charter/Headboat 
category permit, as specified at Sec. 635.21(h).
    (36) Possess J-hooks onboard a vessel that has pelagic longline gear 
on board, and that has been issued or required to be issued a LAP under 
this part, except when green-stick gear is on board, as specified at 
Sec. 635.21(c)(2)(iv) and (c)(5)(iii)(C).
    (37) Use or deploy J-hooks with pelagic longline gear from a vessel 
that has been issued, or required to be issued a LAP under this part, as 
specified in Sec. 635.21(c)(5)(iii)(C).

[[Page 576]]

    (38) As specified in Sec. 635.21(c)(5)(iii)(C), possess more than 
20 J-hooks on board a vessel that has been issued or required to be 
issued a LAP under this part, when possessing onboard both pelagic 
longline gear and green-stick gear as defined in Sec. 635.2.
    (39) Use or deploy more than 10 hooks at one time on any individual 
green-stick gear, as specified in Sec. 635.21(c)(2)(iv), 
(c)(5)(iii)(C), or (i).
    (40) Possess, use, or deploy J-hooks smaller than 1.5 inch (38.1 
mm), when measured in a straight line over the longest distance from the 
eye to any part of the hook, when fishing with or possessing green-stick 
gear on board a vessel that has been issued or required to be issued a 
LAP under this part, as specified at Sec. 635.21(c)(2)(iv) or 
(c)(5)(iii)(C).
    (41) Fail to report BFT catch by pelagic longline, through VMS as 
specified at Sec. 635.69(e)(4).
    (42) Fail to report all dead discards or landings of bluefin through 
the NMFS electronic catch reporting system within 24 hours of landing or 
the end of the trip as specified at Sec. 635.5(a)(4).
    (43) Fish for, retain, possess, or land albacore tuna when the 
fishery is closed, as specified in Sec. 635.28(d).
    (44) Buy, purchase, trade, or barter for albacore tuna when the 
fishery is closed, as specified in Sec. 635.31(a)(2)(ii).
    (45) Fail to comply with landing report requirements, as specified 
under Sec. 635.5(b)(2)(i)(A).
    (46) Deploy or fish with any fishing gear from a vessel with a 
pelagic longline on board that does not have an approved and fully 
operational, working EM system as specified in Sec. 635.9; tamper with, 
or fail to install, operate or maintain one or more components of the EM 
system; obstruct the view of the camera(s); or fail to handle BFT in a 
manner that allows the camera to record the fish as specified in Sec. 
635.9; or fail to comply with the standardized reference grid, hard 
drive, vessel monitoring plan and other requirements under Sec. 635.9.
    (47) Depart on a fishing trip or deploy or fish with any fishing 
gear from a vessel with a pelagic longline on board without a minimum 
amount of IBQ allocation available for that vessel, as specified in 
Sec. 635.15(f)(2), as applicable.
    (48) Depart on a fishing trip or deploy or fish with any fishing 
gear from a vessel with a pelagic longline on board without accounting 
for BFT as specified in Sec. 635.15(f)(3).
    (49) Lease BFT quota allocation to or from the owner of a vessel not 
issued a valid Atlantic Tunas Longline permit as specified under Sec. 
635.15(g)(1).
    (50) Fish in the Gulf of Mexico with pelagic longline gear on board 
if the vessel has only designated Atlantic IBQ allocation, as specified 
under Sec. 635.15(c)(3).
    (51) Depart on a fishing trip or deploy or fish with any fishing 
gear from a vessel with a pelagic longline on board in the Gulf of 
Mexico, without a minimum amount of designated GOM IBQ allocation 
available for that vessel, as specified in Sec. 635.15(f)(2).
    (52) If leasing IBQ allocation, fail to provide all required 
information on the application, as specified under Sec. 635.15(g)(2).
    (53) Lease IBQ allocation in an amount that exceeds the amount of 
IBQ allocation associated with the lessor, as specified under Sec. 
635.15(g)(2).
    (54) Sell quota share, as specified under Sec. 635.15(h).
    (55) Fail to provide BFT landings and dead discard information as 
specified at Sec. 635.15(f)(3)(iii).
    (56) Fish with or have pelagic longline gear on board if any quota 
debt associated with the permit from a preceding calendar year quarter 
has not been settled as specified in Sec. 635.15(f)(4)(i).
    (57) Lease IBQ allocation during the period from 6 p.m. December 31 
to 2 p.m. January 1 (Eastern Time) as specified at Sec. 
635.15(g)(3)(iv).
    (58) Lease IBQ allocation if the conditions of Sec. 635.15(g)(2) 
are not met.
    (59) Fish with or have pelagic longline gear on board if any annual 
level quota debt associated with the vessel from a preceding year has 
not been settled, as specified at Sec. 635.15(f)(4)(ii).
    (c) Billfish. It is unlawful for any person or vessel subject to the 
jurisdiction of the United States to:
    (1) As specified in Sec. 635.19(c), retain a billfish harvested by 
gear other than rod and reel, or retain a billfish on board a vessel 
unless that vessel has

[[Page 577]]

been issued an Atlantic HMS Angling or Charter/Headboat permit or has 
been issued an Atlantic Tunas General category permit and is 
participating in a tournament in compliance with Sec. 635.4(c).
    (2) Transfer a billfish in port or at sea, as specified in Sec. 
635.29(a).
    (3) Fail to maintain a billfish in the form specified in Sec. 
635.30(b).
    (4) Sell or purchase a billfish, as specified in Sec. 635.31(b).
    (5) Retain onboard a vessel a longbill spearfish, or a blue marlin, 
white marlin, roundscale spearfish, or sailfish that is less than the 
minimum size specified in Sec. 635.20(d).
    (6) As the owner of a vessel permitted, or required to be permitted, 
in the Atlantic HMS Angling or Atlantic HMS Charter/Headboat category, 
fail to report a billfish, as specified in Sec. 635.5(c)(2) or (c)(3).
    (7) Deploy a J-hook or an offset circle hook in combination with 
natural bait or a natural bait/artificial lure combination when 
participating in a tournament for, or including, Atlantic billfish, as 
specified in Sec. 635.21(e).
    (8) Take, retain, or possess an Atlantic blue marlin, white marlin, 
and roundscale spearfish when the fishery for these species has been 
restricted to catch and release fishing only, as specified in Sec. 
635.27(d).
    (d) Shark. It is unlawful for any person or vessel subject to the 
jurisdiction of the United States to:
    (1) Exceed a recreational retention limit for shark, as specified in 
Sec. 635.22(c).
    (2) Exceed a commercial retention limit for shark, as specified in 
Sec. 635.24(a).
    (3) Retain, possess, or land a shark of a species or management 
group when the fishery for that species, management group, region, and/
or sub-region is closed, as specified in Sec. 635.28(b).
    (4) Sell or purchase a shark of a species or management group when 
the fishery for that species, management group, region, and/or sub-
region is closed, as specified in Sec. 635.28(b).
    (5) Transfer a shark in port or at sea, as specified inSec. 
635.29(a).
    (6) Fail to maintain a shark in its proper form, as specified in 
Sec. 635.30(c). Fail to maintain naturally attached shark fins through 
offloading as specified in Sec. 635.30(c), except for under the 
conditions specified in Sec. 635.30(c)(5).
    (7) Sell or purchase smooth dogfish fins that are disproportionate 
to the weight of smooth dogfish carcasses, as specified in Sec. 
635.30(c)(5).
    (8) Fail to have shark fins and carcasses weighed and recorded, as 
specified in Sec. 635.30(c).
    (9) Fail to comply with the restrictions on sale and purchase of a 
shark, as specified in Sec. 635.31(c).
    (10) Retain, possess, sell, or purchase a prohibited shark, 
including parts or pieces of prohibited sharks, as specified under 
Sec. Sec. 635.22(c), 635.24(a), and 635.27(b), or fail to disengage any 
hooked or entangled prohibited shark with the least harm possible to the 
animal as specified at Sec. 635.21(d).
    (11) First receive or attempt to first receive Atlantic sharks 
without a valid Federal Atlantic shark dealer or proxy Atlantic shark 
identification workshop certificate issued to the dealer or proxy or 
fail to be certified for completion of a NMFS Atlantic shark 
identification workshop in violation of Sec. 635.8.
    (12) Fish for Atlantic sharks with unauthorized gear or possess 
Atlantic sharks on board a vessel with unauthorized gear on board as 
specified in Sec. 635.19(d).
    (13) Fish for Atlantic sharks with a gillnet or possess Atlantic 
sharks on board a vessel with a gillnet on board, except as specified in 
Sec. 635.21(f).
    (14) First receive or attempt to first receive Atlantic sharks 
without making available for inspection, at each of the dealer's places 
of business listed on the dealer permit which first receives Atlantic 
sharks, an original, valid dealer or proxy Atlantic shark identification 
workshop certificate issued by NMFS to the dealer or proxy in violation 
of Sec. 635.8(b), except that trucks or other conveyances of the 
business must possess a copy of such certificate.
    (15) Sell or transfer or attempt to sell or transfer a shark or 
sharks or part of a shark or sharks in excess of the retention limits 
specified in Sec. 635.24(a).
    (16) First receive or attempt to first receive a shark or sharks or 
part of a shark or sharks landed in excess of the retention limits 
specified in Sec. 635.24(a).

[[Page 578]]

    (17) Replace sharks that are onboard the vessel for retention with 
sharks of higher quality or size that are caught later in a particular 
trip as specified in Sec. 635.24(a).
    (18) Retain or possess on board a vessel in the trawl fishery 
smoothhound sharks in an amount that exceeds 25 percent, by weight, of 
the total fish on board or offloaded from the vessel, as specified at 
Sec. 635.24(a)(7).
    (19) Retain, possess, transship, land, store, sell or purchase silky 
sharks, oceanic whitetip sharks, or scalloped, smooth, or great 
hammerhead sharks as specified in Sec. 635.21(c)(1)(ii), Sec. 
635.22(a)(2), Sec. 635.24, and Sec. 635.31(c)(6).
    (20) Retain, possess, or land porbeagle sharks that were alive at 
the time of haulback as specified in Sec. Sec. 635.21(c)(1)(iii), 
635.22(a)(3), and 635.24 (a)(10).
    (21) Fish for, retain, possess, or land sharks without a shark 
endorsement, as specified in Sec. 635.4(b) and (c).
    (22) Except when fishing only with flies or artificial lures, fish 
for, retain, possess, or land sharks without deploying non-offset, 
corrodible circle hooks when fishing at a registered recreational HMS 
fishing tournament that has awards or prizes for sharks, as specified in 
Sec. 635.21(e) and (j).
    (23) Except when fishing only with flies or artificial lures, fish 
for, retain, possess, or land sharks without deploying non-offset, 
corrodible circle hooks when issued an Atlantic HMS Angling permit or 
HMS Charter/Headboat category permit with a shark endorsement, as 
specified in Sec. 635.21(e) and (j).
    (24) Release sharks with more than 3 feet (91.4 cm) of trailing 
gear, as specified in Sec. 635.21(c)(6).
    (25) Fail to follow the fleet communication and relocation protocol 
for dusky sharks as specified at Sec. 635.21(c)(6), (d)(2), and (f)(5).
    (26) Deploy bottom longline gear without circle hooks, or have on 
board both bottom longline gear and non-circle hooks, as specified at 
Sec. 635.21(d)(4).
    (27) Retain, land, or possess a shortfin mako shark that was caught 
with gear other than pelagic longline, bottom longline, or gillnet gear 
as specified at Sec. 635.21(a).
    (28) Retain, land, or possess a shortfin mako shark that was caught 
with pelagic longline, bottom longline, or gillnet gear and was alive at 
haulback as specified at Sec. 635.21(c)(1), (d)(5), and (f)(6).
    (29) As specified at Sec. 635.21(c)(1), retain, land, or possess a 
shortfin mako shark that was caught with pelagic longline gear when the 
electronic monitoring system was not installed and functioning in 
compliance with the requirements at Sec. 635.9.
    (e) Swordfish. It is unlawful for any person or vessel subject to 
the jurisdiction of the United States to:
    (1) Purchase, barter for, or trade for a swordfish from the north or 
south Atlantic swordfish stock without a dealer permit as specified in 
Sec. 635.4(g), unless the harvesting vessel possesses a valid HMS 
Commercial Caribbean Small Boat permit issued under Sec. 635.4 of this 
part and harvested the swordfish in the U.S. Caribbean as defined at 
Sec. 622.2.
    (2) Fail to comply with the restrictions on use of a pelagic 
longline specified in Sec. 635.21(b) and (c).
    (3) When the directed fishery for swordfish is closed, exceed the 
limits specified in Sec. 635.28(c)(1)(i) and (c)(1)(ii).
    (4) When the incidental catch fishery for swordfish is closed, 
possess, land, sell, or purchase a swordfish, as specified in Sec. 
635.28(c)(2).
    (5) Transfer a swordfish in port or at sea, as specified in Sec. 
635.29(a).
    (6) Fail to maintain a swordfish in the form specified in Sec. 
635.30(d).
    (7) Fail to comply with the restrictions on sale and purchase of a 
swordfish, as specified in Sec. 635.31(d).
    (8) Fish for North Atlantic swordfish from, possess North Atlantic 
swordfish on board, or land North Atlantic swordfish from a vessel using 
or having on board gear other than pelagic longline, green-stick gear, 
or handgear, except as specified at Sec. 635.19(e).
    (9) Fish for swordfish from the South Atlantic swordfish stock using 
gear other than pelagic longline, as specified at Sec. 635.19(e)(1) and 
Sec. 635.27(c)(1)(ii).
    (10) Fish for, catch, possess, retain, or land an Atlantic swordfish 
using, or captured on, ``buoy gear'' as defined at Sec. 635.2, unless, 
as specified in Sec. 635.19(e)(3), the vessel owner has been issued a 
swordfish directed LAP or a swordfish handgear LAP in accordance

[[Page 579]]

with Sec. 635.4(f) or a valid HMS Commercial Caribbean Small Boat 
permit in accordance with Sec. 635.4(o).
    (11) Possess or deploy more than 35 individual floatation devices, 
to deploy more than 35 individual buoy gears per vessel, or to deploy 
buoy gear without affixed monitoring equipment, as specified at Sec. 
635.21(g).
    (12) Fail to mark each buoy gear as required at Sec. 635.6(c)(1).
    (13) Exceed the incidental catch retention limits specified at Sec. 
635.24(b).
    (14) Exceed the recreational catch limit for North Atlantic 
swordfish, as specified in Sec. 635.22(f).
    (15) As the owner of a vessel permitted, or required to be 
permitted, in the Atlantic HMS Angling or the Atlantic HMS Charter/
Headboat category (and only when on a for-hire trip), fail to report a 
North Atlantic swordfish, as specified in Sec. 635.5(c)(2) or (c)(3).
    (16) Possess any HMS, other than Atlantic swordfish, harvested with 
buoy gear as specified at Sec. 635.19 unless issued a valid HMS 
Commercial Caribbean Small Boat permit and operating within the U.S. 
Caribbean as defined at Sec. 622.2 of this chapter.
    (17) Fail to construct, deploy, or retrieve buoy gear as specified 
at Sec. 635.21(g).
    (18) As the owner of a vessel permitted, or required to be 
permitted, in the Swordfish General Commercial permit category, possess 
North Atlantic swordfish taken from its management unit by any gear 
other than rod and reel, handline, bandit gear, green-stick, or harpoon 
gear, as specified in Sec. 635.19(e).

[64 FR 29135, May 28, 1999]

    Editorial Note: For Federal Register citations affecting Sec. 
635.71, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the 
Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.



               Sec. Appendix A to Part 635--Species Tables

            Table 1 of Appendix A to Part 635--Oceanic Sharks
A. Large Coastal Sharks
  Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico blacktip, Carcharhinus limbatus
  Bull, Carcharhinus leucas
  Great hammerhead, Sphyrna mokarran
  Lemon, Negaprion brevirostris
  Nurse, Ginglymostoma cirratum
  Sandbar, Carcharhinus plumbeus
  Scalloped hammerhead, Sphyrna lewini
  Silky, Carcharhinus falciformis
  Smooth hammerhead, Sphyrna zygaena
  Spinner, Carcharhinus brevipinna
  Tiger, Galeocerdo cuvier
B. Small Coastal Sharks
  Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico Atlantic sharpnose, Rhizoprionodon
   terraenovae
  Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico blacknose, Carcharhinus acronotus
  Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico bonnethead, Sphyrna tiburo
  Finetooth, Carcharhinus isodon
C. Pelagic Sharks
  Blue, Prionace glauca
  Oceanic whitetip, Carcharhinus longimanus
  Porbeagle, Lamna nasus
  Shortfin mako, Isurus oxyrinchus
  Thresher, Alopias vulpinus
D. Prohibited Sharks
  Atlantic angel, Squatina dumeril
  Basking, Cetorhinus maximus
  Bigeye sand tiger, Odontaspis noronhai
  Bigeye sixgill, Hexanchus nakamurai
  Bigeye thresher, Alopias superciliosus
  Bignose, Carcharhinus altimus
  Caribbean reef, Carcharhinus perezii
  Caribbean sharpnose, Rhizoprionodon porosus
  Dusky, Carcharhinus obscurus
  Galapagos, Carcharhinus galapagensis
  Longfin mako, Isurus paucus
  Narrowtooth, Carcharhinus brachyurus
  Night, Carcharhinus signatus
  Sand tiger, Carcharias taurus
  Sevengill, Heptranchias perlo
  Sixgill, Hexanchus griseus
  Smalltail, Carcharhinus porosus
  Whale, Rhincodon typus
  White, Carcharodon carcharias
E. Smoothhound Sharks
  Smooth dogfish, Mustelus canis
  Florida smoothhound, Mustelus norrisi
  Gulf smoothhound, Mustelus sinusmexicanus Mustelus species
------------------------------------------------------------------------

           Table 2 of Appendix A to Part 635--Pelagic Species

Albacore tuna, Thunnus alalunga
Bigeye tuna, Thunnus obesus
Blue shark, Prionace glauca
Bluefin tuna, Thunnus thynnus
Dolphin fish, Coryphaena hippurus
Oceanic whitetip shark, Carcharhinus longimanus
Porbeagle shark, Lamna nasus
Shortfin mako shark, Isurus oxyrinchus
Skipjack tuna, Katsuwonus pelamis
Swordfish, Xiphias gladius
Thresher shark, Alopias vulpinus
Wahoo, Acanthocybium solandri

[[Page 580]]

Yellowfin tuna, Thunnus albacares

           Table 3 of Appendix A to Part 635--Demersal Species

Atlantic sharpnose shark, Rhizoprionodon terraenovae
Black grouper, Mycteroperca bonaci
Blackfin snapper, Lutjanus buccanella
Blacknose shark, Carcharhinus acronotus
Blacktip shark, Carcharhinus limbatus
Blueline tilefish, Caulolatilus microps
Bonnethead shark, Sphyrna tiburo
Bull shark, Carcharhinus leucas
Cubera snapper, Lutjanus cyanopterus
Dog snapper, Lutjanus jocu
Finetooth shark, Carcharhinus isodon
Gag grouper, Mycteroperca microlepis
Lane snapper, Lutjanus synagris
Lemon shark, Negaprion brevirostris
Mangrove snapper, Lutjanus griseus
Marbled grouper, Dermatolepis inermis
Misty grouper, Epinephelus mystacinus
Mutton snapper, Lutjanus analis
Nurse shark, Ginglymostoma cirratum
Queen snapper, Etelis oculatus
Red grouper, Epinephelus morio
Red hind, Epinephelus guttatus
Red snapper, Lutjanus campechanus
Rock hind, Epinephelus adscensionis
Sand tilefish, Malacanthus plumieri
Sandbar shark, Carcharhinus plumbeus
Schoolmaster snapper, Lutjanus apodus
Silk snapper, Lutjanus vivanus
Snowy grouper, Epinephelus niveatus
Speckled hind, Epinephelus drummondhayi
Spinner shark, Carcharhinus brevipinna
Tiger shark, Galeocerdo cuvieri
Tilefish, Lopholatilus chamaeleonticeps
Vermilion snapper, Rhomboplites aurorubens
Warsaw grouper, Epinephelus nigritus
Yellowedge grouper, Epinephelus flavolimbatus
Yellowfin grouper, Mycteroperca venenosa
Yellowtail snapper, Ocyurus chrysurus

[64 FR 29135, May 28, 1999, as amended at 71 FR 58174, Oct. 2, 2006; 75 
FR 30528, June 1, 2010; 76 FR 70066, Nov. 10, 2011; 78 FR 40349, July 3, 
2013; 80 FR 50102, Aug. 18, 2015; 80 FR 73146, Nov. 24, 2015]

                           PART 644 [RESERVED]



PART 648_FISHERIES OF THE NORTHEASTERN UNITED STATES
--Table of Contents



                      Subpart A_General Provisions

Sec.
648.1 Purpose and scope.
648.2 Definitions.
648.3 Relation to other laws.
648.4 Vessel permits.
648.5 Operator permits.
648.6 Dealer/processor permits.
648.7 Recordkeeping and reporting requirements.
648.8 Vessel identification.
648.9 VMS vendor and unit requirements.
648.10 VMS and DAS requirements for vessel owners/operators.
648.11 Monitoring coverage.
648.12 Experimental fishing.
648.13 Transfers at sea.
648.14 Prohibitions.
648.15 Facilitation of enforcement.
648.16 Penalties.
648.17 Exemptions for vessels fishing in the NAFO Regulatory Area.
648.18 Standardized bycatch reporting methodology.

 Subpart B_Management Measures for the Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish 
                                Fisheries

648.20 Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council Acceptable Biological 
          Catch (ABC) control rules.
648.21 Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council risk policy.
648.22 Mackerel, squid, and butterfish specifications.
648.23 Mackerel, squid, and butterfish gear restrictions.
648.24 Fishery closures and accountability measures.
648.25 Mackerel, squid, and butterfish framework adjustments to 
          management measures.
648.26 Mackerel, squid, and butterfish possession restrictions.

            Subpart C_Management Measures for Atlantic Salmon

648.40 Prohibition on possession.
648.41 Framework specifications.

   Subpart D_Management Measures for the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery

648.50 Shell-height standard.
648.51 Gear and crew restrictions.
648.52 Possession and landing limits.
648.53 Overfishing limit (OFL), acceptable biological catch (ABC), 
          annual catch limits (ACL), annual catch targets (ACT), annual 
          projected landings (APL), DAS allocations, and individual 
          fishing quotas
648.54 State waters exemption.
648.55 Specifications and framework adjustments to management measures.
648.56 Scallop research.
648.57-648.58 [Reserved]
648.59 Sea Scallop access areas.
648.60 Sea scallop access area program requirements.
648.61 [Reserved]
648.62 Northern Gulf of Maine (NGOM) Management Program.
648.63 General category Sectors and harvesting cooperatives.

[[Page 581]]

648.64 Flounder Stock sub-ACLs and AMs for the scallop fishery.
648.65 [Reserved]

   Subpart E_Management Measures for the Atlantic Surf Clam and Ocean 
                            Quahog Fisheries

648.70 Surfclam and ocean quahog Annual Catch Limit (ACL).
648.71 Surfclam and ocean quahog Annual Catch Targets (ACT).
648.72 Surfclam and ocean quahog specifications.
648.73 Surfclam and ocean quahog Accountability Measures.
648.74 Individual Transferable Quota (ITQ) Program.
648.75 Shucking at sea and minimum surfclam size.
648.76 Closed areas.
648.77 Cage identification.
648.78 Maine mahogany quahog zone.
648.79 Surfclam and ocean quahog framework adjustments to management 
          measures.

   Subpart F_Management Measures for the NE Multispecies and Monkfish 
                                Fisheries

648.80 NE Multispecies regulated mesh areas and restrictions on gear and 
          methods of fishing.
648.81 NE multispecies year-round and seasonal closed areas.
648.82 Effort-control program for NE multispecies limited access 
          vessels.
648.83 Multispecies minimum fish sizes.
648.84 Gear-marking requirements and gear restrictions.
648.85 Special management programs.
648.86 NE Multispecies possession restrictions.
648.87 Sector allocation.
648.88 Multispecies open access permit restrictions.
648.89 Recreational and charter/party vessel restrictions.
648.90 NE Multispecies assessment, framework procedures and 
          specifications, and flexible area action system.
648.91 Monkfish regulated mesh areas and restrictions on gear and 
          methods of fishing.
648.92 Effort-control program for monkfish limited access vessels.
648.93 Monkfish minimum fish sizes.
648.94 Monkfish possession and landing restrictions.
648.95 Offshore Fishery Program in the SFMA.
648.96 FMP review, specification, and framework adjustment process.
648.97 Closed areas.

      Subpart G_Management Measures for the Summer Flounder Fishery

648.100 Summer flounder Annual Catch Limit (ACL).
648.101 Summer flounder Annual Catch Target (ACT).
648.102 Summer flounder specifications.
648.103 Summer flounder accountability measures.
648.104 Summer flounder size requirements.
648.105 Summer flounder recreational fishing season.
648.106 Summer flounder possession restrictions.
648.107 Conservation equivalent measures for the summer flounder 
          fishery.
648.108 Summer flounder gear restrictions.
648.109 Sea turtle conservation.
648.110 Summer flounder framework adjustments to management measures.
648.111 Block Island Sound Transit Area.

           Subpart H_Management Measures for the Scup Fishery

648.120 Scup Annual Catch Limit (ACL).
648.121 Scup Annual Catch Target (ACT).
648.122 Scup specifications.
648.123 Scup accountability measures.
648.124 Scup commercial season and commercial fishery area restrictions.
648.125 Scup gear restrictions.
648.126 Scup minimum fish sizes.
648.127 Scup recreational fishing season.
648.128 Scup possession restrictions.
648.129 Protection of threatened and endangered sea turtles.
648.130 Scup framework adjustments to management measures.
648.131 Block Island Sound Transit Area.

      Subpart I_Management Measures for the Black Sea Bass Fishery

648.140 Black sea bass Annual Catch Limit (ACL).
648.141 Black sea bass Annual Catch Target (ACT).
648.142 Black sea bass specifications.
648.143 Black sea bass accountability measures.
648.144 Black sea bass gear restrictions.
648.145 Black sea bass possession limit.
648.146 Black sea bass recreational fishing season.
648.147 Black sea bass size requirements.
648.148 Special management zones.
648.149 Black sea bass framework adjustments to management measures.
648.150 Block Island Sound Transit Zone.
648.151 Black sea bass conservation equivalency.

[[Page 582]]

     Subpart J_Management Measures for the Atlantic Bluefish Fishery

648.160 Bluefish Annual Catch Limit (ACL).
648.161 Bluefish Sector ACLs and Annual Catch Targets (ACTs).
648.162 Bluefish specifications.
648.163 Bluefish Accountability Measures (AMs).
648.164 Bluefish possession restrictions.
648.165 Bluefish minimum fish sizes.
648.166 Bluefish gear restrictions.
648.167 Bluefish framework adjustment to management measures.

     Subpart K_Management Measures for the Atlantic Herring Fishery

648.200 Specifications.
648.201 AMs and harvest controls.
648.202 Season and area restrictions.
648.203 Gear restrictions.
648.204 Possession restrictions.
648.205 VMS requirements.
648.206 Framework provisions.
648.207 Herring Research Set-aside (RSA)

       Subpart L_Management Measures for the Spiny Dogfish Fishery

648.230 Spiny dogfish Annual Catch Limits (ACLs).
648.231 Spiny dogfish Annual Catch Target (ACT) and Total Allowable 
          Level of Landings (TAL).
648.232 Spiny dogfish specifications.
648.233 Spiny dogfish Accountability Measures (AMs).
648.234 Gear restrictions. [Reserved]
648.235 Spiny dogfish possession and landing restrictions.
648.236 Special Management Zones. [Reserved]
648.237-648.238 [Reserved]
648.239 Spiny dogfish framework adjustments to management measures.

Subpart M_Management Measures for the Atlantic Deep-Sea Red Crab Fishery

648.260 Specifications.
648.261 Framework adjustment process.
648.262 Accountability measures for red crab limited access vessels.
648.263 Red crab possession and landing restrictions.
648.264 Gear requirements/restrictions.

   Subpart N_Management Measures for the Golden Tilefish and Blueline 
                           Tilefish Fisheries

648.290 Tilefish Annual Catch Limit (ACL).
648.291 Tilefish Annual Catch Target (ACT).
648.292 Tilefish specifications.
648.293 Tilefish accountability measures.
648.294 Golden tilefish individual fishing quota (IFQ) program.
648.295 Tilefish commercial trip limits and landing condition.
648.296 Tilefish recreational possession limits and gear restrictions.
648.297 Tilefish gear restricted areas.
648.299 Tilefish framework specifications.

    Subpart O_Management Measures for the NE Skate Complex Fisheries

648.320 Skate FMP review and monitoring.
648.321 Framework adjustment process.
648.322 Skate allocation, possession, and landing provisions.
648.323 Accountability measures.

                  Subpart P_Mid-Atlantic Forage Species

648.350 Mid-Atlantic forage species landing limits.
648.351 Mid-Atlantic forage species possession limits.
648.352 Mid-Atlantic forage species framework measures.

              Subpart Q_Habitat-Related Management Measures

648.370 Habitat Management Areas.
648.371 Dedicated Habitat Research Areas.
648.372 Frank R. Lautenberg Deep-Sea Coral Protection Area.
648.373 New England Deep-Sea Coral Protection Areas

Figure 1 to Part 648

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

    Source: 61 FR 34968, July 3, 1996, unless otherwise noted.

    Editorial Note: Nomenclature changes to part 648 appear at 62 FR 
14651, Mar. 27, 1997.



                      Subpart A_General Provisions



Sec. 648.1  Purpose and scope.

    (a) This part implements the fishery management plans (FMPs) for the 
Atlantic mackerel, Atlantic chub mackerel, longfin squid, Illex squid, 
and butterfish fisheries (Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish FMP); Atlantic 
salmon (Atlantic Salmon FMP); the Atlantic sea scallop fishery (Scallop 
FMP); the Atlantic surfclam and ocean quahog fisheries (Atlantic 
Surfclam and Ocean Quahog FMP); the NE multispecies and monkfish 
fisheries ((NE Multispecies FMP) and (Monkfish FMP)); the summer 
flounder, scup, and black sea bass fisheries (Summer Flounder, Scup, and 
Black Sea Bass FMP); the Atlantic bluefish fishery (Atlantic Bluefish

[[Page 583]]

FMP); the Atlantic herring fishery (Atlantic Herring FMP); the spiny 
dogfish fishery (Spiny Dogfish FMP); the Atlantic deep-sea red crab 
fishery (Deep-Sea Red Crab FMP); the golden and blueline tilefish 
fisheries (Tilefish FMP); and the NE skate complex fisheries (Skate 
FMP). These FMPs and the regulations in this part govern the 
conservation and management of the above named fisheries of the 
Northeastern United States.
    (b) This part governs domestic fishing only. Foreign fishing is 
governed under subpart F of part 600 of this chapter.

[61 FR 34968, July 3, 1996, as amended at 61 FR 43424, Aug. 23, 1996; 62 
FR 13299, Mar. 20, 1997; 65 FR 1568, Jan. 11, 2000; 65 FR 77464, Dec. 
11, 2000; 66 FR 49192, Sept. 26, 2001; 67 FR 63229, Oct. 10, 2002; 68 FR 
49699, Aug. 19, 2003; 76 FR 60649, Sept. 29, 2011; 82 FR 52855, Nov. 15, 
2017; 85 FR 47109, Aug. 4, 2020]



Sec. 648.2  Definitions.

    In addition to the definitions in the Magnuson Act and in Sec. 
600.10 of this chapter, the terms used in this part have the following 
meanings:
    Alewife means Alosa pseudoharengus.
    American lobster or lobster means Homarus americanus.
    American shad means Alosa sapidissima.
    Annual catch entitlement (ACE), with respect to the NE multispecies 
fishery, means the share of the annual catch limit (ACL) for each NE 
multispecies stock that is allocated to an individual sector or state-
operated permit bank based upon the cumulative fishing history attached 
to each permit participating in that sector or held by a state-operated 
permit bank in a given year. This share may be adjusted due to penalties 
for exceeding the sector's ACE for a particular stock in earlier years, 
or due to other violations of the FMP, including the yearly sector 
operations plan. When a sector's or state-operated permit bank's share 
of a NE multispecies stock, as determined by the fishing histories of 
vessels participating in that sector or permits held by a state-operated 
permit bank, is multiplied by the available catch, the result is the 
amount of ACE (live weight in pounds) that can be harvested (landings 
and discards) by participants in that sector or transferred by a state-
operated permit bank, during a particular fishing year.
    At-sea monitor, with respect to the NE multispecies fishery, means 
any person responsible for observing, verifying, and reporting area 
fished, catch, and discards of all species by gear type for sector trips 
as part of an approved sector at-sea monitoring program.
    Atlantic butterfish or butterfish means Peprilus triacanthus.
    Atlantic Chub Mackerel Management Unit means an area of the Atlantic 
Ocean in which the United States exercises exclusive jurisdiction over 
all Atlantic chub mackerel fished for, possessed, caught, or retained in 
or from that is bounded on the west and north by the coastline of the 
United States; bounded on the east by the outer limit of the U.S. EEZ; 
and bounded on the south by a line following the lateral seaward 
boundary between North Carolina and South Carolina from the coast to the 
Submerged Lands Act line, approximately 33[deg]48[min]46.37[sec] N lat., 
78[deg]29[min]46.46[sec] W long., and then heading due east along 
33[deg]48[min]46.37[sec] N lat. to the outer limit of the U.S. Exclusive 
Economic Zone.
    Atlantic croaker means Micropogonias undulatus.
    Atlantic deep-sea red crab (red crab) means Chaceon quinquedens.
    Atlantic hagfish means Myxine glutinosa.
    Atlantic herring means Clupea harengus.
    Atlantic herring carrier means a fishing vessel that may receive and 
transport herring caught by another fishing vessel, provided the vessel 
has been issued a herring permit, does not have any gear on board 
capable of catching or processing herring, and that has on board a 
letter of authorization from the Regional Administrator to transport 
herring caught by another fishing vessel or has declared an Atlantic 
herring carrier trip via VMS consistent with the requirements at Sec. 
648.4(a)(10)(ii).
    Atlantic herring dealer means:
    (1) Any person who purchases or receives for a commercial purpose 
other than solely for transport or pumping operations any herring from a 
vessel

[[Page 584]]

issued a Federal Atlantic herring permit, whether offloaded directly 
from the vessel or from a shore-based pump, for any purpose other than 
for the purchaser's own use as bait;
    (2) Any person owning or operating a processing vessel that receives 
any Atlantic herring from a vessel issued a Federal Atlantic herring 
permit whether at sea or in port; or
    (3) Any person owning or operating an Atlantic herring carrier that 
sells Atlantic herring received at sea or in port from a vessel issued a 
Federal Atlantic herring permit.
    Atlantic herring offload means to remove, begin to remove, to pass 
over the rail, or otherwise take Atlantic herring off of or away from 
any vessel issued an Atlantic herring permit for sale to either a 
permitted at-sea Atlantic herring dealer or a permitted land-based 
Atlantic herring dealer.
    Atlantic herring processor means a person who receives unprocessed 
Atlantic herring from a fishing vessel issued a Federal Atlantic herring 
permit or from an Atlantic herring dealer for the purposes of 
processing; or the owner or operator of a fishing vessel that processes 
Atlantic herring; or an Atlantic herring dealer who purchases Atlantic 
herring from a fishing vessel with a Federal Atlantic herring permit for 
resale as bait.
    Atlantic herring transfer at-sea means a transfer from the hold, 
deck, codend, or purse seine of a vessel issued an Atlantic herring 
permit to another vessel for personal use as bait, to an Atlantic 
herring carrier or at-sea processor, to a permitted transshipment 
vessel, or to another permitted Atlantic herring vessel. Transfers 
between vessels engaged in pair trawling are not herring transfers at-
sea.
    Atlantic mackerel means Scomber scombrus.
    Atlantic salmon means Salmo salar.
    Atlantic sea scallop or scallop means Placopecten magellanicus, 
throughout its range.
    Beam trawl means gear, consisting of a twine bag attached to a beam 
attached to a towing wire, designed so that the beam does not contact 
the bottom. The beam is constructed with sinkers or shoes on either side 
that support the beam above the bottom or any other modification so that 
the beam does not contact the bottom. The beam trawl is designed to 
slide along the bottom rather than dredge the bottom.
    Black sea bass means Centropristis striata.
    Black Sea Bass Monitoring Committee means a committee made up of 
staff representatives of the Mid-Atlantic, New England, and South 
Atlantic Fishery Management Councils, the Northeast Regional Office of 
NMFS, the Northeast Fisheries Science Center, and Commission 
representatives. The Council Executive Director or his designee chairs 
the Committee.
    Black sea bass pot or black sea bass trap means any such gear used 
in catching and retaining black sea bass.
    Blowfish (puffer) means any species in the family Tetraodontidae.
    Blueback herring means Alosa aestivalis.
    Bluefish means Pomotomus saltatrix.
    Bluefish Monitoring Committee means a committee made up of staff 
representatives of the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, the New 
England Fishery Management Council, and South Atlantic Fishery 
Management Council, the NMFS Northeast Regional Office, the NMFS 
Northeast Fisheries Science Center, and the Commission. The Mid-Atlantic 
Fishery Management Council's Executive Director or a designee chairs the 
committee.
    Blueline tilefish means Caulolatilus microps.
    Bonito means Sarda sarda.
    Border transfer (BT) means the amount of herring specified pursuant 
to Sec. 648.200 that may be transferred to a Canadian transport vessel 
that is permitted under the provisions of Pub. L. 104-297, section 
105(e).
    Bottom-tending mobile gear, means gear in contact with the ocean 
bottom, and towed from a vessel, which is moved through the water during 
fishing in order to capture fish, and includes otter trawls, beam 
trawls, hydraulic dredges, non-hydraulic dredges, and seines (with the 
exception of a purse seine).
    Bridles connect the wings of a bottom trawl to the ground cables. 
The ground cables lead to the doors or otter boards. The doors are 
attached to the

[[Page 585]]

towing vessel via steel cables, referred to as wires or warps. Each net 
has two sets of bridles, one on each side.
    Brush-sweep trawl gear means trawl gear consisting of alternating 
roller discs and bristle brushes that are strung along cables, chains, 
or footropes, and aligned together to form the sweep of the trawl net, 
designed to allow the trawl sweep to maintain contact with the ocean 
floor, or any modification to trawl gear that is substantially similar 
in design or effect.
    Bushel (bu) means a standard unit of volumetric measurement deemed 
to hold 1.88 ft\3\ (53.24 L) of surfclams or ocean quahogs in shell.
    Cage means a container with a standard unit of volumetric 
measurement containing 60 ft\3\ (1,700 L). The outside dimensions of a 
standard cage generally are 3 ft (91 cm) wide, 4 ft (122 cm) long, and 5 
ft (152 cm) high.
    Calendar day, with respect to the squid and butterfish fisheries, 
means the 24-hr period beginning at 0001 hours and ending at 2400 hours,
    Chafing gear or cookies, with respect to the scallop fishery, means 
steel, rubberized or other types of donut rings, disks, washers, twine, 
or other material attached to or between the steel rings of a sea 
scallop dredge.
    Charter or party boat means any vessel that carries passengers for 
hire to engage in recreational fishing and, with respect to 
multispecies, that is not fishing under a DAS.
    Circle hook, with respect to the NE multispecies fishery, means a 
fishing hook with the point turned perpendicularly back to the shank, or 
an offset circle hook where the barbed end of the hook is displaced 
relative to the parallel plane of the eyed-end, or shank, of the hook 
when laid on its side.
    Combination vessel means a vessel that has fished in any one 
calendar year with scallop dredge gear and otter trawl gear during the 
period 1988 through 1990, and that is eligible for an allocation of 
individual DAS under the NE Multispecies FMP and has applied for or been 
issued a limited access scallop permit.
    Commercial fishing or fishing commercially means fishing that is 
intended to, or results in, the barter, trade, transfer, or sale of 
fish.
    Commission means the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission.
    Common pool trip, with respect to the NE multispecies fishery, means 
any trip taken by a common pool vessel under a NE multispecies DAS or 
under the provisions of a limited access NE multispecies Small Vessel or 
Handgear A permit, or an open access Handgear B permit that lands 
regulated species or ocean pout.
    Common pool vessel, with respect to the NE multispecies fishery, 
means any vessel issued a limited access NE multispecies permit or open 
access NE multispecies Handgear B permit that is not a member of an 
approved sector for a particular fishing year and that is not operating 
under the provisions of an approved sector operations plan. Such vessels 
must use a NE multispecies DAS, or be fishing under the provisions of a 
limited access NE multispecies Small Vessel or Handgear A permit, or an 
open access Handgear B permit, to land regulated species or ocean pout, 
and must comply with effort controls, trip limits, gear restricted 
areas, and other provisions specified in this part. Vessels fishing 
under the provisions of the common pool are also referred to as non-
sector vessels.
    Conger eel means Conger oceanicus.
    Council means the New England Fishery Management Council (NEFMC) for 
the Atlantic herring, Atlantic sea scallop, Atlantic deep-sea red crab, 
NE multispecies, monkfish, and NE skate fisheries; or the Mid-Atlantic 
Fishery Management Council (MAFMC) for the Atlantic mackerel, Atlantic 
chub mackerel, Illex squid, longfin squid, and butterfish; Atlantic 
surfclam and ocean quahog; summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass; 
spiny dogfish; Atlantic bluefish; and tilefish fisheries.
    Councils with respect to the monkfish fishery and spiny dogfish 
fishery means the New England Fishery Management Council (NEFMC) and the 
Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC).
    Cunner means Tautogolabrus adspersus.
    DAS flip, with respect to the NE multispecies fishery, means ending 
fishing under a Regular B DAS and beginning fishing under a Category A 
DAS.

[[Page 586]]

    DAS Lease, with respect to the NE multispecies limited access 
fishery, means the transfer of the use of DAS from one limited access NE 
multispecies vessel to another limited access NE multispecies vessel for 
a period not to exceed a single fishing year.
    DAS Lessee, with respect to the NE multispecies limited access 
fishery, means the NE multispecies limited access vessel owner and/or 
the associated vessel that acquires the use of DAS from another NE 
multispecies limited access vessel.
    DAS Lessor, with respect to the NE multispecies limited access 
fishery, means the NE multispecies limited access vessel owner and/or 
the associated vessel that transfers the use of DAS to another NE 
multispecies limited access vessel.
    Day(s)-at-Sea (DAS), with respect to the NE multispecies and 
monkfish fisheries (except as described in Sec. 648.82(k)(1)(iv)), and 
the Atlantic sea scallop fishery, means the 24-hr period of time or any 
part thereof during which a fishing vessel is absent from port to fish 
for, possess, or land, or fishes for, possesses or lands, regulated 
species, monkfish, or scallops.
    Dealer means any person who receives, for a commercial purpose 
(other than solely for transport on land), from the owner or operator of 
a vessel issued a valid permit under this part, any species of fish, the 
harvest of which is managed by this part, unless otherwise exempted in 
this part.
    Dealer code means a confidential five-digit number assigned to each 
dealer required to submit purchases using the IVR system for the purpose 
of maintaining the integrity of the data reported through the IVR 
system.
    De-hooker, with respect to the NE multispecies hook gear fishery, 
means the fairlead rollers when used in a manner that extracts fish 
hooks from caught fish, also known as ``crucifiers.''
    Directed fishery, with respect to the longfin squid, Illex squid, 
and butterfish fisheries, means commercial fishery operations in which 
more than an incidental catch of each species, as defined in this 
section, is retained by a vessel.
    Dockside/roving monitor, with respect to the NE multispecies 
fishery, means any person responsible for observing/verifying the 
offloads of all species by common pool or sector vessels either directly 
to a federally permitted dealer or to a truck for later delivery to a 
federally permitted dealer, and for certifying the accuracy of landed 
weights, as reported by federally permitted dealers, pursuant to this 
part.
    Dredge or dredge gear, with respect to the scallop fishery, means 
gear consisting of a mouth frame attached to a holding bag constructed 
of metal rings, or any other modification to this design, that can be or 
is used in the harvest of scallops.
    Dredge bottom, with respect to scallops, means the rings and links 
found between the bail of the dredge and the club stick, which, when 
fishing, would be in contact with the sea bed. This includes the 
triangular shaped portions of the ring bag commonly known as 
``diamonds.''
    Dredge top, with respect to the scallop fishery, means the mesh 
panel in the top of a dredge and immediately adjacent rings and links 
found between the bail of the dredge, the club stick, and the two side 
panels. The bail of the dredge is the rigid structure of the forward 
portion of the dredge that connects to the warp and holds the dredge 
open. The club stick is the rigid bar at the tail of the dredge bag that 
is attached to the rings.
    Dredge vessel, with respect to the scallop fishery, means any 
fishing vessel that is equipped for fishing using dredge gear and that 
is capable of catching scallops.
    Electronic monitoring means a network of equipment that uses a 
software operating system connected to one or more technology 
components, including, but not limited to, cameras and recording devices 
to collect data on catch and vessel operations. With respect to the 
groundfish sector monitoring program, electronic monitoring means any 
equipment that is used to meet sector monitoring requirements in Sec. 
648.11 in lieu of at-sea monitors as part of an approved sector at-sea 
monitoring program, including the audit model and maximized retention 
model.

[[Page 587]]

    Electronic monitoring audit model with respect to the groundfish 
sector monitoring program means a program in which all eligible trips 
must be electronically monitored; fish must be handled in view of 
cameras; allowed discarding must occur at controlled points in view of 
cameras; species identification and length must be collected for 
regulated species and ocean pout discards for catch estimation; discards 
are reported at the sub-trip level; and electronic monitoring data are 
compared to the area fished, regulated species and ocean pout discards, 
and other information reported on the vessel trip report on a subset of 
trips for validation.
    Electronic monitoring data means the data that are created in the 
collection of fishery-dependent data by electronic monitoring systems 
during fishing operations, including the video, images, and other sensor 
data, as well as the metadata that provides information (e.g., trip sail 
date, vessel information) about the raw data.
    Electronic monitoring maximized retention model with respect to the 
groundfish sector monitoring program, means a program in which all 
eligible trips are electronically monitored; fish must be handled in 
view of cameras; allowed discarding must occur at controlled points in 
view of cameras; all allocated regulated species stocks must be 
retained; electronic monitoring is used to verify compliance; and 
offloads are subject to observation by dockside monitors.
    Electronic monitoring provider staff means any video reviewer, or 
any person employed or contracted by an electronic monitoring service 
provider to provide electronic monitoring services to vessels.
    Exempted gear, with respect to the NE multispecies fishery, means 
gear that is deemed to be not capable of catching NE multispecies, and 
includes: Pelagic hook and line, pelagic longline, spears, rakes, diving 
gear, cast nets, tongs, harpoons, weirs, dipnets, stop nets, pound nets, 
pelagic gillnets, pots and traps, shrimp trawls (with a properly 
configured grate as defined under this part), and surfclam and ocean 
quahog dredges.
    Fishing circle, with respect to the NE multispecies limited access 
fishery, means the calculated circumference of a bottom trawl based on 
the number of meshes and stretched mesh length at the narrow, aft end of 
the square of the net.
    Fishing trip or trip means a period of time during which fishing is 
conducted, beginning when the vessel leaves port and ending when the 
vessel returns to port.
    Fishing year means:
    (1) For the Atlantic deep-sea red crab fishery, from March 1 through 
the last day of February of the following year.
    (2) Beginning in 2018, for the Atlantic sea scallop fishery, from 
April 1 through March 31 of the following year (for 2017, the Atlantic 
sea scallop fishing year will be from March 1, 2017, through March 31, 
2018).
    (3) For the NE multispecies, monkfish and skate fisheries, from May 
1 through April 30 of the following year.
    (4) For all other fisheries in this part, from January 1 through 
December 31.
    Fixed gear, for the purposes of the Atlantic herring fishery, means 
weirs or stop seines.
    Flatfish gillnets means gillnets that are either constructed with no 
floats on the float line, or that are constructed with floats on the 
float line and that have tie-down twine between the float line and the 
lead line not more than 48 inches (18.90 cm) in length and spaced not 
more than 15 feet (4.57 m) apart.
    FMP means fishery management plan.
    Fourspot flounder means Paralichthys oblongus.
    Full-processing (fully process or fully processed), with respect to 
the Atlantic deep-sea red crab fishery, means any activity that removes 
meat from any part of a red crab.
    Gillnet gear capable of catching multispecies means all gillnet gear 
except pelagic gillnet gear specified at Sec. 648.81(b)(2)(ii) and 
(d)(5)(ii) and pelagic gillnet gear that is designed to fish for and is 
used to fish for or catch tunas, swordfish, and sharks.
    Golden tilefish means Lopholatilus chamaeleonticeps.

[[Page 588]]

    Gross registered tonnage (GRT) means the gross registered tonnage 
specified on the USCG documentation for a vessel.
    Ground cables on a bottom trawl run between the bridles, which 
attach directly to the wings of the net, and the doors, or otter boards. 
The doors are attached to the towing vessel via steel cables, referred 
to as wires or warps.
    Hagfish means Myxine glutinosa.
    Hail Weight means a good-faith estimate in pounds (or count of 
individual fish, if a party or charter vessel), by species, of all 
species, or parts of species, such as monkfish livers, landed or 
discarded for each trip.
    Handgear, with respect to the NE multispecies fishery, means 
handline gear, rod and reel gear, and tub-trawl gear.
    Handline or handline gear means fishing gear that is released by 
hand and consists of one main line to which is attached no more than two 
leaders for a total of no more than three hooks. Handlines are retrieved 
only by hand, not by mechanical means.
    Harbor porpoise means Phocoena phocoena.
    Harbor Porpoise Review Team (HPRT) means a team of scientific and 
technical experts appointed by the NEFMC to review, analyze, and propose 
harbor porpoise take mitigation alternatives.
    Hickory shad means Alosa mediocris.
    Hook gear means fishing gear that is comprised of a hook or hooks 
attached to a line and includes, but is not limited to, longline, 
setline, jigs, troll line, rod and reel, and line trawl.
    Illex means Illex illecebrosus (short-finned or summer squid).
    Incidental catch, with respect to the longfin squid, Illex squid, 
and butterfish fisheries, means less than 250 lb (113 kg) of longfin 
squid, 10,000 lb (4,536 kg) of Illex squid, or 600 lb (272 kg) of 
butterfish retained on board the vessel.
    Incidental Total Allowable Catch (TAC), with respect to the NE 
multispecies fishery, means the total amount of catch (both kept and 
discarded) of a regulated groundfish stock of concern that can be taken 
by vessels fishing under Category B DAS.
    Individual Transferable Quota (ITQ) Program means, for the Atlantic 
surfclam and ocean quahog fishery, the annual individual allocation of 
quota specified at Sec. 648.74.
    Inshore exempted species means the following species:

Bay scallop--Aequipecten irradians.
Blood arc clam--Anadara ovalis.
Blood worm--Glycera dibranchiata.
Blue crab--Callinectes similis and Callinectes sapidus.
Blue mussel--Mytilus edulis.
Green crab--Carcinus maenas.
Hermit crab--Clibanarius vittatus, Pagurus pollicaris and Pagurus 
longicarpus.
Japanese shore crab--Hemigrapsus sanguineus.
Oyster--Crassostrea virginica and Ostrea edulis.
Quahog--Mercenaria mercenaria.
Razor clam--Ensis directus.
Sand worm--Neresis virens.
Soft clam--Mya arenaria.
Spider crabLibinia emarginata.

    Interest in an IFQ allocation means: An allocation of quota share or 
annual IFQ allocation held by an individual; or by a company in which 
the individual is an owner, part owner, officer, shareholder, or 
partner; or by an immediate family member (an individual's parents, 
spouse, children, and siblings).
    IVR System means the Interactive Voice Response reporting system 
established by the Regional Administrator for the purpose of monitoring 
harvest levels for certain species.
    Jigging, with respect to the NE multispecies fishery, means fishing 
for regulated species with handgear, handline, or rod and reel using a 
jig, which is a weighted object attached to the bottom of the line used 
to sink the line and/or imitate a baitfish, which is moved (``jigged'') 
with an up and down motion.
    John Dory means Zenopsis conchifera.
    JVPt, with respect to the Atlantic herring fishery, means the 
specification of the total amount of herring available for joint venture 
processing by foreign vessels in the EEZ and state waters.
    Land means to begin offloading fish, to offload fish, or to enter 
port with fish.
    Lessee means:
    (1) A vessel owner who receives temporarily transferred NE 
multispecies DAS from another vessel through the DAS Leasing Program 
specified at Sec. 648.82(k); or

[[Page 589]]

    (2) A person or entity eligible to hold golden tilefish IFQ 
allocation, who receives temporarily transferred golden tilefish IFQ 
allocation, as specified at Sec. 648.294(e)(1).
    Lessor means:
    (1) A vessel owner who temporarily transfers NE multispecies DAS to 
another vessel through the DAS Leasing Program specified at Sec. 
648.82(k); or
    (2) An IFQ allocation permit holder who temporarily transfers golden 
tilefish IFQ allocation, as specified at Sec. 648.294(e)(1).
    Limited access general category (LAGC) scallop vessel means a vessel 
that has been issued an individual fishing quota (IFQ), Northern Gulf of 
Maine (NGOM), or incidental catch LAGC scallop permit pursuant to Sec. 
648.4(a)(2)(ii). An LAGC scallop vessel may also be issued a limited 
access scallop permit.
    Limited access herring vessel means a vessel that has been issued a 
valid permit for any type of limited access herring vessel permit 
described in Sec. 648.4.
    Limited access scallop vessel means a vessel that has been issued a 
limited access full-time, part-time, or occasional scallop permit 
pursuant to Sec. 648.4(a)(2)(i). A limited access scallop vessel may 
also be issued an LAGC scallop permit.
    Liner means a piece of mesh or any other material rigged inside or 
outside the main or outer net or dredge that restricts the mesh or ring 
size or otherwise reduces escapement.
    Link, with respect to the sea scallop fishery, means the material, 
usually made of a \3/8\-inch (10-mm) or \7/16\-inch (11-mm) diameter 
metal rod, that joins two adjacent rings within the ring bag of a 
dredge.
    Little tunny means Euthynnus alleteratus.
    Longfin squid means Doryteuthis (Amerigo) pealeii (formerly Loligo 
pealeii).
    Longhorn sculpin means Myoxocephalus octodecimspinosus.
    Longline gear means fishing gear that is or is designed to be set 
horizontally, either anchored, floating, or attached to a vessel, and 
that consists of a main or ground line with three or more gangions and 
hooks.
    Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Monitoring Committee means the 
committee made up of staff representatives of the MAFMC and the NEFMC, 
and the Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office and NEFSC of NMFS. 
The MAFMC Executive Director or a designee chairs the Committee.
    Mahogany Quahog see Ocean Quahog
    Maine bushel means a standard unit of volumetric measurement equal 
to 1.2445 cubic feet (35.24 L) of ocean quahogs in the shell.
    Maine mahogany quahog zone means the area bounded on the east by the 
U.S.-Canada maritime boundary, on the south by a straight line at 
43[deg]50[min] N. latitude, and on the north and west by the shoreline 
of Maine.
    MCSP means a Mobile Communications Service Provider, which is an 
operator of a mobile communications service used to provide wireless 
connectivity between mobile platforms and fixed platforms, and enables 
location transmission and two-way message exchange between the vessel 
and NMFS, when using a compatible MTU.
    Menhaden means Atlantic menhaden, Brevoortia tyrannus.
    Mid-Atlantic forage species means the following species and species 
groups:
    (1) Anchovies (family Engraulidae), including but not limited to the 
following species:
    (i) Striped anchovy-Anchoa hepsetus.
    (ii) Dusky anchovy-Anchoa lyolepis.
    (iii) Bay anchovy-Anchoa mitchilli.
    (iv) Silver anchovy-Engraulis eurystole.
    (2) Argentines (family Argentinidae), including but not limited to 
the following species:
    (i) Striated argentine-Argentina striata.
    (ii) Pygmy argentine-Glossanodon pygmaeus.
    (3) Greeneyes (family Chlorophthalmidae), including but not limited 
to the following species:
    (i) Shortnose greeneye-Chlorophthalmus agassizi.
    (ii) Longnose greeneye-Parasudis truculenta.
    (4) Halfbeaks (family Hemiramphidae), including but not limited to 
the following species:
    (i) Flying halfbeak-Euleptorhamphus velox.
    (ii) Balao-Hemiramphus balao.

[[Page 590]]

    (iii) Ballyhoo-Hemiramphus brasiliensis.
    (iv) False silverstripe halfbeak/American halfbeak/Meek's halfbeak-
Hyporhamphus meeki.
    (5) Herrings and Sardines (family Clupeidae). With the exception of 
other herring and sardine species managed under this part, including 
American shad, Atlantic herring, blueback herring, hickory shad, and 
river herring/alewife, as defined in this section, the following herring 
and sardine species are Mid-Atlantic forage species:
    (i) Round herring-Etrumeus teres.
    (ii) Scaled sardine-Harengula jaguana.
    (iii) Atlantic thread herring-Opisthonema oglinum.
    (iv) Spanish sardine-Sardinella aurita.
    (6) Lanternfishes (family Myctophidae), including but not limited to 
the following species:
    (i) Horned lanternfish-Ceratoscopelus maderensis.
    (ii) Dumril's headlightfish-Diaphus dumerilii.
    (iii) Crocodile lanternfish-Lampanyctus crocodilus.
    (iv) Doflein's false headlightfish-Lobianchia dofleini.
    (v) Spotted lanternfish-Myctophum punctatum.
    (7) Pearlsides (family Sternoptychidae), including but not limited 
to the following species:
    (i) Atlantic silver hatchetfish-Argyropelecus aculeatus.
    (ii) Muller's pearlside-Maurolicus muelleri.
    (iii) Weizman's pearlside-Maurolicus weitzmani.
    (iv) Slope hatchetfish-Polyipnus clarus.
    (8) Sand lances (family Ammodytidae), including but not limited to 
the following species:
    (i) American/inshore sand lance-Ammodytes americanus.
    (ii) Northern/offshore sand lance-Ammodytes dubius.
    (9) Silversides (family Atherinopsidae), including but not limited 
to the following species:
    (i) Rough silverside-Membras martinica.
    (ii) Inland silverside-Menidia beryllina.
    (iii) Atlantic silverside-Menidia menidia.
    (10) Cusk-eels (order Ophidiiformes), including but not limited to 
the following species:
    (i) Chain pearlfish-Echiodon dawsoni.
    (ii) Fawn cusk-eel-Lepophidium profundorum.
    (iii) Striped cusk-eel-Ophidion marginatum.
    (11) Atlantic saury-Scomberesox saurus.
    (12) Pelagic mollusks and cephalopods, excluding sharptail shortfin 
squid (Illex oxygonius), but including the following pelagic mollusc 
species:
    (i) Neon flying squid-Ommastrephes bartramii.
    (ii) European flying squid-Todarodes sagittatus.
    (iii) Atlantic brief squid-Lolliguncula brevis.
    (iv) Bobtail squids (family Sepiolidae), including but not limited 
to the following species:
    (A) Odd bobtail squid-Heteroteuthis dispar.
    (B) Big fin bobtail squid-Rossia megaptera.
    (C) Warty bobtail squid-Rossia palpebrosa.
    (D) Lesser bobtail squid-Semirossia tenera.
    (E) Butterfly bobtail squid-Stoloteuthis leucoptera.
    (v) Sea angels and sea butterflies (orders Gymnosomata and 
Thecosomata).
    (vi) Tuberculate pelagic octopus-Ocythoe tuberculata.
    (13) Species under one inch as adults, including but not limited to 
the following species groups:
    (i) Copepods (subclass Copepoda).
    (ii) Krill (order Euphausiacea).
    (iii) Amphipods (order Amphipoda).
    (iv) Ostracods (class Ostracoda).
    (v) Isopods (order Isopoda).
    (vi) Mysid shrimp (order Mysidacea).
    Midwater trawl gear means trawl gear that is designed to fish for, 
is capable of fishing for, or is being used to fish for pelagic species, 
no portion of which is designed to be or is operated in contact with the 
bottom at any time. The gear may not include discs, bobbins, or rollers 
on its footrope, or chafing gear as part of the net.
    Mobile gear means trawls, beam trawls, and dredges that are designed 
to maneuver with that vessel.

[[Page 591]]

    Monkfish, also known as anglerfish or goosefish, means Lophius 
americanus.
    Monkfish gillnets means gillnet gear with mesh size no smaller than 
10-inches (25.4 cm) diamond mesh that is designed and used to fish for 
and catch monkfish while fishing under a monkfish DAS.
    Monkfish Monitoring Committee means a team of scientific and 
technical staff appointed by the NEFMC and MAFMC to review, analyze, and 
recommend adjustments to the management measures. The team consists of 
staff from the NEFMC and the MAFMC, NMFS Northeast Regional Office, 
NEFSC, the USCG, two fishing industry representatives selected by their 
respective Council chairman (one from each management area with at least 
one of the two representing either the Atlantic sea scallop or northeast 
multispecies fishery), and staff from affected coastal states, appointed 
by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission. The Chair is elected 
by the Committee from within its ranks, subject to the approval of the 
Chairs of the NEFMC and MAFMC.
    Monkfish-only DAS means monkfish DAS allocated to a limited access 
monkfish Category C, D, F, G, or H permit that are in excess of that 
permit's initial allocation of Northeast multispecies Category A DAS at 
the beginning of a fishing year.
    MTU means a Mobile Transmitting Unit, which is a transceiver or 
communications device, including antennae, dedicated message terminal 
and display, and an input device such as a keyboard installed on a 
fishing vessel participating in the VMS program.
    Mullet means any species in the family Mugilidae.
    Multispecies frames, also known as multispecies racks, means the 
remains of the multispecies finfish after it has been filleted or 
processed, not including the fillet.
    Multispecies Monitoring Committee means a team of scientific and 
technical staff appointed by the NEFMC to review, analyze, and recommend 
adjustments to the measurement measures. The team consists of staff from 
the NEFMC and the MAFMC, NMFS Northeast Region Office, NEFSC, the USCG, 
an industry representative, and no more than two representatives, 
appointed by the Commission, from affected states.
    NAFO means Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization.
    NAFO Convention Area means the waters of the Northwest Atlantic 
Ocean north of 35[deg]00[min] N. lat. and west of a line extending due 
north from 35[deg]00[min] N. lat. and 42[deg]00[min] W. long. to 
59[deg]00[min] N. lat., thence due west to 44[deg]00[min] W. long., and 
thence due north to the coast of Greenland and the waters of the Gulf of 
St. Lawrence, Davis Strait and Baffin Bay south of 78[deg]10[min] N. 
lat.
    NAFO Regulatory Area means the part of the NAFO Convention Area 
which lies beyond the 200-mile zone of the coastal states.
    NEFSC means the Northeast Fisheries Science Center, NMFS.
    NE Skate Complex (skates) means Leucoraja ocellata (winter skate); 
Dipturis laevis (barndoor skate); Amblyraja radiata (thorny skate); 
Malacoraja senta (smooth skate); Leucoraja erinacea (little skate); Raja 
eglanteria (clearnose skate); and Leucoraja garmani (rosette skate).
    Net tonnage (NT) means the net tonnage specified on the USCG 
documentation for a vessel.
    Non-exempt gillnet fishery means a fishery which uses gillnet gear 
capable of catching multispecies.
    Non-exempt species means species of fish not included under the GOM, 
GB and SNE Regulated Mesh Area exempted fisheries, as specified in Sec. 
648.80(a)(5); (a)(6); (a)(9) through (14); (b)(3)(i) and (ii); (b)(5) 
through (8); and (d), (e), (h), and (i).
    Northeast (NE) multispecies or multispecies means the following 
species:

    American plaice--Hippoglossoides platessoides.
    Atlantic cod--Gadus morhua.
    Atlantic halibut--Hippoglossus hippoglossus.
    Atlantic wolffish--Anarhichas lupus.
    Haddock--Melanogrammus aeglefinus.
    Ocean pout--Macrozoarces americanus.
    Offshore hake--Merluccius albidus.
    Pollock--Pollachius virens.
    Redfish--Sebastes fasciatus.
    Red hake--Urophycis chuss.
    Silver hake (whiting)--Merluccius bilinearis.
    White hake--Urophycis tenuis.
    Windowpane flounder--Scophthalmus aquosus.
    Winter flounder--Pleuronectes americanus.

[[Page 592]]

    Witch flounder--Glyptocephalus cynoglossus.
    Yellowtail flounder--Pleuronectes ferruginea.

    Northern shrimp means Pandalus borealis.
    Not available for immediate use means that the gear is not being 
used for fishing and is stowed in conformance with one of the following 
methods:
    (1) Nets--(i) Below-deck stowage. (A) The net is stored below the 
main working deck from which it is deployed and retrieved;
    (B) The net is fan-folded (flaked) and bound around its 
circumference.
    (ii) On-deck stowage. (A) The net is fan-folded (flaked) and bound 
around its circumference;
    (B) The net is securely fastened to the deck or rail of the vessel; 
and
    (C) The towing wires, including the leg wires, are detached from the 
net.
    (iii) On-reel stowage. (A) The net is on the net reel;
    (B) The codend of the net is removed from the net and stored below 
deck; and
    (C) The entire surface of the net is covered and securely bound by:
    (1) Canvas of other similar opaque material; or
    (2) A highly visible orange or yellow mesh material that is not 
capable of catching fish or being utilized as fishing gear. An example 
of highly visible orange or yellow mesh includes but is not limited to 
the orange fence material commonly used to enclose construction sites.
    (iv) On-reel stowage for vessels transiting the Gulf of Maine 
Rolling Closure Areas and the Georges Bank Seasonal Closure Area. (A) If 
a vessel is transiting the Gulf of Maine Rolling Closure Areas and the 
Georges Bank Seasonal Closure Area, not available for immediate use also 
means, the net is on the net reel;
    (B) No containment rope, codend tripping device, or other mechanism 
to close off the codend is attached to the codend;
    (C) The entire surface of the net is covered and securely bound by:
    (1) Canvas of other similar opaque material; or
    (2) A highly visible orange or yellow mesh material that is not 
capable of catching fish or being utilized as fishing gear. Highly 
visible orange or yellow mesh includes but is not limited to the orange 
fence material commonly used to enclose construction sites.
    (2) Scallop dredges. (i) The towing wire is detached from the 
scallop dredge, the towing wire is completely reeled up onto the winch, 
the dredge is secured, and the dredge or the winch is covered so that it 
is rendered unusable for fishing; or
    (ii) The towing wire is detached from the dredge and attached to a 
bright-colored poly ball no less than 24 inches (60.9 cm) in diameter, 
with the towing wire left in its normal operating position (through the 
various blocks) and either is wound back to the first block (in the 
gallows) or is suspended at the end of the lifting block where its 
retrieval does not present a hazard to the crew and where it is readily 
visible from above.
    (3) Hook gear (other than pelagic). All anchors and buoys are 
secured and all hook gear, including jigging machines, are covered.
    (4) Sink gillnet gear. All nets are covered with canvas or other 
similar material and lashed or otherwise securely fastened to the deck 
or rail, and all buoys larger than 6 inches (15.24 cm) in diameter, high 
flyers, and anchors are disconnected.
    (5) Other methods of stowage. Any other method of stowage authorized 
in writing by the Regional Administrator and subsequently published in 
the Federal Register.
    Observer or monitor means any person authorized by NMFS to collect 
observer information, operational fishing data, biological data, or 
economic data for conservation and management purposes on or from 
fishing vessels or federally permitted dealers as required by the 
regulations, including, but not limited to, observers, at-sea monitors, 
observer/sea samplers, portside samplers, or dockside monitors.
    Ocean quahog means the species Arctica islandica.
    Offload or offloading means to begin to remove, to remove, to pass 
over the rail, or otherwise take away fish from any vessel. For purposes 
of the surfclam and ocean quahog fishery, it means to separate 
physically a cage from a vessel, such as by removing the

[[Page 593]]

sling or wire used to remove the cage from the harvesting vessel.
    Open areas, with respect to the Atlantic sea scallop fishery, means 
any area that is not subject to restrictions of the Scallop Access Area 
Program specified in Sec. Sec. 648.59 and 648.60, the Northern Gulf of 
Maine Management Area specified in Sec. 648.62, Habitat Management 
Areas specified in Sec. 648.370, Dedicated Habitat Research areas 
specified in Sec. 648.371, the Frank R. Lautenberg Deep-Sea Coral 
Protection Area described in Sec. 648.372, or the New England Deep-Sea 
Coral Protection Area in Sec. 648.373.
    Operational discards in the Atlantic herring fishery means small 
amounts of fish that cannot be pumped on board and remain in the codend 
or seine at the end of pumping operations. Leaving small amounts of fish 
in the codend or seine at the end of pumping operations is operationally 
discarding catch.
    Operator means the master, captain, or other individual on board a 
fishing vessel, who is in charge of that vessel's operations.
    Out of the monkfish fishery means the period of time during which a 
vessel is not fishing for monkfish under the monkfish DAS program.
    Out of the multispecies fishery means the period of time during 
which a vessel is not fishing for regulated species under the NE 
multispecies DAS program.
    Ownership interest, in the NE multispecies fishery, includes, but is 
not limited to holding share(s) or stock in any corporation, any 
partnership interest, or membership in a limited liability company, or 
personal ownership, in whole or in part, of a vessel issued a limited 
access NE multispecies permit or confirmation of permit history (CPH), 
including any ownership interest in any entity or its subsidiaries or 
partners, no matter how far removed.
    Pair trawl or pair trawling means to tow a single net between two 
vessels.
    Parlor trap/pot means any structure or other device, other than a 
net, with more than one compartment inside designed to impede escape of 
lobsters or crabs from the device or structure, which is placed, or 
designed to be placed, on the ocean bottom and is designed for, or is 
capable of, catching lobsters and/or red crabs.
    Pelagic hook and line gear means handline or rod and reel gear that 
is designed to fish for, or that is being used to fish for, pelagic 
species, no portion of which is designed to be or is operated in contact 
with the bottom at any time.
    Pelagic longline gear means fishing gear that is not fixed, nor 
designed to be fixed, nor anchored to the bottom and that consists of 
monofilament main line (as opposed to a cable main line) to which 
gangions are attached.
    Permit year means:
    (1) For the Atlantic deep-sea red crab fishery, from March 1 through 
the last day of February of the following year;
    (2) Beginning in 2018, for the Atlantic sea scallop fishery, from 
April 1 through the last day of March of the following year (for 2017, 
the Atlantic sea scallop permit year will be from March 1, 2017, through 
March 31, 2018);
    (3) For all other fisheries in this part, from May 1 through April 
30 of the following year.
    Personal use, with respect to the surfclam or ocean quahog fishery, 
means harvest of surfclams or ocean quahogs for use as bait, for human 
consumption, or for other purposes (not including sale or barter) in 
amounts not to exceed 2 bu (106.48 L) per person per fishing trip.
    Person who receives bluefish for commercial purposes means any 
person (excluding representatives of governmental agencies) engaged in 
the sale, barter, or trade of bluefish received from a fisherman, or one 
who transports bluefish from a fisherman.
    Postmark means independently verifiable evidence of date of mailing, 
such as U.S. Postal Service postmark, United Parcel Service (U.P.S.) or 
other private carrier postmark, certified mail receipt, overnight mail 
receipt, or receipt received upon hand delivery to an authorized 
representative of NMFS.
    Potential Sector contribution (PSC), with respect to the NE 
multispecies fishery, means an individual vessel's share of the ACL for 
each stock of regulated species or ocean pout that is derived from the 
fishing history associated with the permit issued to that particular 
vessel for the purposes of

[[Page 594]]

participating in a sector and contributing to that sector's ACE for each 
stock allocated to sectors under the NE Multispecies FMP.
    Prior to leaving port, with respect to the call-in notification 
system for NE multispecies, and the call-in notification system for 
monkfish vessels that are fishing under the limited access monkfish 
Category C, D, F, G, or H permit provisions that are also fishing under 
a NE multispecies DAS, means no more than 1 hour prior to the time a 
vessel leaves the last dock or mooring in port from which that vessel 
departs to engage in fishing, including the transport of fish to another 
port. With respect to the call-in notification system for monkfish 
vessels that are fishing under the limited access monkfish Category A or 
B permit provisions, it means prior to the last dock or mooring in port 
from which a vessel departs to engage in fishing, including the 
transport of fish to another port.
    Private recreational fishing vessel, with respect to the NE 
multispecies fishery, means a vessel engaged in recreational fishing 
that has not been issued a Federal NE multispecies permit, does not sell 
fish, and does not take passengers for hire.
    Processing, or to process, with respect to the Atlantic herring 
fishery, means the preparation of Atlantic herring to render it suitable 
for human consumption, bait, commercial uses, industrial uses, or long-
term storage, including but not limited to cooking, canning, roe 
extraction, smoking, salting, drying, freezing, or rendering into meat 
or oil.
    Processor, with respect to the Atlantic surfclam and ocean quahog 
fisheries, means a person who receives surfclams or ocean quahogs for a 
commercial purpose and removes them from a cage.
    Purse seine gear means an encircling net with floats on the top 
edge, weights and a purse line on the bottom edge, and associated gear, 
or any net designed to be, or capable of being, used in such fashion.
    Quota-managed species means any species of finfish managed under 
this part by an annual or seasonal quota, by annual target or actual 
TAC, or by DAH limits.
    Raw, with respect to electronic monitoring, means the original, 
unaltered video footage, images, and other sensor data collected by an 
electronic monitoring system.
    Records, with respect to records required to be kept by Sec. 648.7, 
means those that include, but are not limited to, any written, recorded, 
graphic, electronic, or digital material; as well as other information 
stored in or accessible through a computer or other information 
retrieval system; worksheets; weighout slips; preliminary, interim, and 
final tally sheets; tags; notes; logbooks; statements; receipts; checks; 
ledgers; notebooks; diaries; spreadsheets; diagrams; graphs; charts; 
tapes; disks; or computer printouts.
    Recreational fishing means fishing that is not intended to, nor 
results in the barter, trade, or sale of fish.
    Recreational fishing vessel, with respect to the scup fishery, means 
any vessel from which no fishing other than recreational fishing is 
conducted. Charter and party boats are considered recreational fishing 
vessels for purposes of the scup minimum size requirement.
    Red Crab Management Unit means an area of the Atlantic Ocean from 
35[deg] 15.3[min] N. Lat., the approximate latitude of Cape Hatteras 
Light, NC, northward to the U.S.-Canada border, extending eastward from 
the shore to the outer boundary of the exclusive economic zone and 
northward to the U.S.-Canada border in which the United States exercises 
exclusive jurisdiction over all Atlantic deep-sea red crab fished for, 
possessed, caught, or retained in or from such area.
    Red crab trap/pot means any structure or other device, other than a 
net or parlor trap/pot, that is placed, or designed to be placed, on the 
ocean bottom and is designed for, or is capable of, catching red crabs.
    Red crab trip, with respect to the Atlantic deep-sea red crab 
fishery, means a trip on which a vessel fishes for, possesses, or lands, 
or intends to fish for, possess, or land red crab in excess of the 
incidental limit, as specified at Sec. 648.263(b)(1).
    Regional Administrator means the Administrator, Northeast Region, 
NMFS, or a designee.

[[Page 595]]

    Regulated fishery means any fishery of the United States which is 
regulated under the Magnuson-Stevens Act.
    Regulated species, means the subset of NE multispecies that includes 
Atlantic cod, witch flounder, American plaice, yellowtail flounder, 
haddock, pollock, winter flounder, windowpane flounder, redfish, white 
hake, Atlantic halibut, and Atlantic wolffish. Regulated species is also 
referred to as regulated NE multispecies.
    Reporting month means the period of time beginning at 0001 hours 
local time on the first day of each calendar month and ending at 2400 
hours local time on the last day of each calendar month.
    Reporting week means the period of time beginning at 0001 local time 
on Sunday and ending at 2400 hours local time the following Saturday.
    Re-rig or re-rigged means physical alteration of the vessel or its 
gear in order to transform the vessel into one capable of fishing 
commercially for a species in the applicable fishery.
    Rigged hooks means hooks that are baited, or only need to be baited, 
in order to be fished. Unsecured, unbaited hooks and gangions are not 
considered to be rigged.
    River herring means alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus) and blueback 
herring (Alosa aestivalis).
    Rockhopper and roller gear means trawl gear configured with disks, 
rollers, or other similar shaped devices that are attached to the bottom 
belly of the trawl, contact the sea bottom, and that are designed to 
raise the bottom panel of the trawl off the ocean bottom so as to enable 
the gear to be fished on hard bottom.
    Rod and reel means a hand-held (including rod holder) fishing rod 
with a manually operated reel attached.
    Roundfish gillnets means gillnets that are constructed with floats 
on the float line and that have no tie-down twine between the float line 
and the lead line.
    Runaround gillnet or encircling gillnet means a rectangular net 
placed upright in the water column in a circular fashion with an opening 
equal to or less than \1/4\ the length of the net or with an opening 
greater than \1/4\ the length of the net, if the opening is obstructed 
in any fashion.
    Scallop dredge vessel means any fishing vessel, other than a 
combination vessel, that uses or is equipped to use scallop dredge gear.
    Scup means Stenotomus chrysops.
    Scup Monitoring Committee means a committee made up of staff 
representative of the MAFMC, NEFMC, South Atlantic Fishery Management 
Council, the NMFS Northeast Regional Office, the NEFSC, and the 
Commission. The MAFMC Executive Director or a designee chairs the 
committee.
    Scup pot or trap means a pot or trap used in catching and retaining 
scup.
    Sea Scallop Access Area, Scallop Access Area, or Access Area, with 
respect to the Atlantic sea scallop fishery, means an area that has been 
designated under the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan as a 
sea scallop rotational area that is open to the scallop fishery in a 
given fishing year.
    Sea Scallop Plan Development Team (PDT) means a team of technical 
experts appointed by the NEFMC.
    Sea Scallop Rotational Area, Scallop Rotational Area, or Rotational 
Area, with respect to the Atlantic sea scallop fishery, means an area 
that has been designated under the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery 
Management Plan as part of the Sea Scallop Rotational Management 
Program. A rotational area may be closed or open to the scallop fishery 
in a given fishing year. A rotational area open to the scallop fishery 
is termed a Sea Scallop Access Area and has area-specific management 
measures that are designed to control fishing effort and mortality on 
only the portion of the scallop resource within the area. Such measures 
are not applicable as defined in Sec. 648.2 in the definition to Open 
Areas.
    Sea raven means Hemitripterus americanus.
    Searobin means any species of the family Triglidae.
    Sector, with respect to the NE multispecies fishery, means a group 
of persons holding limited access NE multispecies permits who have 
voluntarily entered into a contract and agree to certain fishing 
restrictions for a specified period of time, and that have been

[[Page 596]]

allocated a portion of the TACs of species managed under the NE 
Multispecies FMP to achieve objectives consistent with the applicable 
goals and objectives of the FMP. Each sector must meet the sector 
eligibility and minimum size requirements specified in Sec. 
648.87(a)(3) and (4) to be approved by NMFS.
    Sector trip, with respect to the NE multispecies fishery, means any 
trip taken by a sector vessel subject to the restrictions and conditions 
of an approved sector operations plan, as specified in Sec. 648.87(c), 
in which the vessel declared its intent to fish in the NE multispecies 
fishery pursuant to Sec. 648.10.
    Sector vessel, with respect to the NE multispecies fishery, means 
any vessel assigned a permit that is a member of an approved sector for 
a particular fishing year and that is subject to the restrictions and 
conditions of an approved sector operations plan, as specified in Sec. 
648.87.
    Set-only trip means a fishing trip on which any federally permitted 
vessel deploys gear with the intention of retrieving it on a separate 
trip and does not haul-back or retrieve any gear capable of catching 
fish on the set-only trip.
    Shad means American shad (Alosa sapidissima) and hickory shad (Alosa 
mediocris).
    Shucking or to shuck means opening or to open a scallop, surfclam, 
or ocean quahog and removing the meat or the adductor muscle from the 
shell.
    Shucking machine means any mechanical device that automatically 
removes the meat or the adductor muscle from a scallop, surfclam, or 
ocean quahog shell.
    Sink gillnet or bottom-tending gillnet means any gillnet, anchored 
or otherwise, that is designed to be, or is fished on or near, the 
bottom in the lower third of the water column.
    Skate means members of the Family Rajidae, including: Leucoraja 
ocellata (winter skate); Dipturis laevis (barndoor skate); Amblyraja 
radiata (thorny skate); Malacoraja senta (smooth skate); Leucoraja 
erinacea (little skate); Raja eglanteria (clearnose skate); and 
Leucoraja garmani (rosette skate).
    Skate Management Unit means an area of the Atlantic Ocean from 
35[deg]15.3[min] N. lat., the approximate latitude of Cape Hatteras 
Light, NC, northward to the U.S.-Canada border, extending eastward from 
the shore to the outer boundary of the EEZ and northward to the U.S.-
Canada border in which the United States exercises exclusive 
jurisdiction over all skates fished for, possessed, caught, or retained 
in or from such area.
    Slippage in the Atlantic herring fishery means discarded catch from 
a vessel issued an Atlantic herring permit that is carrying an observer 
or monitor prior to the catch being brought on board or prior to the 
catch being made available for sampling and inspection by an observer or 
monitor after the catch is on board. Slippage also means any catch that 
is discarded during a trip prior to it being sampled portside by a 
portside sampler on a trip selected for portside sampling coverage by 
NMFS. Slippage includes releasing catch from a codend or seine prior to 
the completion of pumping the catch aboard and the release of catch from 
a codend or seine while the codend or seine is in the water. Fish that 
cannot be pumped and remain in the codend or seine at the end of pumping 
operations are not considered slippage. Discards that occur after the 
catch is brought on board and made available for sampling and inspection 
by an observer or monitor are also not considered slippage.
    Slip(s) or slipping catch in the Atlantic herring fishery means 
discarded catch from a vessel issued an Atlantic herring permit that is 
carrying an observer or monitor prior to the catch being brought on 
board or prior to the catch being made available for sampling and 
inspection by an observer or monitor after the catch is on board. 
Slip(s) or slipping catch also means any catch that is discarded during 
a trip prior to it being sampled portside by a portside sampler on a 
trip selected for portside sampling coverage by NMFS. Slip(s) or 
slipping catch includes releasing fish from a codend or seine prior to 
the completion of pumping the fish on board and the release of fish from 
a codend or seine while the

[[Page 597]]

codend or seine is in the water. Slippage or slipped catch refers to 
fish that are slipped. Slippage or slipped catch does not include 
operational discards, discards that occur after the catch is brought on 
board and made available for sampling and inspection by an observer or 
monitor, or fish that inadvertently fall out of or off fishing gear as 
gear is being brought on board the vessel.
    Small-mesh multispecies means the subset of Northeast multispecies 
that includes silver hake, offshore hake, and red hake.
    Smooth dogfish means Mustelis canis.
    Sorting machine, with respect to the Atlantic sea scallop fishery, 
means any mechanical device that automatically sorts whole scallops by 
shell height, size, or other physical characteristics.
    Spiny dogfish means Squalus acanthias.
    Spiny Dogfish Monitoring Committee means a committee made up of 
staff representatives of the MAFMC, NEFMC, the NMFS Northeast Regional 
Office, the Northeast Fisheries Science Center, and the states, as well 
as two ex-officio industry members (one from each Council jurisdiction). 
The MAFMC Executive Director or a designee chairs the committee.
    Spot means Leiostomus xanthurus.
    Square mesh, with respect to the NE multispecies fishery, means mesh 
in which the horizontal bars of the mesh run perpendicular to the long 
axis of the net so when the net is placed under a strain the mesh 
remains open to a square-like shape. Square mesh can be formed by 
hanging diamond mesh ``on the square,'' if the resulting mesh conforms 
with the above description of square mesh.
    Squid means longfin squid (Doryteuthis (Amerigo) pealeii, formerly 
Loligo pealeii) or Illex illecebrosus.
    Standard tote means a box typically constructed of plastic, designed 
to hold 100 lb (45.3 kg) of fish plus ice, and that has a liquid 
capacity of 70 L, or a volume of not more than 4,320 cubic in (2.5 cubic 
ft or 70.79 cubic cm).
    State-operated permit bank means a depository established and 
operated by a state through an agreement between NMFS and a state in 
which Federal grant funds have been used by the state to obtain Federal 
fishing vessel permits so that the fishing access privileges associated 
with those permits may be allocated to qualified persons and that meets 
the requirement of Sec. 648.87(e).
    Static gear, with respect to the NE multispecies fishery, means 
stationary gear, usually left for a period of time in one place, that 
depends on fish moving to the gear, and includes gillnets, longlines, 
handgear, traps, and pots.
    Stock of concern, with respect to the NE multispecies fishery, means 
a stock that is in an overfished condition, or that is subject to 
overfishing.
    Stocks targeted by the default measures, with respect to the NE 
multispecies fishery, are: American plaice, and SNE/MA yellowtail 
flounder for the 2006 fishing year; and American plaice, GB cod, GOM 
cod, CC/GOM yellowtail flounder, SNE/MA yellowtail flounder, white hake 
and SNE/MA winter flounder for the 2009 fishing year.
    Straight line, with regard to regulated areas, means a rhumb line, 
unless explicitly stated otherwise.
    Stretched mesh, with respect to the NE multispecies Ruhle Trawl, 
means mesh that is pulled so that slack in the mesh is eliminated and 
the mesh opening is closed.
    Sub-lease, with respect to the NE multispecies fishery, means the 
leasing of DAS that have already been leased to another vessel.
    Summer flounder means Paralichthys dentatus.
    Summer Flounder Monitoring Committee means a committee made up of 
staff representatives of the MAFMC, NEFMC, and SAFMC, the NMFS Northeast 
Regional Office, the NEFSC, the Southeast Science Center, and the 
Commission. The MAFMC Executive Director or a designee chairs the 
committee.
    Surfclams means Atlantic surfclams of the species Spisula 
solidissima.
    Sweep, with respect to the NE multispecies limited access fishery, 
means the part of a bottom trawl that, during normal use, is in contact 
with the sea floor along the outer edges of the lower webbing of the 
net.
    Swordfish means Xiphias gladius.

[[Page 598]]

    Target total allowable catch (TAC) means the annual domestic harvest 
targets for regulated species.
    Tautog (blackfish) means Tautoga onitas.
    Tied up to the dock or tying up at a dock means tied up at a dock, 
on a mooring, or elsewhere in a harbor.
    Tilefish means golden tilefish and blueline tilefish, collectively, 
unless otherwise noted.
    Tilefish FMP Monitoring Committee means a committee made up of staff 
representatives of the MAFMC, the NMFS Greater Atlantic Regional 
Fisheries Office, the Northeast Fisheries Science Center, up to three 
state representatives (the New England states having one representative 
and the Mid-Atlantic states having a maximum of two representatives) and 
one non-voting industry member. The MAFMC Executive Director or his 
designee chairs the committee.
    Tilefish Management Unit means an area of the Atlantic Ocean from 
the latitude of the VA and NC border (36[deg]33.36[min] N. Lat.), 
extending eastward from the shore to the outer boundary of the exclusive 
economic zone and northward to the United States-Canada border in which 
the United States exercises exclusive jurisdiction over all golden 
tilefish (Lopholatilus chamaeleonticeps) and blueline tilefish 
(Caulolatilus microps) fished for, possessed, caught or retained in or 
from such area.
    Total Length (TL) means the straight-line distance from the tip of 
the snout to the end of the tail (caudal fin) while the fish is lying on 
its side. For black sea bass, Total Length (TL) means the straight-line 
distance from the tip of the snout to the end of the tail (caudal fin), 
excluding any caudal filament, while the fish is lying on its side.
    Transboundary Management Guidance Committee (TMGC), with respect to 
the NE multispecies fishery, means the technical sub-committee that 
provides non-binding guidance to the U.S./Canada Steering Committee, 
comprised of government and industry representatives from U.S. and 
Canada.
    Transboundary Resource Advisory Committee (TRAC), with respect to 
the NE multispecies fishery, means a committee consisting of scientific 
staff from NMFS and Canada's Department of Fisheries and Oceans that 
jointly assess the status of the shared U.S./Canada stocks of cod, 
haddock, and yellowtail flounder.
    Transfer means to begin to remove, to remove, to pass over the rail, 
or to otherwise take away fish from any vessel and move them to another 
vessel.
    Transferee means a vessel owner who receives permanently transferred 
NE multispecies DAS and potentially other permits from another vessel 
through the DAS Transfer Program specified at Sec. 648.82(l).
    Transferor means a vessel owner who permanently transfers NE 
multispecies DAS and potentially other permits to another vessel through 
the DAS Transfer Program specified at Sec. 648.82(l).
    Trawl means gear consisting of a net that is towed, including but 
not limited to beam trawls, pair trawls, otter trawls, and Danish and 
Scottish seine gear.
    Trawl sweep means the total length of the footrope on a trawl net 
that is directly attached to the webbing of a net.
    Trip Identifier means the complete serial number of the vessel 
logbook page completed for that trip.
    Tub-trawl, with respect to the NE multispecies fishery, means gear 
designed to be set horizontally on the bottom, with an anchored mainline 
to which are attached three or more gangions and hooks. Tub-trawls are 
retrieved only by hand, not by mechanical means.
    Tuna purse seine gear, with respect to the NE multispecies fishery, 
means encircling gear designed and utilized to harvest pelagic tuna.
    Under construction means that the keel had been laid or the vessel 
was under written agreement for construction or the vessel was under 
written contract for purchase.
    Upon returning to port, means, for purposes of the call-in 
notification system for the NE multispecies and monkfish fisheries, upon 
first tying up at a dock at the end of a fishing trip.
    U.S. at-sea processing (USAP), with respect to the Atlantic herring 
fishery, means the specification, pursuant to Sec. 648.200, of the 
amount of herring available for processing by U.S. vessels

[[Page 599]]

issued an Atlantic herring processing permit as described in Sec. 
648.4(a)(10)(ii).
    U.S./Canada Steering Committee, with respect to the NE multispecies 
fishery, means the joint U.S./Canada committee consisting of staff from 
NMFS and Canada's Department of Fisheries and Oceans that has overall 
responsibility for the U.S./Canada Resource Sharing Understanding.
    Used DAS baseline, with respect to the NE multispecies fishery, 
means the number of DAS that represent the historic level of DAS use 
associated with a particular limited access permit, as described in 
Sec. 648.82(l).
    Vessel length means the length specified on the USCG documentation 
for a vessel or on the state registration for a vessel not required to 
be documented under title 46 U.S.C., if the state length is verified by 
an authorized officer or NMFS official.
    Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) means a vessel monitoring system or 
VMS unit as set forth in Sec. 648.9 and approved by NMFS for use on 
Atlantic sea scallop, NE multispecies, monkfish, Atlantic herring, and 
Atlantic surfclam and ocean quahog vessels, as required by this part.
    Video reviewer means any electronic monitoring service provider 
staff approved/certified or training to be approved/certified by NMFS 
for providing electronic monitoring video review services consistent 
with electronic monitoring program requirements.
    VMS unit means a device installed on board a vessel used for vessel 
monitoring and transmitting the vessel's position as required by this 
part.
    Weakfish means Cynoscion regalis.
    Whiting means Merluccius bilinearis.
    Whiting Monitoring Committee (WMC) means a team appointed by the 
NEFMC to review, analyze, and recommend adjustments to the management 
measures addressing small-mesh multispecies. The team consists of staff 
from the NEFMC and MAFMC, NMFS Northeast Regional Office, the NEFSC, the 
USCG, at least one industry representative from each geographical area 
(northern New England, southern New England, and the Mid-Atlantic), and 
no more than two representatives, appointed by the Commission, from 
affected states.

[61 FR 34968, July 3, 1996]

    Editorial Note: For Federal Register citations affecting Sec. 
648.2, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the 
Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.



Sec. 648.3  Relation to other laws.

    (a) The relation of this part to other laws is set forth in Sec. 
600.705.
    (b) Nothing in these regulations supersedes more restrictive state 
management measures for any of the species referenced in Sec. 648.1 
and, for Atlantic salmon, more restrictive local management measures.



Sec. 648.4  Vessel permits.

    (a) Fishery specific permit information--(1) NE multispecies 
vessels. Except for vessels that have been issued a valid High Seas 
Fishing Compliance permit, have declared their intent to fish, and fish 
exclusively in the NAFO Regulatory Area as provided in Sec. 648.17, any 
vessel of the United States, including a charter or party boat, must 
have been issued and have on board a valid multispecies permit to fish 
for, possess, or land multispecies finfish in or from the EEZ. 
Multispecies frames used as, or to be used as, bait on a vessel fishing 
exclusively with pot gear are deemed not to be multispecies finfish for 
purposes of this part provided that there is a receipt for the purchase 
of those frames on board the vessel.
    (i) Limited access multispecies permits--(A) Eligibility. To be 
eligible to apply for a limited access NE multispecies permit, as 
specified in Sec. 648.82, a vessel must have been issued a limited 
access NE multispecies permit for the preceding year, be replacing a 
vessel that was issued a limited access NE multispecies permit for the 
preceding year, or be replacing a vessel that was issued a confirmation 
of permit history; unless otherwise specified in this paragraph 
(a)(1)(i)(A). For the fishing year beginning May 1, 2004, a vessel may 
apply for a limited access Handgear A permit described in Sec. 
648.82(b)(6), if it meets the criteria described under paragraphs 
(a)(1)(i)(A)(1) and (2) of this section.

[[Page 600]]

    (1) The vessel must have been previously issued a valid NE 
multispecies open access Handgear permit during at least 1 fishing year 
during the fishing years 1997 through 2002; and
    (2) The vessel must have landed and reported to NMFS at least 500 lb 
(226.8 kg) of cod, haddock, or pollock, when fishing under the open 
access Handgear permit in at least 1 of the fishing years from 1997 
through 2002, as indicated by NMFS dealer records (live weight), 
submitted to NMFS prior to January 29, 2004.
    (3) Application/renewal restrictions. The vessel owner must submit a 
complete application for an initial limited access handgear permit 
before May 1, 2005. For fishing years beyond the 2004 fishing year, the 
provisions of paragraph (a)(1)(i)(B) of this section apply.
    (B) Application/renewal restrictions. All limited access or 
moratorium permits established under this section must be issued on an 
annual basis by the last day of the permit year for which the permit is 
required, unless a confirmation of permit history (CPH) has been issued 
as specified in paragraph (a)(1)(i)(J) of this section. If a vessel is 
issued more than one limited access or moratorium permit under this 
section, these permits will be regarded as a permit suite. Permit 
renewal or relinquishment must be made at the time the first permit 
application is submitted for a new permit year. Application for limited 
access or moratorium permits must be received no later than 30 days 
before the last day of the permit year of the earliest expiration date 
for any permit in the suite of such permits issued to the vessel. 
Failure to renew a limited access or moratorium permit in any permit 
year bars the renewal of the permit in subsequent years. Open access 
permits may not be issued to a vessel eligible to renew a limited access 
or moratorium permit until such time that the vessel's limited access or 
moratorium permit(s) are renewed or voluntarily relinquished pursuant to 
paragraph (a)(1)(i)(K) of this section, or otherwise transferred from 
the vessel.
    (C) Qualification restriction. Unless the Regional Administrator 
determines otherwise, no more than one vessel may qualify, at any one 
time, for a limited access permit or CPH based on that or another 
vessel's fishing and permit history. If more than one vessel owner 
claims eligibility for a limited access permit or CPH, based on one 
vessel's fishing and permit history, the Regional Administrator will 
determine who is entitled to qualify for the permit or CPH and any DAS 
allocation according to paragraph (a)(1)(i)(D) of this section.
    (D) Change in ownership. The fishing and permit history of a vessel 
is presumed to transfer with the vessel whenever it is bought, sold, or 
otherwise transferred, unless there is a written agreement, signed by 
the transferor/seller and transferee/buyer, or other credible written 
evidence, verifying that the transferor/seller is retaining the vessel's 
fishing and permit history for purposes of replacing the vessel.
    (E) Replacement vessels. An owner of a vessel that has been issued 
any limited access or moratorium permit under this section is limited to 
one vessel replacement permit year, using the earliest permit year start 
date of the limited access or moratorium permits for which the vessel is 
eligible, unless the vessel has been rendered inoperable and non-
repairable. With the exception of vessels that have obtained a limited 
access Handgear A permit described in Sec. 648.82(b)(6), to be eligible 
for a limited access or moratorium permit under this section, the 
replacement vessel must meet the following criteria and any other 
applicable criteria under paragraph (a)(1)(i)(F) of this section:
    (1) The replacement vessel's horsepower may not exceed the 
horsepower of the vessel's baseline specifications by more than 20 
percent, as applicable.
    (2) The replacement vessel's length overall may not exceed the 
length overall of the vessel's baseline specifications by more than 10 
percent, as applicable.
    (F) Upgraded vessel. A vessel may be upgraded, whether through 
refitting or replacement, and be eligible to retain or renew a limited 
access permit, only if the upgrade complies with the following:
    (1) The upgraded vessel's horsepower may not exceed the horsepower 
of the

[[Page 601]]

vessel's baseline specifications by more than 20 percent, as applicable.
    (2) The upgraded vessel's length overall may not exceed the vessel's 
baseline length overall by more than 10 percent, as applicable.
    (G) Consolidation restriction. Except as provided for in the NE 
Multispecies DAS Leasing Program, as specified in Sec. 648.82(k), and 
the NE Multispecies DAS Transfer Program as specified in Sec. 
648.82(l), limited access permits and DAS allocations may not be 
combined or consolidated.
    (H) Vessel baseline specifications. The vessel baseline 
specifications in this section are the respective specifications 
(length, horsepower) of the vessel that was initially issued a limited 
access permit as of the date the initial vessel applied for such permit.
    (I) Limited access permit restrictions. (1) A vessel may be issued a 
limited access NE multispecies permit in only one category during a 
fishing year. Vessels may not change limited access NE multispecies 
permit categories during the fishing year, except as provided in 
paragraph (a)(1)(i)(I)(2) of this section. A vessel issued a limited 
access NE multispecies Hook-gear permit or a limited access Handgear A 
permit may not change its limited access permit category at any time.
    (2) The owner of a vessel issued a limited access multispecies 
permit may request a change in permit category, unless otherwise 
restricted by paragraph (a)(1)(i)(I)(1) of this section. The owner of a 
limited access multispecies vessel eligible to request a change in 
permit category must elect a category upon the vessel's permit 
application and will have one opportunity to request a change in permit 
category by submitting an application to the Regional Administrator 
within 45 days of the effective date of the vessel's permit. If such a 
request is not received within 45 days, the vessel owner may not request 
a change in permit category and the vessel permit category will remain 
unchanged for the duration of the fishing year. A vessel may not fish in 
more than one multispecies permit category during a fishing year.
    (J) Confirmation of permit history. Notwithstanding any other 
provisions of this part, a person who does not currently own a fishing 
vessel, but who has owned a qualifying vessel that has sunk, been 
destroyed, or transferred to another person, must apply for and receive 
a CPH if the fishing and permit history of such vessel has been retained 
lawfully by the applicant. To be eligible to obtain a CPH, the applicant 
must show that the qualifying vessel meets the eligibility requirements, 
as applicable, in this part. Issuance of a valid CPH preserves the 
eligibility of the applicant to apply for a limited access permit for a 
replacement vessel based on the qualifying vessel's fishing and permit 
history at a subsequent time, subject to the replacement provisions 
specified in this section. If fishing privileges have been assigned or 
allocated previously under this part, based on the qualifying vessel's 
fishing and permit history, the CPH also preserves such fishing 
privileges. A CPH must be applied for in order for the applicant to 
preserve the fishing rights and limited access eligibility of the 
qualifying vessel. An application for a CPH must be received by the 
Regional Administrator no later than 30 days prior to the end of the 
first full fishing year in which a vessel permit cannot be issued. 
Failure to do so is considered abandonment of the permit as described in 
paragraph (a)(1)(i)(K) of this section. A CPH issued under this part 
will remain valid until the fishing and permit history preserved by the 
CPH is used to qualify a replacement vessel for a limited access permit. 
Any decision regarding the issuance of a CPH for a qualifying vessel 
that has applied for or been issued previously a limited access permit 
is a final agency action subject to judicial review under 5 U.S.C. 704. 
Information requirements for the CPH application are the same as those 
for a limited access permit. Any request for information about the 
vessel on the CPH application form refers to the qualifying vessel that 
has been sunk, destroyed, or transferred. Vessel permit applicants who 
have been issued a CPH and who wish to obtain a vessel permit for a 
replacement vessel based upon the previous vessel history may do so 
pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)(i)(E) of this section.

[[Page 602]]

    (K) Abandonment or voluntary relinquishment of a limited access or 
moratorium permit. If a vessel's limited access or moratorium permit for 
a particular fishery is voluntarily relinquished to the Regional 
Administrator or abandoned through failure to renew or otherwise, no 
limited access or moratorium permit for that fishery may be reissued or 
renewed based on that vessel's limited access or moratorium permit 
history or to any other vessel relying on that vessel's limited access 
or moratorium permit history.
    (L) Restriction on permit splitting. A limited access permit issued 
pursuant to this section may not be issued to a vessel or its 
replacement or remain valid, if the vessel's permit or fishing history 
has been used to qualify another vessel for another Federal fishery.
    (M) Appeal of denial of permit--(1) Eligibility. Any applicant 
eligible to apply for a limited access multispecies Handgear A permit 
who is denied such permit may appeal the denial to the Regional 
Administrator within 30 days of the notice of denial. Any such appeal 
must be based on the grounds that the information used by the Regional 
Administrator was based on incorrect data, must be in writing, and must 
state the grounds for the appeal.
    (2) Appeal review. The Regional Administrator will appoint a 
designee who will make the initial decision on the appeal. The appellant 
may request a review of the initial decision by the Regional 
Administrator by so requesting in writing within 30 days of the notice 
of the initial decision. If the appellant does not request a review of 
the initial decision within 30 days, the initial decision is the final 
administrative action of the Department of Commerce. Such review will be 
conducted by a hearing officer appointed by the Regional Administrator. 
The hearing officer shall make findings and a recommendation to the 
Regional Administrator, which shall be advisory only. Upon receiving the 
findings and the recommendation, the Regional Administrator will issue a 
final decision on the appeal. The Regional Administrator's decision is 
the final administrative action of the Department of Commerce.
    (3) Status of vessels pending appeal. A vessel denied a limited 
access Handgear A multispecies permit may fish under the limited access 
multispecies Handgear A category, provided that the denial has been 
appealed, the appeal is pending, and the vessel has on board a letter 
from the Regional Administrator authorizing the vessel to fish under the 
limited access category. The Regional Administrator will issue such a 
letter for the pendency of any appeal. Any such decision is the final 
administrative action of the Department of Commerce on allowable fishing 
activity, pending a final decision on the appeal. The letter of 
authorization must be carried on board the vessel. If the appeal is 
finally denied, the Regional Administrator shall send a notice of final 
denial to the vessel owner; the authorizing letter becomes invalid 5 
days after receipt of the notice of denial.
    (N) Accumulation limits--(1) 5-percent permit/CPH restriction. Any 
person with an ownership interest in the NE multispecies fishery is not 
eligible to be issued a limited access NE multispecies permit or CPH for 
a vessel if the issuance results in the person having an ownership 
interest in excess of 5 percent of all limited access NE multispecies 
permits and CPH that are issued as of the date the permit/CPH 
application is received by the NMFS.
    (2) PSC limit. Any person with an ownership interest in the NE 
multispecies fishery is not eligible to be issued a limited access NE 
multispecies permit or CPH for a vessel that results in that person's 
average potential sector contribution (PSC) exceeding a share of 15.5 
for all the allocated stocks in aggregate, except as provided in 
paragraph (a)(1)(i)(N)(4) of this section.
    (3) Grandfather provision. Paragraphs (a)(1)(i)(N)(1) and (2) of 
this section do not apply to a limited access NE multispecies permit or 
CPH if held on April 7, 2011. Any additional limited access NE 
multispecies permit or CPH that a person acquires after April 7, 2011, 
are subject to the accumulation limits specified within this section.
    (4) Any person can be issued one limited access NE multispecies 
permit or CPH that results in that person's total

[[Page 603]]

PSC exceeding the PSC limit as described in this section. That person 
must identify to NMFS on or before March 31 of each year, vessel permits 
or CPH that will be rendered unusable the upcoming fishing year so that 
the person's total PSC for the upcoming fishing year is an amount equal 
to or below the PSC limit. Beginning on May 1, the permits or CPH 
rendered unusable may not be fished, leased, or enrolled in a sector by 
that person for the remainder of the fishing year, but may be 
transferred by that person. The transfer of a permit or CPH rendered 
unusable shall be made through an arm's-length transaction (for example, 
to an independent and unrelated entity that does not share an ownership 
interest with that person).
    (ii) Open access permits. A vessel of the United States that has not 
been issued and is not eligible to be issued a limited access 
multispecies permit is eligible for and may be issued an ``open access 
multispecies'', ``handgear'', or ``charter/party'' permit, and may fish 
for, possess on board, and land multispecies finfish subject to the 
restrictions in Sec. 648.88. A vessel that has been issued a valid 
limited access scallop permit, but that has not been issued a limited 
access multispecies permit, is eligible for and may be issued an open 
access scallop multispecies possession limit permit and may fish for, 
possess on board, and land multispecies finfish subject to the 
restrictions in Sec. 648.88. The owner of a vessel issued an open 
access permit may request a different open access permit category by 
submitting an application to the Regional Administrator at any time.
    (2) Atlantic sea scallop vessels--Any vessel of the United States 
that fishes for, possesses, or lands Atlantic sea scallops, except 
vessels that fish exclusively in state waters for scallops, must have 
been issued and carry on board a valid scallop vessel permit pursuant to 
this section.
    (i) Limited access scallop permits. Any vessel of the United States 
that possesses or lands more than 600 lb (272.2 kg) of shucked scallops, 
or 50 bu (17.6 hL) of in-shell scallops per trip South of 42[deg]20[min] 
N. Lat., or 75 bu (26.4 hL) of in-shell scallops per trip North of 
42[deg]20[min] N. Lat, or possesses more than 100 bu (35.2 hL) of in-
shell scallops seaward of the VMS Demarcation Line, except vessels that 
fish exclusively in state waters for scallops, must have been issued and 
carry on board a valid limited access scallop permit.
    (A) Eligibility. To be eligible to apply for a limited access 
scallop permit, a vessel must have been issued a limited access scallop 
permit for the preceding year, be replacing a vessel that was issued a 
limited access scallop permit for the preceding year, or be replacing a 
vessel that was issued a confirmation of permit history.
    (B) Application/renewal restrictions. See paragraph (a)(1)(i)(B) of 
this section.
    (C) Qualification restriction. See paragraph (a)(1)(i)(C) of this 
section.
    (D) Change in ownership. See paragraph (a)(1)(i)(D) of this section.
    (E) Replacement vessels. See paragraph (a)(1)(i)(E) of this section.
    (F) Upgraded vessel. See paragraph (a)(1)(i)(F) of this section.
    (G) Consolidation restriction. See paragraph (a)(1)(i)(G) of this 
section.
    (H) Vessel baseline specifications. See paragraph (a)(1)(i)(H) of 
this section.
    (I) Limited access permit restrictions. A vessel may be issued a 
limited access scallop permit in only one category during a fishing 
year. The owner of a vessel issued a limited access scallop permit must 
elect a permit category upon the vessels permit application and will 
have one opportunity to request a change in permit category by 
submitting an application to the Regional Administrator within 45 days 
of the effective date of the vessel's permit. After this date, the 
vessel must remain in that permit category for the duration of the 
fishing year. Any DAS that a vessel uses prior to a change in permit 
category will be counted against its allocation received under any 
subsequent permit category.
    (J) Confirmation of permit history. See paragraph (a)(1)(i)(J) of 
this section.
    (K) Abandonment or voluntary relinquishment of permits. See 
paragraph (a)(1)(i)(K) of this section.
    (L) Restriction on permit splitting. See paragraph (a)(1)(i)(L) of 
this section.
    (M) Percentage ownership restrictions. (1) For any vessel acquired 
after March 1, 1994, a vessel owner is not eligible to

[[Page 604]]

be issued a limited access scallop permit for the vessel, and/or a 
confirmation of permit history, if, as a result of the issuance of the 
permit and/or confirmation of permit history, the vessel owner, or any 
other person who is a shareholder or partner of the vessel owner, will 
have an ownership interest in a total number of limited access scallop 
vessels and limited access scallop confirmations of permit history in 
excess of 5 percent of the number of all limited access scallop vessels 
and confirmations of permit history at the time of permit application.
    (2) Vessel owners who were initially issued a 1994 limited access 
scallop permit or confirmation of permit history, or who were issued or 
renewed a limited access scallop permit or confirmation of permit 
history for a vessel in 1995 and thereafter, in compliance with the 
ownership restrictions in paragraph (a)(2)(i)(M)(1) of this section, are 
eligible to renew such permits(s) and/or confirmation(s) of permit 
history, regardless of whether the renewal of the permits or 
confirmations of permit history will result in the 5-percent ownership 
restriction being exceeded.
    (3) Having an ownership interest includes, but is not limited to, 
persons who are shareholders in a vessel owned by a corporation, who are 
partners (general or limited) to a vessel owner, or who, in any way, 
partly own a vessel.
    (N) [Reserved]
    (O) Replacement vessels. See paragraph (a)(1)(i)(E) of this section.
    (P) VMS requirement. A vessel issued a limited access scallop 
permit, as specified in paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this section, except a 
vessel issued an occasional scallop permit that is not fishing in a sea 
scallop access area, must have an operational VMS installed. Prior to 
issuance of a limited access scallop permit, NMFS must receive a signed 
VMS certification from the vessel owner and be notified by the VMS 
vendor that the unit has been installed and is operational.
    (ii) LAGC scallop permits. Any vessel of the United States that has 
not been issued a limited access scallop permit pursuant to paragraph 
(a)(2)(i) of this section, and any vessel issued a limited access 
scallop permit that fishes for scallops outside of the scallop DAS 
program described in Sec. 648.53(b) or the Area Access program 
described in Sec. 648.60, that possesses, retains, or lands scallops in 
or from Federal waters, must be issued an LAGC scallop permit and must 
comply with the permit requirements described in paragraphs 
(a)(2)(ii)(A), (B), or (C) of this section. To be issued an LAGC scallop 
permit, a vessel owner must meet the qualification criteria specified in 
paragraphs (a)(2)(ii)(D) or (F) of this section and must comply with the 
application procedures specified in paragraph (a)(2)(ii)(H) of this 
section.
    (A) Individual fishing quota LAGC permit. To possess or land up to 
600 lb (272.2 kg) of shucked meats, or land up to 75 bu (26.4 hL) of in-
shell scallops per trip, or possess up to 100 bu (35.2 hL) of in-shell 
scallops seaward of the VMS demarcation line, a vessel must have been 
issued an individual fishing quota LAGC scallop permit (IFQ scallop 
permit). Issuance of an initial IFQ scallop permit is contingent upon 
the vessel owner submitting the required application and other 
information that demonstrates that the vessel meets the eligibility 
criteria specified in paragraph (a)(2)(ii)(D) of this section.
    (B) Northern Gulf of Maine LAGC permit. To possess or land up to 200 
lb (90.7 kg) of shucked or 25 bu (8.81 hL) in-shell scallops per trip, 
or to possess up to 50 bu (17.6 hL) seaward of the VMS demarcation line 
in the NGOM Scallop Management Area, a vessel must have been issued a 
Northern Gulf of Maine LAGC scallop permit (NGOM scallop permit). A 
vessel issued a NGOM scallop permit may not fish for scallops outside of 
the NGOM Scallop Management Area as defined in Sec. 648.62, and may not 
possess or land more than 200 lb (90.7 kg) of shucked or 25 bu (8.81 hL) 
of in-shell scallops at any time, except the vessel may possess up to 50 
bu (17.6 hL) of in-shell scallops seaward of the VMS demarcation line. 
Issuance of an initial NGOM scallop permit is contingent upon the vessel 
owner submitting the required application and other information that 
demonstrates that the vessel meets the eligibility criteria specified in 
paragraph (a)(2)(ii)(F) of this section.

[[Page 605]]

    (C) Incidental catch LAGC permit. To possess or land up to 40 lb 
(18.1 kg) of shucked or 5 bu (1.76 hL) in-shell scallops per trip, or 
possess up to 10 bu (3.52 hL) in-shell scallops per trip seaward of the 
VMS demarcation line, but not more than these amounts per trip, a vessel 
must have been issued an incidental catch general category scallop 
permit (Incidental scallop permit). A vessel issued an incidental catch 
general scallop permit may not possess or land more than 40 lb (18.1 kg) 
of shucked or 5 bu (1.76 hL) of in-shell scallops at any time, except 
the vessel may possess up to 10 bu (3.52 hL) of in-shell scallops 
seaward of the VMS demarcation line. Issuance of an initial incidental 
catch category scallop permit is contingent upon the vessel owner 
submitting the required application and other information that 
demonstrates that the vessel meets the eligibility criteria specified in 
paragraph (a)(2)(ii)(G) of this section.
    (D) Eligibility for an IFQ scallop permit. A vessel is eligible for 
and may be issued an IFQ scallop permit if it meets both eligibility 
criteria specified in paragraphs (a)(2)(ii)(D)(1) and (2) of this 
section, or is replacing a vessel that meets both the eligibility 
criteria specified in paragraphs (a)(2)(ii)(D)(1) and (2) of this 
section. A vessel owner may appeal NMFS's determination that a vessel 
does not meet the requirements specified in paragraphs (a)(2)(ii)(D)(1) 
and (2) of this section by complying with the appeal process, as 
specified in paragraph (a)(2)(ii)(O) of this section.
    (1) Permit criterion. A vessel must have been issued a general 
category scallop permit in at least one scallop fishing year, as defined 
in Sec. 648.2, between March 1, 2000, and November 1, 2004.
    (2) Landings criterion. A vessel must have landed at least 1,000 lb 
(454 kg) of shucked scallops in any one year when the vessel also held a 
general category scallop permit as specified in paragraph 
(a)(2)(ii)(D)(1) of this section. To qualify, scallop landings in the 
2004 fishing year must have occurred on or before November 1, 2004. NMFS 
dealer data shall be used to make the initial determination of vessel 
eligibility. If a dealer reported more than 400 lb (181.4 kg) of 
scallops on a trip, only 400 lb (181.4 kg) will be credited toward the 
landings criteria. For dealer reports that indicate that the landings 
were bushels of in-shell scallops, a conversion of 8 lb (3.63 kg) of 
scallop meats per bushel will be used to calculate meat-weight, up to 
the maximum of 400 lb (181.4 kg) per trip. For dealer reports that 
indicate that the landings were reported in pounds of in-shell scallops, 
the weight shall be converted to meat-weight using the formula of one 
pound (0.45 kg) of scallop meats for 8.33 lb (3.78 kg) of in-shell 
scallops, up to the maximum of 400 lb (181.4 kg) per trip, for 
qualification purposes.
    (E) Contribution factor for determining a vessel's IFQ. An eligible 
IFQ scallop vessel's best year of scallop landings during the 
qualification period of March 1, 2000, through November 1, 2004, as 
specified in Sec. 648.53(h)(2)(ii)(A), and the vessel's number of years 
active, as specified in Sec. 648.53(h)(2)(ii)(B), shall be used to 
calculate a vessel's contribution factor, as specified in Sec. 
648.53(h)(2)(ii)(C). A vessel owner that has applied for an IFQ scallop 
permit will be notified of the vessel's contribution factor at the time 
of issuance of the IFQ scallop permit, consistent with confidentiality 
restrictions of the Magnuson-Stevens Act specified at 16 U.S.C. 1881a. A 
vessel owner may appeal NMFS's determination of the IFQ scallop vessel's 
contribution factor by complying with the appeal process as specified in 
paragraph (a)(2)(ii)(O) of this section.
    (F) Eligibility for NGOM or Incidental scallop permit. A vessel that 
is not eligible for, or for which the vessel's owner chooses not to 
apply for, an IFQ scallop permit, may be issued either a NGOM scallop 
permit or an Incidental scallop permit if the vessel was issued a 
general category scallop permit as of November 1, 2004, or if the vessel 
is replacing a vessel that was issued a general category scallop permit 
as of November 1, 2004. A vessel owner may appeal NMFS's determination 
that a vessel does not meet this criterion by complying with the appeal 
process as specified in paragraph (a)(2)(ii)(O) of this section. A 
vessel that qualifies for an IFQ scallop permit automatically qualifies 
for an NGOM or Incidental scallop permit if the vessel's owner

[[Page 606]]

chooses to be issued an NGOM or Incidental scallop permit instead of the 
IFQ scallop permit.
    (G) LAGC permit restrictions--(1) Change of permit category--(i) IFQ 
scallop permit. A vessel issued an IFQ scallop permit may not change its 
general category scallop permit category at any time without voluntarily 
relinquishing its IFQ scallop permit eligibility as specified in 
paragraph (a)(2)(ii)(M) of this section. If the vessel owner has elected 
to relinquish the vessel's IFQ permit and instead be issued an NGOM or 
Incidental scallop permit, the IFQ permit shall be permanently 
relinquished.
    (ii) NGOM and Incidental scallop permit. A vessel may be issued 
either an NGOM or Incidental scallop permit for each fishing year, and a 
vessel owner may not change his/her LAGC scallop permit category during 
the fishing year, except as specified in this paragraph 
(a)(2)(ii)(G)(1)(ii). The owners of a vessel issued a NGOM or Incidental 
scallop permit must elect a permit category in the vessel's permit 
application and shall have one opportunity each fishing year to request 
a change in its permit category by submitting an application to the 
Regional Administrator within 45 days of the effective date of the 
vessel's permit. After that date, the vessel must remain in that permit 
category for the duration of the fishing year.
    (2) VMS requirement. A vessel issued a LAGC permit must have an 
operational VMS installed. Issuance of an Atlantic sea scallop permit 
requires the vessel owner to submit a copy of the vendor's installation 
receipt or provide verification of vendor activation from a NMFS-
approved VMS vendor as described in Sec. 648.9.
    (H) Application/renewal restrictions. See paragraph (a)(1)(i)(B) of 
this section. Applications for a LAGC permit described in paragraph 
(a)(2)(ii) of this section must be postmarked no later than August 30, 
2008. Applications for LAGC permits that are not postmarked on or before 
August 30, 2008, may be denied and returned to the sender with a letter 
explaining the denial. Such denials may not be appealed and shall be the 
final decision of the Department of Commerce. If NMFS determines that 
the vessel owner has failed to pay a cost recovery fee in accordance 
with the cost recovery requirements specified at Sec. 648.53(h)(4)(ii), 
the IFQ permit shall not be renewed.
    (I) Qualification restriction. (1) See paragraph (a)(1)(i)(C) of 
this section for restrictions applicable to limited access scallop 
permits.
    (2) Notwithstanding paragraph (a)(1)(i)(L) of this section, scallop 
landings history generated by separate owners of a single vessel at 
different times during the qualification period for LAGC scallop permits 
may be used to qualify more than one vessel, provided that each owner 
applying for an LAGC scallop permit demonstrates that he/she created 
distinct fishing histories, that such histories have been retained, and 
if the vessel was sold, that each applicant's eligibility and fishing 
history is distinct.
    (3) Notwithstanding paragraph (a)(1)(i)(L) of this section, a vessel 
owner applying for a LAGC permit who sold or transferred a vessel with 
non-scallop limited access permits, as specified in paragraph 
(a)(1)(i)(D) of this section, and retained only the general category 
scallop history of such vessel as specified in paragraph (a)(1)(i)(D) of 
this section, before July 1, 2008, may use the general category scallop 
history to qualify a different vessel for the initial IFQ scallop 
permit, regardless of whether the history from the sold or transferred 
vessel was used to qualify another vessel for another limited access 
permit.
    (J) Change in ownership. See paragraph (a)(1)(i)(D) of this section.
    (K) Replacement vessels. A vessel owner may apply to replace a 
qualified LAGC vessel with another vessel that he/she owns. There are no 
size or horsepower restrictions on replacing general LAGC vessels, 
unless the qualified vessel that will be replaced is subject to such 
restriction because of other limited access permits issued pursuant to 
Sec. 648.4. In order for a LAGC that also has other limited access 
permits issued pursuant to Sec. 648.4 to be replaced by a vessel that 
does not meet the replacement and upgrade restrictions specified for 
those other limited access permits, the other limited access permits 
must

[[Page 607]]

be permanently relinquished, as specified in paragraph (a)(1)(i)(K) of 
this section.
    (L) Confirmation of Permit History. See paragraph (a)(1)(i)(J) of 
this section.
    (M) Abandonment or voluntary relinquishment of permits. See 
paragraph (a)(1)(i)(K) of this section.
    (N) Restriction on permit splitting. Except as provided in 
paragraphs (a)(2)(ii)(I)(2) and (3) of this section, paragraph 
(a)(1)(i)(L) of this section applies.
    (O) Appeal of denial of permit--(1) Eligibility. Any applicant 
eligible to apply for an LAGC scallop permit who is denied such permit 
may appeal the denial to the Regional Administrator within 30 days of 
the notice of denial. Any such appeal may only be based on the grounds 
that the information used by the Regional Administrator was incorrect. 
The appeal must be in writing, must state the specific grounds for the 
appeal, and must include information to support the appeal.
    (2) Contribution factor appeals. Any applicant eligible to apply for 
a IFQ scallop permit who disputes NMFS's determination of the vessel's 
contribution factor specified in paragraph (a)(2)(ii)(E) of this section 
may appeal NMFS's determination to the Regional Administrator within 30 
days of the notification of the vessel's best year and years active. Any 
such appeal may only be based on the grounds that the information used 
by the Regional Administrator was incorrect. The appeal must be in 
writing, must state the specific grounds for the appeal, and must 
include information to support the appeal. A vessel owner may appeal 
both the eligibility criteria and the contribution factor and must 
submit the appeal for both at the same time. An appeal of contribution 
factor determinations shall be reviewed concurrently with an eligibility 
appeal, if applicable.
    (3) Appeal review. The Regional Administrator shall appoint a 
designee who shall make the initial decision on the appeal. The 
appellant may request a review of the initial decision by the Regional 
Administrator by so requesting in writing within 30 days of the notice 
of the initial decision. If the appellant does not request a review of 
the initial decision within 30 days, the initial decision is the final 
administrative action of the Department of Commerce. Such review will be 
conducted by a hearing officer appointed by the Regional Administrator. 
The hearing officer shall make findings and a recommendation to the 
Regional Administrator, which shall be advisory only. Upon receiving the 
findings and the recommendation, the Regional Administrator shall issue 
a final decision on the appeal. The Regional Administrator's decision is 
the final administrative action of the Department of Commerce.
    (4) Status of vessels pending appeal. A vessel denied an LAGC 
scallop permit may fish while under appeal, provided that the denial has 
been appealed, the appeal is pending, and the vessel has on board a 
letter from the Regional Administrator temporarily authorizing the 
vessel to fish under the limited access general category permit. The 
Regional Administrator shall issue such a letter that shall be effective 
only during the pendency of any appeal. The temporary letter of 
authorization must be carried on board the vessel and all requirements 
of the permit category for which the appeal has been made shall apply. 
If the appeal is finally denied, the Regional Administrator shall send a 
notice of final denial to the vessel owner; the temporary authorizing 
letter becomes invalid 5 days after receipt of the notice of denial, but 
no later than 10 days from the date of the letter of denial, regardless 
of the date of the owner's receipt of the denial.
    (3) Summer flounder vessels. Any vessel of the United States that 
fishes for or retains summer flounder in the EEZ must have been issued 
and carry on board a valid summer flounder permit, except for vessels 
other than party or charter vessels that observe the possession limit 
set forth in Sec. 648.106.
    (i) Moratorium permits--(A) Eligibility. To be eligible to apply for 
a moratorium permit to fish for and retain summer flounder in excess of 
the possession limit in Sec. 648.106 in the EEZ, a vessel must have 
been issued a summer flounder moratorium permit for the preceding year, 
be replacing a vessel that was issued a moratorium permit for the 
preceding year, or be replacing

[[Page 608]]

a vessel that was issued a confirmation of permit history.
    (B) Application/renewal restriction. See paragraph (a)(1)(i)(B) of 
this section.
    (C) Qualification restriction. See paragraph (a)(1)(i)(C) of this 
section.
    (D) Change in ownership. See paragraph (a)(1)(i)(D) of this section.
    (E) Replacement vessels. See paragraph (a)(1)(i)(E) of this section.
    (F) Upgraded vessel. See paragraph (a)(1)(i)(F) of this section.
    (G) Consolidation restriction. See paragraph (a)(1)(i)(G) of this 
section.
    (H) Vessel baseline specifications. The vessel baseline 
specifications in this section are the respective specifications 
(length, horsepower) of the vessel as of March 22, 1999, unless the 
vessel is in the process of construction or rerigging or under agreement 
or written contract for construction or rerigging, as of the effective 
baseline specification date in which case the baseline specifications 
will be established no later than February 19, 2000.
    (I) [Reserved]
    (J) Confirmation of permit history. See paragraph (a)(1)(i)(J) of 
this section.
    (K) Abandonment or voluntary relinquishment of permits. See 
paragraph (a)(1)(i)(K) of this section.
    (L) Restriction on permit splitting. See paragraph (a)(1)(i)(L) of 
this section.
    (ii) Party and charter boat permits. Any party or charter boat is 
eligible for a permit to fish for summer flounder, other than a summer 
flounder moratorium permit, if it is carrying passengers for hire. Such 
vessel must observe the possession limits specified in Sec. 648.106.
    (iii) Exemption permits. Owners of summer flounder vessels seeking 
an exemption from the minimum mesh requirement under the provisions of 
Sec. 648.108(b)(1) must request a letter of authorization (LOA) from 
the Regional Administrator. Vessels must be enrolled in the exemption 
program for a minimum of 7 days. The Regional Administrator may impose 
temporary additional procedural requirements by publishing a 
notification in the Federal Register. If a summer flounder charter or 
party requirement of this part differs from a summer flounder charter or 
party management measure required by a state, any vessel owners or 
operators fishing under the terms of a summer flounder charter/party 
vessel permit in the EEZ for summer flounder must comply with the more 
restrictive requirement while fishing in state waters, unless otherwise 
authorized under Sec. 648.107.
    (4) Surfclam and ocean quahog vessels. Any vessel of the United 
States that fishes for surfclams or ocean quahogs, except vessels taking 
surfclams and ocean quahogs for personal use or fishing exclusively 
within state waters, must have been issued and carry on board a valid 
surfclam or ocean quahog permit, respectively.
    (i) Maine mahogany quahog permit. (A) A vessel is eligible for a 
Maine mahogany quahog permit to fish for ocean quahogs in the Maine 
mahogany quahog zone if it meets the following eligibility criteria in 
paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this section, and an application for a 
Maine mahogany quahog permit is submitted by May 19, 1999. After May 19, 
1999, to be eligible to apply for a Maine mahogany quahog permit, a 
vessel must have been issued a Maine mahogany quahog permit for the 
preceding year, be replacing a vessel that was issued a Maine mahogany 
quahog permit for the preceding year, or be replacing a vessel that was 
issued a confirmation of permit history.
    (1) The vessel was issued a Federal Maine Mahogany Quahog 
Experimental Permit during one of the experimental fisheries authorized 
by the Regional Administrator between September 30, 1990, and September 
30, 1997; and,
    (2) The vessel landed at least one Maine bushel of ocean quahogs 
from the Maine mahogany quahog zone as documented by fishing or 
shellfish logs submitted to the Regional Administrator prior to January 
1, 1998.
    (B) Application/renewal restriction. See paragraph (a)(1)(i)(B) of 
this section.
    (C) Qualification restriction. See paragraph (a)(1)(i)(C) of this 
section.
    (D) Change in ownership. See paragraph (a)(1)(i)(D) of this section.
    (E) Replacement vessels. See paragraph (a)(1)(i)(E) of this section.
    (F) Upgraded vessel. See paragraph (a)(1)(i)(F) of this section.
    (G) Consolidation restriction. See paragraph (a)(1)(i)(G) of this 
section.

[[Page 609]]

    (H) Vessel baseline specifications. See paragraph (a)(3)(i)(H) of 
this section.
    (I) [Reserved]
    (J) Confirmation of permit history. See paragraph (a)(1)(i)(J) of 
this section.
    (K) Abandonment or voluntary relinquishment of permits. See 
paragraph (a)(1)(i)(K) of this section.
    (L) Restriction on permit splitting. See paragraph (a)(1)(i)(L) of 
this section.
    (M) Appeal of denial of a permit. (1) Any applicant denied a Maine 
mahogany quahog permit may appeal to the Regional Administrator within 
30 days of the notice of denial. Any such appeal shall be in writing. 
The only ground for appeal is that the Regional Administrator's designee 
erred in concluding that the vessel did not meet the criteria in 
paragraph (a)(4)(i)(A) of this section. The appeal must set forth the 
basis for the applicant's belief that the decision of the Regional 
Administrator's designee was made in error.
    (2) The appeal may be presented, at the option of the applicant, at 
a hearing before an officer appointed by the Regional Administrator.
    (3) The hearing officer shall make a recommendation to the Regional 
Administrator.
    (4) The Regional Administrator will make a final decision based on 
the criteria in paragraph (a)(4)(i)(A) of this section and on the 
available record, including any relevant documentation submitted by the 
applicant and, if a hearing is held, the recommendation of the hearing 
officer. The decision on the appeal by the Regional Administrator is the 
final decision of the Department of Commerce.
    (ii) VMS Requirement. (A) Surfclam and ocean quahog open access 
permits. In order to be eligible for issuance of an open access surfclam 
or ocean quahog permit, the vessel owner must have installed on the 
vessel an operational VMS unit that meets the criteria set forth in 
Sec. 648.9. The vessel owner/operator must activate the VMS unit and 
provide verification of vendor activation from a NMFS-approved VMS 
vendor as described in Sec. 648.9. Verification is done by completing, 
signing, and mailing or faxing a VMS certification form to the NMFS 
Northeast Region Office of Law Enforcement.
    (B) Maine mahogany quahog limited access permit. In order to be 
eligible for issuance of a Maine mahogany quahog permit, the vessel 
owner must have installed on the vessel an operational VMS unit that 
meets the criteria set forth in Sec. 648.9. By January 1, 2009, unless 
otherwise exempted under paragraph (a)(4)(ii)(B)(1) of this section. The 
vessel owner/operator must activate the VMS unit and provide 
verification of vendor activation from a NMFS-approved VMS vendor as 
described in Sec. 648.9. Verification is done by completing, signing, 
and mailing or faxing a VMS certification form to the NMFS Northeast 
Region Office of Law Enforcement.
    (1) Special VMS exemption for Maine mahogany quahog vessels. Vessel 
owners eligible to renew a limited access Maine mahogany quahog permit 
may do so without proof of installation of a VMS, provided the vessel 
does not fish for, catch, or possess; or attempt to fish for, catch, or 
posses; Maine mahogany quahogs. Proof of VMS installation must be 
provided to the NMFS Northeast Region Office of Law Enforcement prior to 
departure on any fishing trip on which ocean quahogs may be caught or 
landed. Once a vessel issued a Maine mahogany quahog permit has elected 
to participate in the Maine mahogany quahog fishery, the vessel must 
keep the VMS unit turned on and functioning as specified under Sec. 
648.9. Once a limited access Maine mahogany quahog permitted vessel has 
participated in the Maine mahogany quahog fishery, this exemption no 
longer applies.
    (2) [Reserved]
    (5) Mackerel, squid, and butterfish vessels. Any vessel of the 
United States, including party and charter vessels, that fishes for, 
possesses, or lands Atlantic mackerel, Illex squid, longfin squid, or 
butterfish in or from the EEZ or Atlantic chub mackerel in or from the 
EEZ portion of the Atlantic Chub Mackerel Management Unit must have been 
issued and carry on board a valid Federal mackerel, squid, or butterfish 
vessel permit pursuant to this paragraph (a)(5).
    (i) Longfin squid moratorium permits--(A) Eligibility. To be 
eligible to apply for a moratorium permit to fish for and

[[Page 610]]

retain longfin squid in excess of the incidental catch allowance in 
paragraph (a)(5)(vi) of this section in the EEZ, a vessel must have been 
issued a longfin squid moratorium permit for the preceding year, be 
replacing a vessel that was issued a moratorium permit for the preceding 
year, or be replacing a vessel that was issued a confirmation of permit 
history. Beginning in fishing year 2018, a vessel may be eligible for 
and could be issued a Tier 1, Tier 2, or Tier 3 longfin squid moratorium 
permit if the vessel and associated fishing history meet the criteria 
described under paragraphs (a)(5)(i)(A)(1) through (3) of this section.
    (1) Tier 1 longfin squid moratorium permit. Beginning in February 
2019, the Regional Administrator shall automatically issue a Tier 1 
longfin squid moratorium permit to any vessel that is issued a longfin 
squid/butterfish moratorium permit or eligible to be issued such a 
permit held in confirmation of permit history (CPH) during calendar year 
2018 that meets the eligibility criteria in this paragraph 
(a)(5)(i)(A)(1). To be eligible for a Tier 1 permit, a vessel must have 
been issued a valid longfin squid/butterfish moratorium permit and 
landed more than 10,000 lb (4,536 kg) of longfin squid in at least one 
calendar year between January 1, 1997, and December 31, 2013. Fishing 
history, including for a permit held in confirmation of permit history, 
can be used by a vessel to qualify for and be issued a tier 1 longfin 
squid moratorium permit, provided the Regional Administrator has 
determined that the fishing and permit history of such vessel has been 
lawfully retained by the applicant. Landings data used in this 
qualification must be verified by dealer reports submitted to NMFS. A 
vessel that was not automatically issued a Tier 1 longfin squid 
moratorium permit may apply for such a permit in accordance with 
paragraph (a)(5)(i)(B) of this section.
    (2) Tier 2 longfin squid moratorium permit. Beginning in February 
2019, the Regional Administer shall automatically issue a Tier 2 longfin 
squid moratorium permit to any vessel that is issued a longfin squid/
butterfish moratorium permit or eligible to be issued such a permit held 
in CPH during fishing year 2018 that does not qualify for a Tier 1 
longfin squid moratorium permit, as described in paragraph 
(a)(5)(i)(A)(1) of this section.
    (3) Tier 3 longfin squid moratorium permit. To be issued a Tier 3 
permit, a vessel must have been issued an open access squid/butterfish 
permit and landed more than 5,000 lb (2,268 kg) of longfin squid in at 
least one calendar year between January 1, 1997, and December 31, 2013. 
Landings data used in this qualification must be verified by dealer 
reports submitted to NMFS.
    (B) Application/renewal restriction. See paragraph (a)(1)(i)(B) of 
this section. Unless automatically issued a Tier 1 or 2 longfin squid 
moratorium permit in accordance with paragraphs (a)(5)(i)(A)(1) or (2) 
of this section, a vessel owner may submit an initial application for a 
longfin squid moratorium permit described in paragraph (a)(5)(i)(A)(1) 
through (3) of this section. The initial application must be received by 
NMFS or postmarked no later than February 29, 2020. An initial 
application for a longfin squid moratorium permit that is not postmarked 
before February 29, 2020, will not be processed because of this 
regulatory restriction, and will be returned to the sender with a letter 
explaining the reason for its return.
    (C) Qualification restriction. See paragraph (a)(1)(i)(C) of this 
section. Longfin squid landings history generated by separate owners of 
a single vessel at different times during the qualification period for a 
longfin squid moratorium permit may be used to qualify more than one 
vessel, provided that each owner applying for such a permit demonstrates 
that he/she created distinct fishing histories, that such histories have 
been retained, and if the vessel was sold, that each applicant's 
eligibility and fishing history is distinct.
    (D) Change in ownership. See paragraph (a)(1)(i)(D) of this section.
    (E) Replacement vessels. With the exception of a vessel issued a 
longfin squid Tier 3 moratorium permit, to be eligible for a longfin 
squid moratorium permit, a replacement vessel must meet the criteria 
specified in paragraph (a)(1)(i)(E) of this section.

[[Page 611]]

    (F) Upgraded vessel. With the exception of a vessel issued a longfin 
squid Tier 3 moratorium permit, the upgrade provisions in paragraph 
(a)(1)(i)(F) of this section apply to a vessel issued a longfin squid 
moratorium permit.
    (G) Consolidation restriction. See paragraph (a)(1)(i)(G) of this 
section.
    (H) Vessel baseline specifications. With the exception of a vessel 
issued a longfin squid Tier 3 moratorium permit, the vessel baseline 
specification measures specified in paragraph (a)(3)(i)(H) of this 
section apply to a vessel issued a longfin squid moratorium permit.
    (I) One-time longfin squid moratorium permit swap. An entity that 
owns multiple vessels issued longfin squid/butterfish moratorium permits 
as of May 26, 2017, has a one-time opportunity to swap one Tier 1 
longfin squid moratorium permit issued to one of its vessels with a 
longfin squid Tier 2 moratorium permit issued to another of its vessels. 
No other fishery permits issued under this section may be transferred 
pursuant to this paragraph (a)(5)(i)(I). To be eligible for the one-time 
longfin squid moratorium permit swap, the following conditions must be 
met:
    (1) An application to swap longfin squid moratorium permits must be 
received by the Regional Administrator within one year of the Regional 
Administrator's final decision on the issuance of the longfin squid Tier 
1 or Tier 2 moratorium permits to be exchanged;
    (2) At the time of the application, the owner of record for both 
vessels and permits involved in the permit swap must be identical to the 
owner of record of the same two vessels issued the associated longfin 
squid/butterfish moratorium permits as of May 26, 2017;
    (3) The length overall of the vessel upon which a longfin squid 
moratorium permit would be placed may not exceed the length overall 
associated with that individual permit's vessel baseline specifications 
by more than 10 percent; and
    (4) The horsepower of the vessel upon which a longfin squid 
moratorium permit would be placed may not exceed the horsepower 
associated with that individual permit's vessel baseline specifications 
by more than 20 percent.
    (J) Confirmation of permit history. See paragraph (a)(1)(i)(J) of 
this section.
    (K) Abandonment or voluntary relinquishment of permits. See 
paragraph (a)(1)(i)(K) of this section.
    (L) Restriction on permit splitting. See paragraph (a)(1)(i)(L) of 
this section.
    (M) Appeal of permit denial--(1) Eligibility. Any applicant eligible 
to apply for a longfin squid moratorium permit who is denied such permit 
by the Regional Administrator may appeal the denial to the Regional 
Administrator within 30 days of the notice of denial.
    (2) Appeal review. Review of the Regional Administrator's decisions 
on longfin squid moratorium permit issuance will be conducted by the 
NOAA Fisheries National Appeals Office pursuant to the procedures set 
forth in 15 CFR part 906, unless otherwise modified by the procedures 
described here. The National Appeals Office shall make findings and 
submit its decision to the Regional Administrator and the applicant. The 
Regional Administrator will review the National Appeals Office decision 
and make a final decision regarding any appeal in accordance with 15 CFR 
906.17. The Regional Administrator's decision is the final decision of 
the Department of Commerce.
    (i) Appeal request. An appeal of the denial of an initial permit 
application must be made in writing and submitted to and received by the 
Regional Administrator or postmarked no later than 30 days after the 
denial of an initial longfin squid moratorium permit application. Upon 
receipt, the Regional Administrator shall forward each appeal request to 
the National Appeals Office. Appeals must be based on the grounds that 
the information used by the Regional Administrator in denying the 
original permit application was incorrect. Items subject to appeal 
include, but are not limited to, the accuracy of the amount of landings, 
the correct assignment of landings to a vessel and/or permit holder, and 
the issuance of a permit to a particular entity. The appeal request must 
state the specific grounds for the appeal, and include information to 
support the appeal. An appellant may request a hearing by including a 
concise statement raising

[[Page 612]]

genuine and substantial issues of a material fact or law that cannot be 
resolved based on the documentary evidence alone. An appellant may also 
request a letter of authorization (LOA), as described in paragraph 
(a)(5)(i)(M)(3) of this section, to continue to fish during an appeal. 
If the appeal of the denial of the permit application is not made within 
30 days, the denial of the permit application shall constitute the final 
decision of the Department of Commerce. The appeal will not be reviewed 
without submission of information in support of the appeal.
    (ii) Reconsideration. Should the National Appeals Office deny an 
appeal request submitted according to paragraph (a)(5)(i)(M)(2)(i) of 
this section, the applicant may request a reconsideration of the appeal 
by the National Appeals Office. A reconsideration request must be made 
in writing and submitted to the National Appeals Office within 10 days 
of that office's decision on the appeal, as instructed by the National 
Appeals Office.
    (3) Status of vessels pending appeal. A vessel denied a longfin 
squid moratorium permit may fish for longfin squid while the decision on 
the appeal is pending within NMFS, provided that the denial has been 
appealed, the appeal is pending, and the vessel has on board an LOA from 
the Regional Administrator authorizing the vessel to fish under the 
longfin squid moratorium permit category for which the applicant has 
submitted an appeal. A request for an LOA must be made when submitting 
an appeal of the denial of the permit application. The Regional 
Administrator will issue such a letter for the pending period of any 
appeal. The LOA must be carried on board the vessel. If the appeal is 
finally denied, the Regional Administrator shall send a notice of final 
denial to the vessel owner; the authorizing letter becomes invalid 5 
days after the receipt of the notice of denial, but no later than 10 
days from the date of the letter of denial.
    (ii) Illex squid and butterfish moratorium permits--(A) Eligibility. 
To be eligible to apply for a moratorium permit to fish for and retain 
Illex squid or butterfish in excess of the incidental catch allowance in 
paragraph (a)(5)(iv) of this section in the EEZ, a vessel must have been 
issued an Illex squid or butterfish moratorium permit for the preceding 
year, be replacing a vessel that was issued a moratorium permit for the 
preceding year, or be replacing a vessel that was issued a confirmation 
of permit history. Beginning in February 2019, a vessel that was 
previously issued a longfin squid/butterfish moratorium permit during 
fishing year 2018 shall be automatically issued a separate butterfish 
moratorium permit.
    (B) Application/renewal restriction. See paragraph (a)(1)(i)(B) of 
this section.
    (C) Qualification restriction. See paragraph (a)(1)(i)(C) of this 
section.
    (D) Change in ownership. See paragraph (a)(1)(i)(D) of this section.
    (E) Replacement vessels. See paragraph (a)(1)(i)(E) of this section.
    (F) Upgraded vessel. See paragraph (a)(1)(i)(F) of this section.
    (G) Consolidation restriction. See paragraph (a)(1)(i)(G) of this 
section.
    (H) Vessel baseline specifications. See paragraph (a)(3)(i)(H) of 
this section.
    (I) [Reserved]
    (J) Confirmation of permit history. See paragraph (a)(1)(i)(J) of 
this section.
    (K) Abandonment or voluntary relinquishment of permits. See 
paragraph (a)(1)(i)(K) of this section.
    (L) Restriction on permit splitting. See paragraph (a)(1)(i)(L) of 
this section.
    (iii) Limited access Atlantic mackerel permits. (A) Vessel size 
restriction. A vessel of the United States is eligible for and may be 
issued an Atlantic mackerel permit to fish for, possess, or land 
Atlantic mackerel in or from the EEZ, except for any vessel that is 
greater than or equal to 165 ft (50.3 m) in length overall (LOA), or 
greater than 750 gross registered tons (680.4 mt), or the vessel's total 
main propulsion machinery is greater than 3,000 horsepower. Vessels that 
exceed the size or horsepower restrictions may seek to obtain an at-sea 
processing permit specified in Sec. 648.6(a)(2)(i).
    (B) Limited access mackerel permits. A vessel of the United States 
that fishes for, possesses, or lands more than 20,000 lb (7.46 mt) of 
Atlantic mackerel per trip, except vessels that fish exclusively in 
state waters for Atlantic mackerel, must have been issued and

[[Page 613]]

carry on board one of the limited access Atlantic mackerel permits 
described in paragraphs (a)(5)(iii)(B)(1) through (3) of this section, 
including both vessels engaged in pair trawl operations.
    (1) Tier 1 Limited Access Atlantic Mackerel Permit. A vessel may 
fish for, possess, and land Atlantic mackerel not subject to a trip 
limit, provided the vessel qualifies for and has been issued this 
permit, subject to all other regulations of this part.
    (2) Tier 2 Limited Access Atlantic Mackerel Permit. A vessel may 
fish for, possess, and land up to 135,000 lb (50 mt) of Atlantic 
mackerel per trip, provided the vessel qualifies for and has been issued 
this permit, subject to all other regulations of this part.
    (3) Tier 3 Limited Access Atlantic Mackerel Permit. A vessel may 
fish for, possess, and land up to 100,000 lb (37.3 mt) of Atlantic 
mackerel per trip, provided the vessel qualifies for and has been issued 
this permit, subject to all other regulations of this part.
    (C) Eligibility criteria for Atlantic mackerel permits. To be 
eligible to apply for a Tier 1, Tier 2, or Tier 3 limited access 
Atlantic mackerel permit to fish for and retain Atlantic mackerel in 
excess of the incidental catch allowance in paragraph (a)(5)(vi) of this 
section in the EEZ, a vessel must have been issued a Tier 1, Tier 2, or 
Tier 3 limited access Atlantic mackerel permit, as applicable, for the 
preceding year, be replacing a vessel that was issued a limited access 
permit for the preceding year, or be replacing a vessel that was issued 
a confirmation of permit history.
    (D) Application/renewal restrictions. See paragraph (a)(1)(i)(B) of 
this section.
    (E) Qualification restrictions. See paragraph (a)(1)(i)(C) of this 
section.
    (F) Change of ownership. See paragraph (a)(1)(i)(D) of this section.
    (G) Replacement vessels. See paragraph (a)(1)(i)(E) of this section.
    (H) Vessel baseline specification. (1) In addition to the baseline 
specifications specified in paragraph (a)(1)(i)(H) of this section, the 
volumetric fish hold capacity of a vessel at the time it was initially 
issued a Tier 1 or Tier 2 limited access Atlantic mackerel permit will 
be considered a baseline specification. The fish hold capacity 
measurement must be certified by one of the following qualified 
individuals or entities: An individual credentialed as a Certified 
Marine Surveyor with a fishing specialty by the National Association of 
Marine Surveyors (NAMS); an individual credentialed as an Accredited 
Marine Surveyor with a fishing specialty by the Society of Accredited 
Marine Surveyors (SAMS); employees or agents of a classification society 
approved by the Coast Guard pursuant to 46 U.S.C. 3316(c); the Maine 
State Sealer of Weights and Measures; a professionally-licensed and/or 
registered Marine Engineer; or a Naval Architect with a professional 
engineer license. The fish hold capacity measurement submitted to NMFS 
as required in this paragraph (a)(5)(iii)(H)(1) must include a signed 
certification by the individual or entity that completed the 
measurement, specifying how they meet the definition of a qualified 
individual or entity.
    (2) If an Atlantic mackerel CPH is initially issued, the vessel that 
provided the CPH eligibility establishes the size baseline against which 
future vessel size limitations shall be evaluated, unless the applicant 
has a vessel under contract prior to the submission of the Atlantic 
mackerel limited access application. If the vessel that established the 
CPH is less than 20 ft (6.09 m) in length overall, then the baseline 
specifications associated with other limited access permits in the CPH 
suite will be used to establish the Atlantic mackerel baseline 
specifications. If the vessel that established the CPH is less than 20 
ft (6.09 m) in length overall, the limited access Atlantic mackerel 
eligibility was established on another vessel, and there are no other 
limited access permits in the CPH suite, then the applicant must submit 
valid documentation of the baseline specifications of the vessel that 
established the eligibility. The hold capacity baseline for such vessels 
will be the hold capacity of the first replacement vessel after the 
permits are removed from CPH. Hold capacity for the replacement vessel 
must be measured pursuant to paragraph (a)(5)(iii)(H)(1) of this 
section.

[[Page 614]]

    (I) Upgraded vessel. See paragraph (a)(1)(i)(F) of this section. In 
addition, for Tier 1 and Tier 2 limited access Atlantic mackerel 
permits, the replacement vessel's volumetric fish hold capacity may not 
exceed by more than 10 percent the volumetric fish hold capacity of the 
vessel's baseline specifications. The modified fish hold, or the fish 
hold of the replacement vessel, must be resurveyed by a surveyor 
(accredited as in paragraph (a)(5)(iii)(H) of this section) unless the 
replacement vessel already had an appropriate certification.
    (J) Consolidation restriction. See paragraph (a)(1)(i)(G) of this 
section.
    (K) Confirmation of permit history. See paragraph (a)(1)(i)(J) of 
this section.
    (L) Abandonment or voluntary relinquishment of permits. See 
paragraph (a)(1)(i)(K) of this section.
    (iv) Atlantic mackerel incidental catch permits. Any vessel of the 
United States may obtain a permit to fish for or retain up to 20,000 lb 
(9,072 kg) of Atlantic mackerel as an incidental catch in another 
directed fishery, provided that the vessel does not exceed the size 
restrictions specified in paragraph (a)(5)(iii)(A) of this section. The 
incidental catch allowance may be revised by the Regional Administrator 
based upon a recommendation by the Council following the procedure set 
forth in Sec. 648.21.
    (v) Party and charter boat permits. The owner of any party or 
charter boat that fishes for, possesses, or retains Atlantic mackerel, 
Illex squid, longfin squid, or butterfish in or from the EEZ or Atlantic 
chub mackerel in or from the EEZ portion of the Atlantic Chub Mackerel 
Management Unit, while carrying passengers for hire must have been 
issued and carry on board a valid Federal vessel permit pursuant to this 
paragraph (a)(5).
    (vi) Squid/butterfish incidental catch permit. Any vessel of the 
United States may obtain a permit to fish for or retain up to 250 lb 
(113 kg) of longfin squid, 600 lb (272 kg) of butterfish, or up to 
10,000 lb (4,536 kg) of Illex squid, as an incidental catch in another 
directed fishery. The incidental catch allowance may be revised by the 
Regional Administrator based upon a recommendation by the Council 
following the procedure set forth in Sec. 648.22.
    (6) Scup vessels. Beginning on January 1, 1997, and subject to the 
eligibility requirements specified in paragraphs (a)(6)(i) and 
(a)(6)(ii) of this section, the owner of a vessel of the United States, 
including a party or charter vessel, must obtain a permit issued under 
this part to fish for or retain scup for sale, barter or trade, in or 
from the EEZ north of 35[deg]15.3[min] N. lat. Any vessel, other than a 
party or charter boat, that observes the possession limit restrictions 
established pursuant to, and the prohibition on sale specified in, Sec. 
648.128 is exempt from the permit requirement.
    (i) Moratorium permit--(A) Eligibility. To be eligible to apply for 
a moratorium permit to fish for and retain scup, a vessel must have been 
issued a scup moratorium permit for the preceding year, be replacing a 
vessel that was issued a scup moratorium permit for the preceding year, 
or be replacing a vessel that was issued a confirmation of permit 
history.
    (B) Application/renewal restriction. See paragraph (a)(1)(i)(B) of 
this section.
    (C) Qualification restriction. See paragraph (a)(1)(i)(C) of this 
section.
    (D) Change in ownership. See paragraph (a)(1)(i)(D) of this section.
    (E) Replacement vessels. See paragraph (a)(1)(i)(E) of this section.
    (F) Upgraded vessel. See paragraph (a)(1)(i)(F) of this section.
    (G) Consolidation restriction. See paragraph (a)(1)(i)(G) of this 
section.
    (H) Vessel baseline specifications. See paragraph (a)(3)(i)(H) of 
this section.
    (I) [Reserved]
    (J) Confirmation of permit history. See paragraph (a)(1)(i)(J) of 
this section.
    (K) Abandonment or voluntary relinquishment of permits. See 
paragraph (a)(1)(i)(K) of this section.
    (L) Restriction on permit splitting. See paragraph (a)(1)(i)(L) of 
this section.
    (ii) Party and charter boat permit. Any party or charter boat is 
eligible for a permit to fish for scup, other than a scup moratorium 
permit, if it is carrying passengers for hire. Such vessel must observe 
the possession limits established pursuant to, and the prohibitions on 
sale specified in, Sec. 648.125.

[[Page 615]]

    (7) Black sea bass vessels. Beginning June 1, 1997, any vessel of 
the United States that fishes for or retains black sea bass in or from 
the EEZ north of 35[deg]15.3[min] N. lat., the latitude of Cape Hatteras 
Light, NC, must have been issued and carry on board a valid black sea 
bass moratorium permit, except for vessels other than party or charter 
vessels that observe the possession limit established pursuant to Sec. 
648.145.
    (i) Moratorium permits--(A) Eligibility. To be eligible to apply for 
a moratorium permit to fish for and retain black sea bass in excess of 
the possession limit established pursuant to Sec. 648.145 in the EEZ 
north of 35[deg]15.3[min] N. Lat., the latitude of Cape Hatteras Light, 
NC, a vessel must have been issued a black sea bass moratorium permit 
for the preceding year, be replacing a vessel that was issued a black 
sea bass moratorium permit for the preceding year, or be replacing a 
vessel that was issued a confirmation of permit history.
    (B) Application/renewal restrictions. See paragraph (a)(1)(i)(B) of 
this section.
    (C) Qualification restriction. See paragraph (a)(1)(i)(C) of this 
section.
    (D) Change in ownership. See paragraph (a)(1)(i)(D) of this section.
    (E) Replacement vessels. See paragraph (a)(1)(i)(E) of this section.
    (F) Upgraded vessel. See paragraph (a)(1)(i)(F) of this section.
    (G) Consolidation restriction. See paragraph (a)(1)(i)(G) of this 
section.
    (H) Vessel baseline specifications. See paragraph (a)(3)(i)(H) of 
this section.
    (I) [Reserved]
    (J) Confirmation of permit history. See paragraph (a)(1)(i)(J) of 
this section.
    (K) Abandonment or voluntary relinquishment of permits. See 
paragraph (a)(1)(i)(K) of this section.
    (L) Restriction on permit splitting. See paragraph (a)(1)(i)(L) of 
this section.
    (ii) Party and charter boat permit. The owner of any party or 
charter boat must obtain a permit to fish for or retain black sea bass 
in or from U.S. waters of the western Atlantic Ocean from 
35[deg]15.3[min] N. lat., the latitude of Cape Hatteras Light, NC, 
northward to the U.S.-Canada border, while carrying passengers for hire.
    (8) Atlantic bluefish vessels. (i) Commercial. Any vessel of the 
United States including party and charter boats not carrying passengers 
for hire, that fishes for, possesses, or lands Atlantic bluefish in or 
from the EEZ in excess of the recreational possession limit specified at 
Sec. 648.164 must have been issued and carry on board a valid 
commercial bluefish vessel permit.
    (ii) Party and charter vessels. All party or charter boats must have 
been issued and carry on board a valid party or charter boat permit to 
fish for, possess, or land Atlantic bluefish in or from the EEZ if 
carrying passengers for hire. Persons on board such vessels must observe 
the possession limits established pursuant to Sec. 648.164 and the 
prohibitions on sale specified in Sec. 648.14(q).
    (9) Monkfish vessels. Any vessel of the United States, including a 
charter or party boat, must have been issued and have on board a valid 
monkfish permit to fish for, possess, or land any monkfish in or from 
the EEZ.
    (i) Limited access monkfish permits. (A) Eligibility. A vessel may 
be issued a limited access monkfish permit if it meets any of the 
following limited access monkfish permits criteria:
    (1) Category A permit (vessels without NE multispecies or scallop 
limited access DAS permits). The vessel landed at least 50,000 lb 
(22,680 kg) tail-weight or 166,000 lb (75,297.6 kg) whole weight of 
monkfish between February 28, 1991, and February 27, 1995;
    (2) Category B permit (vessels less than 51 gross registered tonnage 
(GRT) without NE multispecies or scallop limited access DAS permits that 
do not qualify for a Category A permit). The vessel landed at least 
7,500 lb (3,402 kg) tail-weight or 24,900 lb (11,294.6 kg) whole weight 
of monkfish between February 28, 1991, and February 27, 1995;
    (3) Category C permit (vessels with NE multispecies or scallop 
limited access DAS permits). The vessel landed at least 50,000 lb 
(22,680 kg) tail-weight or 166,000 lb (75,297.6 kg) whole weight of 
monkfish between February 28, 1991, and February 27, 1995; or
    (4) Category D permit (all vessels with NE multispecies limited 
access DAS permits and vessels less than 51 GRT with scallop limited 
access DAS permits that do not qualify for a Category C permit). The

[[Page 616]]

vessel landed at least 7,500 lb (3,402 kg) tail-weight or 24,900 lb 
(11,294.6 kg) whole weight of monkfish between February 28, 1991, and 
February 27, 1995.
    (5) Category F permit (vessels electing to participate in the 
Offshore Fishery Program). To fish in the Offshore Fishery Program, as 
described under Sec. 648.95, vessels must apply for and be issued a 
Category F permit and fish under this permit category for the entire 
fishing year. The owner of a vessel, or authorized representative, may 
change the vessel's limited access monkfish permit category within 45 
days of the effective date of the vessel's permit, provided the vessel 
has not fished under the monkfish DAS program during that fishing year. 
If such a request is not received within 45 days, the vessel owner may 
not request a change in permit category and the vessel's permit category 
will remain unchanged for the duration of the fishing year.
    (6) Category G permit (vessels restricted to fishing south of 
38[deg]40[min] N. lat. As described in Sec. 648.92(b) that do not 
qualify for a monkfish limited access Category A, B, C, or D permit). 
The vessel landed at least 50,000 lb (22,680 kg) tail weight or 166,000 
lb (75,296 kg) whole weight of monkfish in the area south of 
38[deg]00[min] N. lat. during the period March 15 through June 15 in the 
years 1995 to 1998.
    (7) Category H permit (vessels restricted to fishing south of 
38[deg]40[min] N. lat. As described in Sec. 648.92(b) that do not 
qualify for a monkfish limited access Category A, B, C, D, or G permit). 
The vessel landed at least 7,500 lb (3,402 kg) tail weight or 24,900 lb 
(11,294 kg) whole weight of monkfish in the area south of 38[deg]00[min] 
N. lat. during the period March 15 through June 15 in the years 1995 to 
1998.
    (B) Application/renewal restrictions. No one may apply for an 
initial limited access monkfish permit for a vessel after November 7, 
2000, unless otherwise allowed in this paragraph (a)(9)(i)(B). Vessels 
applying for an initial limited access Category G or H permit, as 
described in paragraphs (a)(9)(i)(A)(6) and (7) of this section, must do 
so on or before April 30, 2006.
    (C) Qualification restrictions. (1) See paragraph (a)(1)(i)(C) of 
this section.
    (2) Vessels under agreement for construction or under 
reconstruction. A vessel may be issued a limited access monkfish permit 
if the vessel was under written agreement for construction or 
reconstruction between February 28, 1994, and February 27, 1995, and 
such vessel meets any of the qualification criteria regarding amount of 
landings as stated in paragraph (a)(9)(i)(A) of this section between 
February 28, 1991, and February 27, 1996.
    (D) Change in ownership. (1) See paragraph (a)(1)(i)(D) of this 
section.
    (2) A vessel may be issued a limited access monkfish permit if it 
was under written agreement for purchase as of February 27, 1995 and 
meets any of the qualification criteria regarding amount of landings as 
stated in paragraph (a)(9)(i)(A) of this section between February 28, 
1991, and February 27, 1996.
    (E) Replacement vessels. (1) See paragraph (a)(1)(i)(E) of this 
section.
    (2) A vessel =51 GRT that lawfully replaced a vessel <51 
GRT between February 27, 1995, and October 7, 1999, that meets the 
qualification criteria set forth in paragraph (a)(9)(i)(A) of this 
section, but exceeds the 51 GRT vessel size qualification criteria as 
stated in paragraph (a)(9)(i)(A)(2) or (4) of this section, may qualify 
for and fish under the permit category for which the replaced vessel 
qualified.
    (3) A vessel that replaced a vessel that fished for and landed 
monkfish between February 28, 1991, and February 27, 1995, may use the 
replaced vessel's history in lieu of or in addition to such vessel's 
fishing history to meet the qualification criteria set forth in 
paragraph (a)(9)(i)(A)(1), (2), (3), or (4) of this section, unless the 
owner of the replaced vessel retained the vessel's permit or fishing 
history, or such vessel no longer exists and was replaced by another 
vessel according to the provisions in paragraph (a)(1)(i)(D) of this 
section.
    (4) A vessel that replaced a vessel that fished for and landed 
monkfish between March 15 through June 15 in the years 1995 through 
1998, may use the replaced vessel's history in lieu of, or in addition 
to, such vessel's fishing history to meet the qualification criteria set 
forth in paragraphs (a)(9)(i)(A)(6) and (7) of this section, unless the 
owner of the replaced vessel retained the vessel's permit or fishing 
history, or such

[[Page 617]]

vessel no longer exists and was replaced by another vessel according to 
the provision of paragraph (a)(1)(i)(D) of this section.
    (F) Upgraded vessel. (1) See paragraph (a)(1)(i)(F) of this section.
    (2) A vessel =51 GRT that upgraded from a vessel size <51 
GRT between February 27, 1995, and October 7, 1999, that meets any of 
the qualification criteria set forth in paragraph (a)(9)(i)(A) of this 
section, but exceeds the 51 GRT vessel size qualification criteria as 
stated in paragraphs (a)(9)(i)(A)(2) and (4) of this section, may 
qualify for and fish under the permit category of the smaller vessel.
    (G) Consolidation restriction. See paragraph (a)(1)(i)(G) of this 
section.
    (H) Vessel baseline specification. See paragraph (a)(1)(i)(H) of 
this section.
    (I) [Reserved]
    (J) Confirmation of permit history. See paragraph (a)(1)(i)(J) of 
this section.
    (K) Abandonment or voluntary relinquishment of permits. See 
paragraph (a)(1)(i)(K) of this section.
    (L) Restriction on permit splitting. A limited access monkfish 
permit may not be issued to a vessel or to its replacement, or remain 
valid, if the vessel's permit or fishing history has been used to 
qualify another vessel for another Federal fishery.
    (ii) Monkfish incidental catch vessels (Category E). A vessel of the 
United States that is subject to these regulations and that has not been 
issued a limited access monkfish permit under paragraph (a)(9)(i)(A) of 
this section is eligible for and may be issued a monkfish incidental 
catch (Category E) permit to fish for, possess, or land monkfish subject 
to the restrictions in Sec. 648.94(c).
    (10) Atlantic herring vessels--(i) Except as provided herein, any 
vessel of the United States must have been issued and have on board a 
valid Atlantic herring permit to fish for, possess, or land Atlantic 
herring in or from the EEZ. This requirement does not apply to the 
following:
    (A) A vessel that possesses herring solely for its use as bait, 
providing the vessel does not use or have on board purse seine, mid-
water trawl, pelagic gillnet, sink gillnet, or bottom trawl gear on any 
trip in which herring is fished for, possessed, or landed, and does not 
transfer, sell, trade, or barter such herring;
    (B) A skiff or other similar craft used exclusively to deploy the 
net in a purse seine operation during a fishing trip of a vessel that is 
duly permitted under this part; or
    (C) At-sea processors that do not harvest fish, provided that at-sea 
processor vessels are issued the at-sea processor permit specified under 
Sec. 648.6(a)(2).
    (ii) Atlantic herring carrier. An Atlantic herring carrier must have 
been issued and have on board a herring permit and a letter of 
authorization to receive and transport Atlantic herring caught by 
another permitted fishing vessel or it must have been issued and have on 
board a herring permit and have declared an Atlantic herring carrier 
trip via VMS consistent with the requirements at Sec. 648.10(m)(1). 
Once a vessel declares an Atlantic herring carrier trip via VMS, it is 
bound to the VMS operating requirements, specified at Sec. 648.10, for 
the remainder of the fishing year. On Atlantic herring carrier trips 
under either the letter of authorization or an Atlantic herring carrier 
VMS trip declaration, an Atlantic herring carrier is exempt from the 
VMS, IVR, and VTR vessel reporting requirements, as specified in Sec. 
648.7 and subpart K of this part, except as otherwise required by this 
part. If not declaring an Atlantic herring carrier trip via VMS, an 
Atlantic herring carrier vessel must request and obtain a letter of 
authorization from the Regional Administrator, and there is a minimum 
enrollment period of 7 calendar days for a letter of authorization. 
Atlantic herring carrier vessels operating under a letter of 
authorization or an Atlantic herring carrier VMS trip declaration may 
not conduct fishing activities, except for purposes of transport, or 
possess any fishing gear on board the vessel capable of catching or 
processing herring, and they must be used exclusively as an Atlantic 
herring carrier vessel, and they must carry observers if required by 
NMFS. While operating under a valid letter of authorization or Atlantic 
herring carrier VMS trip declaration, such vessels are exempt from

[[Page 618]]

any herring possession limits associated with the herring vessel permit 
categories. Atlantic herring carrier vessels operating under a letter of 
authorization or an Atlantic herring carrier VMS trip declaration may 
not possess, transfer, or land any species other than Atlantic herring, 
except that they may possess Northeast multispecies transferred by 
vessels issued either a Category A or B Herring Permit, consistent with 
the applicable possession limits for such vessels specified at Sec. 
648.86(a)(3) and (k).
    (iii) Vessel size limitation. A vessel of the United States is 
eligible for and may be issued an Atlantic herring permit to fish for, 
possess, or land Atlantic herring in or from the EEZ, except for any 
vessel that is [gteqt]165 ft (50.3 m) in length overall (LOA), or 
750 GRT (680.4 mt), or the vessel's total main propulsion 
machinery is 3,000 horsepower. Vessels that exceed the size 
or horsepower restrictions are eligible to be issued an at-sea 
processing permit specified under Sec. 648.6(a)(2)(ii).
    (iv) Limited access herring permits. (A) A vessel of the United 
States that fishes for, possesses, or lands more than 6,600 lb (3 mt) of 
herring, except vessels that fish exclusively in state waters for 
herring, must have been issued and carry on board either one of the 
limited access herring permits described in paragraphs (a)(10)(iv)(A)(1) 
through (3) of this section or an open access Category E Herring Permit 
(as described in Sec. 648.4(a)(10)(v)(B)), including both vessels 
engaged in pair trawl operations.
    (1) Category A Herring Permit (All Areas Limited Access Herring 
Permit). A vessel may fish for, possess, and land unlimited amounts of 
herring from all herring areas, provided the vessel qualifies for and 
has been issued this permit, subject to all other regulations of this 
part.
    (2) Category B Herring Permit (Areas 2 and 3 Limited Access Herring 
Permit). A vessel may fish for, possess, and land unlimited amounts of 
herring from herring Areas 2 and 3, provided the vessel qualifies for 
and has been issued this permit, subject to all other regulations of 
this part.
    (3) Category C Herring Permit (Limited Access Incidental Catch 
Herring Permit). (i) A vessel that does not qualify for either of the 
permits specified in paragraphs (a)(10)(iv)(A)(1) and (2) of this 
section may fish for, possess, and land up to 55,000 lb (25 mt) of 
herring from any herring area, provided the vessel qualifies for and has 
been issued this permit, subject to all other regulations of this part.
    (ii) A vessel that does not qualify for a Category A Herring Permit 
specified in paragraph (a)(10)(iv)(A)(1) of this section, but qualifies 
for the Category B Herring Permit specified in paragraph 
(a)(10)(iv)(A)(2) of this section, may fish for, possess, and land up to 
55,000 lb (25 mt) of herring from Area 1, provided the vessel qualifies 
for and has been issued this permit, subject to all other regulations of 
this part.
    (B) Eligibility for Category A and B Herring Permits, and 
Confirmation of Permit History (CPH). A vessel is eligible for and may 
be issued either a Category A or B Herring Permit if it meets the permit 
history criteria in paragraph (a)(10)(iv)(B)(1) of this section and the 
relevant landing requirements in paragraphs (a)(10)(iv)(B)(2) and (3) of 
this section.
    (1) Permit history criteria for Category A and B Herring Permits. 
(i) The vessel must have been issued a Federal herring permit (Category 
1 or 2) that was valid as of November 10, 2005; or
    (ii) The vessel is replacing a vessel that was issued a Federal 
herring permit (Category 1 or 2) between November 10, 2003, and November 
9, 2005. To qualify as a replacement vessel, the replacement vessel and 
the vessel being replaced must both be owned by the same vessel owner; 
or, if the vessel being replaced was sunk or destroyed, the vessel owner 
must have owned the vessel being replaced at the time it sunk or was 
destroyed; or, if the vessel being replaced was sold to another person, 
the vessel owner must provide a copy of a written agreement between the 
buyer of the vessel being replaced and the owner/seller of the vessel, 
documenting that the vessel owner/seller retained the herring permit and 
all herring landings history.
    (2) Landings criteria for the Category A Herring Permit--(i) The 
vessel must have landed at least 500 mt of herring

[[Page 619]]

in any one calendar year between January 1, 1993, and December 31, 2003, 
as verified by dealer reports submitted to NMFS or documented through 
valid dealer receipts, if dealer reports were not required by NMFS. In 
those cases where a vessel has sold herring but there are no required 
dealer receipts, e.g., transfers of bait at sea and border transfers, 
the vessel owner can submit other documentation that documents such 
transactions and proves that the herring thus transferred should be 
added to their landings history. The owners of vessels that fished in 
pair trawl operations may provide landings information as specified in 
paragraph (a)(10)(iv)(B)(2)(iii) of this section. Landings made by a 
vessel that is being replaced may be used to qualify a replacement 
vessel consistent with the requirements specified in paragraph 
(a)(10)(iv)(B)(1)(ii) of this section and the permit splitting 
prohibitions in paragraph (a)(10)(iv)(N) of this section.
    (ii) Extension of eligibility period for landings criteria for 
vessels under construction, reconstruction, or purchase contract. An 
applicant who submits written evidence that a vessel was under 
construction, reconstruction, or was under written contract for purchase 
as of December 31, 2003, may extend the period for determining landings 
specified in paragraph (a)(10)(iv)(B)(2)(i) of this section through 
December 31, 2004.
    (iii) Landings criteria for vessels using landings from pair trawl 
operations. To qualify for a limited access permit using landings from 
pair trawl operations, the owners of the vessels engaged in that 
operation must agree on how to divide such landings between the two 
vessels and apply for the permit jointly, as verified by dealer reports 
submitted to NMFS or valid dealer receipts, if dealer reports were not 
required by NMFS.
    (3) Landings criteria for the Category B Herring Permit. (i) The 
vessel must have landed at least 250 mt of herring in any one calendar 
year between January 1, 1993, and December 31, 2003, as verified by 
dealer reports submitted to NMFS or documented through valid dealer 
receipts, if dealer reports were not required by NMFS. In those cases 
where a vessel has sold herring but there are no required dealer 
receipts, e.g., transfers of bait at sea and border transfers, the 
vessel owner can submit other documentation that documents such 
transactions and proves that the herring thus transferred should be 
added to their landings history. The owners of vessels that fished in 
pair trawl operations may provide landings information as specified in 
paragraph (a)(10)(iv)(B)(2)(iii) of this section. Landings made by a 
vessel that is being replaced may be used to qualify a replacement 
vessel consistent with the requirements specified in paragraph 
(a)(10)(iv)(B)(1)(ii) of this section and the permit splitting 
prohibitions in paragraph (a)(10)(iv)(N) of this section.
    (ii) Extension of eligibility period for landings criteria for 
vessels under construction, reconstruction or purchase contract. An 
applicant who submits written evidence that a vessel was under 
construction, reconstruction, or was under written contract for purchase 
as of December 31, 2003, may extend the period for determining landings 
specified in paragraph (a)(10)(iv)(B)(3)(i) of this section through 
December 31, 2004.
    (iii) Landings criteria for vessels using landings from pair trawl 
operations. See paragraph (a)(10)(iv)(B)(2)(iii) of this section.
    (4) CPH. A person who does not currently own a fishing vessel, but 
owned a vessel that satisfies the permit eligibility requirements in 
paragraph (a)(10)(iv)(B) of this section that has sunk, been destroyed, 
or transferred to another person, but that has not been replaced, may 
apply for and receive a CPH that allows for a replacement vessel to 
obtain the relevant limited access herring permit if the fishing and 
permit history of such vessel has been retained lawfully by the 
applicant as specified in paragraph (a)(10)(iv)(B)(1)(ii) of this 
section and consistent with (a)(10)(iv)(N) of this section.
    (C) Eligibility for Category C Herring Permit, and CPH. A vessel is 
eligible for and may be issued a Category C Herring Permit if it meets 
the permit history criteria specified in paragraph (a)(10)(iv)(C)(1) of 
this section and the landings criteria in paragraph (a)(10)(iv)(C)(2) of 
this section.

[[Page 620]]

    (1) Permit history criteria. (i) The vessel must have been issued a 
Federal permit for Northeast multispecies, Atlantic mackerel, Atlantic 
herring, longfin or Illex squid, or butterfish that was valid as of 
November 10, 2005; or
    (ii) The vessel is replacing a vessel that was issued a Federal 
permit for Northeast multispecies, Atlantic mackerel, Atlantic herring, 
longfin or Illex squid, or butterfish that was issued between November 
10, 2003, and November 9, 2005. To qualify as a replacement vessel, the 
replacement vessel and the vessel being replaced must both be owned by 
the same vessel owner; or, if the vessel being replaced was sunk or 
destroyed, the vessel owner must have owned the vessel being replaced at 
the time it sunk or was destroyed; or, if the vessel being replaced was 
sold to another person, the vessel owner must provide a copy of a 
written agreement between the buyer of the vessel being replaced and the 
owner/seller of the vessel, documenting that the vessel owner/seller 
retained the herring permit and all herring landings history.
    (2) Landings criteria for Category C Herring Permit. (i) The vessel 
must have landed at least 15 mt of herring in any calendar year between 
January 1, 1988, and December 31, 2003, as verified by dealer reports 
submitted to NMFS or documented through valid dealer receipts, if dealer 
reports were not required by NMFS. In those cases where a vessel has 
sold herring but there are no required dealer receipts, e.g., transfers 
of bait at sea and border transfers, the vessel owner can submit other 
documentation that documents such transactions and proves that the 
herring thus transferred should be added to the vessel's landings 
history. The owners of vessels that fished in pair trawl operations may 
provide landings information as specified in paragraph 
(a)(10)(iv)(B)(2)(iii) of this section. Landings made by a vessel that 
is being replaced may be used to qualify a replacement vessel consistent 
with the requirements specified in paragraph (a)(10)(iv)(B)(1)(ii) of 
this section and the permit splitting prohibitions in paragraph 
(a)(10)(iv)(N) of this section.
    (ii) Extension of eligibility period for landings criteria for 
vessels under construction, reconstruction or purchase contract. An 
applicant who submits written evidence that a vessel was under 
construction, reconstruction, or was under written contract for purchase 
as of December 31, 2003, may extend the period for determining landings 
specified in paragraph (a)(10)(iv)(C)(2)(i) of this section through 
December 31, 2004.
    (3) CPH. A person who does not currently own a fishing vessel, but 
owned a vessel that satisfies the permit eligibility requirements in 
paragraph (a)(10)(iv)(C) of this section that has sunk, been destroyed, 
or transferred to another person, but that has not been replaced, may 
apply for and receive a CPH that allows for a replacement vessel to 
obtain the relevant limited access herring permit if the fishing and 
permit history of such vessel has been retained lawfully by the 
applicant as specified in paragraph (a)(10)(iv)(B)(1)(ii) of this 
section and consistent with (a)(10)(iv)(N) of this section.
    (D) Application/renewal restrictions. (1) No one may apply for an 
initial limited access Atlantic herring permit or a CPH under paragraph 
(a)(10)(iv)(L) of this section after May 31, 2008, or after the 
abandonment or voluntary relinquishment of permit history as specified 
in paragraph (a)(10)(iv)(M) of this section.
    (2) An applicant who submits written proof that an eligible vessel 
was sold, with the seller retaining the herring history through a 
written agreement signed by both parties to the sale or transfer, may 
not utilize such history if the vessel's history was used to qualify 
another vessel for another limited access permit.
    (3) All limited access permits established under this section must 
be issued on an annual basis by April 30, the last day of the year for 
which the permit is issued, unless a CPH has been issued as specified in 
paragraph (a)(10)(iv)(L) of this section. Application for such permits 
must be received no later than March 31, which is 30 days before the 
last day of the permit year. Failure to renew a limited access permit in 
any fishing year bars the renewal of the permit in subsequent years.

[[Page 621]]

    (E) Qualification restriction. See paragraph (a)(1)(i)(C) of this 
section.
    (F) Change in ownership. See paragraph (a)(1)(i)(D) of this section.
    (G) Replacement vessels. See paragraph (a)(1)(i)(E) of this section.
    (H) Upgraded vessel. See paragraph (a)(1)(i)(F) of this section.
    (I) Consolidation restriction. See paragraph (a)(1)(i)(G) of this 
section.
    (J) Vessel baseline specifications. See paragraph (a)(1)(i)(H) of 
this section. If a herring CPH is initially issued, the vessel that 
provided the CPH eligibility establishes the size baseline against which 
future vessel size limitations shall be evaluated.
    (K) Limited access permit restrictions. [Reserved]
    (L) Confirmation of Permit History. See paragraph (a)(1)(i)(J) of 
this section.
    (M) Abandonment or voluntary relinquishment of permits. See 
paragraph (a)(1)(i)(K) of this section.
    (N) Restriction on permit splitting. See paragraph (a)(1)(i)(L) of 
this section. Notwithstanding paragraph (a)(1)(i)(L), vessel owners 
applying for a limited access herring permit who sold vessels with 
limited access permits and retained the herring history before applying 
for the initial limited access herring permit may not use the herring 
history to qualify a vessel for the initial limited access herring 
permit, if the issuance of such permit would violate the restrictions on 
permit splitting. Furthermore, notwithstanding paragraph (a)(1)(i)(L), 
for the purposes of the Atlantic herring fishery, herrings landings 
history generated by separate owners of a single vessel at different 
times may be used the qualify more than one vessel, provided that each 
owner applying for a limited access permit, demonstrates that he/she 
created distinct fishing histories, and that such histories have been 
retained.
    (O) Appeal of denial of permit--(1) Eligibility. Any applicant 
eligible to apply for a limited access herring permit who is denied such 
permit may appeal the denial to the Regional Administrator within 30 
days of the notice of denial. Any such appeal may only be based on the 
grounds that the information used by the Regional Administrator was 
based on incorrect data. The appeal must be in writing, and must state 
the specific grounds for the appeal.
    (2) Appeal review. The Regional Administrator shall appoint a 
designee who shall make the initial decision on the appeal. The 
appellant may request a review of the initial decision by the Regional 
Administrator by so requesting in writing within 30 days of the notice 
of the initial decision. If the appellant does not request a review of 
the initial decision within 30 days, the initial decision is the final 
administrative action of the Department of Commerce. Such review will be 
conducted by a hearing officer appointed by the Regional Administrator. 
The hearing officer shall make findings and a recommendation to the 
Regional Administrator, which shall be advisory only. Upon receiving the 
findings and the recommendation, the Regional Administrator shall issue 
a final decision on the appeal. The Regional Administrator's decision is 
the final administrative action of the Department of Commerce.
    (3) Status of vessels pending appeal. A vessel denied a limited 
access herring permit may fish under the limited access herring permit, 
provided that the denial has been appealed, the appeal is pending, and 
the vessel has on board a letter from the Regional Administrator 
authorizing the vessel to fish under the limited access category. The 
Regional Administrator shall issue such a letter for the pendency of any 
appeal. The letter of authorization must be carried on board the vessel. 
If the appeal is finally denied, the Regional Administrator shall send a 
notice of final denial to the vessel owner; the authorizing letter 
becomes invalid 5 days after receipt of the notice of denial, but no 
later than 10 days from the date of the letter of denial.
    (v) Open access herring permits. A vessel that has not been issued a 
limited access herring permit may obtain:
    (A) A Category D Herring Permit (All Areas Open Access Herring 
Permit) to possess up to 6,600 lb (3 mt) of herring per trip from all 
herring management areas, limited to one landing per calendar day; and/
or
    (B) A Category E Herring Permit (Areas 2/3 Open Access Herring 
Permit) to possess up to 20,000 lb (9 mt) of herring

[[Page 622]]

per trip from Herring Management Areas 2 and 3, limited to one landing 
per calendar day, provided the vessel has also been issued a Limited 
Access Atlantic Mackerel permit, as defined at Sec. 648.4(a)(5)(iii).
    (11) Spiny dogfish vessels. Any vessel of the United States that 
commercially fishes for, possesses, or lands spiny dogfish in or from 
the EEZ must have been issued and carry on board a valid commercial 
spiny dogfish vessel permit.
    (12) Tilefish vessels--(i) Commercial vessel permits. Any vessel of 
the United States must have been issued, under this part, and carry on 
board, a valid commercial vessel permit to fish for, possess, or land 
golden tilefish or blueline tilefish for a commercial purpose, in or 
from the Tilefish Management Unit.
    (A) A commercial vessel must fish under the authorization of a 
golden tilefish IFQ allocation permit, issued pursuant to Sec. 648.294, 
to possess, or land golden tilefish in excess of the trip limit as 
specified under Sec. 648.295(a).
    (B) [Reserved]
    (ii) Party and charter vessel permits. Any party or charter vessel 
must have been issued, under this part, a Federal charter/party vessel 
permit to fish for either golden tilefish or blueline tilefish in the 
Tilefish Management Unit, if it carries passengers for hire. Such vessel 
must observe the recreational possession limits as specified at Sec. 
648.296 and the prohibition on sale.
    (iii) Private recreational vessel permits. Any private recreational 
vessel must have been issued, under this part, a Federal recreational 
tilefish vessel permit to fish for, possess, or land either golden 
tilefish or blueline tilefish in the Tilefish Management Unit. Such 
vessel must observe the recreational possession limits as specified at 
Sec. 648.296 and the prohibition on sale.
    (13) Red Crab vessels. Any vessel of the United States must have 
been issued and have on board a valid red crab vessel permit to fish 
for, catch, possess, transport, land, sell, trade, or barter, any red 
crab or red crab part in or from the EEZ portion of the Red Crab 
Management Unit.
    (i) Limited access red crab permit--(A) Eligibility. Any vessel of 
the United States that possesses or lands more than the incidental 
amount of red crab, as specified in Sec. 648.263(b), per red crab trip 
must have been issued and carry on board a valid limited access red crab 
permit.
    (B) Application/renewal restrictions. The provisions of paragraph 
(a)(1)(i)(B) of this section apply.
    (C) Qualification restrictions. The provisions of paragraph 
(a)(1)(i)(C) of this section apply.
    (D) Change in ownership. The provisions of paragraph (a)(1)(i)(D) of 
this section apply.
    (E) Replacement vessels. (1) To be eligible for a limited access 
permit under this section, the replacement vessel's length overall may 
not exceed the vessel's baseline length overall by more than 10 percent. 
The replacement vessel must also meet any other applicable criteria 
under paragraph (a)(13)(i)(F) of this section.
    (2) A vessel that lawfully replaced a vessel that meets the 
qualification criteria set forth in paragraph (a)(13)(i)(A) of this 
section may qualify for and fish under the permit category for which the 
replaced vessel qualified.
    (F) Upgraded vessel. A vessel may be upgraded, whether through 
refitting or replacement, and be eligible to retain or renew a limited 
access permit, provided that the new length overall of the upgraded 
vessel does exceed the vessel's baseline length overall by more than 10 
percent, as applicable.
    (G) Consolidation restriction. The provisions of paragraph 
(a)(1)(i)(G) of this section apply.
    (H) Vessel baseline length. The vessel baseline length in this 
section is the overall length of the vessel indicated on the vessel's 
initial limited access permit as of the date the initial vessel applies 
for such permit.
    (I) Limited access permit restrictions. A vessel issued a limited 
access red crab permit may not be issued a red crab incidental catch 
permit during the same fishing year.
    (J) Confirmation of permit history (CPH). Notwithstanding any other 
provisions of this part, a person who does not currently own a fishing 
vessel, but who has owned a qualifying vessel that has sunk, been 
destroyed, or transferred to another person and has not

[[Page 623]]

been replaced, must apply for and receive a CPH that confirms the 
fishing and permit history of such vessel has been retained lawfully by 
the applicant. To be eligible to obtain a CPH, the applicant must show 
that the qualifying vessel met the eligibility requirements, as 
applicable, in this part. Issuance of a valid CPH preserves the 
eligibility of the applicant to apply for a limited access permit for a 
replacement vessel based on the qualifying vessel's fishing and permit 
history at a subsequent time, subject to the replacement provisions 
specified in this section. If fishing privileges have been assigned or 
allocated previously under this part, based on the qualifying vessel's 
fishing and permit history, the CPH preserves such fishing privileges. A 
CPH must be applied for in order for the applicant to preserve the 
fishing rights and limited access eligibility of the qualifying vessel. 
An application for a CPH must be received by the Regional Administrator 
no later than 30 days prior to the end of the first full fishing year in 
which a vessel permit cannot be issued. Failure to do so is considered 
abandonment of the permit as described in paragraph (a)(1)(i)(K) of this 
section. A CPH issued under this part will remain valid until the 
fishing and permit history preserved by the CPH is used to qualify a 
replacement vessel for a limited access permit. Any decision regarding 
the issuance of a CPH for a qualifying vessel that has applied for or 
been issued previously a limited access permit is a final agency action 
subject to judicial review under 5 U.S.C. 704. Information requirements 
for the CPH application are the same as those for a limited access 
permit. Any request for information about the vessel on the CPH 
application form refers to the qualifying vessel that has been sunk, 
destroyed, or transferred. Vessel permit applicants who have been issued 
a CPH and who wish to obtain a vessel permit for a replacement vessel 
based upon the previous vessel history may do so pursuant to paragraph 
(a)(13)(i)(E) of this section.
    (K) Abandonment or voluntary relinquishment of permits. The 
provisions of paragraph (a)(1)(i)(K) of this section apply.
    (L) Restriction on permit splitting. The provisions of paragraph 
(a)(1)(i)(L) of this section apply.
    (ii) Red crab incidental catch permit. A vessel of the United States 
that is subject to these regulations and that has not been issued a red 
crab limited access permit is eligible for and may be issued a red crab 
incidental catch permit to catch, possess, transport, land, sell, trade, 
barter, up to 500 lb (226.8 kg) of red crab, or its equivalent as 
specified at Sec. 648.263(a)(2)(i) and (ii), per fishing trip in or 
from the Red Crab Management Unit. Such vessel is subject to the 
restrictions in Sec. 648.263(b).
    (14) Skate vessels. Any vessel of the United States must have been 
issued and have on board a valid skate vessel permit to fish for, 
possess, transport, sell, or land skates in or from the EEZ portion of 
the Skate Management Unit.
    (15) Mid-Atlantic forage species. Any commercial fishing vessel of 
the United States must have been issued and have on board a valid 
Federal commercial vessel permit issued by GARFO pursuant to this 
section to fish for, possess, transport, sell, or land Mid-Atlantic 
forage species in or from the EEZ portion of the Mid-Atlantic Forage 
Species Management Unit, as defined at Sec. 648.351(b). A vessel that 
fishes for such species exclusively in state waters is not required to 
be issued a Federal permit.
    (b) Permit conditions. (1)(i) Any person who applies for and is 
issued or renews a fishing permit under this section agrees, as a 
condition of the permit, that the vessel and the vessel's fishing 
activity, catch, and pertinent gear (without regard to whether such 
fishing occurs in the EEZ or landward of the EEZ; and without regard to 
where such fish or gear are possessed, taken, or landed); are subject to 
all requirements of this part, unless exempted from such requirements 
under this part. All such fishing activities, catch, and gear will 
remain subject to all applicable state requirements. Except as otherwise 
provided in this part, if a requirement of this part and a management 
measure required by a state or local law differ, any vessel owner 
permitted to fish in the EEZ for any species managed under this part, 
except

[[Page 624]]

tilefish, must comply with the more restrictive requirement. Except as 
otherwise provided in this part, if a requirement of this part and a 
management measure required by a state or local law differ, any vessel 
owner permitted to fish in the tilefish management unit for tilefish 
managed under this part must comply with the more restrictive 
requirement. Owners and operators of vessels fishing under the terms of 
a summer flounder moratorium, scup moratorium, or black sea bass 
moratorium; or a spiny dogfish or bluefish commercial vessel permit, 
must also agree not to land summer flounder, scup, black sea bass, spiny 
dogfish, or bluefish, respectively, in any state after NMFS has 
published a notification in the Federal Register stating that the 
commercial quota for that state or period has been harvested and that no 
commercial quota is available for the respective species. A state not 
receiving an allocation of summer flounder, scup, black sea bass, or 
bluefish, either directly or through a coast-wide allocation, is deemed 
to have no commercial quota available. Owners and operators of vessels 
fishing under the terms of the tilefish commercial permit must agree not 
to land golden tilefish or blueline tilefish after NMFS has published a 
notification in the Federal Register stating that the respective quota 
for the golden tilefish incidental fishery and/or the commercial 
blueline tilefish fishery has been harvested, as described in Sec. 
648.295, unless landing golden tilefish authorized under a golden 
tilefish IFQ allocation permit. Owners or operators fishing for 
surfclams and ocean quahogs within waters under the jurisdiction of any 
state that requires cage tags are not subject to any conflicting Federal 
minimum size or tagging requirements. If a surfclam and ocean quahog 
requirement of this part differs from a surfclam and ocean quahog 
management measure required by a state that does not require cage 
tagging, any vessel owners or operators permitted to fish in the EEZ for 
surfclams and ocean quahogs must comply with the more restrictive 
requirement while fishing in state waters. However, surrender of a 
surfclam and ocean quahog vessel permit by the owner by certified mail 
addressed to the Regional Administrator allows an individual to comply 
with the less restrictive state minimum size requirement, as long as 
fishing is conducted exclusively within state waters.
    (ii) Any person who applies for or has been issued a limited access 
or moratorium permit on or after September 4, 2007 agrees, as a 
condition of the permit, that the vessel may not fish for, catch, 
possess, or land, in or from Federal or state waters, any species of 
fish authorized by the permit, unless and until the permit has been 
issued or renewed in any subsequent permit year, or the permit either 
has been voluntarily relinquished pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)(i)(K) of 
this section or otherwise forfeited, revoked, or transferred from the 
vessel.
    (2) A vessel that is issued or renewed a limited access or 
moratorium permit on or after September 4, 2007 for any fishery governed 
under this section is prohibited from fishing for, catching, possessing, 
and/or landing any fish for which the vessel would be authorized under 
the respective limited access or moratorium permit in or from state and/
or Federal waters in any subsequent permit year, unless and until the 
limited access or moratorium permit has been issued or renewed pursuant 
to paragraph (a)(1)(i)(B) of this section and the valid permit is on 
board the vessel. This prohibition does not apply to a vessel for which 
the limited access or moratorium permit has been voluntarily 
relinquished pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)(i)(K) of this section or 
otherwise forfeited, revoked, or transferred from the vessel.
    (c) Permit applications--(1) General. Applicants for a permit under 
this section must submit a completed application on an appropriate form 
obtained from the Regional Administrator. The application must be signed 
and submitted to the Regional Administrator at least 30 days before the 
date on which the applicant desires to have the permit made effective. 
The Regional Administrator will notify the applicant of any deficiency 
in the application pursuant to this section. Vessel owners who are 
eligible to apply for limited access or moratorium permits under this 
part shall provide information

[[Page 625]]

with the application sufficient for the Regional Administrator to 
determine whether the vessel meets the applicable eligibility 
requirements specified in this section.
    (2) Vessel permit information requirements. (i) An application for a 
permit issued under this section, in addition to the information 
specified in paragraph (c)(1) of this section, also must contain at 
least the following information, and any other information required by 
the Regional Administrator: Vessel name, owner name or name of the 
owner's authorized representative, mailing address, and telephone 
number; USCG documentation number and a copy of the vessel's current 
USCG documentation or, for a vessel not required to be documented under 
title 46 U.S.C., the vessel's state registration number and a copy of 
the current state registration; a copy of the vessel's current party/
charter boat license (if applicable); home port and principal port of 
landing, length overall, GRT, NT, engine horsepower, year the vessel was 
built, type of construction, type of propulsion, approximate fish hold 
capacity, type of fishing gear used by the vessel, number of crew, 
number of party or charter passengers licensed to be carried (if 
applicable), permit category; if the owner is a corporation, a copy of 
the current Certificate of Incorporation or other corporate papers 
showing the date of incorporation and the names of the current officers 
of the corporation, and the names and addresses of all persons holding 
any ownership interest in a NE multispecies permit or CPH or 
shareholders owning 25 percent or more of the corporation's shares for 
other fishery permits; if the owner is a partnership, a copy of the 
current Partnership Agreement and the names and addresses of all 
partners; permit number of any current or, if expired, previous Federal 
fishery permit issued to the vessel.
    (A) An application for a private recreational tilefish permit issued 
under this section, in addition to the information specified in 
paragraph (c)(1) of this section, also must contain at least the 
following information, and any other information required by the 
Regional Administrator: Vessel name, owner name or name of the owner's 
authorized representative; mailing address and telephone number; USCG 
documentation number and a copy of the vessel's current USCG 
documentation or, for a vessel not required to be documented under title 
46 U.S.C., the vessel's state registration number and a copy of the 
current state registration.
    (B) [Reserved]
    (ii) An application for an initial limited access multispecies hook-
gear permit must also contain the following information:
    (A) If the engine horsepower was changed or a contract to change the 
engine horsepower had been entered into prior to July 1, 1996, such that 
it is different from that stated in the vessel's most recent application 
for a Federal fisheries permit before July 1, 1996, sufficient 
documentation to ascertain the different engine horsepower. However, the 
engine replacement must be completed within 1 year of the date on which 
the contract was signed.
    (B) If the length, GRT, or NT was changed or a contract to change 
the length, GRT, or NT had been entered into prior to July 1, 1996, such 
that it is different from that stated in the vessel's most recent 
application for a Federal fisheries permit, sufficient documentation to 
ascertain the different length, GRT, or NT. However, the upgrade must be 
completed within 1 year from the date on which the contract was signed.
    (iii) An application for a limited access NE multispecies permit 
must also contain the following information:
    (A) For vessels fishing for NE multispecies with gillnet gear, with 
the exception of vessels fishing under the Small Vessel permit category, 
an annual declaration as either a Day or Trip gillnet vessel designation 
as described in Sec. 648.82(j). A vessel owner electing a Day gillnet 
designation must indicate the number of gillnet tags that he/she is 
requesting, and must include a check for the cost of the tags, unless 
the vessel already possesses valid gillnet tags, as identified by the 
Regional Administrator. A permit holder letter will be sent to the owner 
of each eligible gillnet vessel, informing him/her of the costs 
associated

[[Page 626]]

with this tagging requirement and providing directions for obtaining 
valid tags. Once a vessel owner has elected this designation, he/she may 
not change the designation or fish under the other gillnet category for 
the remainder of the fishing year. Incomplete applications, as described 
in paragraph (e) of this section, will be considered incomplete only for 
the purposes of obtaining authorization to fish in the NE multispecies 
gillnet fishery and otherwise will be processed or issued without a 
gillnet authorization.
    (B)--(C) [Reserved]
    (iv) An application for a scallop permit must also contain the 
following information:
    (A) For every person named by applicants for limited access scallop 
permits pursuant to paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this section, the names of 
all other vessels in which that person has an ownership interest and for 
which a limited access scallop permit has been issued or applied for.
    (B) If applying for a VMS general scallop permit, or full-time or 
part-time limited access scallop permit, or if opting to use a VMS unit, 
a copy of the vendor installation receipt or proof of vendor activation 
of the VMS from a NMFS-approved VMS vendor. NMFS-approved vendors are 
described in Sec. 648.9.
    (C) If applying to fish under the small dredge program set forth 
under Sec. 648.51(e), an annual declaration into the program.
    (v) An application for a surf clam and ocean quahog permit must also 
contain the pump horsepower.
    (vi) Prior to issuance of a limited access Atlantic herring permit, 
a VMS unit provided by a NMFS-approved vendor must be installed and NMFS 
must receive a notice from the vendor that the VMS is activated.
    (vii) The owner of a vessel that has been issued a Tier 1 or Tier 2 
limited access Atlantic mackerel must submit a volumetric fish hold 
certification measurement, as described in paragraph (a)(5)(iii)(H) of 
this section, with the permit renewal application for the 2013 fishing 
year.
    (d) Fees. The Regional Administrator may charge a fee to recover 
administrative expenses of issuing a permit required under this section. 
The amount of the fee is calculated in accordance with the procedures of 
the NOAA Finance Handbook, available from the Regional Administrator, 
for determining administrative costs of each special product or service. 
The fee may not exceed such costs and is specified with each application 
form. The appropriate fee must accompany each application; if it does 
not, the application will be considered incomplete for purposes of 
paragraph (e) of this section. Any fee paid by an insufficiently funded 
commercial instrument shall render any permit issued on the basis 
thereof null and void.
    (e) Issuance. (1) Except as provided in subpart D of 15 CFR part 
904, the Regional Administrator shall issue a permit within 30 days of 
receipt of the application, unless the application is deemed incomplete 
for the following reasons:
    (i) The applicant has failed to submit a complete application. An 
application is complete when all requested forms, information, 
documentation, and fees, if applicable, have been received and the 
applicant has submitted all applicable reports specified in Sec. 648.7;
    (ii) The application was not received by the Regional Administrator 
by the applicable deadline set forth in this section;
    (iii) The applicant and applicant's vessel failed to meet all 
applicable eligibility requirements set forth in this section;
    (iv) An applicant for a limited access multispecies combination 
vessel or individual DAS permit, a limited access scallop permit (except 
an occasional scallop permit), an LAGC scallop permit, or electing to 
use a VMS, has failed to meet all of the VMS requirements specified in 
Sec. Sec. 648.9 and 648.10; or
    (v) The applicant has failed to meet any other application 
requirements stated in this part.
    (2) Incomplete applications. Upon receipt of an incomplete or 
improperly executed application for any permit under this part, the 
Regional Administrator shall notify the applicant of the deficiency in 
the application. If the applicant fails to correct the deficiency

[[Page 627]]

within 30 days following the date of notification, the application will 
be considered abandoned.
    (f) Change in permit information. Any change in the information 
specified in paragraphs (c)(2) or (c)(3) of this section must be 
submitted by the applicant in writing to the Regional Administrator 
within 15 days of the change, or the permit is void.
    (g) Expiration. A permit expires upon the renewal date specified in 
the permit.
    (h) Duration. A permit will continue in effect unless it is revoked, 
suspended, or modified under 15 CFR part 904, or otherwise expires, or 
ownership changes, or the applicant has failed to report any change in 
the information on the permit application to the Regional Administrator 
as specified in paragraph (f) of this section. However, the Regional 
Administrator may authorize the continuation of a permit if the new 
owner so requests. Applications for permit continuations must be 
addressed to the Regional Administrator.
    (i) Alteration. Any permit that has been altered, erased, or 
mutilated is invalid.
    (j) Reissuance. A permit may be reissued by the Regional 
Administrator when requested in writing, stating the need for 
reissuance, the name of the vessel (if applicable), and the fishing 
permit number assigned. An application for the reissuance of a permit 
will not be considered a new application. The fee for a reissued permit 
shall be the same as for an initial permit.
    (k) Transfer. A permit issued under this part is not transferable or 
assignable. A permit will be valid only for the fishing vessel, owner 
and/or person for which it is issued.
    (l) Display. A vessel permit must be carried, at all times, on board 
the vessel for which it is issued and shall be subject to inspection 
upon request by any authorized officer. A person issued a permit under 
this section must be able to present the permit for inspection when 
requested by an authorized officer. Permits must be maintained in 
legible condition.
    (m) Sanctions. The Assistant Administrator may suspend, revoke, or 
modify, any permit issued or sought under this section. Procedures 
governing enforcement-related permit sanctions or denials are found at 
subpart D of 15 CFR part 904.
    (n) Federal grant awards. The Regional Administrator may suspend, 
cancel, fail to renew, modify, or otherwise rescind any Federal fishing 
vessel permit, issued pursuant to this section, including the rights 
thereto, held by a person, corporation, non-profit organization, or 
government entity if the terms and conditions of any Federal grant award 
used to obtain said permit, or an associated memorandum of understanding 
or agreement, are violated by the grant recipient.

[61 FR 34968, July 3, 1996]

    Editorial Note: For Federal Register citations affecting Sec. 
648.4, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the 
Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.



Sec. 648.5  Operator permits.

    (a) General. Any operator of a vessel fishing for or possessing: 
Atlantic sea scallops, NE multispecies, spiny dogfish, monkfish, 
Atlantic herring, Atlantic surfclam, ocean quahog, Atlantic mackerel, 
Illex squid, longfin squid, butterfish, scup, black sea bass, or 
Atlantic bluefish, harvested in or from the EEZ; golden tilefish or 
blueline tilefish harvested in or from the EEZ portion of the Tilefish 
Management Unit; skates harvested in or from the EEZ portion of the 
Skate Management Unit; Atlantic deep-sea red crab harvested in or from 
the EEZ portion of the Red Crab Management Unit; Mid-Atlantic forage 
species harvested in the Mid-Atlantic Forage Species Management Unit; or 
Atlantic chub mackerel harvested in or from the EEZ portion of the 
Atlantic Chub Mackerel Management Unit that is issued a permit, 
including carrier and processing permits, for these species under this 
part must have been issued under this section, and carry on board, a 
valid operator permit. An operator's permit issued pursuant to part 622 
or part 697 of this chapter satisfies the permitting requirement of this 
section. This requirement does not apply to operators of recreational 
vessels.
    (b) Operator permit application. Applicants for a permit under this 
section

[[Page 628]]

must submit a completed application on an appropriate form provided by 
the Regional Administrator. The application must be signed by the 
applicant and submitted to the Regional Administrator at least 30 days 
before the date upon which the applicant desires to have the permit made 
effective. The Regional Administrator will notify the applicant of any 
deficiency in the application, pursuant to this section.
    (c) Condition. Vessel operators who apply for an operator's permit 
under this section must agree as a condition of this permit that the 
operator and vessel's fishing, catch, crew size, and pertinent gear 
(without regard to whether such fishing occurs in the EEZ or landward of 
the EEZ, and without regard to where such fish or gear are possessed, 
taken, or landed) are subject to all requirements of this part while 
fishing in the EEZ or on board a vessel for which a permit is issued 
under Sec. 648.4, unless exempted from such requirements under Sec. 
648.12. The vessel and all such fishing, catch, and gear will remain 
subject to all applicable state or local requirements. Further, such 
operators must agree, as a condition of this permit, that, if the permit 
is suspended or revoked pursuant to 15 CFR part 904, the operator cannot 
be aboard any fishing vessel issued a Federal fisheries permit or any 
vessel subject to Federal fishing regulations while the vessel is at sea 
or engaged in offloading. If a requirement of this part and a management 
measure required by state or local law differ, any operator issued a 
permit under this part must comply with the more restrictive 
requirement.
    (d) Information requirements. An applicant must provide at least all 
the following information and any other information required by the 
Regional Administrator: Name, mailing address, and telephone number; 
date of birth; hair color; eye color; height; weight; and signature of 
the applicant. The applicant must also provide two recent (no more than 
1 year old), color, passport-size photographs.
    (e) Fees. Same as Sec. 648.4(d).
    (f) Issuance. Except as provided in subpart D of 15 CFR part 904, 
the Regional Administrator shall issue an operator's permit within 30 
days of receipt of a completed application, if the criteria specified 
herein are met. Upon receipt of an incomplete or improperly executed 
application, the Regional Administrator will notify the applicant of the 
deficiency in the application. If the applicant fails to correct the 
deficiency within 30 days following the date of notification, the 
application will be considered abandoned.
    (g) Expiration. Same as Sec. 648.4(g).
    (h) Duration. A permit is valid until it is revoked, suspended or 
modified under 15 CFR part 904, or otherwise expires, or the applicant 
has failed to report a change in the information on the permit 
application to the Regional Administrator as specified in paragraph (k) 
of this section.
    (i) Reissuance. Reissued permits, for otherwise valid permits, may 
be issued by the Regional Administrator when requested in writing by the 
applicant, stating the need for reissuance and the Federal operator 
permit number assigned. An applicant for a reissued permit must also 
provide two recent, color, passport-size photos of the applicant. An 
application for a reissued permit will not be considered a new 
application. An appropriate fee may be charged.
    (j) Transfer. Permits issued under this part are not transferable or 
assignable. A permit is valid only for the person to whom it is issued.
    (k) Change in permit application information. Notice of a change in 
the permit holder's name, address, or telephone number must be submitted 
in writing to, and received by, the Regional Administrator within 15 
days of the change in information. If written notice of the change in 
information is not received by the Regional Administrator within 15 
days, the permit is void.
    (l) Alteration. Same as Sec. 648.4(i).
    (m) Display. Any permit issued under this part must be maintained in 
legible condition and displayed for inspection upon request by any 
authorized officer or NMFS official.
    (n) Sanctions. Vessel operators with suspended or revoked permits 
may not be aboard a federally permitted fishing vessel in any capacity 
while the vessel is at sea or engaged in offloading. Procedures 
governing enforcement related

[[Page 629]]

permit sanctions and denials are found at subpart D of 15 CFR part 904.
    (o) Vessel owner responsibility. Vessel owners are responsible for 
ensuring that their vessels are operated by an individual with a valid 
operator's permit issued under this section.

[61 FR 34968, July 3, 1996]

    Editorial Note: For Federal Register citations affecting Sec. 
648.5, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the 
Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.



Sec. 648.6  Dealer/processor permits.

    (a) General. (1) All dealers of NE multispecies, monkfish, skates, 
Atlantic herring, Atlantic sea scallop, Atlantic deep-sea red crab, 
spiny dogfish, summer flounder, Atlantic surfclam, ocean quahog, 
Atlantic mackerel, Illex squid, longfin squid, butterfish, scup, 
bluefish, golden tilefish, blueline tilefish, and black sea bass; 
Atlantic surfclam and ocean quahog processors; Atlantic hagfish dealers 
and/or processors, and Atlantic herring processors or dealers, as 
described in Sec. 648.2; must have been issued under this section, and 
have in their possession, a valid permit or permits for these species. A 
dealer of Atlantic chub mackerel must have been issued and have in their 
possession, a valid dealer permit for Atlantic mackerel, Illex squid, 
longfin squid, or butterfish in accordance with this paragraph. A dealer 
of Mid-Atlantic forage species must have been issued and have in their 
possession, a valid dealer permit for any species issued in accordance 
with this paragraph.
    (2) At-sea processors--(i) At-sea mackerel processors. 
Notwithstanding the provisions of Sec. 648.4(a)(5), any vessel of the 
United States must have been issued and carry on board a valid at-sea 
processor permit issued under this section to receive over the side, 
possess, and process Atlantic mackerel harvested in or from the EEZ by a 
lawfully permitted vessel of the United States.
    (ii) Atlantic herring at-sea processing permit. A vessel of the 
United States, including a vessel that is 165 ft (50.3 m) 
length overall, or 750 GRT (680.4 mt), is eligible to obtain 
an Atlantic herring at-sea processing permit to receive and process 
Atlantic herring subject to the U.S. at-sea processing (USAP) allocation 
published by the Regional Administrator pursuant to Sec. 648.200. Such 
a vessel may not receive and process Atlantic herring caught in or from 
the EEZ unless the vessel has been issued and has on board an Atlantic 
herring at-sea processing permit.
    (iii) Reporting requirements. An at-sea processor receiving Atlantic 
mackerel or Atlantic herring is subject to dealer reporting requirements 
specified in Sec. 648.7(a).
    (b) Dealer/processor permit applications. Same as Sec. 648.5(b).
    (c) Information requirements. Applications must contain at least the 
following information, as applicable, and any other information required 
by the Regional Administrator: Company name, place(s) of business 
(principal place of business if applying for a surfclam and ocean quahog 
permit), mailing address(es) and telephone number(s), owner's name, 
dealer permit number (if a renewal), name and signature of the person 
responsible for the truth and accuracy of the application, a copy of the 
certificate of incorporation if the business is a corporation, and a 
copy of the partnership agreement and the names and addresses of all 
partners, if the business is a partnership, name of at-sea processor 
vessel, and current vessel documentation papers.
    (d) Fees. Same as Sec. 648.4(d).
    (e) Issuance. Except as provided in subpart D of 15 CFR part 904, 
the Regional Administrator will issue a permit at any time during the 
fishing year to an applicant, unless the applicant fails to submit a 
completed application. An application is complete when all requested 
forms, information, and documentation have been received and the 
applicant has submitted all applicable reports specified in Sec. 648.7 
during the 12 months immediately preceding the application. Upon receipt 
of an incomplete or improperly executed application, the Regional 
Administrator will notify the applicant of the deficiency in the 
application. If the applicant fails to correct the deficiency within 30 
days following the date of notification, the application will be 
considered abandoned.
    (f) Expiration. Same as Sec. 648.4(g).

[[Page 630]]

    (g) Duration. A permit is valid until it is revoked, suspended, or 
modified under 15 CFR part 904, or otherwise expires, or ownership 
changes, or the applicant has failed to report any change in the 
information on the permit application to the Regional Administrator as 
required by paragraph (j) of this section.
    (h) Reissuance. Reissued permits, for otherwise valid permits, may 
be issued by the Regional Administrator when requested in writing by the 
applicant, stating the need for reissuance and the Federal dealer permit 
number assigned. An application for a reissued permit will not be 
considered a new application. An appropriate fee may be charged.
    (i) Transfer. Permits issued under this part are not transferable or 
assignable. A permit is valid only for the person to whom, or other 
business entity to which, it is issued.
    (j) Change in application information. Same as Sec. 648.5(k).
    (k) Alteration. Same as Sec. 648.4(i).
    (l) Display. Same as Sec. 648.5(m).
    (m) Federal versus state requirements. If a requirement of this part 
differs from a fisheries management measure required by state law, any 
dealer issued a Federal dealer permit must comply with the more 
restrictive requirement.
    (n) Sanctions. Same as Sec. 648.4(m).

[61 FR 34968, July 3, 1996]

    Editorial Note: For Federal Register citations affecting Sec. 
648.6, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the 
Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.



Sec. 648.7  Recordkeeping and reporting requirements.

    (a) Dealers. (1) Federally permitted dealers, and any individual 
acting in the capacity of a dealer, must submit to the Regional 
Administrator or to the official designee a detailed report of all fish 
purchased or received for a commercial purpose, other than solely for 
transport on land, within the time period specified in paragraph (f) of 
this section, by one of the available electronic reporting mechanisms 
approved by NMFS, unless otherwise directed by the Regional 
Administrator. The following information, and any other information 
required by the Regional Administrator, must be provided in each report:
    (i) Required information. All dealers issued a dealer permit under 
this part must provide: Dealer name; dealer permit number; name and 
permit number or name and hull number (USCG documentation number or 
state registration number, whichever is applicable) of vessel(s) from 
which fish are purchased or received; trip identifier for each trip from 
which fish are purchased or received from a commercial fishing vessel 
permitted under this part; date(s) of purchases and receipts; units of 
measure and amount by species (by market category, if applicable); price 
per unit by species (by market category, if applicable) or total value 
by species (by market category, if applicable); port landed; cage tag 
numbers for surfclams and ocean quahogs, if applicable; disposition of 
the seafood product; and any other information deemed necessary by the 
Regional Administrator. If no fish are purchased or received during a 
reporting week, a report so stating must be submitted.
    (ii) Exceptions. The following exceptions apply to reporting 
requirements for dealers permitted under this part:
    (A) Inshore Exempted Species, as defined in Sec. 648.2, are not 
required to be reported under this part;
    (B) When purchasing or receiving fish from a vessel landing in a 
port located outside of the Greater Atlantic Region (Maine, New 
Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, New 
Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia and North Carolina), 
only purchases or receipts of species managed by the Greater Atlantic 
Region under this part, and American lobster, managed under part 697 of 
this chapter, must be reported. Other reporting requirements may apply 
to those species not managed by the Northeast Region, which are not 
affected by this provision; and
    (C) Dealers issued a permit for Atlantic bluefin tuna under part 635 
of this chapter are not required to report their purchases or receipts 
of Atlantic bluefin tuna under this part. Other reporting requirements, 
as specified in Sec. 635.5 of this chapter, apply to the receipt of 
Atlantic bluefin tuna.

[[Page 631]]

    (2) System requirements. All persons required to submit reports 
under paragraph (a)(1) of this section are required to have the 
capability to transmit data via the Internet. To ensure compatibility 
with the reporting system and database, dealers are required to utilize 
a personal computer, in working condition, that meets the minimum 
specifications identified by NMFS. The affected public will be notified 
of the minimum specifications via a letter to all Federal dealer permit 
holders.
    (3) Annual report. All persons issued a permit under this part are 
required to submit the following information on an annual basis, on 
forms supplied by the Regional Administrator:
    (i) All dealers and processors issued a permit under this part must 
complete all sections of the Annual Processed Products Report for all 
species that were processed during the previous year. Reports must be 
submitted to the address supplied by the Regional Administrator.
    (ii) Surfclam and ocean quahog processors and dealers whose plant 
processing capacities change more than 10 percent during any year shall 
notify the Regional Administrator in writing within 10 days after the 
change.
    (iii) Atlantic herring processors, including processing vessels, 
must complete and submit all sections of the Annual Processed Products 
Report.
    (iv) Atlantic hagfish processors must complete and submit all 
sections of the Annual Processed Products Report.
    (4) [Reserved]
    (b) Vessel owners or operators--(1) Fishing Vessel Trip Reports. The 
owner or operator of any vessel issued a valid permit or eligible to 
renew a limited access permit under this part must maintain on board the 
vessel and submit an accurate fishing log report for each fishing trip, 
regardless of species fished for or taken, by electronic means. This 
report must be entered into and submitted through a software application 
approved by NMFS.
    (i) Vessel owners or operators. At least the following information 
as applicable and any other information required by the Regional 
Administrator must be provided:
    (A) Vessel name;
    (B) USCG documentation number (or state registration number, if 
undocumented);
    (C) Permit number;
    (D) Date/time sailed;
    (E) Date/time landed;
    (F) Trip type;
    (G) Number of crew;
    (H) Number of anglers (if a charter or party boat);
    (I) Gear fished;
    (J) Quantity and size of gear;
    (K) Mesh/ring size;
    (L) Chart area fished;
    (M) Average depth;
    (N) Latitude/longitude;
    (O) Total hauls per area fished;
    (P) Average tow time duration;
    (Q) Hail weight, in pounds (or count of individual fish, if a party 
or charter vessel), by species, of all species, or parts of species, 
such as monkfish livers, landed or discarded; and, in the case of skate 
discards, ``small'' (i.e., less than 23 inches (58.42 cm), total length) 
or ``large'' (i.e., 23 inches (58.42 cm) or greater, total length) 
skates;
    (R) Dealer permit number;
    (S) Dealer name;
    (T) Date sold, port and state landed; and
    (U) Vessel operator's name, signature, and operator's permit number 
(if applicable).
    (ii) Atlantic mackerel owners or operators. The owner or operator of 
a vessel issued a limited access Atlantic mackerel permit must report 
catch (retained and discarded) of Atlantic mackerel daily via VMS, 
unless exempted by the Regional Administrator. The report must include 
at least the following information, and any other information required 
by the Regional Administrator: Fishing Vessel Trip Report serial number; 
month, day, and year Atlantic mackerel was caught; total pounds of 
Atlantic mackerel retained and total pounds of all fish retained. Daily 
Atlantic mackerel VMS catch reports must be submitted in 24-hr intervals 
for each day and must be submitted by 0900 hr on the following day. 
Reports are required even if Atlantic mackerel caught that day have not 
yet been landed. This report does not exempt the owner or operator from 
other applicable reporting requirements of this section.

[[Page 632]]

    (iii) Surfclam and ocean quahog owners or operators. In addition to 
the information listed under paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section, the 
owner or operator of any vessel conducting any surfclam or ocean quahog 
fishing operations in the ITQ program must provide at least the 
following information and any other information required by the Regional 
Administrator:
    (A) Total amount in bushels of surfclams and/or ocean quahogs taken;
    (B) Price per bushel;
    (C) Tag numbers from cages used; and
    (D) Allocation permit number.
    (iv) Private tilefish recreational vessel owners and operators. The 
owner or operator of any fishing vessel that holds a Federal private 
recreational tilefish permit, must report for each recreational trip 
fishing for or retaining blueline or golden tilefish in the Tilefish 
Management Unit. The required Vessel Trip Report must be submitted by 
electronic means. This report must be submitted through a NMFS-approved 
electronic reporting system within 24 hours of the trip returning to 
port. The vessel operator may keep paper records while onboard and 
upload the data after landing. The report must contain the following 
information:
    (A) Vessel name;
    (B) USCG documentation number (or state registration number, if 
undocumented);
    (C) Permit number;
    (D) Date/time sailed;
    (E) Date/time landed;
    (F) Trip type;
    (G) Number of anglers;
    (H) Species;
    (I) Gear fished;
    (J) Quantity and size of gear;
    (K) Soak time;
    (L) Depth;
    (M) Chart Area;
    (N) Latitude/longitude where fishing occurred;
    (O) Count of individual golden and blueline tilefish landed or 
discarded; and
    (P) Port and state landed.
    (2) IVR system reports--(i) Atlantic herring vessel owners or 
operators issued a Category D Herring Permit. The owner or operator of a 
vessel issued a Category D Herring Permit to fish for herring must 
report catch (retained and discarded) of herring via an IVR system for 
each week herring was caught, unless exempted by the Regional 
Administrator. IVR reports are not required for weeks when no herring 
was caught. The report shall include at least the following information, 
and any other information required by the Regional Administrator: Vessel 
identification; week in which herring are caught; management areas 
fished; and pounds retained and pounds discarded of herring caught in 
each management area. The IVR reporting week begins on Sunday at 0001 
hour (hr) (12:01 a.m.) local time and ends Saturday at 2400 hr (12 
midnight). Weekly Atlantic herring catch reports must be submitted via 
the IVR system by midnight each Tuesday, eastern time, for the previous 
week. Reports are required even if herring caught during the week has 
not yet been landed. This report does not exempt the owner or operator 
from other applicable reporting requirements of this section.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) VMS Catch Reports--(i) Atlantic herring owners or operators 
issued a limited access permit or Category E Herring Permit. The owner 
or operator of a vessel issued a limited access permit (i.e., Category 
A, B, or C) or Category E Herring Permit to fish for herring must report 
catch (retained and discarded) of herring daily via VMS, unless exempted 
by the Regional Administrator. The report shall include at least the 
following information, and any other information required by the 
Regional Administrator: Fishing Vessel Trip Report serial number; month 
and day herring was caught; pounds retained for each herring management 
area; and pounds discarded for each herring management area. 
Additionally, the owner or operator of a vessel issued a limited access 
permit or Category E Herring Permit to fish for herring using midwater 
trawl or bottom trawl gear must report daily via VMS the estimated total 
amount of all species retained (in pounds, landed weight) by statistical 
area for use in tracking catch against catch caps (haddock, river 
herring and shad) in the herring fishery. Daily Atlantic herring VMS 
catch reports must be submitted in 24-

[[Page 633]]

hr intervals for each day and must be submitted by 0900 hr (9:00 a.m.) 
of the following day. Reports are required even if herring caught that 
day has not yet been landed. This report does not exempt the owner or 
operator from other applicable reporting requirements of this section.
    (A) The owner or operator of any vessel issued a limited access 
herring permit (i.e., Category A, B, or C) or a Category E Herring 
Permit must submit a catch report via VMS each day, regardless of how 
much herring is caught (including days when no herring is caught), 
unless exempted from this requirement by the Regional Administrator.
    (B) Atlantic herring VMS reports are not required from Atlantic 
herring carrier vessels.
    (C) Reporting requirements for vessels transferring herring at sea. 
The owner or operator of a vessel issued a limited access permit to fish 
for herring that transfers herring at sea must comply with these 
requirements in addition to those specified at Sec. 648.13(f).
    (1) A vessel that transfers herring at sea to a vessel that receives 
it for personal use as bait must report all transfers on the Fishing 
Vessel Trip Report.
    (2) A vessel that transfers herring at sea to an authorized carrier 
vessel must report all catch daily via VMS and must report all transfers 
on the Fishing Vessel Trip Report. Each time the vessel transfers catch 
to the carrier vessel is defined as a trip for the purposes of reporting 
requirements and possession allowances.
    (3) A vessel that transfers herring at sea to an at-sea processor 
must report all catch daily via VMS and must report all transfers on the 
Fishing Vessel Trip Report. Each time the vessel offloads to the at-sea 
processing vessel is defined as a trip for the purposes of the reporting 
requirements and possession allowances. For each trip, the vessel must 
submit a Fishing Vessel Trip Report and the at-sea processing vessel 
must submit the detailed dealer report specified in paragraph (a)(1) of 
this section.
    (4) A transfer between two vessels issued limited access permits 
requires each vessel to submit a Fishing Vessel Trip Report, filled out 
as required by the LOA to transfer herring at sea, and a daily VMS catch 
report for the amount of herring each vessel catches.
    (ii) Atlantic mackerel owners or operators. The owner or operator of 
a vessel issued a limited access Atlantic mackerel permit must report 
catch (retained and discarded) of Atlantic mackerel daily via VMS, 
unless exempted by the Regional Administrator. The report must include 
at least the following information, and any other information required 
by the Regional Administrator: Fishing Vessel Trip Report serial number; 
month, day, and year Atlantic mackerel was caught; total pounds of 
Atlantic mackerel retained and total pounds of all fish retained. Daily 
Atlantic mackerel VMS catch reports must be submitted in 24-hr intervals 
for each day and must be submitted by 0900 hr on the following day. 
Reports are required even if Atlantic mackerel caught that day have not 
yet been landed. This report does not exempt the owner or operator from 
other applicable reporting requirements of this section.
    (iii) Longfin squid moratorium permit owners or operators. The owner 
or operator of a vessel issued a longfin squid moratorium permit must 
report catch (retained and discarded) of longfin squid daily via VMS, 
unless exempted by the Regional Administrator. The report must include 
at least the following information, and any other information required 
by the Regional Administrator: Fishing Vessel Trip Report serial number; 
month, day, and year longfin squid was caught; total pounds longfin 
squid retained and total pounds of all fish retained. Daily longfin 
squid VMS catch reports must be submitted in 24-hr intervals for each 
day and must be submitted by 0900 hr on the following day. Reports are 
required even if longfin squid caught that day have not yet been landed. 
This report does not exempt the owner or operator from other applicable 
reporting requirements of this section.
    (c) When to fill out a vessel trip report. Vessel trip reports 
required by paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section must be filled out with 
all required information, except for information not yet ascertainable, 
prior to entering port. Information that may be considered

[[Page 634]]

unascertainable prior to entering port includes dealer name, dealer 
permit number, and date sold. Vessel trip reports must be completed as 
soon as the information becomes available. Vessel trip reports required 
by paragraph (b)(1)(iii) of this section must be filled out before 
landing any surfclams or ocean quahogs.
    (d) Inspection. Upon the request of an authorized officer or an 
employee of NMFS designated by the Regional Administrator to make such 
inspections, all persons required to submit reports under this part must 
make immediately available for inspection reports, and all records upon 
which those reports are or will be based, that are required to be 
submitted or kept under this part.
    (e) Record retention--(1) Dealer records. Any record, as defined in 
Sec. 648.2, related to fish possessed, received, or purchased by a 
dealer that is required to be reported, must be retained and made 
available for immediate review for a total of 3 years after the date the 
fish were first possessed, received, or purchased. Dealers must retain 
the required records and reports at their principal place of business.
    (2) [Reserved]
    (f) Submitting reports--(1) Dealer or processor reports. (i) 
Detailed reports required by paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this section must be 
received by midnight of the first Tuesday following the end of the 
reporting week. If no fish are purchased or received during a reporting 
week, the report so stating required under paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this 
section must be received by midnight of the first Tuesday following the 
end of the reporting week.
    (ii) From July 15 through December 31, dealer or processor reports 
documenting Illex squid landings greater than 10,000 pounds (4.5 mt) 
must be received with 48 hours of landing.
    (iii) Dealers who want to make corrections to their trip-level 
reports via the electronic editing features may do so for up to 3 
business days following submission of the initial report. If a 
correction is needed more than 3 business days following the submission 
of the initial trip-level report, the dealer must contact NMFS directly 
to request an extension of time to make the correction.
    (iv) Through April 30, 2005, to accommodate the potential lag in 
availability of some required data, the trip identifier, price and 
disposition information required under paragraph (a)(1) may be submitted 
after the detailed weekly report, but must be received within 16 days of 
the end of the reporting week or the end of the calendar month, 
whichever is later. Dealers will be able to access and update previously 
submitted trip identifier, price, and disposition data.
    (v) Effective May 1, 2005, the trip identifier required under 
paragraph (a)(1) of this section must be submitted with the detailed 
report, as required under paragraphs (f)(1)(i) of this section. Price 
and disposition information may be submitted after the initial detailed 
report, but must be received within 16 days of the end of the reporting 
week.
    (vi) Annual reports for a calendar year must be postmarked or 
received by February 10 of the following year. Contact the Regional 
Administrator (see Table 1 to Sec. 600.502) for the address of NMFS 
Statistics.
    (2) Fishing vessel trip reports--(i) Timing requirements. For any 
vessel issued a valid commercial or charter/party permit, or eligible to 
renew a limited access permit under this part, fishing vessel trip 
reports, required by paragraph (b)(1) of this section, must be submitted 
within 48 hours at the conclusion of a trip.
    (ii) Commercial trips. For the purposes of paragraph (f)(2) of this 
section, the date when fish are offloaded from a commercial vessel will 
establish the conclusion of a commercial trip.
    (iii) Charter/party trips. For the purposes of paragraph (f)(2) of 
this section, the date a charter/party vessel enters port will establish 
the conclusion of a for-hire trip.
    (iv) Private recreational tilefish trips. Private recreational 
tilefish electronic log reports, required by paragraph (b)(1)(iv) of 
this section, must be submitted within 24 hours after entering port at 
the conclusion of a trip.
    (3) At-sea purchasers and processors. With the exception of the 
owner or operator of an Atlantic herring carrier

[[Page 635]]

vessel, the owner or operator of an at-sea purchaser or processor that 
purchases or processes any Atlantic herring, Atlantic mackerel, squid, 
butterfish, scup, or black sea bass at sea must submit information 
identical to that required by paragraph (a)(1) of this section and 
provide those reports to the Regional Administrator or designee by the 
same mechanism and on the same frequency basis.
    (g) Additional data and sampling. Federally permitted dealers must 
allow access to their premises and make available to an official 
designee of the Regional Administrator any fish purchased from vessels 
for the collection of biological data. Such data include, but are not 
limited to, length measurements of fish and the collection of age 
structures such as otoliths or scales.
    (h) At-sea monitor/electronic monitoring reports. Any at-sea monitor 
assigned to observe a sector trip and any third-party service provider 
analyzing data from electronic monitoring equipment deployed on a sector 
trip must submit reports on catch, discard, and other data elements 
specified by the Regional Administrator to NMFS, the sector manager, and 
monitoring contractor, as instructed by the Regional Administrator.

[61 FR 34968, July 3, 1996]

    Editorial Note: For Federal Register citations affecting Sec. 
648.7, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the 
Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.



Sec. 648.8  Vessel identification.

    (a) Vessel name and official number. Each fishing vessel subject to 
this part and over 25 ft (7.6 m) in registered length must:
    (1) Affix permanently its name on the port and starboard sides of 
the bow and, if possible, on its stern.
    (2) Display its official number on the port and starboard sides of 
the deckhouse or hull, and on an appropriate weather deck so as to be 
clearly visible from enforcement vessels and aircraft. The official 
number is the USCG documentation number or the vessel's state 
registration number for vessels not required to be documented under 
title 46 U.S.C.
    (b) Numerals. Except as provided in paragraph (d) of this section, 
the official number must be displayed in block arabic numerals in 
contrasting color at least 18 inches (45.7 cm) in height for fishing 
vessels over 65 ft (19.8 m) in registered length, and at least 10 inches 
(25.4 cm) in height for all other vessels over 25 ft (7.6 m) in 
registered length. The registered length of a vessel, for purposes of 
this section, is that registered length set forth in USCG or state 
records.
    (c) Duties of owner. The owner of each vessel subject to this part 
shall ensure that--
    (1) The vessel's name and official number are kept clearly legible 
and in good repair.
    (2) No part of the vessel, its rigging, its fishing gear, or any 
other object obstructs the view of the official number from any 
enforcement vessel or aircraft.
    (d) Non-permanent marking. Vessels carrying recreational fishing 
parties on a per capita basis or by charter must use markings that meet 
the above requirements, except for the requirement that they be affixed 
permanently to the vessel. The non-permanent markings must be displayed 
in conformity with the above requirements.
    (e) New Jersey surfclam or ocean quahog vessels. Instead of 
complying with paragraph (a) of this section, surfclam or ocean quahog 
vessels licensed under New Jersey law may use the appropriate vessel 
identification markings established by that state.
    (f) Private Recreational Tilefish Vessels. Vessels issued only a 
Federal private recreational tilefish permit are not subject to the 
requirements of Sec. 648.8, but must comply with any other applicable 
state or Federal vessel identification requirements.

[61 FR 34968, July 3, 1996, as amended at 76 FR 60649, Sept. 29, 2011; 
85 FR 43152, July 15, 2020]



Sec. 648.9  VMS vendor and unit requirements.

    (a) Approval. The type-approval requirements for VMS MTUs and MCSPs 
for the Greater Atlantic Region are those as published by the NMFS 
Office of Law Enforcement (OLE) in the Federal Register, and are 
available upon

[[Page 636]]

request. Both the national type-approval requirements at 50 CFR part 
600, subpart Q and any established regional standards must be met in 
order to receive approval for use in the Greater Atlantic Region. The 
NMFS OLE Director shall approve all MTUs, MCSPs, and bundles including 
those operating in the Greater Atlantic Region.
    (b) Maintenance. Once approved, VMS units must maintain the minimum 
standards for which they were approved in the type approval 
requirements. Any changes made to the original submission for approval 
of an MTU or MCSP by NMFS must follow the procedures outlined in the 
type approval requirements.
    (c) Notification. A list of approved VMS vendors will be published 
on the Northeast Regional Office Web site and in each proposed and final 
rule for implementing or modifying VMS requirements for specific 
fisheries.
    (d) Revocations. Revocation procedures for type-approvals are at 50 
CFR 600.1514. In the event of a revocation, NMFS will provide 
information to affected vessel owners as explained at 50 CFR 600.1516. 
In these instances, vessel owners may be eligible for the reimbursement 
of the cost of a new type-approved EMTU should funding for reimbursement 
be available.

[74 FR 20530, May 4, 2009, as amended at 79 FR 77410, Dec. 24, 2014]



Sec. 648.10  VMS and DAS requirements for vessel owners/operators.

    (a) VMS Demarcation Line. The VMS Demarcation Line is defined by 
straight lines connecting the following coordinates in the order stated 
(a copy of a map showing the line is available from the Regional 
Administrator upon request):

                          VMS Demarcation Line
------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Description                  N. lat.            W. long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Northern terminus point        45[deg]03[min]      66[deg]47[min]
 (Canada landmass).
2. A point east of West Quoddy    44[deg]48.9[min]    66[deg]56.1[min]
 Head Light.
3. A point east of Little River   44[deg]39.0[min]    67[deg]10.5[min]
 Light.
4. Whistle Buoy ``8BI'' (SSE of   44[deg]13.6[min]    68[deg]10.8[min]
 Baker Island).
5. Isle au Haut Light...........  44[deg]03.9[min]    68[deg]39.1[min]
6. A point south of Monhegan      43[deg]43.3[min]    69[deg]18.6[min]
 Island.
7. Pemaquid Point Light.........  43[deg]50.2[min]    69[deg]30.4[min]
8. A point west of Halfway Rock.  43[deg]38.0[min]    70[deg]05.0[min]
9. A point east of Cape Neddick   43[deg]09.9[min]    70[deg]34.5[min]
 Light.
10. Merrimack River Entrance      42[deg]48.6[min]    70[deg]47.1[min]
 ``MR'' Whistle Buoy.
11. Halibut Point Gong Buoy       42[deg]42.0[min]    70[deg]37.5[min]
 ``1AHP''.
12. Connecting reference point..  42[deg]40[min]      70[deg]30[min]
13. Whistle Buoy ``2'' off        42[deg]34.3[min]    70[deg]39.8[min]
 Eastern Point.
14. The Graves Light (Boston)...  42[deg]21.9[min]    70[deg]52.2[min]
15. Minots Ledge Light..........  42[deg]16.2[min]    70[deg]45.6[min]
16. Farnham Rock Lighted Bell     42[deg]05.6[min]    70[deg]36.5[min]
 Buoy.
17. Cape Cod Canal Bell Buoy      41[deg]48.9[min]    70[deg]27.7[min]
 ``CC''.
18. A point inside Cape Cod Bay.  41[deg]48.9[min]    70[deg]05[min]
19. Race Point Lighted Bell Buoy  42[deg]04.9[min]    70[deg]16.8[min]
 ``RP''.
20. Peaked Hill Bar Whistle Buoy  42[deg]07.0[min]    70[deg]06.2[min]
 ``2PH''.
21. Connecting point, off Nauset  41[deg]50[min]      69[deg]53[min]
 Light.
22. A point south of Chatham      41[deg]38[min]      69[deg]55.2[min]
 ``C'' Whistle Buoy.
22. A point in eastern Vineyard   41[deg]30[min]      70[deg]33[min]
 Sound.
24. A point east of Martha's      41[deg]22.2[min]    70[deg]24.6[min]
 Vineyard.
25. A point east of Great Pt.     41[deg]23.4[min]    69[deg]57[min]
 Light, Nantucket.
26. A point SE of Sankaty Head,   41[deg]13[min]      69[deg]57[min]
 Nantucket.
27. A point west of Nantucket...  41[deg]15.6[min]    70[deg]25.2[min]
28. Squibnocket Lighted Bell      41[deg]15.7[min]    70[deg]46.3[min]
 Buoy ``1''.
29. Wilbur Point (on Sconticut    41[deg]35.2[min]    70[deg]51.2[min]
 Neck).
30. Mishaum Point (on Smith       41[deg]31.0[min]    70[deg]57.2[min]
 Neck).
31. Sakonnet Entrance Lighted     41[deg]25.7[min]    71[deg]13.4[min]
 Whistle Buoy ``SR''.
32. Point Judith Lighted Whistle  41[deg]19.3[min]    71[deg]28.6[min]
 Buoy ``2''.
33. A point off Block Island      41[deg]08.2[min]    71[deg]32.1[min]
 Southeast Light.
34. Shinnecock Inlet Lighted      40[deg]49.0[min]    72[deg]28.6[min]
 Whistle Buoy ``SH''.
35. Scotland Horn Buoy ``S'',     40[deg]26.5[min]    73[deg]55.0[min]
 off Sandy Hook (NJ).
36. Barnegat Lighted Gong Buoy    39[deg]45.5[min]    73[deg]59.5[min]
 ``2''.
37. A point east of Atlantic      39[deg]21.9[min]    74[deg]22.7[min]
 City Light.
38. A point east of Hereford      39[deg]00.4[min]    74[deg]46[min]
 Inlet Light.
39. A point east of Cape          38[deg]47[min]      75[deg]04[min]
 Henlopen Light.
40. A point east of Fenwick       38[deg]27.1[min]    75[deg]02[min]
 Island Light.
41. A point NE of Assateague      38[deg]00[min]      75[deg]13[min]
 Island (VA).

[[Page 637]]

 
42. Wachapreague Inlet Lighted    37[deg]35.0[min]    75[deg]33.7[min]
 Whistle Buoy ``A''.
43. A point NE of Cape Henry....  36[deg]55.6[min]    75[deg]58.5[min]
44. A point east of Currituck     36[deg]22.6[min]    75[deg]48[min]
 Beach Light.
45. Oregon Inlet (NC) Whistle     35[deg]48.5[min]    75[deg]30[min]
 Buoy.
46. Wimble Shoals, east of        35[deg]36[min]      75[deg]26[min]
 Chicamacomico.
47. A point SE of Cape Hatteras   35[deg]12.5[min]    75[deg]30[min]
 Light.
48. Hatteras Inlet Entrance Buoy  35[deg]10[min]      75[deg]46[min]
 ``HI''.
49. Ocracoke Inlet Whistle Buoy   35[deg]01.5[min]    76[deg]00.5[min]
 ``OC''.
50. A point east of Cape Lookout  34[deg]36.5[min]    76[deg]30[min]
 Light.
51. Southern terminus point.....  34[deg]35[min]      76[deg]41[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (b) Vessels required to use VMS. The following vessels must have 
installed on board an operational VMS unit that meets the minimum 
performance criteria specified in, or as modified pursuant to Sec. 
648.9(a):
    (1) A scallop vessel issued a Full-time or Part-time limited access 
scallop permit, or an LAGC scallop permit;
    (2) A scallop vessel issued an Occasional limited access permit when 
fishing under the Sea Scallop Area Access Program specified under Sec. 
648.59;
    (3) A vessel issued a limited access monkfish, Occasional scallop, 
or Combination permit, whose owner elects to provide the notifications 
required by this section using VMS, unless otherwise authorized or 
required by the Regional Administrator under paragraph (d) of this 
section;
    (4) A vessel issued a limited access NE multispecies permit that 
fishes or intends to fish under a NE multispecies Category A or B DAS, 
or catches regulated species or ocean pout while on a sector trip; or a 
vessel issued a limited access NE multispecies small vessel category or 
Handgear A permit that fishes in multiple stock areas pursuant to 
paragraph (k)(2) of this section;
    (5) A vessel issued a surfclam (SF 1) or an ocean quahog (OQ 6) open 
access permit;
    (6) Effective January 1, 2009, a vessel issued a Maine mahogany 
quahog (OQ 7) limited access permit, unless otherwise exempted under 
paragraph Sec. 648.4(a)(4)(ii)(B)(1);
    (7) A limited access monkfish vessel electing to fish in the 
Offshore Fishery Program in the SFMA, as provided in Sec. 648.95; and
    (8) A vessel issued a limited access herring permit (i.e., Category 
A, B, or C), or a vessel issued a Category E Herring Permit, or a vessel 
declaring an Atlantic herring carrier trip via VMS.
    (9) A vessel issued a Tier 1, Tier 2, or Tier 3 limited access 
Atlantic mackerel permit;
    (10) A vessel issued a Tier 1 or Tier 2 longfin squid moratorium 
permit;
    (11) A vessel issued an Illex squid moratorium permit; or
    (12) A vessel issued a butterfish moratorium permit.
    (c) Operating requirements for all vessels. (1) Except as provided 
in paragraph (c)(2) of this section, or unless otherwise required by 
paragraph (c)(1)(ii) of this section, all vessels required to use VMS 
units, as specified in paragraph (b) of this section, must transmit a 
signal indicating the vessel's accurate position, as specified under 
paragraph (c)(1)(i) of this section:
    (i) At least every hour, 24 hr a day, throughout the year; or
    (ii) At least twice per hour, 24 hr a day, throughout the year, for 
vessels issued a scallop permit.
    (2) Power-down exemption. (i) Any vessel required to transmit the 
vessel's location at all times, as required in paragraph (c)(1) of this 
section, is exempt from this requirement if it meets one or more of the 
following conditions and requirements:
    (A) The vessel will be continuously out of the water for more than 
72 consecutive hours, the vessel signs out of the VMS program by 
obtaining a valid letter of exemption pursuant to paragraph (c)(2)(ii) 
of this section, and the vessel complies with all conditions and 
requirements of said letter;
    (B) The vessel owner signs out of the VMS program for a minimum 
period of 30 consecutive days by obtaining a valid letter of exemption 
pursuant to

[[Page 638]]

paragraph (c)(2)(ii) of this section, the vessel does not engage in any 
fisheries or move from the dock/mooring until the VMS unit is turned 
back on, and the vessel complies with all conditions and requirements of 
said letter;
    (C) [Reserved]
    (D) The vessel has been issued an LAGC permit, is not in possession 
of any scallops onboard the vessel, is tied to a permanent dock or 
mooring, the vessel operator has notified NMFS through VMS by 
transmitting the appropriate VMS power-down code that the VMS will be 
powered down, and the vessel is not required by other permit 
requirements for other fisheries to transmit the vessel's location at 
all times. Such a vessel must re-power the VMS and submit a valid VMS 
activity declaration prior to moving from the fixed dock or mooring. VMS 
codes and instructions are available from the Regional Administrator.
    (ii) Letter of exemption--(A) Application. A vessel owner may apply 
for a letter of exemption from the VMS transmitting requirements 
specified in paragraph (c)(1) of this section for his/her vessel by 
sending a written request to the Regional Administrator and providing 
the following: The location of the vessel during the time an exemption 
is sought; the exact time period for which an exemption is needed (i.e., 
the time the VMS signal will be turned off and turned on again); and, in 
the case of a vessel meeting the conditions of paragraph (c)(2)(i)(A) of 
this section, sufficient information to determine that the vessel will 
be out of the water for more than 72 consecutive hours. The letter of 
exemption must be on board the vessel at all times, and the vessel may 
not turn off the VMS signal until the letter of exemption has been 
received.
    (B) Issuance. Upon receipt of an application, the Regional 
Administrator may issue a letter of exemption to the vessel if it is 
determined that the vessel owner provided sufficient information as 
required under this paragraph (c)(2), and that the issuance of the 
letter of exemption will not jeopardize accurate monitoring of the 
vessel's DAS. Upon written request, the Regional Administrator may 
change the time period for which the exemption is granted.
    (d) Presumption. If a VMS unit fails to transmit an hourly signal of 
a vessel's position, the vessel shall be deemed to have incurred a DAS, 
or fraction thereof, for as long as the unit fails to transmit a signal, 
unless a preponderance of evidence shows that the failure to transmit 
was due to an unavoidable malfunction or disruption of the transmission 
that occurred while the vessel was properly declared out of the scallop 
fishery, NE multispecies fishery, or monkfish fishery, as applicable, or 
while the vessel was not at sea.
    (e) VMS notifications--(1) VMS installation notification. (i) The 
owner of such a vessel specified in paragraph (b) of this section, with 
the exception of a vessel issued a limited access NE multispecies permit 
as specified in paragraph (b)(4) of this section, must provide 
documentation to the Regional Administrator at the time of application 
for a limited access permit that the vessel has an operational VMS unit 
installed on board that meets the minimum performance criteria, unless 
otherwise allowed under paragraph (b) of this section.
    (ii) Vessel owners must confirm the VMS unit's operation and 
communications service to NMFS by calling the Office of Law Enforcement 
(OLE) to ensure that position reports are automatically sent to and 
received by NMFS OLE.
    (iii) NMFS does not regard the fishing vessel as meeting the VMS 
requirements until automatic position reports and a manual declaration 
are received.
    (iv) If a vessel has already been issued a limited access permit 
without the owner providing such documentation, the Regional 
Administrator shall allow at least 30 days for the vessel to install an 
operational VMS unit that meets the minimum performance criteria, and 
for the owner to provide documentation of such installation to the 
Regional Administrator.
    (v) The owner of a vessel issued a limited access NE multispecies 
permit that fishes or intends to fish under a NE multispecies Category A 
or B DAS, or that catches regulated species or ocean pout while on a 
sector trip, as

[[Page 639]]

specified in paragraph (b)(4) of this section, must provide 
documentation to the Regional Administrator that the vessel has an 
operational VMS unit installed on board, meeting all requirements of 
this part, prior to fishing under a NE multispecies DAS or under the 
provisions of an approved sector operations plan.
    (vi) NMFS shall provide notification to all affected permit holders 
providing detailed information on procedures pertaining to VMS purchase, 
installation, and use.
    (2) Replacement VMS installations. Should a VMS unit require 
replacement, a vessel owner must submit documentation to the Regional 
Administrator, within 3 days of installation and prior to the vessel's 
next trip, verifying, as described in this paragraph (e), that the new 
VMS unit is an operational approved system as described under Sec. 
648.9(a).
    (3) Access. As a condition to obtaining a limited access scallop, 
multispecies, an Atlantic herring, a surfclam, ocean quahog, or Maine 
mahogany quahog permit; or as a condition of using a VMS unit; all 
vessel owners must allow NMFS, the USCG, and their authorized officers 
or designees access to the vessel's DAS data, if applicable, and to 
location data obtained from its VMS unit, if required, at the time of or 
after its transmission to the vendor or receiver, as the case may be.
    (4) Tampering. Tampering with a VMS, a VMS unit, or a VMS signal, is 
prohibited. Tampering includes any activity that may affect the unit's 
ability to operate or signal properly, or to accurately compute or 
report the vessel's position.
    (5) Fishery participation notification. (i) A vessel subject to the 
VMS requirements of Sec. 648.9 and paragraphs (b) through (d) of this 
section that has crossed the VMS Demarcation Line under paragraph (a) of 
this section is deemed to be fishing under the DAS program, the Access 
Area Program, the LAGC IFQ or NGOM scallop fishery, or other fishery 
requiring the operation of VMS as applicable, unless prior to leaving 
port, the vessel's owner or authorized representative declares the 
vessel out of the scallop, NE multispecies, monkfish, or any other 
fishery, as applicable, for a specific time period. NMFS must be 
notified by transmitting the appropriate VMS code through the VMS, or 
unless the vessel's owner or authorized representative declares the 
vessel will be fishing in the Eastern U.S./Canada Area, as described in 
Sec. 648.85(a)(3)(ii), under the provisions of that program.
    (ii) Notification that the vessel is not under the DAS program, the 
Access Area Program, the LAGC IFQ or NGOM scallop fishery, or any other 
fishery requiring the operation of VMS, must be received by NMFS prior 
to the vessel leaving port. A vessel may not change its status after the 
vessel leaves port or before it returns to port on any fishing trip, 
unless the vessel is a scallop vessel and is exempted, as specified in 
paragraph (f) of this section.
    (iii) DAS counting for a vessel that is under the VMS notification 
requirements of paragraph (b) of this section, with the exception of 
vessels that have elected to fish exclusively in the Eastern U.S./Canada 
Area on a particular trip, as described in paragraph (e)(5) of this 
section, begins with the first location signal received showing that the 
vessel crossed the VMS Demarcation Line after leaving port. DAS counting 
ends with the first location signal received showing that the vessel 
crossed the VMS Demarcation Line upon its return to port, unless the 
vessel is declared into a limited access scallop DAS trip and, upon its 
return to port, declares out of the scallop fishery shoreward of the VMS 
Demarcation Line at or south of 39[deg] N. lat., as specified in 
paragraph (f)(6) of this section, and lands in a port south of 39[deg] 
N. lat.
    (iv) For those vessels that have elected to fish exclusively in the 
Eastern U.S./Canada Area pursuant to Sec. 648.85(a)(3)(ii), the 
requirements of this paragraph (b) begin with the first location signal 
received showing that the vessel crossed into the Eastern U.S./Canada 
Area and end with the first location signal received showing that the 
vessel crossed out of the Eastern U.S./Canada Area upon beginning its 
return trip to port, unless the vessel elects to also fish outside the 
Eastern U.S./Canada Area on the same trip, in accordance with Sec. 
648.85(a)(3)(ii)(A).

[[Page 640]]

    (v) The Regional Administrator may authorize or require the use of 
the call-in system instead of the use of VMS, as described under 
paragraph (h) of this section. Furthermore, the Regional Administrator 
may authorize or require the use of letters of authorization as an 
alternative means of enforcing possession limits, if VMS cannot be used 
for such purposes.
    (f) Atlantic sea scallop vessel VMS notification requirements. Less 
than 1 hour prior to leaving port, the owner or authorized 
representative of a scallop vessel that is required to use VMS as 
specified in paragraph (b)(1) of this section must notify the Regional 
Administrator by transmitting the appropriate VMS code that the vessel 
will be participating in the scallop DAS program, Area Access Program, 
LAGC scallop fishery, NGOM Management Program, or will be fishing 
outside of the scallop fishery under the requirements of its other 
Federal permits, or that the vessel will be steaming to another location 
prior to commencing its fishing trip by transmitting a ``declared out of 
fishery'' VMS code. If the owner or authorized representative of a 
scallop vessel declares out of the fishery for the steaming portion of 
the trip, the vessel cannot possess, retain, or land scallops, or fish 
for any other fish. Prior to commencing the fishing trip following a 
``declared out of fishery'' trip, the owner or authorized representative 
must notify the Regional Administrator by transmitting the appropriate 
VMS code, before first crossing the VMS Demarcation Line, that the 
vessel will be participating in the scallop DAS program, Area Access 
Program, NGOM Management Program, or LAGC scallop fishery. VMS codes and 
instructions are available from the Regional Administrator upon request.
    (1) IFQ scallop vessels. An IFQ scallop vessel that has crossed the 
VMS Demarcation Line specified under paragraph (a) of this section is 
deemed to be fishing under the IFQ program, unless prior to the vessel 
leaving port, the vessel's owner or authorized representative declares 
the vessel out of the scallop fishery by notifying the Regional 
Administrator through the VMS. If the vessel has not fished for any fish 
(i.e., steaming only), after declaring out of the fishery, leaving port, 
and steaming to another location, the owner or authorized representative 
of an IFQ scallop vessel may declare into the IFQ fishery without 
entering another port by making a declaration before first crossing the 
VMS Demarcation Line. An IFQ scallop vessel that is fishing north of 
42[deg]20[min] N. lat. is deemed to be fishing under the NGOM scallop 
fishery unless prior to the vessel leaving port, the vessel's owner or 
authorized representative declares the vessel out of the scallop 
fishery, as specified in paragraphs (e)(5)(i) and (ii) of this section. 
After declaring out of the fishery, leaving port, and steaming to 
another location, if the IFQ scallop vessel has not fished for any fish 
(i.e., steaming only), the vessel may declare into the NGOM fishery 
without entering another port by making a declaration before first 
crossing the VMS Demarcation Line.
    (2) NGOM scallop fishery. A NGOM scallop vessel is deemed to be 
fishing in Federal waters of the NGOM management area and will have its 
landings applied against the LAGC portion of the NGOM management area 
TAC, specified in Sec. 648.62(b)(1), unless:
    (i) Prior to the vessel leaving port, the vessel's owner or 
authorized representative declares the vessel out of the scallop 
fishery, as specified in paragraphs (e)(5)(i) and (ii) of this section, 
and the vessel does not possess, retain, or land scallops while under 
such a declaration. After declaring out of the fishery, leaving port, 
and steaming to another location, if the NGOM scallop vessel has not 
fished for any other fish (i.e., steaming only), the vessel may declare 
into the NGOM fishery without entering another port by making a 
declaration before first crossing the VMS Demarcation Line.
    (ii) The vessel has specifically declared into the state-only NGOM 
fishery, thus is fishing exclusively in the state waters portion of the 
NGOM management area.
    (3) Incidental scallop fishery. An Incidental scallop vessel that 
has crossed the VMS Demarcation Line on any declared fishing trip for 
any species is deemed to be fishing under the Incidental scallop 
fishery.

[[Page 641]]

    (4) Catch reports. (i) For trips greater than 24 hours, the owner or 
operator of a limited access or LAGC scallop vessel with an IFQ permit 
that fishes for, possesses, or retains scallops, and is not fishing 
under a Northeast Multispecies DAS or sector allocation, must submit 
reports through the VMS, in accordance with instructions to be provided 
by the Regional Administrator, for each day fished, including open area 
trips, access area trips as described in Sec. 648.59(b)(9), Northern 
Gulf of Maine research set-aside (RSA) trips, and trips accompanied by 
an observer. The reports must be submitted for each day (beginning at 
0000 hr and ending at 2400 hr) and not later than 0900 hr of the 
following day. Such reports must include the following information:
    (A) Vessel trip report (VTR) serial number;
    (B) Date fish were caught;
    (C) Total pounds of scallop meats kept; and
    (D) Total pounds of all fish kept.
    (ii) Scallop Pre-Landing Notification Form for IFQ and NGOM vessels. 
A vessel issued an IFQ or NGOM scallop permit must report through VMS, 
using the Scallop Pre-Landing Notification Form, the amount of any 
scallops kept on each trip declared as a scallop trip, including 
declared scallop trips where no scallops were landed. In addition, 
vessels with an IFQ or NGOM permit must submit a Scallop Pre-Landing 
Notification Form on trips that are not declared as scallop trips, but 
on which scallops are kept incidentally. A limited access vessel that 
also holds an IFQ or NGOM permit must submit the Scallop Pre-Landing 
Notification Form only when fishing under the provisions of the vessel's 
IFQ or NGOM permit. VMS Scallop Pre-Landing Notification forms must be 
submitted no less than 6 hours prior to arrival, or, if fishing ends 
less than 6 hours before arrival, immediately after fishing ends. If 
scallops will be landed, the report must include the vessel operator's 
permit number, the amount of scallop meats in pounds to be landed, the 
number of bushels of in-shell scallops to be landed, the estimated time 
of arrival in port, the landing port and state where the scallops will 
be offloaded, the VTR serial number recorded from that trip's VTR (the 
same VTR serial number as reported to the dealer), and whether any 
scallops were caught in the NGOM. If no scallops will be landed, a 
vessel issued an IFQ or NGOM scallop permit must provide only the 
vessel's captain/operator's permit number, the VTR serial number 
recorded from that trip's VTR (the same VTR serial number as reported to 
the dealer), and confirmation that no scallops will be landed. A vessel 
issued an IFQ or NGOM scallop permit may provide a corrected report. If 
the report is being submitted as a correction of a prior report, the 
information entered into the notification form will replace the data 
previously submitted in the prior report. Submitting a correction does 
not prevent NMFS from pursuing an enforcement action for any false 
reporting.
    (iii) Scallop Pre-Landing Notification Form for limited access 
vessels fishing on scallop trips. A limited access vessel on a declared 
sea scallop trip must report through VMS, using the Scallop Pre-Landing 
Notification Form, the amount of any scallops kept on each trip, 
including declared trips where no scallops were landed. The report must 
be submitted no less than 6 hours before arrival, or, if fishing ends 
less than 6 hours before arrival, immediately after fishing ends. If 
scallops will be landed, the report must include the vessel operator's 
permit number, the amount of scallop meats in pounds to be landed, the 
number of bushels of in-shell scallops to be landed, the estimated time 
of arrival, the landing port and state where the scallops will be 
offloaded, and the VTR serial number recorded from that trip's VTR (the 
same VTR serial number as reported to the dealer). If no scallops will 
be landed, a limited access vessel on a declared sea scallop trip must 
provide only the vessel's captain/operator's permit number, the VTR 
serial number recorded from that trip's VTR (the same VTR serial number 
as reported to the dealer), and confirmation that no scallops will be 
landed. A limited access scallop vessel may provide a corrected report. 
If the report is being submitted as a correction of a prior report, the 
information entered into the notification form will replace the data

[[Page 642]]

previously submitted in the prior report. Submitting a correction does 
not prevent NMFS from pursuing an enforcement action for any false 
reporting. A vessel may not offload its catch from a Sea Scallop Access 
Area trip at more than one location per trip.
    (iv) Scallop Pre-Landing Notification Form for limited access 
vessels on a declared DAS trip landing scallops at ports located at or 
south of 39[deg] N. lat. In order to end a declared Sea Scallop DAS trip 
and steam south of 39[deg] N. lat., a limited access vessel must first 
report through VMS, using the Scallop Pre-Landing Notification Form, the 
amount of any scallops kept on its DAS trip. Upon crossing shoreward of 
the VMS Demarcation Line at or south of 39[deg] N. lat., the Scallop 
Pre-Landing Notification form must be submitted. The report must include 
the vessel operator's permit number, the amount of scallop meats in 
pounds to be landed, the estimated time of arrival in port, the landing 
port and state where the scallops will be offloaded, and the VTR serial 
number recorded from that trip's VTR (the same VTR serial number as 
reported to the dealer). Prior to crossing seaward of the VMS 
Demarcation Line for the transit to a southern port at or south of 
39[deg] N. lat., the vessel must declare out of the scallop fishery. A 
limited access scallop vessel may provide a corrected report. If the 
report is being submitted as a correction of a prior report, the 
information entered into the notification form will replace the data 
previously submitted in the prior report. Submitting a correction does 
not prevent NMFS from pursuing an enforcement action for any false 
reporting.
    (5) Scallop vessels fishing under exemptions. Vessels fishing under 
the exemptions provided by Sec. 648.54 (a) and/or (b)(1) must comply 
with the exemption requirements and notify the Regional Administrator by 
VMS notification or by call-in notification as follows:
    (i) VMS notification for scallop vessels fishing under exemptions. 
(A) Notify the Regional Administrator, via their VMS, prior to each trip 
of the vessel under the state waters exemption program, that the vessel 
will be fishing exclusively in state waters; and
    (B) Notify the Regional Administrator, via their VMS, prior to the 
vessel's first planned trip in the EEZ, that the vessel is to resume 
fishing under the vessel's DAS allocation.
    (ii) Call-in notification for scallop vessels fishing under 
exemptions. (A) Notify the Regional Administrator by using the call-in 
system and providing the following information at least 7 days prior to 
fishing under the exemption:
    (1) Owner and caller name and address;
    (2) Vessel name and permit number; and
    (3) Beginning and ending dates of the exemption period.
    (B) Remain under the exemption for a minimum of 7 days.
    (C) If, under the exemption for a minimum of 7 days and wishing to 
withdraw earlier than the designated end of the exemption period, notify 
the Regional Administrator of early withdrawal from the program by 
calling the call-in system, providing the vessel's name and permit 
number and the name and phone number of the caller, and stating that the 
vessel is withdrawing from the exemption. The vessel may not leave port 
to fish in the EEZ until 48 hr after notification of early withdrawal is 
received by the Regional Administrator.
    (D) The Regional Administrator will furnish a phone number for call-
ins upon request.
    (E) Such vessels must comply with the VMS notification requirements 
specified in paragraph (e) of this section by notifying the Regional 
Administrator by entering the appropriate VMS code that the vessel is 
fishing outside of the scallop fishery. VMS codes and instructions are 
available from the Regional Administrator upon request.
    (6) Limited access scallop vessels fishing under the DAS program and 
landing scallops at ports south of 39[deg] N. Lat. If landing scallops 
at a port located at or south of 39[deg] N. lat., a limited access 
vessel participating in the scallop DAS program may end its DAS trip 
once it has crossed shoreward of the VMS Demarcation Line at or south of 
39[deg] N. lat. by declaring out of the scallop fishery and submitting 
the Scallop Pre-

[[Page 643]]

Landing Notification Form, as specified at paragraph (f)(4)(iv) of this 
section. Once declared out of the scallop fishery, and the vessel has 
submitted the Scallop Pre-Landing Notification Form, the vessel may 
cross seaward of the VMS Demarcation Line and steam to a port at or 
south of 39[deg] N. lat., to land scallops while not on a DAS. Such 
vessels that elect to change their declaration to steam to ports with 
scallops onboard and not accrue DAS must comply with all the 
requirements at Sec. 648.53(f)(3).
    (g) VMS notification requirements for other fisheries. (1) The owner 
or authorized representative of a vessel that is required to or elects 
to use VMS, as specified in paragraph (b) of this section, must notify 
the Regional Administrator of the vessel's intended fishing activity by 
entering the appropriate VMS code prior to leaving port at the start of 
each fishing trip except:
    (i) If notified by letter, pursuant to paragraph (e)(1)(iv) of this 
section, or
    (ii) The vessel is a scallop vessel and is exempted, as specified in 
paragraph (f) of this section.
    (2) Notification of a vessel's intended fishing activity includes, 
but is not limited to, gear and DAS type to be used; area to be fished; 
and whether the vessel will be declared out of the DAS fishery, or will 
participate in the NE multispecies and monkfish DAS fisheries, including 
approved special management programs.
    (3) A vessel operator cannot change any aspect of a vessel's VMS 
activity code outside of port, except as follows:
    (i) An operator of a NE multispecies vessel is authorized to change 
the category of NE multispecies DAS used (i.e., flip its DAS), as 
provided at Sec. 648.85(b), or change the area declared to be fished so 
that the vessel may fish both inside and outside of the Eastern U.S./
Canada Area on the same trip, as provided at Sec. 648.85(a)(3)(ii)(A).
    (ii) An operator of a vessel issued both a NE multispecies permit 
and a monkfish permit is authorized to change their DAS declaration from 
a NE multispecies Category A DAS to a monkfish DAS, while remaining 
subject to the NE multispecies DAS usage requirements under Sec. 
648.92(b)(1)(iv), during a trip, as provided at Sec. 
648.92(b)(1)(vi)(A).
    (iii) The vessel carries onboard a valid limited access or LAGC 
scallop permit, has declared out of the fishery in port, and is steaming 
to another location, pursuant to paragraph (f) of this section.
    (4) VMS activity codes and declaration instructions are available 
from the Regional Administrator upon request.
    (h) Call-in notification. The owner of a vessel issued a limited 
access monkfish permit who is participating in a DAS program and who is 
not required to provide notification using a VMS, and a scallop vessel 
qualifying for a DAS allocation under the occasional category that has 
not elected to fish under the VMS notification requirements of paragraph 
(e) of this section and is not participating in the Sea Scallop Area 
Access program as specified in Sec. 648.59, and any vessel that may be 
required by the Regional Administrator to use the call-in program under 
paragraph (i) of this section, are subject to the following 
requirements:
    (1) Less than 1 hr prior to leaving port, for vessels issued a 
limited access NE multispecies DAS permit or, for vessels issued a 
limited access NE multispecies DAS permit and a limited access monkfish 
permit (Category C, D, F, G, or H), unless otherwise specified in 
paragraph (h) of this section, or an occasional scallop permit as 
specified in this paragraph (h), and, less than 1 hr prior to leaving 
port, for vessels issued a limited access monkfish Category A or B 
permit, the vessel owner or authorized representative must notify the 
Regional Administrator that the vessel will be participating in the DAS 
program by calling the call-in system and providing the following 
information:
    (i) Owner and caller name and phone number;
    (ii) Vessel name and permit number;
    (iii) Type of trip to be taken;
    (iv) Port of departure; and
    (v) That the vessel is beginning a trip.
    (2) A DAS begins once the call has been received and a confirmation 
number is given by the Regional Administrator, or when a vessel leaves 
port,

[[Page 644]]

whichever occurs first, unless otherwise specified in paragraph 
(e)(2)(iii) of this section.
    (3) Vessels issued a limited access monkfish Category C, D, F, G, or 
H permit that are allowed to fish as a monkfish Category A or B vessel 
in accordance with the provisions of Sec. 648.92(b)(2)(i) are subject 
to the call-in notification requirements for limited access monkfish 
Category A or B vessels specified under this paragraph (h) for those 
monkfish DAS when there is not a concurrent NE multispecies DAS.
    (4) The vessel's confirmation numbers for the current and 
immediately prior NE multispecies or monkfish fishing trip must be 
maintained on board the vessel and provided to an authorized officer 
immediately upon request.
    (5) At the end of a vessel's trip, upon its return to port, the 
vessel owner or owner's representative must call the Regional 
Administrator and notify him/her that the trip has ended by providing 
the following information:
    (i) Owner and caller name and phone number;
    (ii) Vessel name and permit number;
    (iii) Port of landing; and
    (iv) That the vessel has ended its trip.
    (6) A DAS ends when the call has been received and confirmation has 
been given by the Regional Administrator, or when a vessel enters port 
at the end of a fishing trip, whichever occurs later, unless otherwise 
specified in paragraph (e)(2)(iii) of this section.
    (7) The Regional Administrator will furnish a phone number for DAS 
notification call-ins upon request.
    (8) Regardless of whether a vessel's owner or authorized 
representative provides correct notification as required by paragraphs 
(e) through (h) of this section, a vessel meeting any of the following 
descriptions shall be deemed to be in its respective fishery's DAS or 
Scallop Access Area Program for the purpose of counting DAS or scallop 
access area trips/pounds, and, shall be charged DAS from the time of 
sailing to landing:
    (i) Any vessel issued a limited access scallop permit and not issued 
an LAGC scallop permit that possesses or lands scallops;
    (ii) A vessel issued a limited access scallop and LAGC IFQ scallop 
permit that possesses or lands more than 600 lb (272.2 kg) of scallops, 
unless otherwise specified in Sec. 648.59(d)(2);
    (iii) Any vessel issued a limited access scallop and LAGC NGOM 
scallop permit that possesses or lands more than 200 lb (90.7 kg) of 
scallops;
    (iv) Any vessel issued a limited access scallop and LAGC IC scallop 
permit that possesses or lands more than 40 lb (18.1 kg) of scallops;
    (v) Any vessel issued a limited access NE multispecies permit 
subject to the NE multispecies DAS program requirements that possesses 
or lands regulated NE multispecies, except as provided in Sec. Sec. 
648.10(h)(9)(ii), 648.17, and 648.89; and
    (vi) Any vessel issued a limited access monkfish permit subject to 
the monkfish DAS program and call-in requirement that possesses or lands 
monkfish above the incidental catch trip limits specified in Sec. 
648.94(c).
    (9) Vessels electing to use VMS. (i) A vessel issued a limited 
access monkfish, Occasional scallop, or Combination permit must use the 
call-in system specified in paragraph (h) of this section, unless the 
owner of such vessel has elected to provide the notifications required 
by paragraph (g) of this section, through VMS as specified under 
paragraph (h)(9)(ii) of this section. Any vessel issued a limited access 
monkfish or an Occasional scallop permit that has elected to provide 
notifications through VMS must continue to provide notifications through 
VMS for the entire fishing year.
    (ii) A vessel issued a limited access monkfish or Occasional scallop 
permit may be authorized by the Regional Administrator to provide the 
notifications required by paragraph (e) of this section using the VMS 
specified in paragraph (b) of this section. For the vessel to become 
authorized, the vessel owner must provide documentation to the Regional 
Administrator at the time of application for a limited access permit 
that the vessel has installed on board an operational VMS as provided 
under Sec. 648.9(a). A vessel that is authorized to use the VMS in lieu 
of the call-in requirement for DAS notification shall be subject to the 
requirements and presumptions described under

[[Page 645]]

paragraphs (e)(2)(i) through (v) of this section. This paragraph (h) 
does not apply to vessels electing to use the VMS.
    (i) Temporary authorization for use of the call-in system. The 
Regional Administrator may authorize or require, on a temporary basis, 
the use of the call-in system of notification specified in paragraph (h) 
of this section, instead of using the VMS. If use of the call-in system 
is authorized or required, the Regional Administrator shall notify 
affected permit holders through a letter, notification in the Federal 
Register, e-mail, or other appropriate means.
    (j) Additional NE multispecies call-in requirements--(1) Spawning 
season call-in. With the exception of a vessel issued a valid Small 
Vessel category permit or the Handgear A permit category, vessels 
subject to the spawning season restriction described in Sec. 648.82 
must notify the Regional Administrator of the commencement date of their 
20-day period out of the NE multispecies fishery through the IVR system 
(or through VMS, if required by the Regional Administrator) and provide 
the following information:
    (i) Vessel name and permit number;
    (ii) Owner and caller name and phone number; and
    (iii) Commencement date of the 20-day period.
    (2) Gillnet call-in. A vessel subject to the gillnet restriction 
described in Sec. 648.82 must notify the Regional Administrator of the 
commencement of its time out of the NE multispecies gillnet fishery 
using the procedure described in paragraph (k)(1) of this section.
    (k) Area-specific reporting requirements for NE multispecies 
vessels--(1) Reporting requirements for all limited access NE 
multispecies vessel owners or operators. In addition to any other 
reporting requirements specified in this part, the owner or operator of 
any vessel issued a limited access NE multispecies permit on either a 
common pool or sector trip must declare the following information via 
VMS or IVR, as instructed by the Regional Administrator:
    (i) Broad stock area(s) to be fished. To fish in any of the broad 
stock areas, the vessel owner or operator must declare his/her intent to 
fish within one or more of the NE multispecies broad stock areas, as 
defined in paragraph (k)(3) of this section, prior to leaving port at 
the start of a fishing trip;
    (ii) VTR serial number. On its return to port, prior to crossing the 
VMS demarcation line, as defined at Sec. 648.10, the vessel owner or 
operator must provide the VTR serial number for the first page of the 
VTR for that particular trip, or other applicable trip ID specified by 
NMFS; and
    (iii) Trip-start hail report. If instructed by the Regional 
Administrator or required by a sector operations plan approved pursuant 
to Sec. 648.87(b)(2) and (c), the operator of a vessel must submit a 
trip-start hail report prior to departing port at the beginning of each 
trip notifying the sector manager and/or NMFS of the vessel permit 
number; trip ID number in the form of the VTR serial number of the first 
VTR page for that trip, or another trip identifier specified by NMFS; an 
estimate of the date and time of arrival to port; and any other 
information as instructed by the Regional Administrator. Trip-start hail 
reports by vessels operating less than 6 hr or within 6 hr of port must 
also include estimated date and time of offload. The trip-start hail 
report may be submitted via VMS or some other method, as instructed by 
the Regional Administrator or required by a sector operations plan 
approved pursuant to Sec. 648.87(b)(2) and (c). If the vessel operator 
does not receive confirmation of the receipt of the trip-start hail 
report from the sector manager or NMFS, the operator must contact the 
intended receiver to confirm the trip-start hail report via an 
independent back-up system, as instructed by the Regional Administrator. 
To the extent possible, NMFS shall reduce unnecessary duplication of the 
trip-start hail report with any other applicable reporting 
requirements..
    (iv) Trip-end hail report. Upon its return to port and prior to 
crossing the VMS demarcation line as defined in Sec. 648.10, the owner 
or operator of any vessel issued a limited access NE multispecies permit 
that is subject to the VMS requirements specified in paragraph (b)(4) of 
this section must submit a trip-end hail report to NMFS

[[Page 646]]

via VMS, as instructed by the Regional Administrator. The trip-end hail 
report must include at least the following information, as instructed by 
the Regional Administrator: The vessel permit number; VTR serial number, 
or other applicable trip ID specified by NMFS; intended offloading 
location(s), including the dealer name/offload location, port/harbor, 
and state for the first dealer/facility where the vessel intends to 
offload catch and the port/harbor, and state for the second dealer/
facility where the vessel intends to offload catch; estimated date/time 
of arrival; estimated date/time of offload; and the estimated total 
amount of all species retained, including species managed by other FMPs 
(in pounds, landed weight), on board at the time the vessel first 
offloads its catch from a particular trip. The trip-end hail report must 
be submitted at least 6 hr in advance of landing for all trips of at 
least 6 hr in duration or occurring more than 6 hr from port. For 
shorter trips, the trip-end hail reports must be submitted upon the 
completion of the last tow or hauling of gear, as instructed by the 
Regional Administrator. To the extent possible, NMFS shall reduce 
unnecessary duplication of the trip-end hail reports with any other 
applicable reporting requirements.
    (2) Reporting requirements for NE multispecies vessel owners or 
operators fishing in more than one broad stock area per trip. Unless 
otherwise provided in this paragraph (k)(2), the owner or operator of 
any vessel issued a NE multispecies limited access permit that has 
declared its intent to fish within multiple NE multispecies broad stock 
areas, as defined in paragraph (k)(3) of this section, on the same trip 
must submit a hail report via VMS providing a good-faith estimate of the 
amount of each regulated species retained (in pounds, landed weight) and 
the total amount of all species retained (in pounds, landed weight), 
including NE multispecies and species managed by other FMPs, from each 
statistical area. This reporting requirement is in addition to the 
reporting requirements specified in paragraph (k)(1) of this section and 
any other reporting requirements specified in this part. The report 
frequency is detailed in paragraphs (k)(2)(i) and (ii) of this section.
    (i) Vessels declaring into GOM Stock Area and any other stock area. 
A vessel declared to fish in the GOM Stock Area, as defined in paragraph 
(k)(3)(i) of this section, and any other stock area defined in 
paragraphs (k)(3)(ii) through (iv) of this section, must submit a daily 
VMS catch report in 24-hr intervals for each day by 0900 hr of the 
following day. Reports are required even if groundfish species caught 
that day have not yet been landed.
    (ii) Vessels declaring into multiple broad stock areas not including 
GOM Stock Area. A vessel declared into multiple stock areas defined in 
paragraphs (k)(3)(ii) through (iv) of this section, not including the 
GOM Stock Area I defined in paragraph (k)(3)(i) of this section, must 
submit a trip-level report via VMS prior to crossing the VMS demarcation 
line, as defined in Sec. 648.10, upon its return to port following each 
fishing trip on which regulated species were caught, as instructed by 
the Regional Administrator.
    (iii) The Regional Administrator may adjust the reporting frequency 
specified in paragraph (k)(2) of this section.
    (iv) Exemptions from broad stock area VMS reporting requirements. 
(A) A vessel is exempt from the reporting requirements specified in 
paragraph (k)(2) of this section if it is fishing in a special 
management program, as specified in Sec. 648.85, and is required to 
submit daily VMS catch reports consistent with the requirements of that 
program.
    (B) The Regional Administrator may exempt vessels on a sector trip 
from the reporting requirements specified in this paragraph (k)(2) if it 
is determined that such reporting requirements would duplicate those 
specified in Sec. 648.87(b).
    (3) NE multispecies broad stock areas. For the purposes of the area-
specific reporting requirements listed in paragraph (k)(1) of this 
section, the NE multispecies broad stock areas are defined in paragraphs 
(k)(3)(i) through (iv) of this section. Copies of a map depicting these 
areas are available from the Regional Administrator upon request.
    (i) GOM Stock Area 1. The GOM Stock Area 1 is bounded on the east by 
the

[[Page 647]]

U.S./Canadian maritime boundary and straight lines connecting the 
following points in the order stated:

                            GOM Stock Area 1
------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Point                   N. latitude         W. longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
G1.............................  (\1\)                (\1\)
CII3...........................  (\1\)                67[deg]20[min]
G6.............................  42[deg]20[min]       67[deg]20[min]
G10............................  42[deg]20[min]       70[deg]00[min]
G9.............................  (\2\)                70[deg]00[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The intersection of the shoreline and the U.S.-Canada maritime
  boundary.
\2\ The intersection of the Cape Cod, MA, coastline and 70[deg]00[min]
  W. long.

    (ii) Inshore GB Stock Area 2. The inshore GB Stock Area is defined 
by straight lines connecting the following points in the order stated:

                         Inshore GB Stock Area 2
------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Point                   N. latitude        W. longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
G9..............................  (\1\)               70[deg]00[min]
G10.............................  42[deg]20[min]      70[deg]00[min]
IGB1............................  42[deg]20[min]      68[deg]50[min]
IGB2............................  41[deg]00[min]      68[deg]50[min]
IGB3............................  41[deg]00[min]      69[deg]30[min]
IGB4............................  41[deg]10[min]      69[deg]30[min]
IGB5............................  41[deg]10[min]      69[deg]50[min]
IGB6............................  41[deg]20[min]      69[deg]50[min]
IGB7............................  41[deg]20[min]      70[deg]00[min]
G12.............................  (\2\)               70[deg]00[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The intersection of the Cape Cod, MA, coastline and 70[deg]00[min]
  W. long.
\2\ South-facing shoreline of Cape Cod, MA.

    (iii) Offshore GB Stock Area 3. The Offshore GB Stock Area 3 is 
bounded on the east by the U.S./Canadian maritime boundary and defined 
by straight lines connecting the following points in the order stated:

                        Offshore GB Stock Area 3
------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Point                   N. latitude         W. longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
IGB1...........................  42[deg]20[min]       68[deg]50[min]
G6.............................  42[deg]20[min]       67[deg]20[min]
CII3...........................  (\1\)                67[deg]20[min]
SNE2...........................  39[deg]00[min]       (\1\)
SNE3...........................  39[deg]00[min]       69[deg]00[min]
SNE4...........................  39[deg]50[min]       69[deg]00[min]
SNE5...........................  39[deg]50[min]       68[deg]50[min]
IGB1...........................  42[deg]20[min]       68[deg]50[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The U.S.-Canada maritime boundary as it intersects with the EEZ.

    (iv) SNE/MA Stock Area 4. The SNE/MA Stock Area 4 is the area 
bounded on the north and west by the coastline of the United States, 
bounded on the south by a line running from the east-facing coastline of 
North Carolina at 35[deg] N. lat. until its intersection with the EEZ, 
and bounded on the east by straight lines connecting the following 
points in the order stated:

                           SNE/MA Stock Area 4
------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Point                   N. latitude         W. longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
G12............................  (\1\)                70[deg]00[min]
IGB7...........................  41[deg]20[min]       70[deg]00[min]
IGB6...........................  41[deg]20[min]       69[deg]50[min]
IGB5...........................  41[deg]10[min]       69[deg]50[min]
IGB4...........................  41[deg]10[min]       69[deg]30[min]
IGB3...........................  41[deg]00[min]       69[deg]30[min]
IGB2...........................  41[deg]00[min]       68[deg]50[min]
SNE4...........................  39[deg]50[min]       68[deg]50[min]
SNE3...........................  39[deg]50[min]       69[deg]00[min]
SNE5...........................  39[deg]00[min]       69[deg]00[min]
SNE6...........................  39[deg]00[min]       (\2\)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ South-facing shoreline of Cape Cod, MA.
\2\ The U.S.-Canada maritime boundary as it intersects with the EEZ.

    (l) [Reserved]
    (m) Atlantic herring VMS notification requirements. (1) A vessel 
issued a limited access herring permit (i.e., Category A, B, or C) or a 
Category E Herring Permit intending to declare into the herring fishery 
or a vessel issued a herring permit and intending to declare an Atlantic 
herring carrier trip via VMS must notify NMFS by declaring a herring 
trip with the appropriate gear code prior to leaving port at the start 
of each trip in order to harvest, possess, or land herring on that trip.
    (2) A vessel issued a limited access herring permit (i.e., Category 
A, B, or C) or a Category E Herring Permit or a vessel that declared an 
Atlantic herring carrier trip via VMS must notify NMFS Office of Law 
Enforcement through VMS of the time and place of offloading at least 6 
hours prior to landing or, if fishing ends less than 6 hours before 
landing, as soon as the vessel stops catching fish. The Regional 
Administrator may adjust the prior notification minimum time through 
publication of a document in the Federal Register consistent with the 
Administrative Procedure Act.
    (n) Limited access Atlantic mackerel VMS notification requirements. 
(1) A vessel issued a limited access Atlantic mackerel permit intending 
to declare into the Atlantic mackerel fishery must notify NMFS by 
declaring an Atlantic mackerel trip prior to leaving port at the start 
of each trip in order to harvest, possess, or land Atlantic mackerel on 
that trip.

[[Page 648]]

    (2) A vessel issued a limited access Atlantic mackerel permit 
intending to land more than 20,000 lb (9.07 mt) of Atlantic mackerel 
must notify NMFS of the time and place of offloading at least 6 hr prior 
prior to arrival, or, if fishing ends less than 6 hours before arrival, 
immediately upon leaving the fishing grounds. The Regional Administrator 
may adjust the prior notification minimum time through publication in 
the Federal Register consistent with the Administrative Procedure Act.
    (o) Longfin squid VMS notification requirement. A vessel issued a 
Tier 1 or Tier 2 longfin squid moratorium permit intending to harvest, 
possess, or land more than 2,500 lb (1.13 mt) of longfin squid on that 
trip must notify NMFS by declaring a longfin squid trip before leaving 
port at the start of each trip.
    (p) Illex squid VMS notification requirement. A vessel issued an 
Illex squid moratorium permit intending to harvest, possess, or land 
10,000 lb (4,536 kg) or more of Illex squid on that trip must notify 
NMFS by declaring an Illex squid trip before leaving port at the start 
of each trip.

[74 FR 20530, May 4, 2009]

    Editorial Note: For Federal Register citations affecting Sec. 
648.10, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the 
Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.



Sec. 648.11  Monitoring coverage.

    (a) Coverage. The Regional Administrator may request any vessel 
holding a permit for Atlantic sea scallops, Northeast multispecies, 
monkfish, skates, Atlantic mackerel, squid, butterfish, scup, black sea 
bass, bluefish, spiny dogfish, Atlantic herring, tilefish, Atlantic 
surfclam, ocean quahog, or Atlantic deep-sea red crab; or a moratorium 
permit for summer flounder; to carry a fisheries observer. A vessel 
holding a permit for Atlantic sea scallops is subject to the additional 
requirements specific in paragraph (g) of this section. Also, any vessel 
or vessel owner/operator that fishes for, catches or lands hagfish, or 
intends to fish for, catch, or land hagfish in or from the exclusive 
economic zone must carry a fisheries observer when requested by the 
Regional Administrator in accordance with the requirements of this 
section. The requirements of this section do not apply to vessels with 
only a Federal private recreational tilefish permit.
    (b) Facilitating coverage. If requested by the Regional 
Administrator or their designees, including observers, monitors, and 
NMFS staff, to be sampled by an observer or monitor, it is the 
responsibility of the vessel owner or vessel operator to arrange for and 
facilitate observer or monitor placement. Owners or operators of vessels 
selected for observer or monitor coverage must notify the appropriate 
monitoring service provider before commencing any fishing trip that may 
result in the harvest of resources of the respective fishery. 
Notification procedures will be specified in selection letters to vessel 
owners or permit holder letters.
    (c) Safety waivers. The Regional Administrator may waive the 
requirement to be sampled by an observer or monitor if the facilities on 
a vessel for housing the observer or monitor, or for carrying out 
observer or monitor functions, are so inadequate or unsafe that the 
health or safety of the observer or monitor, or the safe operation of 
the vessel, would be jeopardized.
    (d) Vessel requirements associated with coverage. An owner or 
operator of a vessel on which an observer or monitor is embarked must:
    (1) Provide accommodations and food that are equivalent to those 
provided to the crew.
    (2) Allow the observer or monitor access to and use of the vessel's 
communications equipment and personnel upon request for the transmission 
and receipt of messages related to the observer's or monitor's duties.
    (3) Provide true vessel locations, by latitude and longitude or 
loran coordinates, as requested by the observer or monitor, and allow 
the observer or monitor access to and use of the vessel's navigation 
equipment and personnel upon request to determine the vessel's position.
    (4) Notify the observer or monitor in a timely fashion of when 
fishing operations are to begin and end.
    (5) Allow for the embarking and debarking of the observer or 
monitor, as

[[Page 649]]

specified by the Regional Administrator, ensuring that transfers of 
observers or monitors at sea are accomplished in a safe manner, via 
small boat or raft, during daylight hours as weather and sea conditions 
allow, and with the agreement of the observers or monitors involved.
    (6) Allow the observer or monitor free and unobstructed access to 
the vessel's bridge, working decks, holding bins, weight scales, holds, 
and any other space used to hold, process, weigh, or store fish.
    (7) Allow the observer or monitor to inspect and copy any the 
vessel's log, communications log, and records associated with the catch 
and distribution of fish for that trip.
    (e) Vessel requirements associated with protected species. The owner 
or operator of a vessel issued a summer flounder moratorium permit, a 
scup moratorium permit, a black sea bass moratorium permit, a bluefish 
permit, a spiny dogfish permit, an Atlantic herring permit, an Atlantic 
deep-sea red crab permit, a skate permit, or a tilefish permit, if 
requested by the observer or monitor, also must:
    (1) Notify the observer or monitor of any sea turtles, marine 
mammals, summer flounder, scup, black sea bass, bluefish, spiny dogfish, 
Atlantic herring, Atlantic deep-sea red crab, tilefish, skates 
(including discards) or other specimens taken by the vessel.
    (2) Provide the observer or monitor with sea turtles, marine 
mammals, summer flounder, scup, black sea bass, bluefish, spiny dogfish, 
Atlantic herring, Atlantic deep-sea red crab, skates, tilefish, or other 
specimens taken by the vessel.
    (f) Coverage funded from outside sources. NMFS may accept observer 
or monitor coverage funded by outside sources if:
    (1) All coverage conducted by such observers or monitors is 
determined by NMFS to be in compliance with NMFS' observer or monitor 
guidelines and procedures.
    (2) The owner or operator of the vessel complies with all other 
provisions of this part.
    (3) The observer or monitor is approved by the Regional 
Administrator.
    (g) Industry-funded monitoring programs. Fishery management plans 
(FMPs) managed by the New England Fishery Management Council (New 
England Council), including Atlantic Herring, Atlantic Salmon, Atlantic 
Sea Scallops, Deep-Sea Red Crab, Northeast Multispecies, and Northeast 
Skate Complex, may include industry-funded monitoring programs (IFM) to 
supplement existing monitoring required by the Standard Bycatch 
Reporting Methodology (SBRM), Endangered Species Act, and the Marine 
Mammal Protection Act. IFM programs may use observers, monitors, 
including at-sea monitors and portside samplers, and electronic 
monitoring to meet specified IFM coverage targets. The ability to meet 
IFM coverage targets may be constrained by the availability of Federal 
funding to pay NMFS cost responsibilities associated with IFM.
    (1) Guiding principles for new IFM programs. The Council's 
development of an IFM program must consider or include the following:
    (i) A clear need or reason for the data collection;
    (ii) Objective design criteria;
    (iii) Cost of data collection should not diminish net benefits to 
the nation nor threaten continued existence of the fishery;
    (iv) Seek less data intensive methods to collect data necessary to 
assure conservation and sustainability when assessing and managing 
fisheries with minimal profit margins;
    (v) Prioritize the use of modern technology to the extent 
practicable; and
    (vi) Incentives for reliable self-reporting.
    (2) Process to implement and revise new IFM programs. New IFM 
programs shall be developed via an amendment to a specific FMP. IFM 
programs implemented in an FMP may be revised via a framework 
adjustment. The details of an IFM program may include, but are not 
limited to:
    (i) Level and type of coverage target;
    (ii) Rationale for level and type of coverage;
    (iii) Minimum level of coverage necessary to meet coverage goals;
    (iv) Consideration of waivers if coverage targets cannot be met;

[[Page 650]]

    (v) Process for vessel notification and selection;
    (vi) Cost collection and administration;
    (vii) Standards for monitoring service providers; and
    (viii) Any other measures necessary to implement the industry-funded 
monitoring program.
    (3) NMFS cost responsibilities. IFM programs have two types of 
costs, NMFS and industry costs. Cost responsibilities are delineated by 
the type of cost. NMFS cost responsibilities include the following:
    (i) The labor and facilities associated with training and debriefing 
of monitors;
    (ii) NMFS-issued gear (e.g., electronic reporting aids used by human 
monitors to record trip information);
    (iii) Certification of monitoring service providers and individual 
observers or monitors; performance monitoring to maintain certificates;
    (iv) Developing and executing vessel selection;
    (v) Data processing (including electronic monitoring video audit, 
but excluding service provider electronic video review); and
    (vi) Costs associated with liaison activities between service 
providers, and NMFS, Coast Guard, New England Council, sector managers, 
and other partners.
    (vii) The industry is responsible for all other costs associated 
with IFM programs.
    (4) Prioritization process to cover NMFS IFM cost responsibilities. 
(i) Available Federal funding refers to any funds in excess of those 
allocated to meet SBRM requirements or the existing IFM programs in the 
Atlantic Sea Scallop and Northeast Multispecies FMPs that may be used to 
cover NMFS cost responsibilities associated with IFM coverage targets. 
If there is no available Federal funding in a given year to cover NMFS 
IFM cost responsibilities, then there shall be no IFM coverage during 
that year. If there is some available Federal funding in a given year, 
but not enough to cover all of NMFS cost responsibilities associated 
with IFM coverage targets, then the New England Council will prioritize 
available Federal funding across IFM programs during that year. Existing 
IFM programs for Atlantic sea scallops and Northeast multispecies 
fisheries shall not be included in this prioritization process.
    (ii) Programs with IFM coverage targets shall be prioritized using 
an equal weighting approach, such that any available Federal funding 
shall be divided equally among programs.
    (iii) After NMFS determines the amount of available Federal funding 
for the next fishing year, NMFS shall provide the New England Council 
with the estimated IFM coverage levels for the next fishing year. The 
estimated IFM coverage levels would be based on the equal weighting 
approach and would include the rationale for any deviations from the 
equal weighting approach. The New England Council may recommend 
revisions and additional considerations to the Regional Administrator 
and Science and Research Director.
    (A) If available Federal funding exceeds that needed to pay all of 
NMFS cost responsibilities for administering IFM programs, the New 
England Council may request NMFS to use available funding to help offset 
industry cost responsibilities through reimbursement.
    (B) [Reserved]
    (iv) Revisions to the prioritization process may be made via a 
framework adjustment to all New England FMPs.
    (v) Revisions to the weighting approach for the New England Council-
led prioritization process may be made via a framework adjustment to all 
New England FMPs or by the New England Council considering a new 
weighting approach at a public meeting, where public comment is 
accepted, and requesting NMFS to publish a notice or rulemaking revising 
the weighting approach. NMFS shall implement revisions to the weighting 
approach in a manner consistent with the Administrative Procedure Act.
    (5) IFM program monitoring service provider requirements. IFM 
monitoring service provider requirements shall be consistent with 
requirements in paragraph (h) of this section and observer or monitor 
requirements shall be consistent with requirements in paragraph (i) of 
this section.

[[Page 651]]

    (6) Monitoring set-aside. The New England Council may develop a 
monitoring set-aside program for individual FMPs that would devote a 
portion of the annual catch limit for a fishery to help offset the 
industry cost responsibilities for monitoring coverage, including 
observers, at-sea monitors, portside samplers, and electronic 
monitoring.
    (i) The details of a monitoring set-aside program may include, but 
are not limited to:
    (A) The basis for the monitoring set-aside;
    (B) The amount of the set-aside (e.g., quota, days at sea);
    (C) How the set-aside is allocated to vessels required to pay for 
monitoring (e.g., an increased trip limit, differential days at sea 
counting, additional trips, an allocation of the quota);
    (D) The process for vessel notification;
    (E) How funds are collected and administered to cover the industry's 
costs of monitoring; and
    (F) Any other measures necessary to develop and implement a 
monitoring set-aside.
    (ii) The New England Council may develop new monitoring set-asides 
and revise those monitoring set-asides via a framework adjustment to the 
relevant FMP.
    (h) Monitoring service provider approval and responsibilities--(1) 
General. An entity seeking to provide monitoring services, including 
services for IFM Programs described in paragraph (g) of this section, 
must apply for and obtain approval from NMFS following submission of a 
complete application. Monitoring services include providing observers, 
monitors (at-sea monitors and portside samplers), and/or electronic 
monitoring. A list of approved monitoring service providers shall be 
distributed to vessel owners and shall be posted on the NMFS Fisheries 
Sampling Branch (FSB) website: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/resource/
data/observer-providers-northeast-and-mid-atlantic-programs.
    (2) [Reserved]
    (3) Contents of application. An application to become an approved 
monitoring service provider shall contain the following:
    (i) Identification of the management, organizational structure, and 
ownership structure of the applicant's business, including 
identification by name and general function of all controlling 
management interests in the company, including but not limited to 
owners, board members, officers, authorized agents, and staff. If the 
applicant is a corporation, the articles of incorporation must be 
provided. If the applicant is a partnership, the partnership agreement 
must be provided.
    (ii) The permanent mailing address, phone and fax numbers where the 
owner(s) can be contacted for official correspondence, and the current 
physical location, business mailing address, business telephone and fax 
numbers, and business email address for each office.
    (iii) A statement, signed under penalty of perjury, from each owner 
or owners, board members, and officers, if a corporation, that they are 
free from a conflict of interest as described under paragraph (h)(6) of 
this section.
    (iv) A statement, signed under penalty of perjury, from each owner 
or owners, board members, and officers, if a corporation, describing any 
criminal conviction(s), Federal contract(s) they have had and the 
performance rating they received on the contracts, and previous 
decertification action(s) while working as an observer or monitor or 
monitoring service provider.
    (v) A description of any prior experience the applicant may have in 
placing individuals in remote field and/or marine work environments. 
This includes, but is not limited to, recruiting, hiring, deployment, 
and personnel administration.
    (vi) A description of the applicant's ability to carry out the 
responsibilities and duties of a monitoring service provider as set out 
under paragraph (h)(5) of this section, and the arrangements to be used.
    (vii) Evidence of holding adequate insurance to cover injury, 
liability, and accidental death for any observers, monitors (at-sea or 
dockside/roving monitors), or electronic monitoring provider staff who 
provide electronic monitoring services onboard vessels, whether 
contracted or directly employed by the service provider, during

[[Page 652]]

their period of employment (including during training).
    (A) A monitoring service provider must hold insurance specified at 
Sec. 600.748(b) and (c) of this chapter.
    (B) An electronic monitoring service provider must hold Worker's 
Compensation and commercial general liability coverage for electronic 
monitoring provider staff. The minimum combined coverage required is $1 
million.
    (C) Upon request by a vessel owner, operator, or vessel manager, a 
monitoring service provider must provide a certificate of insurance, or 
other evidence, that demonstrates they have the required coverages under 
paragraphs (h)(3)(vii)(A) and (B) of this section as appropriate.
    (viii) Proof that its observers or monitors, whether contracted or 
employed by the service provider, are compensated with salaries that 
meet or exceed the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) guidelines for 
observers. Observers shall be compensated as Fair Labor Standards Act 
(FLSA) non-exempt employees. Monitoring service providers shall provide 
any other benefits and personnel services in accordance with the terms 
of each observer's or monitor's contract or employment status.
    (ix) The names of its fully equipped certified observers, monitors, 
or video reviewers on staff; or a list of its training candidates (with 
resumes) and a request for an appropriate NMFS-certified training class. 
All training classes have a minimum class size of eight individuals, 
which may be split among multiple vendors requesting training. Requests 
for training classes with fewer than eight individuals will be delayed 
until further requests make up the full training class size.
    (x) An Emergency Action Plan (EAP) describing its response to an 
emergency with an observer, monitor, or electronic monitoring provider 
staff on a vessel at sea or in port, including, but not limited to, 
personal injury, death, harassment, or intimidation. The EAP shall 
include communications protocol and appropriate contact information in 
an emergency.
    (4) Application evaluation. (i) NMFS shall review and evaluate each 
application submitted under paragraph (h)(3) of this section. Issuance 
of approval as a monitoring service provider shall be based on 
completeness of the application, and a determination by NMFS of the 
applicant's ability to perform the duties and responsibilities of a 
monitoring service provider, as demonstrated in the application 
information. A decision to approve or deny an application shall be made 
by NMFS within 15 business days of receipt of the application by NMFS.
    (ii) If NMFS approves the application, the monitoring service 
provider's name will be added to the list of approved monitoring service 
providers found on the NMFS/FSB website and in any outreach information 
to the industry. Approved monitoring service providers shall be notified 
in writing and provided with any information pertinent to its 
participation in the observer or monitor programs.
    (iii) An application shall be denied if NMFS determines that the 
information provided in the application is not complete or the 
evaluation criteria are not met. NMFS shall notify the applicant in 
writing of any deficiencies in the application or information submitted 
in support of the application. An applicant who receives a denial of his 
or her application may present additional information to rectify the 
deficiencies specified in the written denial, provided such information 
is submitted to NMFS within 30 days of the applicant's receipt of the 
denial notification from NMFS. In the absence of additional information, 
and after 30 days from an applicant's receipt of a denial, a monitoring 
service provider is required to resubmit an application containing all 
of the information required under the application process specified in 
paragraph (h)(3) of this section to be re-considered for being added to 
the list of approved monitoring service providers.
    (5) Responsibilities of monitoring service providers--To maintain an 
approved monitoring service provider status, a monitoring service 
provider, including electronic monitoring service providers, must 
demonstrate an ability to provide or support the following monitoring 
services:
    (i) Certified observers or monitors. Provide observers or monitors 
that have passed a NMFS-certified Observer or

[[Page 653]]

Monitor Training class pursuant to paragraph (i) of this section for 
deployment in a fishery when contacted and contracted by the owner, 
operator, or vessel manager of a fishing vessel, unless the monitoring 
service provider refuses to deploy an observer or monitor on a 
requesting vessel for any of the reasons specified at paragraph 
(h)(5)(viii) of this section.
    (ii) Support for observers, monitors, or electronic monitoring 
provider staff. Ensure that each of its observers, monitors, or 
electronic monitoring provider staff procures or is provided with the 
following:
    (A) All necessary transportation, lodging costs and support for 
arrangements and logistics of travel for observers, monitors, or 
electronic monitoring provider staff to and from the initial location of 
deployment, to all subsequent vessel assignments, to any debriefing 
locations, and for appearances in Court for monitoring-related trials as 
necessary;
    (B) Lodging, per diem, and any other services necessary for 
observers, monitors, or electronic monitoring provider staff assigned to 
a fishing vessel or to attend an appropriate NMFS training class;
    (C) The required observer, monitor, or electronic monitoring 
equipment, in accordance with equipment requirements, prior to any 
deployment and/or prior to certification training; and
    (D) Individually assigned communication equipment, in working order, 
such as a mobile phone, for all necessary communication. A monitoring 
service provider may alternatively compensate observers or monitors for 
the use of the observer's or monitor's personal mobile phone, or other 
device, for communications made in support of, or necessary for, the 
observer's or monitor's duties.
    (iii) Deployment logistics. (A) Assign an available observer or 
monitor to a vessel upon request. For service providers contracted to 
meet the requirements of the Northeast multispecies monitoring program 
in paragraph (l) of this section, assign available at-sea monitors, 
electronic monitoring provider staff, and other approved at-sea 
monitoring mechanisms fairly and equitably in a manner that represents 
fishing activities within each sector throughout the fishing year 
without regard to any sector manager or vessel representative 
preference.
    (B) Enable an owner, operator, or manager of a vessel to secure 
monitoring coverage or electronic monitoring technical support when 
requested, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week via a telephone or other 
notification system that is monitored a minimum of four times daily to 
ensure rapid response to industry requests.
    (iv) Observer deployment limitations. (A) A candidate observer's 
first several deployments and the resulting data shall be immediately 
edited and approved after each trip by NMFS prior to any further 
deployments by that observer. If data quality is considered acceptable, 
the observer would be certified.
    (B) For the purpose of coverage to meet SBRM requirements in Sec. 
648.18, unless alternative arrangements are approved by NMFS, a 
monitoring service provider must not deploy any observer on the same 
vessel for more than two consecutive multi-day trips, and not more than 
twice in any given month for multi-day deployments.
    (C) For the purpose of coverage to meet IFM requirements in this 
section, a monitoring service provider may deploy any observer or 
monitor on the same vessel for more than two consecutive multi-day trips 
and more than twice in any given month for multi-day deployments.
    (v) Communications with observers and monitors. A monitoring service 
provider must have an employee responsible for observer or monitor 
activities on call 24 hours a day to handle emergencies involving 
observers or monitors or problems concerning observer or monitor 
logistics, whenever observers or monitors are at sea, stationed 
portside, in transit, or in port awaiting vessel assignment.
    (vi) Observer and monitor training requirements. Ensure all 
observers and monitors attend and complete a NMFS-certified Observer or 
Monitor Training class. Requests for training must be submitted to NMFS 
45 calendar days in advance of the requested training. The following 
information must be submitted to NMFS at least 15 business

[[Page 654]]

days prior to the beginning of the proposed training: A list of observer 
or monitor candidates; candidate resumes, cover letters and academic 
transcripts; and a statement signed by the candidate, under penalty of 
perjury, that discloses the candidate's criminal convictions, if any. A 
medical report certified by a physician for each candidate is required 7 
business days prior to the first day of training. CPR/First Aid 
certificates and a final list of training candidates with candidate 
contact information (email, phone, number, mailing address and emergency 
contact information) are due 7 business days prior to the first day of 
training. NMFS may reject a candidate for training if the candidate does 
not meet the minimum qualification requirements as outlined by NMFS 
minimum eligibility standards for observers or monitors as described on 
the National Observer Program website: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/
topic/fishery-observersbecome-an-observer.
    (vii) Reports and requirements--(A) Deployment reports. (1) Report 
to NMFS when, where, to whom, and to what vessel an observer or monitor 
has been deployed, as soon as practicable, and according to requirements 
outlined by NMFS. The deployment report must be available and accessible 
to NMFS electronically 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
    (2) Ensure that the raw (unedited) data collected by the observer or 
monitor is provided to NMFS at the specified time per program. 
Electronic data submission protocols will be outlined in training and 
may include accessing Government websites via personal computers/devices 
or submitting data through Government issued electronics.
    (B) Safety refusals. Report to NMFS any trip or landing that has 
been refused due to safety issues (e.g., failure to hold a valid U.S. 
Coast Guard (USCG) Commercial Fishing Vessel Safety Examination Decal or 
to meet the safety requirements of the observer's or monitor's safety 
checklist) within 12 hours of the refusal.
    (C) Biological samples. Ensure that biological samples, including 
whole marine mammals, sea turtles, sea birds, and fin clips or other DNA 
samples, are stored/handled properly and transported to NMFS within 5 
days of landing. If transport to NMFS Observer Training Facility is not 
immediately available then whole animals requiring freezing shall be 
received by the nearest NMFS freezer facility within 24 hours of vessel 
landing.
    (D) Debriefing. Ensure that the observer, monitor, or electronic 
monitoring provider staff remains available to NMFS, either in-person or 
via phone, at NMFS' discretion, including NMFS Office of Law 
Enforcement, for debriefing for at least 2 weeks following any monitored 
trip/offload or electronic monitoring trip report submission. If 
requested by NMFS, an observer or monitor that is at sea during the 2-
week period must contact NMFS upon his or her return. Monitoring service 
providers must pay for travel and land hours for any requested 
debriefings.
    (E) Availability report. The monitoring service provider must report 
to NMFS any inability to respond to an industry request for observer or 
monitor coverage due to the lack of available observers or monitors as 
soon as practicable. Availability report must be available and 
accessible to NMFS electronically 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
    (F) Incident reports. Report possible observer, monitor, or 
electronic monitoring provider staff harassment, discrimination, 
concerns about vessel safety, or marine casualty; concerns with possible 
electronic monitoring system tampering, data loss, or catch handling 
protocols; or observer or monitor illness or injury; or other events as 
specified by the Regional Administrator; and any information, 
allegations, or reports regarding observer, monitor, or electronic 
monitoring provider staff conflict of interest or breach of the 
standards of behavior, to NMFS within 12 hours of the event or within 12 
hours of learning of the event.
    (G) Status report. (1) Provide NMFS with an updated list of contact 
information for all observers or monitors that includes the 
identification number, name, mailing address, email address, phone 
numbers, homeports or fisheries/trip types assigned, and must

[[Page 655]]

include whether or not the observer or monitor is ``in service,'' 
indicating when the observer or monitor has requested leave and/or is 
not currently working for an industry-funded program.
    (2) Place any federally contracted observer not actively deployed on 
a vessel for 30 days on Leave of Absence (LOA) status (or as specified 
by NMFS) according to most recent Information Technology Security 
Guidelines.
    (3) Ensure federally contracted observers on LOA for 90 days or more 
conduct an exit interview with NMFS and return any NMFS issued gear and 
Common Access Card (CAC), unless alternative arrangements are approved 
by NMFS. NMFS requires 2-week advance notification when a federally 
contracted observer is leaving the program so that an exit interview may 
be arranged and gear returned.
    (H) Vessel contract. Submit to NMFS, if requested, a copy of each 
type of signed and valid contract (including all attachments, 
appendices, addendums, and exhibits incorporated into the contract) 
between the monitoring service provider and those entities requiring 
monitoring services.
    (I) Observer, monitor, or electronic monitoring provider staff 
contract. Submit to NMFS, if requested, a copy of each type of signed 
and valid contract (including all attachments, appendices, addendums, 
and exhibits incorporated into the contract) between the monitoring 
service provider and specific observers, monitors, or electronic 
monitoring provider staff.
    (J) Additional information. Submit to NMFS, if requested, copies of 
any information developed and/or used by the monitoring service provider 
and distributed to vessels, observers, monitors, or electronic 
monitoring provider staff such as informational pamphlets, payment 
notification, daily rate of monitoring or review services, description 
of observer or monitor duties, etc.
    (K) Discard estimates. Estimate discards for each trip and provide 
such information to the sector manager and NMFS when providing 
monitoring services to meet catch estimation and/or at-sea or electronic 
monitoring service requirements in paragraph (l) of this section.
    (L) Data system. If contracted to meet the requirements of the 
groundfish sector monitoring program in paragraph (l) of this section, 
maintain an electronic monitoring system to record, retain, and 
distribute to NMFS upon request for a minimum of 12 months after 
receiving notice from NMFS that catch data are finalized for the fishing 
year, the following information:
    (1) The number of at-sea monitor deployments and other approved 
monitoring equipment deployments or video reviews, including any refusal 
to provide service when requested and reasons for such refusals;
    (2) Incident/non-compliance reports (e.g., failure to offload 
catch);
    (3) Vessel hail reports and landings records;
    (4) Electronic monitoring data and reports; and
    (5) A means to protect the confidentiality and privacy of data 
submitted by vessels, as required by the Magnuson-Stevens Act.
    (M) Data retention. Ensure that electronic monitoring data and 
reports are retained for a minimum of 12 months after catch data are 
finalized for the fishing year. NMFS will notify monitoring service 
providers of the catch data finalization date each year. The electronic 
monitoring service provider must provide NMFS access to electronic 
monitoring data or reports upon request.
    (N) Software requirements. Provide NMFS with all software necessary 
for accessing, viewing, and interpreting the data generated by the 
electronic monitoring system, including submitting the agency's 
secondary review data to the application programming interface and 
maintenance releases to correct errors in the software or enhance 
software functionality. The software must:
    (1) Support a ``dual user'' system that allows NMFS to complete and 
submit secondary reviews to the application programming interface.
    (2) Allow for the export or download of electronic monitoring data 
in order for the agency to make a copy if necessary.
    (O) Software training. Provide software training for NMFS staff.

[[Page 656]]

    (P) Facilitation. Provide the following to NMFS upon request:
    (1) Assistance in electronic monitoring system operations, 
diagnosing/resolving technical issues, and recovering lost or corrupted 
data;
    (2) Responses to inquiries related to data summaries, analyses, 
reports, and operational issues; and
    (3) Access to video reviewers for debriefing sessions.
    (Q) Litigation support. Provide technical and expert information 
substantiating electronic monitoring system data, testing procedures, 
error rates, peer review or other issues raised in litigation, including 
but not limited to, a brief summary of the litigation and any court 
findings on the reliability of the technology.
    (viii) Refusal to deploy an observer or monitor. (A) A monitoring 
service provider may refuse to deploy an observer or monitor on a 
requesting fishing vessel if the monitoring service provider does not 
have an available observer or monitor within the required time and must 
report all refusals to NMFS/FSB.
    (B) A monitoring service provider may refuse to deploy an observer 
or monitor on a requesting fishing vessel if the monitoring service 
provider has determined that the requesting vessel is inadequate or 
unsafe pursuant to the reasons described at Sec. 600.746.
    (C) The monitoring service provider may refuse to deploy an observer 
or monitor on a fishing vessel that is otherwise eligible to carry an 
observer or monitor for any other reason, including failure to pay for 
previous monitoring deployments, provided the monitoring service 
provider has received prior written confirmation from NMFS authorizing 
such refusal.
    (6) Limitations on conflict of interest. A monitoring service 
provider:
    (i) Must not have a direct or indirect interest in a fishery managed 
under Federal regulations, including, but not limited to, a fishing 
vessel, fish dealer, and/or fishery advocacy group (other than providing 
monitoring services);
    (ii) Must assign observers or monitors without regard to any 
preference by representatives of vessels other than when an observer or 
monitor will be deployed for the trip that was selected for coverage; 
and
    (iii) Must not solicit or accept, directly or indirectly, any 
gratuity, gift, favor, entertainment, loan, or anything of monetary 
value from anyone who conducts fishing or fishing related activities 
that are regulated by NMFS, or who has interests that may be 
substantially affected by the performance or nonperformance of the 
official duties of monitoring service providers.
    (7) Removal of monitoring service provider from the list of approved 
service providers. A monitoring service provider that fails to meet the 
requirements, conditions, and responsibilities specified in paragraphs 
(h)(5) and (6) of this section shall be notified by NMFS, in writing, 
that it is subject to removal from the list of approved monitoring 
service providers. Such notification shall specify the reasons for the 
pending removal. A monitoring service provider that has received 
notification that it is subject to removal from the list of approved 
monitoring service providers may submit written information to rebut the 
reasons for removal from the list. Such rebuttal must be submitted 
within 30 days of notification received by the monitoring service 
provider that the monitoring service provider is subject to removal and 
must be accompanied by written evidence rebutting the basis for removal. 
NMFS shall review information rebutting the pending removal and shall 
notify the monitoring service provider within 15 days of receipt of the 
rebuttal whether or not the removal is warranted. If no response to a 
pending removal is received by NMFS, the monitoring service provider 
shall be automatically removed from the list of approved monitoring 
service providers. The decision to remove the monitoring service 
provider from the list, either after reviewing a rebuttal, or if no 
rebuttal is submitted, shall be the final decision of NMFS and the 
Department of Commerce. Removal from the list of approved monitoring 
service providers does not necessarily prevent such monitoring service 
provider from obtaining an approval in the future if a new application 
is submitted that demonstrates that the reasons for removal are 
remedied. Observers and monitors under contract with observer monitoring 
service provider that has been

[[Page 657]]

removed from the list of approved service providers must complete their 
assigned duties for any fishing trips on which the observers or monitors 
are deployed at the time the monitoring service provider is removed from 
the list of approved monitoring service providers. A monitoring service 
provider removed from the list of approved monitoring service providers 
is responsible for providing NMFS with the information required in 
paragraph (h)(5)(vii) of this section following completion of the trip. 
NMFS may consider, but is not limited to, the following in determining 
if a monitoring service provider may remain on the list of approved 
monitoring service providers:
    (i) Failure to meet the requirements, conditions, and 
responsibilities of monitoring service providers specified in paragraphs 
(h)(5) and (6) of this section;
    (ii) Evidence of conflict of interest as defined under paragraph 
(h)(6) of this section;
    (iii) Evidence of criminal convictions related to:
    (A) Embezzlement, theft, forgery, bribery, falsification or 
destruction of records, making false statements, or receiving stolen 
property; or
    (B) The commission of any other crimes of dishonesty, as defined by 
state law or Federal law, that would seriously and directly affect the 
fitness of an applicant in providing monitoring services under this 
section; and
    (iv) Unsatisfactory performance ratings on any Federal contracts 
held by the applicant; and
    (v) Evidence of any history of decertification as either an 
observer, monitor, video reviewer, or monitoring service provider.
    (i) Observer, monitor, or video reviewer certification--(1) 
Requirements. To be certified as an observer, or monitor, or video 
reviewer, a monitoring service provider employee or contractor must meet 
the criteria in paragraphs (i)(1) through (3) of this section for 
observers, or paragraphs (i)(1), (2), and (4) of this section for 
monitors, and paragraphs (i)(1), (2), and (5) of this section for video 
reviewers, respectively. Observers are deemed to have satisfied the 
basic minimum eligibility requirements if they meet the NMFS National 
Minimum Eligibility Standards for observers specified at the National 
Observer Program website: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/topic/fishery-
observersbecome-an-observer.
    (2) Training. In order to provide observer or monitor services and 
be deployed on any fishing vessel, a candidate observer or monitor must 
have passed an appropriate NMFS-certified Observer or Monitor Training 
course and must adhere to all NMFS program standards and policies. In 
order to perform electronic monitoring video review, a candidate video 
reviewer must have passed an appropriate NMFS-certified Video Review 
Training course and must adhere to all NMFS program standards and 
policies. NMFS will immediately notify any candidate that fails training 
and the monitoring service provider. Observer or monitor training may 
include an observer training trip, as part of the observer's training, 
aboard a fishing vessel with a trainer. Contact NMFS for the required 
number of program specific observer and monitor training certification 
trips for full certification following training.
    (3) Observer requirements. All observers must:
    (i) Have a valid NMFS fisheries observer certification pursuant to 
paragraph (i)(1) of this section;
    (ii) Be physically and mentally capable of carrying out the 
responsibilities of an observer on board fishing vessels, pursuant to 
standards established by NMFS. Such standards shall be provided to each 
approved monitoring service provider.
    (iii) Have successfully completed all NMFS-required training and 
briefings for observers before deployment, pursuant to paragraph (i)(2) 
of this section;
    (iv) Hold a current Red Cross (or equivalence) CPR/First Aid 
certification;
    (v) Accurately record their sampling data, write complete reports, 
and report accurately any observations relevant to conservation of 
marine resources or their environment; and
    (vi) Report unsafe sampling conditions, pursuant to paragraph (m)(6) 
of this section.
    (4) Monitor requirements. All monitors must:

[[Page 658]]

    (i) Hold a high school diploma or legal equivalent;
    (ii) Have a valid NMFS certification pursuant to paragraph (i)(1) of 
this section;
    (iii) Be physically and mentally capable of carrying out the 
responsibilities of a monitor on board fishing vessels, pursuant to 
standards established by NMFS. Such standards shall be provided to each 
approved monitoring service provider.
    (iv) Have successfully completed all NMFS-required training and 
briefings for monitors before deployment, pursuant to paragraph (i)(2) 
of this section;
    (v) Hold a current Red Cross (or equivalence) CPR/First Aid 
certification if the monitor is to be employed as an at-sea monitor;
    (vi) Accurately record their sampling data, write complete reports, 
and report accurately any observations relevant to conservation of 
marine resources or their environment; and
    (vii) Report unsafe sampling conditions, pursuant to paragraph 
(m)(6) of this section.
    (5) Video reviewer requirements. All video reviewers must:
    (i) Hold a high school diploma or legal equivalent;
    (ii) Have a valid NMFS certification pursuant to paragraph (i)(1) of 
this section; and
    (iii) Accurately record sampling data, write complete reports, and 
report accurately any observations relevant to conservation of marine 
resources or their environment.
    (6) Probation and decertification. NMFS may review observer, 
monitor, and video reviewer certifications and issue observer, monitor, 
and video reviewer certification probations and/or decertifications as 
described in NMFS policy.
    (7) Issuance of decertification. Upon determination that 
decertification is warranted under paragraph (i)(6) of this section, 
NMFS shall issue a written decision to decertify the observer, monitor, 
or video reviewer to the observer, monitor, or video reviewer and 
approved monitoring service provider via certified mail at the 
observer's, monitor's, or video reviewer's most current address provided 
to NMFS. The decision shall identify whether a certification is revoked 
and shall identify the specific reasons for the action taken. 
Decertification is effective immediately as of the date of issuance, 
unless the decertification official notes a compelling reason for 
maintaining certification for a specified period and under specified 
conditions. Decertification is the final decision of NMFS and the 
Department of Commerce and may not be appealed.
    (j) Coverage. In the event that a vessel is requested by the 
Regional Administrator to carry a fisheries observer pursuant to 
paragraph (a) of this section and is also selected to carry an at-sea 
monitor as part of an approved sector at-sea monitoring program 
specified in paragraph (l) of this section for the same trip, only the 
fisheries observer is required to go on that particular trip. Vessels 
using electronic monitoring to satisfy the groundfish sector monitoring 
program requirement must comply with their vessel monitoring plan on all 
trips, including a trip that has been selected to carry, or a trip that 
carries, a fisheries observer.
    (k) Atlantic sea scallop observer program--(1) General. Unless 
otherwise specified, owners, operators, and/or managers of vessels 
issued a Federal scallop permit under Sec. 648.4(a)(2), and specified 
in paragraph (a) of this section, must comply with this section and are 
jointly and severally responsible for their vessel's compliance with 
this section. To facilitate the deployment of at-sea observers, all sea 
scallop vessels issued limited access, LAGC IFQ, and LAGC NGOM permits 
are required to comply with the additional notification requirements 
specified in paragraph (k)(2) of this section. When NMFS notifies the 
vessel owner, operator, and/or manager of any requirement to carry an 
observer on a specified trip in either an Access Area, Open Area, or 
NGOM as specified in paragraph (k)(3) of this section, the vessel may 
not fish for, take, retain, possess, or land any scallops without 
carrying an observer. Vessels may only embark on a scallop trip without 
an observer if the vessel owner, operator, and/or manager has been 
notified that the vessel has received a waiver of the observer 
requirement for that trip pursuant to

[[Page 659]]

paragraphs (k)(3) and (k)(4)(ii) of this section.
    (2) Vessel notification procedures--(i) Limited access vessels. 
Limited access vessel owners, operators, or managers shall notify NMFS 
by telephone not more than 10 days prior to the beginning of any scallop 
trip of the time, port of departure, open area, NGOM, or specific Sea 
Scallop Access Area to be fished, and whether fishing as a scallop 
dredge, scallop trawl, or general category vessel.
    (ii) LAGC IFQ vessels. LAGC IFQ vessel owners, operators, or 
managers must notify the NMFS/FSB by telephone by 0001 hr of the 
Thursday preceding the week (Sunday through Saturday) that they intend 
to start any open area or access area scallop trip and must include the 
port of departure, open area or specific Sea Scallop Access Area to be 
fished, and whether fishing as a scallop dredge, scallop trawl vessel. 
If selected, up to two trips that start during the specified week 
(Sunday through Saturday) can be selected to be covered by an observer. 
NMFS/FSB must be notified by the owner, operator, or vessel manager of 
any trip plan changes at least 48 hr prior to vessel departure.
    (iii) LAGC vessels fishing NGOM. LAGC IFQ and NGOM vessel owners, 
operators, or managers must notify the NMFS by telephone by 0001 hr of 
the Thursday preceding the week (Sunday through Saturday) that they 
intend to start a NGOM scallop trip and must include the port of 
departure. NMFS may select up to two trips to be covered by an observer 
during the specified week (Sun-Sat). The owner, operator, or vessel 
manager must notify NMFS of any trip plan changes at least 48 hr prior 
to vessel departure.
    (3) Selection of scallop trips for observer coverage. Based on 
predetermined coverage levels for various permit categories and areas of 
the scallop fishery that are provided by NMFS in writing to all observer 
service providers approved pursuant to paragraph (h) of this section, 
NMFS shall notify the vessel owner, operator, or vessel manager whether 
the vessel must carry an observer, or if a waiver has been granted, for 
the specified scallop trip, within 24 hr of the vessel owner's, 
operator's, or vessel manager's notification of the prospective scallop 
trip, as specified in paragraph (k)(2) of this section. Any request to 
carry an observer may be waived by NMFS. All waivers for observer 
coverage shall be issued to the vessel by VMS so as to have on-board 
verification of the waiver. A vessel may not fish in an area with an 
observer waiver confirmation number that does not match the scallop trip 
plan that was called in to NMFS. Confirmation numbers for trip 
notification calls are only valid for 48 hr from the intended sail date.
    (4) Procurement of observer services by scallop vessels. (i) An 
owner of a scallop vessel required to carry an observer under paragraph 
(k)(3) of this section must arrange for carrying an observer that has 
passed a NMFS-certified Observer Training class certified by NMFS from 
an observer service provider approved by NMFS under paragraph (h) of 
this section. The owner, operator, or vessel manager of a vessel 
selected to carry an observer must contact the observer service provider 
and must provide at least 48-hr notice in advance of the fishing trip 
for the provider to arrange for observer deployment for the specified 
trip. The observer service provider will notify the vessel owner, 
operator, or manager within 18 hr whether they have an available 
observer. A list of approved observer service providers shall be posted 
on the NMFS/FSB website: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/resource/data/
observer-providers-northeast-and-mid-atlantic-programs. The observer 
service provider may take up to 48 hr to arrange for observer deployment 
for the specified scallop trip.
    (ii) An owner, operator, or vessel manager of a vessel that cannot 
procure an observer within 48 hr of the advance notification to the 
provider due to the unavailability of an observer may request a waiver 
from NMFS from the requirement for observer coverage for that trip, but 
only if the owner, operator, or vessel manager has contacted all of the 
available observer service providers to secure observer coverage and no 
observer is available. NMFS shall issue such a waiver within 24 hr, if 
the conditions of this paragraph (k)(4)(ii) are met. A vessel may

[[Page 660]]

not begin the trip without being issued a waiver.
    (5) Cost of coverage. Owners of scallop vessels shall be responsible 
for paying the cost of the observer for all scallop trips on which an 
observer is carried onboard the vessel, regardless of whether the vessel 
lands or sells sea scallops on that trip, and regardless of the 
availability of set-aside for an increased possession limit or reduced 
DAS accrual rate. The owners of vessels that carry an observer may be 
compensated with a reduced DAS accrual rate for limited access open area 
scallop trips or additional scallop catch per day for limited access Sea 
Scallop Access Area trips or additional catch per open area or access 
area trip for LAGC IFQ trips or additional catch per NGOM trip in order 
to help defray the cost of the observer, under the program specified in 
Sec. Sec. 648.53 and 648.60.
    (i) Observer service providers shall establish the daily rate for 
observer coverage on a scallop vessel on an Access Area trip or open 
area DAS or IFQ trip or NGOM trip consistent with paragraphs 
(k)(5)(i)(A) and (B), respectively, of this section.
    (A) Access Area trips. (1) For purposes of determining the daily 
rate for an observed scallop trip on a limited access vessel in a Sea 
Scallop Access Area when that specific Access Area's observer set-aside 
specified in Sec. 648.60(d)(1) has not been fully utilized, a service 
provider may charge a vessel owner for no more than the time an observer 
boards a vessel until the vessel disembarks (dock to dock), where 
``day'' is defined as a 24-hr period, or any portion of a 24-hr period, 
regardless of the calendar day. For example, if a vessel with an 
observer departs on July 1 at 10 p.m. and lands on July 3 at 1 a.m., the 
time at sea equals 27 hr, which would equate to 2 full ``days.''
    (2) For purposes of determining the daily rate in a specific Sea 
Scallop Access Area for an observed scallop trip on a limited access 
vessel taken after NMFS has announced the industry-funded observer set-
aside in that specific Access Area has been fully utilized, a service 
provider may charge a vessel owner for no more than the time an observer 
boards a vessel until the vessel disembarks (dock to dock), where 
``day'' is defined as a 24-hr period, and portions of the other days 
would be pro-rated at an hourly charge (taking the daily rate divided by 
24). For example, if a vessel with an observer departs on July 1 at 10 
p.m. and lands on July 3 at 1 a.m., the time spent at sea equals 27 hr, 
which would equate to 1 day and 3 hr.
    (3) For purposes of determining the daily rate in a specific Sea 
Scallop Access Area for observed scallop trips on an LAGC vessel, 
regardless of the status of the industry-funded observer set-aside, a 
service provider may charge a vessel owner for no more than the time an 
observer boards a vessel until the vessel disembarks (dock to dock), 
where ``day'' is defined as a 24-hr period, and portions of the other 
days would be pro-rated at an hourly charge (taking the daily rate 
divided by 24). For example, if a vessel with an observer departs on 
July 1 at 10 p.m. and lands on July 3 at 1 a.m., the time spent at sea 
equals 27 hr, which would equate to 1 day and 3 hr.
    (B) Open area scallop trips. For purposes of determining the daily 
rate for an observed scallop trip for DAS or LAGC IFQ open area trips, 
regardless of the status of the industry-funded observer set-aside, a 
service provider shall charge dock to dock where ``day'' is defined as a 
24-hr period, and portions of the other days would be pro-rated at an 
hourly charge (taking the daily rate divided by 24). For example, if a 
vessel with an observer departs on the July 1st at 10 p.m. and lands on 
July 3rd at 1 a.m., the time at sea equals 27 hr, so the provider would 
charge 1 day and 3 hr.
    (C) NGOM scallop trips. For purposes of determining the daily rate 
in the NGOM for observed scallop trips on a limited access or LAGC 
vessel, regardless of the status of the industry-funded observer set-
aside, a service provider may charge a vessel owner for no more than the 
time an observer boards a vessel until the vessel disembarks (dock to 
dock), where ``day'' is defined as a 24-hr period, and portions of the 
other days would be pro-rated at an hourly charge (taking the daily rate 
divided by 24). For example, if a vessel with an observer departs on 
July 1 at 10 p.m. and lands on July 3 at 1 a.m., the

[[Page 661]]

time spent at sea equals 27 hr, which would equate to 1 day and 3 hr.
    (ii) NMFS shall determine any reduced DAS accrual rate and the 
amount of additional pounds of scallops on Sea Scallop Access Area, LAGC 
IFQ, and NGOM trips based on the economic conditions of the scallop 
fishery, as determined by best available information. Vessel owners and 
observer service providers shall be notified through the Small Entity 
Compliance Guide of any DAS accrual rate changes and any changes in 
additional pounds of scallops determined by the Regional Administrator 
to be necessary. NMFS shall notify vessel owners and observer providers 
of any adjustments.
    (iii) Owners of scallop vessels shall pay observer service providers 
for observer services within 45 days of the end of a fishing trip on 
which an observer deployed.
    (6) Coverage and cost requirements. When the available set-aside for 
observer coverage is exhausted, vessels shall still be required to carry 
an observer as specified in this section, and shall be responsible for 
paying for the cost of the observer, but shall not be authorized to 
harvest additional pounds or fish at a reduced DAS accrual rate.
    (l) NE multispecies observer coverage--(1) Groundfish sector 
monitoring program goals and objectives. The primary goal of the at-sea/
electronic monitoring program is to verify area fished, as well as catch 
and discards by species and gear type, in the most cost-effective means 
practicable. The following goals and objectives of groundfish monitoring 
programs are equally-weighted secondary goals by which monitoring 
programs established for the NE multispecies are to be designed to be 
consistent with:
    (i) Improve documentation of catch:
    (A) Determine total catch and effort, for each sector and common 
pool, of target or regulated species and ocean pout; and
    (B) Achieve coverage level sufficient to minimize effects of 
potential monitoring bias to the extent possible while maintaining as 
much flexibility as possible to enhance fleet viability.
    (ii) Reduce the cost of monitoring:
    (A) Streamline data management and eliminate redundancy;
    (B) Explore options for cost-sharing and deferment of cost to 
industry; and
    (C) Recognize opportunity costs of insufficient monitoring.
    (iii) Incentivize reducing discards:
    (A) Determine discard rate by smallest possible strata while 
maintaining cost-effectiveness; and
    (B) Collect information by gear type to accurately calculate discard 
rates.
    (iv) Provide additional data streams for stock assessments:
    (A) Reduce management and/or biological uncertainty; and
    (B) Perform biological sampling if it may be used to enhance 
accuracy of mortality or recruitment calculations.
    (v) Enhance safety of monitoring program.
    (vi) Perform periodic review of monitoring program for 
effectiveness.
    (2) Sector monitoring programs. A sector must develop and implement 
an at-sea and/or electronic monitoring program that may be approved by 
NMFS as both sufficient to monitor catch, discards, and use of sector 
ACE; and as consistent with the sector monitoring program goals and 
objectives. The details of any at-sea or electronic monitoring program 
must be specified in the sector's operations plan, pursuant to Sec. 
648.87(b)(2)(xi), and must meet the operational standards specified in 
paragraph (l)(10) of this section. Maximized retention electronic 
monitoring and audit electronic monitoring models, meeting the 
requirements in paragraph (l)(10) of this section, may be used in place 
of at-sea monitoring to ensure a sector's monitoring programs may be 
approved. Other types of electronic monitoring may be used in place of 
at-sea monitors if the technology is deemed sufficient by NMFS, in a 
manner consistent with the Administrative Procedure Act, for a specific 
trip type based on gear type and area fished. The Regional Administrator 
will approve or disapprove at-sea/electronic programs as part of a 
sector's operations plans in a manner consistent with the Administrative 
Procedure Act.
    (3) Pre-trip notification. For the purpose of selecting vessels for 
observer or

[[Page 662]]

at-sea monitor deployment, as instructed by the Regional Administrator, 
the owner, operator, or manager of a vessel (i.e., vessel manager or 
sector manager) issued a limited access NE multispecies permit that is 
fishing under a NE multispecies DAS or on a sector trip, as defined in 
this part, must provide advance notice to NMFS at least 48 hr prior to 
departing port on any trip declared into the NE multispecies fishery 
pursuant to Sec. 648.10 or Sec. 648.85 of the following: The vessel 
name, permit number, and sector to which the vessel belongs, if 
applicable; contact name and telephone number for coordination of 
observer or at-sea monitor deployment; date, time, and port of 
departure; and the vessel's trip plan, including area to be fished, 
whether a monkfish DAS will be used, and gear type to be used, unless 
otherwise specified in this paragraph (l) or notified by the Regional 
Administrator. For trips lasting 48 hr or less in duration from the time 
the vessel leaves port to begin a fishing trip until the time the vessel 
returns to port upon the completion of the fishing trip, the vessel 
owner, operator, or manager may make a weekly notification rather than 
trip-by-trip calls. For weekly pre-trip notification, a vessel must 
notify NMFS by 0001 hr of the Friday preceding the week (Sunday through 
Saturday) that it intends to complete at least one NE multispecies DAS 
or sector trip during the following week and provide the vessel's trip-
plans for that week, including each trip's date, time, port of 
departure, area to be fished, whether a monkfish DAS will be used, and 
gear type to be used. Pre-trip notification calls must be made no more 
than 10 days in advance of each fishing trip. The vessel owner, 
operator, or manager must notify NMFS of any trip plan changes at least 
24 hr prior to vessel departure from port. A vessel may not begin the 
trip without being issued either an observer notification, an at-sea 
monitor notification, or a waiver by NMFS.
    (4) Vessel selection for observer or at-sea monitor coverage. NMFS 
shall notify the vessel owner, operator, or manager whether the vessel 
must carry an observer or at-sea monitor for the specified trip within 
24 hr of the vessel owner's, operator's or manager's pre-trip 
notification of the prospective trip, as specified in paragraph (l)(2) 
of this section. All pre-trip notifications shall be issued a unique 
confirmation number. A vessel may not fish on a NE multispecies DAS or 
sector trip with an observer waiver confirmation number that does not 
match the vessel's trip plan that was called in to NMFS. Confirmation 
numbers and the vessel's observer or observer waiver status for pre-trip 
notification calls remain valid for 48 hr from the intended sail date. 
After a trip begins, that trip's confirmation number and observer or 
observer waiver status remains valid until the trip ends. If a trip is 
interrupted and the vessel returns to port due to bad weather or other 
circumstance beyond the operator's control, the vessel's observer or 
observer waiver status and confirmation number for the interrupted trip 
remains the same if the vessel departs within 48 hr from the vessel's 
return to port. If the layover time is greater than 48 hr, the vessel 
owner, operator, or manager must provide a new pre-trip notification. If 
an observer or at-sea monitor is assigned to a particular trip, a vessel 
may not leave port without the at-sea monitor on board, unless NMFS 
issues a waiver. If a vessel is using electronic monitoring to comply 
with the monitoring requirements of this part, it may not leave port 
without an operational electronic monitoring system on board, unless 
NMFS issues a waiver.
    (5) Sector monitoring coverage levels. Coverage levels for an at-sea 
or electronic monitoring program, including video review requirements, 
shall be specified by NMFS, pursuant to paragraph (l)(5)(i) of this 
section.
    (i) At-sea monitoring coverage target. The at-sea monitoring 
coverage target for the sector monitoring program will be set as a 
percentage of all eligible sector trips based on available Federal 
funding for NMFS and industry cost responsibilities as defined in 
paragraph (g)(3) of this section. Sectors are responsible for industry 
costs for at-sea monitoring coverage up to the coverage target for all 
trips not observed by a Northeast Fishery Observer Program observer. In 
fishing years 2022,

[[Page 663]]

2023, 2024, and 2025, the at-sea monitoring (ASM) coverage target will 
be set at the highest level that available Federal funding for NMFS and 
industry cost responsibilities supports, up to 100 percent of trips. 
Beginning in fishing year 2026, the target coverage will be set at 40 
percent of trips, unless replaced by the New England Fishery Management 
Council after a review, as detailed in paragraph (l)(5)(v) of this 
section. In the absence of available Federal funds sufficient to fund 
both NMFS costs and industry costs associated with a coverage target of 
at least 40 percent of all sector trips, sectors must pay the industry's 
costs for coverage necessary to achieve a 40-percent coverage target. As 
an example, if, after paying NMFS costs, available Federal funding is 
sufficient only to fund industry costs for 15-percent coverage, sectors 
must pay the industry costs for the remaining 25-percent coverage to 
achieve a 40-percent coverage target. Any coverage provided by the 
Northeast Fisheries Observer Program through deployment of an observer 
would be deducted from the industry's cost responsibility. To ensure 
coverage is both sufficient to monitor sector catch, discards, and 
sector ACE; and consistent with sector monitoring goals and objectives, 
at-sea monitoring coverage may be higher than the at-sea monitoring 
coverage target, up to 100 percent of all eligible trips, if available 
Federal funding is sufficient for NMFS and industry cost 
responsibilities, respectively. NMFS will announce the coverage target 
at least 3 weeks before the annual sector enrollment deadline set by 
NMFS, if Federal funding information is available. NMFS will determine, 
and announce, EM video review rates separately from the ASM coverage 
target. NMFS may evaluate and modify video review rates on a regular 
basis.
    (ii) Gear-based exclusion from the at-sea monitoring program. A 
sector vessel that notifies NMFS of its intent to exclusively fish using 
gillnets with a mesh size of 10-inch (25.4-cm) or greater in either the 
Inshore Georges Bank (GB) Stock Area, as defined at Sec. 
648.10(k)(3)(ii), and/or the Southern New England (SNE) Broad Stock 
Area, as defined at Sec. 648.10(k)(3)(iv), is not subject to the 
coverage level for at-sea monitoring specified in paragraph (l)(5)(i) of 
this section provided that the trip is limited to the Inshore GB and/or 
SNE Broad Stock Areas and that the vessel only uses gillnets with a mesh 
size of 10-inches (25.4-cm) or greater. When on such a trip, other gear 
may be on board provided that it is stowed and not available for 
immediate use as defined in Sec. 648.2. A sector trip fishing with 10-
inch (25.4-cm) mesh or larger gillnets will still be subject to at-sea 
monitoring coverage if the trip declares its intent to fish in any part 
of the trip in the Gulf of Maine (GOM) Stock area, as defined at Sec. 
648.10(k)(3)(i), or the Offshore GB Stock Area, as defined at Sec. 
648.10(k)(3)(iii). Vessels using electronic monitoring to satisfy the 
sector monitoring requirement in this section must have their system 
turned on and comply with their vessel monitoring plan on all trips, 
including a trip that is limited to the Inshore GB and/or SNE Broad 
Stock Areas where the vessel only uses gillnets with a mesh size of 10-
inches (25.4-cm) or greater.
    (iii) Geographic exclusion from the at-sea monitoring program. 
Vessels fishing exclusively west of 71[deg]30[min] W Longitude on a 
sector trip are excluded from the requirement to carry an at-sea 
monitor. Vessels on a trip excluded from the at-sea monitoring 
requirement under this paragraph (l)(5)(iii) must comply with the VMS 
declaration requirements at Sec. 648.10(g)(3), and the transiting 
requirements at Sec. 648.81(e) when east of 71[deg]30[min] W Longitude. 
Vessels using electronic monitoring to satisfy the sector monitoring 
requirement in this section must have their system turned on and comply 
with their vessel monitoring plan on all trips, including trips fishing 
exclusively west of 71[deg]30[min] W Longitude.
    (iv) Waivers. In addition to the safety waivers in paragraph (c) of 
this section, NMFS may issue a waiver for a sector trip exempting the 
vessel from the sector monitoring program coverage requirements for the 
following reasons.
    (A) Funding waivers. NMFS will issue a waiver for a sector trip 
exempting the vessel from the sector monitoring program coverage 
requirements if coverage is unavailable due to insufficient

[[Page 664]]

funding for NMFS cost responsibilities as defined in paragraph (g)(3) of 
this section.
    (B) Logistics waivers. NMFS may issue a waiver for a sector trip 
exempting the vessel from the sector monitoring program coverage 
requirements in this section for logistical and technical reasons, 
including, but not limited to: No monitor is available; the assigned 
observer is unable to make the trip; the trip will have no fishing 
effort; and electronic monitoring system technical problems.
    (C) Set-only trip waivers. Vessels on a set-only trip, as defined at 
Sec. 648.2, are excluded from the groundfish sector monitoring program 
requirements in paragraph (l) of this section. If a vessel is using 
electronic monitoring to comply with the monitoring requirements of this 
part, that vessel may turn off its cameras on a set-only trip.
    (v) Review of exclusions from the at-sea monitoring program. A New 
England Fishery Management Council review of the exclusions from the at-
sea monitoring program in paragraphs (l)(5)(ii) and (iii) of this 
section will evaluate whether the exclusions continue to meet the intent 
of the New England Fishery Management Council to exclude trips with 
little catch of regulated species and ocean pout. The review will be 
conducted using complete data from 2 fishing years once the data are 
available (fishing years 2022 and 2023) and every 3 years after the 
initial review.
    (6) Groundfish sector monitoring program review. A New England 
Fishery Management Council review of the NE multispecies monitoring 
program will evaluate whether the monitoring program is meeting the goal 
of improved accuracy of catch data, while maximizing value and 
minimizing costs of the program, using complete data from 2 fishing 
years once the data are available (fishing years 2022 and 2023) and 
periodically after the initial review. The review process should be 
flexible and general, and include establishing metrics and indicators of 
how well the monitoring program improved accuracy while maximizing value 
and minimizing costs.
    (7) Hail reports. For the purposes of the monitoring requirements 
specified in paragraph (l)(2) of this section, sector vessels must 
submit all hail reports for a sector trip in which the NE multispecies 
catch applies against the ACE allocated to a sector, as specified in 
this part, to their respective contracted monitoring service providers. 
The mechanism and timing of the transmission of such hail reports must 
be consistent with instructions provided by the Regional Administrator 
for any at-sea or electronic monitoring program required by paragraph 
(l)(2) of this section, or specified in the annual sector operations 
plan, consistent with Sec. 648.87(b)(5).
    (8) Notification of monitoring service provider change. If, for any 
reason, a sector decides to change approved service providers used to 
provide at-sea or electronic monitoring services required in paragraph 
(l)(2) of this section, the sector manager must first inform NMFS in 
writing in advance of the effective date of the change in approved 
monitoring service providers in conjunction with the submission of the 
next weekly sector catch report specified in Sec. 648.87(b)(1)(v)(B). A 
sector may use more than one monitoring service provider at any time, 
provided any monitoring service provider employed by or contracted with 
a sector meets the standards specified in paragraph (b)(4) of this 
section.
    (9) Discards. A sector vessel may not discard any legal-sized 
regulated species or ocean pout allocated to sectors pursuant to Sec. 
648.87(b)(1)(i), unless otherwise required pursuant to Sec. 648.86(l). 
Discards of undersized regulated species or ocean pout by a sector 
vessel must be reported to NMFS consistent with the reporting 
requirements specified in Sec. 648.87(b)(1)(v). Discards shall not be 
included in the information used to calculate a vessel's PSC, as 
described in Sec. 648.87(b)(1)(i)(E), but shall be counted against a 
sector's ACE for each regulated species allocated to a sector.
    (10) Sector monitoring program operational standards. In addition to 
the monitoring service provider standards specified in paragraph (h)(5) 
of this section, any at-sea/electronic monitoring program developed as 
part of a sector's yearly operations plan pursuant to paragraph (l)(2) 
of this section must

[[Page 665]]

meet the following operational standards to be approved by NMFS:
    (i) Vessel requirements--(A) Electronic monitoring system 
requirements. A vessel owner or operator using electronic monitoring to 
meet sector monitoring requirements in this section must do the 
following:
    (1) Ensure that the electronic monitoring system is fully 
operational for every sector trip, which means it is operating, 
recording, and retaining the recording for the duration of every trip. A 
vessel may not fish without a fully operational electronic monitoring 
system, unless issued a waiver by NMFS for that trip;
    (2) Conduct a system check of the electronic monitoring system prior 
to departing on a fishing trip. An electronic monitoring system check 
must show that the electronic monitoring system is fully operational and 
the amount of video storage space available to record the fishing trip;
    (3) Maintain clear and unobstructed camera views at all times. 
Ensure lighting is sufficient in all circumstances to illuminate catch 
so that catch and discards are visible and may be identified and 
quantified as required; and
    (4) Ensure no person tampers with, disconnects, or destroys any part 
of the electronic monitoring system, associated equipment, or recorded 
data.
    (B) Vessel monitoring plan requirements for electronic monitoring 
vessels. A vessel must have a NMFS-approved vessel monitoring plan to 
use electronic monitoring to meet sector monitoring requirements in this 
section. NMFS will approve a vessel monitoring plan that sufficiently 
describes how the electronic monitoring system is configured on a 
particular vessel applying for approval and how the fishing and 
monitoring operations will be conducted in a manner to effectively 
monitor catch in accordance with the EM program requirements and 
standards in this section. Vessels must submit vessel monitoring plans 
and revisions to vessel monitoring plans for NMFS review and approval, 
as instructed by the Regional Administrator.
    (1) The vessel monitoring plan must be onboard the vessel at all 
times.
    (2) The vessel owner, operator and crew must comply with all catch 
handling protocols and other requirements described in the vessel 
monitoring plan, including sorting catch and processing any discards 
within view of the cameras and consistent with the vessel monitoring 
plan.
    (3) Modifications to any vessel monitoring plan must be approved by 
NMFS prior to such vessel fishing under the conditions of the new vessel 
monitoring plan.
    (4) A vessel owner or operator using electronic monitoring to meet 
sector monitoring requirements in this section must submit all 
electronic monitoring data to the monitoring service provider in 
accordance with the electronic monitoring program requirements in this 
section, or as otherwise instructed by the Regional Administrator.
    (5) A vessel owner or operator must make the electronic monitoring 
system, associated equipment, electronic monitoring data, or vessel 
monitoring plan available to NMFS for inspection, upon request.
    (6) A vessel owner or operator using electronic monitoring to meet 
sector monitoring requirements in this section must turn on its camera 
for 100 percent of sector trips.
    (7) A vessel owner or operator using electronic monitoring to meet 
sector monitoring requirements in this section must comply with the 
requirements in paragraphs (l)(10)(i)(A) and (B) of this section or the 
Regional Administrator may withdraw approval for the vessel to use 
electronic monitoring.
    (8) The Regional Administrator may revise vessel monitoring plan 
requirements and approval standards in this section consistent with the 
Administrative Procedure Act. Any revisions will be published on the 
agency's website.
    (C) Safety hazards. The operator of a sector vessel must detail and 
identify any safety hazards to any at-sea monitor assigned pursuant to 
paragraph (l)(2) of this section prior to leaving port. A vessel may not 
begin a trip if it has failed a review of safety issues pursuant to 
paragraph (l)(10)(ii)(D) of this

[[Page 666]]

section, until the identified safety deficiency has been resolved, 
pursuant to Sec. 600.746(i) of this chapter.
    (D) Dockside monitoring. Vessels using maximized retention 
electronic monitoring must participate in either an independent third 
party dockside monitoring program approved by NMFS, or the dockside 
monitoring program operated by NMFS, as instructed by NMFS.
    (1) The vessel operator and crew may not begin offloading unless a 
dockside monitor is present or NMFS has issued the trip a waiver from 
the dockside monitoring program.
    (2) The vessel operator and crew must allow the dockside monitor 
access to the fish hold immediately following the offload in order to 
confirm all allocated groundfish were offloaded unless NMFS has issued 
the trip a waiver from the dockside monitoring program.
    (E) Retention of fish. Vessels using maximized retention electronic 
monitoring must retain all fish from each allocated regulated species, 
regardless of length.
    (ii) Sector monitoring plan monitoring service provider 
requirements. In addition to the monitoring service provider standards 
in paragraph (h) of this section, sector monitoring plans must include 
the following operational requirements for any monitoring provider 
contracted to meet sector monitoring program requirements in this 
paragraph (l):
    (A) At-sea monitoring report. Within 48 hours of the completion of a 
trip, or as otherwise instructed by the Regional Administrator, 
electronic submission to NMFS and the sector a report detailing the area 
fished and the amount of each species kept and discarded. A standard 
format for submission shall be specified by NMFS and distributed to all 
monitoring service providers and sectors. NMFS will accept only 
monitoring data that passes automated NMFS data quality checks.
    (B) Electronic monitoring report. A report detailing area fished and 
the amount of each species discarded must be submitted electronically in 
a standard acceptable form to the appropriate sector and NMFS within 10 
business days of a trip being selected for video review, or as otherwise 
instructed by the Regional Administrator. The format for submission 
shall be specified by NMFS and distributed to all monitoring service 
providers and sectors. NMFS will accept only monitoring data that passes 
automated NMFS data quality checks.
    (C) Vessel feedback report. A report must be submitted to the vessel 
owner following a trip with detailed feedback on the vessel operator's 
and crew's catch handling, camera maintenance, and vessel monitoring 
plan compliance. A copy must be submitted to NMFS upon request.
    (D) Safety hazards. Completion by an at-sea monitor of a pre-trip 
vessel safety checklist provided by NMFS before an at-sea monitor can 
leave port onboard a vessel on a sector trip. If the vessel fails a 
review of safety issues pursuant to this paragraph (l)(10)(ii)(D), an 
at-sea monitor cannot be deployed on that vessel for that trip.
    (E) Gear. Provision of all equipment specified by the Northeast 
Fisheries Science Center to each at-sea monitor before the at-sea 
monitor may be deployed on a vessel. A list of such equipment is 
available from the Northeast Fisheries Science Center upon request. This 
gear shall be inspected by NMFS upon the completion of training required 
pursuant to paragraph (i)(2) of this section.
    (F) Adjustment to service provider requirements and approval 
standards. The Regional Administrator may revise monitoring service 
provider requirements and approval standards in this section consistent 
with the Administrative Procedure Act.
    (iii) Sector requirements. Each sector shall monitor catch by 
participating sector vessels to ensure that ACEs are not exceeded during 
the fishing year, as specified in this paragraph (l)(10)(iii). The 
sector shall summarize trips validated by dealer reports; oversee the 
use of electronic monitoring equipment and review of associated data; 
maintain a database of VTR, dealer, observer, and electronic monitoring 
reports; determine all species landings by stock areas; apply discard 
estimates to landings; deduct catch from ACEs allocated to sectors; and 
report sector catch on a weekly basis to NMFS, as required in paragraph

[[Page 667]]

(b)(1)(v) of this section. Unless otherwise specified in this paragraph 
(l)(10), all catches of stocks allocated to sectors by vessels on a 
sector trip shall be deducted from the sector's ACE for each regulated 
species stock regardless of the fishery the vessel was participating in 
when the fish was caught. For the purposes of this paragraph (l)(10), 
any regulated species or ocean pout caught using gear capable of 
catching NE multispecies (i.e., gear not listed as exempted gear under 
this part) would be deducted from a sector's ACE if such catch 
contributed to the specification of PSC, as described in Sec. 
648.87(b)(1)(i)(E), and would not apply to another ACL sub-component 
pursuant to Sec. 648.90(a)(4). For example, any regulated species or 
ocean pout landed while fishing for or catching skates or monkfish 
pursuant to the regulations in this chapter for those fisheries would be 
deducted from the sector's ACE for each stock because such regulated 
species or ocean pout were caught while also operating under a NE 
multispecies DAS. However, for example, if a sector vessel is issued a 
limited access General Category Atlantic Sea Scallop permit and fishes 
for scallops under the provisions specific to that permit, any 
yellowtail flounder caught by the vessel on such trips would be deducted 
from the appropriate non-groundfish component, such as the other sub-
component or the appropriate yellowtail flounder stock's ACL specified 
for the Atlantic Sea Scallop fishery and not from the yellowtail 
flounder ACE for the sector.
    (iv) Dealer requirements. Federally permitted NE multispecies 
dealers must allow dockside monitors access to their premises, scales, 
and any fish received from vessels participating in the maximized 
retention electronic monitoring program for the purpose of collecting 
fish species and weights of fish received by the dealer, fish length 
measurements, and the collection of age structures such as otoliths or 
scales.
    (A) Facilitation. Federally permitted NE multispecies dealers must 
facilitate dockside monitoring for vessels participating in a maximized 
retention electronic monitoring program, including, but not limited to, 
the following requirements:
    (1) Provide a safe sampling station, including shelter from weather, 
for dockside monitors to conduct their duties and process catch, that is 
equivalent to the accommodations provided to the dealer's staff.
    (2) Allow dockside monitors access to bathrooms equivalent to the 
accommodations provided to the dealer's staff.
    (3) Allow dockside monitors access to any facilities for washing 
equipment with fresh water that are provided to the dealer's staff.
    (B) Processing, sorting, labeling, and reporting. Federally 
permitted NE multispecies dealers must process, and may possess, fish 
for vessels participating in a maximized retention electronic monitoring 
program consistent with and including, but not limited to, the following 
requirements:
    (1) Offload from vessels participating in the maximized retention 
monitoring program all fish below the minimum size specified at Sec. 
648.83, report fish below the minimum size specified at Sec. 648.83 by 
species, and provide the dockside monitor access to those fish below the 
minimum size at the safe sampling station.
    (2) Sort by species all unmarketable fish from other fish, when 
identifiable to species.
    (3) Clearly identify, mark, or label all containers with fish below 
the minimum size specified in Sec. 648.83 as containing undersized 
fish, the fishing vessel from which they were offloaded, and the date of 
offloading.
    (4) Report all fish below the minimum size specified in Sec. 
648.83, and all unmarketable fish, as instructed by NMFS.
    (v) Adjustment to operational standards. The at-sea/electronic 
monitoring operational standards specified in paragraph (l)(10) of this 
section may be revised by the Regional Administrator in a manner 
consistent with the Administrative Procedure Act.
    (m) Atlantic herring monitoring coverage--(1) Monitoring 
requirements. (i) In addition to the requirement for any vessel holding 
an Atlantic herring permit to carry an observer described in paragraph 
(a) of this section, vessels

[[Page 668]]

issued a Category A or B Herring Permit are subject to industry-funded 
monitoring (IFM) requirements in this section on declared Atlantic 
herring trips, unless the vessel is carrying an observer to fulfill 
Standard Bycatch Reporting Methodology requirements in Sec. 648.18. An 
owner of a midwater trawl vessel, required to carry an observer when 
fishing in Northeast Multispecies Closed Areas at Sec. 648.202(b), may 
purchase an IFM high volume fisheries (HVF) observer to access Closed 
Areas on a trip-by-trip basis. General requirements for IFM programs in 
New England Council FMPs are specified in paragraph (g) of this section. 
Possible IFM monitoring for the Atlantic herring fishery includes 
observers, at-sea monitors, and electronic monitoring and portside 
samplers, as defined in Sec. 648.2.
    (A) IFM HVF observers shall collect the following information:
    (1) Fishing gear information (e.g., size of nets, mesh sizes, and 
gear configurations);
    (2) Tow-specific information (e.g., depth, water temperature, wave 
height, and location and time when fishing begins and ends);
    (3) Species, weight, and disposition of all retained and discarded 
catch (fish, sharks, crustaceans, invertebrates, and debris) on observed 
hauls;
    (4) Species, weight, and disposition of all retained catch on 
unobserved hauls;
    (5) Actual catch weights whenever possible, or alternatively, weight 
estimates derived by sub-sampling;
    (6) Whole specimens, photos, length information, and biological 
samples (e.g., scales, otoliths, and/or vertebrae from fish, 
invertebrates, and incidental takes);
    (7) Information on interactions with protected species, such as sea 
turtles, marine mammals, and sea birds; and
    (8) Vessel trip costs (i.e., operational costs for trip including 
food, fuel, oil, and ice).
    (B) IFM HVF at-sea monitors shall collect the following information:
    (1) Fishing gear information (e.g., size of nets, mesh sizes, and 
gear configurations);
    (2) Tow-specific information (e.g., depth, water temperature, wave 
height, and location and time when fishing begins and ends);
    (3) Species, weight, and disposition of all retained and discarded 
catch (fish, sharks, crustaceans, invertebrates, and debris) on observed 
hauls;
    (4) Species, weight, and disposition of all retained catch on 
unobserved hauls;
    (5) Actual catch weights whenever possible, or alternatively, weight 
estimates derived by sub-sampling;
    (6) Length data, along with whole specimens and photos to verify 
species identification, on retained and discarded catch;
    (7) Information on and biological samples from interactions with 
protected species, such as sea turtles, marine mammals, and sea birds; 
and
    (8) Vessel trip costs (i.e., operational costs for trip including 
food, fuel, oil, and ice).
    (9) The New England Council may recommend that at-sea monitors 
collect additional biological information upon request. Revisions to the 
duties of an at-sea monitor, such that additional biological information 
would be collected, may be done via a framework adjustment. At-sea 
monitor duties may also be revised to collect additional biological 
information by considering the issue at a public meeting, where public 
comment is accepted, and requesting NMFS to publish a notice or 
rulemaking revising the duties for at-sea monitors. NMFS shall implement 
revisions to at-sea monitor duties in accordance with the APA.
    (C) IFM Portside samplers shall collect the following information:
    (1) Species, weight, and disposition of all retained catch (fish, 
sharks, crustaceans, invertebrates, and debris) on sampled trips;
    (2) Actual catch weights whenever possible, or alternatively, weight 
estimates derived by sub-sampling; and
    (3) Whole specimens, photos, length information, and biological 
samples (i.e., scales, otoliths, and/or vertebrae from fish, 
invertebrates, and incidental takes).
    (ii) Vessels issued a Category A or B Herring Permit are subject to 
IFM at-sea monitoring coverage. If the New England Council determines 
that electronic monitoring, used in conjunction with portside sampling, 
is an adequate

[[Page 669]]

substitute for at-sea monitoring on vessels fishing with midwater trawl 
gear, and it is approved by the Regional Administrator as specified in 
paragraph (m)(1)(iii) of this section, then owners of vessels issued a 
Category A or B Herring Permit may choose either IFM at-sea monitoring 
coverage or IFM electronic monitoring and IFM portside sampling 
coverage, pursuant with requirements in paragraphs (h) and (i) of this 
section. Once owners of vessels issued a Category A or B Herring Permit 
may choose an IFM monitoring type, vessel owners must select one IFM 
monitoring type per fishing year and notify NMFS of their selected IFM 
monitoring type via selection form six months in advance of the 
beginning of the SBRM year (October 31). NMFS will provide vessels 
owners with selection forms no later than September 1 in advance of the 
beginning of the SBRM year.
    (A) In a future framework adjustment, the New England Council may 
consider if electronic monitoring and portside sampling coverage is an 
adequate substitute for at-sea monitoring coverage for Atlantic herring 
vessels that fish with purse seine and/or bottom trawl gear.
    (B) IFM coverage targets for the Atlantic herring fishery are 
calculated by NMFS, in consultation with New England Council staff.
    (C) If IFM coverage targets do not match for the Atlantic herring 
and Atlantic mackerel fisheries, then the higher IFM coverage target 
would apply on trips declared into both fisheries.
    (D) Vessels intending to land less than 50 mt of Atlantic herring 
are exempt from IFM requirements, provided that the vessel requests and 
is issued a waiver prior to departing on that trip, consistent with 
paragraphs (m)(2)(iii)(B) and (m)(3) of this section. Vessels issued a 
waiver must land less than 50 mt of Atlantic herring on that trip.
    (E) A wing vessel (i.e., midwater trawl vessel pair trawling with 
another midwater trawl vessel) is exempt from IFM requirements on a 
trip, provided the wing vessel does not possess or land any fish on that 
trip and requests and is issued a waiver prior to departing on that 
trip, consistent with paragraphs (m)(2)(iii)(C) and (m)(3) of this 
section.
    (F) Two years after implementation of IFM in the Atlantic herring 
fishery, the New England Council will examine the results of any 
increased coverage in the Atlantic herring fishery and consider if 
adjustments to the IFM coverage targets are warranted.
    (iii) Electronic monitoring and portside sampling coverage may be 
used in place of at-sea monitoring coverage in the Atlantic herring 
fishery, if the electronic monitoring technology is deemed sufficient by 
the New England Council. The Regional Administrator, in consultation 
with the New England Council, may approve the use of electronic 
monitoring and portside sampling for the Atlantic herring fishery in a 
manner consistent with the Administrative Procedure Act, with final 
measures published in the Federal Register. A vessel electing to use 
electronic monitoring and portside sampling in lieu of at-sea monitoring 
must develop a vessel monitoring plan to implement an electronic 
monitoring and portside sampling program that NMFS determines is 
sufficient for monitoring catch, discards and slippage events. The 
electronic monitoring and portside sampling program shall be reviewed 
and approved by NMFS as part of a vessel's monitoring plan on a yearly 
basis in a manner consistent with the Administrative Procedure Act.
    (iv) Owners, operators, or managers of vessels issued a Category A 
or B Herring Permit are responsible for their vessel's compliance with 
IFM requirements. When NMFS notifies a vessel owner, operator, or 
manager of the requirement to have monitoring coverage on a specific 
declared Atlantic herring trip, that vessel may not fish for, take, 
retain, possess, or land any Atlantic herring without the required 
monitoring coverage. Vessels may only embark on a declared Atlantic 
herring trip without the required monitoring coverage if the vessel 
owner, operator, and/or manager has been notified that the vessel has 
received a waiver for the required monitoring coverage for that trip, 
pursuant to paragraphs (m)(2)(iii)(B) and (C) and (m)(3) of this 
section.

[[Page 670]]

    (v) To provide the required IFM coverage aboard declared Atlantic 
herring trips, observers and monitors must hold a high volume fisheries 
certification from NMFS.
    (2) Pre-trip notification. (i) At least 48 hr prior to the beginning 
of any trip on which a vessel may harvest, possess, or land Atlantic 
herring, the owner, operator, or manager of a vessel issued a limited 
access herring permit (i.e., Category A, B, or C) or a vessel issued an 
open access herring permit (Category D or E) fishing with midwater trawl 
gear in Management Areas 1A, 1B, and/or 3, as defined in Sec. 
648.200(f)(1) and (3), or a vessel acting as a herring carrier must 
notify NMFS/FSB of the trip.
    (ii) The notification to NMFS/FSB must include the following 
information: Vessel name or permit number; email and telephone number 
for contact; the date, time, and port of departure; trip length; and 
gear type.
    (iii) For vessels issued a Category A or B Herring Permit, the trip 
notification must also include the following requests, if appropriate:
    (A) For IFM observer coverage aboard vessels fishing with midwater 
trawl gear to access the Northeast Multispecies Closed Areas, consistent 
with requirements at Sec. 648.202(b), at any point during the trip;
    (B) For a waiver of IFM requirements on a trip that shall land less 
than 50 mt of Atlantic herring; and
    (C) For a waiver of IFM requirements on trip by a wing vessel as 
described in paragraph (m)(1)(ii)(E) of this section.
    (iv) Trip notification must be provided no more than 10 days in 
advance of each fishing trip. The vessel owner, operator, or manager 
must notify NMFS/FSB of any trip plan changes at least 12 hr prior to 
vessel departure from port.
    (3) Selection of trips for monitoring coverage. NMFS shall notify 
the owner, operator, and/or manager of a vessel with an Atlantic herring 
permit whether a declared Atlantic herring trip requires coverage by a 
NMFS-funded observer or whether a trip requires IFM coverage. NMFS shall 
also notify the owner, operator, and/or manager of vessel if a waiver 
has been granted, either for the NMFS-funded observer or for IFM 
coverage, as specified in paragraph (m)(2) of this section. All waivers 
for monitoring coverage shall be issued to the vessel by VMS so that 
there is an on-board verification of the waiver. A waiver is invalid if 
the fishing behavior on that trip is inconsistent with the terms of the 
waiver.
    (4) Procurement of monitoring services by Atlantic herring vessels. 
(i) An owner of an Atlantic herring vessel required to have monitoring 
under paragraph (m)(3) of this section must arrange for monitoring by an 
observer from a monitoring service provider approved by NMFS under 
paragraph (h) of this section. The owner, operator, or vessel manager of 
a vessel selected for monitoring must contact a monitoring service 
provider prior to the beginning of the trip and the monitoring service 
provider will notify the vessel owner, operator, or manager whether 
monitoring is available. A list of approved monitoring service providers 
shall be posted on the NMFS website: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/
resource/data/observer-providers-northeast-and-mid-atlantic-programs.
    (ii) An owner, operator, or vessel manager of a vessel that cannot 
procure monitoring due to the unavailability of monitoring may request a 
waiver from NMFS/FSB from the requirement for monitoring on that trip, 
but only if the owner, operator, or vessel manager has contacted all of 
the available monitoring service providers to secure monitoring and no 
monitoring is available. NMFS/FSB shall issue a waiver, if the 
conditions of this paragraph (m)(4)(ii) are met. A vessel without 
monitoring coverage may not begin a declared Atlantic herring trip 
without having been issued a waiver.
    (iii) Vessel owners shall pay service providers for monitoring 
services within 45 days of the end of a fishing trip that was monitored.
    (5) Vessels working cooperatively. When vessels issued limited 
access herring permits are working cooperatively in the Atlantic herring 
fishery, including pair trawling, purse seining, and transferring 
herring at-sea, each vessel must provide to observers or monitors, when 
requested, the estimated weight of each species brought on board and the 
estimated weight of each species released on each tow.

[[Page 671]]

    (6) Sampling requirements for NMFS-certified observer and monitors. 
In addition to the requirements in paragraphs (d)(1) through (7) of this 
section, an owner or operator of a vessel issued a limited access 
herring permit on which an observer or monitor is embarked must provide 
observers or monitors:
    (i) A safe sampling station adjacent to the fish deck, including: A 
safety harness, if footing is compromised and grating systems are high 
above the deck; a safe method to obtain samples; and a storage space for 
baskets and sampling gear.
    (ii) Reasonable assistance to enable observers or monitors to carry 
out their duties, including but not limited to assistance with: 
Obtaining and sorting samples; measuring decks, codends, and holding 
bins; collecting bycatch when requested by the observers or monitors; 
and collecting and carrying baskets of fish when requested by the 
observers or monitors.
    (iii) Advance notice when pumping will be starting; when sampling of 
the catch may begin; and when pumping is coming to an end.
    (iv) Visual access to the net, the codend of the net, and the purse 
seine bunt and any of its contents after pumping has ended and before 
the pump is removed from the net. On trawl vessels, the codend including 
any remaining contents must be brought on board, unless bringing the 
codend on board is not possible. If bringing the codend on board is not 
possible, the vessel operator must ensure that the observer or monitor 
can see the codend and its contents as clearly as possible before 
releasing its contents.
    (7) Measures to address slippage. (i) No vessel issued a limited 
access herring permit may slip catch, as defined at Sec. 648.2, except 
in the following circumstances:
    (A) The vessel operator has determined, and the preponderance of 
available evidence indicates that, there is a compelling safety reason; 
or
    (B) A mechanical failure, including gear damage, precludes bringing 
some or all of the catch on board the vessel for inspection; or
    (C) The vessel operator determines that pumping becomes impossible 
as a result of spiny dogfish clogging the pump intake. The vessel 
operator shall take reasonable measures, such as strapping and splitting 
the net, to remove all fish which can be pumped from the net prior to 
release.
    (ii) Vessels may make test tows without pumping catch on board if 
the net is re-set without releasing its contents provided that all catch 
from test tows is available to the observer to sample when the next tow 
is brought on board for sampling.
    (iii) If a vessel issued any limited access herring permit slips 
catch, the vessel operator must report the slippage event on the 
Atlantic herring daily VMS catch report and indicate the reason for 
slipping catch. Additionally, the vessel operator must complete and sign 
a Released Catch Affidavit detailing: The vessel name and permit number; 
the VTR serial number; where, when, and the reason for slipping catch; 
the estimated weight of each species brought on board or slipped on that 
tow. A completed affidavit must be submitted to NMFS within 48 hr of the 
end of the trip.
    (iv) If a vessel issued a Category A or B Herring permit slips catch 
for any of the reasons described in paragraph (m)(7)(i) of this section 
when an observer or monitor is aboard, the vessel operator must move at 
least 15 nm (27.78 km) from the location of the slippage event before 
deploying any gear again, and must stay at least 15 nm (27.78 km) away 
from the slippage event location for the remainder of the fishing trip.
    (v) If a vessel issued a Category A or B Herring permit slips catch 
for any reason on a trip selected by NMFS for portside sampling, 
pursuant to paragraph (m)(3) of this section, the vessel operator must 
move at least 15 nm (27.78 km) from the location of the slippage event 
before deploying any gear again, and must stay at least 15 nm (27.78 km) 
away from the slippage event location for the remainder of the fishing 
trip.
    (vi) If catch is slipped by a vessel issued a Category A or B 
Herring permit for any reason not described in paragraph (m)(7)(i) of 
this section when an observer or monitor is aboard, the vessel operator 
must immediately terminate the trip and return to port. No

[[Page 672]]

fishing activity may occur during the return to port.
    (n) Atlantic mackerel, squid, and butterfish observer coverage--(1) 
Pre-trip notification. (i) A vessel issued a limited access Atlantic 
mackerel permit, as specified at Sec. 648.4(a)(5)(iii), must, for the 
purposes of observer deployment, have a representative provide notice to 
NMFS of the vessel name, vessel permit number, contact name for 
coordination of observer deployment, telephone number or email address 
for contact; and the date, time, port of departure, gear type, and 
approximate trip duration, at least 48 hr, but no more than 10 days, 
prior to beginning any fishing trip, unless it complies with the 
possession restrictions in paragraph (n)(1)(iii) of this section.
    (ii) A vessel that has a representative provide notification to NMFS 
as described in paragraph (n)(1)(i) of this section may only embark on 
an Atlantic mackerel trip without an observer if a vessel representative 
has been notified by NMFS that the vessel has received a waiver of the 
observer requirement for that trip. NMFS shall notify a vessel 
representative whether the vessel must carry an observer, or if a waiver 
has been granted, for the specific Atlantic mackerel trip, within 24 hr 
of the vessel representative's notification of the prospective Atlantic 
mackerel trip, as specified in paragraph (n)(1)(i) of this section. Any 
request to carry an observer may be waived by NMFS. A vessel that fishes 
with an observer waiver confirmation number that does not match the 
Atlantic mackerel trip plan that was called in to NMFS is prohibited 
from fishing for, possessing, harvesting, or landing Atlantic mackerel 
except as specified in paragraph (n)(1)(iii) of this section. 
Confirmation numbers for trip notification calls are only valid for 48 
hr from the intended sail date.
    (iii) A vessel issued a limited access Atlantic mackerel permit, as 
specified in Sec. 648.4(a)(5)(iii), that does not have a representative 
provide the trip notification required in paragraph (n)(1)(i) of this 
section is prohibited from fishing for, possessing, harvesting, or 
landing more than 20,000 lb (9.07 mt) of Atlantic mackerel per trip at 
any time, and may only land Atlantic mackerel once on any calendar day, 
which is defined as the 24-hr period beginning at 0001 hours and ending 
at 2400 hours.
    (iv) If a vessel issued a limited access Atlantic mackerel permit, 
as specified in Sec. 648.4(a)(5)(iii), intends to possess, harvest, or 
land more than 20,000 lb (9.07 mt) of Atlantic mackerel per trip or per 
calendar day, and has a representative notify NMFS of an upcoming trip, 
is selected by NMFS to carry an observer, and then cancels that trip, 
the representative is required to provide notice to NMFS of the vessel 
name, vessel permit number, contact name for coordination of observer 
deployment, and telephone number or email address for contact, and the 
intended date, time, and port of departure for the cancelled trip prior 
to the planned departure time. In addition, if a trip selected for 
observer coverage is cancelled, then that vessel is required to carry an 
observer, provided an observer is available, on its next trip.
    (2) Sampling requirements for limited access Atlantic mackerel and 
longfin squid/butterfish moratorium permit holders. In addition to the 
requirements in paragraphs (d)(1) through (7) of this section, an owner 
or operator of a vessel issued a limited access Atlantic mackerel or 
longfin squid/butterfish moratorium permit on which an observer is 
embarked must provide observers:
    (i) A safe sampling station adjacent to the fish deck, including: A 
safety harness, if footing is compromised and grating systems are high 
above the deck; a safe method to obtain samples; and a storage space for 
baskets and sampling gear.
    (ii) Reasonable assistance to enable observers to carry out their 
duties, including but not limited to assistance with: Obtaining and 
sorting samples; measuring decks, codends, and holding bins; collecting 
bycatch when requested by the observers; and collecting and carrying 
baskets of fish when requested by the observers.
    (iii) Advance notice when pumping will be starting; when sampling of 
the catch may begin; and when pumping is coming to an end.
    (3) Measures to address slippage. (i) No vessel issued a limited 
access Atlantic mackerel permit or a longfin squid/

[[Page 673]]

butterfish moratorium permit may slip catch, as defined at Sec. 648.2, 
except in the following circumstances:
    (A) The vessel operator has determined, and the preponderance of 
available evidence indicates that, there is a compelling safety reason; 
or
    (B) A mechanical failure, including gear damage, precludes bringing 
some or all of the catch on board the vessel for sampling and 
inspection; or
    (C) The vessel operator determines that pumping becomes impossible 
as a result of spiny dogfish clogging the pump intake. The vessel 
operator shall take reasonable measures, such as strapping and splitting 
the net, to remove all fish that can be pumped from the net prior to 
release.
    (ii) If a vessel issued any limited access Atlantic mackerel permit 
slips catch, the vessel operator must report the slippage event on the 
Atlantic mackerel and longfin squid daily VMS catch report and indicate 
the reason for slipping catch. Additionally, vessels issued a limited 
Atlantic mackerel permit or a longfin squid/butterfish moratorium 
permit, the vessel operator must complete and sign a Released Catch 
Affidavit detailing: The vessel name and permit number; the VTR serial 
number; where, when, and the reason for slipping catch; the estimated 
weight of each species brought on board or slipped on that tow. A 
completed affidavit must be submitted to NMFS within 48 hr of the end of 
the trip.
    (iii) If a vessel issued a limited access Atlantic mackerel permit 
slips catch for any of the reasons described in paragraph (n)(3)(i) of 
this section, the vessel operator must move at least 15 nm (27.8 km) 
from the location of the slippage event before deploying any gear again, 
and must stay at least 15 nm (27.8 km) from the slippage event location 
for the remainder of the fishing trip.
    (iv) If catch is slipped by a vessel issued a limited access 
Atlantic mackerel permit for any reason not described in paragraph 
(n)(3)(i) of this section, the vessel operator must immediately 
terminate the trip and return to port. No fishing activity may occur 
during the return to port.

[85 FR 7431, Feb. 7, 2020, as amended at 85 FR 26882, May 6, 2020; 85 FR 
43152, July 15, 2020; 85 FR 47112, Aug. 4, 2020; 86 FR 1823, Jan. 11, 
2021; 87 FR 18283, Mar. 30, 2022; 87 FR 54909, Sept. 8, 2022; 87 FR 
75877, Dec. 9, 2022; 87 FR 75877, Dec. 9, 2022; 88 FR 56542, Aug. 18, 
2023]



Sec. 648.12  Experimental fishing.

    The Regional Administrator may exempt any person or vessel from the 
requirements of subparts A (General provisions), B (mackerel, squid, and 
butterfish), D (Atlantic sea scallop), E (Atlantic surfclam and ocean 
quahog), F (NE multispecies and monkfish), G (summer flounder), H 
(scup), I (black sea bass), J (Atlantic bluefish), K (Atlantic herring), 
L (spiny dogfish), M (Atlantic deep-sea red crab), N (tilefish), O 
(skates), and P (Mid-Atlantic forage species) of this part for the 
conduct of experimental fishing beneficial to the management of the 
resources or fishery managed under that subpart. The Regional 
Administrator shall consult with the Executive Director of the MAFMC 
before approving any exemptions for the Atlantic chub mackerel, Atlantic 
mackerel, Illex squid, longfin squid butterfish, summer flounder, scup, 
black sea bass, spiny dogfish, bluefish, and tilefish fisheries, 
including exemptions for experimental fishing contributing to the 
development of new or expansion of existing fisheries for Mid-Atlantic 
forage species.
    (a) The Regional Administrator may not grant such an exemption 
unless he/she determines that the purpose, design, and administration of 
the exemption is consistent with the management objectives of the 
respective FMP, the provisions of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, and other 
applicable law, and that granting the exemption will not:
    (1) Have a detrimental effect on the respective resources and 
fishery;
    (2) Cause any quota to be exceeded; or
    (3) Create significant enforcement problems.
    (b) Each vessel participating in any exempted experimental fishing 
activity is subject to all provisions of the respective FMP, except 
those necessarily relating to the purpose and nature of

[[Page 674]]

the exemption. The exemption will be specified in a letter issued by the 
Regional Administrator to each vessel participating in the exempted 
activity. This letter must be carried on board the vessel seeking the 
benefit of such exemption.
    (c) Experimental fishing for surfclams or ocean quahogs will not 
require an allocation permit.
    (d) Temporary possession letter of authorization (LOA): The Regional 
Administrator (RA), or the RA's designee, may issue an LOA to eligible 
researchers on board federally permitted fishing vessels on which 
species of fish that otherwise could not be legally retained would be 
possessed temporarily for the purpose of collecting catch data. Under 
this authorization, such species of fish could be retained temporarily 
for data collection purposes, but shall be discarded as soon as 
practicable following data collection.
    (1) Eligible activities. An LOA may be issued by the RA, or the RA's 
designee, to temporarily exempt a vessel, on which a qualified fishery 
research technician is collecting catch data, from the following types 
of fishery regulations: Minimum fish size restrictions; fish possession 
limits; species quota closures; prohibited fish species, not including 
species protected under the Endangered Species Act; and gear-specific 
fish possession restrictions.
    (2) Eligibility criteria. Only personnel from the following bodies 
are eligible for a temporary possession LOA: Foreign government agency; 
U.S. Government agency; U.S. state or territorial agency; university (or 
other educational institution accredited by a recognized national or 
international accreditation body); international treaty organization; or 
scientific institution.
    (3) Application requirements. To obtain a temporary possession LOA, 
an eligible applicant, as defined under paragraph (d)(2) of this 
section, is required to submit a complete application, which must 
contain the following information: The date of the application; the 
applicant's name, mailing address, and telephone number; a statement of 
the purposes and goals for which the LOA is needed; the name(s) and 
affiliation of the fishery research technicians will collect the data; a 
statement demonstrating the qualifications of the research technician 
that will collect the data; the species (target and incidental) expected 
to be harvested under the LOA; the proposed disposition of all regulated 
species harvested under the LOA; the approximate time(s) and place(s) 
fishing will take place; the type, size, and amount of gear to be used; 
and the signature of the applicant. In addition, for each vessel to be 
covered by the LOA, as soon as the information is available and before 
operations begin, the applicant is required to supply to NMFS the vessel 
operator name, the vessel's Federal fishing permit number, and the 
vessel registration or documentation number.

[61 FR 58466, Nov. 15, 1996, as amended at 62 FR 37156, July 11, 1997; 
65 FR 45852, July 26, 2000; 65 FR 77466, Dec. 11, 2000; 66 FR 49144, 
Sept. 26, 2001; 68 FR 49700, Aug. 19, 2003; 75 FR 1022, Jan. 8, 2010; 76 
FR 60649, Sept. 29, 2011; 82 FR 40732, Aug. 28, 2017; 85 FR 47112, Aug. 
4, 2020]



Sec. 648.13  Transfers at sea.

    (a) Vessels issued a longfin squid, butterfish, or Illex squid 
moratorium permit and vessels issued a squid/butterfish incidental catch 
permit may transfer or attempt to transfer or receive longfin squid, 
Illex squid, or butterfish only if authorized in writing by the Regional 
Administrator through the issuance of a letter of authorization (LOA).
    (b)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (b)(2) of this section, 
vessels issued a multispecies permit under Sec. 648.4(a)(1) or a 
scallop permit under Sec. 648.4(a)(2) are prohibited from transferring 
or attempting to transfer any fish from one vessel to another vessel, 
except that vessels issued a Federal multispecies permit under Sec. 
648.4(a)(1) and specifically authorized in writing by the Regional 
Administrator to do so, may transfer species other than regulated 
species from one vessel to another vessel.
    (2) Vessels issued a Federal multispecies permit under Sec. 
648.4(a)(1) may transfer from one vessel to another, for use as bait, up 
to 500 lb (226.8 kg) of silver hake and unlimited amounts of red hake, 
per trip, provided:

[[Page 675]]

    (i) The transferring vessel possesses a Federal multispecies permit 
as specified under Sec. 648.4(a)(1);
    (ii) The transferring vessel has a letter of authorization issued by 
the Regional Administrator on board; and
    (iii) The receiving vessel possesses a written receipt for any 
small-mesh multispecies purchased at sea.
    (c) All persons are prohibited from transferring or attempting to 
transfer NE multispecies or scallops from one vessel to another vessel, 
except in accordance with paragraph (b) of this section.
    (d) All persons are prohibited from transferring or attempting to 
transfer at sea summer flounder from one vessel to another vessel, 
except for vessels that have not been issued a Federal permit and fish 
exclusively in state waters.
    (e) Vessels issued a letter of authorization from the Regional 
Administrator to transfer small-mesh multispecies at sea for use as bait 
will automatically have 500 lb (226.8 kg) deducted from the vessel's 
combined silver hake and offshore hake possession limit, as specified 
under Sec. 648.86(d), for every trip during the participation period 
specified on the letter of authorization, regardless of whether a 
transfer of small-mesh multispecies at sea occurred or whether the 
actual amount that was transferred was less than 500 lb (226.8 kg). This 
deduction shall be noted on the transferring vessel's letter of 
authorization from the Regional Administrator.
    (f) Atlantic herring. With the exception of transfers made to an at-
sea processing vessel issued the required permit under Sec. 
648.6(a)(2)(ii), any person or vessel, including any vessel issued an 
Atlantic herring permit, is prohibited from transferring, receiving, or 
attempting to transfer or receive any Atlantic herring taken from the 
EEZ, except as authorized in this paragraph (f), and in compliance with 
reporting requirements at Sec. 648.7 (b)(2)(i)(D).
    (1) Personal use as bait. (i) The operator of a vessel that is not 
issued an Atlantic herring permit may purchase and/or receive Atlantic 
herring at sea for personal use as bait, provided the vessel receiving 
the transfer does not have purse seine, midwater trawl, pelagic gillnet, 
sink gillnet, or bottom trawl gear on board;
    (ii) A vessel issued an Atlantic herring permit may transfer herring 
at sea to another vessel for personal use as bait:
    (A) Provided the transferring vessel is issued a letter of 
authorization to transfer fish. The operator of the transferring vessel 
must show the letter of authorization to a representative of the vessel 
receiving fish or any authorized officer upon request; and
    (B) Provided that the transfer of herring at sea to another vessel 
for personal use as bait does not exceed the possession limit specified 
for the transferring vessel in Sec. 648.204, except that no more than 
the applicable 2,000 lb (907.2 kg) or 40,000 lb (18,143.7 kg) herring 
possession limit may be caught or transferred per trip or per calendar 
day if the vessel is in, or the fish were harvested from, a management 
area subject to a possession limit adjustment or fishery closure as 
specified in Sec. 648.201.
    (2) Atlantic herring carrier vessels. (i) A vessel issued an 
Atlantic herring permit may operate as a herring carrier vessel and 
receive herring provided it either is issued a carrier vessel letter of 
authorization and complies with the terms of that authorization, as 
specified in Sec. 648.4(a)(10)(ii), or it must have been issued and 
have on board a herring permit and have declared an Atlantic herring 
carrier trip via VMS, consistent with the requirements at Sec. 
648.10(l)(1).
    (ii) A vessel issued an Atlantic herring permit may transfer herring 
at sea to an Atlantic herring carrier up to the applicable possession 
limits specified in Sec. 648.204, provided it is issued a letter of 
authorization for the transfer of herring and that no more than the 
applicable 2,000 lb (907.2 kg) or 40,000 lb (18,143.7 kg) herring 
possession limit may be caught or transferred at sea per trip or per 
calendar day if the vessel is in, or the fish were harvested from, an 
area subject to a possession limit adjustment or fishery closure as 
specified in Sec. 648.201.
    (3) If a herring management area has been closed to fishing as 
specified in

[[Page 676]]

Sec. 648.201, a vessel may not transfer Atlantic herring harvested from 
or in the area to an IWP or Joint Venture vessel.
    (4) If the amount of herring transshipped to a Canadian 
transshipment vessel would cause the amount of the border transfer 
specified pursuant to Sec. 648.200 to be exceeded, a vessel may not 
transfer Atlantic herring to a Canadian transshipment vessel permitted 
in accordance with Public Law 104-297.
    (5) Transfer to at-sea processors. A vessel issued an Atlantic 
herring permit may transfer herring to a vessel issued an at-sea 
processing permit specified in Sec. 648.6(a)(2)(ii), up to the 
applicable possession limit specified in Sec. 648.204, except that no 
more than the applicable 2,000 lb (907.2 kg) or 40,000 lb (18,143.7 kg) 
herring possession limit may be caught or transferred at sea per trip or 
per calendar day if the vessel is in, or the fish were harvested from, a 
management area subject to a possession limit adjustment or fishery 
closure as specified in Sec. 648.201.
    (6) Transfers between herring vessels. A vessel issued a valid 
Atlantic herring permit may transfer and receive herring at sea, 
provided such vessel has been issued a letter of authorization from the 
Regional Administrator to transfer or receive herring at sea. Such 
vessel may not transfer, receive, or possess at sea, or land per trip 
herring in excess of the applicable possession limits specified in Sec. 
648.204, except that no more than 2,000 lb (907.2 kg) or 40,000 lb 
(18,143.7 kg) of herring may be caught, transferred, received, or 
possessed at sea, or landed per trip or per calendar day if the vessel 
is in, or the fish were harvested from, a management area subject to a 
possession limit adjustment or fishery closure as specified in Sec. 
648.201.
    (g) All persons are prohibited from transferring at sea, either 
directly or indirectly, or attempting to transfer at sea to any vessel, 
any red crab or red crab parts, taken in or from the EEZ portion of the 
Red Crab Management Unit.
    (h) Skates. (1) Except as provided in paragraph (h)(2) of this 
section, all persons or vessels issued a Federal skate permit are 
prohibited from transferring, or attempting to transfer, at sea any 
skates to any vessel, and all persons or vessels not issued a Federal 
skate permit are prohibited from transferring, or attempting to 
transfer, at sea to any vessel any skates while in the EEZ, or skates 
taken in or from the EEZ portion of the Skate Management Unit.
    (2) Vessels and vessel owners or operators issued Federal skate 
permits under Sec. 648.4(a)(14) may transfer at sea skates taken in or 
from the EEZ portion of the Skate Management Unit, provided:
    (i) The transferring vessel possesses on board a valid letter of 
authorization issued by the Regional Administrator as specified under 
Sec. 648.322(c); and
    (ii) The transferring vessel and vessel owner or operator comply 
with the requirements specified at Sec. 648.322(c).
    (i) Scup. (1) Except as provided in paragraph (i)(2) of this 
section, all persons or vessels issued a Federal scup permit are 
prohibited from transferring, or attempting to transfer, at sea any scup 
to any vessel, and all persons or vessels are prohibited from 
transferring, or attempting to transfer, at sea to any vessel any scup 
while in the EEZ, or any scup taken in or from the EEZ portion of the 
Scup Management Unit.
    (2) The owner or operator of a vessel issued a Federal scup permit 
under Sec. 648.4(a)(6)(i)(A) may transfer at sea scup taken in or from 
the EEZ portion of the Scup Management Unit, provided:
    (i) The transfer occurs between two vessels with Federal scup 
permits;
    (ii) The transfer occurs seaward of a boundary line that begins at 
40[deg]50[min] N. lat., 70[deg]00[min] W. long., and runs south to 
connect points at 40[deg]15[min] N. lat., 73[deg]30[min] W. long.; 
37[deg]50[min] N. lat., 75[deg]00[min] W. long.; and 35[deg]30[min] N. 
lat., 75[deg]00[min] W. long.;
    (iii) The donating and receiving vessels possess gear that meets the 
requirements at Sec. 648.125(a)(2), (3), and (4) for commercial scup 
fishing gear;
    (iv) The transfer occurs in the Winter I or Winter II periods of the 
scup fishing year;
    (v) There is only one transfer per fishing trip for the donor 
vessel;
    (vi) The donor vessel removes only enough scup from the net to 
attain the scup possession limit;

[[Page 677]]

    (vii) After removal of scup from the net by the donor vessel, the 
entire codend, with all its contents, is transferred to the receiving 
vessel;
    (viii) Only scup in an amount not to exceed the possession limit are 
retained by the receiving vessel;
    (ix) While fishing for scup, all other nets are stored and not 
available for immediate use as defined in Sec. 648.2; and
    (x) The donating and receiving vessels report the transfer amount on 
the vessel trip report for each vessel.

[61 FR 34968, July 3, 1996]

    Editorial Note: For Federal Register citations affecting Sec. 
648.13, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the 
Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.



Sec. 648.14  Prohibitions.

    (a) General prohibitions. It is unlawful for any person to do any of 
the following:
    (1) Violate any provision of this part, the Magnuson-Stevens Act, or 
any regulation, notice, or permit issued under the Magnuson-Stevens Act, 
or any other statute administered by NOAA.
    (2) Assist, aid, or abet in the commission of any act prohibited by 
the Magnuson-Stevens Act; or any regulation, notice, or permit issued 
under the Magnuson-Stevens Act; or any other statute administered by 
NOAA.
    (3) Fail to report to the Regional Administrator within 15 days any 
change in the information contained in any permit or permit application.
    (4) Falsify or fail to affix and maintain vessel markings as 
required by Sec. 648.8.
    (5) Make any false statement or provide any false information on, or 
in connection with, an application, declaration, record or report under 
this part.
    (6) Fail to comply in an accurate and timely fashion with the log 
report, reporting, record retention, inspection, or other requirements 
of Sec. 648.7, or submit or maintain false information in records and 
reports required to be kept or filed under Sec. 648.7.
    (7) Possess, import, export, transfer, land, or have custody or 
control of any species of fish regulated pursuant to this part that do 
not meet the minimum size provisions in this part, unless such species 
were harvested exclusively within state waters by a vessel that does not 
hold a valid permit under this part, or are species included in the NE 
Multispecies Fishery Management Plan that were either harvested by a 
vessel participating in the maximized retention electronic monitoring 
program consistent with Sec. 648.11(l)(10)(i)(E) or harvested by a 
vessel issued a valid High Seas Fishing Compliance permit that fished 
exclusively in the NAFO Regulatory Area.
    (8) Fail to comply with any sea turtle conservation measure 
specified in 50 CFR parts 222 and 223, including any sea turtle 
conservation measure implemented by notification in the Federal 
Register.
    (9) Violate any provision of an in-season action to adjust trip 
limits, gear usage, season, area access and/or closure, or any other 
measure authorized by this part.
    (10)(i) Purchase, receive for a commercial purpose other than 
transport to a testing facility, or process; or attempt to purchase, 
receive for commercial purpose other than transport to a testing 
facility; or process, outside Maine, ocean quahogs harvested in or from 
the EEZ within the Maine mahogany quahog zone, except at a facility 
participating in an overall food safety program, operated by the 
official state agency having jurisdiction, that utilizes food safety-
based procedures including sampling and analyzing for PSP toxin 
consistent with procedures used by the State of Maine for such purpose.
    (ii) Land ocean quahogs outside Maine that are harvested in or from 
the EEZ within the Maine mahogany quahog zone, except at a facility 
participating in an overall food safety program, operated by the 
official state agency having jurisdiction, that utilizes food safety-
based procedures including sampling and analyzing for PSP toxin 
consistent with procedures used by the State of Maine for such purpose.
    (iii)--(iv) [Reserved]
    (v) Fish for, harvest, catch, possess, or attempt to fish for, 
harvest, catch, or possess Atlantic surfclams and ocean quahogs from the 
reopened portion of the Georges Bank Closed Area,

[[Page 678]]

as defined in Sec. 648.76(a)(4), unless issued a Letter of 
Authorization, and fishing under the appropriate VMS declaration and 
under the terms and conditions of the PSP testing protocol, as specified 
in Sec. 648.76(a)(4)(i).
    (b) Vessel and operator permits. It is unlawful for any person to do 
any of the following:
    (1) Fish for, take, catch, harvest or land any species of fish 
regulated by this part in or from the EEZ, unless the vessel has a valid 
and appropriate permit issued under this part and the permit is on board 
the vessel and has not been surrendered, revoked, or suspended.
    (2) Alter, erase, or mutilate any permit issued under this part or 
any document submitted in support of an application for any such permit.
    (3) Operate or act as operator of a vessel that fishes for or 
possesses any species of fish regulated by this part, or that is issued 
a vessel permit pursuant to this part, without having been issued and 
possessing a valid operator's permit.
    (4) Fish for, possess, or land species regulated under this part 
with or from a vessel that is issued a limited access or moratorium 
permit under Sec. 648.4(a) and that has had the horsepower or length 
overall of such vessel or its replacement upgraded or increased in 
excess of the limitations specified in Sec. 648.4(a)(1)(i)(E) and (F).
    (5) Fish for, take, catch, harvest or land any species of fish 
regulated by this part for which the vessel is eligible to possess under 
a limited access or moratorium permit prior to the time the vessel has 
been reissued the applicable limited access or moratorium permit by 
NMFS.
    (6) Attempt to replace a limited access or moratorium fishing 
vessel, as specified at Sec. 648.4(a)(1)(i)(E), more than once during a 
permit year, unless the vessel has been rendered permanently inoperable.
    (7) Purchase, possess, or receive from a vessel for a commercial 
purpose, other than solely for transport on land, any species of fish 
for which a vessel permit is required under this part, unless the vessel 
possesses a valid vessel permit issued under this part.
    (8) Transfer, remove, or offload, for a commercial purpose; or 
attempt to transfer, remove, land, or offload, for a commercial purpose; 
at sea, any species regulated under this part, unless the transferring 
vessel has been issued and carries on board a valid LOA from the 
Regional Administrator, or is otherwise exempted, and the receiving 
vessel has been issued and has on board a valid Federal permit for the 
species that is being transferred.
    (9) Fish for, possess, or retain fish, during a fishing trip, aboard 
a Federally permitted vessel that, in the absence of an emergency, has 
not been operating under its own power for the entire trip.
    (10) Fish with bottom-tending gear within the Frank R. Lautenberg 
Deep-sea Coral Protection Area described at Sec. 648.372, unless 
transiting pursuant to Sec. 648.372(d), fishing lobster trap gear in 
accordance with Sec. 697.21 of this chapter, or fishing red crab trap 
gear in accordance with Sec. 648.264. Bottom-tending gear includes but 
is not limited to bottom-tending otter trawls, bottom-tending beam 
trawls, hydraulic dredges, non-hydraulic dredges, bottom-tending seines, 
bottom longlines, pots and traps, and sink or anchored gill nets.
    (11) If fishing with bottom-tending mobile gear, fish in, enter, be 
on a fishing vessel in, the EFH closure areas described in Sec. 
648.371, unless otherwise exempted.
    (12) Unless otherwise exempted, fish in the Dedicated Habitat 
Research Areas defined in Sec. 648.371.
    (13) Fish with bottom-tending gear within the Georges Bank Deep-Sea 
Coral Protection Area described at Sec. 648.373(a)(2), unless 
transiting pursuant to Sec. 648.373(d) or fishing red crab trap gear in 
accordance with Sec. 648.264. Bottom-tending gear includes, but is not 
limited to, bottom-tending otter trawls, bottom-tending beam trawls, 
hydraulic dredges, non-hydraulic dredges, bottom-tending seines, bottom 
longlines, pots and traps, and sink or anchored gill nets.
    (14) Fish with bottom-tending mobile gear within the Mount Desert 
Rock Coral Protection Area described at Sec. 648.373(b), unless 
transiting pursuant to Sec. 648.373(d). Bottom-tending mobile gear 
includes, but is not limited, to

[[Page 679]]

otter trawls, beam trawls, hydraulic dredges, non-hydraulic dredges, and 
seines (with the exception of a purse seine).
    (15) Fish with bottom-tending mobile gear within the Outer Schoodic 
Ridge Coral Protection Area described at Sec. 648.373(c), unless 
transiting pursuant to Sec. 648.373(d). Bottom-tending mobile gear 
includes, but is not limited to, otter trawls, beam trawls, hydraulic 
dredges, non-hydraulic dredges, and seines (with the exception of a 
purse seine).
    (c) Dealer permits. It is unlawful for any person to do any of the 
following:
    (1) Purchase, possess or receive for a commercial purpose; or 
attempt to purchase, possess or receive for a commercial purpose; other 
than solely for transport on land, any species regulated under this part 
unless in possession of a valid dealer permit issued under this part, 
except that this prohibition does not apply to species that are 
purchased or received from a vessel not issued a permit under this part 
that fished exclusively in state waters, or pursuant to the Sec. 648.17 
NAFO Regulatory Area exemptions.
    (2) Sell, barter, trade, or transfer; or attempt to sell, barter, 
trade, or transfer; other than solely for transport on land, any 
Atlantic herring, multispecies, or monkfish from a vessel that fished 
for such species in the EEZ, unless the dealer or transferee has a valid 
dealer permit issued under Sec. 648.6. A person who purchases and/or 
receives Atlantic herring at sea for his own personal use as bait, and 
does not have purse seine, mid-water trawl, pelagic gillnet, sink 
gillnet, or bottom trawl gear on board, is exempt from the requirement 
to possess an Atlantic herring dealer permit.
    (d) VMS. It is unlawful for any person to do any of the following:
    (1) Tamper with, damage, destroy, alter, or in any way distort, 
render useless, inoperative, ineffective, or inaccurate the VMS, VMS 
unit, or VMS signal required to be installed on or transmitted by vessel 
owners or operators required to use a VMS by this part.
    (2) Fail to submit the appropriate VMS activity code for the 
intended activity at the appropriate time, in accordance with Sec. 
648.10.
    (3) Fail to comply with the appropriate VMS reporting requirements, 
as specified in Sec. 648.10.
    (e) Observer program. It is unlawful for any person to do any of the 
following:
    (1) Assault, resist, oppose, impede, harass, intimidate, or 
interfere with or bar by command, impediment, threat, or coercion any 
observer or monitor conducting his or her duties; any electronic 
monitoring provider staff who collects data required under this part; 
any authorized officer conducting any search, inspection, investigation, 
or seizure in connection with enforcement of this part; any official 
designee of the Regional Administrator conducting his or her duties, 
including those duties authorized in Sec. Sec. 648.7(g) and 
648.11(l)(10)(v).
    (2) Refuse monitoring coverage by an observer or monitor if selected 
for monitoring coverage by the Regional Administrator or the Regional 
Administrator's designee.
    (3) Fail to provide information, notification, accommodations, 
access, or reasonable assistance to an observer, monitor, or electronic 
monitoring provider staff conducting his or her duties as specified in 
Sec. 648.11.
    (4) Submit false or inaccurate data, statements, or reports.
    (f) Research and experimental fishing. It is unlawful for any person 
to violate any terms of a letter authorizing experimental fishing 
pursuant to Sec. 648.12 or fail to keep such letter on board the vessel 
during the period of the experiment.
    (g) Squid, mackerel, and butterfish--(1) All persons. Unless 
participating in a research activity as described in Sec. 648.22(g), it 
is unlawful for any person to do any of the following:
    (i) Possession and landing. Take and retain, possess, or land more 
Atlantic chub mackerel, Atlantic mackerel, Illex squid, longfin squid, 
or butterfish than specified under, or after the effective date of, a 
notification issued under Sec. Sec. 648.22 or 648.24(d).
    (ii) Recreational possession. Take and retain, possess, or land 
Atlantic mackerel in excess of the recreational limits contained in 
Sec. 648.26(a)(3).

[[Page 680]]

    (iii) Transfer and purchase. (A) Purchase or otherwise receive for a 
commercial purpose; other than solely for transport on land; Atlantic 
chub mackerel, Atlantic mackerel, Illex squid, longfin squid, or 
butterfish caught by a vessel that has not been issued a Federal 
Atlantic mackerel, Illex squid, longfin squid, or butterfish vessel 
permit, unless the vessel fishes exclusively in state waters.
    (B) Transfer longfin squid, Illex squid, or butterfish within the 
EEZ, unless the vessels participating in the transfer have been issued 
the appropriate LOA from the Regional Administrator along with a valid 
longfin squid, butterfish, or Illex squid moratorium permit and are 
transferring species for which the vessels are permitted, or a valid 
squid/butterfish incidental catch permit.
    (2) Vessel and operator permit holders. Unless participating in a 
research activity as described in Sec. 648.22(g), it is unlawful for 
any person owning or operating a vessel issued a valid Atlantic 
mackerel, Illex squid, longfin squid, or butterfish fishery permit, or 
issued an operator's permit, to do any of the following:
    (i) General requirement. Fail to comply with any measures 
implemented pursuant to subpart B of this part.
    (ii) Possession and landing. (A) Possess more than the incidental 
catch allowance of longfin squid, unless issued a longfin squid 
moratorium permit.
    (B) Possess more than the incidental catch allowance of Illex squid, 
unless issued an Illex squid moratorium permit.
    (C) Possess more than the incidental catch allowance of Atlantic 
mackerel, unless issued a limited access Atlantic mackerel permit.
    (D) Take and retain, possess, or land Atlantic chub mackerel, 
Atlantic mackerel, squid, or butterfish in excess of a possession limit 
specified in Sec. 648.26.
    (E) Possess more than 5,000 lb (2.27 mt) of butterfish, unless the 
vessel meets the minimum mesh requirements specified in Sec. 648.23(a).
    (F) Take and retain, possess, or land more than 5,000 lb (2.27 mt) 
of Atlantic mackerel after a closure of the entire commercial fishery, 
as specified under Sec. 648.24(b)(1).
    (G) Fish for, possess, transfer, receive, or sell; or attempt to 
fish for, possess, transfer, receive, or sell; more than 20,000 lb (9.08 
mt) of Atlantic mackerel per trip; or land, or attempt to land more than 
20,000 lb (9.08 mt) of Atlantic mackerel per day after 95 percent of the 
river herring and shad cap has been harvested, if the vessel holds a 
valid Atlantic mackerel permit.
    (H) Possess more than the incidental catch allowance of butterfish, 
unless issued a butterfish moratorium permit.
    (iii) Gear and vessel requirements. (A) Fish with or possess nets or 
netting that do not meet the gear requirements for Atlantic mackerel, 
longfin squid, Illex squid, or butterfish specified in Sec. 648.23(a); 
or that are modified, obstructed, or constricted, if subject to the 
minimum mesh requirements, unless the nets or netting are stowed and not 
available for immediate use as defined in Sec. 648.2 or the vessel is 
fishing under an exemption specified in Sec. 648.23(a)(5).
    (B) Fish for, retain, or possess Atlantic mackerel in or from the 
EEZ with a vessel that exceeds either 165 ft (50.3 m) in length overall 
and 750 GRT, or a shaft horsepower (shp) of 3,000 shp, except for the 
retention and possession of Atlantic mackerel for processing by a vessel 
holding a valid at-sea processor permit pursuant to Sec. 648.6(a)(2). 
It shall be presumed that the Atlantic mackerel on board were harvested 
in or from the EEZ, unless the preponderance of reliable evidence 
available indicates otherwise.
    (C) Enter or fish in the mackerel, squid, and butterfish bottom 
trawling restricted areas, as described in Sec. 648.23(a)(6).
    (D) If fishing with midwater trawl or purse seine gear, fail to 
comply with the requirements of Sec. 648.80(d) and (e).
    (iv) Observer requirements for longfin squid fishery. Fail to comply 
with any of the provisions specified in Sec. 648.11.
    (v) VMS reporting requirements in the directed Atlantic mackerel, 
longfin squid, and Illex squid fisheries. (A) Fail to declare via VMS 
into the directed Atlantic mackerel, longfin squid, or Illex squid 
fisheries by entering the fishery code prior to leaving port at the 
start

[[Page 681]]

of each trip if the vessel will harvest, possess, or land more than an 
incidental catch of Atlantic mackerel, longfin squid, or Illex squid and 
is issued a limited access Atlantic mackerel permit, Tier 1 or Tier 2 
longfin squid moratorium permit, or Illex squid moratorium permit.
    (B) Fail to notify NMFS Office of Law Enforcement through VMS of the 
time and place of offloading at least 6 hr prior to arrival, or, if 
fishing ends less than 6 hours before arrival, immediately upon leaving 
the fishing grounds, if a vessel has been issued a Limited Access 
Atlantic mackerel permit, pursuant to Sec. 648.10.
    (vi) Slip catch, as defined at Sec. 648.2, unless for one of the 
reasons specified at Sec. 648.11(n)(3)(i) if issued a limited access 
Atlantic mackerel permit, or a longfin squid or a butterfish moratorium 
permit.
    (vii) For vessels with a limited access Atlantic mackerel permits, 
fail to move 15 nm (27.8 km), as required by Sec. 648.11(n)(3)(iii).
    (viii) For vessels with a limited access Atlantic mackerel permit, 
fail to immediately return to port as required by Sec. 
648.11(n)(3)(iv).
    (ix) Fail to complete, sign, and submit a Released Catch Affidavit 
if fish are released pursuant to the requirements at Sec. 
648.11(n)(3)(ii).
    (x) Fail to report or fail to accurately report a slippage event on 
the VMS mackerel and longfin squid daily catch report, as required by 
Sec. 648.11(n)(3)(ii).
    (3) Charter/party restrictions. Unless participating in a research 
activity as described in Sec. 648.22(g), it is unlawful for the owner 
and operator of a party or charter boat issued an Atlantic mackerel, 
Illex squid, longfin squid, or butterfish fishery permit (including a 
moratorium permit), when the boat is carrying passengers for hire, to do 
any of the following:
    (i) Violate any recreational fishing measures established pursuant 
to Sec. 648.22(d).
    (ii) Sell or transfer Atlantic chub mackerel, Atlantic mackerel, 
Illex squid, longfin squid, or butterfish to another person for a 
commercial purpose.
    (iii) Carry passengers for hire while fishing commercially under an 
Atlantic mackerel, Illex squid, longfin squid, or butterfish fishery 
permit.
    (4) Presumption. For purposes of this part, the following 
presumption applies: All Atlantic chub mackerel, Atlantic mackerel, 
Illex squid, longfin squid, or butterfish possessed on a vessel issued 
any permit under Sec. 648.4 are deemed to have been harvested from the 
EEZ, unless the preponderance of all submitted evidence demonstrates 
that such species were purchased for bait or harvested by a vessel 
fishing exclusively in state waters or, for Atlantic chub mackerel, 
outside of the Atlantic Chub Mackerel Management Unit.
    (h) Atlantic salmon. Unless participating in a research activity as 
described in Sec. 648.22(g), it is unlawful for any person to do any of 
the following:
    (1) Possession and landing. (i) Use any vessel of the United States 
for taking, catching, harvesting, fishing for, or landing any Atlantic 
salmon taken from or in the EEZ. It shall be presumed that the Atlantic 
salmon on board were harvested in or from the EEZ, unless the 
preponderance of reliable evidence available indicates otherwise.
    (ii) Transfer, directly or indirectly; or attempt to transfer, 
directly or indirectly; to any vessel any Atlantic salmon taken in or 
from the EEZ.
    (2) [Reserved]
    (i) Atlantic sea scallops--(1) All persons. It is unlawful for any 
person to do any of the following:
    (i) Permit requirement. Fish for, possess, or land scallops without 
the vessel having been issued and carrying onboard a valid Federal 
scallop permit in accordance with Sec. 648.4(a)(2), unless the scallops 
were harvested by a vessel that has not been issued a Federal scallop 
permit and fishes for scallops exclusively in state waters.
    (ii) Gear and crew requirements. Have a shucking or sorting machine 
on board a vessel while in possession of more than 600 lb (272.2 kg) of 
shucked scallops, unless that vessel has not been issued a Federal 
scallop permit and fishes exclusively in state waters.
    (iii) Possession and landing. Fish for, land, or possess on board a 
vessel per trip, or possess at any time prior to a

[[Page 682]]

transfer to another person for a commercial purpose, other than solely 
for transport on land in excess of any of the possession and/or landing 
limits described in Sec. Sec. 648.52 and 648.59.
    (iv) Transfer and purchase. (A) Land, offload, remove, or otherwise 
transfer; or attempt to land, offload, remove or otherwise transfer; 
scallops from one vessel to another, unless that vessel has not been 
issued a Federal scallop permit and fishes exclusively in state waters.
    (B) Sell, barter, or trade, or otherwise transfer scallops from a 
vessel; or attempt to sell, barter or trade, or otherwise transfer 
scallops from a vessel; for a commercial purpose, unless the vessel has 
been issued a valid Federal scallop permit pursuant to Sec. 
648.4(a)(2), or the scallops were harvested by a vessel that has not 
been issued a Federal scallop permit and fishes for scallops exclusively 
in state waters.
    (C) Purchase, possess, or receive for commercial purposes; or 
attempt to purchase or receive for commercial purposes; scallops from a 
vessel other than one issued a valid limited access or LAGC scallop 
permit, unless the scallops were harvested by a vessel that has not been 
issued a Federal scallop permit and fishes for scallops exclusively in 
state waters.
    (D) Sell or transfer to another person for a commercial purpose, 
other than solely for transport on land, any scallops harvested from the 
EEZ by a vessel issued a Federal scallop permit, unless the transferee 
has a valid scallop dealer permit.
    (v) Ownership cap. Have an ownership interest in more than 5 percent 
of the total number of vessels issued limited access scallop permits and 
confirmations of permit history, except as provided in Sec. 
648.4(a)(2)(i)(M).
    (vi) Closed area requirements--(A) Habitat Management Areas. (1) 
Fish for scallops in, or possess or land scallops from, the Habitat 
Management Areas specified in Sec. 648.370.
    (2) Transit or enter the Habitat Management Areas specified in Sec. 
648.370, except as provided by Sec. 648.370(i).
    (B) Scallop Rotational Areas. (1) Fish for scallops in, or possess 
or land scallops from, the Scallop Rotational Areas closed to the 
scallop fishery through the specifications or framework adjustment 
processes specified in Sec. 648.55.
    (2) Transit or enter the Scallop Rotational Areas, except as 
provided by Sec. 648.59(a) or (b).
    (vii) Scallop sectors. Fail to comply with any of the requirements 
or restrictions for general category scallop sectors specified in Sec. 
648.63.
    (viii) Scallop research. (A) Fail to comply with any of the 
provisions specified in Sec. 648.56 or the conditions of a letter of 
authorization issued under Sec. 648.56.
    (B) Fish for scallops in, or possess or land scallops from the NGOM, 
unless allocated NGOM RSA allocation as described in Sec. 648.56(d) and 
fishing on a scallop research set aside compensation trip.
    (ix) Observer program. (A) Refuse, or fail, to carry onboard an 
observer after being requested to by the Regional Administrator or the 
Regional Administrator's designee.
    (B) Fail to provide information, notification, accommodations, 
access, or reasonable assistance to an observer conducting his or her 
duties aboard a vessel, as specified in Sec. 648.11.
    (C) Fail to comply with the notification, observer services 
procurement, and observer services payment requirements of the sea 
scallop observer program specified in Sec. 648.11(k).
    (x) Presumption. For purposes of this section, the following 
presumption applies: Scallops that are possessed or landed at or prior 
to the time when the scallops are received by a dealer, or scallops that 
are possessed by a dealer, are deemed to be harvested from the EEZ, 
unless the preponderance of evidence demonstrates that such scallops 
were harvested by a vessel fishing exclusively for scallops in state 
waters.
    (2) Limited access scallop vessel permit holders. It is unlawful for 
any person owning or operating a vessel issued a limited access scallop 
permit under Sec. 648.4(a)(2) to do any of the following:
    (i) Minimum shell height. Land, or possess at or after landing, in-
shell scallops smaller than the minimum shell height specified in Sec. 
648.50(a).
    (ii) Vessel, gear, and crew restrictions. (A) Possess more than 40 
lb (18.1 kg) of shucked, or 333 lb (151 kg) of in-shell

[[Page 683]]

scallops, or participate in the scallop DAS or Area Access programs, 
while in the possession of trawl nets that have a maximum sweep 
exceeding 144 ft (43.9 m), as measured by the total length of the 
footrope that is directly attached to the webbing of the net, except as 
specified in Sec. 648.51(a)(1), unless the vessel is fishing under the 
Northeast multispecies or monkfish DAS program.
    (B) While under or subject to the DAS allocation program, in 
possession of more than 40 lb (18.1 kg) of shucked scallops or 333 lb 
(151 kg) of in-shell scallops, or fishing for scallops in the EEZ:
    (1) Fish with, or have available for immediate use, trawl nets of 
mesh smaller than the minimum size specified in Sec. 648.51(a)(2).
    (2) Fail to comply with any chafing gear or other gear obstruction 
restrictions specified in Sec. 648.51(a)(3).
    (3) Fail to comply with the turtle deflector dredge vessel gear 
restrictions specified in Sec. 648.51(b)(5), and turtle dredge chain 
mat requirements in Sec. 223.206(d)(11) of this title.
    (4) Fish under the small dredge program specified in Sec. 
648.51(e), with, or while in possession of, a dredge that exceeds 10.5 
ft (3.2 m) in overall width, as measured at the widest point in the bail 
of the dredge.
    (5) Fish under the small dredge program specified in Sec. 648.51(e) 
with more persons on board the vessel, including the operator, than 
specified in Sec. 648.51(e)(3), unless otherwise authorized by the 
Regional Administrator.
    (6) Participate in the DAS allocation program with more persons on 
board the vessel than the number specified in Sec. 648.51(c), including 
the operator, when the vessel is not docked or moored in port, unless 
otherwise authorized by the Regional Administrator.
    (7) Fish in a Sea Scallop Access Area, as described in Sec. 648.60, 
with more persons on board the vessel than the number specified in Sec. 
648.51(c) or Sec. 648.51(e)(3)(i), unless otherwise authorized by the 
Regional Administrator.
    (8) Have a shucking or sorting machine on board a vessel that shucks 
scallops at sea while fishing under the DAS allocation program, unless 
otherwise authorized by the Regional Administrator.
    (9) Fish with, possess on board, or land scallops while in 
possession of trawl nets, when fishing for scallops under the DAS 
allocation program, unless exempted as provided for in Sec. 648.51(f).
    (10) Fail to comply with the gear restrictions described in Sec. 
648.51.
    (iii) Possession and landing. (A) Land scallops after using up the 
vessel's annual DAS allocation or land scallops on more than one trip 
per calendar day when not participating under the DAS allocation program 
pursuant to Sec. 648.10, unless exempted from DAS allocations as 
provided in the state waters exemption, specified in Sec. 648.54.
    (B) Fish for, possess, or land more than 3,332 lb (1,511 kg) of in-
shell scallops inside the VMS Demarcation Line on or by a vessel, except 
as provided in the state waters exemption, as specified in Sec. 648.54.
    (C) Fish for, possess, or land per trip, at any time, scallops in 
excess of any sea scallop possession and landing limit set by the 
Regional Administrator in accordance with Sec. 648.59(b)(3) when 
properly declared into the Sea Scallop Area Access Program as described 
in Sec. 648.59.
    (D) Fish for, possess, or land yellowtail flounder from a vessel on 
a scallop fishing trip.
    (E) Fish for, possess, or land scallops from the NGOM, unless on a 
scallop RSA compensation trip and allocated NGOM RSA allocation as 
described in Sec. 648.56(d).
    (iv) DAS. (A) Fish for, possess, or land scallops after using up the 
vessel's annual DAS allocation and Access Area trip allocations, or when 
not properly declared into the DAS or an Area Access program pursuant to 
Sec. 648.10, unless the vessel has been issued an LAGC scallop permit 
pursuant to Sec. 648.4(a)(2)(ii) and is lawfully fishing in a LAGC 
scallop fishery, unless exempted from DAS allocations as provided in 
state waters exemption, specified in Sec. 648.54.
    (B) Combine, transfer, or consolidate DAS allocations, except as 
allowed for one-for-one Access Area trip exchanges as specified in Sec. 
648.59(b)(3)(ii).

[[Page 684]]

    (C) Fail to comply with any requirement for declaring in or out of 
the DAS allocation program or other notification requirements specified 
in Sec. 648.10.
    (D) Fail to comply with any requirements for declaring out of the 
DAS allocation program and steaming to land scallops at ports located at 
or south of 39[deg] N. lat., as specified in Sec. 648.53(f)(3).
    (E) Possess on board or land in-shell scallops if declaring out of 
the DAS allocation program and steaming to land scallops at ports 
located at or south of 39[deg] N. lat.
    (v) VMS requirements. (A) Fail to have an approved, operational, and 
functioning VMS unit that meets the specifications of Sec. 648.9 on 
board the vessel at all times, unless the vessel is not subject to the 
VMS requirements specified in Sec. 648.10.
    (B) If the vessel is not subject to VMS requirements specified in 
Sec. 648.10(b), fail to comply with the requirements of the call-in 
system specified in Sec. 648.10(c).
    (C) If a limited access scallop vessel declares a scallop trip 
before first crossing the VMS Demarcation Line, but not necessarily from 
port, in accordance with Sec. 648.10(f), fail to declare out of the 
fishery in port and have fishing gear not available for immediate use as 
defined in Sec. 648.2, until declared into the scallop fishery.
    (D) Once declared into the scallop fishery in accordance with Sec. 
648.10(f), change its VMS declaration until the trip has ended and 
scallop catch has been offloaded, except as specified at Sec. 
648.53(f)(3).
    (E) Fail to submit a scallop access area pre-landing notification 
form through VMS as specified at Sec. 648.10(f)(4)(iii).
    (vi) Scallop Rotational Area Management Program and Scallop Access 
Area Program requirements. (A) Fail to comply with any of the provisions 
and specifications of Sec. 648.59.
    (B) Transit the Area II Scallop Rotational Area or the New York 
Bight Scallop Rotational Area, as defined in Sec. 648.60(b) and (j), 
unless there is a compelling safety reason for transiting the area and 
the vessel's fishing gear is stowed and not available for immediate use 
as defined in Sec. 648.2.
    (C) Fish for, possess, or land scallops in or from a Scallop Access 
Area in excess of the vessel's remaining specific allocation for that 
area as specified in Sec. 648.59(b)(3) or the amount permitted to be 
landed from that area.
    (D) Possess more than 3,332 lb (1,511 kg) of in-shell scallops 
outside the boundaries of a Scallop Access Area by a vessel that is 
declared into the Scallop Access Area Program as specified in Sec. 
648.59.
    (E) Fish for, possess, or land scallops in or from any Scallop 
Access Area without an observer on board, unless the vessel owner, 
operator, or manager has received a waiver to carry an observer for the 
specified trip and area fished.
    (F)-(G) [Reserved]
    (vii) State waters exemption program. Fail to comply with any 
requirement for participating in the State Waters Exemption Program 
specified in Sec. 648.54.
    (viii) [Reserved]
    (ix) Fish for scallops in the Mid-Atlantic Accountability Measure 
Area, described in Sec. 648.64(b)(2) with gear that does not meet the 
specifications described in Sec. 648.64(c) during the period specified 
in the notice announcing the Southern New England/Mid-Atlantic 
Yellowtail Flounder or the Southern Windowpane Flounder Gear Restricted 
Area described in Sec. 648.64(e) and (g), respectively.
    (x) Fish for scallops in the Georges Bank Accountability Measure 
Area described in Sec. 648.64(b)(1), with gear that does not meet the 
specifications described in Sec. 648.64(c) during the period specified 
in the notice announcing the Georges Bank Yellowtail Flounder or the 
Northern Windowpane Flounder Gear Restricted Area described in Sec. 
648.64(d) and (f), respectively.
    (3) LAGC scallop vessels. It is unlawful for any person owning or 
operating a vessel issued an LAGC scallop permit to do any of the 
following:
    (i) Permit requirements. (A) Fail to comply with the LAGC scallop 
permit restrictions as specified in Sec. 648.4(a)(2)(ii)(G) through 
(O).
    (B) [Reserved]
    (ii) Gear requirements. (A) Possess or use trawl gear that does not 
comply

[[Page 685]]

with any of the provisions or specifications in Sec. 648.51(a), unless 
the vessel is fishing under the Northeast multispecies or monkfish DAS 
program.
    (B) Possess or use dredge gear that does not comply with any of the 
provisions or specifications in Sec. 648.51(b).
    (iii) Possession and landing. (A) Land scallops more than once per 
calendar day.
    (B) Possess in-shell scallops while in possession of the maximum 
allowed amount of shucked scallops specified for each LAGC scallop 
permit category in Sec. 648.52.
    (iv) VMS requirements. (A) Fail to comply with any of the VMS 
requirements specified in Sec. Sec. 648.10, 648.59, or 648.62.
    (B) Fail to comply with any requirement for declaring in or out of 
the LAGC scallop fishery or other notification requirements specified in 
Sec. 648.10(f).
    (C) If an LAGC scallop vessel declares a scallop trip shoreward of 
the VMS Demarcation Line, but not necessarily from port, in accordance 
with Sec. 648.10(f), fail to declare out of the fishery in port and 
have fishing gear not available for immediate use as defined in Sec. 
648.2, until declared into the scallop fishery.
    (D) Once declared into the scallop fishery in accordance with Sec. 
648.10(f), change its VMS declaration until the trip has ended and 
scallop catch has been offloaded.
    (v) Scallop rotational area management program and scallop access 
area program requirements. (A) Fail to comply with any of the 
requirements specified in Sec. 648.59.
    (B) Declare into or leave port for an area specified in Sec. 648.60 
after the effective date of a notification published in the Federal 
Register stating that the number of LAGC trips have been taken, as 
specified in Sec. 648.59.
    (C) Fish for or land per trip, or possess in excess of 40 lb (18.1 
kg) of shucked scallops at any time in or from any Scallop Access Area 
specified at Sec. 648.60, unless declared into the Scallop Access Area 
Program.
    (D) Fish for, possess, or land scallops in or from any Scallop 
Access Area without an observer on board, unless the vessel owner, 
operator, or manager has received a waiver to carry an observer for the 
specified trip and area fished.
    (E) Transit the Area II Scallop Rotational Area or New York Bight 
Scallop Rotational Area, as defined in Sec. 648.60(b) and (j), unless 
there is a compelling safety reason for transiting the area and the 
vessel's fishing gear is stowed and not available for immediate use as 
defined in Sec. 648.2.
    (vi) Sectors. Fail to comply with any of the requirements and 
restrictions for General Category sectors and harvesting cooperatives 
specified in Sec. 648.63.
    (4) IFQ scallop permit. It is unlawful for any person owning or 
operating a vessel issued an IFQ scallop permit to do any of the 
following:
    (i) Possession and landing. (A) Fish for or land per trip, or 
possess at any time, in excess of the possession and landing limits 
described in Sec. 648.52(a).
    (B) [Reserved]
    (C) Declare into the NGOM scallop management area and fish against 
the NGOM Set-Aside after the effective date of a notification published 
in the Federal Register stating that after the NGOM Set-Aside has been 
harvested as specified in Sec. 648.62, unless the vessel is fishing 
exclusively in state waters, declared a state-waters only NGOM trip, and 
is participating in an approved state waters exemption program as 
specified in Sec. 648.54, or unless the vessel is participating in the 
scallop RSA program as specified in Sec. 648.56.
    (D)--(E) [Reserved]
    (F) Fish for, possess, or land scallops in excess of a vessel's IFQ.
    (ii) Owner and allocation cap. (A) Have an ownership interest in 
vessels that collectively are allocated more than 5 percent of the total 
IFQ scallop APL as specified in Sec. 648.53(a)(9).
    (B) Have an IFQ allocation on an IFQ scallop vessel of more than 2.5 
percent of the total IFQ scallop APL as specified in Sec. 648.53(a)(9).
    (iii) IFQ Transfer Program. (A) Apply for an IFQ transfer that will 
result in the transferee having an aggregate ownership interest in more 
than 5 percent of the total IFQ scallop ACL.

[[Page 686]]

    (B) Apply for an IFQ transfer that will result in the receiving 
vessel having an IFQ allocation in excess of 2.5 percent of the total 
IFQ scallop ACL as specified in Sec. 648.53(a)(4)(i).
    (C) Fish for, possess, or land transferred IFQ prior to approval of 
the transfer by the Regional Administrator as specified in Sec. 
648.53(h)(5).
    (D)-(F) [Reserved]
    (G) Transfer scallop IFQ to, or receive scallop IFQ from, a vessel 
that has not been issued a valid IFQ scallop permit.
    (iv) Cost Recovery Program. Fail to comply with any of the cost 
recovery requirements specified under Sec. 648.53(g)(4).
    (v) Fish for scallops in the Mid-Atlantic Accountability Measure 
Area, described in Sec. 648.64(b)(2) with gear that does not meet the 
specifications described in Sec. 648.64(c) during the period specified 
in the notice announcing the Southern New England/Mid-Atlantic 
Yellowtail Flounder or the Southern Windowpane Flounder Gear Restricted 
Area described in Sec. 648.64(e) and (g), respectively.
    (vi) Fish for scallops in the Georges Bank Accountability Measure 
Area described in Sec. 648.64(b)(1), with gear that does not meet the 
specifications described in Sec. 648.64(c) during the period specified 
in the notice announcing the Georges Bank Yellowtail Flounder or the 
Northern Windowpane Flounder Gear Restricted Area described in Sec. 
648.64(d) and (f), respectively.
    (5) NGOM scallop permit. It is unlawful for any person owning or 
operating a vessel issued an NGOM scallop permit to do any of the 
following:
    (i) Declare into, or fish for or possess scallops outside of the 
NGOM Scallop Management Area as defined in Sec. 648.62.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (iii) Fish for, possess, or land scallops in state or Federal waters 
of the NGOM management area after the effective date of notification in 
the Federal Register that the LAGC share of the NGOM Set-Aside has been 
harvested as specified in Sec. 648.62, unless the vessel is fishing 
exclusively in state waters, declared a state-waters only NGOM trip, and 
is participating in an approved state waters exemption program as 
specified in Sec. 648.54, or unless the vessel is participating in the 
scallop RSA program as specified in Sec. 648.56.
    (iv) Fish for, possess, or retain scallops in Federal waters of the 
NGOM after declaring a trip into NGOM state waters.
    (j) Atlantic surfclam and ocean quahog. It is unlawful for any 
person to do any of the following:
    (1) Possession and landing. (i) Fish for surfclams or ocean quahogs 
in any area closed to surfclam or ocean quahog fishing.
    (ii) Shuck surfclams or ocean quahogs harvested in or from the EEZ 
at sea, unless permitted by the Regional Administrator under the terms 
of Sec. 648.75.
    (iii) Fish for, retain, or land both surfclams and ocean quahogs in 
or from the EEZ on the same trip.
    (iv) Fish for, retain, or land ocean quahogs in or from the EEZ on a 
trip designated as a surfclam fishing trip under Sec. 648.15(b); or 
fish for, retain, or land surfclams in or from the EEZ on a trip 
designated as an ocean quahog fishing trip under Sec. 648.15(b).
    (v) Fail to offload any surfclams or ocean quahogs harvested in the 
EEZ from a trip discontinued pursuant to Sec. 648.15(b) prior to 
commencing fishing operations in waters under the jurisdiction of any 
state.
    (vi) Land or possess any surfclams or ocean quahogs harvested in or 
from the EEZ without having been issued, or in excess of, an individual 
allocation.
    (2) Transfer and purchase. (i) Receive for a commercial purpose 
other than solely for transport on land, surfclams or ocean quahogs 
harvested in or from the EEZ, whether or not they are landed under an 
allocation under Sec. 648.74, unless issued a dealer/processor permit 
under this part.
    (ii) Transfer any surfclams or ocean quahogs harvested in or from 
the EEZ to any person for a commercial purpose, other than solely for 
transport on land, without a surfclam or ocean quahog processor or 
dealer permit.
    (iii) Offload unshucked surfclams or ocean quahogs harvested in or 
from the EEZ outside the Maine mahogany quahog zone from vessels not 
capable of carrying cages, other than directly into cages.

[[Page 687]]

    (3) Gear and tags requirements. (i) Alter, erase, mutilate, 
duplicate or cause to be duplicated, or steal any cage tag issued under 
this part.
    (ii) Produce, or cause to be produced, cage tags required under this 
part without written authorization from the Regional Administrator.
    (iii) Tag a cage with a tag that has been rendered null and void or 
with a tag that has been previously used.
    (iv) Tag a cage of surfclams with an ocean quahog cage tag, or tag a 
cage of ocean quahogs with a surfclam cage tag.
    (v) Possess an empty cage to which a cage tag required by Sec. 
648.77 is affixed, or possess any cage that does not contain surfclams 
or ocean quahogs and to which a cage tag required by Sec. 648.77 is 
affixed.
    (vi) Land or possess, after offloading, any cage holding surfclams 
or ocean quahogs without a cage tag or tags required by Sec. 648.77, 
unless the person can demonstrate the inapplicability of the 
presumptions set forth in Sec. 648.77(h).
    (vii) Sell null and void tags.
    (viii) Take action to circumvent an ITQ quota share cap or cage tag 
cap specified in 648.74(a)(2) or fail to take corrective action if such 
cap is exceeded inadvertently.
    (4) VMS requirements. (i) Fail to maintain an operational VMS unit 
as specified in Sec. 648.9, and comply with any of the notification 
requirements specified in Sec. 648.15(b) including:
    (A) Fish for, land, take, possess, or transfer surfclams or ocean 
quahogs under an open access surfclam or ocean quahog permit without 
having provided proof to the Regional Administrator that the vessel has 
a fully functioning VMS unit on board the vessel and declared a 
surfclam, ocean quahog, or Maine mahogany quahog fishing activity code 
via the VMS unit prior to leaving port as specified at Sec. 648.15(b).
    (B) Fish for, land, take, possess, or transfer ocean quahogs under a 
limited access Maine mahogany quahog permit without having provided 
proof to the Regional Administrator of NMFS that the vessel has a fully 
functioning VMS unit on board the vessel and declared a fishing trip via 
the VMS unit as specified at Sec. 648.15(b).
    (5) Maine mahogany quahog zone. (i) Land unshucked surfclams or 
ocean quahogs harvested in or from the EEZ outside the Maine mahogany 
quahog zone in containers other than cages from vessels capable of 
carrying cages.
    (ii) Land unshucked surfclams and ocean quahogs harvested in or from 
the EEZ within the Maine mahogany quahog zone in containers other than 
cages from vessels capable of carrying cages unless, with respect to 
ocean quahogs, the vessel has been issued a Maine mahogany quahog permit 
under this part and is not fishing for an individual allocation of 
quahogs under Sec. 648.74.
    (iii) Offload unshucked surfclams harvested in or from the EEZ 
within the Maine mahogany quahog zone from vessels not capable of 
carrying cages, other than directly into cages.
    (iv) Offload unshucked ocean quahogs harvested in or from the EEZ 
within the Maine mahogany quahog zone from vessels not capable of 
carrying cages, other than directly into cages, unless the vessel has 
been issued a Maine mahogany quahog permit under this part and is not 
fishing for an individual allocation of quahogs under Sec. 648.74.
    (v) Land or possess ocean quahogs harvested in or from the EEZ 
within the Maine mahogany quahog zone after the effective date published 
in the Federal Register notifying participants that Maine mahogany 
quahog quota is no longer available for the respective fishing year, 
unless the vessel is fishing for an individual allocation of ocean 
quahogs under Sec. 648.74.
    (6) Presumptions. For purposes of this part, the following 
presumptions apply:
    (i) Possession of surfclams or ocean quahogs on the deck of any 
fishing vessel in closed areas, or the presence of any part of a 
vessel's gear in the water in closed areas is prima facie evidence that 
such vessel was fishing in violation of the provisions of the Magnuson-
Stevens Act and these regulations.
    (ii) Surfclams or ocean quahogs landed from a trip for which 
notification was provided under Sec. 648.15(b) or Sec. 648.74(b) are 
deemed to have been harvested in the EEZ and count against the 
individual's annual allocation, unless the vessel has a valid Maine 
mahogany quahog permit issued pursuant

[[Page 688]]

to Sec. 648.4(a)(4)(i) and is not fishing for an individual allocation 
under Sec. 648.74.
    (iii) Surfclams or ocean quahogs found in cages without a valid 
state tag are deemed to have been harvested in the EEZ and are deemed to 
be part of an individual's allocation, unless the vessel has a valid 
Maine mahogany quahog permit issued pursuant to Sec. 648.4(a)(4)(i) and 
is not fishing for an individual allocation under Sec. 648.74; or, 
unless the preponderance of available evidence demonstrates that he/she 
has surrendered his/her surfclam and ocean quahog permit issued under 
Sec. 648.4 and he/she conducted fishing operations exclusively within 
waters under the jurisdiction of any state. Surfclams and ocean quahogs 
in cages with a Federal tag or tags, issued and still valid pursuant to 
this part, affixed thereto are deemed to have been harvested by the 
individual allocation holder to whom the tags were issued or transferred 
under Sec. 648.74 or Sec. 648.77(b).
    (k) NE multispecies--(1) Permit requirements for all persons. It is 
unlawful for any person, including any owner or operator of a vessel 
issued a valid Federal NE multispecies permit or letter under Sec. 
648.4(a)(1)(i), unless otherwise specified in Sec. 648.17, to do any of 
the following:
    (i) Fish for, possess, or land NE multispecies, unless:
    (A) The NE multispecies are being fished for or were harvested in or 
from the EEZ by a vessel holding a valid Federal NE multispecies permit 
under this part, or a letter under Sec. 648.4(a)(1), and the operator 
on board such vessel has a valid operator's permit and has it on board 
the vessel.
    (B) The NE multispecies were harvested by a vessel not issued a 
Federal NE multispecies permit, nor eligible to renew or be reissued a 
limited access NE multispecies permit as specified in Sec. 648.4(b)(2), 
that fishes for NE multispecies exclusively in state waters.
    (C) The NE multispecies were harvested in or from the EEZ by a 
recreational fishing vessel.
    (D) Any haddock, and up to 100 lb (45 kg) of other regulated NE 
multispecies other than haddock, were harvested by a vessel issued a 
Category A or B Herring Permit on a declared herring trip, regardless of 
gear or area fished, or a vessel issued a Category C, D, or E Herring 
Permit that fished with midwater trawl gear, pursuant to the 
requirements in Sec. 648.80(d) and (e), and such fish are not sold for 
human consumption.
    (E) Otherwise specified in Sec. 648.17.
    (ii) Land, offload, remove, or otherwise transfer; or attempt to 
land, offload, remove or otherwise transfer; NE multispecies from one 
vessel to another vessel, unless both vessels have not been issued 
Federal NE multispecies permits and both fish exclusively in state 
waters, unless authorized in writing by the Regional Administrator, or 
otherwise allowed.
    (iii) Sell, barter, trade, or otherwise transfer; or attempt to 
sell, barter, trade, or otherwise transfer; for a commercial purpose any 
NE multispecies from a trip, unless:
    (A) The vessel is holding a Federal NE multispecies permit, or a 
letter under Sec. 648.4(a)(1), and is not fishing under the charter/
party vessel restrictions specified in Sec. 648.89.
    (B) The NE multispecies were harvested by a vessel without a Federal 
NE multispecies permit that fishes for NE multispecies exclusively in 
state waters.
    (C) Or as otherwise specified in Sec. 648.17.
    (iv) Operate or act as an operator of a vessel fishing for or 
possessing NE multispecies in or from the EEZ, or holding a Federal NE 
multispecies vessel permit without having been issued and possessing a 
valid operator's permit.
    (2) Permit requirements for vessel and operator permit holders. It 
is unlawful for any owner or operator of a vessel issued a valid Federal 
NE multispecies permit or letter under Sec. 648.4(a)(1)(i), unless 
otherwise specified in Sec. 648.17, to do any of the following:
    (i) Fish for, possess, or land NE multispecies with or from a vessel 
that has had the length overall of such vessel, or its replacement, 
increased or upgraded in excess of limitations specified in Sec. 
648.4(a)(1)(i)(E) and (F).
    (ii) Fish for, possess, or land NE multispecies with or from a 
vessel that has had the horsepower of such vessel

[[Page 689]]

or its replacement upgraded or increased in excess of the limitations 
specified in Sec. 648.4(a)(1)(i)(E) and (F).
    (iii) Fail to comply with the pre-trip notification requirements of 
the NE multispecies observer program specified in Sec. 648.11(l).
    (iv) Possess or land fish while setting fixed gear on a set-only 
trip as declared through the pre-trip notification system pursuant to 
Sec. 648.11(l).
    (v) Fish for, possess, land fish, enroll in a sector, or lease a 
permit or confirmation of permit history (CPH) as a lessor or lessee, 
with a permit that has been rendered unusable as specified in Sec. 
648.4(a)(1)(i)(N).
    (vi) Acquire a limited access NE multispecies permit that would 
result in a permit holder exceeding any of the ownership accumulation 
limits specified in Sec. 648.4(a)(1)(i)(N), unless authorized under 
Sec. 648.4(a)(1)(i)(N).
    (3) Dealer requirements. It is unlawful for any person to:
    (i) Purchase, possess, import, export, or receive as a dealer, or in 
the capacity of a dealer, allocated regulated species or ocean pout in 
excess of the possession limits specified in Sec. 648.82, Sec. 648.85, 
Sec. 648.86, or Sec. 648.87 applicable to a vessel issued a NE 
multispecies permit, unless otherwise specified in Sec. 648.17, or 
unless the regulated species or ocean pout are purchased or received 
from a vessel that caught them on a sector trip and such species are 
exempt from such possession limits in accordance with an approved sector 
operations plan, as specified in Sec. 648.87(c).
    (ii) Sell or transfer to another person for a commercial purpose, 
other than solely for transport on land, any NE multispecies harvested 
from the EEZ by a vessel issued a Federal NE multispecies permit, unless 
the transferee has a valid NE multispecies dealer permit.
    (iii) Purchase, possess, import, export, or receive as a dealer, or 
in the capacity of a dealer, allocated regulated species from a vessel 
participating in the maximized retention electronic monitoring program 
in Sec. 648.11(l) unless the offload of catch was observed by a 
dockside monitor or NMFS issued a waiver from dockside monitoring for 
the trip.
    (iv) Assault, resist, oppose, impede, harass, intimidate, or 
interfere with or bar by command, impediment, threat, or coercion any 
observer or monitor conducting his or her duties or any electronic 
monitoring provider staff who collects data required under this part.
    (v) Impede a dockside monitor's access to their premises, scales, 
and any fish received from vessels participating in the maximized 
retention electronic monitoring program; fail to facilitate dockside 
monitoring for vessels participating in a maximized retention electronic 
monitoring program; or fail to process, sort, label, and report fish 
from vessels participating in the maximized retention monitoring 
program, as required in Sec. 648.11(l)(10)(iv).
    (4) NAFO. It is unlawful for any owner or operator of a vessel 
issued a valid NE multispecies permit or letter under Sec. 
648.4(a)(1)(i), to fail to comply with the exemption specifications in 
Sec. 648.17.
    (5) Regulated Mesh Areas. It is unlawful for any person, including 
any owner or operator of a vessel issued a valid Federal NE multispecies 
permit or letter under Sec. 648.4(a)(1)(i), unless otherwise specified 
in Sec. 648.17, to do any of the following:
    (i) Violate any of the provisions of Sec. 648.80, including 
paragraphs (a)(5), the Small-mesh Northern Shrimp Fishery Exemption 
Area; (a)(6), the Cultivator Shoal Whiting Fishery Exemption Area; 
(a)(9), Small-mesh Area 1/Small-mesh Area 2; (a)(10), the Nantucket 
Shoals Dogfish Fishery Exemption Area; (h)(3)(i), the GOM Scallop Dredge 
Exemption Area; (a)(12), the Nantucket Shoals Mussel and Sea Urchin 
Dredge Exemption Area; (a)(13), the GOM/GB Monkfish Gillnet Exemption 
Area; (a)(14), the GOM/GB Dogfish Gillnet Exemption Area; (a)(15), the 
Raised Footrope Trawl Exempted Whiting Fishery; (a)(16), the GOM Grate 
Raised Footrope Trawl Exempted Whiting Fishery; (h)(3)(ii), the Georges 
Bank/Southern New England Scallop Dredge Exemption Area; (a)(19), the 
Eastern and Western Cape Cod Spiny Dogfish Exemption Areas; (b)(3), 
exemptions (small mesh); (b)(5), the SNE Monkfish and Skate Trawl 
Exemption Area; (b)(6), the SNE Monkfish and Skate

[[Page 690]]

Gillnet Exemption Area; (b)(8), the SNE Mussel and Sea Urchin Dredge 
Exemption Area; (b)(9), the SNE Little Tunny Gillnet Exemption Area; 
(h)(3)(ii); or (b)(12), the SNE Skate Bait Trawl Exemption Area. Each 
violation of any provision in Sec. 648.80 constitutes a separate 
violation.
    (ii) Enter or fish in the Gulf of Maine, Georges Bank, or Southern 
New England Regulated Mesh Areas, except as provided in Sec. 
648.80(a)(3)(vi) and (b)(2)(vi), and, for purposes of transiting, all 
gear (other than exempted gear) must be stowed and not available for 
immediate use as defined in Sec. 648.2.
    (iii) Gulf of Maine and Georges Bank Regulated Mesh Areas. (A) Fish 
with, use, or have on board, within the areas described in Sec. 
648.80(a)(1) and (2), nets with mesh size smaller than the minimum mesh 
size specified in Sec. 648.80(a)(3) and (4); except as provided in 
Sec. 648.80(a)(5) through (8), (a)(9), (a)(10), (a)(15), (a)(16), (d), 
(e), and (i); unless the vessel has not been issued a NE multispecies 
permit and fishes for NE multispecies exclusively in state waters, or 
unless otherwise specified in Sec. 648.17.
    (B) Fish within the areas described in Sec. 648.80(a)(6) with net 
mesh smaller than the minimum size specified in Sec. 648.80(a)(3) or 
(4).
    (iv) Southern New England Regulated Mesh Area. Fish with, use, or 
have available for immediate use within the area described in Sec. 
648.80(b)(1), net mesh smaller than the minimum size specified in Sec. 
648.80(b)(2), except as provided in Sec. 648.80(b)(3), (b)(9), (d), 
(e), and (i), or unless the vessel has not been issued a Federal NE 
multispecies permit and fishes for multispecies exclusively in state 
waters, or unless otherwise specified in Sec. 648.17.
    (v) Mid-Atlantic Regulated Mesh Area. Fish with, use, or have 
available for immediate use within the area described in Sec. 
648.80(c)(1), nets of mesh size smaller than the minimum mesh size 
specified in Sec. 648.80(c)(2); except as provided in Sec. 
648.80(c)(3), (d), (e), and (i); or unless the vessel has not been 
issued a Federal NE multispecies permit and fishes for NE multispecies 
exclusively in state waters, or unless otherwise specified in Sec. 
648.17.
    (vi) Mid-water trawl exempted fishery. (A) Fish for, land, or 
possess NE multispecies harvested by means of pair trawling or with pair 
trawl gear, except under the provisions of Sec. 648.80(d), or unless 
the vessels that engaged in pair trawling have not been issued 
multispecies permits and fish for NE multispecies exclusively in state 
waters.
    (B) Possess, land, or fish for regulated species or ocean pout, 
except winter flounder as provided for in accordance with Sec. 
648.80(i) from or within the areas described in Sec. 648.80(i), while 
in possession of scallop dredge gear on a vessel not fishing under the 
scallop DAS program as described in Sec. 648.53, or fishing under a 
LAGC permit, unless the vessel and the dredge gear conform with the 
definition of not available for immediate use as defined in Sec. 648.2, 
or unless the vessel has not been issued a Federal NE multispecies 
permit and fishes for, possesses, or lands NE multispecies exclusively 
in state waters.
    (vii) Scallop vessels. (A) Violate any of the possession or landing 
restrictions on fishing with scallop dredge gear specified in Sec. Sec. 
648.80(h) and 648.94.
    (B) Possess, land, or fish for regulated species, except winter 
flounder as provided for in accordance with Sec. 648.80(i) from or 
within the areas described in Sec. 648.80(i), while in possession of 
scallop dredge gear on a vessel not fishing under the scallop DAS 
program as described in Sec. 648.53, or fishing under a general scallop 
permit, unless the vessel and the dredge gear conform with the 
definition of not available for immediate use as defined in Sec. 648.2, 
or unless the vessel has not been issued a Federal NE multispecies 
permit and fishes for NE multispecies exclusively in state waters.
    (viii) Northern shrimp and small mesh multispecies exempted 
fisheries. (A) Fish for, harvest, possess, or land in or from the EEZ 
northern shrimp, unless such shrimp were fished for or harvested by a 
vessel meeting the requirements specified in Sec. 648.80(a)(5).
    (B) Fish for, harvest, possess, or land in or from the EEZ, when 
fishing with trawl gear, any of the exempted species specified in Sec. 
648.80(a)(9)(i), unless such species were fished for or harvested by

[[Page 691]]

a vessel meeting the requirements specified in Sec. 648.80(a)(5)(ii) or 
(a)(9)(ii).
    (ix) Winter flounder state exemption program. Violate any provision 
of the state waters winter flounder exemption program as provided in 
Sec. 648.80(i).
    (6) Gear requirements--(i) For all persons. It is unlawful for any 
person, including any owner or operator of a vessel issued a valid NE 
multispecies permit or letter under Sec. 648.4(a)(1)(i), unless 
otherwise specified in Sec. 648.17, to do any of the following:
    (A) Obstruct or constrict a net as described in Sec. 648.80(g)(1) 
or (2).
    (B) Fish for, harvest, possess, or land any species of fish in or 
from the GOM/GB Inshore Restricted Roller Gear Area described in Sec. 
648.80(a)(3)(vii) with trawl gear where the diameter of any part of the 
trawl footrope, including discs, rollers or rockhoppers, is greater than 
12 inches (30.5 cm).
    (C) Fish for, land, or possess NE multispecies harvested with brush-
sweep trawl gear unless the vessel has not been issued a Federal NE 
multispecies permit and fishes for NE multispecies exclusively in state 
waters.
    (D) Possess brush-sweep trawl gear while in possession of NE 
multispecies, unless the vessel has not been issued a Federal NE 
multispecies permit and fishes for NE multispecies exclusively in state 
waters.
    (E) Use, set, haul back, fish with, possess on board a vessel, 
unless stowed and not available for immediate use as defined in Sec. 
648.2, or fail to remove, sink gillnet gear and other gillnet gear 
capable of catching NE multispecies, with the exception of single 
pelagic gillnets (as described in Sec. 648.81(b)(2)(ii) and 
(d)(5)(ii)), in the areas and for the times specified in Sec. 
648.80(g)(6)(i) and (ii), except as provided in Sec. 648.80(g)(6)(i) 
and (ii), and Sec. 648.81(b)(2)(ii) and (d)(5)(ii), or unless otherwise 
authorized in writing by the Regional Administrator.
    (F) Fish for, land, or possess NE multispecies harvested with the 
use of de-hookers (``crucifiers'') with less than 6-inch (15.2-cm) 
spacing between the fairlead rollers unless the vessel has not been 
issued a Federal NE multispecies permit and fishes for NE multispecies 
exclusively in state waters.
    (G) Possess or use de-hookers (``crucifiers'') with less than 6-inch 
(15.2-cm) spacing between the fairlead rollers while in possession of NE 
multispecies, unless the vessel has not been issued a Federal NE 
multispecies permit and fishes for NE multispecies exclusively in state 
waters.
    (ii) For vessel and operator permit holders. It is unlawful for any 
owner or operator of a vessel issued a valid NE multispecies permit or 
letter under Sec. 648.4(a)(1)(i), unless otherwise specified in Sec. 
648.17, to do any of the following:
    (A) Gillnet gear. (1) If the vessel has been issued a limited access 
NE multispecies permit and fishes under a NE multispecies DAS or on a 
sector trip with gillnet gear, fail to comply with gillnet tagging 
requirements specified in Sec. Sec. 648.80(a)(3)(iv)(B)(4), 
(a)(3)(iv)(C), (a)(4)(iv)(B)(3), (b)(2)(iv)(B)(3), and (c)(2)(v)(B)(3), 
or fail to produce immediately, or cause to be produced immediately, 
gillnet tags when requested by an authorized officer.
    (2) Produce, or cause to be produced, gillnet tags under Sec. 
648.80(a)(3)(iv)(C), without the written confirmation from the Regional 
Administrator described in Sec. 648.80(a)(3)(iv)(C).
    (3) Tag a gillnet or use a gillnet tag that has been reported lost, 
missing, destroyed, or that was issued to another vessel.
    (4) Sell, transfer, or give away gillnet tags that have been 
reported lost, missing, destroyed, or issued to another vessel.
    (5) Enter, fail to remove sink gillnet gear or gillnet gear capable 
of catching NE multispecies from, or be in the areas, and for the times, 
described in Sec. 648.80(g)(6)(i) and (ii), except as provided in 
Sec. Sec. 648.80(g)(6)(i) and 648.81(i).
    (B) Hook gear. Fail to comply with the restrictions on fishing and 
gear specified in Sec. Sec. 648.80(a)(3)(v), (a)(4)(v), (b)(2)(v), and 
(c)(2)(iv) if the vessel has been issued a limited access NE 
multispecies permit and fishes with hook gear in areas specified in 
Sec. 648.80(a), (b), or (c).
    (7) Closed areas and EFH--(i) All persons. It is unlawful for any 
person, including any owner or operator of a vessel issued a valid 
Federal NE multispecies permit or letter under

[[Page 692]]

Sec. 648.4(a)(1)(i), unless otherwise specified in Sec. 648.17, to do 
any of the following:
    (A) Groundfish Closure Area restrictions. Enter, be on a fishing 
vessel in, or fail to remove gear from the EEZ portion of the areas 
described in Sec. 648.81(a)(3), (4), and (5) and (d)(3), except as 
provided in Sec. 648.81(a)(2), (d)(2), and (i).
    (B) Groundfish Closure Area possession restrictions. Fish for, 
harvest, possess, or land regulated species in or from the closed areas 
specified in Sec. 648.81(a) through (d) and (n), unless otherwise 
specified in Sec. 648.81(c)(2)(iii), (d)(5)(i), (iv), (viii), and (ix), 
(i), (b)(2), or as authorized under Sec. 648.85.
    (C) Restricted Gear Areas. (1) Fish, or be in the areas described in 
Sec. 648.81(f)(3) through (6) on a fishing vessel with mobile gear 
during the time periods specified in Sec. 648.81(f)(1), except as 
provided in Sec. 648.81(f)(2).
    (2) Fish, or be in the areas described in Sec. 648.81(f)(3) through 
(5) on a fishing vessel with lobster pot gear during the time periods 
specified in Sec. 648.81(f)(1).
    (3) Deploy in or fail to remove lobster pot gear from the areas 
described in Sec. 648.81(f)(3) through (5), during the time periods 
specified in Sec. 648.81(f)(1).
    (D) Georges Bank Seasonal Closure Areas. Enter, fail to remove gear 
from, or be in the areas described in Sec. 648.81(c) during the time 
periods specified, except as provided in Sec. 648.81(c)(2).
    (E) [Reserved]
    (F) Closed Area II. Enter or be in the area described in Sec. 
648.81(a)(5) on a fishing vessel, except as provided in Sec. 
648.81(a)(5)(ii).
    (G) [Reserved]
    (ii) Vessel and permit holders. It is unlawful for any owner or 
operator of a vessel issued a valid NE multispecies permit or letter 
under Sec. 648.4(a)(1)(i), unless otherwise specified in Sec. 648.17, 
when fishing with bottom-tending mobile gear, fish in, enter, be on a 
fishing vessel in, the Habitat Management Areas described in Sec. 
648.370.
    (8) DAS restrictions for all persons. It is unlawful for any person, 
including any owner or operator of a vessel issued a valid NE 
multispecies permit or letter under Sec. 648.4(a)(1)(i), unless 
otherwise specified in Sec. 648.17, to do any of the following:
    (i) For vessels issued a limited access NE multispecies permit, or 
those issued a limited access NE multispecies permit and a limited 
access monkfish permit (Category C, D, F, G, or H), but not fishing 
under the limited access monkfish Category A or B provisions as allowed 
under Sec. 648.92(b)(2), call into the DAS program prior to 1 hr before 
leaving port.
    (ii) Call in DAS in excess of those allocated, leased, or 
permanently transferred, in accordance with the restrictions and 
conditions of Sec. 648.82.
    (9) DAS restrictions for vessel and operator permit holders. It is 
unlawful for any owner or operator of a vessel issued a valid NE 
multispecies permit or letter under Sec. 648.4(a)(1)(i), unless 
otherwise specified in Sec. 648.17, to do any of the following:
    (i) If operating under the provisions of a limited access NE 
multispecies Handgear A permit south of the GOM Regulated Mesh Area, as 
defined at Sec. 648.80(a)(1), fail to declare the vessel operator's 
intent to fish in this area via VMS or fail to obtain or retain on board 
a letter of authorization from the Regional Administrator, as required 
by Sec. 648.82(b)(6)(iii).
    (ii) DAS Leasing Program. (A) Provide false information on an 
application, required by Sec. 648.82(k)(4)(xi), to downgrade the DAS 
Leasing Program baseline.
    (B) Lease NE multispecies DAS or use leased DAS that have not been 
approved for leasing by the Regional Administrator as specified in Sec. 
648.82(k).
    (C) Provide false information on, or in connection with, an 
application, required under Sec. 648.82(k)(3), to effectuate the 
leasing of NE multispecies DAS.
    (D) Act as lessor or lessee of a NE multispecies Category B DAS, or 
Category C DAS.
    (E) Act as lessor or lessee of NE multispecies DAS, if the lessor's 
or the lessee's vessels do not comply with the size restrictions 
specified in Sec. 648.82(k)(4)(ix).
    (F) Sub-lease NE multispecies DAS.
    (G) [Reserved]
    (H) Lease NE multispecies DAS to a vessel that does not have a valid 
limited access multispecies permit.
    (I) [Reserved]

[[Page 693]]

    (J) Lease NE multispecies DAS if the number of unused allocated DAS 
is less than the number of DAS requested to be leased.
    (K) Lease NE multispecies DAS in excess of the duration specified in 
Sec. 648.82(k)(4)(viii).
    (L) Combine, transfer, or consolidate DAS allocations, except as 
provided for under the DAS Leasing Program or the DAS Transfer Program, 
as specified under Sec. 648.82(k) and (l), respectively.
    (M) Lease NE multispecies DAS to or from a common pool vessel if 
either the Lessor or the Lessee vessel is a sector vessel.
    (N) Act as a lessor or lessee of NE multispecies DAS to or from a 
limited access permit that has been rendered unusable as specified in 
Sec. 648.4(a)(1)(i)(N).
    (iii) DAS Transfer Program. (A) Transfer NE multispecies DAS, or use 
transferred DAS, that have not been approved for transfer by the 
Regional Administrator, as specified in Sec. 648.82(l).
    (B) Provide false information on, or in connection with, an 
application, required by Sec. 648.82(l)(2), for a NE multispecies DAS 
transfer.
    (C) Permanently transfer only a portion of a vessel's total 
allocation of DAS.
    (D) Permanently transfer NE multispecies DAS between vessels, if 
such vessels do not comply with the size restrictions specified in Sec. 
648.82(l)(1)(ii).
    (E) Transfer NE multispecies DAS to or from a common pool vessel if 
either the Transferor or the Transferee vessel is a sector vessel.
    (F) Transfer NE multispecies DAS to or from a sector vessel if 
either the Transferor or the Transferee vessel is enrolled in a 
different sector for that particular fishing year.
    (iv) Gillnet fishery. (A) Fail to declare, and be, out of the non-
exempt gillnet fishery as required by Sec. 648.82(j)(1)(ii), using the 
procedure specified in Sec. 648.82(h).
    (B) For any common pool or sector vessel, fail to comply with the 
gillnet requirements and restrictions specified in Sec. 648.82(j), 
unless otherwise exempted pursuant to Sec. 648.87.
    (C) If a vessel has been issued a limited access Day gillnet 
category designation, fail to comply with the restrictions and 
requirements specified in Sec. 648.82(j)(1).
    (D) If a vessel has been issued a limited access Trip gillnet 
category designation, fail to comply with the restrictions and 
requirements specified in Sec. 648.82(j)(2).
    (v) Spawning blocks. Fail to declare, and be, out of the NE 
multispecies DAS program as required by Sec. 648.82(g), using the 
procedure described under Sec. 648.82(h), as applicable.
    (vi) DAS notification. (A) For purposes of DAS notification, if 
required, or electing, to have a VMS unit under Sec. 648.10:
    (1) Fail to have a certified, operational, and functioning VMS unit 
that meets the specifications of Sec. 648.9 on board the vessel at all 
times.
    (2) Fail to comply with the notification, replacement, or any other 
requirements regarding VMS usage specified in Sec. 648.10(b).
    (B) Fail to comply with any provision of the DAS notification 
program specified in Sec. 648.10.
    (vii) Charter/party vessels. Participate in the DAS program pursuant 
to Sec. 648.82 when carrying passengers for hire on board a vessel 
during any portion of a fishing trip.
    (10) Gear marking requirement for all persons. It is unlawful for 
any person, including any owner or operator of a vessel issued a valid 
NE multispecies permit or letter under Sec. 648.4(a)(1)(i), unless 
otherwise specified in Sec. 648.17, to fail to comply with the gear-
marking requirements of Sec. 648.84.
    (11) U.S./Canada Resource Management Area--(i) Possession and 
landing restrictions of the U.S./Canada Area--(A) All Persons. (1) Fish 
for, harvest, possess or land any regulated NE multispecies from the 
areas specified in Sec. 648.85(a)(1), unless in compliance with the 
restrictions and conditions specified in Sec. 648.85(a)(3).
    (2) If fishing under a NE multispecies DAS in the Western U.S./
Canada Area or Eastern U.S./Canada Area specified in Sec. 648.85(a)(1), 
exceed the trip limits specified in Sec. 648.85(a)(3)(iv), unless 
further restricted under Sec. 648.85(b) or exempted under Sec. 648.87.
    (3) If fishing inside the Eastern U.S./Canada Area and in possession 
of fish in excess of what is allowed under more

[[Page 694]]

restrictive regulations that apply outside of the Eastern U.S./Canada 
Area, fish outside of the Eastern U.S./Canada Area on the same trip, as 
prohibited under Sec. 648.85(a)(3)(ii)(A).
    (4) If fishing both outside and inside of the areas specified for a 
SAP under Sec. 648.85(b)(3) and (7), under a NE multispecies DAS in the 
Eastern U.S./Canada Area specified in Sec. 648.85(a)(1), fail to abide 
by the DAS and possession restrictions under Sec. 648.85(b)(7)(v)(A)(2) 
through (4).
    (B) Vessel and operator permit holders. Fail to comply with the GB 
yellowtail flounder trip limit specified under Sec. 
648.85(a)(3)(iv)(C).
    (ii) Gear requirements for all persons. If fishing with trawl gear 
under a NE multispecies DAS or on a sector trip in the Eastern U.S./
Canada Area defined in Sec. 648.85(a)(1)(ii), fail to fish with a 
haddock separator trawl, flounder trawl net, or Ruhle trawl, as 
specified in Sec. 648.85(a)(3)(iii) and (b)(6)(iv)(J)(1), unless using 
other gear authorized under Sec. 648.85(b)(6) or (8).
    (iii) Notification and VMS requirements for all persons. (A) Enter 
or fish in the Western U.S./Canada Area or Eastern U.S./Canada Area 
specified in Sec. 648.85(a)(1), unless declared into the area in 
accordance with Sec. 648.85(a)(3)(ii).
    (B) If declared into one of the areas specified in Sec. 
648.85(a)(1), fish during that same trip outside of the declared area, 
unless in compliance with the applicable restrictions specified under 
Sec. 648.85(a)(3)(ii)(A) or (B).
    (C) If the vessel has been issued a limited access NE multispecies 
DAS permit, and is in the area specified in Sec. 648.85(a), fail to 
comply with the VMS requirements in Sec. 648.85(a)(3)(i).
    (D) If fishing under a NE multispecies DAS or on a sector trip in 
the Eastern U.S./Canada Area specified in Sec. 648.85(a)(1)(ii), but 
not in a SAP specified in Sec. 648.85(b) on the same trip, fail to 
comply with the requirements specified in Sec. 648.85(a)(3).
    (E) Fail to notify NMFS via VMS prior to departing the Eastern U.S./
Canada Area, when fishing inside and outside of the area on the same 
trip, in accordance with Sec. 648.85(a)(3)(ii)(A)(1).
    (F) When fishing inside and outside of the Eastern U.S./Canada Area 
on the same trip, fail to abide by the most restrictive requirements 
that apply to any area fished, including the DAS counting, trip limits, 
and reporting requirements that apply, as described in Sec. 
648.85(a)(3)(ii)(A).
    (iv) Reporting requirements for all persons. (A) If fishing under a 
NE multispecies DAS or on a sector trip in the Western U.S./Canada Area 
or Eastern U.S./Canada Area specified in Sec. 648.85(a)(1), fail to 
report in accordance with Sec. 648.85(a)(3)(v).
    (B) Fail to comply with the reporting requirements under Sec. 
648.85(a)(3)(ii)(A)(2) when fishing inside and outside of the Eastern 
U.S./Canada Area on one trip.
    (v) DAS--(A) All persons. If fishing under a NE multispecies DAS in 
the Eastern U.S./Canada Area specified in Sec. 648.85(a)(1)(ii), and in 
one of the SAPs specified in Sec. 648.85(b)(3) or (8) on the same trip, 
fail to comply with the no discard and DAS flip provisions specified in 
Sec. 648.85(b)(3)(xi) and (b)(8)(v)(I), or the minimum Category A DAS 
requirement specified in Sec. 648.85(b)(3)(xii) and (b)(8)(v)(J).
    (B) Vessel and operator permit holders. (1) [Reserved]
    (2) For vessels fishing inside and outside the Eastern U.S./Canada 
Area on the same trip, fail to comply with the most restrictive 
regulations that apply on the trip as required by Sec. 
648.85(a)(3)(ii)(A).
    (vi) Closure of the U.S./Canada Area for all persons. If fishing 
under a NE multispecies DAS or on a sector trip, declare into, enter, or 
fish in the Eastern U.S./Canada Area specified in Sec. 648.85(a)(1) if 
the area is closed under the authority of the Regional Administrator as 
described in Sec. 648.85(a)(3)(iv)(D) or (E), unless fishing in the 
Closed Area II Yellowtail Flounder/Haddock SAP specified in Sec. 
648.85(b)(3) or the Eastern U.S./Canada Haddock SAP Program specified in 
Sec. 648.85(b)(7).
    (12) SAP restrictions (i) It is unlawful for any person to:
    (A) If declared into the areas specified in Sec. 648.85(b), enter 
or exit the declared areas more than once per trip.
    (B) If a vessel is fishing under a Category B DAS in the Closed Area 
II Yellowtail Flounder SAP specified in

[[Page 695]]

Sec. 648.85(b)(3), the Regular B DAS Program specified in Sec. 
648.85(b)(6), or the Eastern U.S./Canada Haddock SAP specified in Sec. 
648.85(b)(7), remove any fish caught with any gear, including dumping 
the contents of a net, except on board the vessel.
    (ii) General restrictions for vessel and operator permit holders. 
Discard legal-sized NE regulated multispecies, ocean pout, or Atlantic 
halibut while fishing under a SAP, as described in Sec. Sec. 
648.85(b)(3)(xi) or 648.85(b)(7)(v)(I).
    (iii) Closed Area II Yellowtail Flounder/Haddock SAP restrictions 
for all persons. (A) If fishing under the Closed Area II Yellowtail 
Flounder/Haddock SAP, fish for, harvest, possess, or land any regulated 
NE multispecies or ocean pout from the area specified in Sec. 
648.85(b)(3)(ii), unless in compliance with Sec. 648.85(b)(3)(i) 
through (xiii).
    (B) Enter or fish in Closed Area II as specified in Sec. 
648.81(a)(5), unless declared into the area in accordance with Sec. 
648.85(b)(3)(v) or (b)(8)(v)(D).
    (C) Enter or fish in Closed Area II under the Closed Area II 
Yellowtail Flounder/Haddock SAP outside of the season specified in Sec. 
648.85(b)(3)(iii).
    (D) If fishing in the Closed Area II Yellowtail Flounder/Haddock SAP 
specified in Sec. 648.85(b)(3), exceed the number of trips specified in 
Sec. 648.85(b)(3)(vi) or (vii).
    (E) If fishing in the Closed Area II Yellowtail Flounder/Haddock SAP 
specified in Sec. 648.85(b)(3), exceed the trip limits specified in 
Sec. 648.85(b)(3)(viii).
    (F) If fishing in the Closed Area II Yellowtail Flounder/Haddock SAP 
specified in Sec. 648.85(b)(3), fail to comply with the gear 
requirements specified in Sec. 648.85(b)(3)(x).
    (iv) [Reserved]
    (v) Regular B DAS Program restrictions for vessel and operator 
permit holders. (A) If fishing in the Regular B DAS Program specified in 
Sec. 648.85(b)(6), fail to comply with Sec. Sec. 648.85(b)(6)(iv)(A) 
through (J).
    (B) If fishing in the Regular B DAS Program specified in Sec. 
648.85(b)(6), fail to use a haddock separator trawl as described in 
Sec. 648.85(a)(3)(iii)(A), or other approved gear as described in Sec. 
648.85(b)(6)(iv)(J).
    (C) If possessing a Ruhle Trawl, either at sea or elsewhere, as 
allowed under Sec. 648.85(b)(6)(iv)(J)(1) or (b)(8)(v)(E)(1), fail to 
comply with the net specifications under Sec. 648.85(b)(6)(iv)(J)(3).
    (D) Discard legal-sized NE regulated multispecies, ocean pout, 
Atlantic halibut, or monkfish while fishing under a Regular B DAS in the 
Regular B DAS Program, as described in Sec. 648.85(b)(6)(iv)(E).
    (E) If fishing in the Regular B DAS Program specified in Sec. 
648.85(b)(6), fail to comply with the landing limits specified in Sec. 
648.85(b)(6)(iv)(D).
    (F) If fishing under a Regular B DAS in the Regular B DAS Program, 
fail to comply with the DAS flip requirements of Sec. 
648.85(b)(6)(iv)(E) if the vessel harvests and brings on board more than 
the landing limit for a groundfish stock of concern specified in Sec. 
648.85(b)(6)(iv)(D), other groundfish specified under Sec. 648.86, or 
monkfish under Sec. 648.94.
    (G) DAS usage restrictions. (1) If fishing in the Regular B DAS 
Program, fail to comply with the restriction on DAS use specified in 
Sec. 648.82(d)(2)(i)(A).
    (2) If fishing in the Regular B DAS Program specified in Sec. 
648.85(b)(6), fail to comply with the minimum Category A DAS and 
Category B DAS accrual requirements specified in Sec. 
648.85(b)(6)(iv)(F).
    (3) Use a Regular B DAS in the Regular B DAS Program specified in 
Sec. 648.85(b)(6), if the program has been closed as specified in Sec. 
648.85(b)(6)(iv)(G) or (H), or (b)(6)(vi).
    (H) VMS requirements. (1) If fishing in the Regular B DAS Program 
specified in Sec. 648.85(b)(6), fail to comply with the VMS requirement 
specified in Sec. 648.85(b)(6)(iv)(A).
    (2) If fishing in the Regular B DAS Program specified in Sec. 
648.85(b)(6), fail to comply with the VMS declaration requirement 
specified in Sec. 648.85(b)(6)(iv)(C).
    (I) If fishing in the Regular B DAS Program specified in Sec. 
648.85(b)(6), fail to comply with the observer notification requirement 
specified in Sec. 648.85(b)(6)(iv)(B).
    (J) If fishing in the Regular B DAS Program specified in Sec. 
648.85(b)(6), fail

[[Page 696]]

to comply with the reporting requirements specified in Sec. 
648.85(b)(6)(iv)(I).
    (vi) Eastern U.S./Canada Haddock SAP Restrictions--(A) All Persons. 
(1) If fishing under a NE multispecies DAS or on a sector trip in the 
Eastern U.S./Canada Haddock SAP specified in Sec. 648.85(b)(8), in the 
area specified in Sec. 648.85(b)(8)(ii), and during the season 
specified in Sec. 648.85(b)(8)(iv), fail to comply with Sec. 
648.85(b)(8)(v).
    (2) VMS and declaration requirements. (i) If fishing under a NE 
multispecies DAS or on a sector trip in the Eastern U.S./Canada Haddock 
SAP in the area specified in Sec. 648.85(b)(8)(ii), fail to comply with 
the VMS requirements in Sec. 648.85(b)(8)(v)(B).
    (ii) If fishing under a NE multispecies DAS or on a sector trip, 
fish in the Eastern U.S./Canada Haddock SAP specified in Sec. 
648.85(b)(8), unless declared into the program in accordance with Sec. 
648.85(b)(8)(v)(D).
    (3) Enter or fish in the Eastern U.S./Canada Haddock SAP outside of 
the season specified in Sec. 648.85(b)(8)(iv).
    (4) If possessing a Ruhle Trawl, either at sea or elsewhere, as 
allowed under Sec. 648.85(b)(6)(iv)(J)(1) or (b)(8)(v)(E)(1), fail to 
comply with the net specifications under Sec. 648.85(b)(6)(iv)(J)(3).
    (5) Possession limits and restrictions. (i) If fishing under a NE 
multispecies DAS in the Eastern U.S./Canada Haddock SAP, exceed the 
possession limits specified in Sec. 648.85(b)(8)(v)(F).
    (ii) If fishing under the Eastern U.S./Canada Haddock SAP, fish for, 
harvest, possess, or land any regulated NE multispecies from the area 
specified in Sec. 648.85(b)(8)(ii), unless in compliance with the 
restrictions and conditions of Sec. 648.85(b)(8)(v)(A) through (I).
    (6) If fishing in the Eastern U.S./Canada Haddock SAP specified in 
Sec. 648.85(b)(8), fail to comply with the reporting requirements of 
Sec. 648.85(b)(8)(v)(G).
    (7) If fishing under the Eastern U.S./Canada Haddock SAP specified 
in Sec. 648.85(b)(8), fail to comply with the observer notification 
requirements of Sec. 648.85(b)(8)(v)(C).
    (B) Vessel and operator permit holders. (1) If fishing in the 
Eastern U.S./Canada Haddock SAP Area, and other portions of the Eastern 
U.S./Canada Haddock SAP Area on the same trip, fail to comply with the 
restrictions in Sec. 648.85(b)(8)(v)(A).
    (2) DAS usage restrictions. (i) If fishing in the Eastern U.S./
Canada Haddock SAP Area under a Category B DAS, fail to comply with the 
DAS flip requirements of Sec. 648.85(b)(8)(v)(I), if the vessel 
possesses more than the applicable landing limit specified in Sec. Sec. 
648.85(b)(8)(v)(F) or 648.86.
    (ii) If fishing in the Eastern U.S./Canada Haddock SAP Area under a 
Category B DAS, fail to have the minimum number of Category A DAS 
available as required by Sec. 648.85(b)(8)(v)(J).
    (3) Fish in the Eastern U.S./Canada Haddock SAP specified in Sec. 
648.85(b)(8), if the SAP is closed as specified in Sec. 
648.85(b)(8)(v)(K) or (L).
    (13) Possession and landing restrictions. (i) It is unlawful for any 
person to:
    (A) Under Sec. 648.85 or Sec. 648.86, fail to offload a sufficient 
amount of regulated species or ocean pout subject to a daily possession 
limit at the end of a fishing trip, as required by Sec. 648.86(i).
    (B) Scallop vessels. Possess or land fish caught with nets of mesh 
smaller than the minimum size specified in Sec. 648.51, or with scallop 
dredge gear on a vessel not fishing under the scallop DAS program 
described in Sec. 648.54, or fishing under a general scallop permit, 
unless said fish are caught, possessed, or landed in accordance with 
Sec. Sec. 648.80 and 648.86, or unless the vessel has not been issued a 
Federal NE multispecies permit and fishes for NE multispecies 
exclusively in state waters.
    (ii) Vessel and operator permit holders. (A) Land, or possess on 
board a vessel, more than the possession or landing limits specified in 
Sec. 648.86(a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (g), (h), (j), (k), (l), (n), and 
(o); or violate any of the other provisions of Sec. 648.86, unless 
otherwise specified in Sec. 648.17.
    (B) Possess or land per trip more than the possession or landing 
limits specified in Sec. 648.86(a), (b), (c), (e), (g), (h), (j), (l), 
(m), (n), and (o); Sec. 648.82(b)(5) and (6); Sec. 648.85; or Sec. 
648.88, if the vessel has been issued a limited access NE multispecies 
permit or open access NE multispecies permit, as applicable.
    (C) Fish for, possess at any time during a trip, or land regulated 
NE multispecies or ocean pout specified in

[[Page 697]]

Sec. 648.86 after using up the vessel's annual DAS allocation or when 
not participating in the DAS program pursuant to Sec. 648.82, unless 
otherwise exempted by Sec. 648.82(b)(5), Sec. 648.87, or Sec. 648.89, 
or allowed pursuant to Sec. 648.85(b)(6) or Sec. 648.88.
    (D) Atlantic cod. (1) Enter port, while on a NE multispecies DAS 
trip, in possession of more than the allowable limit of cod specified in 
Sec. 648.86(b)(1), unless the vessel is fishing under the cod exemption 
specified in Sec. 648.86(b)(4).
    (2) Enter port, while on a NE multispecies DAS trip, in possession 
of more than the allowable limit of cod specified in Sec. 648.86(b)(2).
    (3) [Reserved]
    (4) Fail to declare through VMS an intent to be exempt from the GOM 
cod trip limit under Sec. 648.86(b)(1), as required under Sec. 
648.86(b)(4), or fish north of the exemption line if in possession of 
more than the GOM cod trip limit specified under Sec. 648.86(b)(1).
    (E) Atlantic halibut. Possess or land per trip more than the 
possession or landing limit specified under Sec. 648.86(c).
    (F) White hake. Possess or land more white hake than allowed under 
Sec. 648.86(e).
    (G) Yellowtail flounder. While fishing in the areas specified in 
Sec. 648.86(g)(1) with a NE multispecies Handgear A permit, or under 
the NE multispecies DAS program, or under the limited access monkfish 
Category C or D permit provisions, possess yellowtail flounder in excess 
of the limits specified under Sec. 648.86(g)(1), unless fishing under 
the recreational or charter/party regulations, or transiting with gear 
stowed and not available for immediate use as defined in Sec. 648.2.
    (H) GB winter flounder. Possess or land more GB winter flounder than 
allowed under Sec. 648.86(j).
    (I) For common pool vessels, including vessels issued a limited 
access monkfish permit and fishing under the monkfish Category C or D 
permit provisions, land regulated species or ocean pout more than once 
within any 24-hr period.
    (J) For common pool vessels, including vessels issued a limited 
access monkfish permit and fishing under the monkfish Category C or D 
permit provisions, fail to comply with the most restrictive trip limits 
applicable when fishing in multiple areas, as specified in Sec. 648.85 
or Sec. 648.86.
    (14) Sector requirements. It is unlawful for any person, including 
any owner or operator of a vessel issued a valid Federal NE multispecies 
permit and fishing on a sector trip to do any of the following:
    (i) Fail to abide by the restrictions specified in Sec. 
648.87(b)(1).
    (ii) Catch regulated species or ocean pout in excess of ACE 
allocated or transferred to that sector pursuant to Sec. 
648.87(b)(1)(i) and (viii), respectively.
    (iii) Fish in a particular stock area, the Eastern U.S./Canada Area, 
or a SAP if the sector has not been allocated, does not acquire, or 
otherwise has insufficient ACE remaining/available for all stocks caught 
in that area, or fail to operate in a manner that would not catch stocks 
for which the sector has not been allocated ACE, as described in an 
approved sector operations plan pursuant to Sec. 648.87(b)(2)(xiv), as 
prohibited in Sec. 648.87(b)(1)(ii).
    (iv) Violate the provisions of an approved sector operations plan or 
letter of authorization issued by the Regional Administrator, as 
required by Sec. 648.87(b)(1)(iv) and (b)(2).
    (v) Fail to remain in the sector for the remainder of the fishing 
year, as required by Sec. 648.87(b)(1).
    (vi) Unless otherwise required to use a NE multispecies DAS to 
participate in another fishery, fish in the NE multispecies DAS program 
in a given fishing year or, for common pool vessels, fish in an approved 
sector in a given fishing year.
    (vii) If a vessel is removed from a sector for violating the Sector 
rules, fish under the NE multispecies regulations for common pool 
vessels.
    (viii) Discard legal-sized regulated species or ocean pout allocated 
to sectors pursuant to Sec. 648.87(b)(1)(i), as prohibited by Sec. 
648.87(b)(1)(v).
    (ix) Fail to comply with the reporting requirements specified in 
Sec. Sec. 648.11(l)(10)(iii) and 648.87(b)(1)(v).
    (x) Leave port to begin a trip before an at-sea monitor has arrived 
and boarded the vessel if assigned to carry an at-sea monitor for that 
trip, or

[[Page 698]]

without an operational electronic monitoring system installed on board, 
as specified in Sec. 648.11(l)(3) and (l)(10)(i).
    (xi) Leave port to begin a trip if a vessel has failed a review of 
safety issues by an at-sea monitor and has not successfully resolved any 
identified safety deficiencies, as prohibited by Sec. 
648.11(l)(10)(i)(C).
    (xii) Fail to comply with the electronic monitoring system 
requirements as specified in Sec. 648.11(l)(10)(i)(A), including, but 
not limited to: ensuring the electronic monitoring system is fully 
operational; conducting a system check of the electronic monitoring 
system; ensuring camera views are unobstructed and clear; and ensuring 
that no person tampers with the electronic monitoring system.
    (xiii) Fail to comply with the vessel monitoring plan requirements 
as specified in Sec. 648.11(l)(10)(i)(B), including, but not limited 
to: carrying the vessel monitoring plan onboard the vessel at all times; 
complying with all catch handling protocols and other requirements in 
the vessel monitoring plan; submitting electronic monitoring data as 
required; and making the electronic monitoring system available to NMFS 
for inspection upon request.
    (xiv) Offload fish without a dockside monitor present or without a 
waiver issued by NMFS when participating in the maximized retention 
electronic monitoring program.
    (xv) Resist, oppose, impede, harass, intimidate, or interfere with 
or bar by command, impediment, threat, or coercion any dockside monitor 
conducting his or her duty to inspect a fish hold after offload.
    (xvi) Fish under a waiver from the groundfish sector monitoring 
program issued under Sec. 648.11(l)(5)(ii) or (iii) without complying 
with the requirements of Sec. 648.11(l)(5)(ii) or (iii), respectively; 
the VMS declaration requirements at Sec. 648.10; and the pre-trip 
notification requirements at Sec. 648.11(l)(1).
    (15) Open access permit restrictions--(i) All persons. (A) Violate 
any provision of the open access permit restrictions of Sec. 648.88.
    (B) Possess on board gear other than that specified in Sec. 
648.88(a)(2)(i), or fish with hooks greater than the number specified in 
Sec. 648.88(a)(2)(iii), if fishing under an open access Handgear 
permit.
    (C) Fish for, possess, or land regulated multispecies from March 1 
to March 20, if issued an open access Handgear permit.
    (ii) Vessel and operator permit holders--(A) Open access Handgear 
permit. It is unlawful for any person owning or operating a vessel 
issued an open access NE multispecies Handgear permit to do any of the 
following, unless otherwise specified in Sec. 648.17:
    (1) Violate any provision of the open access Handgear permit 
restrictions of Sec. 648.88(a).
    (2) Possess, at any time during a trip, or land per trip, more than 
the possession limit of NE multispecies specified in Sec. 648.88(a), 
unless the vessel is a charter or party vessel fishing under the 
charter/party restrictions specified in Sec. 648.89.
    (3) Use, or possess on board, gear capable of harvesting NE 
multispecies, other than rod and reel, or handline gear, or tub-trawls, 
while in possession of, or fishing for, NE multispecies.
    (4) Possess or land NE multispecies during the time period specified 
in Sec. 648.88(a)(2).
    (5) If operating under the provisions of a limited access NE 
multispecies Handgear B permit south of the GOM Regulated Mesh Area, as 
defined at Sec. 648.80(a)(1), fail to obtain or retain on board a 
letter of authorization from the Regional Administrator, as required by 
Sec. 648.88(a)(2)(iv).
    (B) Scallop multispecies possession limit permit. It is unlawful for 
any person owning or operating a vessel issued a scallop multispecies 
possession limit permit to possess or land more than the possession 
limit of NE multispecies specified in Sec. 648.88(c), or to possess or 
land regulated species when not fishing under a scallop DAS, unless 
otherwise specified in Sec. 648.17.
    (C) Open access NE multispecies (non-regulated species permit). It 
is unlawful for any owner or operator of a vessel issued a valid open 
access NE multispecies permit to possess or land any regulated species, 
as defined in Sec. 648.2, or to violate any applicable provisions of 
Sec. 648.88, unless otherwise specified in Sec. 648.14, Sec. 648.86, 
or Sec. 648.88.

[[Page 699]]

    (16) Recreational and charter/party requirements. It is unlawful for 
the owner or operator of a charter or party boat issued a valid Federal 
NE multispecies permit, or for a recreational vessel, as applicable, 
unless otherwise specified in Sec. 648.17, to do any of the following 
if fishing under the recreational or charter/party regulations:
    (i) Possession and landing. Possess cod, haddock, or Atlantic 
halibut in excess of the possession limits specified in Sec. 648.89(c).
    (ii) Gear requirements. Fish with gear in violation of the 
restrictions of Sec. 648.89(a).
    (iii) Seasonal and area restrictions. (A) Fail to comply with the 
applicable restrictions if transiting the GOM Regulated Mesh Area with 
cod on board that was caught outside the GOM Regulated Mesh Area.
    (B) Fail to comply with the requirements specified in Sec. 
648.81(d)(5)(v) when fishing in the areas described in Sec. 
648.81(b)(3) and (4) and (d) during the time periods specified.
    (iv) Restriction on sale and transfer. Sell, trade, barter, or 
otherwise transfer; or attempt to sell, trade, barter or otherwise 
transfer; NE multispecies for a commercial purpose as specified in Sec. 
648.89(d).
    (v) Size limits. If fishing under the recreational or charter/party 
regulations, possess regulated species or ocean pout that are smaller 
than the minimum fish sizes or larger than maximum fish sizes specified 
in Sec. 648.89(b)(1) and (b)(3).
    (vi) Identification. If fishing under the recreational or charter/
party regulations, possess regulated species or ocean pout without at 
least 2 square inches (5.1 square cm) of contiguous skin that allows for 
the ready identification of the species of fish upon landing.
    (vii) Atlantic wolffish. If fishing under the recreational or 
charter/party regulations, possess Atlantic wolffish.
    (viii) Ocean pout. If fishing under the recreational or charter/
party regulations, possess ocean pout.
    (ix) Windowpane flounder. If fishing under the recreational or 
charter/party regulations, possess windowpane flounder.
    (17) Presumptions. For purposes of this part, the following 
presumptions apply: Regulated species possessed for sale that do not 
meet the minimum sizes specified in Sec. 648.83 are deemed to have been 
taken from the EEZ or imported in violation of these regulations, unless 
the preponderance of all submitted evidence demonstrates that such fish 
were harvested by a vessel not issued a permit under this part and 
fishing exclusively within state waters, or by a vessel issued a valid 
High Seas Fishing Compliance permit that fished exclusively in the NAFO 
Regulatory Area. This presumption does not apply to fish being sorted on 
deck.
    (18) Trimester TAC AM. It is unlawful for any person, including any 
owner or operator of a vessel issued a valid Federal NE multispecies 
permit or letter under Sec. 648.4(a)(1)(i), unless otherwise specified 
in Sec. 648.17, to fish for, harvest, possess, or land regulated 
species or ocean pout in or from the closed areas specified in Sec. 
648.82(n)(2)(ii) once such areas are closed pursuant to Sec. 
648.82(n)(2)(i).
    (19) At-sea/electronic monitoring service providers. It is unlawful 
for any at-sea/electronic monitoring service provider, including 
individual at-sea monitors, to do any of the following:
    (i) Fail to comply with the operational requirements, including the 
recordkeeping and reporting requirements, specified in Sec. 
648.87(b)(5).
    (ii) Provide false or inaccurate information regarding area fished; 
species identification; or amount of each species kept, discarded, or 
landed.
    (20) AMs for both stocks of windowpane flounder, ocean pout, 
Atlantic halibut, and Atlantic wolffish. It is unlawful for any person, 
including any owner or operator of a vessel issued a valid Federal NE 
multispecies permit or letter under Sec. 648.4(a)(1)(i), unless 
otherwise specified in Sec. 648.17, to fail to comply with the 
restrictions on fishing and gear specified in Sec. 648.90(a)(5)(i)(D) 
through (H).
    (21) Universal sector exemption programs--(i) Redfish Exemption 
Program. (A) While fishing under the provisions of the Redfish Exemption 
Program, it is unlawful for any person to:
    (1) Fish with a codend of mesh smaller than 5.5-inch (14.0-cm) 
diamond or square,

[[Page 700]]

    (2) Fish outside of the Redfish Exemption Area specified in Sec. 
648.85(e)(1)(ii),
    (3) Fish in the Redfish Exemption Area Cod Closure specified in 
Sec. 648.85(e)(1)(ii)(A) during the closure period,
    (4) Fish in the Redfish Exemption Area Seasonal Closure II specified 
in Sec. 648.85(e)(1)(ii)(B) during the closure period,
    (5) Fail to comply with the declaration requirements of the Redfish 
Exemption Program specified in Sec. 648.85(e)(1)(iv),
    (6) Fail to comply with the reporting requirements of the Redfish 
Exemption Program specified in Sec. 648.85(e)(1)(v), or
    (7) Fail to comply with the gear requirements of the Redfish 
Exemption Program specified in Sec. 648.85(e)(1)(vii), or fish with any 
gear other than trawl.
    (B) It is unlawful for any person to fish under the provisions of 
the Redfish Exemption Program when prohibited from doing so by the 
Regional Administrator under Sec. 648.85(e)(1)(viii)(C), or when 
ineligible or prohibited for any other reason.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (l) Small-mesh multispecies. (1) It is unlawful for any person 
owning or operating a vessel issued a valid Federal multispecies permit 
to land, offload, or otherwise transfer; or attempt to land, offload, or 
otherwise transfer; small-mesh multispecies from one vessel to another 
in excess of the limits specified in Sec. 648.13.
    (2) Presumptions. For purposes of this part, the following 
presumption applies: All small-mesh multispecies retained or possessed 
on a vessel issued any permit under Sec. 648.4 are deemed to have been 
harvested from the EEZ.
    (m) Monkfish. It is unlawful for any person owning or operating a 
vessel that engages in fishing for monkfish to do any of the following, 
unless otherwise fishing in accordance with, and exempted under, the 
provisions of Sec. 648.17:
    (1) Permit requirement. (i) Fish for, possess, retain, or land 
monkfish, unless:
    (A) The monkfish are being fished for, or were harvested, in or from 
the EEZ by a vessel issued a valid monkfish permit under Sec. 
648.4(a)(9).
    (B) The vessel does not hold a valid Federal monkfish permit and 
fishes for or possesses monkfish exclusively in state waters.
    (C) The vessel does not hold a valid Federal monkfish permit and 
engages in recreational fishing.
    (D) The monkfish were harvested from the NAFO Regulatory Area in 
accordance with the provisions specified under Sec. 648.17.
    (ii) Fish for, possess, or land monkfish in or from the EEZ without 
having been issued and possessing a valid operator permit pursuant to 
Sec. 648.5, and this permit is onboard the vessel.
    (2) Gear requirements. (i) Fish with or use nets with mesh size 
smaller than the minimum mesh size specified in Sec. 648.91(c) while 
fishing under a monkfish DAS, except as authorized by Sec. 
648.91(c)(1)(v).
    (ii) Fail to immediately produce gillnet tags when requested by an 
authorized officer.
    (iii) Tag a gillnet with, or otherwise use or possess, a gillnet tag 
that has been reported lost, missing, destroyed, or issued to another 
vessel, or use or possess a false gillnet tag.
    (iv) Sell, transfer, or give away gillnet tags.
    (v) If the vessel has been issued a valid limited access monkfish 
permit, and fishes under a monkfish DAS, fail to comply with gillnet 
requirements and restrictions specified in Sec. 648.92(b)(8).
    (3) Area restrictions. (i) Fail to comply with the restrictions 
applicable to limited access Category G and H vessels specified under 
Sec. 648.92(b)(9).
    (ii) Fail to comply with the Northern Fishery Management Area (NFMA) 
or Southern Fishery Management Area (SFMA) requirements specified at 
Sec. 648.92(b)(1)(v).
    (4) DAS requirements. (i) Fail to comply with the monkfish DAS 
provisions specified at Sec. 648.92 when issued a valid limited access 
monkfish permit.
    (ii) Combine, transfer, or consolidate monkfish DAS allocations.
    (5) Size limits. Fail to comply with the monkfish size limit 
restrictions of Sec. 648.93 when issued a valid monkfish permit under 
Sec. 648.4(a)(9) or when fishing in the EEZ.

[[Page 701]]

    (6) Possession and landing. (i) Fail to comply with the monkfish 
possession limits and landing restrictions, including liver landing 
restrictions, specified under Sec. 648.94.
    (ii) Violate any provision of the monkfish incidental catch permit 
restrictions as specified in Sec. Sec. 648.4(a)(9)(ii) or 648.94(c).
    (7) Transfer and sale. (i) Sell, barter, trade, or otherwise 
transfer for a commercial purpose; or attempt to sell, barter, trade, or 
otherwise transfer for a commercial purpose; any monkfish from a vessel 
without having been issued a valid monkfish vessel permit, unless the 
vessel fishes for monkfish exclusively in state waters, or exclusively 
in the NAFO Regulatory Area in accordance with the provisions specified 
under Sec. 648.17.
    (ii) Purchase, possess, or receive as a dealer, or in the capacity 
of a dealer, monkfish in excess of the possession or trip limits 
specified in Sec. 648.94.
    (iii) Land, offload, or otherwise transfer; or attempt to land, 
offload, or otherwise transfer; monkfish from one vessel to another 
vessel, unless each vessel has not been issued a monkfish permit and 
fishes exclusively in state waters.
    (8) Presumption. For purposes of this part, the following 
presumption applies: All monkfish retained or possessed on a vessel 
issued any permit under Sec. 648.4 are deemed to have been harvested 
from the EEZ, unless the preponderance of evidence demonstrates that 
such fish were harvested by a vessel that fished exclusively in the NAFO 
Regulatory Area, as authorized under Sec. 648.17.
    (n) Summer flounder--(1) All persons. Unless participating in a 
research activity as described in Sec. 648.22(g), it is unlawful for 
any person to do any of the following:
    (i) Permit requirement. Possess summer flounder in or harvested from 
the EEZ, either in excess of the possession limit specified in Sec. 
648.106, or before or after the time period specified in Sec. 648.105, 
unless the vessel was issued a summer flounder moratorium permit and the 
moratorium permit is on board the vessel and has not been surrendered, 
revoked, or suspended. However, possession of summer flounder harvested 
from state waters is allowed for state-only permitted vessels when 
transiting Federal waters within the Block Island Sound Transit Area 
provided they follow the provisions at Sec. 648.111.
    (ii) Transfer and purchase. (A) Purchase or otherwise receive for a 
commercial purpose, other than solely for transport on land, summer 
flounder from the owner or operator of a vessel issued a summer flounder 
moratorium permit, unless in possession of a valid summer flounder 
dealer permit.
    (B) Purchase or otherwise receive for commercial purposes summer 
flounder caught by a vessel subject to the possession limit of Sec. 
648.106.
    (C) Purchase or otherwise receive for a commercial purpose summer 
flounder landed in a state after the effective date published in the 
Federal Register notifying permit holders that commercial quota is no 
longer available in that state for the respective fishing year.
    (iii) Gear requirements. Possess nets or netting with mesh not 
meeting the minimum mesh requirement of Sec. 648.108 if the person 
possesses summer flounder harvested in or from the EEZ in excess of the 
threshold limit of Sec. 648.106(a).
    (2) Vessel and operator permit holders. Unless participating in a 
research activity as described in Sec. 648.102(e), it is unlawful for 
any person owning or operating a vessel issued a summer flounder permit 
(including a moratorium permit) to do any of the following:
    (i) Possession and landing. (A) Possess 100 lb (45.4 kg) or more of 
summer flounder between May 1 and October 31, or 200 lb (90.7 kg) or 
more of summer flounder between November 1 and April 30, unless the 
vessel meets the gear requirements or restrictions specified in Sec. 
648.108.
    (B) Possess summer flounder in other than a container specified in 
Sec. 648.106(d) if fishing with nets having mesh that does not meet the 
minimum mesh-size requirement specified in Sec. 648.108(a), unless the 
vessel is fishing pursuant to the exemptions specified in Sec. 
648.108(b).
    (C) Land summer flounder for sale in a state after the effective 
date of a notification in the Federal Register notifying permit holders 
that commercial

[[Page 702]]

quota is no longer available in that state.
    (D) Sell or transfer to another person for a commercial purpose, 
other than solely for transport on land, any summer flounder, possessed 
or landed by a vessel not issued a summer flounder moratorium permit.
    (ii) Transfer and purchase. Sell or transfer to another person for a 
commercial purpose, other than solely for transport on land, any summer 
flounder, unless the transferee has a valid summer flounder dealer 
permit.
    (iii) Gear requirements. (A) Fish with or possess nets or netting 
that do not meet the minimum mesh requirement, or that are modified, 
obstructed or constricted, if subject to the minimum mesh requirement 
specified in Sec. 648.108, unless the nets or netting are stowed in 
accordance with Sec. 648.108(e).
    (B) Fish with or possess nets or netting that do not meet the 
minimum mesh requirement, or that are modified, obstructed or 
constricted, if fishing with an exempted net described in Sec. 648.108, 
unless the nets or netting are stowed in accordance with Sec. 
648.108(f).
    (C) Fish west or south, as appropriate, of the line specified in 
Sec. 648.108(b)(1) if exempted from the minimum mesh requirement 
specified in Sec. 648.108 by a summer flounder exemption permit.
    (3) Charter/party restrictions. Unless participating in a research 
activity as described in Sec. 648.102(e), it is unlawful for the owner 
and operator of a party or charter boat issued a summer flounder permit 
(including a moratorium permit), when the boat is carrying passengers 
for hire or carrying more than three crew members if a charter boat or 
more than five members if a party boat, to:
    (i) Carry passengers for hire, or carry more than three crew members 
for a charter boat or five crew members for a party boat, while fishing 
commercially pursuant to a summer flounder moratorium permit.
    (ii) Possess summer flounder in excess of the possession limit 
established pursuant to Sec. 648.106.
    (iii) Fish for summer flounder other than during a season specified 
pursuant to Sec. 648.105.
    (iv) Sell or transfer summer flounder to another person for a 
commercial purpose.
    (4) Presumption. For purposes of this part, the following 
presumption applies: All summer flounder retained or possessed on a 
vessel issued a permit under Sec. 648.4 are deemed to have been 
harvested in the EEZ.
    (o) Scup--(1) All persons. Unless a vessel is participating in a 
research activity as described in Sec. 648.122(e) or unless a vessel 
has no Federal scup permit, possesses scup caught exclusively in state 
waters, and is transiting Federal waters within the Block Island Sound 
Transit Area in accordance with the provisions at Sec. 648.131, it is 
unlawful for any person to do any of the following:
    (i) Permit requirement. Fish for, catch, or retain for sale, barter, 
or trade scup in or from the EEZ north of 35[deg]15.3[min] N. lat. on 
board a party or charter boat without the vessel having been issued an 
applicable valid party or charter boat permit pursuant to Sec. 
648.4(a)(6), unless the vessel other than a party or charter vessel 
observes the possession limit restrictions and prohibition against sales 
specified in Sec. 648.125.
    (ii) Possession and landing. (A) Possess scup in or harvested from 
the EEZ north of 35[deg]15.3[min] N. lat. in an area closed, or before 
or after a season established pursuant to Sec. Sec. 648.124 and 
648.127.
    (B) Possess scup in excess of the possession limit established 
pursuant to Sec. 648.125.
    (C) Fish for, possess, or land scup harvested in or from the EEZ 
north of 35[deg]15.3[min] N. lat. for a commercial purpose after the 
effective date of a notification published in the Federal Register 
stating that the commercial quota has been harvested.
    (D) Fish for, catch, possess, or retain scup in or from the EEZ 
north of 35[deg]15.3[min] N. lat. in excess of the amount specified in 
Sec. 648.125, unless the vessel complies with all of the gear 
restrictions in Sec. 648.125.
    (E) Fish for, catch, retain, or land scup in or from the EEZ north 
of 35[deg]15.3[min] N. lat. in excess of the limit established through 
the annual specification process and published in the Federal Register 
pursuant to Sec. 648.122(a).

[[Page 703]]

    (iii) Minimum fish size. Possess, other than solely for transport on 
land, scup harvested in or from the EEZ north of 35[deg]15.3[min] N. 
lat. that do not meet the minimum fish size specified in Sec. 648.126.
    (iv) Transfer and purchase. Purchase or otherwise receive for a 
commercial purpose scup harvested from the EEZ north of 35[deg]15.3[min] 
N. lat., or from a vessel issued a scup moratorium permit after the 
effective date of a notification published in the Federal Register 
stating that the commercial quota has been harvested.
    (v) Gear requirements. Fail to comply with any of the gear 
restrictions specified in Sec. 648.125.
    (vi) Gear restricted areas. Fish for, catch, possess, retain, or 
land longfin squid, silver hake, or black sea bass in or from the areas 
and during the time periods described in Sec. 648.124(a) or (b) while 
in possession of any trawl nets or netting that do not meet the minimum 
mesh restrictions or that are obstructed or constricted as specified in 
Sec. Sec. 648.124 and 648.125(a), unless the nets or netting are stowed 
in accordance with Sec. 648.125(a)(5).
    (2) Vessel and operator permit holders. Unless participating in a 
research activity as described in Sec. 648.122(e), it is unlawful for 
any person owning or operating a vessel issued a scup permit (including 
a moratorium permit) to do any of the following:
    (i) Possession and landing. (A) Possess scup in excess of the 
threshold amount specified in Sec. 648.125, unless the vessel meets the 
minimum mesh-size restrictions specified in Sec. 648.125.
    (B) Land scup for sale after the effective date of a notification 
published in the Federal Register stating that the commercial quota has 
been harvested.
    (C) Possess scup in, or harvested from, the EEZ in an area closed 
by, or before or after a season established pursuant to Sec. 648.124.
    (ii) Transfer and purchase. (A) Sell or transfer to another person 
for a commercial purpose, other than solely for transport on land, any 
scup, unless the transferee has a dealer permit issued under Sec. 
648.6.
    (B) Transfer scup at sea, or attempt to transfer at sea to any 
vessel, any scup taken from the EEZ, unless in compliance with the 
provisions of Sec. 648.13(i).
    (3) Charter/party requirements. Unless participating in a research 
activity as described in Sec. 648.122(e), it is unlawful for the owner 
or operator of a party or charter boat issued a scup permit (including a 
moratorium permit), when the boat is carrying passengers for hire, or 
when carrying more than three crew members, if a charter boat, or more 
than five members, if a party boat to:
    (i) Carry passengers for hire, or carry more than three crew members 
for a charter boat, or five crew members for a party boat, while fishing 
for scup under the terms of a moratorium permit issued pursuant to Sec. 
648.4(a)(6).
    (ii) Possess scup in excess of the possession limit established 
pursuant to Sec. 648.128.
    (iii) Fish for scup other than during a season established pursuant 
to Sec. 648.124.
    (iv) Sell scup or transfer scup to another person for a commercial 
purpose other than solely for transport on land.
    (v) Possess scup that do not meet the minimum fish size specified in 
Sec. 648.126(b).
    (4) Presumption. For purposes of this part, the following 
presumption applies: All scup retained or possessed on a vessel issued a 
permit under Sec. 648.4 are deemed to have been harvested in the EEZ, 
north of 35[deg]15.3[min] N. lat., unless a preponderance of the 
evidence shows the fish were harvested by a vessel that fished 
exclusively in state waters.
    (p) Black sea bass--(1) All persons. Unless participating in a 
research activity as described in Sec. 648.142(e), it is unlawful for 
any person to do any of the following:
    (i) Permit requirement. Possess black sea bass in or harvested from 
the EEZ north of 35[deg]15.3[min] N. lat., either in excess of the 
possession limit established pursuant to Sec. 648.145, or before or 
after the time period established pursuant to Sec. 648.146, unless the 
person is operating a vessel issued a moratorium permit under Sec. 
648.4 and the moratorium permit is on board the vessel. However, 
possession of black sea bass harvested from state waters is allowed for 
state-only permitted vessels when transiting Federal waters within the 
Block Island

[[Page 704]]

Sound Transit Area provided they follow the provisions at Sec. 648.151.
    (ii) Possession and landing. Fish for, catch, possess, land, or 
retain black sea bass in or from the EEZ north of 35[deg]15.3[min] N. 
lat. (the latitude of Cape Hatteras Light, NC, to the U.S.-Canadian 
border) in excess of the amount specified in Sec. 648.144(a)(1)(i), 
unless the vessel complies with all of the gear restrictions at Sec. 
648.144(a).
    (iii) Transfer and purchase. Purchase or otherwise receive for 
commercial purposes, other than solely for transport on land, black sea 
bass landed for sale by a moratorium vessel in any state, or part 
thereof, north of 35[deg]15.3[min] N. lat., after the effective date of 
a notification published in the Federal Register stating that the 
commercial annual quota has been harvested and the EEZ is closed to the 
harvest of black sea bass.
    (iv) Gear restriction. Fail to comply with any of the gear 
restrictions specified in Sec. 648.144.
    (v) Size limits. Fish for, possess, land, or retain black sea bass 
in or from the EEZ that does not comply with the minimum or maximum (as 
applicable) fish size specified in Sec. 648.147.
    (vi) Special management zone. Fail to comply with any of the 
restrictions for special management zones specified in Sec. 648.148(b).
    (2) Vessel and operator permit holders. Unless participating in a 
research activity as described in Sec. 648.142(e), it is unlawful for 
any person owning or operating a vessel issued a black sea bass permit 
(including a moratorium permit) to do any of the following:
    (i) Permit requirement. Sell or transfer to another person for a 
commercial purpose, other than solely for transport on land, any black 
sea bass from a vessel, unless the transferee has a valid black sea bass 
dealer permit.
    (ii) Possession and landing. (A) Land black sea bass for sale in any 
state, or part thereof, north of 35[deg]15.3[min] N. lat. after the 
effective date of a notification published in the Federal Register 
stating that the commercial annual quota has been harvested and the EEZ 
is closed to the harvest of black sea bass.
    (B) [Reserved]
    (C) Land black sea bass for sale in any state south of North 
Carolina.
    (D) Possess black sea bass after the effective date of a 
notification published in the Federal Register stating that the 
commercial annual quota has been harvested and the EEZ is closed to the 
harvest of black sea bass, unless the vessel has been issued a Southeast 
Region Snapper/Grouper Permit and fishes for and possess black sea bass 
south of 35[deg]15.3[min] N. lat.
    (3) Charter/party restrictions. Unless participating in a research 
activity as described in Sec. 648.142(e), it is unlawful for the owner 
or operator of a party or charter boat issued a black sea bass permit 
(including a moratorium permit), when the boat is carrying passengers 
for hire or carrying more than three crew members, if a charter boat, or 
more than five members, if a party boat, to:
    (i) Fish for black sea bass under the terms of a moratorium permit 
issued pursuant to Sec. 648.4(a)(7).
    (ii) Possess, retain, or land black sea bass in excess of the 
possession limit established pursuant to Sec. 648.145.
    (iii) Fish for black sea bass other than during a time allowed 
pursuant to Sec. 648.146.
    (iv) Sell black sea bass or transfer black sea bass from a vessel to 
another person for a commercial purpose other than solely for transport 
on land.
    (4) Presumption. For purposes of this part, the following 
presumption applies: All black sea bass retained or possessed on a 
vessel issued a permit under Sec. 648.4 are deemed to have been 
harvested in the EEZ, unless the vessel also has been issued a Southeast 
Region Snapper/Grouper permit and fishes for, retains, or possesses 
black sea bass south of 35[deg]15.3[min] N. lat.
    (q) Bluefish. Unless participating in a research activity as 
described in Sec. 648.162(g), it is unlawful for any person to do any 
of the following:
    (1) Permit requirement. Possess in or harvest from the EEZ, Atlantic 
bluefish, in excess of the daily possession limit found at Sec. 
648.164, unless the vessel is issued a valid Atlantic bluefish vessel 
permit under Sec. 648.4(a)(8)(i) and the permit is on board the vessel 
and has not been surrendered, revoked, or suspended.

[[Page 705]]

    (2) Possession and landing. (i) Land bluefish for sale in a state 
after the effective date of a notification in the Federal Register 
pursuant to Sec. 648.163(b), that the commercial quota is no longer 
available in that state.
    (ii) Land bluefish for sale after the effective date of a 
notification in the Federal Register pursuant to Sec. 648.163(a), that 
the bluefish fishery is closed.
    (3) Transfer and purchase. (i) Sell, barter, trade or transfer; or 
attempt to sell, barter, trade or otherwise transfer; other than for 
transport, bluefish that were harvested in or from the EEZ, unless the 
vessel has been issued a valid bluefish permit under Sec. 
648.4(a)(8)(i).
    (ii) Purchase or otherwise receive for a commercial purpose bluefish 
harvested from the EEZ after the effective date of the notification 
published in the Federal Register stating that the commercial quota has 
been harvested.
    (iii) Purchase or otherwise receive for a commercial purpose 
bluefish harvested by a Federally permitted vessel after the effective 
date of the notification published in the Federal Register stating that 
the commercial quota has been harvested.
    (4) Charter/party restrictions. Carry passengers for hire, or carry 
more than three crew members for a charter boat or five crew members for 
a party boat, while fishing commercially pursuant to a bluefish permit 
issued under Sec. 648.4(a)(8).
    (5) Presumption. For purposes of this part, the following 
presumption applies: All bluefish possessed on board a party or charter 
vessel issued a permit under Sec. 648.4(a)(8)(ii) are deemed to have 
been harvested from the EEZ.
    (r) Atlantic herring--(1) All persons. It is unlawful for any person 
to do any of the following:
    (i) Permit requirement. Operate, or act as an operator of, a vessel 
with an Atlantic herring permit, or a vessel fishing for or possessing 
herring in or from the EEZ, unless the operator has been issued, and is 
in possession of, a valid operator permit.
    (ii) Possession and landing. (A) Fish for, possess, retain or land 
herring, unless:
    (1) The herring are being fished for, or were harvested in or from, 
the EEZ by a vessel holding a valid herring permit under this part and 
the operator on board such vessel possesses a valid operator permit that 
is on board the vessel.
    (2) The herring were harvested by a vessel not issued a herring 
permit that fished exclusively in state waters.
    (3) The herring were harvested in or from the EEZ by a vessel 
engaged in recreational fishing.
    (4) The herring were possessed for personal use as bait.
    (5) Unless otherwise specified in Sec. 648.17.
    (B) Attempt or do any of the following: Fish for, possess, transfer, 
receive, land, or sell, more than the possession limits specified at 
Sec. 648.201(a) from a management area subject to a possession limit 
adjustment or fishery closure, or from a river herring and shad catch 
cap closure area that has been closed to specified gear pursuant to 
Sec. 648.201(a)(4)(ii), if the vessel has been issued and holds a valid 
herring permit.
    (iii) Processing requirements. (A) Process herring that was caught 
in or from the EEZ by a U.S. vessel that exceeds the size limits 
specified in Sec. 648.4(a)(10)(iii), in excess of the specification of 
USAP.
    (B) Discard herring carcasses at sea after removing the roe, if a 
Federally permitted vessel; or in the EEZ, if not a Federally permitted 
vessel.
    (C) Catch, take, or harvest herring for roe, at sea, if a Federally 
permitted vessel; or if not Federally permitted, in or from the EEZ in 
excess of any limit established by Sec. 648.206(b)(24).
    (iv) Transfer and purchase. (A) Purchase, possess, receive; or 
attempt to purchase, possess, or receive; as a dealer, or in the 
capacity of a dealer, herring harvested in or from the EEZ, without 
having been issued, and in possession of, a valid herring dealer permit.
    (B) Purchase, possess, receive; or attempt to purchase, possess, or 
receive; as a processor, or in the capacity of a processor, herring from 
a fishing vessel with a herring permit or from a dealer with a herring 
dealer permit, without

[[Page 706]]

having been issued, and in possession of, a valid herring processor 
permit.
    (C) Sell, barter, trade, or otherwise transfer; or attempt to sell, 
barter, trade, or otherwise transfer; for a commercial purpose, any 
herring, unless the harvesting vessel has been issued a herring permit, 
or unless the herring were harvested by a vessel without a Federal 
herring permit that fished exclusively in state waters.
    (D) Purchase, possess, or receive, for a commercial purpose; or 
attempt to purchase, possess, or receive, for a commercial purpose; 
herring caught by a vessel without a herring permit, unless the herring 
was harvested by a vessel without a Federal herring permit that fished 
exclusively in state waters.
    (E) Transfer, or attempt to transfer, herring to a Canadian 
transshipment vessel that is permitted in accordance with Public Law 
104-297, if the amount of herring transshipped exceeds the amount of the 
border transfer specified in Sec. 648.200.
    (F) Purchase, receive, possess, have custody or control of, sell, 
barter, trade or transfer, or attempt to purchase, receive, possess, 
have custody or control of, sell, barter, trade or transfer, more than 
the applicable 2,000 lb (907.2 kg) or 40,000 lb (18,143.7 kg) possession 
limit of herring from a vessel if the herring is from a management area 
subject to a possession limit for Atlantic herring pursuant to Sec. 
648.201(a).
    (v) Gear and vessel requirements. (A) If fishing with midwater trawl 
or purse seine gear, fail to comply with the requirements of Sec. 
648.80(d) and (e).
    (B) Catch, take, or harvest Atlantic herring in or from the EEZ with 
a U.S. vessel that exceeds the size limits specified in Sec. 
648.4(a)(10)(iii).
    (vi) Area requirements. (A) For the purposes of observer deployment, 
fail to notify NMFS/FSB at least 48 hr prior to departing on a declared 
herring trip with a vessel issued a Category A or B Herring Permit and 
fishing with midwater trawl or purse seine gear, or on a trip with a 
vessel issued a Category C, D, or E Herring Permit that is fishing with 
midwater trawl gear in Management Areas 1A, 1B, and/or 3, as defined in 
Sec. 648.200(f)(1) and (3), pursuant to the requirements in Sec. 
648.80(d) and (e).
    (B) Possess, land, transfer, receive, sell, purchase, trade, or 
barter; or attempt to transfer, receive, sell, purchase, trade, or 
barter, or sell more than 2,000 lb (907 kg) of Atlantic herring per trip 
taken from the Herring GOM Haddock Accountability Measure Area and/or 
the Herring GB Haddock Accountability Measure Area, defined in Sec. 
648.86(a)(3)(ii)(A)(1), by a vessel issued an Atlantic herring permit 
and that fished with midwater trawl gear, after the haddock cap for the 
area(s) has been reached pursuant to Sec. 648.86(a)(3), unless all 
herring possessed or landed by the vessel was caught outside the 
applicable Accountability Measure Area(s).
    (C) Transit the Herring GOM Haddock Accountability Measure Area and/
or the Herring GB Haddock Accountability Measure Area, defined in Sec. 
648.86(a)(3)(ii)(A)(1), with a vessel issued an Atlantic herring permit 
and that fished with midwater trawl gear, when the 2,000-lb (907.2 kg) 
limit specified in Sec. 648.86(a)(3)(ii)(A)(1) is in place for the area 
being transited, in possession of more than 2,000 lb (907.2 kg) of 
herring, unless all herring on board was caught outside of the 
applicable Herring GOM Haddock Accountability Measure Area and/or the 
Herring GB Haddock Accountability Measure Area, and all fishing gear is 
stowed and not available for immediate use, as defined in Sec. 648.2.
    (D) Fish for herring in Area 1A from June 1 through September 30 
with midwater trawl gear.
    (E) Possess or land haddock taken from the Herring GOM Haddock 
Accountability Measure Area and/or the Herring GB Haddock Accountability 
Measure Area, defined in Sec. 648.86(a)(3)(ii)(A)(1), by a vessel 
issued an Atlantic herring permit and that fished with midwater trawl 
gear, after the haddock cap for the area(s) has been reached pursuant to 
Sec. 648.86(a)(3), unless all haddock possessed or landed by the vessel 
was caught outside the applicable Accountability Measure Area(s).
    (F) Transit the Herring GOM Haddock Accountability Measure Area and/
or the Herring GB Haddock Accountability Measure Area, defined in Sec. 
648.86(a)(3)(ii)(A)(1), with a vessel

[[Page 707]]

issued an Atlantic herring permit and that fished with midwater trawl 
gear, when the 0-lb (0-kg) haddock possession limit in Sec. 
648.86(a)(3)(ii)(A)(1) is in place for the area being transited, in 
possession of haddock, unless all haddock on board was caught outside of 
the applicable Herring GOM Haddock Accountability Measure Area and/or 
the Herring GB Haddock Accountability Measure Area, and all fishing gear 
is stowed and not available for immediate use, as defined in Sec. 
648.2.
    (G) Fish for, possess, or retain herring in any management area 
during a season that has zero percent of the herring sub-ACL allocated 
as specified in Sec. 648.201(d).
    (vii) Transit and transport. (A) Transit or be in an area subject to 
a possession limit adjustment or fishery closure pursuant to Sec. 
648.201(a) with more than the applicable 2,000 lb (907.2 kg) or 40,000 
lb (18,143.7 kg) herring possession limit, unless such herring were 
caught in an area not subject to the 2,000 lb (907.2 kg) or 40,000 lb 
(18,143.7 kg) limit specified in Sec. 648.201(a), all fishing gear is 
stowed and not available for immediate use as defined in Sec. 648.2, 
and the vessel is issued a permit appropriate to the amount of herring 
on board and the area where the herring was harvested.
    (B) Receive Atlantic herring at sea in or from the EEZ, solely for 
transport, without an Atlantic herring carrier letter of authorization 
from the Regional Administrator or having declared an Atlantic herring 
carrier trip via VMS consistent with the requirements at Sec. 
648.4(a)(10)(ii).
    (C) Fail to comply with a letter of authorization from the Regional 
Administrator.
    (D) Transit Area 1A from June 1 through September 30 with more than 
2,000 lb (907.2 kg) of herring while having on board midwater trawl gear 
that is not properly stowed or available for immediate use as defined in 
Sec. 648.2.
    (E) Discard haddock at sea that has been brought on deck, or pumped 
into the hold, of a vessel issued a Category A or B Herring Permit 
fishing on a declared herring trip, regardless of gear or area fished, 
or on a trip with a vessel issued a Category C, D, or E Herring Permit 
fishing with midwater trawl gear, pursuant to the requirements in Sec. 
648.80(d) and (e).
    (F) Transit or be in an area that has zero percent sub-ACL available 
for harvest specified at Sec. 648.201(d) with herring on board, unless 
such herring were caught in an area or areas with an available sub-ACL 
specified at Sec. 648.201(d), all fishing gear is stowed and not 
available for immediate use as defined in Sec. 648.2, and the vessel is 
issued a vessel permit that authorizes the amount of herring on board 
for the area where the herring was harvested.
    (viii) VMS requirements. (A) Catch, take, or harvest Atlantic 
herring in or from the EEZ, if a limited access herring vessel, unless 
equipped with an operable VMS unit.
    (B) Fail to notify NMFS Office of Law Enforcement through VMS of the 
time and place of offloading at least 6 hours prior to landing or, if 
fishing ends less than 6 hours before landing, as soon as the vessel 
stops catching fish, if a vessel has been issued a limited access 
herring permit (i.e., Category A, B, or C) or a Category E Herring 
Permit or has declared an Atlantic herring carrier trip via VMS.
    (C) Fail to declare via VMS into the herring fishery by entering the 
appropriate herring fishery code and appropriate gear code prior to 
leaving port at the start of each trip to harvest, possess, or land 
herring, if a vessel has been issued a limited access herring permit 
(i.e., Category A, B, or C) or issued a Category E Herring Permit or is 
intending to act as an Atlantic herring carrier.
    (2) Vessel and operator permit holders. It is unlawful for any 
person owning or operating a vessel holding a valid Federal Atlantic 
herring permit, or issued an operator's permit, to do any of the 
following:
    (i) Sell, purchase, receive, trade, barter, or transfer haddock or 
other regulated NE multispecies (cod, witch flounder, plaice, yellowtail 
flounder, pollock, winter flounder, windowpane flounder, redfish, white 
hake, and Atlantic wolffish); or attempt to sell, purchase, receive, 
trade, barter, or transfer haddock or other regulated NE multispecies 
for human consumption; if the regulated NE multispecies are landed by a 
vessel issued a Category A

[[Page 708]]

or B Herring Permit fishing on a declared herring trip, regardless of 
gear or area fished, or by a vessel issued a Category C, D, or E Herring 
Permit fishing with midwater trawl gear pursuant to Sec. 648.80(d).
    (ii) Fail to comply with requirements for herring processors/dealers 
that handle individual fish to separate out, and retain, for at least 12 
hours, all haddock offloaded from a vessel issued a Category A or B 
Herring Permit that fished on a declared herring trip regardless of gear 
or area fished, or by a vessel issued a Category C, D, or E Herring 
Permit that fished with midwater trawl gear pursuant to Sec. 648.80(d).
    (iii) Sell, purchase, receive, trade, barter, or transfer; or 
attempt to sell, purchase, receive, trade, barter, or transfer; to 
another person, any haddock or other regulated NE. multispecies (cod, 
witch flounder, plaice, yellowtail flounder, pollock, winter flounder, 
windowpane flounder, redfish, white hake, and Atlantic wolffish) 
separated out from a herring catch offloaded from a vessel issued a 
Category A or B Herring Permit that fished on a declared herring trip 
regardless of gear or area fished, or by a vessel issued a Category C, 
D, or E Herring Permit that fished with midwater trawl gear pursuant to 
Sec. 648.80(d).
    (iv) While operating as an at-sea herring processor, fail to comply 
with requirements to separate out and retain all haddock offloaded from 
a vessel issued a Category A or B Herring Permit that fished on a 
declared herring trip regardless of gear or area fished, or by a vessel 
issued a Category C, D, or E Herring Permit that fished with midwater 
trawl gear pursuant to Sec. 648.80(d).
    (v) Fish with midwater trawl gear in any Northeast Multispecies 
Closed Area, as defined in Sec. 648.81(a)(3) through (5) and (c)(3) and 
(4), without an observer on board, if the vessel has been issued an 
Atlantic herring permit.
    (vi) Slip or operationally discard catch, as defined at Sec. 648.2, 
unless for one of the reasons specified at Sec. 648.202(b)(2), if 
fishing any part of a tow inside the Northeast Multispecies Closed 
Areas, as defined at Sec. 648.81(a)(3) through (5) and (c)(3) and (4).
    (vii) Fail to immediately leave the Northeast Multispecies Closed 
Areas or comply with reporting requirements after slipping catch or 
operationally discarding catch, as required by Sec. 648.202(b)(4).
    (viii) Slip catch, as defined at Sec. 648.2, unless for one of the 
reasons specified at Sec. 648.11(m)(7)(i).
    (ix) For vessels with Category A or B Herring Permits, fail to move 
15 nm (27.78 km), as required by Sec. Sec. 648.11(m)(7)(iv) and (v) and 
648.202(b)(4)(iv).
    (x) For vessels with Category A or B Herring Permits, fail to 
immediately return to port, as required by Sec. Sec. 648.11(m)(7)(vi) 
and 648.202(b)(4)(iv).
    (xi) Fail to complete, sign, and submit a Released Catch Affidavit 
as required by Sec. Sec. 648.11(m)(7)(iii) and 648.202(b)(4)(ii).
    (xii) Fail to report or fail to accurately report a slippage event 
on the Atlantic herring daily VMS catch report, as required by 
Sec. Sec. 648.11(m)(7)(iii) and 648.202(b)(4)(iii).
    (xiii) For vessels with Category A or B Herring Permits, fail to 
comply with industry-funded monitoring requirements at Sec. 648.11(m).
    (xiv) For a vessel with a Category A or B Herring Permit, fail to 
comply with its NMFS-approved vessel monitoring plan requirements, as 
described at Sec. 648.11(m).
    (3) Presumption. For purposes of this part, the following 
presumption applies: All Atlantic herring retained or possessed on a 
vessel issued any permit under Sec. 648.4 are deemed to have been 
harvested from the EEZ, unless the preponderance of all submitted 
evidence demonstrates that such Atlantic herring were harvested by a 
vessel fishing exclusively in state waters.
    (s) Spiny dogfish--(1) All persons. It is unlawful for any person to 
do any of the following:
    (i) Permit requirement. Purchase or otherwise receive, other than 
solely for transport on land, spiny dogfish from any person on board a 
vessel issued a Federal spiny dogfish permit, unless the purchaser/
receiver is in possession of a valid spiny dogfish dealer permit.
    (ii) Transfer and purchase. Purchase or otherwise receive for a 
commercial

[[Page 709]]

purpose spiny dogfish landed by a Federally permitted vessel in any 
state, from Maine to Florida, after the EEZ is closed to the harvest of 
spiny dogfish.
    (2) Vessel and operator permit holders. It is unlawful for any 
person owning or operating a vessel issued a valid Federal spiny dogfish 
permit or issued a valid Federal operator's permit to do any of the 
following:
    (i) Permit requirement. Sell, barter, trade or transfer; or attempt 
to sell, barter, trade or otherwise transfer; other than solely for 
transport on land, spiny dogfish, unless the dealer, transferor, or 
transferee has a valid dealer permit issued under Sec. 648.6(a).
    (ii) Possession and landing. (A) Fish for or possess spiny dogfish 
harvested in or from the EEZ after the EEZ is closed to the harvest of 
spiny dogfish.
    (B) Land spiny dogfish for a commercial purpose after the EEZ is 
closed to the harvest of spiny dogfish.
    (C) Possess more than the daily possession limit of spiny dogfish 
specified in Sec. 648.235.
    (iii) Prohibition on finning. Violate any of the provisions in 
Sec. Sec. 600.1203 and 600.1204 applicable to the dogfish fishery that 
prohibit finning.
    (t) Red crab. It is unlawful for any person to do any of the 
following:
    (1) Permit requirement. Fish for, catch, possess, transport, land, 
sell, trade, or barter; or attempt to fish for, catch, possess, 
transport, land, sell, trade, or barter; any red crab or red crab parts 
in or from the EEZ portion of the Red Crab Management Unit, unless in 
possession of a valid Federal limited access red crab vessel permit or 
Federal red crab incidental catch permit.
    (2) Possession and landing. (i) Fish for, catch, possess, transport, 
land, sell, trade, or barter; or attempt to fish for, catch, possess, 
transport, land, sell, trade, or barter; red crab in excess of the 
limits specified in Sec. 648.263.
    (ii) Restriction on female red crabs. Fish for, catch, possess, 
transport, land, sell, trade, or barter; or attempt to fish for, catch, 
possess, transport, land, sell, trade, or barter; female red crabs in 
excess of one standard U.S. fish tote.
    (iii) Fish for, possess, or land red crab, in excess of the 
incidental limit specified at Sec. 648.263(b)(1), after determination 
that the TAL has been reached and notice of the closure date has been 
made.
    (3) Transfer and purchase. (i) Transfer at sea, or attempt to 
transfer at sea, either directly or indirectly, any red crab or red crab 
parts taken in or from the EEZ portion of the red crab management unit 
to any vessel.
    (ii) Purchase, possess, or receive; or attempt to purchase, possess, 
or receive; more than 500 lb (226.8 kg) of whole red crab, or its 
equivalent in weight in accordance with the conversion provisions in 
Sec. 648.263(a)(2), caught or possessed in the EEZ portion of the red 
crab management unit by a vessel without a valid Federal limited access 
red crab permit.
    (iii) Purchase, possess, or receive; or attempt to purchase, 
possess, or receive; up to 500 lb (226.8 kg) of whole red crab, or its 
equivalent in weight in accordance with the conversion provisions in 
Sec. 648.263(a)(2), caught in the EEZ portion of the Red Crab 
Management Unit by a vessel that has not been issued a valid limited 
access red crab permit or red crab incidental catch permit under this 
subpart.
    (iv) Purchase or otherwise receive for a commercial purpose in 
excess of the incidental limit specified at Sec. 648.263(b)(1), after 
determination that the TAL has been reached and notice of the closure 
date has been made.
    (4) Prohibitions on processing and mutilation. (i) Retain, possess, 
or land red crab claws and legs separate from crab bodies in excess of 
one standard U.S. fish tote, if fishing on a red crab trip with a valid 
Federal limited access red crab permit.
    (ii) Retain, possess, or land any red crab claws and legs separate 
from crab bodies if the vessel has not been issued a valid Federal 
limited access red crab permit or has been issued a valid Federal 
limited access red crab permit, but is not fishing on a dedicated red 
crab trip.
    (iii) Retain, possess, or land more than two claws and eight legs 
per crab if the vessel has been issued a valid Federal red crab 
incidental catch permit, or has been issued a valid Federal limited 
access red crab permit and is not fishing on a dedicated red crab trip.

[[Page 710]]

    (iv) Possess or land red crabs that have been fully processed at 
sea, i.e., engage in any activity that removes meat from any part of a 
red crab, unless a preponderance of available evidence shows that the 
vessel fished exclusively in state waters and was not issued a valid 
Federal permit.
    (5) Gear requirements. Fail to comply with any gear requirements or 
restrictions specified at Sec. 648.264.
    (6) Presumption. For purposes of this part, the following 
presumption applies: All red crab retained or possessed on a vessel 
issued any permit under Sec. 648.4 are deemed to have been harvested in 
or from the Red Crab Management Unit, unless the preponderance of all 
submitted evidence demonstrates that such red crab were harvested by a 
vessel fishing exclusively outside of the Red Crab Management Unit or in 
state waters.
    (u) Golden and blueline tilefish. It is unlawful for any person 
owning or operating a vessel to do any of the following:
    (1) Permit requirements--(i) Operator permit. Operate, or act as an 
operator of, a vessel with a tilefish permit, or a vessel fishing for or 
possessing golden or blueline tilefish in or from the Tilefish 
Management Unit, unless the operator has been issued, and is in 
possession of, a valid operator permit. This requirement does not apply 
to operators of private recreational vessels.
    (ii) Dealer permit. Purchase, possess, receive for a commercial 
purpose; or attempt to purchase, possess, or receive for a commercial 
purpose; as a dealer, or in the capacity of a dealer, golden or blueline 
tilefish that were harvested in or from the Tilefish Management Unit, 
without having been issued, and in possession of, a valid tilefish 
dealer permit.
    (iii) Vessel permit. (A) Sell, barter, trade, or otherwise transfer 
from a vessel; or attempt to sell, barter, trade, or otherwise transfer 
from a vessel; for a commercial purpose, other than solely for transport 
on land, any golden or blueline tilefish, unless the vessel has been 
issued a commercial tilefish permit, or unless the tilefish were 
harvested by a vessel without a commercial tilefish permit that fished 
exclusively in State waters.
    (B) Operate a vessel that takes recreational fishermen for hire to 
fish for golden or blueline tilefish in the Tilefish Management Unit 
without a valid tilefish charter/party vessel permit, as required in 
Sec. 648.4(a)(12)(i).
    (C) Operate a private recreational vessel to fish for, retain, and/
or possess blueline or golden tilefish, in the Tilefish Management Unit, 
without a valid tilefish private recreational permit as required in 
Sec. 648.4(a)(12)(iii).
    (2) Possession and landing. (i) Fish for, possess, retain, or land 
golden or blueline tilefish, unless:
    (A) The tilefish are being fished for or were harvested in or from 
the Tilefish Management Unit by a vessel holding a valid tilefish permit 
under this part, and the operator on board such vessel has been issued 
an operator permit that is on board the vessel.
    (B) The tilefish were harvested by a vessel that has not been issued 
a tilefish permit and that was fishing exclusively in State waters.
    (C) The tilefish were harvested in or from the Tilefish Management 
Unit by a vessel with a Federal private recreational tilefish permit or 
a Federal charter/party tilefish permit.
    (ii) Land or possess golden or blueline tilefish harvested in or 
from the Tilefish Management Unit, in excess of either:
    (A) The relevant commercial trip limit specified at Sec. 648.295, 
unless possessing golden tilefish authorized pursuant to a valid 
tilefish IFQ allocation permit, as specified in Sec. 648.294(a).
    (B) The relevant recreational possession limit specified at Sec. 
648.296, if engaged in recreational fishing including charter/party 
vessels.
    (iii) Land golden tilefish harvested in or from the Tilefish 
Management Unit in excess of that authorized under a tilefish IFQ 
allocation permit as described at Sec. 648.294(a).
    (iv) Fish for golden or blueline tilefish inside and outside of the 
Tilefish Management Unit on the same trip.
    (v) Discard golden tilefish harvested in or from the Tilefish 
Management Unit, as defined in Sec. 648.2, unless participating in 
recreational fishing, as

[[Page 711]]

defined in Sec. 648.2, or while fishing subject to a trip limit 
pursuant to Sec. 648.295(a).
    (vi) Land or possess golden tilefish in or from the Tilefish 
Management Unit, on a vessel issued a valid tilefish permit under this 
part, after the incidental golden tilefish fishery is closed pursuant to 
Sec. 648.295(a)(3), unless fishing under a valid tilefish IFQ 
allocation permit as specified in Sec. 648.294(a), or engaged in 
recreational fishing.
    (vii) Land or possess blueline tilefish in or from the Tilefish 
Management Unit, on a vessel issued a valid tilefish permit under this 
part, after the commercial blueline tilefish fishery is closed pursuant 
to Sec. 648.295(b)(2), unless engaged in recreational fishing.
    (viii) Land or possess golden or blueline tilefish in or from the 
Tilefish Management Unit, on a vessel issued a valid commercial tilefish 
permit under this part, that do not have the head and fins naturally 
attached to the fish.
    (ix) Engage in recreational fishing for golden tilefish with fishing 
gear that is not compliant with the gear restrictions specified at Sec. 
648.296.
    (x) Engage in recreational fishing for blueline tilefish outside of 
the recreational open season specified at Sec. 648.296(b).
    (3) Transfer and purchase. (i) Purchase, possess, or receive for a 
commercial purpose, other than solely for transport on land; or attempt 
to purchase, possess, or receive for a commercial purpose, other than 
solely for transport on land; golden or blueline tilefish caught by a 
vessel without a tilefish permit, unless the tilefish were harvested by 
a vessel without a tilefish permit that fished exclusively in State 
waters.
    (ii) Purchase or otherwise receive for commercial purposes golden or 
blueline tilefish caught in the EEZ from outside the Tilefish Management 
Unit unless otherwise permitted under 50 CFR part 622.
    (4) Presumption. For purposes of this part, the following 
presumption applies: All golden or blueline tilefish retained or 
possessed on a vessel issued any permit under Sec. 648.4 are deemed to 
have been harvested in or from the Tilefish Management Unit, unless the 
preponderance of all submitted evidence demonstrates that such tilefish 
were harvested by a vessel fishing exclusively in state waters.
    (v) Skates--(1) All persons. It is unlawful for any person to fish 
for, possess, transport, sell or land skates in or from the EEZ portion 
of the skate management unit, unless:
    (i) Onboard a vessel that possesses a valid skate vessel permit.
    (ii) Onboard a federally permitted lobster vessel (i.e., transfer at 
sea recipient) while in possession of only whole skates as bait that are 
less than the maximum size specified at Sec. 648.322(c).
    (2) All Federal permit holders. It is unlawful for any owner or 
operator of a vessel holding a valid Federal permit to do any of the 
following:
    (i) Retain, possess, or land thorny skates taken in or from the EEZ 
portion of the skate management unit specified at Sec. 648.2.
    (ii) Retain, possess, or land barndoor skates taken in or from the 
EEZ portion of the skate management unit when fishing under a bait 
letter of authorization as described in Sec. 648.322(c); when fishing 
under a NE multispecies Category B DAS as described under Sec. 
648.322(b); when fishing under the incidental skate possession limit for 
vessels not under a DAS as described in Sec. 648.322(b)(4); or when 
fishing in a NE multispecies DAS exemption program that allows the 
possession of skate or skate parts in an amount not to exceed 10 percent 
by weight of all other species on board, as specified in Sec. 
648.80(b)(3)(ii), without a NE multispecies or monkfish DAS.
    (iii) Discard any skate wings when in possession of barndoor skate 
wings.
    (iv) Retain, possess, or land smooth skates taken in or from the GOM 
RMA described at Sec. 648.80(a)(1)(i).
    (3) Skate permitted vessel requirements. It is unlawful for any 
owner or operator of a vessel holding a valid Federal skate permit to do 
any of the following:
    (i) Skate wings. Fail to comply with the conditions of the skate 
wing possession and landing limits specified at Sec. 648.322(b), unless 
holding a valid letter of authorization to fish for and land skates as 
bait at Sec. 648.322(c).

[[Page 712]]

    (ii) Possession and transfer. (A) Transfer at sea, or attempt to 
transfer at sea, to any vessel, any skates unless in compliance with the 
provisions of Sec. Sec. 648.13(h) and 648.322(c).
    (B) Purchase, possess, trade, barter, or receive; or attempt to 
purchase, possess, trade, barter, or receive; skates caught in the EEZ 
portion of the skate management unit by a vessel that has not been 
issued a valid Federal skate permit under this part.
    (C) Fish for, catch, possess, transport, land, sell, trade, or 
barter; or attempt to fish for, catch, possess, transport, land, sell, 
trade, or barter; whole skates and skate wings in excess of the 
possession limits specified at Sec. 648.322.
    (iii) DAS notification and skate wing possession. Fail to comply 
with the provisions of the DAS notification program specified in 
Sec. Sec. 648.53, 648.82, and 648.92; for the Atlantic sea scallop, NE 
multispecies, and monkfish fisheries, respectively; when issued a valid 
skate permit and fishing under the skate wing possession limits at Sec. 
648.322.
    (iv) SNE Trawl and Gillnet Exemption areas restrictions. Fail to 
comply with the restrictions under the SNE Trawl and Gillnet Exemption 
areas for the NE skate fisheries at Sec. Sec. 648.80(b)(5)(i)(B) and 
648.80(b)(6)(i)(B).
    (4) Presumption. For purposes of this part, the following 
presumption applies: All skates retained or possessed on a vessel are 
deemed to have been harvested in or from the Skate Management Unit, 
unless the preponderance of evidence demonstrates that such skates were 
harvested by a vessel, that has not been issued a Federal skate permit, 
fishing exclusively outside of the EEZ portion (such as fishing within 
the NAFO Regulatory Area under Sec. 648.17(a)(3)) of the skate 
management unit or only in state waters.
    (w) Mid-Atlantic forage species. It is unlawful for any person 
owning or operating a vessel issued a valid commercial permit under this 
part to fish for, possess, transfer, receive, or land; or attempt to 
fish for, possess, transfer, receive, or land; more than 1,700 lb 
(771.11 kg) of all Mid-Atlantic forage species combined per trip in or 
from the Mid-Atlantic Forage Species Management Unit, as defined at 
Sec. 648.351(b). A vessel not issued a commercial permit in accordance 
with Sec. 648.4 that fished exclusively in state waters or a vessel 
that fished Federal waters outside of the Mid-Atlantic Forage Species 
Management Unit that is transiting the area with gear that is stowed and 
not available for immediate use is exempt from this prohibition.

[74 FR 20535, May 4, 2009]

    Editorial Note: For Federal Register citations affecting Sec. 
648.14, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the 
Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.



Sec. 648.15  Facilitation of enforcement.

    (a) General. See Sec. 600.504 of this chapter.
    (b) Special notification requirements applicable to surfclam and 
ocean quahog vessel owners and operators--(1) Surfclam and ocean quahog 
open access permitted vessels. Vessel owners or operators issued an open 
access surfclam or ocean quahog open access permit for fishing in the 
ITQ Program, as specified at Sec. 648.74, are required to declare their 
intended fishing activity via VMS prior to leaving port.
    (2) Maine mahogany quahog limited access permitted vessels. 
Beginning January 1, 2009, vessel owners or operators issued a limited 
access Maine mahogany quahog permit for fishing for Maine mahogany 
quahogs in the Maine mahogany quahog zone, as specified at Sec. 648.78, 
are required to declare via VMS, prior to leaving port, and entering the 
Maine mahogany quahog zone, their intended fishing activity, unless 
otherwise exempted under paragraph Sec. 648.4(a)(4)(ii)(B)(1).
    (3) Declaration out of surfclam and ocean quahog fisheries. Owners 
or operators that are transiting between ports or fishing in a fishery 
other than surfclams and ocean quahogs must either declare out of 
fisheries or declare the appropriate fishery, if required, via the VMS 
unit, before leaving port. The owner or operator discontinuing a fishing 
trip in the EEZ or Maine mahogany quahog zone must return to port and 
offload any surfclams or ocean quahogs prior to commencing fishing 
operations in the waters under the jurisdiction of any state.
    (4) Inspection by authorized officer. The vessel permits, the 
vessel, its gear,

[[Page 713]]

and catch shall be subject to inspection upon request by an authorized 
officer.
    (5) Authorization for use of fishing trip notification via 
telephone. The Regional Administrator may authorize or require the 
notification of surfclam or ocean quahog fishing trip information via a 
telephone call to the NMFS Office of Law Enforcement nearest to the 
point of offloading, instead of the use of VMS. If authorized, the 
vessel owner or operator must accurately provide the following 
information prior to departure of his/her vessel from the dock to fish 
for surfclams or ocean quahogs in the EEZ: Name of the vessel; NMFS 
permit number assigned to the vessel; expected date and time of 
departure from port; whether the trip will be directed on surfclams or 
ocean quahogs; expected date, time, and location of landing; and name of 
individual providing notice. If use of a telephone call-in notification 
is authorized or required, the Regional Administrator shall notify 
affected permit holders through a letter, notification in the Federal 
Register, e-mail, or other appropriate means.
    (c) Radio hails. Permit holders, while underway, must be alert for 
communication conveying enforcement instructions and immediately answer 
via VHF-FM radio, channel 16 when hailed by an authorized officer. 
Vessels not required to have VHF-FM radios by the Coast Guard are exempt 
from this requirement.
    (d) Retention of haddock by herring dealers and processors. (1) 
Federally permitted herring dealers and processors, including at-sea 
processors, that cull or separate out from the herring catch all fish 
other than herring in the course of normal operations, must separate out 
and retain all haddock offloaded from a vessel issued a Category A or B 
Herring Permit that fished on a declared herring trip regardless of gear 
or area fished, or by a vessel issued a Category C, D, or E Herring 
Permit that fished with midwater trawl gear pursuant to Sec. 648.80(d). 
Such haddock may not be sold, purchased, received, traded, bartered, or 
transferred, and must be retained, after they have been separated, for 
at least 12 hours for dealers and processors on land, and for 12 hours 
after landing by at-sea processors. The dealer or processor, including 
at-sea processors, must clearly indicate the vessel that landed the 
retained haddock or transferred the retained haddock to an at-sea 
processor. Authorized officers must be given access to inspect the 
haddock.
    (2) All haddock separated out and retained is subject to reporting 
requirements specified at Sec. 648.7.
    (e) Retention of haddock by herring vessels using midwater trawl 
gear. A vessel issued a Category A or B Herring Permit fishing on a 
declared herring trip regardless of gear or area fished, or a vessel 
issued a Category C, D, or E Herring Permit and fishing with midwater 
trawl gear pursuant to Sec. 648.80(d), may not discard any haddock that 
has been brought on the deck or pumped into the hold.

[61 FR 34968, July 3, 1996, as amended at 62 FR 14648, Mar. 27, 1997; 63 
FR 27485, May 19, 1998; 71 FR 46875, Aug. 15, 2006; 72 FR 11276, Mar. 
12, 2007; 72 FR 51703, Sept. 11, 2007; 76 FR 56997, Sept. 15, 2011; 76 
FR 60649, Sept. 29, 2011; 85 FR 26884, May 6, 2020]



Sec. 648.16  Penalties.

    See Sec. 600.735.



Sec. 648.17  Exemptions for vessels fishing in the NAFO Regulatory
Area.

    (a) Fisheries included under exemption--(1) NE multispecies. A 
vessel issued a valid High Seas Fishing Compliance Permit under part 300 
of this title and that complies with the requirements specified in 
paragraph (b) of this section, is exempt from NE multispecies permit, 
mesh size, effort-control, minimum fish size, and possession limit 
restrictions, specified in Sec. Sec. 648.4, 648.80, 648.82, 648.83, and 
648.86, respectively, while transiting the EEZ with NE multispecies on 
board the vessel, or landing NE multispecies in U.S. ports that were 
caught while fishing in the NAFO Regulatory Area.
    (2) Monkfish. A vessel issued a valid High Seas Fishing Compliance 
Permit under part 300 of this title and that complies with the 
requirements specified in paragraph (b) of this section is exempt from 
monkfish permit, mesh size, effort-control, and possession limit 
restrictions, specified in Sec. Sec. 648.4, 648.91, 648.92 and 648.94, 
respectively, while transiting the EEZ with

[[Page 714]]

monkfish on board the vessel, or landing monkfish in U.S. ports that 
were caught while fishing in the NAFO Regulatory Area.
    (3) Skates. A vessel issued a valid High Seas Fishing Compliance 
Permit under part 300 of this title and that complies with the 
requirements specified in paragraph (b) of this section is exempt from 
skate permit and possession limit restrictions, specified in Sec. Sec. 
648.4 and 648.322, respectively, and from Atlantic sea scallop, NE 
multispecies, or monkfish DAS effort control restrictions specified in 
Sec. Sec. 648.53, 648.82, and 648.92, respectively, and from mesh size 
and gear restrictions specified in Sec. Sec. 648.51, 648.80, and 
648.91, respectively, while transiting the EEZ with skates on board the 
vessel, or landing skates in U.S. ports that were caught while fishing 
in the NAFO Regulatory Area. These vessels may possess, retain, and land 
barndoor skate; however, they may not possess, retain, or land other 
prohibited skate species specified in Sec. Sec. 648.14(v) and 
648.322(g).
    (b) General requirements. (1) The vessel operator has a valid letter 
of authorization issued by the Regional Administrator on board the 
vessel;
    (2) For the duration of the trip, the vessel fishes, except for 
transiting purposes, exclusively in the NAFO Regulatory Area and does 
not harvest fish in, or possess fish harvested in, or from, the EEZ;
    (3) When transiting the EEZ, all gear is properly stowed in 
accordance with the definition of not available for immediate use as 
defined in Sec. 648.2; and
    (4) The vessel operator complies with the High Seas Fishing 
Compliance Permit and all NAFO conservation and enforcement measures 
while fishing in the NAFO Regulatory Area.

[70 FR 21942, Apr. 28, 2005, as amended at 79 FR 52580, Sept. 4, 2014; 
83 FR 48987, Sept. 28, 2018; 84 FR 34814, July 19, 2019]



Sec. 648.18  Standardized bycatch reporting methodology.

    NMFS shall comply with the Standardized Bycatch Reporting 
Methodology (SBRM) provisions established in the following fishery 
management plans by the Standardized Bycatch Reporting Methodology: An 
Omnibus Amendment to the Fishery Management Plans of the Mid-Atlantic 
and New England Regional Fishery Management Councils, completed March 
2015, also known as the SBRM Omnibus Amendment, by the New England 
Fishery Management Council, Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, 
National Marine Fisheries Service Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries 
Office, and National Marine Fisheries Service Northeast Fisheries 
Science Center: Atlantic Bluefish; Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish; 
Atlantic Sea Scallop; Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog; Atlantic 
Herring; Atlantic Salmon; Deep-Sea Red Crab; Monkfish; Northeast 
Multispecies; Northeast Skate Complex; Spiny Dogfish; Summer Flounder, 
Scup, and Black Sea Bass; and Tilefish. The Director of the Federal 
Register approves this incorporation by reference in accordance with 5 
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. You may obtain a copy of the SBRM 
Omnibus Amendment from the Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office 
(www.greateratlantic.fisheries.noaa.gov, 978-281-9300). You may inspect 
a copy at the Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office, 55 Great 
Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 or at the National Archives and 
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of 
this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: www.archives.gov/
federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

[85 FR 47113, Aug. 4, 2020]



 Subpart B_Management Measures for the Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish 
                                Fisheries



Sec. 648.20  Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council Acceptable Biological Catch (ABC) control rules.

    The SSC shall review the following criteria, and any additional 
relevant information, to assign managed stocks to one of four types of 
control rules based on the species' assessments and its treatment of 
uncertainty when developing ABC recommendations. The SSC shall review 
the ABC control rule assignment for stocks each time an ABC is 
recommended. ABCs may be recommended for up to three years for

[[Page 715]]

all stocks, with the exception of five years for spiny dogfish. The SCC 
may specify constant, multi-year ABCs, derived from the average of ABCs 
(or average risk of overfishing) if the average probability of 
overfishing remains between zero and 40 percent, and does not exceed a 
50-percent probability in any given year. The average ABCs may remain 
constant for up to three years for all stocks, with the exception of 
five years for spiny dogfish. The SSC may deviate from the control rule 
methods and recommend an ABC that differs from the result of the ABC 
control rule application; however, any such deviation must include the 
following: A description of why the deviation is warranted; description 
of the methods used to derive the alternative ABC; and an explanation of 
how the deviation is consistent with National Standard 2. The four types 
of ABC control rules are described below.
    (a) ABC control rule for a stock with an OFL probability 
distribution that is analytically-derived and accepted by the SSC. (1) 
The SSC determines that the assessment OFL and the assessment's 
treatment of uncertainty are acceptable, based on the following:
    (i) All important sources of scientific uncertainty are captured in 
the stock assessment model;
    (ii) The probability distribution of the OFL is calculated within 
the stock assessment and adequately describes the OFL uncertainty;
    (iii) The stock assessment model structure and treatment of the data 
prior to use in the model include relevant details of the biology of the 
stock, fisheries that exploit the stock, and data collection methods;
    (iv) The stock assessment provides the following estimates: Fishing 
mortality rate (F) at MSY or an acceptable proxy maximum fishing 
mortality threshold (MFMT) to define OFL, biomass, biological reference 
points, stock status, OFL, and the respective uncertainties associated 
with each value; and
    (v) No substantial retrospective patterns exist in the stock 
assessment estimates of fishing mortality, biomass, and recruitment.
    (2) An ABC for stocks with an accepted OFL probability distribution 
that is analytically-derived will be determined by applying the 
acceptable probability of overfishing from the MAFMC's risk policy found 
in Sec. 648.21(a) through (d) to the probability distribution of the 
OFL.
    (b) ABC control rule for a stock with an OFL probability 
distribution that is modified by the assessment team and accepted by the 
SSC. (1) The SSC determines the assessment OFL is acceptable and the SSC 
accepts the assessment team's modifications to the analytically-derived 
OFL probability distribution, based on the following:
    (i) Key features of the stock biology, the fisheries that exploit 
it, and/or the data collection methods for stock information are missing 
from, or poorly estimated in, the stock assessment;
    (ii) The stock assessment provides reference points (which may be 
proxies), stock status, and uncertainties associated with each; however, 
the uncertainty is not fully promulgated through the stock assessment 
model and/or some important sources of uncertainty may be lacking;
    (iii) The stock assessment provides estimates of the precision of 
biomass, fishing mortality, and reference points;
    (iv) The accuracy of the minimum fishing mortality threshold and 
projected future biomass is estimated in the stock assessment using ad 
hoc methods; and
    (v) The modified OFL probability distribution provided by the 
assessment team acceptably addresses the uncertainty of the assessment.
    (2) An ABC for stocks with an OFL probability distribution that is 
modified by the assessment team and accepted by the SSC will be 
determined by applying the acceptable probability of overfishing from 
the MAFMC's risk policy found in Sec. 648.21(a) through (d) to the 
probability distribution of the OFL as modified by the assessment team.
    (c) ABC control rule for a stock with an OFL probability 
distribution that is modified by the SSC. (1) The SSC determines the 
assessment OFL is acceptable but the SSC derives the appropriate 
uncertainty for OFL based on meta-analysis and other considerations. 
This requires the SSC to determine that the stock assessment does not 
contain an estimated probability distribution of OFL

[[Page 716]]

or the OFL probability distribution in the stock assessment is judged by 
the SSC to not adequately reflect uncertainty in the OFL estimate.
    (2) An ABC for stocks with an OFL probability distribution that is 
modified by the SSC will be determined by either:
    (i) Applying the acceptable probability of overfishing from the 
MAFMC's risk policy found in Sec. 648.21(a) through (d) to the SSC-
adjusted OFL probability distribution. The SSC will use default 
assignments of uncertainty in the adjusted OFL probability distribution 
based on literature review and valuation of control rule performance; 
or,
    (ii) If the SSC cannot develop an OFL probability distribution, a 
default control rule of 75 percent of the FMSY value will be 
applied to derive ABC.
    (d) ABC control rule for when an OFL cannot be specified. (1) The 
SSC determines that the OFL cannot be specified given the available 
information.
    (2) An ABC for stocks with an OFL that cannot be specified will be 
determined by using control rules based on biomass and catch history and 
application of the MAFMC's risk policy found in Sec. 648.21(a) through 
(d).

[83 FR 15512, Apr. 11, 2018]



Sec. 648.21  Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council risk policy.

    The risk policy shall be used by the SSC in conjunction with the ABC 
control rules in Sec. 648.20(a) through (d) to ensure the MAFMC's 
preferred tolerance for the risk of overfishing is addressed in the ABC 
development and recommendation process.
    (a) Stocks under a rebuilding plan. The probability of not exceeding 
the F necessary to rebuild the stock within the specified time frame 
(rebuilding F or FREBUILD) must be at least 50 percent, 
unless the default level is modified to a higher probability for not 
exceeding the rebuilding F through the formal stock rebuilding plan. A 
higher probability of not exceeding the rebuilding F would be expressed 
as a value greater than 50 percent (e.g., 75-percent probability of not 
exceeding rebuilding F, which corresponds to a 25-percent probability of 
exceeding rebuilding F).
    (b) Stocks not subject to a rebuilding plan. (1) For stocks with a 
ratio of biomass (B) to biomass at MSY (BMSY) of 1.0 or 
lower, the maximum probability of overfishing as informed by the OFL 
distribution shall decrease linearly from a maximum value of 45 percent 
until the probability of overfishing becomes zero at a B/BMSY 
ratio of 0.10.
    (2) For stocks with biomass that exceeds BMSY and the B/
BMSY ratio is greater than 1.0, the probability of 
overfishing shall increase linearly from a probability of overfishing of 
45 percent to a maximum probability of overfishing of 49 percent when 
the B/BMSY ratio is equal to 1.5 or greater.
    (c) Most restrictive ABC recommendation. (1) Unless otherwise 
allowed in paragraph (c)(2) or (3) of this section, for instances in 
which the application of the risk policy approaches in paragraph (b) of 
this section using OFL distribution results in a more restrictive ABC 
recommendation than the calculation of ABC derived from the use of 
FREBUILD at the MAFMC-specified overfishing risk level as 
outlined in paragraph (a) of this section, the Scientific and 
Statistical Committee (SSC) shall recommend to the MAFMC the lower of 
the ABC values.
    (2) The SSC may specify higher 2023-2032 ABCs for Atlantic mackerel 
based on FREBUILD instead of the methods outlined in 
paragraph (a) of this section to implement a rebuilding program that 
would rebuild this stock by 2032.
    (3) The SSC may specify higher ABCs for bluefish based on 
FREBUILD, as outlined in paragraph (a) of this section, 
instead of the risk policy approaches in paragraph (b) of this section 
in order to implement a rebuilding program that would rebuild this stock 
by 2028.
    (d) Stock without an OFL or OFL proxy. (1) If an OFL cannot be 
determined from the stock assessment, or if a proxy is not provided by 
the SSC during the ABC recommendation process, ABC levels may not be 
increased until such time that an OFL has been identified.
    (2) The SSC may deviate from paragraph (d)(1) of this section, 
provided that the following two criteria are met: Biomass-based 
reference points indicate that the stock is greater than

[[Page 717]]

BMSY and stock biomass is stable or increasing, or if biomass 
based reference points are not available, best available science 
indicates that stock biomass is stable or increasing; and the SSC 
provides a determination that, based on best available science, the 
recommended increase to the ABC is not expected to result in 
overfishing. Any such deviation must include a description of why the 
increase is warranted, description of the methods used to derive the 
alternative ABC, and a certification that the ABC is not likely to 
result in overfishing on the stock.

[76 FR 60616, Sept. 29, 2011, as amended at 77 FR 51857, Aug. 27, 2012; 
84 FR 58058, Oct. 30, 2019; 85 FR 81154, Dec. 15, 2020; 86 FR 66981, 
Nov. 24, 2021; 87 FR 6670, Feb. 1, 2023]



Sec. 648.22  Mackerel, squid, and butterfish specifications.

    (a) Initial recommended annual specifications. The Mackerel, Squid, 
and Butterfish Monitoring Committee (Monitoring Committee) shall meet 
annually to develop and recommend the following specifications for 
consideration by the Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Committee of the 
MAFMC:
    (1) Illex squid--Initial OY (IOY), including Research Set-Aside 
(RSA), domestic annual harvest (DAH), and domestic annual processing 
(DAP) for Illex squid, which, subject to annual review, may be specified 
for a period of up to 3 years;
    (2) Butterfish--Annual catch limit (ACL); Annual catch target (ACT) 
including RSA, DAH, DAP; bycatch level of the total allowable level of 
foreign fishing (TALFF), if any; and butterfish discard cap for the 
longfin squid fishery for butterfish; which, subject to annual review, 
may be specified for a period of up to 3 years;
    (3) Atlantic mackerel--ACL; commercial ACT, including RSA, DAH, 
Atlantic mackerel Tier 3 landings cap (up to 7 percent of the DAH), DAP; 
joint venture processing (JVP) if any; TALFF, if any; and recreational 
ACT, including RSA for Atlantic mackerel; which, subject to annual 
review, may be specified for a period of up to 3 years. The Monitoring 
Committee may also recommend that certain ratios of TALFF, if any, for 
Atlantic mackerel to purchases of domestic harvested fish and/or 
domestic processed fish be established in relation to the initial annual 
amounts.
    (4) Longfin squid--
    (i) IOY, including RSA, DAH, and DAP for longfin squid, which, 
subject to annual review, may be specified for a period of up to 3 
years; and
    (ii) Inseason adjustment, upward or downward, to the specifications 
for longfin squid, as specified in paragraph (e) of this section.
    (5) Atlantic chub mackerel--ACL, ACT, and total allowable landings 
(TAL), which, subject to annual review, may be specified for a period of 
up to 3 years.
    (b) Guidelines. As the basis for its recommendations under paragraph 
(a) of this section, the Monitoring Committee shall review the best 
available data to recommend specifications consistent with the 
following:
    (1) Longfin and/or Illex squid. (i) The ABC for any fishing year 
must be either the maximum OY, or a lower amount, if stock assessments 
indicate that the potential yield is less than the maximum OY. The OYs 
specified during a fishing year may not exceed the following amounts:
    (A) Longfin squid--The catch associated with a fishing mortality 
rate of FThreshold.
    (B) Illex squid--Catch associated with a fishing mortality rate of 
FMSY.
    (ii) IOY is a modification of ABC based on social and economic 
factors. The IOY is composed of RSA and DAH. RSA will be based on 
requests for research quota as described in paragraph (g) of this 
section. DAH will be set after deduction for RSA, if applicable.
    (2) Atlantic Mackerel--(i) ABC. The MAFMC's SSC shall recommend a 
stock-wide ABC to the MAFMC, as described in Sec. 648.20. The stock-
wide Atlantic mackerel ABC is reduced from the OFL based on an 
adjustment for scientific uncertainty; the stock-wide ABC must be less 
than or equal to the OFL.
    (ii) ACL. The ACL or Domestic ABC is calculated using the formula 
ACL/Domestic ABC = stock-wide ABC - C, where C is the estimated catch of 
Atlantic mackerel in Canadian waters for the upcoming fishing year.

[[Page 718]]

    (iii) OY. OY may not exceed the ACL, and must take into account the 
need to prevent overfishing while allowing the fishery to achieve OY on 
a continuing basis. OY is prescribed on the basis of MSY, as reduced by 
social, economic, and ecological factors.
    (iv) ACT. The Monitoring Committee shall identify and review 
relevant sources of management uncertainty to recommend ACTs for the 
commercial and recreational fishing sectors as part of the 
specifications process.
    (A) Commercial sector ACT. Commercial ACT is composed of RSA, DAH, 
Tier 3 landings cap (up to 7 percent of DAH), dead discards, and TALFF, 
if any. RSA will be based on requests for research quota as described in 
paragraph (g) of this section. DAH, Tier 3 landings cap (up to 7 of the 
DAH), DAP, and JVP will be set after deduction for RSA, if applicable, 
and must be projected by reviewing data from sources specified in 
paragraph (b) of this section and other relevant data, including past 
domestic landings, projected amounts of Atlantic mackerel necessary for 
domestic processing and for joint ventures during the fishing year, 
projected recreational landings, and other data pertinent for such a 
projection. The JVP component of DAH is the portion of DAH that domestic 
processors either cannot or will not use. Economic considerations for 
the establishment of JVP and TALFF include:
    (1) Total world export potential of Atlantic mackerel producing 
countries.
    (2) Total world import demand of Atlantic mackerel consuming 
countries.
    (3) U.S. export potential based on expected U.S. harvests, expected 
U.S. consumption, relative prices, exchange rates, and foreign trade 
barriers.
    (4) Increased/decreased revenues to the U.S. from foreign fees.
    (5) Increased/decreased revenues to U.S. harvesters (with/without 
joint ventures).
    (6) Increased/decreased revenues to U.S. processors and exporters.
    (7) Increases/decreases in U.S. harvesting productivity due to 
decreases/increases in foreign harvest.
    (8) Increases/decreases in U.S. processing productivity.
    (9) Potential impact of increased/decreased TALFF on foreign 
purchases of U.S. products and services and U.S.-caught fish, changes in 
trade barriers, technology transfer, and other considerations.
    (B) Recreational sector ACT. Recreational ACT is composed of RSA, 
dead discards, and the Recreational Harvest Limit (RHL).
    (v) Performance review. The Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish 
Committee shall conduct a detailed review of fishery performance 
relative to the Atlantic mackerel ACL at least every 5 years.
    (A) If the Atlantic mackerel ACL is exceeded with a frequency 
greater than 25 percent (i.e., more than once in 4 years or any two 
consecutive years), the Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Monitoring 
Committee will review fishery performance information and make 
recommendations to the MAFMC for changes in measures intended to ensure 
ACLs are not exceeded as frequently.
    (B) The MAFMC may specify more frequent or more specific ACL 
performance review criteria as part of a stock rebuilding plan following 
a determination that a stock has become overfished.
    (C) Performance reviews shall not substitute for annual reviews that 
occur to ascertain if prior year ACLs have been exceeded, but may be 
conducted in conjunction with such reviews.
    (vi) River herring and shad catch cap. The Monitoring Committee 
shall provide recommendations regarding a cap on the catch of river 
herring (alewife and blueback) and shad (American and hickory) in the 
Atlantic mackerel fishery based on best available scientific 
information, as well as measures (seasonal or regional quotas, closure 
thresholds) necessary for implementation.
    (3) Butterfish--(i) ABC. The MAFMC's SSC shall recommend an ABC to 
the MAFMC, as described in Sec. 648.20. The butterfish ABC is reduced 
from the OFL based on an adjustment for scientific uncertainty; the ABC 
must be less than or equal to the OFL.
    (ii) ACL. The butterfish ACL will be set equal to the butterfish 
ABC.
    (iii) OY. OY may not exceed the ACL, and must take into account the 
need to prevent overfishing while allowing the

[[Page 719]]

fishery to achieve OY on a continuing basis. OY is prescribed on the 
basis of MSY, as reduced by social, economic, and ecological factors.
    (iv) ACT. The Monitoring Committee shall identify and review 
relevant sources of management uncertainty to recommend the butterfish 
ACT as part of the specifications process. The ACT is composed of RSA, 
DAH, dead discards, and bycatch TALFF that is equal to 0.08 percent of 
the allocated portion of the mackerel TALFF. RSA will be based on 
requests for research quota as described in paragraph (g) of this 
section. DAH and bycatch TALFF will be set after deduction for RSA, if 
applicable.
    (v) Butterfish discard cap. The butterfish discard cap will be based 
on a portion of the ACT (set annually during specifications) and the 
specified cap amount will be allocated to the longfin squid fishery as 
follows: Trimester I--43 percent; Trimester II--17 percent; and 
Trimester III--40 percent.
    (vi) Any underages of the cap for Trimester I that are greater than 
25 percent of the Trimester I cap will be reallocated to Trimester II 
and III (split equally between both trimesters) of the same year. The 
reallocation of the cap from Trimester I to Trimester II is limited, 
such that the Trimester II cap may only be increased by 50 percent; the 
remaining portion of the underage will be reallocated to Trimester III. 
Any underages of the cap for Trimester I that are less than 25 percent 
of the Trimester I quota will be applied to Trimester III of the same 
year. Any overages of the cap for Trimester I and II will be subtracted 
from Trimester III of the same year.
    (vii) Performance review. The Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish 
Committee shall conduct a detailed review of fishery performance 
relative to the butterfish ACL in conjunction with review for the 
Atlantic mackerel fishery, as outlined in this section.
    (4) Additional measures. The Monitoring Committee may also provide 
recommendations on the following items, if necessary:
    (i) Observer provisions to maximize sampling at Sec. 648.11(n)(2);
    (ii) Exceptions for the requirement to pump/haul aboard all fish 
from net for inspection by at-sea observers in Sec. 648.11(n)(3);
    (5) Atlantic chub mackerel--(i) ABC. The MAFMC's SSC shall recommend 
a stock-wide ABC to the MAFMC, as described in Sec. 648.20. The stock-
wide Atlantic chub mackerel ABC is reduced from the OFL based on an 
adjustment for scientific uncertainty; the stock-wide ABC must be less 
than or equal to the OFL.
    (ii) Maximum sustainable yield (MSY). The Atlantic chub mackerel MSY 
shall be set equal to the Atlantic chub mackerel ABC.
    (iii) OY. The Atlantic chub mackerel OY shall be set equal to or 
less than the Atlantic chub mackerel ABC.
    (iv) ACL. The ACL for the Atlantic Chub Mackerel Management Unit is 
calculated by subtracting an estimate of Atlantic chub mackerel catch 
from South Carolina through Florida from the Atlantic chub mackerel ABC 
or OY, whichever is less. The Monitoring Committee shall recommend an 
appropriate estimate of such catch on an annual basis through the 
specifications process. The ACL shall apply to both commercial and 
recreational catch of Atlantic chub mackerel; there will not be separate 
ACLs for the commercial and recreational Atlantic chub mackerel 
fisheries.
    (v) ACT. The Atlantic chub mackerel ACT shall be equal to or less 
than the Atlantic chub mackerel ACL after deducting an estimate of 
management uncertainty. The Monitoring Committee shall identify and 
review relevant sources of management uncertainty to recommend an 
overall ACT to the MAFMC for both the commercial and recreational 
fishing sectors as part of the specifications process.
    (vi) TAL. The Atlantic chub mackerel TAL shall be equal to or less 
than the Atlantic chub mackerel ACT after deducting an estimate of dead 
discards in both the commercial and recreational fisheries. The 
Monitoring Committee shall evaluate available data to recommend an 
estimate of total discards used to calculate the TAL in its 
recommendation to the MAFMC as part of the specifications process.
    (c) Recommended measures. Based on the review of the data described 
in

[[Page 720]]

paragraph (b) of this section and requests for research quota as 
described in paragraph (g) of this section, the Monitoring Committee 
will recommend to the Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Committee the 
measures from the following list that it determines are necessary to 
ensure that the specifications are not exceeded:
    (1) RSA set from a range of 0 to 3 percent of:
    (i) The IOY for longfin squid and/or Illex.
    (ii) The commercial and/or recreational ACT for Atlantic mackerel.
    (iii) The ACT for butterfish.
    (2) Commercial quotas or total allowable landing limits, set after 
reductions for research quotas, management uncertainty, discards, an 
estimate of Atlantic chub mackerel catch from South Carolina through 
Florida, or any other applicable deduction specified in this section.
    (3) The amount of longfin squid, Illex squid, and butterfish that 
may be retained and landed by vessels issued the incidental catch permit 
specified in Sec. 648.4(a)(5)(vi), and the amount of Atlantic mackerel 
that may be retained, possessed and landed by any of the limited access 
Atlantic mackerel permits described at Sec. 648.4(a)(5)(iii) and the 
incidental Atlantic mackerel permit at Sec. 648.4(a)(5)(iv).
    (4) Commercial minimum fish sizes.
    (5) Commercial trip limits.
    (6) Commercial seasonal quotas/closures for longfin squid, Illex 
squid, and Atlantic chub mackerel; and landings cap for the Tier 3 
Limited Access Atlantic mackerel permit.
    (7) Minimum mesh sizes.
    (8) Commercial gear restrictions.
    (9) Recreational allocation for Atlantic mackerel.
    (10) Recreational minimum fish size.
    (11) Recreational possession limits.
    (12) Recreational season.
    (13) Changes, as appropriate, to the SBRM, including the coefficient 
of variation (CV) based performance standard, the means by which discard 
data are collected/obtained, fishery stratification, the process for 
prioritizing observer sea-day allocations, reports, and/or industry-
funded observers or observer set aside programs.
    (14) Modification of existing accountability measures (AMs) utilized 
by the Monitoring Committee.
    (d) Annual fishing measures. (1) The Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish 
Committee will review the recommendations of the Monitoring Committee. 
Based on these recommendations and any public comment received thereon, 
the Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Committee must recommend to the 
MAFMC appropriate specifications and any measures necessary to assure 
that the specifications will not be exceeded. The MAFMC will review 
these recommendations and, based on the recommendations and any public 
comment received thereon, must recommend to the Regional Administrator 
appropriate specifications and any measures necessary to assure that the 
ACL will not be exceeded. The MAFMC's recommendations must include 
supporting documentation, as appropriate, concerning the environmental, 
economic, and social impacts of the recommendations. The Regional 
Administrator will review the recommendations and will publish a 
proposed rule in the Federal Register proposing specifications and any 
measures necessary to assure that the specifications will not be 
exceeded and providing a 30-day public comment period. If the proposed 
specifications differ from those recommended by the MAFMC, the reasons 
for any differences must be clearly stated and the revised 
specifications must satisfy the criteria set forth in this section. The 
MAFMC's recommendations will be available for inspection at the office 
of the Regional Administrator during the public comment period. If the 
annual specifications for Illex squid, longfin squid, Atlantic mackerel, 
Atlantic chub mackerel, or butterfish are not published in the Federal 
Register prior to the start of the fishing year, the previous year's 
annual specifications, excluding specifications of TALFF, will remain in 
effect. The previous year's specifications will be superseded as of the 
effective date of the final rule implementing the current year's annual 
specifications.
    (2) The Regional Administrator will make a final determination 
concerning the specifications for each species and

[[Page 721]]

any measures necessary to assure that the specifications will not be 
exceeded. After the Regional Administrator considers all relevant data 
and any public comments, notification of the final specifications and 
any measures necessary to assure that the specifications will not be 
exceeded and responses to the public comments will be published in the 
Federal Register. If the final specification amounts differ from those 
recommended by the MAFMC, the reason(s) for the difference(s) must be 
clearly stated and the revised specifications must be consistent with 
the criteria set forth in paragraph (b) of this section.
    (e) Inseason adjustments. The specifications established pursuant to 
this section may be adjusted by the Regional Administrator, in 
consultation with the MAFMC, during the fishing year by publishing 
notification in the Federal Register.
    (f) Distribution of annual longfin squid commercial quota. (1) A 
commercial quota for longfin squid will be allocated annually into 
trimester periods, based on the following percentages: Trimester I 
(January-April)--43.0 percent; Trimester II (May-August)--17.0 percent; 
and Trimester III (September-December)--40.0 percent.
    (2) Any underages of commercial period quota for Trimester I that 
are greater than 25 percent of the Trimester I quota will be reallocated 
to Trimesters II and III of the same year. The reallocation of quota 
from Trimester I to Trimester II is limited, such that the Trimester II 
quota may only be increased by 50 percent; the remaining portion of the 
underage will be reallocated to Trimester III. Any underages of 
commercial period quota for Trimester I that are less than 25 percent of 
the Trimester I quota will be applied to Trimester III of the same year. 
Any overages of commercial quota for Trimesters I and II will be 
subtracted from Trimester III of the same year.
    (g) Research set-aside (RSA) quota. Prior to the MAFMC's quota-
setting meetings:
    (1) NMFS will publish a Request for Proposals (RFP) in the Federal 
Register, consistent with procedures and requirements established by the 
NOAA Grants Office, to solicit proposals from industry for the upcoming 
fishing year, based on research priorities identified by the MAFMC.
    (2) NMFS will convene a review panel, including the MAFMC's 
Comprehensive Management Committee and technical experts, to review 
proposals submitted in response to the RFP.
    (i) Each panel member will recommend which research proposals should 
be authorized to utilize research quota, based on the selection criteria 
described in the RFP.
    (ii) The NEFSC Director and the NOAA Grants Office will consider 
each panel member's recommendation, and provide final approval of the 
projects. The Regional Administrator may, when appropriate, exempt 
selected vessel(s) from regulations specified in each of the respective 
FMPs through written notification to the project proponent.
    (3) The grant awards approved under the RFPs will be for the 
upcoming fishing year. Proposals to fund research that would start prior 
to, or that would end after the fishing year, will not be eligible for 
consideration. All research and/or compensation trips must be completed 
within the fishing year for which the research grant was awarded.
    (4) Research projects will be conducted in accordance with 
provisions approved and provided in an Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) 
issued by the Regional Administrator.
    (5) If a proposal is disapproved by the NEFSC Director or the NOAA 
Grants Office, or if the Regional Administrator determines that the 
allocated research quota cannot be utilized by a project, the Regional 
Administrator shall reallocate the unallocated or unused amount of 
research quota to the respective commercial and recreational fisheries 
by publication of a notice in the Federal Register in compliance with 
the Administrative Procedure Act, provided:
    (i) The reallocation of the unallocated or unused amount of research 
quota is in accord with National Standard 1, and can be available for 
harvest before the end of the fishing year for which the research quota 
is specified; and

[[Page 722]]

    (ii) Any reallocation of unallocated or unused research quota shall 
be consistent with the proportional division of quota between the 
commercial and recreational fisheries in the relevant FMP and allocated 
to the remaining quota periods for the fishing year proportionally.
    (6) Vessels participating in approved research projects may be 
exempted from certain management measures by the Regional Administrator, 
provided that one of the following analyses of the impacts associated 
with the exemptions is provided:
    (i) The analysis of the impacts of the requested exemptions is 
included as part of the annual quota specification packages submitted by 
the MAFMC; or
    (ii) For proposals that require exemptions that extend beyond the 
scope of the analysis provided by the MAFMC, applicants may be required 
to provide additional analysis of impacts of the exemptions before 
issuance of an EFP will be considered, as specified in the EFP 
regulations at Sec. 648.12(b).

[76 FR 60616, Sept. 29, 2011, as amended at 76 FR 68656, Nov. 7, 2011; 
76 FR 81848, Dec. 29, 2011; 77 FR 16480, Mar. 21, 2012; 78 FR 3353, Jan. 
16, 2013; 79 FR 10048, Feb. 24, 2014; 79 FR 18481, Apr. 2, 2014; 80 FR 
37194, June 30, 2015; 80 FR 48248, Aug. 12, 2015; 83 FR 64267, Dec. 14, 
2018; 85 FR 47113, Aug. 4, 2020]



Sec. 648.23  Mackerel, squid, and butterfish gear restrictions.

    (a) Mesh restrictions and exemptions. Vessels subject to the mesh 
restrictions in this paragraph (a) must render any net, or any piece of 
net, with a mesh size smaller than that specified in paragraphs (a)(1), 
(2), and (3) of this section not available for immediate use as defined 
in Sec. 648.2.
    (1) Butterfish fishery. Owners or operators of otter trawl vessels 
possessing more than 5,000 lb (2.27 mt) of butterfish harvested in or 
from the EEZ may only fish with nets having a minimum codend mesh of 3 
inches (7.62 cm) diamond or square mesh, as measured by methods 
specified in Sec. 648.80(f), applied throughout the codend for at least 
100 continuous meshes forward of the terminus of the net, or for codends 
with less than 100 meshes, the minimum mesh size codend shall be a 
minimum of one-third of the net, measured from the terminus of the 
codend to the headrope.
    (2) Longfin squid fishery. (i) Owners or operators of otter trawl 
vessels possessing longfin squid harvested in or from the EEZ may only 
fish with nets having a minimum mesh size of 2\1/8\ inches (54 mm) 
during Trimesters I (Jan-Apr) and III (Sept-Dec), or 1\7/8\ inches (48 
mm) during Trimester II (May-Aug), diamond or square mesh, as measured 
by methods specified in Sec. 648.80(f), applied throughout the codend 
for at least 150 continuous meshes forward of the terminus of the net, 
or, for codends with less than 150 meshes, the minimum mesh size codend 
shall be a minimum of one-third of the net measured from the terminus of 
the codend to the headrope.
    (ii) During closures of the longfin squid fishery resulting from the 
butterfish discard cap, described in Sec. 648.24(c)(3), vessels fishing 
for longfin squid using jigging gear are exempt from the closure 
possession limit specified in Sec. 648.26(b), provided that all otter 
trawl gear is stowed and not available for immediate use as defined in 
Sec. 648.2.
    (3) Net obstruction or constriction. Owners or operators of otter 
trawl vessels fishing for and/or possessing butterfish or longfin squid 
shall not use any device, gear, or material, including, but not limited 
to, nets, net strengtheners, ropes, lines, or chafing gear, on the top 
of the regulated portion of a trawl net except any of the following 
materials may be used as specified:
    (i) Splitting straps, and/or bull ropes or wire around the entire 
circumference of the codend provided these materials do not obstruct or 
constrict the top or the trawl net while it is being towed;
    (ii) Net strengtheners (covers) that do not have a mesh opening of 
less than 5 inches (12.7 cm) diamond or square mesh, as measured by 
methods specified in Sec. 648.80(f); and
    (iii) A liner may be used to close the opening created by the rings 
in the aftermost portion of the net, provided the liner extends no more 
than 10 meshes forward of the aftermost portion of the net, the inside 
webbing of the codend shall be the same circumference or less than any 
strengthener

[[Page 723]]

and the liner is no more than 2 ft (61 cm) longer than any net 
strengthener.
    (4) Top of the regulated portion of the net means the 50 percent of 
the entire regulated portion of the net that would not be in contact 
with the ocean bottom if, during a tow, the regulated portion of the net 
were laid flat on the ocean floor.
    (5) Illex fishery. Seaward of the following coordinates, connected 
in the order listed by straight lines except otherwise noted, otter 
trawl vessels possessing longfin squid harvested in or from the EEZ and 
fishing for Illex during the months of June, July, August in Trimester 
II, and September in Trimester III are exempt from the longfin squid 
gear requirements specified in paragraph (a)(2) of this section, 
provided that landward of the specified coordinates they do not have 
available for immediate use, as defined in Sec. 648.2, any net, or any 
piece of net, with a mesh size less than 1\7/8\ inches (48 mm) diamond 
mesh in Trimester II, and 2\1/8\ inches (54 mm) diamond mesh in 
Trimester III, or any piece of net, with mesh that is rigged in a manner 
that is prohibited by paragraphs (a)(2) and (a)(3)(ii) of this section.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Point                       N. lat.        W. long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
M0......................................  43[deg]58.0[mi           [\1\]
                                                      n]
M1......................................  43[deg]58.0[mi  67[deg]22.0[mi
                                                      n]              n]
M2......................................  43[deg]50.0[mi  68[deg]35.0[mi
                                                      n]              n]
M3......................................  43[deg]30.0[mi  69[deg]40.0[mi
                                                      n]              n]
M4......................................  43[deg]20.0[mi  70[deg]00.0[mi
                                                      n]              n]
M5......................................  42[deg]45.0[mi  70[deg]10.0[mi
                                                      n]              n]
M6......................................  42[deg]13.0[mi  69[deg]55.0[mi
                                                      n]              n]
M7......................................  41[deg]00.0[mi  69[deg]00.0[mi
                                                      n]              n]
M8......................................  41[deg]45.0[mi  68[deg]15.0[mi
                                                      n]              n]
M9......................................  42[deg]10.0[mi           [\2\]
                                                      n]  67[deg]10.0[mi
                                                                      n]
M10.....................................  41[deg]18.6[mi           [\2\]
                                                      n]  66[deg]24.8[mi
                                                                      n]
M11.....................................  40[deg]55.5[mi  66[deg]38.0[mi
                                                      n]              n]
M12.....................................  40[deg]45.5[mi  68[deg]00.0[mi
                                                      n]              n]
M13.....................................  40[deg]37.0[mi  68[deg]00.0[mi
                                                      n]              n]
M14.....................................  40[deg]30.0[mi  69[deg]00.0[mi
                                                      n]              n]
M15.....................................  40[deg]22.7[mi  69[deg]00.0[mi
                                                      n]              n]
M16.....................................  40[deg]18.7[mi  69[deg]40.0[mi
                                                      n]              n]
M17.....................................  40[deg]21.0[mi  71[deg]03.0[mi
                                                      n]              n]
M18.....................................  39[deg]41.0[mi  72[deg]32.0[mi
                                                      n]              n]
M19.....................................  38[deg]47.0[mi  73[deg]11.0[mi
                                                      n]              n]
M20.....................................  38[deg]04.0[mi  74[deg]06.0[mi
                                                      n]              n]
M21.....................................  37[deg]08.0[mi  74[deg]46.0[mi
                                                      n]              n]
M22.....................................  36[deg]00.0[mi  74[deg]52.0[mi
                                                      n]              n]
M23.....................................  35[deg]45.0[mi  74[deg]53.0[mi
                                                      n]              n]
M24.....................................  35[deg]28.0[mi  74[deg]52.0[mi
                                                      n]              n]
M25.....................................  35[deg]28.0[mi           [\3\]
                                                      n]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[\1\] The intersection of 43[deg]58.0[min] N. latitude and the US-Canada
  Maritime Boundary.
[\2\] Points M9 and M10 are intended to fall along and are connected by
  the US-Canada Maritime Boundary.
[\3\] The intersection of 35[deg]28.0[min] N. latitude and the outward
  limit of the U.S. EEZ.

    (6) Mackerel, squid, and butterfish bottom trawling restricted 
areas--(i) Oceanographer Canyon. No permitted mackerel, squid, or 
butterfish vessel may fish with bottom trawl gear in the Oceanographer 
Canyon or be in the Oceanographer Canyon unless transiting. Vessels may 
transit this area provided the bottom trawl gear is stowed and not 
available for immediate use as defined in Sec. 648.2. Oceanographer 
Canyon is defined by straight lines connecting the following points in 
the order stated (copies of a chart depicting this area are available 
from the Regional Administrator upon request):

                          Oceanographer Canyon
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Point                       N. lat.        W. long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
OC1.....................................  40[deg]10.0[mi  68[deg]12.0[mi
                                                      n]              n]
OC2.....................................  40[deg]24.0[mi  68[deg]09.0[mi
                                                      n]              n]
OC3.....................................  40[deg]24.0[mi  68[deg]08.0[mi
                                                      n]              n]
OC4.....................................  40[deg]10.0[mi  67[deg]59.0[mi
                                                      n]              n]
OC1.....................................  40[deg]10.0[mi  68[deg]12.0[mi
                                                      n]              n]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (ii) Lydonia Canyon. No permitted mackerel, squid, or butterfish 
vessel may fish with bottom trawl gear in the Lydonia Canyon or be in 
the Lydonia Canyon unless transiting. Vessels may transit this area 
provided the bottom trawl gear is stowed and not available for immediate 
use as defined in Sec. 648.2. Lydonia Canyon is defined by straight 
lines connecting the following points in the order stated (copies of a 
chart depicting this area are available from the Regional Administrator 
upon request):

                             Lydonia Canyon
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Point                       N. lat.        W. long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
LC1.....................................  40[deg]16.0[mi  67[deg]34.0[mi
                                                      n]              n]
LC2.....................................  40[deg]16.0[mi  67[deg]42.0[mi
                                                      n]              n]
LC3.....................................  40[deg]20.0[mi  67[deg]43.0[mi
                                                      n]              n]
LC4.....................................  40[deg]27.0[mi  67[deg]40.0[mi
                                                      n]              n]
LC5.....................................  40[deg]27.0[mi  67[deg]38.0[mi
                                                      n]              n]
LC1.....................................  40[deg]16.0[mi  67[deg]34.0[mi
                                                      n]              n]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (b) [Reserved]
    (c) Mesh obstruction or constriction. The owner or operator of a 
fishing vessel shall not use any mesh construction, mesh configuration, 
or other means that effectively decreases the mesh size below the 
minimum mesh size, except that a liner may be used to close the opening 
created by the rings in the aftermost portion of the net, provided the 
liner extends no more

[[Page 724]]

than 10 meshes forward of the aftermost portion of the net. The inside 
webbing of the codend shall be the same circumference or less than the 
outside webbing (strengthener). In addition, the inside webbing shall 
not be more than 2 ft (61 cm) longer than the outside webbing.

[76 FR 60618, Sept. 29, 2011, as amended at 77 FR 16479, Mar. 21, 2012; 
77 FR 51865, Aug. 27, 2012; 78 FR 3354, Jan. 16, 2013; 79 FR 18842, Apr. 
4, 2014; 79 FR 52580, 52582, Sept. 4, 2014; 81 FR 24508, May 26, 2016; 
85 FR 47115, Aug. 4, 2020]



Sec. 648.24  Fishery closures and accountability measures.

    (a) Fishery closure procedures--(1) Longfin squid. NMFS shall close 
the directed fishery in the EEZ for longfin squid when the Regional 
Administrator projects that 90 percent of the longfin squid quota is 
harvested before April 15 of Trimester I and/or August 15 of Trimester 
II, and when 95 percent of the longfin squid DAH has been harvested in 
Trimester III. On or after April 15 of Trimester I and/or August 15 of 
Trimester II, NMFS shall close the directed fishery in the EEZ for 
longfin squid when the Regional Administrator projects that 95 percent 
of the longfin squid quota is harvested. The closure of the directed 
fishery shall be in effect for the remainder of that fishing period, 
with incidental catches allowed as specified at Sec. 648.26.
    (2) Illex. NMFS shall close the directed Illex fishery in the EEZ 
when the Regional Administrator projects that 94 percent of the Illex 
DAH is harvested. The closure of the directed fishery shall be in effect 
for the remainder of that fishing period, with incidental catches 
allowed as specified at Sec. 648.26.
    (b) Atlantic Mackerel AMs--(1) Atlantic mackerel commercial sector 
EEZ closure--(i) First phase commercial closure. (A) Unless otherwise 
determined in paragraph (b)(1)(iii) of this section, NMFS will close the 
commercial Atlantic mackerel fishery, which includes vessels issued an 
open access or limited access Atlantic mackerel permit, including a 
limited access Tier 3 Atlantic mackerel permit, in the EEZ when the 
Regional Administrator projects before May 1 that 886 mt of the Atlantic 
mackerel DAH is remaining. The closure of the commercial fishery shall 
be in effect for the remainder of that fishing year, with incidental 
catches allowed, as specified in Sec. 648.26.
    (B) Unless otherwise determined in paragraph (b)(1)(iii) of this 
section, NMFS will close the commercial Atlantic mackerel fishery, which 
includes vessels issued an open access or limited access Atlantic 
mackerel permit, including a limited access Tier 3 Atlantic mackerel 
permit, in the EEZ when the Regional Administrator projects on or after 
May 1 that 443 mt of the Atlantic mackerel DAH is remaining. The closure 
of the commercial fishery shall be in effect for the remainder of that 
fishing year, with incidental catches allowed, as specified in Sec. 
648.26.
    (C) Unless previously closed pursuant to paragraph (b)(1)(i)(A) or 
(b)(1)(i)(B) of this section, NMFS will close the Tier 3 commercial 
Atlantic mackerel fishery in the EEZ when the Regional Administrator 
projects that 90 percent of the Tier 3 Atlantic mackerel landings cap 
will be harvested. Unless otherwise restricted, the closure of the Tier 
3 commercial Atlantic mackerel fishery will be in effect for the 
remainder of that fishing period, with incidental catches allowed as 
specified in Sec. 648.26.
    (ii) Second phase commercial quota closure. When the Regional 
Administrator projects that 100 mt of the Atlantic mackerel DAH is 
remaining, NMFS will reduce the possession of Atlantic mackerel in the 
EEZ applicable to all commercial Atlantic mackerel permits for the 
remainder of the fishing year as specified in Sec. 
648.26(a)(2)(iii)(A).
    (iii) NMFS has the discretion to not implement measures outlined in 
paragraphs (b)(1)(i)(B) or (b)(1)(ii) of this section during November 
and December if the Regional Administrator projects that commercial 
Atlantic mackerel landings will not exceed the DAH during the remainder 
of the fishing year.
    (2) Atlantic mackerel commercial landings overage repayment. If the 
Atlantic mackerel ACL is exceeded and commercial fishery landings are 
responsible for the overage, then landings in excess of the DAH will be 
deducted from the DAH the following year, as a single-year adjustment to 
the DAH.

[[Page 725]]

    (3) Non-landing AMs. In the event that the Atlantic mackerel ACL is 
exceeded, and that the overage has not been accommodated through the 
landing-based AM described in paragraph (b)(2) of this section, but is 
attributable to the commercial sector, then the exact amount, in pounds, 
by which the commercial Atlantic mackerel ACT was exceeded will be 
deducted from the following year's commercial Atlantic mackerel ACT, as 
a single-year adjustment.
    (4) Atlantic mackerel recreational AMs. If the Atlantic mackerel ACL 
is exceeded and the recreational fishery landings are responsible for 
the overage, then the following procedure will be followed:
    (i) If biomass is below the threshold, the stock is under 
rebuilding, or biological reference points are unknown. If the most 
recent estimate of biomass is below the BMSY threshold (i.e., 
B/BMSY is less than 0.5), the stock is under a rebuilding 
plan, or the biological reference points (B or BMSY) are 
unknown, and the ACL has been exceeded, then the exact amount, in 
pounds, by which the most recent year's recreational catch estimate 
caused the most recent year's ACL to be exceeded will be deducted from 
the following year's recreational ACT, as a single-year adjustment.
    (ii) If biomass is above the threshold, but below the target, and 
the stock is not under rebuilding. If the most recent estimate of 
biomass is above the biomass threshold (B/BMSY is greater 
than 0.5), but below the biomass target (B/BMSY is less than 
1.0), and the stock is not under a rebuilding plan, then the following 
AMs will apply:
    (A) If the ACL has been exceeded. If the ACL has been exceeded, then 
adjustments to the recreational management measures, taking into account 
the performance of the measures and conditions that precipitated the 
overage, will be made in the following fishing year, or as soon as 
possible thereafter, once catch data are available, as a single-year 
adjustment.
    (B) If the ABC has been exceeded. If the ABC has been exceeded, then 
a single-year adjustment to the following year's recreational ACT will 
be made, as described below. In addition, adjustments to the 
recreational management measures, taking into account the performance of 
the measures and conditions that precipitated the overage, will be made 
in the following year.
    (1) Adjustment to ACT. If an adjustment to the following year's ACT 
is required, then the recreational ACT will be reduced by the exact 
amount, in pounds, of the product of the recreational overage, defined 
as the difference between the recreational contribution to the catch 
above the ACL, and the payback coefficient specified in paragraph 
(b)(4)(ii)(B)(2) of this section.
    (2) Payback coefficient. The payback coefficient is the difference 
between the most recent estimates of BMSY and biomass (i.e., 
BMSY-B) divided by one-half of BMSY.
    (iii) If biomass is above BMSY. If the most recent 
estimate of biomass is above BMSY (i.e., B/BMSY is 
greater than 1.0), then adjustments to the recreational management 
measures, taking into account the performance of the measures and 
conditions that precipitated the overage, will be made in the following 
fishing year, or as soon as possible thereafter, once catch data are 
available, as a single-year adjustment.
    (5) Atlantic mackerel ACL overage evaluation. The Atlantic mackerel 
ACL will be evaluated based on a single-year examination of total catch 
(landings and discards). Both landings and dead discards will be 
evaluated in determining if the Atlantic mackerel ACL has been exceeded. 
NMFS shall make determinations about overages and implement any changes 
to the Atlantic mackerel ACL, in accordance with the Administrative 
Procedure Act, through notification in the Federal Register, by May 15 
of the fishing year in which the deductions will be made.
    (6) River herring and shad catch cap. The river herring and shad cap 
on the Atlantic mackerel fishery applies to all trips that land more 
than 20,000 lb (9.08 mt) of Atlantic mackerel. NMFS shall close the 
limited access Atlantic mackerel fishery in the EEZ when the Regional 
Administrator projects that 95 percent of the river herring/shad catch 
cap has been harvested. Following closures of the limited access 
Atlantic

[[Page 726]]

mackerel fishery, vessels must adhere to the possession restrictions 
specified in Sec. 648.26.
    (c) Butterfish AMs--(1) Directed butterfish fishery closure. When 
the butterfish catch reaches the butterfish closure threshold as 
determined in the annual specifications, NMFS shall implement a 5,000 lb 
(2,268 kg) possession limit for vessels issued a butterfish moratorium 
permit that are fishing with a minimum mesh size of 3 inches (76 mm). 
When NMFS projects that the butterfish catch has reached the butterfish 
DAH, as determined in the annual specifications, NMFS shall implement a 
600 lb (272 kg) possession limit for all vessels issued a longfin squid 
or butterfish moratorium permit, or a squid/butterfish incidental catch 
permit.
    (2) Butterfish ACL overage repayment. If the butterfish ACL is 
exceeded, then catch in excess of the ACL will be deducted from the ACL 
the following year, as a single-year adjustment.
    (3) Butterfish discard cap on the longfin squid fishery. NMFS shall 
close the directed fishery in the EEZ for longfin squid when the 
Regional Administrator projects that 95 percent of each Trimester's 
butterfish discard cap allocation has been harvested.
    (4) Butterfish ACL overage evaluation. The ACL will be evaluated 
based on a single-year examination of total catch (landings and 
discards). Both landings and dead discards will be evaluated in 
determining if the ACL has been exceeded. NMFS shall make determinations 
about overages and implement any changes to the ACL, in accordance with 
the Administrative Procedure Act, through notification in the Federal 
Register, by May 15 of the fishing year in which the deductions will be 
made.
    (5) Butterfish allocation transfer. NMFS may transfer up to 50 
percent of any unused butterfish allocation from the butterfish DAH to 
the butterfish discard cap on the longfin squid fishery if the 
butterfish catch in the longfin squid fishery is likely to result in a 
closure of the longfin squid fishery, and provided the transfer does not 
increase the likelihood of closing the directed butterfish fishery. NMFS 
may instead transfer up to 50 percent of the unused butterfish catch 
from the butterfish discard cap allocation to the butterfish DAH if 
harvest of butterfish in the directed butterfish fishery is likely to 
exceed the butterfish DAH, and provided the transfer of butterfish 
allocation from the butterfish discard cap allocation does not increase 
the likelihood of closing the longfin squid fishery due to harvest of 
the butterfish discard cap. NMFS would make this transfer on or about 
November 15 each fishing year, in accordance with the Administrative 
Procedure Act.
    (d) Notification. Upon determining that a closure or trip limit 
reduction is necessary, the Regional Administrator will notify, in 
advance of the closure, the Executive Directors of the MAFMC, NEFMC, and 
SAFMC; mail notification of the closure or trip limit reduction to all 
holders of Atlantic mackerel, Illex squid, longfin squid, and butterfish 
fishery permits at least 72 hr before the effective date of the closure; 
provide adequate notice of the closure or trip limit reduction to 
recreational participants in the fishery; and publish notification of 
the closure or trip limit reduction in the Federal Register.
    (e) Atlantic Chub Mackerel AMs--(1) Commercial fishery closures.
    (i) When the Regional Administrator projects that 90 percent of the 
Atlantic chub mackerel TAL will be landed, the Regional Administrator 
will reduce the Atlantic chub mackerel possession limit as specified in 
Sec. 648.26(e)(2)(i) through notification in the Federal Register.
    (ii) When the Regional Administrator projects that 100 percent of 
the Atlantic chub mackerel TAL will be landed, the Regional 
Administrator will reduce the Atlantic chub mackerel possession limit as 
specified in Sec. 648.26(e)(2)(ii) for the remainder of the fishing 
year (December 31) through notification in the Federal Register.
    (2) Overage repayment. The Regional Administrator will evaluate both 
landings and dead discards in a single year to determine if the Atlantic 
chub mackerel ACL specified in Sec. 648.22(b)(5) has been exceeded. If 
the Atlantic chub mackerel ACL has been exceeded, then catch in excess 
of the Atlantic chub mackerel ACT will be deducted from the Atlantic 
chub mackerel ACT as

[[Page 727]]

soon as possible in a following year as a single-year adjustment to the 
ACT. The Regional Administrator shall implement any changes to the 
Atlantic chub mackerel ACT through notification in the Federal Register 
in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act.
    (3) Transiting. Any vessel issued a valid commercial Atlantic 
mackerel, Illex squid, longfin squid, or butterfish permit in accordance 
with Sec. 648.4 may transit the Atlantic Chub Mackerel Management Unit 
with an amount of Atlantic chub mackerel on board that exceeds the 
possession limits specified in this section to land in a port that is 
within the Atlantic Chub Mackerel Management Unit, provided that all 
Atlantic chub mackerel was harvested outside of the Atlantic Chub 
Mackerel Management Unit and that all gear is stowed and not available 
for immediate use as defined in Sec. 648.2.

[76 FR 60619, Sept. 29, 2011, as amended at 76 FR 68656, Nov. 7, 2011; 
77 FR 16480, Mar. 21, 2012; 77 FR 3354, Jan. 16, 2013; 78 FR 76762, Dec. 
19, 2013; 79 FR 18843, Apr. 4, 2014; 79 FR 18481, Apr. 2, 2014; 80 FR 
14874, Mar. 20, 2015; 80 FR 48248, Aug. 12, 2015; 83 FR 65314, Dec. 20, 
2018; 83 FR 64268, Dec. 14, 2018; 84 FR 58058, Oct. 30, 2019; 85 FR 
47115, Aug. 4, 2020; 86 FR 38588, July 22, 2021; 87 FR 48448, Aug. 9, 
2022; 88 FR 6670, Feb. 1, 2023; 88 FR 48392, July 27, 2023]



Sec. 648.25  Mackerel, squid, and butterfish framework adjustments
to management measures.

    (a) Within season management action. The MAFMC may, at any time, 
initiate action to add or adjust management measures within the 
Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish FMP if it finds that action is necessary 
to meet or be consistent with the goals and objectives of the FMP. 
However, any changes to Atlantic chub mackerel measures contained in 
this part 648 must be made through an amendment to the FMP and cannot be 
conducted through a framework adjustment.
    (1) Adjustment process. The MAFMC shall develop and analyze 
appropriate management actions over the span of at least two MAFMC 
meetings. The MAFMC must provide the public with advance notice of the 
availability of the recommendation(s), appropriate justification(s) and 
economic and biological analyses, and the opportunity to comment on the 
proposed adjustment(s) at the first meeting and prior to and at the 
second MAFMC meeting. The MAFMC's recommendations on adjustments or 
additions to management measures must come from one or more of the 
following categories:
    (i) Adjustments within existing ABC control rule levels;
    (ii) Adjustments to the existing MAFMC risk policy;
    (iii) Introduction of new AMs, including sub-ACTs;
    (iv) Minimum and maximum fish size;
    (v) Gear restrictions, gear requirements or prohibitions;
    (vi) Permitting restrictions;
    (vii) Recreational possession limit, recreational seasons, and 
recreational harvest limit;
    (viii) Closed areas;
    (ix) Commercial seasons, commercial trip limits, commercial quota 
system, including commercial quota allocation procedure and possible 
quota set-asides to mitigate bycatch;
    (x) Annual specification quota setting process;
    (xi) FMP Monitoring Committee composition and process;
    (xii) Description and identification of EFH (and fishing gear 
management measures that impact EFH);
    (xiii) Description and identification of habitat areas of particular 
concern;
    (xiv) Overfishing definition and related thresholds and targets;
    (xv) Regional gear restrictions, regional season restrictions 
(including option to split seasons), regional management;
    (xvi) Restrictions on vessel size (LOA and GRT) or shaft horsepower;
    (xvii) Changes to the SBRM, including the CV-based performance 
standard, the means by which discard data are collected/obtained, 
fishery stratification, the process for prioritizing observer sea-day 
allocations, reports, and/or industry-funded observers or observer set 
aside programs;
    (xviii) Set aside quota for scientific research;
    (xix) Process for inseason adjustment to the annual specification;

[[Page 728]]

    (xx) Mortality caps for river herring and shad species, time/area 
management for river herring and shad species, and provisions for river 
herring and shad incidental catch avoidance program, including 
adjustments to the mechanism and process for tracking fleet activity, 
reporting incidental catch events, compiling data, and notifying the 
fleet of changes to the area(s);
    (xxi) The definition/duration of `test tows,' if test tows would be 
utilized to determine the extent of river herring incidental catch in a 
particular area(s);
    (xxii) The threshold for river herring incidental catch that would 
trigger the need for vessels to be alerted and move out of the area(s), 
the distance that vessels would be required to move from the area(s), 
and the time that vessels would be required to remain out of the 
area(s);
    (xxiii) Modifications to the broad and discrete deep-sea coral zone 
boundaries and the addition of discrete deep-sea coral zones;
    (xxiv) Modifications to the management measures within the Frank R. 
Lautenberg Deep-sea Coral Protection Area and implementation of special 
access programs to the Frank R. Lautenberg Deep-sea Coral Protection 
Area; and
    (xxv) Any other management measures currently included in the FMP.
    (2) Measures contained within this list that require significant 
departures from previously contemplated measures or that are otherwise 
introducing new concepts may require amendment of the FMP instead of a 
framework adjustment.
    (3) MAFMC recommendation. After developing management actions and 
receiving public testimony, the MAFMC shall make a recommendation to the 
Regional Administrator. The MAFMC's recommendation must include 
supporting rationale, if management measures are recommended, an 
analysis of impacts, and a recommendation to the Regional Administrator 
on whether to issue the management measures as a final rule. If the 
MAFMC recommends that the management measures should be issued as a 
final rule, the MAFMC must consider at least the following factors, and 
provide support and analysis for each factor considered:
    (i) Whether the availability of data on which the recommended 
management measures are based allows for adequate time to publish a 
proposed rule, and whether the regulations would have to be in place for 
an entire harvest/fishing season.
    (ii) Whether there has been adequate notice and opportunity for 
participation by the public and members of the affected industry in the 
development of the recommended management measures.
    (iii) Whether there is an immediate need to protect the resource.
    (iv) Whether there will be a continuing evaluation of management 
measures following their implementation as a final rule.
    (4) NMFS action. If the MAFMC's recommendation includes adjustments 
or additions to management measures and, after reviewing the MAFMC's 
recommendation and supporting information:
    (i) If NMFS concurs with the MAFMC's recommended management measures 
and determines that the recommended management measures should be issued 
as a final rule based on the factors specified in paragraph (a)(3) of 
this section, the measures will be issued as a final rule in the Federal 
Register.
    (ii) If NMFS concurs with the MAFMC's recommended management 
measures and determines that the recommended management measures should 
be published first as a proposed rule, the measures will be published as 
a proposed rule in the Federal Register. After additional public 
comment, if NMFS concurs with the MAFMC recommendation, the measures 
will be issued as a final rule in the Federal Register.
    (iii) If NMFS does not concur, the MAFMC will be notified in writing 
of the reasons for the non-concurrence.
    (5) Emergency actions. Nothing in this section is meant to derogate 
from the authority of the Secretary to take emergency action under 
section 305(e) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act.

[[Page 729]]

    (b) [Reserved]

[76 FR 60620, Sept. 29, 2011, as amended at 76 FR 68656, Nov. 7, 2011; 
76 FR 81848, Dec. 29, 2011; 79 FR 10048, Feb. 24, 2014; 80 FR 37194, 
June 30, 2015; 81 FR 90250, Dec. 14, 2016; 83 FR 64268, Dec. 14, 2018; 
85 FR 47116, Aug. 4, 2020; 86 FR 38588, July 22, 2021]



Sec. 648.26  Mackerel, squid, and butterfish possession restrictions.

    (a) Atlantic mackerel--(1) Initial commercial possession limits. A 
vessel must be issued a valid limited access Atlantic mackerel permit to 
fish for, possess, or land more than 20,000 lb (9.08 mt) of Atlantic 
mackerel in or harvested from the EEZ per trip, provided the fishery has 
not been closed as specified in Sec. 648.24(b)(1).
    (i) A vessel issued a Tier 1 limited access mackerel permit is 
authorized to fish for, possess, or land Atlantic mackerel with no 
possession restriction in or harvested from the EEZ per trip, and may 
only land Atlantic mackerel once on any calendar day, which is defined 
as the 24-hr period beginning at 0001 hours and ending at 2400 hours, 
provided that the fishery has not been closed because of a first phase 
or second phase commercial fishery closure, as specified in Sec. 
648.24(b)(1)(i) or Sec. 648.24(b)(1)(ii).
    (ii) A vessel issued a Tier 2 limited access mackerel permit is 
authorized to fish for, possess, or land up to 135,000 lb (61.23 mt) of 
Atlantic mackerel in or harvested from the EEZ per trip, and may only 
land Atlantic mackerel once on any calendar day, which is defined as the 
24-hr period beginning at 0001 hours and ending at 2400 hours, provided 
that the fishery has not been closed because of a first phase or second 
phase commercial fishery closure, as specified in Sec. 648.24(b)(1)(i) 
or Sec. 648.24(b)(1)(ii).
    (iii) A vessel issued a Tier 3 limited access mackerel permit is 
authorized to fish for, possess, or land up to 100,000 lb (45.36 mt) of 
Atlantic mackerel in or harvested from the EEZ per trip, and may only 
land Atlantic mackerel once on any calendar day, which is defined as the 
24-hr period beginning at 0001 hours and ending at 2400 hours, provided 
that the fishery has not been closed because of a first phase or second 
phase commercial fishery closure, or 90 percent of the Tier 3 landings 
cap has been harvested, as specified in Sec. 648.24(b)(1)(i) or Sec. 
648.24(b)(1)(ii).
    (iv) A vessel issued an open access Atlantic mackerel permit may 
fish for, possess, or land up to 20,000 lb (9.08 mt) of Atlantic 
mackerel in or harvested from the EEZ per trip, and may only land 
Atlantic mackerel once on any calendar day, which is defined as the 24-
hr period beginning at 0001 hours and ending at 2400 hours, provided 
that the fishery has not been closed because of a first phase or second 
phase commercial fishery closure, as specified in Sec. 648.24(b)(1)(i) 
or Sec. 648.24(b)(1)(ii).
    (v) Both vessels involved in a pair trawl operation must be issued a 
valid Atlantic mackerel permits to fish for, possess, or land Atlantic 
mackerel in the EEZ. Both vessels must be issued the Atlantic mackerel 
permit appropriate for the amount of Atlantic mackerel jointly possessed 
by both of the vessels participating in the pair trawl operation.
    (2) Atlantic mackerel closure possession restrictions. Any Atlantic 
mackerel possession restrictions implemented under paragraph (a)(2) of 
this section will remain in place for the rest of the fishing year, 
unless further restricted by a subsequent action. If the entire 
commercial Atlantic mackerel fishery is closed due to harvesting the 
river herring/shad catch cap, as specified in Sec. 648.24(b)(6) before 
a first phase or second phase commercial fishery closure, then the 
Atlantic mackerel possession restrictions specified in Sec. 
648.26(a)(2)(iii)(B) shall remain in place for the rest of the fishing 
year unless further reduced by the possession restrictions specified in 
Sec. 648.26(a)(2)(iii)(A).
    (i) Limited Access Fishery. (A) During a closure of the commercial 
Atlantic mackerel fishery pursuant to Sec. 648.24(b)(1)(i), when 886 mt 
of the DAH is remaining before May 1 or when 443 mt of the DAH is 
remaining on or after May 1, vessels issued a Tier 1, 2, or 3 limited 
access Atlantic mackerel permit, may not take and retain, possess, or 
land more than 40,000 lb (18.14 mt) of Atlantic mackerel per trip at any 
time, and may only land Atlantic mackerel

[[Page 730]]

once on any calendar day, which is defined as the 24-hr period beginning 
at 0001 hours and ending at 2400 hours.
    (B) During a closure of the Tier 3 commercial Atlantic mackerel 
fishery pursuant to Sec. 648.24(b)(1)(i)(C), when 90 percent of the 
Tier 3 landings cap is harvested, vessels issued a Tier 3 limited access 
Atlantic mackerel permit may not take and retain, possess, or land more 
than 40,000 lb (18.14 mt) of Atlantic mackerel per trip at any time, and 
may only land Atlantic mackerel once on any calendar day, which is 
defined as the 24-hr period beginning at 0001 hours and ending at 2400 
hours.
    (ii) Open Access Fishery. During a closure of the Atlantic mackerel 
commercial sector pursuant to Sec. 648.24(b)(1)(i), when 886 mt of the 
DAH is remaining before May or when 443 mt of the DAH is remaining on or 
after May 1, vessels issued an open access Atlantic mackerel permit may 
not take and retain, possess, or land more than 5,000 lb (2.27 mt) of 
Atlantic mackerel per trip at any time, and may only land Atlantic 
mackerel once on any calendar day, which is defined as the 24-hr period 
beginning at 0001 hours and ending at 2400 hours.
    (iii) Entire commercial fishery--(A) Commercial quota closure. 
During a closure of the entire commercial Atlantic mackerel fishery 
pursuant to Sec. 648.24(b)(1)(ii), when 100 mt of the DAH is remaining, 
vessels issued an open or limited access Atlantic mackerel permit may 
not take and retain, possess, or land more than 5,000 lb (2.27 mt) of 
Atlantic mackerel per trip at any time, and may only land Atlantic 
mackerel once on any calendar day, which is defined as the 24-hr period 
beginning at 0001 hours and ending at 2400 hours.
    (B) River herring/shad catch cap closure. During a closure of the 
limited access commercial Atlantic mackerel fishery pursuant to Sec. 
648.24(b)(6), when 95 percent of the river herring/shad catch cap has 
been harvested, vessels issued an open or limited access Atlantic 
mackerel permit may not take and retain, possess, or land more than 
20,000 lb (9.08 mt) of Atlantic mackerel per trip at any time, and may 
only land once on any calendar day, which is defined as the 24-hr period 
beginning at 0001 hours and ending at 2400 hours.
    (3) Recreational possession limits. The recreational Atlantic 
mackerel possession limit for charter/party and private recreational 
anglers is 20 Atlantic mackerel per person per trip, including for-hire 
crew.
    (b) Longfin squid--(1) Directed fishery. A vessel must be issued a 
valid longfin squid moratorium permit to fish for, possess, or land more 
than 250 lb (113 kg) of longfin squid from or in the EEZ per trip. 
Unless the directed fishery is closed pursuant to paragraph Sec. 
648.24(a)(1), the following longfin squid possession limits apply:
    (i) Tier 1 moratorium permits. A vessel issued a Tier 1 longfin 
squid moratorium permit may possess an unlimited amount of longfin squid 
per trip.
    (ii) Tier 2 moratorium permits. A vessel issued a Tier 2 longfin 
squid moratorium permit may not fish for, possess, or land more than 
5,000 lb (2,268 kg) of longfin squid per trip, and may only land longfin 
squid once on any calendar day.
    (iii) Tier 3 moratorium permits. A vessel issued a Tier 3 longfin 
squid moratorium permit may not fish for, possess, or land more than 
2,500 lb (1,134 kg) of longfin squid per trip, and may only land longfin 
squid once on any calendar day.
    (2) Incidental fishery. (i) A vessel issued an open access squid/
butterfish incidental catch permit may not fish for, possess, or land 
more than 250 lb (113 kg) of longfin squid from or in the EEZ per trip, 
and may only land longfin squid once on any calendar day.
    (ii) During a closure of the directed longfin squid fishery in 
either Trimester I or III pursuant to paragraph Sec. 648.24(a)(1), a 
vessel may not fish for, possess, or land more than 2,500 lb (1,134 kg) 
of longfin squid at any time per trip, and may only land longfin squid 
once on any calendar day.
    (iii) Unless otherwise specified in paragraph (b)(2)(iv) of this 
section, during a closure of the directed longfin squid fishery in 
Trimester II pursuant to Sec. 648.24(a)(1), a vessel may not fish for, 
possess, or land more than 250 lb (113 kg) of longfin squid at any time 
per trip, and may only land longfin squid once on any calendar day.

[[Page 731]]

    (iv) During a closure of the directed longfin squid fishery in 
Trimester II, a vessel issued either a Tier 1 or Tier 2 longfin squid 
moratorium permit may possess more than 250 lb (113 kg) of longfin squid 
per trip, provided the following conditions are met:
    (A) The vessel operator has declared into the directed Illex squid 
fishery via VMS, as specified in Sec. 648.10;
    (B) The vessel is seaward of the coordinates specified at Sec. 
648.23(a)(5);
    (C) The vessel possesses more than 10,000 lb (4,536 kg) of Illex 
squid on board;
    (D) The vessel possesses less than 15,000 lb (6,803 kg) of longfin 
squid if issued a Tier 1 longfin squid moratorium permit or 5,000 lb 
(2,268 kg) of longfin squid if issued a Tier 2 longfin squid moratorium 
permit; and
    (E) All fishing gear is stowed and rendered not available for 
immediate use, as defined in Sec. 648.2, once the vessel is landward of 
the coordinates specified at Sec. 648.23(a)(5).
    (c) Illex squid--(1) Directed fishery. A vessel must be issued a 
valid Illex squid moratorium permit to fish for, possess, or land more 
than 10,000 lb (4,536 kg) of Illex squid from or in the EEZ per trip. 
Unless the directed fishery is closed pursuant to Sec. 648.24(a)(2), a 
vessel issued an Illex moratorium permit may possess an unlimited amount 
of Illex squid per trip.
    (2) Incidental fishery. A vessel may not fish for, possess, or land 
more than 10,000 lb (4,536 kg) of Illex squid per trip at any time, and 
may only land Illex squid once on any calendar day if:
    (i) A vessel is issued an open access squid/butterfish incidental 
catch permit; or
    (ii) A vessel is issued an Illex moratorium permit and the directed 
fishery is closed pursuant to Sec. 648.24(a)(2).
    (d) Butterfish. Any vessel issued a butterfish permit under this 
part may only land butterfish once on any calendar day.
    (1) Directed fishery. A vessel must be issued a butterfish 
moratorium permit to fish for, possess, or land more than 600 lb (272 
kg) of butterfish per trip.
    (i) Vessels fishing with larger mesh. A vessel issued a butterfish 
moratorium permit fishing with a minimum mesh size of 3 inches (76 mm) 
is authorized to fish for, possess, or land butterfish with no 
possession restriction in the EEZ per trip, provided that directed 
butterfish fishery has not been closed and the reduced possession limit 
has not been implemented, as specified in Sec. 648.24(c)(1). When 
butterfish harvest is projected to reach the threshold for the 
butterfish fishery, as specified in Sec. 648.24(c)(1), these vessels 
may not fish for, possess, or land more than 5,000 lb (2,268 kg) of 
butterfish per trip at any time. When butterfish harvest is projected to 
reach the DAH limit, as specified in Sec. 648.24(c)(1), these vessels 
may not fish for, possess, or land more than 600 lb (272 kg) of 
butterfish per trip at any time.
    (ii) Vessels fishing with smaller mesh. A vessel issued a butterfish 
moratorium permit fishing with mesh less than 3 inches (76 mm) may not 
fish for, possess, or land more than 5,000 lb (2,268 kg) of butterfish 
per trip at any time, provided that butterfish harvest has not reached 
the DAH limit and the reduced possession limit has not been implemented, 
as described in Sec. 648.24(c)(1). When butterfish harvest is projected 
to reach the DAH limit, as described in Sec. 648.24(c)(1), these 
vessels may not fish for, possess, or land more than 600 lb (272 kg) of 
butterfish per trip at any time.
    (2) Incidental fishery. A vessel issued a squid/butterfish 
incidental catch permit, regardless of mesh size used, may not fish for, 
possess, or land more than 600 lb (272 kg) of butterfish per trip at 
any.
    (e) Atlantic chub mackerel. A vessel must be issued a valid Atlantic 
mackerel, Illex squid, longfin squid, or butterfish permit to fish for, 
possess, or land any Atlantic chub mackerel from or in the Atlantic Chub 
Mackerel Management Unit within the EEZ per trip. A vessel not issued a 
valid Atlantic mackerel, Illex squid, longfin squid, or butterfish 
permit in accordance with Sec. 648.4 that is fishing exclusively in 
state waters or in the EEZ outside of the Atlantic Chub Mackerel 
Management Unit is exempt from the possession limits specified in this 
section.
    (1) Initial commercial possession limits. A vessel issued a valid 
commercial Atlantic mackerel, Illex squid, longfin

[[Page 732]]

squid, or butterfish permit is authorized to fish for, possess, and land 
an unlimited amount of Atlantic chub mackerel per trip from the EEZ 
portion of the Atlantic Chub Mackerel Management Unit, provided that the 
fishery has not been closed, as specified in Sec. 648.24(e)(1).
    (2) Commercial fishery closure possession limits. Once the 
commercial fishery is closed in accordance with Sec. 648.24(e)(1), the 
possession limits specified in this paragraph (e)(2) will apply. A 
vessel not issued a Federal commercial Atlantic mackerel, Illex squid, 
longfin squid, or butterfish permit in accordance with Sec. 648.4 that 
fished exclusively in state waters or a vessel that fished in Federal 
waters outside of the Atlantic Chub Mackerel Management Unit that is 
transiting the area with gear that is stowed and not available for 
immediate use is exempt from the possession limits specified in this 
paragraph (e)(2).
    (i) When the Regional Administrator projects that 90 percent of the 
commercial Atlantic chub mackerel TAL has been landed, a vessel issued a 
commercial Atlantic mackerel, Illex squid, longfin squid, or butterfish 
permit may not fish for, possess, or land more than 40,000 lb (18.14 mt) 
of Atlantic chub mackerel at any time per trip in the EEZ portion of the 
Atlantic Chub Mackerel Management Unit.
    (ii) When the Regional Administrator projects that 100 percent of 
the commercial Atlantic chub mackerel TAL has been landed, a vessel 
issued a commercial Atlantic mackerel, Illex squid, longfin squid, or 
butterfish permit fish for, possess, or land more than 10,000 lb (4.54 
mt) of Atlantic chub mackerel at any time per trip in the EEZ portion of 
the Atlantic Chub Mackerel Management Unit.

[76 FR 60621, Sept. 29, 2011, as amended at 76 FR 68656, Nov. 7, 2011; 
77 FR 16480, Mar. 21, 2012; 77 FR 23636, Apr. 20, 2012; 78 FR 3354, Jan. 
16, 2013; 79 FR 18843, Apr. 4, 2014; 80 FR 14875, Mar. 20, 2015; 81 FR 
24509, Apr. 26, 2016; 83 FR 64268, Dec. 14, 2018; 83 FR 65315, Dec. 20, 
2018; 84 FR 58059, Oct. 30, 2019; 85 FR 47116, Aug. 4, 2020; 88 FR 6670, 
Feb. 1, 2023]



            Subpart C_Management Measures for Atlantic Salmon



Sec. 648.40  Prohibition on possession.

    (a) Incidental catch. All Atlantic salmon caught incidental to a 
directed fishery for other species in the EEZ must be released in such a 
manner as to insure maximum probability of survival.
    (b) Presumption. The possession of Atlantic salmon is prima facie 
evidence that such Atlantic salmon were taken in violation of this 
regulation. Evidence that such fish were harvested in state waters, or 
from foreign waters, or from aquaculture enterprises, will be sufficient 
to rebut the presumption. This presumption does not apply to fish being 
sorted on deck.



Sec. 648.41  Framework specifications.

    (a) Within season management action. The New England Fishery 
Management Council (NEFMC) may, at any time, initiate action to 
implement, add to or adjust Atlantic salmon management measures to:
    (1) Allow for Atlantic salmon aquaculture projects in the EEZ, 
provided such an action is consistent with the goals and objectives of 
the Atlantic Salmon FMP; and
    (2) Make changes to the SBRM, including the CV-based performance 
standard, the means by which discard data are collected/obtained, 
fishery stratification, the process for prioritizing observer sea-day 
allocations, reports, and/or industry-funded observers or observer set 
aside programs.
    (b) Framework process. After initiation of an action to implement, 
add to or adjust an Atlantic salmon management measure to allow for an 
Atlantic salmon aquaculture project in the EEZ, the NEFMC shall develop 
and analyze Atlantic salmon management measures to allow for Atlantic 
salmon aquaculture projects in the EEZ over the span of at least two 
NEFMC meetings. The NEFMC shall provide the public with advance notice 
of the availability of both the proposals and the analysis and 
opportunity to comment on them prior to and at the second NEFMC meeting. 
The NEFMC's recommendation on aquaculture management

[[Page 733]]

measures must come from one or more of the following categories: minimum 
fish sizes, gear restrictions, minimum mesh sizes, possession limits, 
tagging requirements, monitoring requirements, reporting requirements, 
permit restrictions, area closures, establishment of special management 
areas or zones and any other management measures currently included in 
the FMP.
    (c) NEFMC recommendation. After developing Atlantic salmon 
management measures and receiving public testimony, the NEFMC shall make 
a recommendation to NMFS. The NEFMC's recommendation must include 
supporting rationale and, if management measures are recommended, an 
analysis of impacts and a recommendation to NMFS on whether to issue the 
management measures as a final rule. If NMFS concurs with the NEFMC's 
recommendation to issue the management measures as a final rule, the 
NEFMC must consider at least the following factors and provide support 
and analysis for each factor considered:
    (1) Whether the availability of data on which the recommended 
management measures are based allows for adequate time to publish a 
proposed rule, and whether regulations have to be in place for an entire 
harvest/fishing season.
    (2) Whether there has been adequate notice and opportunity for 
participation by the public and members of the affected industry in the 
development of the NEFMC's recommended management measures.
    (3) Whether there is an immediate need to protect the resource.
    (4) Whether there will be a continuing evaluation of measures 
adopted following their implementation as a final rule.
    (d) NMFS action. If the NEFMC's recommendation includes 
implementation of management measures and, after reviewing the NEFMC's 
recommendation and supporting information:
    (1) NMFS concurs with the NEFMC's recommended management measures 
and determines that the recommended measures should be issued as a final 
rule based on the factors specified in paragraph (c)(1) through (4) of 
this section, the measures will be issued as a final rule in the Federal 
Register.
    (2) NMFS concurs with the NEFMC's recommendation and determines that 
the recommended management measures should be published first as a 
proposed rule, the measures will be published as a proposed rule in the 
Federal Register. After additional public comment, if NMFS concurs with 
the NEFMC recommendation, the measures will be issued as a final rule in 
the Federal Register.
    (3) NMFS does not concur, the NEFMC will be notified in writing of 
the reasons for the non-concurrence.
    (e) Emergency action. Nothing in this section is meant to derogate 
from the authority of the Secretary to take emergency action under 
section 305(e) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act.

[64 FR 40520, July 27, 1999, as amended at 80 FR 37194, June 30, 2015]



   Subpart D_Management Measures for the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery

    Source: 69 FR 35215, June 23, 2004, unless otherwise noted.



Sec. 648.50  Shell-height standard.

    (a) Minimum shell height. The minimum shell height for in-shell 
scallops that may be landed, or possessed at or after landing, is 3.5 
inches (8.9 cm). Shell height is a straight line measurement from the 
hinge to the part of the shell that is farthest away from the hinge.
    (b) Compliance and sampling. Any time at landing or after, including 
when the scallops are received or possessed by a dealer or person acting 
in the capacity of a dealer, compliance with the minimum shell-height 
standard shall be determined as follows: Samples of 40 scallops each 
shall be taken at random from the total amount of scallops in 
possession. The person in possession of the scallops may request that as 
many as 10 sample groups (400 scallops) be examined. A sample group 
fails to comply with the standard if more than 10 percent of all 
scallops sampled are shorter than the shell height specified. The total 
amount of scallops in possession shall

[[Page 734]]

be deemed in violation of this subpart and subject to forfeiture, if the 
sample group fails to comply with the minimum standard.



Sec. 648.51  Gear and crew restrictions.

    (a) Trawl vessel gear restrictions. Trawl vessels issued a limited 
access scallop permit under Sec. 648.4(a)(2) while fishing under or 
subject to the DAS allocation program for scallops and authorized to 
fish with or possess on board trawl nets pursuant to Sec. 648.51(f), 
any trawl vessels in possession of more than 40 lb (18.14 kg) of 
shucked, or 333 lb (151 kg) of in-shell scallops in or from the EEZ, and 
any trawl vessels fishing for scallops in the EEZ, must comply with the 
following:
    (1) Maximum sweep. The trawl sweep of nets shall not exceed 144 ft 
(43.9 m), as measured by the total length of the footrope that is 
directly attached to the webbing, unless the net is stowed and not 
available for immediate use, defined in Sec. 648.2, or unless the 
vessel is fishing under the Northeast multispecies or monkfish DAS 
programs.
    (2) Net requirements--(i) Minimum mesh size. Subject to applicable 
minimum mesh size restrictions for other fisheries as specified under 
this part, the mesh size for any scallop trawl net in all areas shall 
not be smaller than 5.5 inches (13.97 cm).
    (ii) Measurement of mesh size. Mesh size is measured by using an 
electronic Omega gauge or a wedge-shaped gauge. The Omega gauge has a 
measuring range of at least 10-300 mm (0.4 inches-11.81 inches), and 
shall be inserted into the meshes under a pressure or pull of 125 N or 
12.75 kg for mesh greater than or equal to 55 mm (2.17 inches) and under 
a pressure or pull of 50 N or 5.10 kg for mesh less than 55 mm (2.17 
inches). The wedge shaped gauge, with a taper of 2 cm (0.79 inches) in 8 
cm (3.15 inches) and a thickness of 2.3 mm (0.09 inches), shall be 
inserted into the meshes under a pressure or pull of 5 kg (11.02 lb) for 
mesh size less than 120 mm (4.72 inches) and under a pressure or pull of 
8 kg (17.64 lb) for mesh size at, or greater than, 120 mm (4.72 inches). 
The mesh size is the average of the measurements of any series of 20 
consecutive meshes for nets having 75 or more meshes, and 10 consecutive 
meshes for nets having fewer than 75 meshes when using either the Omega 
gauge or the wedge-shaped gauge. The mesh in the regulated portion of 
the net is measured at least five meshes away from the lacings running 
parallel to the long axis of the net.
    (3) Chafing gear and other gear obstructions--(i) Net obstruction or 
constriction. A fishing vessel may not use any device or material, 
including, but not limited to, nets, net strengtheners, ropes, lines, or 
chafing gear, on the top of a trawl net, except that one splitting strap 
and one bull rope (if present), consisting of line and rope no more than 
3 inches (7.62 cm) in diameter, may be used if such splitting strap and/
or bull rope does not constrict in any manner the top of the trawl net. 
``The top of the trawl net'' means the 50 percent of the net that (in a 
hypothetical situation) would not be in contact with the ocean bottom 
during a tow if the net were laid flat on the ocean floor. For the 
purpose of this paragraph (a)(3), head ropes shall not be considered 
part of the top of the trawl net.
    (ii) Mesh obstruction or constriction. A fishing vessel may not use 
any mesh configuration, mesh construction, or other means on or in the 
top of the net, as defined in paragraph (a)(3)(i) of this section, if it 
obstructs the meshes of the net in any manner.
    (iii) A fishing vessel may not use or possess a net capable of 
catching scallops in which the bars entering or exiting the knots twist 
around each other.
    (b) Dredge vessel gear restrictions. All vessels issued limited 
access and General Category scallop permits and fishing with scallop 
dredges, with the exception of hydraulic clam dredges and mahogany 
quahog dredges in possession of 600 lb (181.44 kg), or less, of 
scallops, must comply with the following restrictions, unless otherwise 
specified:
    (1) Maximum dredge width. The combined dredge width in use by or in 
possession on board such vessels shall not exceed 31 ft (9.4 m), 
measured at the widest point in the bail of the dredge, except as 
provided under paragraph (e) of this section, in Sec. 648.59(g)(2), and 
the scallop dredge exemption areas specified in Sec. 648.80(h). 
However, component parts may be on board the vessel such

[[Page 735]]

that they do not conform with the definition of ``dredge or dredge 
gear'' in Sec. 648.2, i.e., the metal ring bag and the mouth frame, or 
bail, of the dredge are not attached, and such that no more than one 
complete spare dredge could be made from these component's parts.
    (2) Minimum mesh size. The mesh size of a net, net material, or any 
other material on the top of a scallop dredge (twine top) possessed or 
used by vessels fishing with scallop dredge gear shall not be smaller 
than 10-inch (25.4-cm) square or diamond mesh.
    (3) Minimum ring size. (i) Unless otherwise required under the Sea 
Scallop Area Access program specified in Sec. 648.59(b)(6), the ring 
size used in a scallop dredge possessed or used by scallop vessels shall 
not be smaller than 4 inches (10.2 cm).
    (ii) Ring size is determined by measuring the shortest straight line 
passing through the center of the ring from one inside edge to the 
opposite inside edge of the ring. The measurement shall not include 
normal welds from ring manufacturing or links. The rings to be measured 
will be at least five rings away from the mouth, and at least two rings 
away from other rigid portions of the dredge.
    (4) Chafing gear and other gear obstructions--(i) Chafing gear 
restrictions. No chafing gear or cookies shall be used on the top of a 
scallop dredge.
    (ii) Link restrictions. No more than double links between rings 
shall be used in or on all parts of the dredge bag, except the dredge 
bottom. No more than triple linking shall be used in or on the dredge 
bottom portion and the diamonds. Damaged links that are connected to 
only one ring, i.e., ``hangers,'' are allowed, unless they occur between 
two links that both couple the same two rings. Dredge rings may not be 
attached via links to more than four adjacent rings. Thus, dredge rings 
must be rigged in a configuration such that, when a series of adjacent 
rings are held horizontally, the neighboring rings form a pattern of 
horizontal rows and vertical columns. A copy of a diagram showing a 
schematic of a legal dredge ring pattern is available from the Regional 
Administrator upon request.
    (iii) Dredge or net obstructions. No material, device, net, dredge, 
ring, or link configuration or design shall be used if it results in 
obstructing the release of scallops that would have passed through a 
legal sized and configured net and dredge, as described in this part, 
that did not have in use any such material, device, net, dredge, ring 
link configuration or design.
    (iv) Twine top restrictions as a proactive accountability measure 
for bycatch. In addition to the minimum twine top mesh size specified in 
paragraph (b)(2) of this section, limited access and limited access 
general category IFQ vessels may not fish for scallops with a dredge 
having more than seven rows of non-overlapping steel rings unobstructed 
by netting or any other material between the terminus of the dredge 
(club stick) and the net material on the top of the dredge (twine top) 
(a copy of a diagram showing a schematic of a legal dredge with twine 
top is available from the Regional Administrator upon request).
    (v) Measurement of twine top mesh size. Twine top mesh size is 
measured by using an electronic Omega gauge or a wedge-shaped gauge. The 
Omega gauge has a measuring range of at least 10-300 mm (0.4 inches-
11.81 inches), and shall be inserted into the meshes under a pressure or 
pull of 125 N or 12.75 kg for mesh greater than or equal to 55 mm (2.17 
inches) and under a pressure or pull of 50 N or 5.10 kg for mesh less 
than 55 mm (2.17 inches). The wedge shaped gauge, with a taper of 2 cm 
(0.79 inches) in 8 cm (3.15 inches) and a thickness of 2.3 mm (0.09 
inches), shall be inserted into the meshes under a pressure or pull of 8 
kg (17.64 lb). The mesh size is the average of the measurements of any 
series of 20 consecutive meshes for twine tops having 75 or more meshes, 
and 10 consecutive meshes for twine tops having fewer than 75 meshes 
when using either the Omega gauge or the wedge-shaped gauge. The mesh in 
the twine top must be measured along the length of the twine top, 
running parallel to a longitudinal axis, and be at least five meshes 
away from where the twine top mesh meets the rings, running parallel to 
the long axis of the twine top.
    (5) Restrictions applicable to sea scallop dredges in the mid-
Atlantic--(i) Requirement to use chain mats. See

[[Page 736]]

Sec. 223.206(d)(11) of this chapter for chain mat requirements for 
scallop dredges.
    (ii) Requirement to use a turtle deflector dredge (TDD) frame--(A) 
From May 1 through November 30, any limited access scallop vessel using 
a dredge, regardless of dredge size or vessel permit category, or any 
LAGC IFQ scallop vessel fishing with a dredge with a width of 10.5 ft 
(3.2 m) or greater, that is fishing for scallops in waters west of 
71[deg] W. long., from the shoreline to the outer boundary of the EEZ, 
must use a TDD. The TDD requires five modifications to the rigid dredge 
frame, as specified in paragraphs (b)(5)(ii)(A)(1) through (5) of this 
section. See paragraph (b)(5)(ii)(D) of this section for more specific 
descriptions of the dredge elements mentioned below.
    (1) The cutting bar must be located in front of the depressor plate.
    (2) The acute angle between the plane of the bale and the strut must 
be less than or equal to 45 degrees.
    (3) All bale bars must be removed, except the outer bale (single or 
double) bars and the center support beam, leaving an otherwise 
unobstructed space between the cutting bar and forward bale wheels, if 
present. The center support beam must be less than 6 inches (15.24 cm) 
wide. For the purpose of flaring and safe handling of the dredge, a 
minor appendage not to exceed 12 inches (30.5 cm) in length may be 
attached to each of the outer bale bars. If the flaring bar is attached 
in a u-shape, none of the three sides of the flaring bar shall exceed 12 
inches (30.5 cm) in length. The appendage shall at no point be closer 
than 12 inches (30.5 cm) to the cutting bar.
    (4) Struts must be spaced 12 inches (30.5 cm) apart or less from 
each other, along the entire length of the frame.
    (5) Unless exempted, as specified in paragraph (b)(5)(ii)(B) of this 
section, the TDD must include a straight extension (``bump out'') 
connecting the outer bale bars to the dredge frame. This ``bump out'' 
must exceed 12 inches (30.5 cm) in length, as measured along the inside 
of the bale bar from the front of the cutting bar to the first bend in 
the bale bar.
    (B) A limited access scallop vessel that uses a dredge with a width 
less than 10.5 ft (3.2 m) is required to use a TDD, except that such a 
vessel is exempt from the ``bump out'' requirement specified in 
paragraph (b)(5)(ii)(A)(5) of this section. This exemption does not 
apply to LAGC vessels that use dredges with a width of less than 10.5 ft 
(3.2 m), because such vessels are exempted from the requirement to use a 
TDD, as specified in paragraph (b)(5)(ii) of this section.
    (C) A vessels subject to the requirements in paragraph (b)(5)(ii) of 
this section transiting waters west of 71[deg] W. long., from the 
shoreline to the outer boundary of the EEZ, is exempted from the 
requirement to only possess and use TDDs, provided the dredge gear is 
stowed and not available for immediate use as defined in Sec. 648.2.
    (D) TDD-related definitions. (1) The cutting bar refers to the 
lowermost horizontal bar connecting the outer bails at the dredge frame.
    (2) The depressor plate, also known as the pressure plate, is the 
angled piece of steel welded along the length of the top of the dredge 
frame.
    (3) The struts are the metal bars connecting the cutting bar and the 
depressor plate.
    (c) Crew restrictions. A limited access vessel participating in or 
subject to the scallop DAS allocation program may have no more than 
seven people aboard, including the operator, and a limited access vessel 
participating in the Sea Scallop Area Access Program as specified in 
Sec. 648.59 may have no more than eight people aboard, including the 
operator, when not docked or moored in port, except as follows:
    (1) A vessel fishing in the Nantucket Lightship-South-Deep Access 
Area, as described in Sec. 648.60(e), may have no more than 10 people 
aboard, including the operator, when not docked or moored in port.
    (2) A vessel participating in the small dredge program is restricted 
as specified in paragraph (e) of this section.
    (3) The Regional Administrator may authorize additional people to be 
on board through issuance of a letter of authorization.
    (4) An at-sea observer is on board, as required by Sec. 648.11(k).
    (d) Sorting and shucking machines. (1) Shucking machines are 
prohibited on all limited access vessels fishing under

[[Page 737]]

the scallop DAS program, or any vessel in possession of more than 600 lb 
(272.2 kg) of scallops, unless the vessel has not been issued a limited 
access scallop permit and fishes exclusively in state waters.
    (2) Sorting machines are prohibited on limited access vessels 
fishing under the scallop DAS program.
    (e) Small dredge program restrictions. Any vessel owner whose vessel 
is assigned to either the part-time or Occasional category may request, 
in the application for the vessel's annual permit, to be placed in one 
category higher. Vessel owners making such request may be placed in the 
appropriate higher category for the entire year, if they agree to comply 
with the following restrictions, in addition to, and notwithstanding 
other restrictions of this part, when fishing under the DAS program 
described in Sec. 648.53:
    (1) The vessel must fish exclusively with one dredge no more than 
10.5 ft (3.2 m) in width.
    (2) The vessel may not use or have more than one dredge on board. 
However, component parts may be on board the vessel such that they do 
not conform with the definition of ``dredge or dredge gear'' in Sec. 
648.2, i.e., the metal ring bag and the mouth frame, or bail, of the 
dredge are not attached, and no more than one complete spare dredge 
could be made from these component's parts.
    (3) The vessel may have no more than five people, including the 
operator, on board, except as follows:
    (i) A vessel participating in the Sea Scallop Area Access Program as 
specified in Sec. 648.60 may have no more than six people, including 
the operator, on board.
    (ii) The Regional Administrator may authorize additional people to 
be on board through issuance of a letter of authorization.
    (iii) An at-sea observer is on board, as required by Sec. 
648.11(k).
    (iv) A vessel fishing in the Nantucket Lightship-South-Deep Access 
Area, as described in Sec. 648.60(e), may have no more than 8 people 
aboard, including the operator, when not docked or moored in port.
    (f) Restrictions on the use of trawl nets--(1) Restrictions. A 
vessel issued a limited access scallop permit fishing for scallops under 
the scallop DAS allocation program may not fish with, possess on board, 
or land scallops while in possession of a trawl net, unless such vessel 
has been issued a limited access trawl vessel permit that endorses the 
vessel to fish for scallops with a trawl net. A limited access scallop 
vessel issued a trawl vessel permit that endorses the vessel to fish for 
scallops with a trawl net and general category scallop vessels enrolled 
in the Area Access Program as specified in Sec. 648.59, may not fish 
for scallops with a trawl net in the Area II Rotational Area specified 
in Sec. 648.60(b).
    (2) Replacement vessels. A vessel that is replacing a vessel 
authorized to use trawl nets to fish for scallops under scallop DAS may 
also be authorized to use trawl nets to fish for scallops under scallop 
DAS if it meets the following criteria:
    (i) Has not fished for scallops with a scallop dredge after December 
31, 1987; or
    (ii) Has fished for scallops with a scallop dredge on no more than 
10 trips from January 1, 1988, through December 31, 1994, has an engine 
horsepower no greater than 450.

[69 FR 35215, June 23, 2004]

    Editorial Note: For Federal Register citations affecting Sec. 
648.51, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the 
Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.



Sec. 648.52  Possession and landing limits.

    (a) IFQ trips--(1) Open area trips. A vessel issued an IFQ scallop 
permit that is declared into the IFQ scallop fishery in the open area, 
as specified in Sec. 648.10(f), or on a properly declared NE 
multispecies, surfclam, or ocean quahog trip (or other fishery requiring 
a VMS declaration) and not fishing in a scallop access area, unless as 
specified in paragraph (g) of this section or exempted under the state 
waters exemption program described in Sec. 648.54, may not possess or 
land, per trip, more than 600 lb (272 kg) of shucked scallops, or 
possess more than 4,998 lb (2,267 kg) of in-shell scallops shoreward of 
the VMS Demarcation Line. Such a vessel may land scallops only once in 
any calendar day. Such a vessel may possess up to

[[Page 738]]

6,664 lb (3,023 kg) of in-shell scallops seaward of the VMS Demarcation 
Line on a properly declared IFQ scallop trip, or on a properly declared 
NE multispecies, surfclam, or ocean quahog trip, or other fishery 
requiring a VMS declaration, and not fishing in a scallop access area.
    (2) Access area trips. A vessel issued an IFQ scallop permit that is 
declared into the IFQ Scallop Access Area Program, as specified in Sec. 
648.10(f), may not possess or land, per trip, more than 800 lb (363 kg) 
of shucked scallops, or possess more than 6,664 lb (3,023 kg) of in-
shell scallops shoreward of the VMS Demarcation Line. Such a vessel may 
land scallops only once in any calendar day. Such a vessel may possess 
up to 6,664 lb (3,023 kg) of in-shell scallops seaward of the VMS 
Demarcation Line on a properly declared IFQ scallop access area trip.
    (b) NGOM trips. A vessel issued a NGOM scallop permit, or an IFQ 
scallop permit that is declared into the NGOM scallop fishery and 
fishing against the NGOM Set-Aside as described in Sec. 648.62, unless 
exempted under the state waters exemption program described under Sec. 
648.54, may not possess or land, per trip, more than 200 lb (90.7 kg) of 
shucked scallops, or possess more than 1,666 lb (756) of in-shell 
scallops shoreward of the VMS Demarcation Line. Such a vessel may land 
scallops only once in any calendar day. Such a vessel may possess up to 
3,332 lb (1,511 kg) of in-shell scallops seaward of the VMS demarcation 
line on a properly declared NGOM scallop fishery trip.
    (c) Incidental trips. A vessel issued an Incidental scallop permit, 
or an IFQ scallop permit that is not declared into the IFQ scallop 
fishery or on a properly declared NE multispecies, surfclam, or ocean 
quahog trip or other fishery requiring a VMS declaration as required 
under Sec. 648.10(f), unless exempted under the state waters exemption 
program described under Sec. 648.54, may not possess or land, per trip, 
more than 40 lb (18.1 kg) of shucked scallops, or possess more than 333 
lb (151 kg) of in-shell scallops shoreward of the VMS Demarcation Line. 
Such a vessel may land scallops only once in any calendar day. Such a 
vessel may possess up to 666 lb (302 kg) of in-shell scallops seaward of 
the VMS Demarcation Line.
    (d) Limited access vessel access area trips. Owners or operators of 
vessels with a limited access scallop permit that have properly declared 
into the Scallop Access Area Program as described in Sec. 648.59 are 
prohibited from fishing for or landing per trip, or possessing at any 
time, scallops in excess of any sea scallop possession and landing limit 
set by the Regional Administrator in accordance with Sec. 648.59(b)(3).
    (e) Limited access vessel open area in-shell scallop possession 
limit. Owners or operators of vessels issued limited access permits are 
prohibited from fishing for, possessing, or landing per trip more than 
3,332 lb (1,511 kg) of in-shell scallops shoreward of the VMS 
Demarcation Line, unless when fishing under the state waters exemption 
specified under Sec. 648.54.
    (f) Limited access vessel access area in-shell scallop possession 
limit. A limited access vessel that is declared into the Scallop Area 
Access Program as described in Sec. 648.59, may not possess more than 
3,332 lb (1,511 kg) of in-shell scallops outside of the Access Areas 
described in Sec. 648.60.
    (g) Possession limit to defray the cost of observers for LAGC IFQ 
vessels. An LAGC IFQ vessel with an observer on board may retain, per 
observed trip, an allowance of scallops in addition to the possession 
limit, as established by the Regional Administrator in accordance with 
Sec. 648.53(g), provided the observer set-aside specified in Sec. 
648.53(a)(8) has not been fully utilized. For example, if the LAGC IFQ 
vessel possession limit is 600 lb (272.2 kg) and the additional 
allowance to defray the cost of an observer is 200 lb/day (90.7 kg), the 
vessel fishing 24 hours or less could retain up to 800 lb (362.9 kg) 
when carrying an observer. If a vessel does not land its additional 
allowance on the trip while carrying an observer, the additional 
allowance will be added to the vessel's IFQ allocation, and it may land 
it on a subsequent trip. However, the vessel may not exceed the IFQ trip 
possession limit as described in Sec. 648.52(a) unless it is actively 
carrying an observer.
    (h) Possession limit to defray the cost of observers for NGOM 
vessels. A NGOM vessel with an observer on board may

[[Page 739]]

retain, per observed trip, an allowance of scallops in addition to the 
possession limit, as established by the Regional Administrator in 
accordance with Sec. 648.53(g), provided the observer set-aside 
specified in Sec. 648.53(a)(8) has not been fully utilized. For 
example, if the NGOM vessel possession limit is 200 lb (90.7 kg) and the 
additional allowance to defray the cost of an observer is 125 lb (56.7 
kg) per trip, the vessel could retain up to 325 lb (147.4 kg) when 
carrying an observer. The vessel may not exceed the possession limit as 
described in Sec. 648.52(b) unless it is actively carrying an observer.

[73 FR 20122, Apr. 14, 2008, as amended at 74 FR 20555, May 4, 2009; 75 
FR 36569, June 28, 2010; 76 FR 43763, July 21, 2011; 78 FR 27100, May 9, 
2013; 81 FR 26375, May 4, 2016; 81 FR 76521, Nov. 3, 2016; 82 FR 15161, 
Mar. 27, 2017; 84 FR 11442, Apr. 1, 2019; 85 FR 17761, Mar. 31, 2020; 87 
FR 1696, Jan. 12, 2022; 87 FR 18294, Mar. 30, 2022; 88 FR 19566, Apr. 3, 
2023]



Sec. 648.53  Overfishing limit (OFL), acceptable biological catch (ABC)
, annual catch limits (ACL), annual catch targets (ACT), annual
projected landings 
          (APL), DAS allocations, and individual fishing quotas (IFQ).

    (a) The following determinations and allocations for the sea scallop 
rotational areas are defined as follows and shall be established through 
the specifications or framework adjustment process:
    (1) OFL. OFL shall be based on an updated scallop resource and 
fishery assessment provided by either the Scallop PDT or a formal stock 
assessment. OFL shall include all sources of scallop mortality and shall 
include an upward adjustment to account for catch of scallops in state 
waters by vessels not issued Federal scallop permits. The fishing 
mortality rate (i.e. F) associated with OFL shall be the threshold F, 
above which overfishing is occurring in the scallop fishery. The F 
associated with OFL shall be used to derive specifications for ABC, ACL, 
and ACT, as defined in paragraph (a) of this section.
    (2) The specification of ABC, ACL, and ACT shall be based upon the 
following overfishing definition: The F shall be set so that in access 
areas, averaged for all years combined over the period of time that the 
area is closed and open to scallop fishing as an access area, it does 
not exceed the established F threshold for the scallop fishery; in open 
areas it shall not exceed the F threshold for the scallop fishery; and 
for access and open areas combined, it is set at a level that has a 75-
percent probability of remaining below the F associated with ABC, as 
defined in paragraph (a)(3) of this section, taking into account all 
sources of fishing mortality in the limited access and LAGC fleets of 
the scallop fishery.
    (3) Overall ABC/ACL and APL--(i) Overall ABC/ACL. The overall ABC 
for sea scallop fishery shall be the catch level that has an associated 
F that has a 75-percent probability of remaining below the F associated 
with OFL. The overall ACL shall be equal to the ABC for the scallop 
fishery, minus discards (an estimate of both incidental and discard 
mortality). The ABC/ACL, after the discards and deductions specified in 
paragraph (a)(4) of this section are removed, shall be divided as sub-
ACLs between limited access vessels, limited access vessels that are 
fishing under a LAGC permit, and LAGC vessels as defined in paragraphs 
(a)(5) and (6) of this section, after the deductions outlined in 
paragraph (a)(4) of this section.
    (ii) APL. The APL shall be equal to the combined projected landings 
by the limited access and LAGC IFQ, in open areas, access areas, and 
Northern Gulf of Maine management area after set-asides (RSA, NGOM, and 
observer) and incidental landings are accounted for, for a given fishing 
year. Projected scallop landings are calculated by estimating the 
landings that will come from open area, access area, and Northern Gulf 
of Maine effort combined for both limited access and LAGC IFQ fleets. 
These projected landings shall not exceed the overall ABC/ACL and ACT, 
as described in paragraph (a) of this section.
    (4) Deductions from ABC/ACL. Incidental catch, as defined in 
paragraph (a)(7) of this section, shall be removed from ABC/ACL. One 
percent of ABC/ACL shall be removed from ABC/ACL for observer set-aside. 
Scallop catch equal to the value specified in Sec. 648.56(d) shall be 
removed from ABC/ACL for research set-aside. These deductions for 
incidental catch, observer

[[Page 740]]

set-aside, and research set-aside, shall be made prior to establishing 
sub-ACLs for the limited access and LAGC fleets, as specified in 
paragraphs (a)(5) and (6) of this section.
    (5) Limited access fleet sub-ACL and sub-ACT--(i) Limited access 
fleet sub-ACL. After applying the deductions as specified in paragraph 
(a)(4) of this section, the limited access scallop fleet shall be 
allocated a sub-ACL equal to 94.5 percent of the ABC/ACL.
    (ii) Limited access fleet sub-ACT. The ACT for the limited access 
fishery shall be set at a level that has an associated F with a 75-
percent probability of remaining below the F associated with ABC/ACL.
    (6) LAGC IFQ fleet sub-ACL, sub-ACT, and annual allocation--(i) LAGC 
IFQ fleet sub-ACL. After applying the deductions as specified in 
paragraph (a)(4) of this section, the LAGC IFQ fleet shall be allocated 
a sub-ACL equal to 5.5 percent of the ABC/ACL, so that 5 percent of ABC/
ACL is allocated to the LAGC fleet of vessels that do not also have a 
limited access scallop permit, and 0.5 percent of the ABC/ACL is 
allocated to the LAGC fleet of vessels that have limited access scallop 
permits. This specification of sub-ACLs shall not account for catch 
reductions associated with the application of AMs or adjustment of the 
sub-ACL as a result of the limited access AM exception as specified in 
paragraph (c)(1) of this section.
    (ii) LAGC IFQ fleet sub-ACT. The LAGC IFQ fishery sub-ACT shall be 
equal to the LAGC IFQ fishery's sub-ACL. The sub-ACT for the LAGC IFQ 
fishery for vessels issued only a LAGC IFQ scallop permit shall be equal 
to 5 percent of the ABC/ACL specified in paragraph (a)(3) of this 
section, after applying the deductions as specified in paragraph (a)(4) 
of this section. The sub-ACT for the LAGC IFQ fishery for vessels issued 
both a LAGC IFQ scallop permit and a limited access scallop permit shall 
be 0.5 percent of the ACL specified in paragraph (a)(3) of this section, 
after applying the deductions as specified in paragraph (a)(4) of this 
section.
    (iii) LAGC IFQ fleet annual allocation. (A) The annual allocation 
for the LAGC IFQ fishery for vessels issued an LAGC IFQ scallop permit 
and not also issued a limited access permit shall be equal to 5 percent 
of the APL. The annual allocation for the LAGC IFQ fishery for vessels 
issued both a LAGC IFQ scallop permit and a limited access scallop 
permit shall be 0.5 percent of the APL.
    (B) Standardized default LAGC IFQ allocation. Unless otherwise 
specified by the Council through the framework adjustment or 
specifications process defined in Sec. 648.55, after the first-year 
allocation expires, the second-year default allocation, as described in 
Sec. 648.55(a), shall be set at 75 percent of the first-year allocation 
for all vessels issued an LAGC IFQ scallop permit and not also issued a 
limited access permit and for vessels issued both an LAGC IFQ scallop 
permit and a limited access scallop permit. After the second-year 
default allocation expires, the third year allocation would be set to 
zero until replaced by subsequent allocations.
    (7) Scallop incidental landings target TAL. The annual incidental 
landings target TAL is the catch available for harvest for vessels with 
incidental catch scallop permits. This incidental catch target will be 
removed from the ABC/ACL defined in paragraph (a)(3) of this section 
prior to establishing the limited access and LAGC IFQ sub-ACLs and sub-
ACTs defined in paragraphs (a)(5) and (6) of this section.
    (8) Northern Gulf of Maine Total Allowable Landings (TAL). The NGOM 
TAL is the landings available for harvest from the NGOM Management Area. 
The TAL shall be set by applying a fishing mortality rate of F = 0.15 to 
F = 0.25 to exploitable biomass estimated from open areas of the NGOM.
    (i) NGOM Observer Set-Aside. The NGOM TAL shall be reduced by 1 
percent to off-set monitoring costs for vessels fishing in this area. 
The NGOM monitoring set-aside would be added to the fishery-wide 
observer set-aside, as described in paragraph (g) of this section.
    (ii) NGOM Research Set-Aside. The NGOM TAL shall be reduced by 
25,000 lb (11,340 kg) to be added to the fishery-wide research set-
aside, as described in Sec. 648.56(d).

[[Page 741]]

    (iii) Northern Gulf of Maine Set-Aside. The NGOM Set-Aside shall be 
the portion of the NGOM TAL that is available for harvest by the LAGC 
IFQ and NGOM fleets at 200 lb (90.7 kg) per trip per day as set through 
specifications. After the observer and research set-asides are removed, 
the first 800,000 lb (362,874 kg) of the NGOM TAL shall be allocated to 
the NGOM Set-Aside. For all allocation above 800,000 lb (362,874 kg), 5 
percent shall go to the NGOM Set-Aside, and 95 percent shall go to the 
NGOM Annual Projected Landings.
    (iv) NGOM APL. The NGOM APL shall be the portion of the NGOM TAL 
that is available for harvest for the limited access and LAGC IFQ fleets 
set through specifications after the observer and research set-asides 
are removed and the first 800,000 lb (362,874 kg) of the NGOM TAL are 
allocated to the NGOM Set-Aside. For all allocation above 800,000 lb 
(362,874 kg), 5 percent shall go to the NGOM set-aside, and 95 percent 
shall go to the NGOM APL. The method in which the limited access and 
LAGC IFQ components will access the NGOM APL will be determined in 
future specifications.
    (9) Scallop fishery catch limits. The following catch limits will be 
effective for the 2023 and 2024 fishing years:

        Table 2 to Paragraph (a)(9)--Scallop Fishery Catch Limits
------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Catch limits                  2023  (mt)    2024  (mt) \1\
------------------------------------------------------------------------
OFL.....................................          27,504          29,151
ABC/ACL (discards removed)..............          19,828          20,206
Incidental Landings.....................              23              23
RSA.....................................             578             578
Observer Set-Aside......................             198             202
NGOM Set-Aside..........................             175             130
ACL for fishery.........................          18,853          19,403
Limited Access ACL......................          17,816          18,335
LAGC Total ACL..........................           1,037           1,067
LAGC IFQ ACL (5 percent of ACL).........             943             970
Limited Access with LAGC IFQ ACL (0.5                 94              97
 percent of ACL)........................
Limited Access ACT......................          15,441          15,891
APL (after set-asides removed)..........          10,368           (\1\)
Limited Access APL (94.5 percent of APL)           9,798           (\1\)
Total IFQ Annual Allocation (5.5 percent             570             428
 of APL) \2\............................
LAGC IFQ Annual Allocation (5 percent of             518             389
 APL) \2\...............................
Limited Access with LAGC IFQ Annual                   52              39
 Allocation (0.5 percent of APL) \2\....
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The catch limits for the 2024 fishing year are subject to change
  through a future specifications action or framework adjustment. This
  includes the setting of an APL for 2024 that will be based on the 2023
  annual scallop surveys. The 2024 default allocations for the limited
  access component are defined for DAS in paragraph (b)(3) of this
  section and for access areas in Sec. 648.59(b)(3)(i)(B).
\2\ As specified in paragraph (a)(6)(iii)(B) of this section, the 2024
  IFQ annual allocations are set at 75 percent of the 2023 IFQ Annual
  Allocations.

    (b) DAS specifications and allocations. DAS specifications and 
allocations for limited access scallop trips in open areas are defined 
as follows and shall be specified through the specifications or 
framework adjustment processes defined in Sec. 648.55, as follows:
    (1) DAS allocations. DAS allocations shall be determined by 
distributing the portion of the limited access APL defined in paragraph 
(a)(3) of this section, as reduced by access area allocations defined in 
Sec. 648.59, by applying estimates of open area landings per unit 
effort (LPUE) projected through the specifications or framework 
adjustment processes used to set annual allocations and dividing that 
amount among vessels in the form of DAS calculated.
    (2) Assignment to DAS categories--(i) Limited access vessels shall 
be categorized as full-time, part-time, or occasional. Allocations for 
part-time and occasional scallop vessels shall be 40 percent and 8.33 
percent of the full-time DAS allocations, respectively.
    (ii) Subject to the vessel permit application requirements specified 
in Sec. 648.4, for each fishing year, each vessel issued a limited 
access scallop permit shall be assigned to the DAS category (full-time, 
part-time, or occasional) it was assigned to in the preceding year, 
except as provided under

[[Page 742]]

the small dredge program specified in Sec. 648.51(e).
    (3) DAS allocations. The DAS allocations for limited access scallop 
vessels for fishing years 2023 and 2024 are as follows:

     Table 3 to Paragraph (b)(3)--Scallop Open Area DAS Allocations
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Permit category                      2023     2024 \1\
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Full-Time.........................................      24.00      18.00
Part-Time.........................................       9.60       7.20
Occasional........................................       2.00        1.5
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The DAS allocations for the 2024 fishing year are subject to change
  through a future specifications action or framework adjustment. The
  2024 DAS allocations are set at 75 percent of the 2023 allocation as a
  precautionary measure.

    (4) Standardized default DAS allocations. Unless otherwise specified 
by the Council through the framework adjustment or specifications 
process defined in Sec. 648.55, after the first-year allocations 
expire, the second-year default limited access DAS allocations, as 
described in Sec. 648.55(a), shall be set at 75 percent of the first-
year allocation. After the second-year default allocation expires, the 
third year allocation would be set to zero until replaced by subsequent 
allocations.
    (c) Accountability measures (AM) for limited access vessels. Unless 
the limited access AM exception is implemented in accordance with the 
provision specified in paragraph (c)(1) of this section, if the limited 
access sub-ACL defined in paragraph (a)(5) of this section is exceeded 
for the applicable fishing year, the DAS for each limited access vessel 
shall be reduced by an amount equal to the amount of landings in excess 
of the sub-ACL divided by the applicable LPUE for the fishing year in 
which the AM will apply as projected by the specifications or framework 
adjustment process specified in Sec. 648.55, then divided by the number 
of scallop vessels eligible to be issued a full-time limited access 
scallop permit. For example, assuming a 300,000-lb (136-mt) overage of 
the limited access fishery's sub-ACL in Year 1, an open area LPUE of 
2,500 lb (1.13 mt) per DAS in Year 2, and 313 full-time vessels, each 
full-time vessel's DAS for Year 2 would be reduced by 0.38 DAS (300,000 
lb (136 mt)/2,500 lb (1.13 mt) per DAS = 120 lb (0.05 mt) per DAS/313 
vessels = 0.38 DAS per vessel). Deductions in DAS for part-time and 
occasional scallop vessels shall be 40 percent and 8.33 percent of the 
full-time DAS deduction, respectively, as calculated pursuant to 
paragraph (b)(2) of this section. The AM shall take effect in the 
fishing year following the fishing year in which the overage occurred. 
For example, landings in excess of the limited access fishery's sub-ACL 
in Year 1 would result in the DAS reduction AM in Year 2. If the AM 
takes effect, and a limited access vessel uses more open area DAS in the 
fishing year in which the AM is applied, the vessel shall have the DAS 
used in excess of the allocation after applying the AM deducted from its 
open area DAS allocation in the subsequent fishing year. For example, a 
vessel initially allocated 32 DAS in Year 1 uses all 32 DAS prior to 
application of the AM. If, after application of the AM, the vessel's DAS 
allocation is reduced to 31 DAS, the vessel's DAS in Year 2 would be 
reduced by 1 DAS.
    (1) Limited access AM exception. If NMFS determines that the fishing 
mortality rate associated with the limited access fleet's landings in a 
fishing year is less than 0.39, the AM specified in paragraph (c) of 
this section shall not take effect. The fishing mortality rate of 0.39 
is the fishing mortality rate that is one standard deviation below the 
fishing mortality rate for the scallop fishery ACL, currently estimated 
at 0.45.
    (2) Limited access fleet AM and exception provision timing. The 
Regional Administrator shall determine whether the limited access fleet 
exceeded its sub-ACL, defined in paragraph (a)(5) of this section, by 
July of the fishing year following the year for which landings are being 
evaluated. On or about July 1, the Regional Administrator shall notify 
the New England Fishery Management Council of the determination of 
whether or not the sub-ACL for the limited access fleet was exceeded, 
and the number of landings in excess of the sub-ACL. Upon this 
notification, the Scallop Plan Development Team (PDT) shall evaluate the 
overage and determine if the fishing mortality rate associated with 
total landings by the limited access scallop fleet is less than 0.39. On 
or about September 1 of each year, the Scallop PDT shall notify the

[[Page 743]]

Council of its determination, and the Council, on or about September 30, 
shall make a recommendation, based on the Scallop PDT findings, 
concerning whether to invoke the limited access AM exception. If NMFS 
concurs with the Scallop PDT's recommendation to invoke the limited 
access AM exception, in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act 
(APA), the limited access AM shall not be implemented. If NMFS does not 
concur, in accordance with the APA, the limited access AM shall be 
implemented as soon as possible after September 30 each year.
    (d) End-of-year carry-over for open area DAS. With the exception of 
vessels that held a Confirmation of Permit History as described in Sec. 
648.4(a)(2)(i)(J) for the entire fishing year preceding the carry-over 
year, limited access vessels that have unused open area DAS on the last 
day of March of any year may carry over a maximum of 10 DAS, not to 
exceed the total open area DAS allocation by permit category, into the 
next year. DAS carried over into the next fishing year may only be used 
in open areas. Carry-over DAS are accounted for in setting the sub-ACT 
for the limited access fleet, as defined in paragraph (a)(5)(ii) of this 
section. Therefore, if carry-over DAS result or contribute to an overage 
of the ACL, the limited access fleet AM specified in paragraph (c) of 
this section would still apply, provided the AM exception specified in 
paragraph (c)(1) of this section is not invoked.
    (e) Accrual of DAS. All DAS fished shall be charged to the nearest 
minute. A vessel carrying an observer and authorized to be charged fewer 
DAS in Open Areas based on the total available DAS set aside under 
paragraph (g) of this section shall be charged at a reduced rate as 
specified in paragraph (g)(1) of this section.
    (f) DAS credits--(1) Good Samaritan credit. A limited access vessel 
operating under the DAS program and that spends time at sea assisting in 
a USCG search and rescue operation or assisting the USCG in towing a 
disabled vessel, and that can document the occurrence through the USCG, 
will not accrue DAS for the time documented.
    (2) Canceled trip DAS credit. A limited access vessel operating 
under the DAS program and that ends a fishing trip prior to setting and/
or hauling fishing gear for any reason may request a cancelled trip DAS 
credit for the trip based on the following conditions and requirements:
    (i) There is no fish onboard the vessel and no fishing operations on 
the vessel were initiated, including setting and/or hauling fishing 
gear; and
    (ii) The owner or operator of the vessel fishing under a DAS program 
and required to use a VMS as specified under Sec. 648.10(b) makes an 
initial trip cancelation notification from sea, at the time the trip was 
canceled, or at the earliest opportunity prior to crossing the 
demarcation line as defined at Sec. 648.10(a). These reports are in the 
form of an email to NMFS Office of Law Enforcement and include at least 
the following information: Operator name; vessel name; vessel permit 
number; port where vessel will return; date trip started; estimated 
date/time of return to port; and a statement by the operator that no 
fish were onboard and no fishing activity occurred; and
    (iii) The owner or operator of the vessel operating under the DAS 
program required to use the IVR call in as specified under Sec. 
648.10(h) makes an initial trip cancelation notification to NMFS by 
calling the IVR back at the time the trip was canceled, or at the 
earliest opportunity prior to returning to port. This request must 
include at least the following information: Operator name; vessel name; 
vessel permit number; port where vessel will return; date trip started; 
estimated date/time of return to port; and a statement from the operator 
that no fish were onboard and no fishing activity occurred; and
    (iv) The owner or operator of the vessel requesting a canceled trip 
DAS credit, in addition to the requirements in paragraphs (f)(2)(ii) and 
(iii) of this section, submits a written DAS credit request form to NMFS 
within 30 days of the vessel's return to port from the canceled trip. 
This application must include at least the following information: Date 
and time when the vessel canceled the fishing trip; date and time of 
trip departure and landing; operator name; owner/corporation name; 
permit

[[Page 744]]

number; hull identification number; vessel name; date and time 
notification requirements specified under paragraphs (f)(2)(ii) and 
(iii) of this section were made; reason for canceling the trip; and 
owner/operator signature and date; and
    (v) The vessel trip report for the canceled trip as required under 
Sec. 648.7(b) is submitted along with the DAS credit request form; and
    (vi) For DAS credits that are requested near the end of the fishing 
year as defined at Sec. 648.2, and approved by the Regional 
Administrator, the credited DAS apply to the fishing year in which the 
canceled trip occurred. Credited DAS that remain unused at the end of 
the fishing year or that are not credited until the following fishing 
year may be carried over into the next fishing year, not to exceed the 
maximum number of carryover DAS as specified under paragraph (d) of this 
section.
    (3) Limited access scallop vessels fishing under the DAS program and 
landing scallops at a port located at or south of 39[deg] N. Lat. If 
landing scallops at a port located at or south of 39[deg] N. lat., a 
limited access vessel participating in the scallop DAS program may end 
its DAS trip once shoreward of the VMS Demarcation Line at or south of 
39[deg] N. lat. by declaring out of the scallop fishery. Once declared 
out of the scallop fishery, the vessel may cross seaward of the VMS 
Demarcation Line and steam to ports at or south of 39[deg] N. lat., to 
land scallops while not on a DAS, provided that the vessel complies with 
the following requirements:
    (i) The vessel must submit a Scallop Pre-landing Notification Form, 
as specified at Sec. 648.10(f)(4)(iv);
    (ii) The vessel's fishing gear is stowed and not available for 
immediate use as defined in Sec. 648.2;
    (iii) The vessel must return directly to port and offload scallops;
    (iv) The vessel must land scallops at a port located at or south of 
39[deg] N. lat.; and
    (v) The vessel may not possess in-shell scallops.
    (g) Set-asides for observer coverage. (1) To help defray the cost of 
carrying an observer, 1 percent of the ABC/ACL defined in paragraph 
(a)(3) of this section and 1 percent of the NGOM ABC/ACL shall be set 
aside to be used by vessels that are assigned to take an at-sea observer 
on a trip. This observer set-aside is specified through the 
specifications or framework adjustment process defined in Sec. 648.55.
    (2) At the start of each scallop fishing year, the observer set-
aside specified in paragraph (g)(1) of this section initially shall be 
divided proportionally by access and open areas, based on the amount of 
effort allocated into each area, in order to set the compensation and 
coverage rates. NMFS shall monitor the observer set-aside usage and may 
transfer set-aside from one area to another if one area is using more or 
less set-aside than originally anticipated. The set-aside may be 
transferred from one area to another, based on NMFS in-house area-level 
monitoring that determines whether one area will likely have excess set-
aside while another may not. The set-aside shall be considered 
completely harvested when the full one percent is landed, at which point 
there would be no more compensation for any observed scallop trip, 
regardless of area. NMFS shall continue to proactively adjust 
compensation rates and/or observer coverage levels mid-year in order to 
minimize the chance that the set-aside would be harvested prior to the 
end of the FY. Utilization of the set-aside shall be on a first-come, 
first-served basis. When the set-aside for observer coverage has been 
utilized, vessel owners shall be notified that no additional scallop 
catch or DAS remain available to offset the cost of carrying observers. 
The obligation to carry and pay for an observer shall not be waived if 
set-aside is not available.
    (3) DAS set-aside for observer coverage. A limited access scallop 
vessel carrying an observer in open areas shall be compensated with 
reduced DAS accrual rates for each trip on which the vessel carries an 
observer. For each DAS that a vessel fishes for scallops with an 
observer on board, the DAS shall be charged at a reduced rate, based on 
an adjustment factor determined by the Regional Administrator on an 
annual

[[Page 745]]

basis, dependent on the cost of observers, catch rates, and amount of 
available set-aside. The Regional Administrator shall notify vessel 
owners of the cost of observers and the DAS adjustment factor through a 
permit holder letter issued prior to the start of each fishing year. 
This DAS adjustment factor may also be changed during the fishing year 
if fishery conditions warrant such a change. The number of DAS that are 
deducted from each trip based on the adjustment factor shall be deducted 
from the observer set-aside amount in the applicable fishing year.
    (h) Annual IFQs--(1) IFQ restriction. For each fishing year of the 
IFQ program, a vessel issued an IFQ scallop permit may only harvest and 
land the total amount of scallop meats allocated in accordance with this 
subpart. Unless otherwise specified in this part, a vessel allocated 
scallop IFQ may not exceed the possession limits specified in Sec. 
648.52 on any trip.
    (2) Calculation of IFQ. The LAGC IFQ fleet annual allocation as 
defined in paragraph (a)(6)(iii) of this section, shall be used to 
determine the IFQ of each vessel issued an IFQ scallop permit. Each 
fishing year, the Regional Administrator shall provide the owner of a 
vessel issued an IFQ scallop permit issued pursuant to Sec. 
648.4(a)(2)(ii) with the scallop IFQ for the vessel for the upcoming 
fishing year.
    (i) IFQ. The IFQ for an IFQ scallop vessel shall be the vessel's 
contribution percentage as specified in paragraph (h)(2)(iii) of this 
section and determined using the steps specified in paragraph (h)(2)(ii) 
of this section, multiplied by the LAGC IFQ fleet annual allocation as 
defined in paragraph (a)(6)(iii) of this section.
    (ii) Contribution factor. An IFQ scallop vessel's contribution 
factor is calculated using the best year, years active, and index factor 
as specified in paragraphs (h)(2)(ii)(A) through (C) of this section. A 
vessel's contribution factor shall be provided to the owner of a 
qualified limited access general category vessel following initial 
application for an IFQ scallop permit as specified in Sec. 
648.4(a)(2)(ii)(E), consistent with confidentiality restrictions of the 
Magnuson-Stevens Act specified at 16 U.S.C. 1881a.
    (A) Best year determination. An eligible IFQ scallop vessel's 
highest scallop landings in any scallop fishing year that the vessel was 
issued a general category scallop permit between March 1, 2000, and 
November 1, 2004, shall be determined using NMFS dealer reports. Scallop 
landings in the 2004 fishing year must have occurred on or before 
November 1, 2004. If a dealer reported more than 400 lb (181.4 kg) of 
scallops landed on a trip, only 400 lb (181.4 kg) will be credited for 
that trip toward the best year calculation. For dealer reports that 
indicate clearly that the landings were bushels of in-shell scallops, a 
conversion of 8.33 lb (3.78 kg) of scallop meats per bushel shall be 
used to calculate meat-weight, up to a maximum of 400 lb (181.4 kg) per 
trip.
    (B) Years active. For each eligible IFQ scallop vessel, the total 
number of scallop fishing years during the period March 1, 2000, through 
November 1, 2004, in which the vessel had a general category scallop 
permit and landed at least 1 lb (0.45 kg) of scallop meats, or in-shell 
scallops, shall be counted as active years based on NMFS dealer reports. 
Scallop landings in the 2004 fishing year must have occurred on or 
before November 1, 2004.
    (C) Index to determine contribution factor. For each eligible IFQ 
scallop vessel, the best year as determined pursuant to paragraph 
(a)(2)(ii)(E)(1) of this section shall be multiplied by the appropriate 
index factor specified in the following table, based on years active as 
specified in paragraph (a)(2)(ii)(E)(2) of this section. The resulting 
contribution factor shall determine its IFQ for each fishing year based 
on the allocation to general category scallop vessels as specified in 
paragraph (a)(4) of this section and the method of calculating the IFQ 
provided in paragraph (h) of this section.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                      Years active                         Index factor
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.......................................................           0.75
2.......................................................           0.875
3.......................................................           1.0
4.......................................................           1.125
5.......................................................           1.25
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (D) Contribution factor example. If a vessel landed 48,550 lb 
(22,022 kg) of scallops in its best year, and was active in the general 
category scallop fishery

[[Page 746]]

for 5 years, the vessel's contribution factor is equal to 60,687 lb 
(27,527 kg) (48,550 lb (22,022 kg * 1.25).
    (iii) Contribution percentage. A vessel's contribution percentage 
shall be determined by dividing its contribution factor by the sum of 
the contribution factors of all vessels issued an IFQ scallop permit. 
Continuing the example in paragraph (h)(1)(ii)(D) of this section, the 
sum of the contribution factors for 380 IFQ scallop vessels is estimated 
for the purpose of this example to be 4.18 million lb (1,896 mt). The 
contribution percentage of the above vessel is 1.45 percent (60,687 lb 
(27,527 kg)/4.18 million lb (1,896 mt) = 1.45 percent). The contribution 
percentage for a vessel that is issued an IFQ scallop permit and whose 
owner has permanently transferred all of its IFQ to another IFQ vessel, 
as specified in paragraph (h)(5)(ii) of this section, shall be equal to 
0 percent.
    (iv) Vessel IFQ Example. Continuing the example in paragraphs 
(h)(1)(ii)(D) and (h)(1)(iii) of this section, with an ACL allocated to 
IFQ scallop vessels estimated for this example to be equal to 2.5 
million lb (1,134 mt), the vessel's IFQ would be 36,250 lb (16,443 kg) 
(1.45 percent * 2.5 million lb (1,134 mt)).
    (v) End-of-year carry-over for IFQ. (A) With the exception of 
vessels that held a Confirmation of Permit History as described in Sec. 
648.4(a)(2)(ii)(L) for the entire fishing year preceding the carry-over 
year, LAGC IFQ vessels that have unused IFQ on the last day of March of 
any year may carry over up to 15 percent of the vessel's original IFQ 
plus the total of IFQ transferred to such vessel minus the total IFQ 
transferred from such vessel (either temporary or permanent) IFQ into 
the next fishing year. For example, a vessel with a 10,000-lb (4,536-kg) 
IFQ and 5,000-lb (2,268-kg) of leased IFQ may carry over 2,250 lb (1,020 
kg) of IFQ (i.e., 15 percent of 15,000 lb (6,804 kg)) into the next 
fishing year if it landed 12,750 lb (5,783 kg) (i.e., 85 percent of 
15,000 lb (6,804 kg)) of scallops or less in the preceding fishing year. 
Using the same IFQ values from the example, if the vessel landed 14,000 
lb (6,350 kg) of scallops, it could carry over 1,000 lb (454 kg) of 
scallops into the next fishing year.
    (B) [Reserved]
    (3) IFQ ownership restrictions--(i) IFQ scallop vessel IFQ cap. (A) 
Unless otherwise specified in paragraphs (h)(3)(i)(B) and (C) of this 
section, a vessel issued an IFQ scallop permit or confirmation of permit 
history shall not be issued more than 2.5 percent of the IFQ-only annual 
allocation to the IFQ scallop vessels as described in paragraph (a)(6) 
of this section.
    (B) A vessel may be initially issued more than 2.5 percent of the 
IFQ-only annual allocation allocated to the IFQ scallop vessels as 
described in paragraph (a)(6) of this section, if the initial 
determination of its contribution factor specified in accordance with 
Sec. 648.4(a)(2)(ii)(E) and paragraph (h)(2)(ii) of this section, 
results in an IFQ that exceeds 2.5 percent of the IFQ-only annual 
allocation to the IFQ scallop vessels as described in paragraph (a)(6) 
of this section. A vessel that is allocated an IFQ that exceeds 2.5 
percent of the IFQ-only annual allocation to the IFQ scallop vessels as 
described in paragraph (a)(6) of this section, in accordance with this 
paragraph (h)(3)(i)(B), may not receive IFQ through an IFQ transfer, as 
specified in paragraph (h)(5) of this section. All scallops that have 
been allocated as part of the original IFQ allocation or transferred to 
a vessel during a given fishing year shall be counted towards the vessel 
cap.
    (C) A vessel initially issued a 2008 IFQ scallop permit or 
confirmation of permit history, or that was issued or renewed a limited 
access scallop permit or confirmation of permit history for a vessel in 
2009 and thereafter, in compliance with the ownership restrictions in 
paragraph (h)(3)(i)(A) of this section, is eligible to renew such 
permit(s) and/or confirmation(s) of permit history, regardless of 
whether the renewal of the permit or confirmations of permit history 
will result in the 2.5-percent IFQ cap restriction being exceeded.
    (ii) IFQ ownership cap. (A) For any vessel acquired after June 1, 
2008, a vessel owner is not eligible to be issued an IFQ scallop permit 
for the vessel, and/or a confirmation of permit history, and is not 
eligible to transfer IFQ to the vessel, if, as a result of the

[[Page 747]]

issuance of the permit and/or confirmation of permit history, or IFQ 
transfer, the vessel owner, or any other person who is a shareholder or 
partner of the vessel owner, will have an ownership interest in more 
than 5 percent of the sub-ACL allocated to the IFQ scallop vessels as 
described in paragraph (a)(6) of this section.
    (B) Vessel owners who were initially issued a 2008 IFQ scallop 
permit or confirmation of permit history, or who were issued or renewed 
a limited access scallop permit or confirmation of permit history for a 
vessel in 2009 and thereafter, in compliance with the ownership 
restrictions in paragraph (h)(3)(ii)(A) of this section, are eligible to 
renew such permits(s) and/or confirmation(s) of permit history, 
regardless of whether the renewal of the permits or confirmations of 
permit history will result in the 5-percent ownership restriction being 
exceeded.
    (C) Having an ownership interest includes, but is not limited to, 
persons who are shareholders in a vessel owned by a corporation, who are 
partners (general or limited) to a vessel owner, or who, in any way, 
partly own a vessel.
    (iii) Limited access scallop vessels that have been issued an IFQ 
scallop permit. The IFQ scallop vessel IFQ cap and IFQ ownership cap 
specified in this paragraph (h)(3) do not apply to limited access 
scallop vessels that are also issued a limited access general category 
scallop permit because such vessels are already subject to an ownership 
limitation, as specified in Sec. 648.4(a)(2)(i)(M).
    (4) IFQ cost recovery. A fee, not to exceed 3 percent of the ex-
vessel value of IFQ scallops harvested, shall be collected to recover 
the costs associated with management, data collection, and enforcement 
of the IFQ program. The owner of a vessel issued an IFQ scallop permit 
and subject to the IFQ program specified in this paragraph (h)(4), shall 
be responsible for paying the fee as specified by NMFS in this paragraph 
(h)(4). An IFQ scallop vessel shall incur a cost recovery fee liability 
for every landing of IFQ scallops. The IFQ scallop permit holder shall 
be responsible for collecting the fee for all of its vessels' IFQ 
scallop landings, and shall be responsible for submitting this payment 
to NMFS once per year. The cost recovery fee for all landings, 
regardless of ownership changes throughout the fishing year, shall be 
the responsibility of the official owner of the vessel, as recorded in 
the vessel permit or confirmation of permit history file, at the time 
the bill is sent.
    (i) Cost recovery fee determination. The ex-vessel value of scallops 
shall be determined as an average of the ex-vessel value, as determined 
by Northeast Federal dealer reports, of all IFQ scallops landed between 
March 1 and September 30 of the initial year of the IFQ scallop program, 
and from October 1 through September 30 of each year thereafter.
    (ii) Fee payment procedure. On or about October 31 of each year NMFS 
shall mail a cost recovery bill to each IFQ scallop permit holder for 
the previous cost recovery period. An IFQ scallop permit holder who has 
incurred a fee must pay the fee to NMFS within 60 days from the date of 
mailing of the recovery bill. Cost recovery payments shall be made 
electronically via the Federal web portal, www.pay.gov, or other 
internet sites as designated by the Regional Administrator. Instructions 
for electronic payment shall be available on both the payment website 
and the paper bill. Payment options shall include payment via a credit 
card, as specified in the cost recovery bill, or via direct automated 
clearing house (ACH) withdrawal from a designated checking account. 
Payment by check may be authorized by NMFS if it has determined that 
electronic payment is not possible (for example, if the geographical 
area of an individual(s) is affected by catastrophic conditions).
    (iii) Payment compliance. An IFQ scallop permit holder that has 
incurred an IFQ cost recovery fee must pay the fee to NMFS within 60 
days from the date of mailing. If the cost recovery payment, as 
determined by NMFS, is not made within 60 days from the date of mailing, 
NMFS may deny the renewal of the IFQ scallop permit until full payment 
is received. If, upon preliminary review of the accuracy and 
completeness of a fee payment, NMFS determines the IFQ scallop permit 
holder has not paid the full amount due,

[[Page 748]]

NMFS shall notify the IFQ scallop permit holder by letter. NMFS shall 
explain the discrepancy and provide the IFQ scallop permit holder 30 
days to either pay the amount specified by NMFS or to provide evidence 
that the amount paid was correct. If the IFQ scallop permit holder 
submits evidence in support of his/her payment, NMFS shall determine if 
there is any remaining disagreement as to the appropriate IFQ fee, and 
prepare a Final Administrative Determination (FAD). The FAD shall set 
out the facts, discuss those facts within the context of the relevant 
agency policies and regulations, and decide as to the appropriate 
disposition of the matter. A FAD shall be the final agency action, and, 
if the FAD determines that the IFQ scallop permit holder is out of 
compliance, the FAD shall require payment within 30 days. If a FAD is 
not issued until after the start of the fishing year, the IFQ scallop 
permit holder may be authorized to fish temporarily by the Regional 
Administrator until the FAD is issued, at which point the permit holder 
shall have 30 days to comply with the terms of the FAD or the IFQ 
scallop permit shall not be issued until such terms are met. If NMFS 
determines that the IFQ scallop permit holder owes additional fees for 
the previous cost recovery period, and the IFQ scallop permit has 
already been renewed, NMFS shall issue a FAD, at which point the permit 
holder shall have 30 days to comply with the terms of the FAD or NMFS 
may withdraw the issuance of the IFQ scallop permit until such terms are 
met. If such payment is not received within 30 days of issuance of the 
FAD, NMFS shall refer the matter to the appropriate authorities within 
the U.S. Department of the Treasury for purposes of collection, and no 
IFQ permit held by the permit holder may be renewed until the terms of 
the FAD are met. If NMFS determines that the conditions of the FAD have 
been met, the IFQ permit holder may renew the IFQ scallop permit(s). If 
NMFS does not receive full payment prior to the end of the fishing year, 
the IFQ scallop permit shall be considered voluntarily abandoned, 
pursuant to Sec. 648.4(a)(2)(ii)(K), unless otherwise determined by the 
Regional Administrator.
    (5) Transferring IFQ--(i) Temporary IFQ transfers--(A) IFQ-only 
vessels. Subject to the restrictions in paragraph (h)(5)(iii) of this 
section, the owner of an IFQ scallop vessel (and/or IFQ scallop permit 
in confirmation of permit history) not issued a limited access scallop 
permit may temporarily transfer (e.g., lease) its entire IFQ allocation, 
or a portion of its IFQ allocation, to another IFQ scallop vessel (and/
or IFQ scallop permit in confirmation of permit history) not issued a 
limited access scallop permit. Temporary IFQ transfers shall be 
effective only for the fishing year in which the temporary transfer is 
requested and processed. IFQ can be temporarily transferred more than 
once (i.e., re-transferred). For example, if a vessel temporarily 
transfers IFQ to a vessel, the transferee vessel may re-transfer any 
portion of that IFQ to another vessel. There is no limit on how many 
times IFQ can be re-transferred in a fishing year. The Regional 
Administrator has final approval authority for all temporary IFQ 
transfer requests.
    (B) Limited access vessels with LAGC IFQ. Subject to the 
restrictions in paragraph (h)(5)(iii) of this section, the owner of a 
limited access vessel with LAGC IFQ (and/or a limited access permit with 
LAGC IFQ in confirmation of permit history) may temporarily transfer 
(e.g., lease) its entire IFQ allocation, or a portion of its IFQ 
allocation, to an IFQ-only scallop vessel that does not have a limited 
access permit. Temporary IFQ transfers shall be effective only for the 
fishing year in which the temporary transfer is requested and processed. 
IFQ can be temporarily transferred more than once (i.e., re-
transferred). The Regional Administrator has final approval authority 
for all temporary IFQ transfer requests.
    (ii) Permanent IFQ transfers. (A) Subject to the restrictions in 
paragraph (h)(5)(iii) of this section, the owner of an IFQ scallop 
vessel (and/or IFQ scallop permit in confirmation of permit history) not 
issued a limited access scallop permit may transfer IFQ permanently to 
or from another IFQ scallop vessel (and/or IFQ scallop permit in 
confirmation of permit history) not issued a limited access scallop 
permit. Any such transfer cannot be limited in

[[Page 749]]

duration and is permanent as to the transferee, unless the IFQ is 
subsequently permanently transferred to another IFQ scallop vessel. IFQ 
may be permanently transferred to a vessel and then be re-transferred 
(temporarily transferred (i.e., leased) or permanently transferred) by 
such vessel to another vessel in the same fishing year. There is no 
limit on how many times IFQ can be re-transferred in a fishing year. 
Limited access vessels with LAGC IFQ permits are prohibited from 
permanently transferring or receiving IFQ.
    (B) If a vessel owner permanently transfers the vessel's entire IFQ 
to another IFQ vessel, the LAGC IFQ scallop permit shall remain valid on 
the transferor vessel, unless the owner of the transferor vessel cancels 
the IFQ scallop permit. Such cancellation shall be considered voluntary 
relinquishment of the IFQ permit, and the vessel shall be ineligible for 
an IFQ scallop permit unless it replaces another vessel that was issued 
an IFQ scallop permit. The Regional Administrator has final approval 
authority for all IFQ transfer requests.
    (iii) IFQ transfer restrictions. The owner of an IFQ scallop vessel 
(and/or IFQ scallop permit in confirmation of permit history) not issued 
a limited access scallop permit may transfer that vessel's IFQ to 
another IFQ scallop vessel, regardless of whether or not the vessel has 
fished under its IFQ in the same fishing year. Requests for IFQ 
transfers cannot be less than 100 lb (46.4 kg), unless that the transfer 
reflects the total IFQ amount remaining on the transferor's vessel, or 
the entire IFQ allocation. IFQ may be temporarily or permanently 
transferred to a vessel and then temporarily re-transferred (i.e., 
leased) or permanently re-transferred by such vessel to another vessel 
in the same fishing year. There is no restriction on how many times IFQ 
can be re-transferred. A transfer of an IFQ may not result in the sum of 
the IFQs on the receiving vessel exceeding 2.5 percent of the allocation 
to IFQ-only scallop vessels. A transfer of an IFQ, whether temporary or 
permanent, may not result in the transferee having a total ownership of, 
or interest in, general category scallop allocation that exceeds 5 
percent of the allocation to IFQ-only scallop vessels. Limited access 
scallop vessels that are also issued an IFQ scallop permit may not 
permanently transfer or receive IFQ. Further, they may not temporarily 
receive IFQ.
    (iv) Application for an IFQ transfer. The owners of vessels applying 
for a transfer of IFQ must submit a completed application form obtained 
from the Regional Administrator. The application must be signed by both 
parties (transferor and transferee) involved in the transfer of the IFQ, 
and must be submitted to the NMFS Northeast Regional Office at least 30 
days before the date on which the applicants desire to have the IFQ 
effective on the receiving vessel. The Regional Administrator shall 
notify the applicants of any deficiency in the application pursuant to 
this section. Applications may be submitted at any time during the 
scallop fishing year, regardless of whether or not the vessel has fished 
under its IFQ in the same fishing year. Applications for temporary 
transfers received less than 45 days prior to the end of the fishing 
year may not be processed in time for a vessel to utilize the 
transferred IFQ, if approved, prior to the expiration of the fishing 
year.
    (A) Application information requirements. An application to transfer 
IFQ must contain at least the following information: Transferor's name, 
vessel name, permit number, and official number or state registration 
number; transferee's name, vessel name, permit number, and official 
number or state registration number; total price paid for purchased IFQ; 
signatures of transferor and transferee; and date the form was 
completed. In addition, applications to transfer IFQ must indicate the 
amount, in pounds, of the IFQ allocation transfer. Information obtained 
from the transfer application will be held confidential, and will be 
used only in summarized form for management of the fishery. If the 
applicants are requesting a transfer of IFQ that has already been 
transferred in a given fishing year, both parties must be up-to-date 
with all data reporting requirements (e.g., all necessary VMS catch 
reports, VTR, and dealer data must be submitted) in order for the 
application to be processed.

[[Page 750]]

    (B) Approval of IFQ transfer applications. Unless an application to 
transfer IFQ is denied according to paragraph (h)(5)(iii)(C) of this 
section, the Regional Administrator shall issue confirmation of 
application approval to both parties involved in the transfer within 30 
days of receipt of an application.
    (C) Denial of transfer application. The Regional Administrator may 
reject an application to transfer IFQ for any of the following reasons: 
The application is incomplete; the transferor or transferee does not 
possess a valid limited access general category permit; the transferor's 
or transferee's vessel or IFQ scallop permit has been sanctioned, 
pursuant to a final administrative decision or settlement of an 
enforcement proceeding; the transfer will result in the transferee's 
vessel having an allocation that exceeds 2.5 percent of the ACL 
allocated to IFQ scallop vessels; the transfer will result in the 
transferee having a total ownership of, or interest in, a general 
category scallop allocation that exceeds 5 percent of the ACL allocated 
to IFQ scallop vessels; or any other failure to meet the requirements of 
the regulations in 50 CFR part 648. Upon denial of an application to 
transfer IFQ, the Regional Administrator shall send a letter to the 
applicants describing the reason(s) for the rejection. The decision by 
the Regional Administrator is the final agency decision, and there is no 
opportunity to appeal the Regional Administrator's decision. An 
application that was denied can be resubmitted if the discrepancy(ies) 
that resulted in denial are resolved.

[73 FR 20123, Apr. 14, 2008]

    Editorial Note: For Federal Register citations affecting Sec. 
648.53, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the 
Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.



Sec. 648.54  State waters exemption.

    (a) State eligibility for exemption. (1) A state may be eligible for 
a state waters exemption if it has a scallop fishery and a scallop 
conservation program that does not jeopardize the biomass and fishing 
mortality/effort limit objectives of the Scallop FMP.
    (2) The Regional Administrator shall determine which states have a 
scallop fishery and which of those states have a scallop conservation 
program that does not jeopardize the biomass and fishing mortality/
effort limit objectives of the Scallop FMP. In such case, the Regional 
Administrator shall publish a rule in the Federal Register, in 
accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act, to provide the 
exemption for such states.
    (3) A state that has been issued a state waters exemption under 
paragraph (a)(4) of this section must immediately notify the Regional 
Administrator of any changes in its scallop conservation program. The 
Regional Administrator shall review these changes and, if a 
determination is made that the state's conservation program jeopardizes 
the biomass and fishing mortality/effort limit objectives of the FMP, or 
that the state no longer has a scallop fishery, the Regional 
Administrator shall publish a rule in the Federal Register, in 
accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act, to eliminate the 
exemption for that state.
    (4) The Regional Administrator has determined that the State of 
Maine and Commonwealth of Massachusetts both have a scallop fishery 
conservation program for its scallop fishery that does not jeopardize 
the biomass and fishing mortality/effort limit objectives of the Scallop 
FMP. A vessel fishing in State of Maine waters may fish under the State 
of Maine state waters exemption, subject to the exemptions specified in 
paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, provided the vessel is in 
compliance with paragraphs (e) through (g) of this section. In addition, 
a vessel issued a Federal Northern Gulf of Maine or Limited Access 
General Category Individual Fishing Quota permit fishing in State of 
Maine or Commonwealth of Massachusetts waters may fish under their 
respective state waters exemption specified in paragraph (d) of this 
section, provided the vessel is in compliance with paragraphs (e) 
through (g) of this section.
    (b) Limited access scallop vessel exemption. Any vessel issued a 
limited access scallop permit is exempt from the DAS requirements 
specified in Sec. 648.53(b) while fishing exclusively landward of

[[Page 751]]

the outer boundary of the waters of a state that has been issued a state 
waters exemption under paragraph (a)(4) of this section, provided the 
vessel complies with paragraphs (f) through (h) of this section.
    (c) Gear and possession limit restrictions. Any vessel issued a 
limited access scallop permit, an LAGC NGOM, or an LAGC IFQ scallop 
permit is exempt from the minimum twine top mesh size for scallop dredge 
gear specified in Sec. 648.51(b)(2) and (b)(4)(iv) while fishing 
exclusively landward of the outer boundary of the waters of the State of 
Maine under the state waters exemption specified in paragraph (a)(4) of 
this section, provided the vessel is in compliance with paragraphs (d) 
through (g) of this section.
    (d) NGOM closure exemption. Any vessel issued a Federal scallop 
permit may be exempt from the regulations specified in Sec. 
648.52(b)(2) requiring that once the NGOM Federal hard TAC is reached, 
no vessel issued a scallop permit may fish in the NGOM area. This 
exemption, which a state must apply for through the process specified in 
paragraph (a) of this section, would allow vessels to continue to fish 
for scallops within a state's waters inside the NGOM. A state applying 
for this exemption must clarify to which scallop permit types this 
exemption would apply.
    (e) Notification requirements. Vessels fishing under the exemptions 
specified in paragraph (b), (c) and/or (d) of this section must notify 
the Regional Administrator in accordance with the provisions of Sec. 
648.10(f).
    (f) Restriction on fishing in the EEZ. A vessel fishing under a 
state waters exemption may not fish in the EEZ during the time in which 
it is fishing under the state waters exemption, as declared under the 
notification requirements of this section.
    (g) Duration of exemption. An exemption expires upon a change in the 
vessel's name or ownership, or upon notification through VMS by the 
participating vessel's owner.
    (h) Applicability of other provisions of this part. A vessel fishing 
under the exemptions provided by paragraph (b) and/or (c) of this 
section remains subject to all other requirements of this part.

[69 FR 35215, June 23, 2004, as amended at 71 FR 33227, June 8, 2006; 73 
FR 20128, Apr. 14, 2008; 74 FR 20555, May 4, 2009; 74 FR 37593, July 30, 
2009; 78 FR 27104, May 9, 2013; 80 FR 22131, Apr. 21, 2015; 80 FR 60569, 
Nov. 6, 2015; 81 FR 76524, Nov. 3, 2016; 82 FR 49299, Oct. 25, 2017]



Sec. 648.55  Specifications and framework adjustments to management
measures.

    (a) Specifications. (1) The Scallop Plan Development Team (PDT) 
shall meet at least every 2 years to assess the status of the scallop 
resource and to develop and recommend the following specifications for a 
period of up to 2 years, as well as second or third-year default 
measures, for consideration by the New England Fishery Management 
Council's Atlantic Sea Scallop Oversight Committee and Advisory Panel: 
OFL, overall ABC/ACL, sub-ACLs, sub-ACTs, DAS open area allocations, 
possession limits, modifications to rotational area management (e.g., 
schedule, rotational closures and openings, seasonal restrictions, 
modifications to boundaries, etc.), access area limited access poundage 
allocations and LAGC IFQ fleet-wide trip allocations, annual incidental 
catch target TAC, and NGOM TAL.
    (2) Based on the PDT recommendations and any public comments 
received, the Atlantic Sea Scallop Oversight Committee shall recommend 
appropriate specifications to the New England Fishery Management 
Council.
    (3) The Council shall review these recommendations and, after 
considering public comments, shall recommend appropriate specifications 
for up to 2 years, as well as second or third-year default measures, to 
NMFS. NMFS shall approve, disapprove, or partially approve the 
specifications recommended by the Council and publish the approved 
specifications in the Federal Register in accordance with the APA.
    (4) The PDT shall prepare a Stock Assessment and Fishery Evaluation 
(SAFE) Report at least every two years that provides the information and 
analysis needed to evaluate potential management adjustments. The 
preparation of the SAFE Report shall begin

[[Page 752]]

on or about June 1 of the year preceding the fishing year in which 
measures will be adjusted.
    (5) The PDT will meet at least once during the interim years to 
review the status of the stock relative to the overfishing definition if 
information is available to do so. If the Council determines, based on 
information provided by the PDT or other stock-related information, that 
the approved specifications should be adjusted during the 2-year time 
period, it can do so through the same process outlined in paragraphs 
(a)(2) through (a)(4) of this section during the interim year.
    (6) Rotational area management guidelines. The Council's development 
of rotational area management adjustments shall take into account at 
least the following factors: General rotation policy; boundaries and 
distribution of rotational closures; number of closures; minimum closure 
size; maximum closure extent; enforceability of rotational closed and 
re-opened areas; monitoring through resource surveys; and re-opening 
criteria. Rotational closures should be considered where projected 
annual change in scallop biomass is greater than 30 percent. Areas 
should be considered for Sea Scallop Rotational Areas where the 
projected annual change in scallop biomass is less than 15 percent.
    (7) Second and Third-year default specifications. The specifications 
action shall include default specifications that shall be effective in 
the second year after 1-year specifications and the third year after the 
2-year specifications expire until replaced by the measures included in 
the next specifications action. If the specifications action is not 
published in the Federal Register with an effective date on or before 
April 1, the following year's default specifications shall be effective 
beginning April 1 of each fishing year until any new specifications 
action is implemented and made effective during the second or third 
year, or for the entire fishing year if the specifications action is not 
completed or is not implemented by NMFS during the following year. The 
specifications action shall specify the measures necessary to address 
inconsistencies between specifications and default allocations for the 
period after April 1 but before the specifications action is implemented 
for that year. The default specifications, if implemented, shall remain 
in effect until they are revised through a subsequent specifications 
action.
    (b) [Reserved]
    (c) OFL, overall ABC/ACL, sub-ACLs, and sub-ACTs. The Council shall 
specify OFL, ABC, ACL, and ACT, as defined in Sec. 648.53, for each 
year covered under the specifications.
    (d) Yellowtail flounder and windowpane flounder sub-ACLs. The 
Council shall specify the yellowtail flounder and windowpane flounder 
sub-ACLs allocated to the scallop fishery through the framework 
adjustment process specified in Sec. 648.90.
    (e) Reserved]
    (f) Framework adjustments. The Council may at any time initiate a 
framework adjustment to add or adjust management measures within the 
Scallop FMP if it finds that action is necessary to meet or be 
consistent with the goals and objectives of the FMP. The Council shall 
develop and analyze appropriate management actions over the span of at 
least two Council meetings. To address interactions between the scallop 
fishery and sea turtles and other protected species, such adjustments 
may include proactive measures including, but not limited to, the timing 
of Sea Scallop Access Area openings, seasonal closures, gear 
modifications, increased observer coverage, and additional research. The 
Council shall provide the public with advance notice of the availability 
of both the proposals and the analyses, and opportunity to comment on 
them prior to and at the second Council meeting. The Council's 
recommendation on adjustments or additions to management measures may 
include specifications measures specified in paragraph (a) of this 
section, which must satisfy the criteria set forth Sec. 648.53(a) in 
order to prevent overfishing of the available biomass of scallops and 
ensure that OY is achieved on a continuing basis. Other measures that 
may be changed or implemented through framework action include:
    (1) Total allowable catch and DAS changes;
    (2) Shell height;
    (3) Offloading window reinstatement;

[[Page 753]]

    (4) Effort monitoring;
    (5) Data reporting;
    (6) Trip limits;
    (7) Gear restrictions;
    (8) Permitting restrictions;
    (9) Crew limits;
    (10) Small mesh line;
    (11) Onboard observers;
    (12) Modifications to the overfishing definition;
    (13) VMS Demarcation Line for DAS monitoring;
    (14) DAS allocations by gear type;
    (15) Temporary leasing of scallop DAS requiring full public 
hearings;
    (16) Scallop size restrictions, except a minimum size or weight of 
individual scallop meats in the catch;
    (17) Aquaculture enhancement measures and closures;
    (18) Closed areas to increase the size of scallops caught;
    (19) Modifications to the opening dates of closed areas;
    (20) Size and configuration of rotational management areas;
    (21) Controlled access seasons to minimize bycatch and maximize 
yield;
    (22) Area-specific trip allocations;
    (23) TAC specifications and seasons following re-opening;
    (24) Limits on number of area closures;
    (25) Set-asides for funding research;
    (26) Priorities for scallop-related research that is funded by 
research TAC set-aside;
    (27) Finfish TACs for controlled access areas;
    (28) Finfish possession limits;
    (29) Sea sampling frequency;
    (30) Area-specific gear limits and specifications;
    (31) Modifications to provisions associated with observer set-
asides; observer coverage; observer deployment; observer service 
provider; and/or the observer certification regulations;
    (32) Specifications for IFQs for limited access general category 
vessels;
    (33) Revisions to the cost recovery program for IFQs;
    (34) Development of general category fishing industry sectors and 
fishing cooperatives;
    (35) Adjustments to the Northern Gulf of Maine scallop fishery 
measures;
    (36) VMS requirements;
    (37) Increases or decreases in the LAGC possession limit;
    (38) Adjustments to aspects of ACL management, including 
accountability measures;
    (39) Adjusting EFH closed area management boundaries or other 
associated measures;
    (40) Changes to the SBRM, including the CV-based performance 
standard, the means by which discard data are collected/obtained, 
fishery stratification, the process for prioritizing observer sea-day 
allocations, reports, and/or industry-funded observers or observer set-
aside programs; and
    (41) Any other management measures currently included in the FMP.
    (g) The Council may make recommendations to the Regional 
Administrator to implement measures in accordance with the procedures 
described in this section to address gear conflict as defined under 
Sec. 600.10 of this chapter. In developing such recommendation, the 
Council shall define gear management areas, each not to exceed 2,700 
mi\2\ (6,993 km\2\), and seek industry comments by referring the matter 
to its standing industry advisory committee for gear conflict, or to any 
ad hoc industry advisory committee that may be formed. The standing 
industry advisory committee or ad hoc committee on gear conflict shall 
hold public meetings seeking comments from affected fishers and develop 
findings and recommendations on addressing the gear conflict. After 
receiving the industry advisory committee findings and recommendations, 
or at any other time, the Council shall determine whether it is 
necessary to adjust or add management measures to address gear conflicts 
and which FMPs must be modified to address such conflicts. If the 
Council determines that adjustments or additional measures are 
necessary, it shall develop and analyze appropriate management actions 
for the relevant FMPs over the span of at least two Council meetings. 
The Council shall provide the public with advance notice of the 
availability of the recommendation, the appropriate justification and 
economic and biological analyses, and opportunity to comment on them 
prior to and at the second or final Council meeting before submission to 
the Regional Administrator.

[[Page 754]]

The Council's recommendation on adjustments or additions to management 
measures for gear conflicts must come from one or more of the following 
categories:
    (1) Monitoring of a radio channel by fishing vessels;
    (2) Fixed-gear location reporting and plotting requirements;
    (3) Standards of operation when gear conflict occurs;
    (4) Fixed-gear marking and setting practices;
    (5) Gear restrictions for specific areas (including time and area 
closures);
    (6) VMS;
    (7) Restrictions on the maximum number of fishing vessels or amount 
of gear; and
    (8) Special permitting conditions.
    (h) The measures shall be evaluated and approved by the relevant 
committees with oversight authority for the affected FMPs. If there is 
disagreement between committees, the Council may return the proposed 
framework adjustment to the standing or ad hoc gear conflict committee 
for further review and discussion.
    (i) Unless otherwise specified, after developing a framework 
adjustment and receiving public testimony, the Council shall make a 
recommendation to the Regional Administrator. The Council's 
recommendation must include supporting rationale and, if management 
measures are recommended, an analysis of impacts and a recommendation to 
the Regional Administrator on whether to publish the framework 
adjustment as a final rule. If the Council recommends that the framework 
adjustment should be published as a final rule, the Council must 
consider at least the following factors and provide support and analysis 
for each factor considered:
    (1) Whether the availability of data on which the recommended 
management measures are based allows for adequate time to publish a 
proposed rule, and whether regulations have to be in place for an entire 
harvest/fishing season;
    (2) Whether there has been adequate notice and opportunity for 
participation by the public and members of the affected industry, 
consistent with the Administrative Procedure Act, in the development of 
the Council's recommended management measures;
    (3) Whether there is an immediate need to protect the resource or to 
impose management measures to resolve gear conflicts; and
    (4) Whether there will be a continuing evaluation of management 
measures adopted following their promulgation as a final rule.
    (j) If the Council's recommendation includes adjustments or 
additions to management measures, and if, after reviewing the Council's 
recommendation and supporting information:
    (1) The Regional Administrator approves the Council's recommended 
management measures, the Secretary may, for good cause found pursuant to 
the Administrative Procedure Act, waive the requirement for a proposed 
rule and opportunity for public comment in the Federal Register. The 
Secretary, in doing so, shall publish only the final rule. Submission of 
a recommendation by the Council for a final rule does not affect the 
Secretary's responsibility to comply with the Administrative Procedure 
Act; or
    (2) The Regional Administrator approves the Council's recommendation 
and determines that the recommended management measures should be 
published first as a proposed rule, the action shall be published as a 
proposed rule in the Federal Register. After additional public comment, 
if the Regional Administrator concurs with the Council recommendation, 
the action shall be published as a final rule in the Federal Register; 
or
    (3) The Regional Administrator does not concur, the Council shall be 
notified, in writing, of the reasons for the non-concurrence.
    (k) Nothing in this section is meant to derogate from the authority 
of the Secretary to take emergency action under section 305(c) of the 
Magnuson-Stevens Act.

[76 FR 43766, July 21, 2011, as amended at 77 FR 20740, Apr. 6, 2012; 79 
FR 34262, June 16, 2014; 80 FR 37194, June 30, 2015; 81 FR 76524, Nov. 
3, 2016; 87 FR 1699, Jan. 12, 2022]



Sec. 648.56  Scallop research.

    (a) At least biennially, in association with the biennial framework 
process, the Council and NMFS shall prepare

[[Page 755]]

and issue an announcement of Federal Funding Opportunity (FFO) that 
identifies research priorities for projects to be conducted by vessels 
using research set-aside as specified in paragraph (d) of this section 
and Sec. 648.59(e), provides requirements and instructions for applying 
for funding of a proposed RSA project, and specifies the date by which 
applications must be received. The FFO shall be published as soon as 
possible by NMFS and shall provide the opportunity for applicants to 
apply for projects to be awarded for 1 or 2 years by allowing applicants 
to apply for RSA funding for the first year, second year, or both.
    (b) Proposals submitted in response to the FFO must include the 
following information, as well as any other specific information 
required within the FFO: A project summary that includes the project 
goals and objectives, the relationship of the proposed research to 
scallop research priorities and/or management needs, project design, 
participants other than the applicant, funding needs, breakdown of 
costs, and the vessel(s) for which authorization is requested to conduct 
research activities.
    (c) NOAA shall make the final determination as to what proposals are 
approved and which vessels are authorized to take scallops in excess of 
possession limits, or take additional trips into Open, Access Areas, or 
the NGOM management area. NMFS shall provide authorization of such 
activities to specific vessels by letter of acknowledgement, letter of 
authorization, or Exempted Fishing Permit issued by the Regional 
Administrator, which must be kept on board the vessel.
    (d) Available RSA allocation shall be 1.275 million lb (578 mt) 
annually, which shall be deducted from the ABC/ACL specified in Sec. 
648.53(a) prior to setting ACLs for the limited access and LAGC fleets, 
as specified in Sec. 648.53(a)(3) and (4), respectively. Approved RSA 
projects shall be allocated an amount of scallop allocation that can be 
harvested in open areas, available access areas, and the NGOM. The 
specific access areas that are open to RSA harvest and the amount of 
NGOM allocation to be landed through RSA harvest shall be specified 
through the framework process as identified in Sec. 648.59(e)(1). In a 
year in which a framework adjustment is under review by the Council and/
or NMFS, NMFS shall make RSA awards prior to approval of the framework, 
if practicable, based on total scallop allocation needed to fund each 
research project. Recipients may begin compensation fishing in open 
areas prior to approval of the framework, or wait until NMFS approval of 
the framework to begin compensation fishing within approved access 
areas.
    (e) If all RSA TAC is not allocated in a fishing year, and proceeds 
from compensation fishing for approved projects fall short of funds 
needed to cover a project's budget due to a lower-than-expected scallop 
price, unused RSA allocation can be provided to that year's awarded 
projects to compensate for the funding shortfall, or to expand a 
project, rather than having that RSA go unused. NMFS shall identify the 
process for the reallocation of available RSA pounds as part of the FFO 
for the RSA program. The FFO shall specify the conditions under which a 
project that has been awarded RSA could be provided additional RSA 
pounds as supplemental compensation to account for lower-than-expected 
scallop price or for expansion of the project, timing of reallocation, 
and information submission requirements.
    (f) If all RSA pounds awarded to a project cannot be harvested 
during the applicable fishing year, RSA TAC awarded to that project may 
be harvested through June 30 of the fishing year subsequent to the 
fishing year in which the set-aside is awarded.
    (g) Vessels conducting research under an approved RSA project may be 
exempt from crew restrictions specified in Sec. 648.51, seasonal 
closures of access areas specified in Sec. 648.60, and the restriction 
on fishing in only one access area during a trip specified in Sec. 
648.59(b)(4). The RSA project proposal must list which of these measures 
for which an exemption is required. An exemption shall be provided by 
Letter of Authorization issued by the Regional Administrator. RSA 
compensation fishing trips and combined compensation and research trips 
are not eligible for these exemptions.

[[Page 756]]

    (h) Upon completion of scallop research projects approved pursuant 
to this section and the applicable NOAA grants review process, 
researchers must provide the Council and NMFS with a report of research 
findings, which must include at least the following: A detailed 
description of methods of data collection and analysis; a discussion of 
results and any relevant conclusions presented in a format that is 
understandable to a non-technical audience; and a detailed final 
accounting of all funds used to conduct the sea scallop research.

[76 FR 43769, July 21, 2011, as amended at 77 FR 20740, Apr. 6, 2012; 81 
FR 76525, Nov. 3, 2016; 83 FR 12862, Mar. 26, 2018; 86 FR 27049, May 19, 
2021; 87 FR 1699, Jan. 12, 2022]



Sec. Sec. 648.57-648.58  [Reserved]



Sec. 648.59  Sea Scallop Rotational Area Management Program
and Access Area Program requirements.

    (a) The Scallop Rotational Area Management Program consists of 
Scallop Rotational Areas, as defined in Sec. 648.2. Guidelines for this 
area rotation program (i.e., when to close an area and reopen it to 
scallop fishing) are provided in Sec. 648.55(a)(6). Whether a 
rotational area is open or closed to scallop fishing in a given year, 
and the appropriate level of access by limited access and LAGC IFQ 
vessels, are specified through the specifications or framework 
adjustment processes defined in Sec. 648.55. When a rotational area is 
open to the scallop fishery, it is called an Access Area and scallop 
vessels fishing in the area are subject to the Scallop Access Area 
Program Requirements specified in this section. Areas not defined as 
Scallop Rotational Areas specified in Sec. 648.60, Habitat Management 
Areas specified in Sec. 648.370, or areas closed to scallop fishing 
under other FMPs, are governed by other management measures and 
restrictions in this part and are referred to as Open Areas.
    (1) When a Scallop Rotational Area is closed to scallop fishing, a 
vessel issued any scallop permit may not fish for, possess, or land 
scallops in or from the area unless the vessel is transiting pursuant to 
paragraph (a)(2) of this section. A vessel may fish for species other 
than scallops within the rotational closed areas, provided the vessel 
does not fish for, catch, or retain scallops or intend to fish for, 
catch, or retain scallops. When a Scallop Rotational Area is open to 
scallop fishing (henceforth referred to as an Access Area), a scallop 
vessel may not fish for, possess, or land scallops in or from the area 
unless it is participating in, and complies with the requirements of, 
the Scallop Access Area Program Requirements defined in paragraphs (b) 
through (g) of this section or the vessel is transiting pursuant to 
paragraph (a)(3) of this section.
    (2) Transiting a Scallop Rotational Closed Area. No vessel 
possessing scallops may enter or be in the area(s) specified in this 
section when those areas are closed, as specified through the 
specifications or framework adjustment processes defined in Sec. 
648.55, unless the vessel is transiting the area and the vessel's 
fishing gear is stowed and not available for immediate use as defined in 
Sec. 648.2, or there is a compelling safety reason to be in such areas 
without such gear being stowed. A vessel may only transit the New York 
Bight Scallop Rotational Area, as defined in Sec. 648.60(j), if there 
is a compelling safety reason for transiting the area and the vessel's 
fishing gear is stowed and not available for immediate use as defined in 
Sec. 648.2.
    (3) Transiting a Scallop Rotational Access Area. Any sea scallop 
vessel that has not declared a trip into the Scallop Access Area Program 
may enter a Scallop Access Area, and possess scallops not caught in the 
Scallop Access Areas, for transiting purposes only, provided the 
vessel's fishing gear is stowed and not available for immediate use as 
defined in Sec. 648.2. Any scallop vessel that has declared a trip into 
the Scallop Area Access Program may not enter or be in another Scallop 
Access Area on the same trip except such vessel may transit another 
Scallop Access Area provided its gear is stowed and not available for 
immediate use as defined in Sec. 648.2, or there is a compelling safety 
reason to be in such areas without such gear being stowed. A vessel may 
only transit the Area II Scallop Rotational Area, as defined in Sec. 
648.60(b), if there is a compelling safety reason for transiting the 
area and

[[Page 757]]

the vessel's fishing gear is stowed and not available for immediate use 
as defined in Sec. 648.2.
    (3) Transiting a Scallop Rotational Access Area. Any sea scallop 
vessel that has not declared a trip into the Scallop Access Area Program 
may enter a Scallop Access Area, and possess scallops not caught in the 
Scallop Access Areas, for transiting purposes only, provided the 
vessel's fishing gear is stowed and not available for immediate use as 
defined in Sec. 648.2. Any scallop vessel that has declared a trip into 
the Scallop Area Access Program may not enter or be in another Scallop 
Access Area on the same trip except such vessel may transit another 
Scallop Access Area provided its gear is stowed and not available for 
immediate use as defined in Sec. 648.2, or there is a compelling safety 
reason to be in such areas without such gear being stowed. A vessel may 
only transit the Closed Area II Scallop Rotational Area, as defined in 
Sec. 648.60(b)(1), if there is a compelling safety reason for 
transiting the area and the vessel's fishing gear is stowed and not 
available for immediate use as defined in Sec. 648.2.
    (b) A limited access scallop vessel may only fish in the Scallop 
Rotational Areas, defined in Sec. 648.60, when the areas are open 
(i.e., Access Areas), as specified through the specifications or 
framework adjustment processes defined in Sec. 648.55, subject to any 
additional restrictions specified in Sec. 648.60, provided the vessel 
complies with the requirements specified in paragraphs (b)(1) through 
(b)(9), and (c) through (f) of this section. An LAGC scallop vessel may 
fish in the Scallop Rotational Areas, defined in Sec. 648.60, when the 
areas are open (i.e., Access Areas), as specified through the 
specifications or framework adjustment processes defined in Sec. 
648.55, subject to any additional requirements specified in Sec. 
648.60, provided the vessel complies with the requirements specified in 
paragraph (g) of this section.
    (1) VMS. Each vessel participating in the Scallop Access Area 
Program must have installed on board an operational VMS unit that meets 
the minimum performance criteria specified in Sec. Sec. 648.9 and 
648.10, and paragraphs (b)(9) and (f) of this section.
    (2) Vessels participating in the Scallop Access Area Program must 
comply with the trip declaration requirements specified in Sec. 
648.10(f) and vessel notification requirements specified in Sec. 
648.11(k) for observer deployment.
    (3) Scallop Rotational Access Area allocations--(i) Limited access 
vessel allocations and possession limits. (A) Except as provided in 
paragraph (c) of this section, the specifications or framework 
adjustment processes defined in Sec. 648.55 determine the total amount 
of scallops, in weight, that a limited access scallop vessel may harvest 
from Scallop Access Areas during applicable seasons specified in Sec. 
648.60. A vessel may not possess or land in excess of its scallop 
allocation assigned to specific Scallop Access Areas, unless authorized 
by the Regional Administrator, as specified in paragraph (d) of this 
section, unless the vessel owner has exchanged an area-specific scallop 
allocation with another vessel owner for additional scallop allocation 
in that area, as specified in paragraph (b)(3)(ii) of this section. A 
vessel may harvest its scallop allocation on any number of trips in a 
given fishing year, provided that no single trip exceeds the possession 
limits specified in the specifications or framework adjustment processes 
defined in Sec. 648.55, unless authorized by the Regional 
Administrator, as specified in paragraphs (c) and (d) of this section. 
No vessel declared into the Scallop Access Areas may possess more than 
3,332 lb (1,511 kg) of in-shell scallops outside of the Scallop 
Rotational Area boundaries defined in Sec. 648.60.
    (B) The following access area allocations and possession limits for 
limited access vessels shall be effective for the 2023 and 2024 fishing 
years:
    (1) Full-time vessels. (i) For a full-time limited access vessel, 
the possession limit and allocations are:

[[Page 758]]



                                     Table 1 to Paragraph (b)(3)(i)(B)(1)(i)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                          Scallop possession                             2024 Scallop allocation
        Rotational access area                  limit           2023 Scallop allocation          (default)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Area II..............................  12,000 lb (5,443 kg)     24,000 lb (10,886 kg)..  0 lb (0 kg).
                                        per trip.
                                                               -------------------------------------------------
    Total............................  .......................  24,000 lb (10,886 kg)..  0 lb (0 kg).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (ii) [Reserved]
    (2) Part-time vessels. (i) For a part-time limited access vessel, 
the possession limit and allocations are as follows:

                                     Table 2 to Paragraph (b)(3)(i)(B)(2)(i)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                          Scallop possession                             2024 Scallop allocation
        Rotational access area                  limit           2023 Scallop allocation          (default)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Area II..............................  9,600 lb (4,082 kg) per  9,600 lb (4,354 kg)....  0 lb (0 kg).
                                        trip.
                                                               -------------------------------------------------
    Total............................  .......................  9,600 lb (4,354 kg)....  0 lb (0 kg).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) Occasional limited access vessels. (i) For the 2023 fishing year 
only, an occasional limited access vessel is allocated 2,000 lb (907 kg) 
of scallops with a trip possession limit at 2,000 lb of scallops per 
trip (907 kg per trip). Occasional limited access vessels may harvest 
the 2,000 lb (907 kg) allocation from Area II Access Area.
    (ii) For the 2024 fishing year, occasional limited access vessels 
are not allocated scallops in any rotational access area.
    (ii) Limited access vessels' one-for-one area access allocation 
exchanges--(A) Full-time limited access vessels. (1) The owner of a 
vessel issued a full-time limited access scallop permit may exchange 
unharvested scallop pounds allocated into one access area for another 
vessel's unharvested scallop pounds allocated into another scallop 
access area. These exchanges may be made only in 7,500-lb (3,402-kg) 
increments. For example, a full-time vessel may exchange 7,500 lb (3,402 
kg) from one access area for 7,500 lb (3,402 kg) allocated to another 
full-time vessel for another access area. Further, a full-time vessel 
may exchange 15,000 lb (6,804 kg) from one access area for 15,000 lb 
(6,804 kg) allocated to another full-time vessel for another access 
area. In addition, these exchanges may be made only between vessels with 
the same permit category: A full-time vessel may not exchange 
allocations with a part-time vessel, and vice versa. Vessel owners must 
request these exchanges by submitting a completed Access Area Allocation 
Exchange Form at least 15 days before the date on which the applicant 
desires the exchange to be effective. Exchange forms are available from 
the Regional Administrator upon request. Each vessel owner involved in 
an exchange is required to submit a completed Access Area Allocation 
Form. The Regional Administrator shall review the records for each 
vessel to confirm that each vessel has enough unharvested allocation 
remaining in a given access area to exchange. The exchange is not 
effective until the vessel owner(s) receive a confirmation in writing 
from the Regional Administrator that the allocation exchange has been 
made effective. A vessel owner may exchange equal allocations in 7,500-
lb (3,402-kg) increments between two or more vessels of the same permit 
category under his/her ownership. A vessel owner holding a Confirmation 
of Permit History is not eligible to exchange allocations between 
another vessel and the vessel for which a Confirmation of Permit History 
has been issued.
    (2) [Reserved]
    (B) Part-time limited access vessels. The owner of a vessel issued a 
part-time limited access scallop permit may exchange unharvested scallop 
pounds allocated into one access area for another part-time vessel's 
unharvested

[[Page 759]]

scallop pounds allocated into another scallop access area. These 
exchanges may be made only for the amount of the current trip possession 
limit, as specified in paragraph (b)(3)(i)(B)(2) of this section. For 
example, if the access area trip possession limit for part-time limited 
access vessels is 9,000 lb (4,082 kg), a part-time limited access vessel 
may exchange no more or less than 9,000 lb (4,082 kg), from one access 
area for no more or less than 9,000 lb (4,082 kg) allocated to another 
vessel for another access area. In addition, these exchanges may be made 
only between vessels with the same permit category: A full-time limited 
access vessel may not exchange allocations with a part-time vessel, and 
vice versa. Vessel owners must request these exchanges by submitting a 
completed Access Area Allocation Exchange Form at least 15 days before 
the date on which the applicant desires the exchange to be effective. 
Exchange forms are available from the Regional Administrator upon 
request. Each vessel owner involved in an exchange is required to submit 
a completed Access Area Allocation Form. The Regional Administrator 
shall review the records for each vessel to confirm that each vessel has 
enough unharvested allocation remaining in a given access area to 
exchange. The exchange is not effective until the vessel owner(s) 
receive a confirmation in writing from the Regional Administrator that 
the allocation exchange has been made effective. A part-time limited 
access vessel owner may exchange equal allocations up to the current 
possession limit between two or more vessels under his/her ownership. A 
vessel owner holding a Confirmation of Permit History is not eligible to 
exchange allocations between another vessel and the vessel for which a 
Confirmation of Permit History has been
    (4) Area fished. While on a Scallop Access Area trip, a vessel may 
not fish for, possess, or land scallops in or from areas outside the 
Scallop Access Area in which the vessel operator has declared the vessel 
will fish during that trip, and may not enter or exit the specific 
declared Scallop Access Area more than once per trip unless there is a 
compelling safety reason. A vessel on a Scallop Access Area trip may not 
enter or be in another Scallop Access Area on the same trip except such 
vessel may transit another Scallop Access Area as provided for under 
paragraph (a)(3) of this section.
    (5) NE multispecies possession limits--(i) Maximum possession limit 
of NE Multispecies combined. A vessel owner or operator of a limited 
access scallop vessel issued a valid NE multispecies permit as specified 
in Sec. 648.4(a)(1), that has declared into a Scallop Access Area and 
fishes within the open Scallop Rotational Area boundaries defined in 
Sec. 648.60, may fish for, possess, and land, per trip, up to a maximum 
of 1,000 lb (453.6 kg) of all NE multispecies combined, excluding 
yellowtail flounder, subject to the minimum commercial fish size 
restrictions specified in Sec. 648.83(a)(1), and the additional 
restrictions for Atlantic cod, haddock, and yellowtail flounder 
specified in paragraphs (b)(5)(ii) through (iv) of this section.
    (ii) Atlantic cod. Such vessel may bring onboard and possess only up 
to 100 lb (45.4 kg) of Atlantic cod per trip, provided such fish is 
intended for personal use only and cannot be not sold, traded, or 
bartered.
    (iii) Haddock. Such vessel may possess and land haddock up to the 
overall possession limit of all NE multispecies combined, as specified 
in paragraph (b)(5)(ii) of this section, except that such vessel are 
prohibited from possessing or landing haddock from January 1 through 
June 30.
    (iv) Yellowtail flounder. Such vessel is prohibited from fishing 
for, possessing, or landing yellowtail flounder.
    (6) Gear restrictions. (i) The minimum ring size for dredge gear 
used by a vessel fishing on a Scallop Access Area trip is 4 inches (10.2 
cm) in diameter. Dredge or trawl gear used by a vessel fishing on a 
Scallop Access Area trip must be in accordance with the restrictions 
specified in Sec. 648.51(a) and (b).
    (ii) Vessels fishing in the Area II Scallop Rotational Area defined 
in Sec. 648.60(b) are prohibited from fishing with trawl gear as 
specified in Sec. 648.51(f)(1).
    (7) Transiting. While outside a Sea Scallop Access Area (i.e., in 
open areas) on a Scallop Access Area trip, the vessel must have all 
fishing gear stowed

[[Page 760]]

and not available for immediate use as defined in Sec. 648.2, unless 
there is a compelling safety reason to be transiting open areas without 
gear stowed. Regulations pertaining to transiting Scallop Rotational 
Areas are provided for under paragraph (a)(3) of this section.
    (8) Off-loading restrictions. The vessel may not offload its catch 
from a Scallop Access Area trip at more than one location per trip.
    (9) Reporting. The owner or operator must submit scallop catch 
reports through the VMS, as specified in Sec. 648.10(f)(4)(i), and 
limited access scallop access area pre-landing notification forms, as 
specified in Sec. 648.10(f)(4)(iii).
    (c) Scallop Access Area scallop allocation carryover. With the 
exception of vessels that held a Confirmation of Permit History as 
described in Sec. 648.4(a)(2)(i)(J) for the entire fishing year 
preceding the carry-over year, a limited access scallop vessel may fish 
any unharvested Scallop Access Area allocation from a given fishing year 
within the first 60 days of the subsequent fishing year if the Scallop 
Access Area is open, unless otherwise specified in this section. 
However, the vessel may not exceed the Scallop Rotational Area trip 
possession limit. For example, if a full-time vessel has 7,000 lb (3,175 
kg) remaining in the Closed Area II Access Area at the end of fishing 
year 2022, that vessel may harvest those 7,000 lb (3,175 kg) during the 
first 60 days that the Closed Area II Access Area is open in fishing 
year 2023 (April 1, 2023 through May 30, 2023).
    (d) Possession limit to defray the cost of observers. The Regional 
Administrator may increase the sea scallop possession limit through the 
specifications or framework adjustment processes defined in Sec. 648.55 
to defray costs of at-sea observers deployed on area access trips 
subject to the limits specified Sec. 648.53(g). An owner of a scallop 
vessel shall be notified of the increase in the possession limit through 
a permit holder letter issued by the Regional Administrator. If the 
observer set-aside is fully utilized prior to the end of the fishing 
year, the Regional Administrator shall notify owners of scallop vessels 
that, effective on a specified date, the increase in the possession 
limit is no longer available to offset the cost of observers. Unless 
otherwise notified by the Regional Administrator, vessel owners shall be 
responsible for paying the cost of the observer, regardless of whether 
the vessel lands or sells sea scallops on that trip, and regardless of 
the availability of set-aside for an increased possession limit. If a 
vessel does not land its additional allowance on the trip while carrying 
an observer, the additional allowance will be added to the vessel's IFQ 
allocation or the vessel's allocation for the Scallop Rotational Area 
that was fished. The vessel may land the remainder of its allowance on a 
subsequent trip. However, the vessel may not exceed the IFQ or Scallop 
Rotational Area trip possession limit, as described in Sec. 648.52(a) 
or Sec. 648.59(b), respectively, unless it is actively carrying an 
observer.
    (e) Sea Scallop Research Set-Aside Harvest in Scallop Access Areas. 
Unless otherwise specified, RSA may be harvested in any access area that 
is open in a given fishing year, as specified through a specifications 
action or framework adjustment and pursuant to Sec. 648.56. The amount 
of scallops that can be harvested in each access area by vessels 
participating in approved RSA projects shall be determined through the 
RSA application review and approval process. The access areas open for 
RSA harvest for fishing years 2022 and 2023 are:
    (1) 2023: Nantucket Lightship-North Scallop Rotational Area only for 
LAGC IFQ vessels during the first 90 days of fishing year 2023.
    (2) 2024: No access areas.
    (f) VMS polling. For the duration of the Sea Scallop Area Access 
Program, as defined in this section, all sea scallop vessels equipped 
with a VMS unit shall be polled at a minimum of twice per hour, 
regardless of whether the vessel is enrolled in the Sea Scallop Area 
Access Program. Vessel owners shall be responsible for paying the costs 
of polling twice per hour.
    (g) Limited Access General Category vessels. (1) An LAGC scallop 
vessel may only fish in the scallop rotational areas specified in Sec. 
648.60 or in paragraph (g)(3)(iv) of this section, subject to any 
additional restrictions specified in Sec. 648.60, subject to the 
possession limit

[[Page 761]]

and access area schedule specified in the specifications or framework 
adjustment processes defined in Sec. 648.55, provided the vessel 
complies with the requirements specified in paragraphs (b)(1), (2), and 
(6) through (9) and (d) through (g) of this section. A vessel issued 
both a NE multispecies permit and an LAGC scallop permit may fish in an 
approved SAP under Sec. 648.85 and under multispecies DAS in the Area 
II and Nantucket Lightship North Scallop Rotational Area specified in 
Sec. 648.60, when open, provided the vessel complies with the 
requirements specified in Sec. 648.59 and this paragraph (g), but may 
not fish for, possess, or land scallops on such trips.
    (2) Limited Access General Category Gear restrictions. An LAGC IFQ 
scallop vessel authorized to fish in the Scallop Rotational Areas 
specified in Sec. 648.60 that lay east of 72[deg]30[min] W. lat. must 
fish with dredge gear only. The combined dredge width in use by, or in 
possession on board of, an LAGC scallop vessel fishing in these areas 
may not exceed 10.5 ft (3.2 m). The combined dredge width in use by, or 
in possession on board of, an LAGC scallop vessel fishing in the 
remaining Scallop Rotational Areas defined in Sec. 648.60 may not 
exceed 31 ft (9.4 m). Dredge width is measured at the widest point in 
the bail of the dredge.
    (3) LAGC IFQ Access Area trips. (i) An LAGC scallop vessel 
authorized to fish in the Scallop Rotational Areas specified in Sec. 
648.60 or in paragraph (g)(3)(iv) of this section may land scallops, 
subject to the possession limit specified in Sec. 648.52(a)(2), unless 
the Regional Administrator has issued a notice that the number of LAGC 
IFQ access area trips have been or are projected to be taken. All LAGC 
IFQ access area trips must be taken in the fishing year that they are 
allocated (i.e., there are no carryover trips). The total number of LAGC 
IFQ trips in an Access Area is specified in the specifications or 
framework adjustment processes defined in Sec. 648.55.
    (ii) Scallops landed by each LAGC IFQ vessel on an access area trip 
shall count against the vessel's IFQ.
    (iii) Upon a determination from the Regional Administrator that the 
total number of LAGC IFQ trips in a specified Access Area have been or 
are projected to be taken, the Regional Administrator shall publish 
notification of this determination in the Federal Register, in 
accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act. Once this 
determination has been made, an LAGC IFQ scallop vessel may not fish 
for, possess, or land scallops in or from the specified Access Area 
after the effective date of the notification published in the Federal 
Register.
    (iv) Allocation of Scallop Access Area Trips. Unless otherwise 
specified by the Council through the framework adjustment or 
specifications process defined in Sec. 648.55, the LAGC IFQ access area 
trip allocations, specified in paragraph (v) of this section, shall be 
set at 5.5 percent of the total expected access area harvest for each 
year.
    (v) LAGC IFQ access area allocations. The following LAGC IFQ access 
area trip allocations will be effective for the 2023 and 2024 fishing 
years:

                     Table 3 to Paragraph (g)(3)(v)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   2024
                  Scallop access area                     2023     \1\
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nantucket Lightship--North/Area II....................      571        0
                                                       -----------------
    Total.............................................      571        0
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The LAGC IFQ access area trip allocations for the 2024 fishing year
  are subject to change through a future specifications action or
  framework adjustment.

    (4) Possession limits--(i)Scallops. (A) A vessel issued a NE 
multispecies permit and a general category scallop permit that is 
fishing in an approved SAP under Sec. 648.85 under multispecies DAS, 
and that has not declared into the Scallop Access Area Program, is 
prohibited from possessing scallops.
    (B) An LAGC scallop vessel authorized to fish in the Scallop 
Rotational Areas specified in Sec. 648.60 may possess scallops up to 
the possession limit specified in Sec. 648.52(a), unless otherwise 
authorized pursuant to paragraph (d) of this section.
    (ii) Other species. Unless issued an LAGC IFQ scallop permit and 
fishing under an approved NE multispecies SAP under NE multispecies DAS, 
an LAGC IFQ vessel fishing in the Area II Rotational Area specified in 
Sec. 648.60, and the Nantucket Lightship North Scallop Access Area 
specified in paragraph (g)(3)(iv) of this section is prohibited from 
possessing any species of

[[Page 762]]

fish other than scallops and monkfish, as specified in Sec. 
648.94(c)(8)(i). Such a vessel may fish in an approved SAP under Sec. 
648.85 and under multispecies DAS in the scallop access area, provided 
that it has not declared into the Scallop Access Area Program. Such a 
vessel is prohibited from fishing for, possessing, or landing scallops.

[81 FR 76525, Nov. 3, 2016, as amended at 82 FR 15162, Mar. 27, 2017; 83 
FR 15263, Apr. 9, 2018; 83 FR 17309, Apr. 19, 2018; 84 FR 11443, Apr. 1, 
2019; 85 FR 7442, Feb. 7, 2020; 85 FR 17762, Mar. 31, 2020; 86 FR 27049, 
May 19, 2021; 87 FR 1699, Jan. 12, 2022; 87 FR 18285, Mar. 30, 2022; 88 
FR 19567, Apr. 3, 2023]



Sec. 648.60  Sea Scallop Rotational Areas.

    (a) [Reserved]
    (b) Area II Scallop Rotational Area--(1) Area II Scallop Rotational 
Area boundary. The Area II Scallop Rotational Area is defined by 
straight lines connecting the following points in the order stated 
(copies of a chart depicting this area are available from the Regional 
Administrator upon request):

                       Table 1 to Paragraph (b)(1)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Point                 N latitude      W longitude     Note
------------------------------------------------------------------------
AII1...........................  41[deg]30[min]  67[deg]20[min]
AII2...........................  41[deg]30[min]           (\1\)    (\2\)
AII3...........................  40[deg]40[min]           (\3\)    (\2\)
AII4...........................  40[deg]40[min]  67[deg]20[min]
AII1...........................  41[deg]30[min]  67[deg]20[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The intersection of 41[deg]30[min] N lat. and the U.S.-Canada
  Maritime Boundary, approximately 41[deg]30[min] N lat.,
  66[deg]34.73[min] W long.
\2\ From Point AII2 connected to Point AII3 along the U.S.-Canada
  Maritime Boundary.
\3\ The intersection of 40[deg]40[min] N lat. and the U.S.-Canada
  Maritime Boundary, approximately 40[deg]40[min] N lat. and
  65[deg]52.61[min] W long.

    (2) Season. (i) A vessel issued a scallop permit may not fish for, 
possess, or land scallops in or from the area known as the Area II 
Scallop Rotational Area, defined in paragraph (b)(1) of this section, 
during the period of August 15 through November 15 of each year the Area 
II Access Area is open to scallop vessels, unless transiting pursuant to 
Sec. 648.59(a).
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (c) Area I Scallop Rotational Area. The Area I Scallop Rotational 
Area is defined by straight lines connecting the following points in the 
order stated (copies of a chart depicting this area are available from 
the Regional Administrator upon request):

                        Table 2 to Paragraph (c)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Point                     N latitude      W longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
AIA1....................................  41[deg]30[min]  68[deg]30[min]
AIA2....................................  40[deg]58[min]  68[deg]30[min]
AIA3....................................  40[deg]54.95[m  68[deg]53.37[m
                                                     in]             in]
AIA4....................................  41[deg]30[min]  69[deg]23[min]
AIA1....................................  41[deg]30[min]  68[deg]30[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (d)--(f) [Reserved]
    (g) Nantucket Lightship--North Scallop Rotational Area--(1) 
Boundaries. The Nantucket Lightship North Scallop Rotational Area is 
defined by straight lines connecting the following points in the order 
stated (copies of a chart depicting this area are available from the 
Regional Administrator upon request):

                       Table 3 to Paragraph (g)(1)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Point                     N latitude      W longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NLSN1...................................  40[deg]50[min]  69[deg]30[min]
NLSN2...................................  40[deg]50[min]  69[deg]00[min]
NLSN3...................................  40[deg]28[min]  69[deg]00[min]
NLSN4...................................  40[deg]28[min]  69[deg]30[min]
NLSN1...................................  40[deg]50[min]  69[deg]30[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) Season. (i) For the 2023 fishing year, a limited access vessel 
may not fish for, possess, or land scallops in or from the area known as 
the Nantucket Lightship North Scallop Rotational Area, defined in 
paragraph (g)(1) of this section, during the period of April 1 through 
June 29, unless transiting pursuant to Sec. 648.59(a). One June 30, the 
Nantucket Lightship North Scallop Rotational Area shall become part of 
the open area for limited access vessels.
    (ii) For the 2023 fishing year, upon a determination from the 
Regional Administrator that the total number of LAGC IFQ access area 
trips have been or are projected to be taken, the Nantucket Lightship 
North Scallop Rotational Area shall become part of the open area for 
LAGC IFQ vessels.
    (h) [Reserved]
    (i) Nantucket Lightship--West Scallop Rotational Area. The Nantucket 
Lightship-West Scallop Rotational Area is defined by straight lines 
connecting the following points in the order stated (copies of a chart 
depicting this area are available from the Regional Administrator upon 
request):

[[Page 763]]



                        Table 4 to Paragraph (i)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Point                     N latitude      W longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NLSW1...................................  40[deg]43.44[m  70[deg]20[min]
                                                     in]
NLSW2...................................  40[deg]43.44[m  70[deg]00[min]
                                                     in]
NLSW3...................................  40[deg]43.44[m  69[deg]30[min]
                                                     in]
NLSW4...................................  40[deg]20[min]  69[deg]30[min]
NLSW5...................................  40[deg]20[min]  70[deg]00[min]
NLSW6...................................  40[deg]26.63[m  70[deg]20[min]
                                                     in]
NLSW1...................................  40[deg]43.44[m  70[deg]20[min]
                                                     in]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (j) New York Bight Scallop Rotational Area. The New York Bight 
Scallop Rotational Area is defined by straight lines connecting the 
following points in the order stated (copies of a chart depicting this 
area are available from the Regional Administrator upon request):

                        Table 5 to Paragraph (j)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Point                     N latitude      W longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NYB1....................................  40[deg]00[min]  73[deg]20[min]
NYB2....................................  40[deg]00[min]  72[deg]30[min]
NYB3....................................  39[deg]20[min]  72[deg]30[min]
NYB4....................................  39[deg]20[min]  73[deg]20[min]
NYB1....................................  40[deg]00[min]  73[deg]20[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (k) Elephant Trunk Scallop Rotational Area. The Elephant Trunk 
Scallop Rotational Area is defined by straight lines connecting the 
following points in the order stated (copies of a chart depicting this 
area are available from the Regional Administrator upon request):

                        Table 6 to Paragraph (k)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Point                     N latitude      W longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ET1.....................................  38[deg]50[min]  74[deg]20[min]
ET2.....................................  38[deg]50[min]  73[deg]30[min]
ET3.....................................  38[deg]10[min]  73[deg]30[min]
ET4.....................................  38[deg]10[min]  74[deg]20[min]
ET1.....................................  38[deg]50[min]  74[deg]20[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[85 FR 17764, Mar. 31, 2020, as amended at 86 FR 27051, May 19, 2021; 87 
FR 18287, Mar. 30, 2022; 88 FR 19568, Apr. 3, 2023]



Sec. 648.61  [Reserved]



Sec. 648.62  Northern Gulf of Maine (NGOM) Management Program.

    (a) The NGOM scallop management area is the area north of 
42[deg]20[min] N lat. and within the boundaries of the Gulf of Maine 
Scallop Dredge Exemption Area as specified in Sec. 648.80(h)(3)(i). To 
fish for or possess scallops in the NGOM scallop management area, a 
vessel must have been issued a scallop permit as specified in Sec. 
648.4(a)(2).
    (1) If a vessel has been issued a NGOM scallop permit, the vessel is 
restricted to fishing for or possessing scallops only in the NGOM 
scallop management area.
    (2) Scallop landings by vessels issued NGOM permits shall be 
deducted from the NGOM Set-Aside, as defined in Sec. 648.53(a)(8)(iii), 
and specified in paragraph (b)(1) of this section, when vessels fished 
all or part of a trip in the Federal waters portion of the NGOM. If a 
vessel with a NGOM scallop permit fishes exclusively in state waters 
within the NGOM, scallop landings from those trips will not be deducted 
from the NGOM Set-Aside.
    (3) Scallop landings by all vessels issued LAGC IFQ scallop permits 
and fishing in the NGOM scallop management area against the NGOM Set-
Aside, as defined in Sec. 648.53(a)(8)(iii), shall be deducted from 
NGOM Set-Aside specified in paragraph (b)(1) of this section. Scallop 
landings by LAGC IFQ scallop vessels fishing in the NGOM scallop 
management area shall be deducted from their respective scallop IFQs. 
Landings by vessels with incidental permits shall not be deducted from 
the NGOM total allowable catch specified in paragraph (b) of this 
section.
    (4) [Reserved]
    (5) Scallop landings by all vessels issued scallop permits and 
fishing in the NGOM under the scallop RSA program (as specified in Sec. 
648.56) shall be deducted from the overall RSA allocation.
    (b) NGOM Scallop Fishery landings limits. (1) The following landings 
limits will be effective for the NGOM for the 2023 and 2024 fishing 
years.

                       Table 1 to Paragraph (b)(1)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Landings limits                2023                2024 \1\
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NGOM TAL....................  434,311 lb (197,000   318,573 (114,502
                               kg).                  kg)(\3\).
1 percent NGOM ABC for        10,538 lb (4,780 kg)  7,932 (3,598
 Observers.                                          kg)(\3\).
RSA Contribution............  25,000 lb (11,340     25,000 lb (11,340
                               kg).                  kg).
NGOM Set-Aside \2\..........  380,855 lb (172,753   285,641 lb (129,565
                               kg).                  kg).

[[Page 764]]

 
NGOM APL....................  (\4\)...............  (\4\).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The landings limits for the 2024 fishing year are subject to change
  through a future specifications action or framework adjustment.
\2\ For fishing year 2023 the NGOM Set-Aside has been reduced by 17,918
  lb (8,127 kg) to account for a limited access general category NGOM
  total allowable catch overage in 2021.
\3\ The catch limits for the 2024 fishing year are subject to change
  through a future specifications action or framework adjustment. This
  includes the setting of an APL for 2024 that will be based on the 2023
  annual scallop surveys.
\4\ NGOM APL is set when the NGOM Set-Aside is above 800,000 lb (36,2874
  kg).

    (2) Unless a vessel has fished for scallops outside of the NGOM 
scallop management area and is transiting the NGOM scallop management 
area with all fishing gear stowed and not available for immediate use as 
defined in Sec. 648.2, no vessel issued an LAGC scallop permit pursuant 
to Sec. 648.4(a)(2) may possess, retain, or land scallops in the NGOM 
scallop management area once the Regional Administrator has provided 
notification in the Federal Register that the NGOM Set-Aside in 
accordance with paragraph (b)(1) of this section has been reached, 
unless the vessel is participating in the scallop RSA program as 
specified in Sec. 648.56 and has been allocated NGOM RSA pounds. Once 
the NGOM Set-Aside is reached, a vessel issued a NGOM permit may no 
longer declare a state-only NGOM scallop trip and fish for scallops 
exclusively in state waters within the NGOM, unless participating in the 
state waters exemption program as specified in Sec. 648.54. A vessel 
that has not been issued a Federal scallop permit that fishes 
exclusively in state waters is not subject to the closure of the NGOM 
scallop management area.
    (3) If the NGOM Set-Aside is exceeded, the amount of NGOM scallop 
landings in excess of the NGOM Set-Aside specified in paragraph (b)(1) 
of this section shall be deducted from the NGOM Set-Aside for the 
subsequent fishing year, or, as soon as practicable, once scallop 
landings data for the NGOM management area is available.
    (c) VMS requirements. Except scallop vessels issued a Federal 
scallop permit pursuant to Sec. 648.4(a)(2)(i) that have declared a 
NGOM trip under the scallop RSA program, a vessel issued a scallop 
permit pursuant to Sec. 648.4(a)(2) that intends to fish for scallops 
in the NGOM scallop management area or fishes for, possesses, or lands 
scallops in or from the NGOM scallop management area, must declare a 
NGOM scallop management area trip and report scallop catch through the 
vessel's VMS unit, as required in Sec. 648.10. If the vessel has a NGOM 
or IFQ permit, the vessel must declare either a Federal NGOM trip or a 
state-waters NGOM trip. If a vessel intends to fish any part of a NGOM 
trip in Federal NGOM waters, it may not declare into the state water 
NGOM fishery.
    (d) Gear restrictions. Except scallop vessels issued a limited 
access scallop permit pursuant to Sec. 648.4(a)(2)(i) that have 
properly declared a NGOM trip under the scallop RSA program, the 
combined dredge width in use by, or in possession on board, LAGC scallop 
vessels fishing in the NGOM scallop management area may not exceed 10.5 
ft (3.2 m), measured at the widest point in the bail of the dredge.

[73 FR 20131, Apr. 14, 2008, as amended at 75 FR 36576, June 28, 2010; 
76 FR 43770, 43797, July 21, 2011; 77 FR 20741, Apr. 6, 2012; 78 FR 
27108, May 9, 2013; 79 FR 52580, Sept. 4, 2014; 81 FR 26786, May 4, 
2016; 81 FR 76529, Nov. 3, 2016; 82 FR 15163, Mar. 27, 2017; 83 FR 
12862, Mar. 26, 2018; 84 FR 11445, Apr. 1, 2019; 85 FR 2324, Jan. 15, 
2020; 85 FR 17766, Mar. 31, 2020; 86 FR 27051, May 19, 2021; 87 FR 
18287, Mar. 30, 2022; 88 FR 19569, Apr. 3, 2023]



Sec. 648.63  General category Sectors and harvesting cooperatives.

    (a) Procedure for implementing Sector allocation proposals. (1) Any 
person may submit a Sector allocation proposal for a group of LAGC 
scallop vessels to the Council, at least 1 year in advance of the start 
of the proposed sector, and request that the Sector be implemented 
through a framework procedure specified at Sec. 648.55, in accordance 
with the conditions and restrictions of this section.

[[Page 765]]

    (2) Upon receipt of a Sector allocation proposal, the Council must 
decide whether to initiate such framework. Should a framework adjustment 
to authorize a Sector allocation be initiated, the Council shall follow 
the framework adjustment provisions of Sec. 648.55. Any framework 
adjustment developed to implement a Sector allocation proposal must be 
in compliance with the general requirements specified in paragraphs (b) 
and (c) of this section. Vessels that do not join a Sector remain 
subject to the LAGC scallop vessel regulations for non-Sector vessels 
specified under this part.
    (b) General requirements applicable to all Sector allocations. All 
Sectors approved under the provisions of paragraph (a) of this section 
must submit the documents specified under paragraphs (a)(1) and (c) of 
this section, and comply with the conditions and restrictions of this 
paragraph (b).
    (1) Participation. (i) Only LAGC scallop vessels are eligible to 
form Sectors, and Sectors may choose which eligible permit holders to 
include or exclude in the sector, consistent with all applicable law. A 
Sector may establish additional criteria for determining its membership, 
provided such criteria are specified in the Sector's operations plan and 
are consistent with all applicable law. Any interested group that meets 
the eligibility criteria may submit a proposal for a Sector. To initiate 
the process of Sector creation, a group (two or more) of permit holders 
must agree to cooperate and submit a binding plan for management of that 
Sector's allocation of total allowable catch. Vessels that do not choose 
to participate in a sector will fish under the IFQ program and remain in 
the non-sector scallop fishery.
    (ii) Participation by incidental catch or NGOM scallop vessels in 
the Sector is subject to approval by the Council as part of the action 
that implements the Sector allocation, provided the details of such 
participation are specified in the Sector's operations plan. A Sector 
allocation may be harvested by non-Sector members, provided the Sector 
operations plan specifies that the Sector may authorize non-Sector 
vessels to harvest the Sector allocation. In this case, if the Sector is 
approved, the landings history of the participating non-Sector vessels 
may not be used in the calculation of future Sector shares and may not 
be used as scallop catch history for such vessels. The operations plan 
must specify how such participating non-Sector shall be subject to the 
rules of the Sector.
    (iii) Once a vessel operator and/or vessel owner signs a binding 
contract to have his/her vessel participate in a Sector, that vessel 
must remain in the Sector for the remainder of the fishing year.
    (iv) Vessels that fish in the LAGC scallop fishery outside the 
Sector allocation in a given fishing year may not participate in a 
Sector during that same fishing year, unless the Operations Plan 
provides an acceptable method for accounting for IFQ used, or catch by 
the vessel, prior to implementation of the Sector.
    (v) Once a vessel operator and/or vessel owner has agreed to 
participate in a Sector as specified in paragraph (b)(1)(iii) of this 
section, that vessel must remain in the Sector for the entire fishing 
year. If a permit is transferred by a Sector participant during the 
fishing year, the new owner must also comply with the Sector regulations 
for the remainder of the fishing year.
    (vi) Vessels and vessel operators and/or vessel owners removed from 
a Sector for violation of the Sector rules will not be eligible to fish 
under the scallop regulations for non-Sector vessels specified under 
this part either for any period specified in the final decision of 
penalty or sanction.
    (vii) If a pre-existing Sector accepts a new member, the percentage 
share brought to the Sector is based on that vessel's average 
qualification landings at the time it joins the Sector (i.e., the vessel 
is treated as a ``Sector of one'' and a share based on the appropriate 
adjusted TACs is calculated). This new single-vessel-Sector share is 
added to the existing Sector. If a vessel leaves a Sector, that Sector's 
share is reduced by the individual vessel share the exiting vessel had 
when it joined the Sector.
    (viii) A vessel may not be a member of more than one Sector. Once a 
vessel

[[Page 766]]

enters into a Sector, it cannot fish during that fishing year under the 
regulations that apply to the common pool. Additionally, vessels cannot 
shift from one Sector to another during a single fishing year. 
Therefore, if a vessel leaves a Sector for any reason, it cannot 
participate in the general category scallop fishery during the remainder 
of that fishing year
    (2) Allocation of TAC to Sectors. (i) The sector allocation shall be 
equal to a percentage share of the ACL allocation for IFQ scallop 
vessels specified in Sec. 648.53(a), similar to an IFQ scallop vessel's 
IFQ as specified in Sec. 648.53(h). The sector's percentage share of 
the IFQ scallop fishery ACL catch shall not change, but the amount of 
allocation based on the percentage share will change based on the ACL 
specified in Sec. 648.53(a).
    (ii) Sector share determination. When a Sector proposal is 
submitted, NMFS shall verify the contribution percentage as specified in 
Sec. 648.53(h)(2)(iii) for each vessel listed as a Sector member. The 
Sector's share shall be the sum of the participating vessels' 
contribution percentages.
    (iii) A sector shall not be allocated more than 20 percent of the 
ACL for IFQ vessels defined in Sec. 648.53(a)(4).
    (3) Once a Sector's allocation is projected to be harvested, Sector 
operations will be terminated for the remainder of the fishing year.
    (4) If a Sector's allocation is exceeded in a given fishing year, 
the Sector, each vessel, and vessel operator and/or vessel owner 
participating in the Sector may be charged jointly and severally for 
civil penalties and permit sanction pursuant to 15 CFR part 904. If a 
Sector exceeds its allocation in more than one fishing year, the 
Sector's authorization to operate may be withdrawn.
    (5) A vessel operator and/or vessel owner participating in a Sector 
is not subject to the limit on the vessel's catch based on the vessel's 
own IFQ or contribution percentage as defined in Sec. 
648.53(h)(2)(iii), provided the vessel is participating in the Sector 
and carries on board a Letter of Authorization to participate in the 
Sector and exempts the vessel from its IFQ limit and any other related 
measures. The Sector shall determine how the Sector's allocation will be 
divided between its participating vessels, regardless of whether the 
catch by a participating vessel exceeds that vessel's own IFQ.
    (6) Each vessel operator and/or vessel owner fishing under an 
approved Sector must comply with all scallop management measures of this 
part and other applicable law, unless exempted under a Letter of 
Authorization, as specified in paragraph (b)(11) of this section. Each 
vessel and vessel operator and/or vessel owner participating in a Sector 
must also comply with all applicable requirements and conditions of the 
Operations Plan specified in paragraph (c) of this section and the 
Letter of Authorization issued pursuant to paragraph (b)(11) of this 
section. It shall be unlawful to violate any such conditions and 
requirements and each Sector, vessel, and vessel operator and/or vessel 
owner participating in the Sector may be charged jointly and severally 
for civil penalties and permit sanctions pursuant to 15 CFR part 904.
    (7) Approved Sectors must submit an annual year-end report to NMFS 
and the Council, within 60 days of the end of the fishing year, that 
summarizes the fishing activities of its members, including harvest 
levels of all federally managed species by Sector vessels, enforcement 
actions, and other relevant information required to evaluate the 
performance of the Sector.
    (8) It shall be the responsibility of each Sector to track its 
activity and internally enforce any provisions adopted through 
procedures established in the operations plan and agreed to through the 
Sector contract. Sector contracts should describe graduated sanctions, 
including grounds for expulsion of Sector member vessels. The Sector and 
participating Sector vessels shall be subject to NMFS enforcement action 
for violations of the regulations pertaining to Sectors and other 
regulations under 50 CFR part 648. Vessels operating within a Sector are 
responsible for judgments against the Sector. Sector operations plans 
shall specify how a Sector will monitor its landings to assure that 
Sector landings do not exceed the Sector allocation. At the end of the 
fishing year, NMFS shall evaluate landings using VMS and any other

[[Page 767]]

available information to determine whether a Sector has exceeded any of 
its allocations based on the list of participating vessels submitted in 
the operations plan. If a Sector exceeds its TAC, the Sector may have 
its authorization as a Sector withdrawn by the Regional Administrator, 
after consultation with the Council, and may be subject to enforcement 
action.
    (9) Permanent or temporary transfers of allocation between Sectors 
or between Sector and non-Sector participants is prohibited. For 
purposes of harvesting a Sector allocation only, vessels under contract 
to a Sector are assumed to be part of that Sector for the duration of 
that contract.
    (10) The Sector allocation proposal must contain an appropriate 
analysis that assesses the impact of the proposed Sector, in compliance 
with the National Environmental Policy Act.
    (11) If a Sector is approved as specified in paragraph (d)(3) of 
this section, the Regional Administrator shall issue a Letter of 
Authorization to each vessel operator and/or owner for the participating 
Sector vessel. The Letter of Authorization shall authorize participation 
in the Sector operations and may exempt the participating vessel from 
the requirement that the vessel cannot exceed its own IFQ and related 
measures. The Letter of Authorization may include requirements and 
conditions deemed necessary to ensure effective administration of and 
compliance with the Sector's operations plan and the Sector's 
allocation.
    (c) Operations plans. (1) A group that wants to form a Sector and 
receive an allocation must submit a legally binding operations plan to 
the Council and the Regional Administrator. The operations plan must be 
agreed upon and signed by all members of the Sector and, if approved, 
shall constitute a contract.
    (2) The operations plan among all of the Sector members must have, 
at a minimum, the following components:
    (i) A list of all participants;
    (ii) A contract signed by all participants indicating their 
agreement to abide by the operations plan;
    (iii) An entity name, address, phone number, and the name and 
contact information for a Sector representative (a manager or director) 
that NMFS can contact regarding Sector management issues;
    (iv) A plan explaining how the Sector will harvest its allocation, 
including methods to inform NMFS of changes in those arrangements over 
the year;
    (v) The original distribution of catch history of vessels in the 
Sector (maintaining vessel data confidentiality);
    (vi) A plan detailing how the Sector will avoid exceeding its 
allocated TACs, including provisions for monitoring and enforcement of 
the Sector regulations, and documenting all landings and discards;
    (vii) Rules for entry to and exit from the Sector, including 
sanctions and procedures for removing members who do not comply with the 
operations plan;
    (viii) Procedure for notifying NMFS if a member is no longer part of 
the Sector and the reason for leaving;
    (ix) The process through which the operations plan can be amended by 
Sector members;
    (x) If the Sector plans to authorize non-Sector vessels to harvest 
scallops allocated to the Sector, details of such arrangements must be 
described in the operations plan;
    (xi) Any documents and analyses necessary to comply with the 
National Environmental Protection Act must be submitted to NMFS. The 
development of the analytical document is the responsibility of the 
applicants.
    (xii) Any other information determined to be necessary and 
appropriate.
    (d) Sector review, approval, and revocation. (1) A Sector shall 
submit its operations plan and any NEPA documents to the Regional 
Administrator and the Council no less than 1 year prior to the date that 
it wishes to begin operations under the Sector. The Council shall 
consider this plan in the course of the periodic framework adjustment or 
specification process and may, if approved, implement it through either 
of those processes. After Council approval of a Sector, the details of 
its operation shall be addressed between the Sector and NMFS, although 
the New England Fishery Management Council may review and provide 
comment on the proposed details.

[[Page 768]]

    (2) The Regional Administrator may withdraw approval of a Sector at 
any time if he/she, in consultation with the New England Fishery 
Management Council, determines that Sector participants are not 
complying with the requirements of an approved operations plan or that 
the continuation of the operations plan will undermine achievement of 
fishing mortality objectives of the FMP. Withdrawal of approval of a 
Sector shall be completed after notice and comment rulemaking, pursuant 
to the Administrative Procedure Act.
    (3) A Sector is required to resubmit its operations plan to the 
Regional Administrator no later than July 1 of each year, whether or not 
the plan has changed. Once the submission documents specified under 
paragraphs (a)(1) and (c)(2) of this section have been determined to 
comply with the requirements of this section, NMFS may consult with the 
Council and shall approve or disapprove Sector operations consistent 
with applicable law.

[73 FR 20131, Apr. 14, 2008, as amended at 77 FR 20741, Apr. 6, 2012; 81 
FR 76530, Nov. 3, 2016]



Sec. 648.64  Flounder Stock sub-ACLs and AMs for the scallop fishery.

    (a) As specified in Sec. 648.55(d), and pursuant to the biennial 
framework adjustment process specified in Sec. 648.90, the scallop 
fishery shall be allocated a sub-ACL for the Georges Bank and Southern 
New England/Mid-Atlantic stocks of yellowtail flounder and the northern 
and southern stocks of windowpane flounder. The sub-ACLs for the 
yellowtail flounder stocks and the windowpane flounder stocks are 
specified in Sec. 648.90(a)(4)(iii)(C) and (E) of the NE multispecies 
regulations, respectively.
    (b) Accountability Measure Areas--(1) Georges Bank Accountability 
Measure Area. The Georges Bank Accountability Measure Area is defined by 
straight lines, except where noted, connecting the following points in 
the order stated (copies of a chart depicting this area are available 
from the Regional Administrator upon request):

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              Point                                 N latitude      W longitude        Note
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GBAM1...........................................................  41[deg]30[min]  67[deg]20[min]
GBAM2...........................................................  41[deg]30[min]           (\1\)           (\2\)
GBAM3...........................................................  40[deg]30[min]           (\3\)           (\2\)
GBAM4...........................................................  40[deg]30[min]  67[deg]20[min]
GBAM1...........................................................  41[deg]30[min]  67[deg]20[min]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The intersection of 41[deg]30[min] N lat. and the U.S.-Canada Maritime Boundary, approximately
  41[deg]30[min] N lat., 66[deg]34.73[min] W long.
\2\ From Point GBAM2 connected to Point GBAM3 along the U.S.-Canada Maritime Boundary.
\3\ The intersection of 40[deg]30[min] N lat. and the U.S.-Canada Maritime Boundary, approximately,
  65[deg]44.34[min] W long.

    (2) Mid-Atlantic Accountability Measure Area. The Mid-Atlantic 
Accountability Measure Areas is defined as the area west of 71[deg] W 
Long., outside of the Sea Scallop Access Areas.
    (c) Gear restriction. When subject to an accountability measure gear 
restricted area as described in paragraphs (d) through (g) of this 
section, a vessel must fish with scallop dredge gear that conforms to 
the following restrictions:
    (1) No more than 5 rows of rings shall be used in the apron of the 
dredge. The apron is on the top side of the dredge, extends the full 
width of the dredge, and is the rows of dredge rings that extend from 
the back edge of the twine top (i.e., farthest from the dredge frame) to 
the clubstick; and
    (2) The maximum hanging ratio for a net, net material, or any other 
material on the top of a scallop dredge (twine top) possessed or used by 
vessels fishing with scallop dredge gear does not exceed 1.5 meshes per 
1 ring overall. This means that the twine top is attached to the rings 
in a pattern of alternating 2 meshes per ring and 1 mesh per ring 
(counted at the bottom where the twine top connects to the apron), for 
an overall average of 1.5 meshes per ring for the entire width of the 
twine top. For example, an apron that is 40 rings wide subtracting 5 
rings one each side of the side pieces, yielding 30 rings, would only be 
able to use a twine top with 45 or fewer meshes so that the overall 
ratio of meshes to rings did not exceed 1.5 (45 meshes/30 rings = 1.5).
    (3) Vessels may not fish for scallops with trawl gear when the gear 
restricted area accountability measure is in effect.
    (d) Georges Bank Yellowtail Flounder Accountability measure. (1) 
Unless otherwise specified in Sec. 648.90(a)(5)(iv) of the NE 
multispecies regulations, if the Georges Bank yellowtail flounder sub-

[[Page 769]]

ACL for the scallop fishery is exceeded and an accountability measure is 
triggered as described in Sec. 648.90(a)(5)(iv), the Georges Bank 
Accountability Measure Area, described in paragraph (b)(1) of this 
section, shall be considered the Georges Bank Yellowtail Flounder Gear 
Restricted Area. Scallop vessels fishing in that area for the period of 
time specified in paragraph (d)(2) of this section must comply with the 
gear restrictions specified in paragraph (c) of this section.
    (2) Duration of gear restricted area. The Georges Bank Yellowtail 
Flounder Gear Restricted Area shall remain in effect for the period of 
time based on the corresponding percent overage of the Georges Bank 
yellowtail flounder sub-ACL, as follows:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Percent overage of sub-ACL          Duration of gear restriction
------------------------------------------------------------------------
20 or less................................  November 15 through December
                                             31.
Greater than 20...........................  April through March (year
                                             round).
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (e) SNE/MA yellowtail flounder accountability measure. (1) Unless 
otherwise specified in Sec. 648.90(a)(5)(iv) of the NE multispecies 
regulations, if the SNE/MA yellowtail flounder sub-ACL for the scallop 
fishery is exceeded and an accountability measure is triggered as 
described in Sec. 648.90(a)(5)(iv), the Mid-Atlantic Accountability 
Measure Area, described in paragraph (b)(2) of this section, shall be 
considered the SNE/MA Yellowtail Flounder Gear Restricted Area. Scallop 
vessels participating in the DAS, or LAGC IFQ scallop fishery for the 
period of time specified in paragraph (e)(2) of this section must comply 
with the gear restrictions specified in paragraph (c) of this section 
when fishing in open areas. This accountability measure does not apply 
to scallop vessels fishing in Sea Scallop Access Areas.
    (2) Duration of gear restricted area. The SNE/MA Yellowtail Flounder 
Gear Restricted Area shall remain in effect for the period of time based 
on the corresponding percent overage of the SNE/MA yellowtail flounder 
sub-ACL, as follows:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Percent overage of sub-ACL          Duration of gear restriction
------------------------------------------------------------------------
20 or less................................  April.
Greater than 20...........................  April through May.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (f) Northern windowpane flounder accountability measure. (1) Unless 
otherwise specified in Sec. 648.90(a)(5)(iv) of the NE multispecies 
regulations, if the Northern windowpane flounder sub-ACL for the scallop 
fishery is exceeded and an accountability measure is triggered as 
described in Sec. 648.90(a)(5)(iv), the Georges Bank Accountability 
Measure Area, described in (b)(1) of this section, shall be considered 
the Northern Windowpane Flounder Gear Restricted Area. Scallop vessels 
fishing in that area for the period of time specified in paragraph 
(f)(2) of this section must comply with the gear restrictions specified 
in paragraph (c) of this section.
    (2) Duration of gear restricted area. The Northern Windowpane 
Flounder Gear Restricted Area shall remain in effect for the period of 
time based on the corresponding percent overage of the Georges Bank 
yellowtail flounder sub-ACL, as follows:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Percent overage of sub-ACL          Duration of gear restriction
------------------------------------------------------------------------
20 or less................................  November 15 through December
                                             31.
Greater than 20...........................  April through March (year
                                             round).
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (g) Southern windowpane accountability measure. (1) Unless otherwise 
specified in Sec. 648.90(a)(5)(iv) of the NE multispecies regulations, 
if the southern windowpane flounder sub-ACL for the scallop fishery is 
exceeded and an accountability measure is triggered as described in 
Sec. 648.90(a)(5)(iv), the Mid-Atlantic Accountability Measure Area, 
described in paragraph (b)(2) of this section, shall be considered the 
Southern Windowpane Flounder Gear Restricted Area. Scallop vessels 
participating in the DAS, or LAGC IFQ scallop fishery for the period of 
time specified in paragraph (g)(2) of this section must comply with the 
gear restrictions specified in paragraph (c) of this section when 
fishing in open areas. This accountability measure does not apply to 
scallop vessels fishing in Sea Scallop Access Areas.

[[Page 770]]

    (2) Duration of gear restricted area. The SNE/MA Windowpane Flounder 
Gear Restricted Area shall remain in effect for the period of time based 
on the corresponding percent overage of the SNE/MA windowpane flounder 
sub-ACL, as follows:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Percent overage of sub-ACL          Duration of gear restriction
------------------------------------------------------------------------
20 or less................................  February.
Greater than 20...........................  March and February.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (h) Process for implementing the AM--(1) If there is reliable 
information to make a mid-year determination, that a flounder stock sub-
ACL was exceeded, or is projected to be exceeded, the Regional 
Administrator shall determine, on or about January 15 of each year 
whether an accountability measure should be triggered as described in 
Sec. 648.90(a)(5)(iv). The determination shall include the amount of 
the overage or projected amount of the overage, specified as a 
percentage of the overall sub-ACL for the specific flounder stock. Based 
on this determination, the Regional Administrator shall implement the AM 
in the following fishing year in accordance with the APA and attempt to 
notify owners of limited access and LAGC scallop vessels by letter 
identifying the length of the gear restricted area and a summary of the 
catch, overage, and projection that resulted in the gear restricted 
area.
    (2) If reliable information is not available to make a mid-year 
determination, after the end of the scallop fishing year the Regional 
Administrator shall determine whether the flounder stock sub-ACL was 
exceeded and if an accountability measure was triggered as described in 
Sec. 648.90(a)(5)(iv). The determination shall include the amount of 
the overage, specified as a percentage of the overall sub-ACL for the 
specific flounder stock. Based on this determination, the Regional 
Administrator shall implement the AM in accordance with the APA in Year 
3 (e.g., an accountability measure would be implemented in fishing year 
2016 for an overage that occurred in fishing year 2014) and attempt to 
notify owners of limited access and LAGC scallop vessels by letter 
identifying the length of the gear restricted area and a summary of the 
flounder stock catch and overage information.

[83 FR 17311, Apr. 19, 2018]



Sec. 648.65  [Reserved]



   Subpart E_Management Measures for the Atlantic Surf Clam and Ocean 
                            Quahog Fisheries



Sec. 648.70  Surfclam and ocean quahog Annual Catch Limit (ACL).

    (a) The MAFMC staff shall recommend to the MAFMC ACLs for the 
surfclam and ocean quahog fisheries, which shall be equal to the ABCs 
recommended by the SSC.
    (1) Sectors. The surfclam and ocean quahog ACLs will be established 
consistent with the guidelines contained in the Atlantic Surfclam and 
Ocean Quahog FMP. The ACL for ocean quahog will then be allocated to the 
Maine and non-Maine components of the fishery according to the 
allocation guidelines of the Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog FMP as 
specified in Sec. 648.78(b).
    (2) Periodicity. The surfclam and ocean quahog ACLs may be 
established on an annual basis for up to 3 years at a time, dependent on 
whether the SSC provides single or multiple year ABC recommendations.
    (b) Performance review. The MAFMC staff shall conduct a detailed 
review of the fishery performance relative to the ACLs at least every 5 
years.
    (1) If the surfclam or the ocean quahog ACL is exceeded with a 
frequency greater than 25 percent (i.e., more than once in 4 years or 
any 2 consecutive years), the MAFMC staff will review fishery 
performance information and make recommendations to the MAFMC for 
changes in measures intended to ensure the ACL is not exceeded as 
frequently.
    (2) The MAFMC may specify more frequent or more specific ACL 
performance review criteria as part of a stock rebuilding plan following 
a determination that a stock has become overfished.
    (3) Performance reviews shall not substitute for annual reviews that 
occur to ascertain if prior year ACLs

[[Page 771]]

have been exceeded, but may be conducted in conjunction with such 
reviews.

[76 FR 60622, Sept. 29, 2011]



Sec. 648.71  Surfclam and ocean quahog Annual Catch Targets (ACT).

    (a) The MAFMC staff shall identify and review the relevant sources 
of management uncertainty to recommend ACTs to the MAFMC as part of the 
surfclam and ocean quahog specification process. The MAFMC staff 
recommendations shall identify the specific sources of management 
uncertainty that were considered, technical approaches to mitigating 
these sources of uncertainty, and any additional relevant information 
considered in the ACT recommendation process.
    (1) Sectors. The surfclam ACT and the sum of the Maine and non-Maine 
ocean quahog ACTs shall be less than or equal to the ACL for the 
corresponding stock. The MAFMC staff shall recommend any reduction in 
catch necessary to address management uncertainty, consistent with 
paragraph (a) of this section.
    (2) Periodicity. ACTs may be established on an annual basis for up 
to 3 years at a time, dependent on whether the SSC provides single or 
multiple year ABC recommendations.
    (b) Performance review. The MAFMC staff shall conduct a detailed 
review of fishery performance relative to ACTs in conjunction with any 
ACL performance review, as outlined in Sec. 648.70(b)(1) through (3).

[76 FR 60622, Sept. 29, 2011]



Sec. 648.72  Surfclam and ocean quahog specifications.

    (a) Establishing catch quotas. The amount of surfclams or ocean 
quahogs that may be caught annually by fishing vessels subject to these 
regulations will be specified by the Regional Administrator for a period 
up to the maximum number of years needed to align with the Northeast 
Region Coordinating Council-approved stock assessment schedule. 
Specifications of the annual quotas will be accomplished in the final 
year of the quota period, unless the quotas are modified in the interim 
pursuant to paragraph (b) of this section.
    (1) Quota reports. On an annual basis, MAFMC staff will produce and 
provide to the MAFMC an Atlantic surfclam and ocean quahog annual quota 
recommendation paper based on the ABC recommendation of the SSC, the 
latest available stock assessment report prepared by NMFS, data reported 
by harvesters and processors, and other relevant data, as well as the 
information contained in paragraphs (a)(1)(i) through (vi) of this 
section. Based on that report, and at least once prior to August 15 of 
the year in which a multi-year annual quota specification expires, the 
MAFMC, following an opportunity for public comment, will recommend to 
the Regional Administrator annual quotas and estimates of DAH and DAP 
for a period up to the maximum number of years needed to align with the 
Northeast Region Coordinating Council-approved stock assessment 
schedule. In selecting the annual quotas, the MAFMC shall consider the 
current stock assessments, catch reports, and other relevant information 
concerning:
    (i) Exploitable and spawning biomass relative to the quotas.
    (ii) Fishing mortality rates relative to the quotas.
    (iii) Magnitude of incoming recruitment.
    (iv) Projected effort and corresponding catches.
    (v) Geographical distribution of the catch relative to the 
geographical distribution of the resource.
    (vi) Status of areas previously closed to surfclam fishing that are 
to be opened during the year and areas likely to be closed to fishing 
during the year.
    (2) Public review. Based on the recommendation of the MAFMC, the 
Regional Administrator shall publish proposed surfclam and ocean quahog 
quotas in the Federal Register. The Regional Administrator shall 
consider public comments received, determine the appropriate annual 
quotas, and publish the annual quotas in the Federal Register. The quota 
shall be set at that amount that is most consistent with the objectives 
of the Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog FMP. The Regional 
Administrator may set

[[Page 772]]

quotas at quantities different from the MAFMC's recommendations only if 
he/she can demonstrate that the MAFMC's recommendations violate the 
national standards of the Magnuson-Stevens Act or the objectives of the 
Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog FMP or other applicable law.
    (b) Interim quota modifications. Based upon information presented in 
the quota reports described in paragraph (a)(1) of this section, the 
MAFMC may recommend to the Regional Administrator a modification to the 
annual quotas that have been specified for a multi-year period and any 
estimate of DAH or DAP made in conjunction with such specifications 
within the ranges specified in paragraph (a)(1) of this section. Based 
upon the MAFMC's recommendation, the Regional Administrator may propose 
surfclam and or ocean quahog quotas that differ from the annual quotas 
specified for the current multi-year period. Such modification shall be 
in effect for a period up to the maximum number of years needed to align 
with the Northeast Region Coordinating Council-approved stock assessment 
schedule, unless further modified. Any interim modification shall follow 
the same procedures for establishing the annual quotas that are 
specified for a multi-year period.
    (c) Annual quotas. The annual quotas for surfclams and ocean quahogs 
will remain effective unless revised pursuant to this section. At the 
end of a multiyear quota period, NMFS will issue notification in the 
Federal Register if the previous year's specifications will not be 
changed.

[76 FR 60622, Sept. 29, 2011, as amended at 81 FR 38972, June 15, 2016; 
87 FR 71529, Nov. 23, 2022]



Sec. 648.73  Surfclam and ocean quahog Accountability Measures.

    (a) Commercial ITQ fishery. (1) If the ACL for surfclam or ocean 
quahog is exceeded, and the overage can be attributed to one or more ITQ 
allocation holders, the full amount of the overage will be deducted from 
the appropriate ITQ allocation in the following fishing year.
    (2) Any amount of an ACL overage that cannot be otherwise attributed 
to an ITQ allocation holder will be deducted from the appropriate ACL in 
the following fishing year.
    (b) Maine mahogany quahog fishery. If the ocean quahog ACL is 
exceeded, and the Maine mahogany quahog fishery is responsible for the 
overage, than the Maine fishery ACT shall be reduced in the following 
year by an amount equal to the ACL overage.

[76 FR 60623, Sept. 29, 2011]



Sec. 648.74  Individual Transferable Quota (ITQ) Program.

    (a) Annual individual allocations. Each fishing year, the Regional 
Administrator shall determine the initial annual allocation of surfclams 
and ocean quahogs for the next fishing year for each ITQ permit holder 
holding ITQ quota share pursuant to the requirements of this section. 
For each species, the initial allocation for the next fishing year is 
calculated by multiplying the quota share percentage held by each ITQ 
permit holder as of the last day of the previous fishing year in which 
quota shareholders are permitted to permanently transfer quota share 
percentage pursuant to paragraph (b) of this section (i.e., October 15 
of every year), by the quota specified by the Regional Administrator 
pursuant to Sec. 648.72. The total number of bushels of annual 
allocation shall be divided by 32 to determine the appropriate number of 
cage tags to be issued or acquired under Sec. 648.77. Amounts of annual 
allocation of 0.5 cages or smaller created by this division shall be 
rounded downward to the nearest whole number, and amounts of annual 
allocation greater than 0.5 cages created by this division shall be 
rounded upward to the nearest whole number, so that annual allocations 
are specified in whole cages.
    (1) Surfclam and ocean quahog ITQ permits. Surfclam and ocean quahog 
ITQ allocations shall be issued in the form of annual ITQ permits. The 
ITQ permit shall specify the quota share percentage held by the ITQ 
permit holder and the annual allocation in cages and cage tags for each 
species.
    (i) Eligibility. In order to be eligible to hold a surfclam or ocean 
quahog ITQ permit, an individual must be eligible to own a documented 
vessel under the terms of 46 U.S.C. 12103(b).

[[Page 773]]

    (ii) Application--(A) General. Applicants for a surfclam or ocean 
quahog ITQ permit under this section must submit a completed ITQ permit 
application and a completed ITQ ownership form on the appropriate forms 
obtained from NMFS. The ITQ permit application and ITQ ownership form 
must be filled out completely and signed by the applicant. The Regional 
Administrator will notify the applicant of any deficiency in the 
application.
    (B) Renewal applications. Applications to renew a surfclam or ocean 
quahog ITQ permit must be received by November 1 to be processed in time 
for permits to be issued by December 15, as specified in paragraph 
(a)(1)(iii) of this section. Renewal applications received after this 
date may not be approved, and a new permit may not be issued before the 
start of the next fishing year. An ITQ permit holder must renew his/her 
ITQ permit(s) on an annual basis by submitting an application and an 
ownership form for such permit prior to the end of the fishing year for 
which the permit is required. Failure to renew a surfclam or ocean 
quahog ITQ permit in any fishing year will result in any surfclam or 
ocean quahog ITQ quota share held by that ITQ permit holder to be 
considered abandoned and relinquished as specified in paragraph 
(a)(1)(ix) of this section.
    (C) Lenders Holding ITQ Quota Share as Collateral. A bank or other 
lender that holds ITQ quota share as collateral on a loan may be allowed 
to provide less detailed information on the ITQ ownership form under the 
following conditions.
    (1) The lender certifies that the ITQ quota share is held solely as 
collateral on a loan and the lender does not exert any control over the 
use of the annual allocation of cage tags.
    (2) The lender identifies the borrower, and the borrower maintains a 
valid ITQ permit including all required ownership information.
    (3) The lender may only transfer quota share or cage tags to the 
identified borrower. The borrower could then transfer the quota share or 
cage tags to another party, if desired.
    (iii) Issuance. Except as provided in subpart D of 15 CFR part 904, 
and provided an application for such permit is submitted by November 1, 
as specified in paragraph (a)(1)(ii)(B) of this section, NMFS shall 
issue annual ITQ permits on or before December 15, to allow allocation 
owners to purchase cage tags from a vendor specified by the Regional 
Administrator pursuant to Sec. 648.77(b).
    (iv) Duration. An ITQ permit is valid through December 31 of each 
fishing year unless it is suspended, modified, or revoked pursuant to 15 
CFR part 904, or revised due to a transfer of all or part of the ITQ 
quota share or cage tag allocation under paragraph (b) of this section.
    (v) Alteration. An ITQ permit that is altered, erased, or mutilated 
is invalid.
    (vi) Replacement. The Regional Administrator may issue a replacement 
permit upon written application of the annual ITQ permit holder.
    (vii) Transfer. The annual ITQ permit is valid only for the person 
to whom it is issued. All or part of the ITQ quota share or the cage tag 
allocation specified in the ITQ permit may be transferred in accordance 
with paragraph (b) of this section.
    (viii) Fee. The Regional Administrator may, after publication of a 
fee notification in the Federal Register, charge a permit fee before 
issuance of the permit to recover administrative expenses. Failure to 
pay the fee will preclude issuance of the permit.
    (ix) Abandonment or voluntary relinquishment. Any ITQ permit that is 
voluntarily relinquished to the Regional Administrator, or deemed to 
have been voluntarily relinquished for failure to renew in accordance 
with paragraph (a)(1)(ii) of this section, shall not be reissued or 
renewed in a subsequent year, except as specified in paragraph (a)(1)(x) 
of this section.
    (x) Transitional grace period. A surfclam or ocean quahog quota 
share holder who does not submit a complete application for an ITQ 
permit before the end of the 2016 fishing year, may be granted a grace 
period of up to one year to complete the initial application process, 
and be issued an ITQ permit, before the quota share is considered 
permanently relinquished. If an individual is issued a 2016 ITQ permit, 
but fails to renew that ITQ permit before the end of the 2017 fishing 
year,

[[Page 774]]

the Regional Administrator may allow a grace period until no later than 
July 1, 2018, to complete the renewal process and retain the permit. A 
permit holder may not be issued cage tags or transfer quota share until 
a valid ITQ permit is issued. Failure to complete the ITQ permit 
application or renewal process, and be issued a valid ITQ permit before 
the end of such a grace period would result in the ITQ permit and any 
associated ITQ quota share being permanently forfeit.
    (2) ITQ ownership caps. (i) Quota share. A business or individual is 
not eligible to be issued an ITQ permit and is not eligible to acquire 
additional quota share, if, as a result of the issuance of the permit or 
quota share transfer, the business or individual, or any other person 
who is a shareholder or partner, or their immediate family member, would 
individually or collectively have an ownership interest in more than 35 
percent of the total surfclam quota or 40 percent of the total ocean 
quahog quota.
    (ii) Cage tags. A business or individual is not eligible to be 
issued an ITQ permit and is not eligible to acquire additional cage 
tags, if, as a result of the issuance of the permit or cage tag 
transfer, the business or individual, or any other person who is a 
shareholder or partner, or their immediate family member, would 
individually or collectively have an ownership interest in more than 65 
percent of the total surfclam cage tags issued that year or 70 percent 
of the total ocean quahog cage tags issued that year.
    (iii) Enforcement. The following conditions apply for the purposes 
of monitoring and enforcing these caps.
    (A) Any partial or shared ownership is counted as full ownership by 
each party for the purpose of monitoring these caps. For example, if two 
people share ownership of a business with quota share, the full amount 
of quota share held by the business counts toward the cap for both 
owners.
    (B) Having an ownership interest includes, but is not limited to, 
persons who are shareholders in a corporation that holds an ITQ permit, 
who are partners (general or limited) to an ITQ permit holder, who are 
immediate family members of an ITQ permit holder, or who, in any way, 
partly own an entity that holds an ITQ permit.
    (C) Immediate family members include individuals connected by the 
following relationships:
    (1) Spouse, and parents thereof;
    (2) Children, and spouses thereof;
    (3) Parents, and spouses thereof;
    (4) Siblings, and spouses thereof; and
    (5) Grandparents and grandchildren, and spouses thereof.
    (D) The quota share and cage tag caps do not apply to a bank or 
other lender that holds ITQ quota share as collateral on a loan as 
described in paragraph (a)(1)(i)(C) of this section. The quota share 
held as collateral and the associated cage tags will be treated as if it 
is held by the borrower.
    (E) Compliance with these ownership caps is based on the total 
amount of quota share or cage tags controlled throughout a fishing year. 
In this instance, control means the cumulative total amount of quota 
share or cage tags, including the amount held by the ITQ permit at the 
start of the fishing year plus any quota share or cage tags acquired by 
the ITQ permit throughout the fishing year. This measure of control 
during the fishing year is increased by acquiring quota share or cage 
tags from other ITQ permits, but is not reduced by any quota share or 
cage tags that are transferred to another ITQ permit.
    (iv) Review. The MAFMC shall review these ITQ ownership cap measures 
at least every 10 years, or sooner as needed. Such a review should 
include an evaluation of the effects and effectiveness of the caps in 
the fishery and whether the cap levels remain appropriate or should be 
adjusted.
    (b) Transfers--(1) Quota share percentage. Subject to the approval 
of the Regional Administrator, part or all of a quota share percentage 
may be transferred in the year in which the transfer is made, to any 
person or entity with a valid ITQ permit under paragraph (a) of this 
section. Approval of a transfer by the Regional Administrator and for a 
new ITQ permit reflecting that transfer may be requested by submitting a 
written application for approval of the transfer and for issuance of a 
new ITQ permit to the Regional Administrator at least 10 days before the 
date on

[[Page 775]]

which the applicant desires the transfer to be effective, in the form of 
a completed transfer form supplied by the Regional Administrator. The 
transfer is not effective until the new holder receives a new or revised 
ITQ permit from the Regional Administrator reflecting the new quota 
share percentage. An application for transfer may not be made between 
October 15 and December 31 of each year.
    (2) Cage tags. Cage tags issued pursuant to Sec. 648.77 may be 
transferred at any time, and in any amount subject to the restrictions 
and procedure specified in paragraph (b)(1) of this section; provided 
that application for such cage tag transfers may be made at any time 
before December 10 of each year. The transfer is effective upon the 
receipt by the transferee of written authorization from the Regional 
Administrator.
    (3) Denial of ITQ transfer application. The Regional Administrator 
may reject an application to transfer surfclam or ocean quahog ITQ quota 
share or cage tags for the following reasons: The application is 
incomplete; the transferor or transferee does not possess a valid 
surfclam or ocean quahog ITQ permit for the appropriate species; the 
transfer is not allowed under paragraph (a)(1)(ii)(C)(3) of this 
section; the transferor's or transferee's surfclam or ocean quahog ITQ 
permit has been sanctioned pursuant to an enforcement proceeding under 
15 CFR part 904; the transfer would result in exceeding an ownership cap 
under paragraph (a)(2) of this section; or any other failure to meet the 
requirements of this subpart. Upon denial of an application to transfer 
ITQ allocation, the Regional Administrator shall send a letter to the 
applicant describing the reason(s) for the denial. The decision by the 
Regional Administrator is the final decision of the Department of 
Commerce; there is no opportunity for an administrative appeal.
    (c) ITQ cost recovery--(1) General. The cost recovery program 
collects fees of up to three percent of the ex-vessel value of surfclams 
or ocean quahogs harvested under the ITQ program in accordance with the 
Magnuson-Stevens Act. NMFS collects these fees to recover the actual 
costs directly related to the management, data collection, and 
enforcement of the surfclam and ocean quahog ITQ program.
    (2) Fee responsibility. If you are an ITQ permit holder who holds 
ITQ quota share and receives an annual allocation pursuant to paragraph 
(a) of this section, you shall incur a cost recovery fee, based on all 
landings of surfclams or ocean quahogs authorized under your initial 
annual allocation of cage tags. You are responsible for paying the fee 
assessed by NMFS, even if the landings are made by another ITQ permit 
holder (i.e., if you transfer cage tags to another individual who 
subsequently uses those tags to land clams). If you permanently transfer 
your quota share, you are still responsible for any fee that results 
from your initial annual allocation of cage tags even if the landings 
are made after the quota share is permanently transferred.
    (3) Fee basis. NMFS will establish the fee percentages and 
corresponding per-tag fees for both the surfclam and ocean quahog ITQ 
fisheries each year. The fee percentages cannot exceed three percent of 
the ex-vessel value of surfclams and ocean quahogs harvested under the 
ITQ fisheries pursuant to section 304(d)(2)(B) of the Magnuson-Stevens 
Act.
    (i) Calculating fee percentage. In the first quarter of each 
calendar year, NMFS will calculate the fee percentages for both the 
surfclam and ocean quahog ITQ fisheries based on information from the 
previous year. NMFS will use the following equation to annually 
determine the fee percentages: Fee percentage = the lower of 3 percent 
or (DPC/V) x 100, where:
    (A) ``DPC,'' or direct program costs, are the actual incremental 
costs for the previous fiscal year directly related to the management, 
data collection, and enforcement of the ITQ program. ``Actual 
incremental costs'' mean those costs that would not have been incurred 
but for the existence of the ITQ program. If the amount of fees 
collected by NMFS is greater or lesser than the actual incremental costs 
incurred, the DPC will be adjusted accordingly for calculation of the 
fee percentage in the following year.
    (B) ``V'' is the total ex-vessel value from the previous calendar 
year attributable to the ITQ fishery.

[[Page 776]]

    (ii) Calculating per-tag fee. To facilitate fee collection, NMFS 
will convert the annual fee percentages into per-tag fees for both the 
surfclam and ocean quahog ITQ fisheries. NMFS will use the following 
equation to determine each per-tag fee: Per-Tag Fee = (Fee Percentage x 
V)/T, where:
    (A) ``T'' is the number of cage tags used, pursuant to Sec. 648.77, 
to land shellfish in the ITQ fishery in the previous calendar year.
    (B) ``Fee percentage'' and ``V'' are defined in paragraph (c)(3)(i) 
of this section.
    (C) The per-tag fee is rounded down so that it is expressed in whole 
cents.
    (iii) Publication. During the first quarter of each calendar year, 
NMFS will announce the fee percentage and per-tag fee for the surfclam 
and ocean quahog ITQ fisheries, and publish this information on the 
Regional Office Web site (www.greateratlantic.fisheries.noaa.gov).
    (4) Calculating individual fees. If you are responsible for a cost 
recovery fee under paragraph (c)(2) of this section, the fee amount is 
the number of ITQ cage tags you were initially allocated at the start of 
the fishing year that were subsequently used to land shellfish 
multiplied by the relevant per-tag fee, as described in paragraph 
(c)(3)(ii) of this section. If no tags from your initial allocation are 
used to land clams you will not incur a fee.
    (5) Fee payment and collection. NMFS will send you a bill each year 
for any applicable ITQ cost recovery fee.
    (i) Payment due date. You must submit payment within 30 days of the 
date of the bill.
    (ii) Payment method. You may pay your bill electronically using a 
credit card or direct Automated Clearing House withdrawal from a 
designated checking account through the Federal web portal, www.pay.gov, 
or another internet site designated by the Regional Administrator. 
Instructions for electronic payment will be included with your bill and 
are available on the payment Web site. Alternatively, payment by check 
may be authorized by the Regional Administrator if he/she determines 
that electronic payment is not practicable.
    (6) Payment compliance. If you do not submit full payment by the due 
date, NMFS will notify you in writing via an initial administrative 
determination (IAD) letter.
    (i) IAD. In the IAD, NMFS will:
    (A) Describe the past-due fee;
    (B) Describe any applicable interest charges that may apply;
    (C) Provide you 30 days to either pay the specified amount or submit 
an appeal; and
    (D) Include instructions for submitting an appeal.
    (ii) Appeals. If you wish to appeal the IAD, your appeal must:
    (A) Be in writing;
    (B) Allege credible facts or circumstances;
    (C) Include any relevant information or documentation to support 
your appeal; and
    (D) Be received by NMFS no later than 30 calendar days after the 
date on the IAD. If the last day of the time period is a Saturday, 
Sunday, or Federal holiday, the time period will extend to the close of 
the business on the next business day. Your appeal must be mailed or 
hand delivered to the address specified in the IAD.
    (iii) Final decision--(A) Final decision on your appeal. If you 
appeal an IAD, the Regional Administrator shall appoint an appeals 
officer. After determining there is sufficient information and that all 
procedural requirements have been met, the appeals officer will review 
the record and issue a recommendation on your appeal to the Regional 
Administrator, which shall be advisory only. The recommendation must be 
based solely on the record. Upon receiving the findings and 
recommendation, the Regional Administrator, acting on behalf of the 
Secretary of Commerce, will issue a written decision on your appeal 
which is the final decision of the Department of Commerce.
    (B) Final decision if you do not appeal. If you do not appeal the 
IAD within 30 calendar days, NMFS will notify you via a final decision 
letter. The final decision will be from the Regional Administrator and 
is the final decision of the Department of Commerce.

[[Page 777]]

    (C) If the final decision determines that you are out of compliance. 
(1) The Regional Administrator may, at any time thereafter, disapprove 
any application to transfer quota share or cage tags under Sec. 
648.74(b), and prohibit issuance of the surfclam or ocean quahog ITQ 
permit for subsequent years, until the outstanding balance is paid in 
full.
    (2) The final decision will require full payment within 30 calendar 
days.
    (3) If full payment is not received within 30 calendar days of 
issuance of the final decision, NMFS may refer the matter to the 
appropriate authorities for the purposes of collection or enforcement.
    (7) Annual report. NMFS will publish annually a report on the status 
of the ITQ cost recovery program. The report will provide details of the 
costs incurred by NMFS for the management, data collection, and 
enforcement of the surfclam and ocean quahog ITQ program, and other 
relevant information at the discretion of the Regional Administrator.

[80 FR 42751, July 20, 2015, as amended at 81 FR 38973, June 15, 2016; 
87 FR 71529, Nov. 22, 2022]



Sec. 648.75  Shucking at sea and minimum surfclam size.

    (a) Shucking at sea--(1) Observers. (i) The Regional Administrator 
may allow the shucking of surfclams or ocean quahogs at sea if he/she 
determines that an observer carried aboard the vessel can measure 
accurately the total amount of surfclams and ocean quahogs harvested in 
the shell prior to shucking.
    (ii) Any vessel owner may apply in writing to the Regional 
Administrator to shuck surfclams or ocean quahogs at sea. The 
application shall specify: Name and address of the applicant; permit 
number of the vessel; method of calculating the amount of surfclams or 
ocean quahogs harvested in the shell; vessel dimensions and 
accommodations; and length of fishing trip.
    (iii) The Regional Administrator shall provide an observer to any 
vessel owner whose application is approved. The owner shall pay all 
reasonable expenses of carrying the observer on board the vessel.
    (iv) Any observer shall certify at the end of each trip the amount 
of surfclams or ocean quahogs harvested in the shell by the vessel. Such 
certification shall be made by the observer's signature on the daily 
fishing log required by Sec. 648.7.
    (2) Conversion factor. (i) Based on the recommendation of the MAFMC, 
the Regional Administrator may allow shucking at sea of surfclams or 
ocean quahogs, with or without an observer, if he/she determines a 
conversion factor for shucked meats to calculate accurately the amount 
of surfclams or ocean quahogs harvested in the shell.
    (ii) The Regional Administrator shall publish notification in the 
Federal Register specifying a conversion factor, together with the data 
used in its calculation, for a 30-day comment period. After 
consideration of the public comments and any other relevant data, the 
Regional Administrator may publish final notification in the Federal 
Register specifying the conversion factor.
    (iii) If the Regional Administrator makes the determination 
specified in paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this section, he/she may authorize 
the vessel owner to shuck surfclams or ocean quahogs at sea. Such 
authorization shall be in writing and be carried aboard the vessel.
    (b) Minimum surfclam size--(1) Minimum length. The minimum length 
for surfclams is 4.75 inches (12.065 cm).
    (2) Determination of compliance. No more than 50 surfclams in any 
cage may be less than 4.75 inches (12.065 cm) in length. If more than 50 
surfclams in any inspected cage of surfclams are less than 4.75 inches 
(12.065 cm) in length, all cages landed by the same vessel from the same 
trip are deemed to be in violation of the minimum size restriction.
    (3) Suspension. Upon the recommendation of the MAFMC, the Regional 
Administrator may suspend annually, by publication in the Federal 
Register, the minimum shell-length standard, unless discard, catch, and 
survey data indicate that 30 percent of the surfclams are smaller than 
4.75 inches (12.065 cm) and the overall reduced shell length is not 
attributable to beds where the growth of individual

[[Page 778]]

surfclams has been reduced because of density dependent factors.
    (4) Measurement. Length is measured at the longest dimension of the 
surfclam shell.

[76 FR 60623, Sept. 29, 2011, as amended at 81 FR 38974, June 15, 2016]



Sec. 648.76  Closed areas.

    (a) Areas closed because of environmental degradation. Certain areas 
are closed to all surfclam and ocean quahog fishing because of adverse 
environmental conditions. These areas will remain closed until the 
Regional Administrator determines that the adverse environmental 
conditions no longer exist. If additional areas are identified by the 
Regional Administrator as being contaminated by the introduction or 
presence of hazardous materials or pollutants, they may be closed by the 
Regional Administrator in accordance with paragraph (c) of this section. 
The areas closed are:
    (1) Boston Foul Ground. The waste disposal site known as the 
``Boston Foul Ground'' and located at 42[deg]25[min]36[sec] N. lat., 
70[deg]35[min]00[sec] W. long., with a radius of 1 nm (1.852 km) in 
every direction from that point.
    (2) New York Bight. The polluted area and waste disposal site known 
as the ``New York Bight'' and located at 40[deg]25[min]04[sec] N. lat., 
73[deg]42[min]38[sec] W. long., and with a radius of 6 nm (9.66 km) in 
every direction from that point, extending further northwestward, 
westward and southwestward between a line from a point on the arc at 
40[deg]31[min]00[sec] N. lat., 73[deg]43[min]38[sec] W. long., directly 
northward toward Atlantic Beach Light in New York to the limit of the 
state territorial waters of New York; and a line from the point on the 
arc at 40[deg]19[min]48[sec] N. lat., 73[deg]45[min]42[sec] W. long., to 
a point at the limit of the state territorial waters of New Jersey at 
40[deg]14[min]00[sec] N. lat., 73[deg]55[min]42[sec] W. long.
    (3) 106 Dumpsite. The toxic industrial site known as the ``106 
Dumpsite'' and located between 38[deg]40[min]00[sec] and 
39[deg]00[min]00[sec] N. lat., and between 72[deg]00[min]00[sec] and 
72[deg]30[min]00[sec] W. long.
    (4) Georges Bank. The paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) 
contaminated area, which is located on Georges Bank, and is located east 
of 69[deg] W. long., and south of 42[deg]20[min] N. lat. is closed to 
the harvest of surfclams and ocean quahogs. A portion of the Georges 
Bank Closed Area is open to harvest surfclams and ocean quahogs provided 
the vessel complies with the requirements specified in paragraph 
(a)(4)(i) of this section. The open portion of the Georges Bank Closed 
Area is defined by straight lines connecting the following points in the 
order stated:

              Open Portion of the Georges Bank Closed Area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Point                     N. Latitude    W. Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.......................................  42[deg]00[min]  68[deg]50[min]
2.......................................  42[deg]00[min]  67[deg]20[min]
3.......................................  41[deg]00[min]  67[deg]20[min]
4.......................................  41[deg]00[min]  67[deg]10[min]
5.......................................  40[deg]40[min]  67[deg]10[min]
6.......................................  40[deg]40[min]  68[deg]30[min]
7.......................................  41[deg]30[min]  68[deg]30[min]
8.......................................  41[deg]30[min]  68[deg]50[min]
1.......................................  42[deg]00[min]  68[deg]50[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (i) Requirements for Vessels Fishing in the Open Portion of the 
Georges Bank Closed Area. A vessel may fish in the open portion of the 
Georges Bank Closed Area as specified in this paragraph (a)(4), provided 
it complies with the following terms and conditions:
    (A) A valid letter of authorization issued by the Regional 
Administrator must be onboard the vessel; and
    (B) The vessel must adhere to the terms and conditions of the PSP 
testing protocol as adopted into the National Shellfish Sanitation 
Program by the Interstate Shellfish Sanitation Conference. All surfclams 
and ocean quahogs harvested from the area must be handled in accordance 
with the terms and conditions of the protocol from the first point of 
harvest through completion of testing and release by the State Shellfish 
Control Authority as required by the PSP testing protocol; and
    (C) Prior to leaving port at the start of a fishing trip, the 
vessel's owner or operator must declare its intent to fish in the area 
through the vessel's vessel monitoring system.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (b) Areas closed because of small surfclams. Areas may be closed 
because they contain small surfclams.
    (1) Closure. The Regional Administrator may close an area to 
surfclams

[[Page 779]]

and ocean quahog fishing if he/she determines, based on logbook entries, 
processors' reports, survey cruises, or other information, that the area 
contains surfclams of which:
    (i) Sixty percent or more are smaller than 4.5 inches (11.43 cm); 
and
    (ii) Not more than 15 percent are larger than 5.5 inches (13.97 cm) 
in size.
    (2) Reopening. The Regional Administrator may reopen areas or parts 
of areas closed under paragraph (b)(1) of this section if he/she 
determines, based on survey cruises or other information, that:
    (i) The average length of the dominant (in terms of weight) size 
class in the area to be reopened is equal to or greater than 4.75 inches 
(12.065 cm); or
    (ii) The yield or rate of growth of the dominant shell-length class 
in the area to be reopened would be significantly enhanced through 
selective, controlled, or limited harvest of surfclams in the area.
    (c) Procedure. (1) The Regional Administrator may hold a public 
hearing on the proposed closure or reopening of any area under paragraph 
(a) or (b) of this section. The Regional Administrator shall publish 
notification in the Federal Register of any proposed area closure or 
reopening, including any restrictions on harvest in a reopened area. 
Comments on the proposed closure or reopening must be submitted to the 
Regional Administrator within 30 days after publication. The Regional 
Administrator shall consider all comments and publish the final 
notification of closure or reopening, and any restrictions on harvest, 
in the Federal Register. Any adjustment to harvest restrictions in a 
reopened area shall be made by notification in the Federal Register. The 
Regional Administrator shall send notice of any action under this 
paragraph (c)(1) to each surfclam and ocean quahog processor and to each 
surfclam and ocean quahog permit holder.
    (2) If the Regional Administrator determines, as the result of 
testing by state, Federal, or private entities, that a closure of an 
area under paragraph (a) of this section is necessary to prevent any 
adverse effects fishing may have on the public health, he/she may close 
the area for 60 days by publication of notification in the Federal 
Register, without prior comment or public hearing. If an extension of 
the 60-day closure period is necessary to protect the public health, the 
hearing and notice requirements of paragraph (c)(1) of this section 
shall be followed.
    (d) Areas closed due to the presence of paralytic shellfish 
poisoning toxin--(1) Maine mahogany quahog zone. The Maine mahogany 
quahog zone is closed to fishing for ocean quahogs except in those areas 
of the zone that are tested by the State of Maine and deemed to be 
within the requirements of the National Shellfish Sanitation Program and 
adopted by the Interstate Shellfish Sanitation Conference as acceptable 
limits for the toxin responsible for PSP. Harvesting is allowed in such 
areas during the periods specified by the Maine Department of Marine 
Resources during which quahogs are safe for human consumption. For 
information regarding these areas contact the State of Maine Division of 
Marine Resources.
    (2) [Reserved]

[76 FR 60624, Sept. 29, 2011, as amended at 77 FR 75063, Dec. 19, 2012; 
81 FR 38974, June 15, 2016]



Sec. 648.77  Cage identification.

    Except as provided in Sec. 648.78, the following cage 
identification requirements apply to all vessels issued a Federal 
fishing permit for surfclams and ocean quahogs:
    (a) Tagging. Before offloading, all cages that contain surfclams or 
ocean quahogs must be tagged with tags acquired annually under 
provisions of paragraph (b) of this section. A tag must be fixed on or 
as near as possible to the upper crossbar of the cage. A tag is required 
for every 60 ft\3\ (1,700 L) of cage volume, or portion thereof. A tag 
or tags must not be removed until the cage is emptied by the processor, 
at which time the processor must promptly remove and retain the tag(s) 
for 60 days beyond the end of the calendar year, unless otherwise 
directed by authorized law enforcement agents.
    (b) Issuance. The Regional Administrator will issue a supply of tags 
to each individual allocation owner qualifying for an allocation under 
Sec. 648.74 prior to the beginning of each fishing

[[Page 780]]

year, or he/she may specify, in the Federal Register, a vendor from whom 
the tags shall be purchased. The number of tags will be based on the 
owner's initial allocation as specified in Sec. 648.74(a). Each tag 
represents 32 bu (1,700 L) of allocation.
    (c) Expiration. Tags will expire at the end of the fishing year for 
which they are issued, or if rendered null and void in accordance with 
15 CFR part 904.
    (d) Return. Tags that have been rendered null and void must be 
returned to the Regional Administrator, if possible.
    (e) Loss. Loss or theft of tags must be reported by the owner, 
numerically identifying the tags to the Regional Administrator by 
telephone as soon as the loss or theft is discovered and in writing 
within 24 hours. Thereafter, the reported tags shall no longer be valid 
for use under this part.
    (f) Replacement. Lost or stolen tags may be replaced by the Regional 
Administrator if proper notice of the loss is provided by the person to 
whom the tags were issued. Replacement tags may be purchased from the 
Regional Administrator or a vendor with a written authorization from the 
Regional Administrator.
    (g) Transfer. See Sec. 648.74(b)(2).
    (h) Presumptions. Surfclams and ocean quahogs found in cages without 
a valid state tag are deemed to have been harvested in the EEZ and to be 
part of an individual's allocation, unless the individual demonstrates 
that he/she has surrendered his/her Federal vessel permit issued under 
Sec. 648.4(a)(4) and conducted fishing operations exclusively within 
waters under the jurisdiction of any state. Surfclams and ocean quahogs 
in cages with a Federal tag or tags, issued and still valid pursuant to 
this section, affixed thereto are deemed to have been harvested by the 
individual allocation holder to whom the tags were issued under the 
provisions of Sec. 648.77(b) or transferred under the provisions of 
Sec. 648.74(b).

[76 FR 60625, Sept. 29, 2011]



Sec. 648.78  Maine mahogany quahog zone.

    (a) Landing requirements. (1) A vessel issued a valid Maine mahogany 
quahog permit pursuant to Sec. 648.4(a)(4)(i), and fishing for or 
possessing ocean quahogs within the Maine mahogany quahog zone, must 
land its catch in the State of Maine.
    (2) A vessel fishing under an individual allocation permit, 
regardless of whether it has a Maine mahogany quahog permit, fishing for 
or possessing ocean quahogs within the zone, may land its catch in the 
State of Maine, or, consistent with applicable state law in any other 
state that utilizes food safety-based procedures including sampling and 
analyzing for PSP toxin consistent with those food safety-based 
procedures used by the State of Maine for such purpose, and must comply 
with all requirements in Sec. Sec. 648.74 and 648.77. Documentation 
required by the state and other laws and regulations applicable to food 
safety-based procedures must be made available by federally permitted 
dealers for inspection by NMFS.
    (b) ACT monitoring and closures--(1) Catch quota. (i) The ACT for 
harvest of mahogany quahogs from within the Maine mahogany quahog zone 
is 100,000 Maine bu (35,239 hL). The ACL may be revised annually within 
the range of 17,000 and 100,000 Maine bu (5,991 and 35,239 hL) following 
the procedures set forth in Sec. Sec. 648.72 and 648.73, if applicable.
    (ii) All mahogany quahogs landed for sale in Maine by vessels issued 
a Maine mahogany quahog permit and not fishing for an individual 
allocation of ocean quahogs under Sec. 648.74 shall be applied against 
the Maine mahogany quahog ACT, regardless of where the mahogany quahogs 
are harvested.
    (iii) All mahogany quahogs landed by vessels fishing in the Maine 
mahogany quahog zone for an individual allocation of quahogs under Sec. 
648.74 will be counted against the ocean quahog allocation for which the 
vessel is fishing.
    (iv) The Regional Administrator will monitor the ACT based on dealer 
reports and other available information, and shall determine the date 
when the ACT will be harvested. NMFS shall publish notification in the 
Federal Register advising the public that, effective upon a specific 
date, the Maine mahogany quahog quota has been harvested, and notifying 
vessel and dealer

[[Page 781]]

permit holders that no Maine mahogany quahog quota is available for the 
remainder of the year.
    (2) Maine Mahogany Quahog Advisory Panel. The MAFMC shall establish 
a Maine Mahogany Quahog Advisory Panel consisting of representatives of 
harvesters, dealers, and the Maine Department of Marine Resources. The 
Advisory Panel shall make recommendations, through the Surfclam and 
Ocean Quahog Committee of the MAFMC, regarding revisions to the annual 
quota and other management measures.

[76 FR 60625, Sept. 29, 2011]



Sec. 648.79  Surfclam and ocean quahog framework adjustments 
to management measures.

    (a) Within season management action. The MAFMC may, at any time, 
initiate action to add or adjust management measures within the Atlantic 
Surfclam and Ocean Quahog FMP if it finds that action is necessary to 
meet or be consistent with the goals and objectives of the plan.
    (1) Adjustment process. The MAFMC shall develop and analyze 
appropriate management actions over the span of at least two MAFMC 
meetings. The MAFMC must provide the public with advance notice of the 
availability of the recommendation(s), appropriate justification(s) and 
economic and biological analyses, and the opportunity to comment on the 
proposed adjustment(s) at the first meeting, and prior to and at the 
second MAFMC meeting. The MAFMC's recommendations on adjustments or 
additions to management measures must come from one or more of the 
following categories: Adjustments within existing ABC control rule 
levels; adjustments to the existing MAFMC risk policy; introduction of 
new AMs, including sub-ACTs; description and identification of EFH (and 
fishing gear management measures that impact EFH); habitat areas of 
particular concern; set-aside quota for scientific research; VMS; and 
suspension or adjustment of the surfclam minimum size limit. Issues that 
require significant departures from previously contemplated measures or 
that are otherwise introducing new concepts may require an amendment of 
the FMP instead of a framework adjustment.
    (2) MAFMC recommendation. After developing management actions and 
receiving public testimony, the MAFMC shall make a recommendation to the 
Regional Administrator. The MAFMC's recommendation must include 
supporting rationale, if management measures are recommended, an 
analysis of impacts, and a recommendation to the Regional Administrator 
on whether to issue the management measures as a final rule. If the 
MAFMC recommends that the management measures should be issued as a 
final rule, it must consider at least the following factors, and provide 
support and analysis for each factor considered:
    (i) Whether the availability of data on which the recommended 
management measures are based allows for adequate time to publish a 
proposed rule, and whether the regulations would have to be in place for 
an entire harvest/fishing season.
    (ii) Whether there has been adequate notice and opportunity for 
participation by the public and members of the affected industry in the 
development of recommended management measures.
    (iii) Whether there is an immediate need to protect the resource.
    (iv) Whether there will be a continuing evaluation of management 
measures adopted following their implementation as a final rule.
    (3) NMFS action. If the MAFMC's recommendation includes adjustments 
or additions to management measures and after reviewing the MAFMC's 
recommendation and supporting information:
    (i) If NMFS concurs with the MAFMC's recommended management measures 
and determines that the recommended management measures should be issued 
as a final rule based on the factors specified in paragraph (a)(2) of 
this section, the measures will be issued as a final rule in the Federal 
Register.
    (ii) If NMFS concurs with the MAFMC's recommended management 
measures and determines that the recommended management measures should 
be published first as a proposed rule, the measures will be published as 
a proposed rule in the Federal Register. After additional public 
comment, if NMFS concurs with the

[[Page 782]]

MAFMC recommendation, the measures will be published as a final rule in 
the Federal Register.
    (iii) If NMFS does not concur, the MAFMC will be notified in writing 
of the reasons for the non-concurrence.
    (4) Emergency actions. Nothing in this section is meant to derogate 
from the authority of the Secretary to take emergency action under 
section 305(e) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act.
    (b) [Reserved]

[76 FR 60625, Sept. 29, 2011, as amended at 76 FR 81848, Dec. 29, 2011; 
80 FR 37194, June 30, 2015; 81 FR 38974, June 15, 2016]



   Subpart F_Management Measures for the NE Multispecies and Monkfish 
                                Fisheries



Sec. 648.80  NE Multispecies regulated mesh areas and restrictions 
on gear and methods of fishing.

    Except as provided in Sec. 648.17, all vessels must comply with the 
following minimum mesh size, gear and methods of fishing requirements, 
unless otherwise exempted or prohibited.
    (a) Gulf of Maine (GOM) and GB Regulated Mesh Areas--(1) GOM 
Regulated Mesh Area. The GOM Regulated Mesh Area (copies of a map 
depicting the area are available from the Regional Administrator upon 
request) is that area:
    (i) Bounded on the east by the U.S.-Canada maritime boundary, 
defined by straight lines connecting the following points in the order 
stated:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Point                      N. lat.            W. long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
G1...............................  (\1\)               (\1\)
G2...............................  43[deg]58[min]      67[deg]22[min]
G3...............................  42[deg]53.1[min]    67[deg]44.4[min]
G4...............................  42[deg]31[min]      67[deg]28.1[min]
CII3.............................  42[deg]22[min]      67[deg]20[min]
                                                        \2\
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The intersection of the shoreline and the U.S.-Canada Maritime
  Boundary.
\2\ The U.S.-Canada Maritime Boundary.

    (ii) Bounded on the south by straight lines connecting the following 
points in the order stated:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Point                      N. lat.            W. long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CII3.............................  42[deg]22[min]      67[deg]20[min]
                                                        \1\
G6...............................  42[deg]20[min]      67[deg]20[min]
G7...............................  42[deg]20[min]      69[deg]30[min]
G8...............................  42[deg]00[min]      69[deg]30[min]
G9...............................  42[deg]00[min]      (\2\)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The U.S.-Canada Maritime Boundary.
\2\ The intersection of the Cape Cod, MA, coastline and 42[deg]00[min]
  N. lat.

    (2) GB Regulated Mesh Area. The GB Regulated Mesh Area (copies of a 
map depicting the area are available from the Regional Administrator 
upon request) is that area:
    (i) Bounded on the north by the southern boundary of the GOM 
Regulated Mesh Area as defined in paragraph (a)(1)(ii) of this section; 
and
    (ii) Bounded on the east by straight lines connecting the following 
points in the order stated:

                         GB Regulated Mesh Area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Point                   N. latitude        W. longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CII3............................  42[deg]22[min]      67[deg]20[min] \1\
SNE1............................  40[deg]24[min]      65[deg]43[min] \2\
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The U.S.-Canada Maritime Boundary.
\2\ The U.S.-Canada Maritime Boundary as it intersects with the EEZ.

    (iii) Bounded on the west by straight lines connecting the following 
points in the order stated:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Point                      N. lat.            W. long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
G12..............................  (\1\)               70[deg]00[min]
G11..............................  40[deg]50[min]      70[deg]00[min]
NL1..............................  40[deg]50[min]      69[deg]40[min]
NL2..............................  40[deg]18.7[min]    69[deg]40[min]
NL3..............................  40[deg]22.7[min]    69[deg]00[min]
                                   (\2\)               69[deg]00[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ South facing shoreline of Cape Cod.
\2\ Southward to its intersection with the EEZ.

    (3) GOM Regulated Mesh Area minimum mesh size and gear 
restrictions--(i) Vessels using trawls. Except as provided in paragraphs 
(a)(3)(i) and (vi) of this section and Sec. 648.85(b)(6), and unless 
otherwise restricted under paragraph (a)(3)(iii) of this section, the 
minimum mesh size for any trawl net, except a midwater trawl, on a 
vessel or used by a vessel fishing under the NE multispecies DAS program 
or on a sector trip in the GOM Regulated Mesh Area is 6-inch (15.2-cm) 
diamond mesh or 6.5-inch (16.5-cm) square mesh, applied throughout the 
body and extension of the net, or any combination thereof, and 6.5-inch 
(16.5-cm) diamond mesh or square mesh applied to the codend of the net 
as defined in paragraphs (a)(3)(i)(A) and (B) of this section, provided 
the vessel complies with the requirements of paragraph (a)(3)(vii) of 
this section. This restriction does not apply to nets or pieces of nets 
smaller than 3 ft (0.9

[[Page 783]]

m) x 3 ft (0.9 m), (9 sq ft (0.81 sq m)), or to vessels that have not 
been issued a NE multispecies permit and that are fishing exclusively in 
state waters.
    (A) For vessels greater than 45 ft (13.7 m) in length overall, a 
diamond mesh codend is defined as the first 50 meshes counting from the 
terminus of the net, and a square mesh codend is defined as the first 
100 bars counting from the terminus of the net.
    (B) For vessels 45 ft (13.7 m) or less in length overall, a diamond 
mesh codend is defined as the first 25 meshes counting from the terminus 
of the net, and a square mesh codend is defined as the first 50 bars 
counting from the terminus of the net.
    (ii) Vessels using Scottish seine, midwater trawl, and purse seine. 
Except as provided in paragraphs (a)(3)(ii) and (vi) of this section, 
and unless otherwise restricted under paragraph (a)(3)(iii) of this 
section, the minimum mesh size for any Scottish seine, midwater trawl, 
or purse seine on a vessel or used by a vessel fishing under a DAS in 
the NE multispecies DAS program in the GOM Regulated Mesh Area is 6-inch 
(15.2-cm) diamond mesh or 6.5-inch (16.5-cm) square mesh applied 
throughout the net, or any combination thereof, provided the vessel 
complies with the requirements of paragraph (a)(3)(vii) of this section. 
This restriction does not apply to nets or pieces of nets smaller than 3 
ft (0.9 m) x 3 ft (0.9 m), (9 sq ft (0.81 sq m)), or to vessels that 
have not been issued a NE multispecies permit and that are fishing 
exclusively in state waters.
    (iii) Large-mesh vessels. When fishing in the GOM Regulated Mesh 
Area, the minimum mesh size for any trawl net vessel, or sink gillnet, 
on a vessel or used by a vessel fishing under a DAS in the Large-mesh 
DAS program, specified in Sec. 648.82(b)(4), is 8.5-inch (21.6-cm) 
diamond or square mesh throughout the entire net. This restriction does 
not apply to nets or pieces of nets smaller than 3 ft (0.9 m) x 3 ft 
(0.9 m), (9 sq ft (0.81 sq m)), or to vessels that have not been issued 
a NE multispecies permit and that are fishing exclusively in state 
waters.
    (iv) Gillnet vessels--(A) Trip gillnet vessels--(1) Mesh size. 
Except as provided in paragraphs (a)(3)(iv) and (vi) of this section, 
and unless otherwise restricted under paragraph (a)(3)(iii) of this 
section, for any vessel that obtains an annual designation as a Trip 
gillnet vessel, the minimum mesh size for any sink gillnet when fishing 
in the NE multispecies DAS program or on a sector trip in the GOM 
Regulated Mesh Area is 6.5 inches (16.5 cm) throughout the entire net. 
This restriction does not apply to nets or pieces of nets smaller than 3 
ft (0.9 m) x 3 ft (0.9 m), (9 sq ft (0.81 sq m)), or to vessels that 
have not been issued a NE multispecies permit and that are fishing 
exclusively in state waters.
    (2) Net size requirements. Nets may not be longer than 300 ft (91.4 
m), or 50 fathoms (91.4 m) in length.
    (B) Day gillnet vessels--(1) Mesh size. Except as provided in 
paragraphs (a)(3)(iv) and (vi) of this section, and unless otherwise 
restricted under paragraph (a)(3)(iii) of this section, for any vessel 
that obtain an annual designation as a Day gillnet vessel, the minimum 
mesh size for any sink gillnet when fishing under the NE multispecies 
DAS program or on a sector trip in the GOM Regulated Mesh Area is 6.5 
inches (16.5 cm) throughout the entire net. This restriction does not 
apply to nets or pieces of nets smaller than 3 ft (0.9 m) x 3 ft (0.9 
m), (9 sq ft (0.81 sq m)), or to vessels that have not been issued a NE 
multispecies permit and that are fishing exclusively in state waters.
    (2) Number of nets. A day gillnet vessel fishing under a NE 
multispecies DAS or on a sector trip and fishing in the GOM Regulated 
Mesh Area may not fish with, haul, possess, or deploy more than 50 
roundfish sink gillnets or 100 flatfish (tie-down) sink gillnets, each 
of which must be tagged pursuant to paragraph (a)(3)(iv)(C) of this 
section, except as provided in Sec. 648.92(b)(8)(i). Vessels may fish 
any combination of roundfish and flatfish gillnets up to 100 nets, and 
may stow additional nets not to exceed 160 nets, counting deployed nets.
    (3) Net size requirements. Nets may not be longer than 300 ft (91.4 
m), or 50 fathoms (91.4 m) in length.
    (4) Tags. Roundfish nets must be tagged with two tags per net, with 
one tag secured to each bridle of every net, within a string of nets, 
and flatfish

[[Page 784]]

nets must have one tag per net, with one tag secured to every other 
bridle of every net within a string of nets. Gillnet vessels must also 
abide by the tagging requirements in paragraph (a)(3)(iv)(C) of this 
section.
    (C) Obtaining and replacing tags. Tags must be obtained as described 
in Sec. 648.4(c)(2)(iii), and vessels must have on board written 
confirmation issued by the Regional Administrator, indicating that the 
vessel is a Day gillnet vessel or a Trip gillnet vessel. The vessel 
operator must produce all net tags upon request by an authorized 
officer. A vessel may have tags on board in excess of the number of tags 
corresponding to the allowable number of nets, provided such tags are 
onboard the vessel and can be made available for inspection.
    (1) Lost tags. Vessel owners or operators are required to report 
lost, destroyed, and missing tag numbers as soon as feasible after tags 
have been discovered lost, destroyed or missing, by letter or fax to the 
Regional Administrator.
    (2) Replacement tags. Vessel owners or operators seeking replacement 
of lost, destroyed, or missing tags must request replacement of tags by 
letter or fax to the Regional Administrator. A check for the cost of the 
replacement tags must be received by the Regional Administrator before 
tags will be re-issued.
    (v) Hook gear restrictions. Unless otherwise specified in this 
paragraph (a)(3)(v) or Sec. 648.87(c), vessels fishing with a valid NE 
multispecies limited access permit and fishing under a NE multispecies 
DAS or on a sector trip, and vessels fishing with a valid NE 
multispecies limited access Small-Vessel permit in the GOM Regulated 
Mesh Area, and persons on such vessels, are prohibited from fishing, 
setting, or hauling back, per day, or possessing on board the vessel, 
more than 2,000 rigged hooks. All longline gear hooks must be circle 
hooks, of a minimum size of 12/0. An unbaited hook and gangion that has 
not been secured to the ground line of the trawl on board a vessel 
during the fishing trip is deemed to be a replacement hook and is not 
counted toward the 2,000-hook limit. A ``snap-on'' hook is deemed to be 
a replacement hook if it is not rigged or baited during the fishing 
trip. The use of de-hookers (``crucifer'') with less than 6-inch (15.2-
cm) spacing between the fairlead rollers is prohibited. Vessels fishing 
with a valid NE multispecies limited access Hook Gear permit and fishing 
under a multispecies DAS or on a sector trip in the GOM Regulated Mesh 
Area, and persons on such vessels, are prohibited from possessing gear 
other than hook gear on board the vessel. Vessels fishing with a valid 
NE multispecies limited access Handgear A permit, and persons on such 
vessels, are prohibited from fishing, or possessing on board the vessel, 
gear other than handgear. Vessels fishing with tub-trawl gear are 
prohibited from fishing, setting, or hauling back, per day, or 
possessing on board the vessel more than 250 hooks.
    (vi) Other restrictions and exemptions. A vessel is prohibited from 
fishing in the GOM or GB Exemption Area as defined in paragraph (a)(17) 
of this section, except if fishing with exempted gear (as defined under 
this part) or under the exemptions specified in paragraphs (a)(5) 
through (a)(7), (a)(9) through (a)(16) and (a)(18) through (a)(19), (d), 
(e), (h), and (i) of this section; or if fishing under a NE multispecies 
DAS; or if fishing on a sector trip; or if fishing under the Small 
Vessel or Handgear A permit specified in Sec. 648.82(b)(5) and (6), 
respectively; or if fishing under a Handgear B permit specified in Sec. 
648.88(a); or if fishing under the scallop state waters exemptions 
specified in Sec. 648.54 and paragraph (h)(3)(i) of this section; or if 
fishing under a scallop DAS or general category trip in accordance with 
paragraph (h) of this section; or if fishing pursuant to a NE 
multispecies open access Charter/Party or Handgear permit specified in 
Sec. 648.88; or if fishing as a charter/party or private recreational 
vessel in compliance with Sec. 648.89. Any gear used by a vessel in 
this area must be authorized under one of these exemptions. Any gear on 
a vessel that is not authorized under one of these exemptions must be 
stowed and not available for immediate use as defined in Sec. 648.2.
    (vii) Rockhopper and roller gear restrictions. For all trawl vessels 
fishing on a NE multispecies DAS or sector trip in

[[Page 785]]

the GOM/GB Inshore Restricted Roller Gear Area, the diameter of any part 
of the trawl footrope, including discs, rollers, or rockhoppers, must 
not exceed 12 inches (30.5 cm). The GOM/GB Inshore Restricted Roller 
Gear Area is defined by straight lines connecting the following points 
in the order stated:

                   Inshore Restricted Roller Gear Area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Point                     N. Latitude    W. Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.......................................  42[deg]00[min]           (\1\)
2.......................................  42[deg]00[min]           (\2\)
3.......................................  42[deg]00[min]           (\3\)
4.......................................  42[deg]00[min]  69[deg]50[min]
5.......................................  43[deg]00[min]  69[deg]50[min]
6.......................................  43[deg]00[min]  70[deg]00[min]
7.......................................  43[deg]30[min]  70[deg]00[min]
8.......................................  43[deg]30[min]           (\4\)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Massachusetts shoreline.
\2\ Cape Cod shoreline on Cape Cod Bay.
\3\ Cape Cod shoreline on the Atlantic Ocean.
\4\ Maine shoreline.

    (4) GB regulated mesh area minimum mesh size and gear restrictions--
(i) Vessels using trawls. Except as provided in paragraph (a)(3)(vi) of 
this section, this paragraph (a)(4)(i), Sec. 648.85(b)(6) and (8), and 
Sec. 648.87(c)(2)(ii), and unless otherwise restricted under paragraph 
(a)(4)(iii) of this section, the minimum mesh size for any trawl net, 
except a midwater trawl, and the minimum mesh size for any trawl net 
when fishing in that portion of the GB Regulated Mesh Area that lies 
within the SNE Exemption Area, as described in paragraph (b)(10) of this 
section, that is not stowed and available for immediate use as defined 
in Sec. 648.2, on a vessel or used by a vessel fishing under the NE 
multispecies DAS program or on a sector trip in the GB Regulated Mesh 
Area is 6-inch (15.2-cm) diamond mesh or 6.5-inch (16.5-cm) square mesh 
applied throughout the body and extension of the net, or any combination 
thereof, and 6.5-inch (16.5-cm) diamond mesh or square mesh applied to 
the codend of the net as defined in paragraph (a)(3)(i) of this section, 
provided the vessel complies with the requirements of paragraphs 
(a)(3)(vii) of this section. This restriction does not apply to nets or 
pieces of nets smaller than 3 ft (0.9 m) x 3 ft (0.9 m), (9 sq ft (0.81 
sq m)), or to vessels that have not been issued a NE multispecies permit 
and that are fishing exclusively in state waters.
    (ii) Vessels using Scottish seine, midwater trawl, and purse seine. 
Except as provided in paragraph (a)(3)(vi) of this section, and this 
paragraph (a)(4)(ii), and unless otherwise restricted under paragraph 
(a)(4)(iii) of this section, the minimum mesh size for any Scottish 
seine, midwater trawl, or purse seine, and the minimum mesh size for any 
Scottish seine, midwater trawl, or purse seine, when fishing in that 
portion of the GB Regulated Mesh Area that lies within the SNE Exemption 
Area, as described in paragraph (b)(10) of this section, that is not 
stowed and available for immediate use as defined in Sec. 648.2, on a 
vessel or used by a vessel fishing under a DAS in the NE multispecies 
DAS program in the GB Regulated Mesh Area is 6-inch (15.2-cm) diamond 
mesh or 6.5-inch (16.5-cm) square mesh applied throughout the net, or 
any combination thereof, provided the vessel complies with the 
requirements of paragraph (a)(3)(vii) of this section. This restriction 
does not apply to nets or pieces of nets smaller than 3 ft (0.9 m) x 3 
ft (0.9 m), (9 sq ft (0.81 sq m)), or to vessels that have not been 
issued a NE multispecies permit and that are fishing exclusively in 
state waters.
    (iii) Large-mesh vessels. When fishing in the GB Regulated Mesh 
Area, the minimum mesh size for any trawl net, or sink gillnet, and the 
minimum mesh size for any trawl net, or sink gillnet, when fishing in 
that portion of the GB Regulated Mesh Area that lies within the SNE 
Exemption Area, as described in paragraph (b)(10) of this section, that 
is not stowed and available for immediate use as defined in Sec. 648.2, 
on a vessel or used by a vessel fishing under a DAS in the Large-mesh 
DAS program, specified in Sec. 648.82(b)(5), is 8.5-inch (21.6-cm) 
diamond or square mesh throughout the entire net. This restriction does 
not apply to nets or pieces of nets smaller than 3 ft (0.9 m) x 3 ft 
(0.9 m), (9 sq ft (0.81 sq m)), or to vessels that have not been issued 
a NE multispecies permit and that are fishing exclusively in state 
waters.
    (iv) Gillnet vessels. Except as provided in paragraph (a)(3)(vi) of 
this section and this paragraph (a)(4)(iv), for Day and Trip gillnet 
vessels, the minimum mesh size for any sink gillnet, and the

[[Page 786]]

minimum mesh size for any roundfish or flatfish gillnet when fishing in 
that portion of the GB Regulated Mesh Area that lies within the SNE 
Exemption Area, as described in paragraph (b)(10) of this section, that 
is not stowed and available for immediate use as defined in Sec. 648.2, 
when fishing under a DAS in the NE multispecies DAS program or on a 
sector trip in the GB Regulated Mesh Area is 6.5 inches (16.5 cm) 
throughout the entire net. This restriction does not apply to nets or 
pieces of nets smaller than 3 ft (0.9 m) x 3 ft (0.9 m), (9 sq ft (0.81 
sq m)), or to vessels that have not been issued a NE multispecies permit 
and that are fishing exclusively in state waters.
    (A) Trip gillnet vessels. A Trip gillnet vessel fishing under a NE 
multispecies DAS or on a sector trip and fishing in the GB Regulated 
Mesh Area may not fish with nets longer than 300 ft (91.4 m), or 50 
fathoms (91.4 m) in length.
    (B) Day gillnet vessels--(1) Number of nets. A Day gillnet vessel 
fishing under a NE multispecies DAS or on a sector trip and fishing in 
the GB Regulated Mesh Area may not fish with, haul, possess, or deploy 
more than 50 nets, except as provided in Sec. 648.92(b)(8)(i).
    (2) Net size requirements. Vessels may fish any combination of 
roundfish and flatfish gillnets, up to 50 nets. Such vessels, may stow 
additional nets not to exceed 150, counting the deployed net. Such 
vessels may stow additional nets in accordance with the definition of 
not available for immediate use as defined in Sec. 648.2 not to exceed 
150 nets, counting the deployed net.
    (3) Tags. Roundfish or flatfish nets must be tagged with two tags 
per net, with one tag secured to each bridle of every net within a 
string of nets.
    (4) Obtaining and replacing tags. See paragraph (a)(3)(iv)(C) of 
this section.
    (v) Hook gear restrictions. Unless otherwise specified in this 
paragraph (a)(4)(v), vessels fishing with a valid NE multispecies 
limited access permit and fishing under a NE multispecies DAS, and 
vessels fishing with a valid NE multispecies limited access Small-Vessel 
permit, in the GB Regulated Mesh Area, and persons on such vessels, are 
prohibited from possessing gear other than hook gear on board the vessel 
and prohibited from fishing, setting, or hauling back, per day, or 
possessing on board the vessel, more than 3,600 rigged hooks. All 
longline gear hooks must be circle hooks, of a minimum size of 12/0. An 
unabated hook and gangions that has not been secured to the ground line 
of the trawl on board a vessel is deemed to be a replacement hook and is 
not counted toward the 3,600-hook limit. A ``snap-on'' hook is deemed to 
be a replacement hook if it is not rigged or baited. The use of de-
hookers (``crucifer'') with less than 6-inch (15.2-cm) spacing between 
the fairlead rollers is prohibited. Vessels fishing with a valid NE 
multispecies limited access Hook gear permit and fishing under a 
multispecies DAS in the GB Regulated Mesh Area, and persons on such 
vessels, are prohibited from possessing gear other than hook gear on 
board the vessel. Vessels fishing with a valid NE multispecies limited 
access Handgear A permit are prohibited from fishing or possessing on 
board the vessel, gear other than hand gear. Vessels fishing with tub-
trawl gear are prohibited from fishing, setting, or hauling back, per 
day, or possessing on board the vessel more than 250 hooks.
    (vi)-(viii) [Reserved]
    (5) Small Mesh Northern Shrimp Fishery Exemption. Vessels subject to 
the minimum mesh size restrictions specified in this paragraph (a) may 
fish for, harvest, possess, or land northern shrimp in the GOM, GB, SNE, 
and MA Regulated Mesh Areas, as described under paragraphs (a)(1), 
(a)(2), (b)(1), and (c)(1) of this section, respectively, with nets with 
a mesh size smaller than the minimum size specified, if the vessel 
complies with the requirements of paragraphs (a)(5)(i) through (iii) of 
this section.
    (i) Restrictions on fishing for, possessing, or landing fish other 
than shrimp. An owner or operator of a vessel fishing in the northern 
shrimp fishery under the exemption described in this paragraph (a)(5) 
may not fish for, possess on board, or land any species of fish other 
than shrimp, except for the following, with the restrictions noted, as 
allowable incidental species: Longhorn sculpin; combined silver hake and 
offshore hake--up to an amount equal to the total weight of shrimp 
possessed on board or landed, not to exceed 3,500

[[Page 787]]

lb (1,588 kg); and American lobster--up to 10 percent, by weight, of all 
other species on board or 200 lobsters, whichever is less, unless 
otherwise restricted by landing limits specified in Sec. 697.17 of this 
chapter. Silver hake and offshore hake on board a vessel subject to this 
possession limit must be separated from other species of fish and stored 
so as to be readily available for inspection.
    (ii) Requirement to use a finfish excluder device (FED). A vessel 
must have a rigid or semi-rigid grate consisting of parallel bars of not 
more than 1-inch (2.54-cm) spacing that excludes all fish and other 
objects, except those that are small enough to pass between its bars 
into the codend of the trawl, secured in the trawl, forward of the 
codend, in such a manner that it precludes the passage of fish or other 
objects into the codend without the fish or objects having to first pass 
between the bars of the grate, in any net with mesh smaller than the 
minimum size specified in paragraphs (a)(3) and (4) of this section. The 
net must have an outlet or hole to allow fish or other objects that are 
too large to pass between the bars of the grate to exit the net. The 
aftermost edge of this outlet or hole must be at least as wide as the 
grate at the point of attachment. The outlet or hole must extend forward 
from the grate toward the mouth of the net. A funnel of net material is 
allowed in the lengthening piece of the net forward of the grate to 
direct catch towards the grate. (Copies of a schematic example of a 
properly configured and installed FED are available from the Regional 
Administrator upon request.)
    (iii) Time restrictions. A vessel may only fish under this exemption 
during the northern shrimp season, as established by the Commission and 
announced in the Commission's letter to participants.
    (6) Cultivator Shoal Whiting Fishery Exemption Area. Vessels subject 
to the minimum mesh size restrictions specified in paragraphs (a)(3) and 
(4) of this section may fish with, use, or possess nets in the 
Cultivator Shoal Whiting Fishery Exemption Area with a mesh size smaller 
than the minimum size specified, if the vessel complies with the 
requirements specified in paragraph (a)(6)(i) of this section. The 
Cultivator Shoal Whiting Fishery Exemption Area (copies of a map 
depicting the area are available from the Regional Administrator upon 
request) is defined by straight lines connecting the following points in 
the order stated:

             Cultivator Shoal Whiting Fishery Exemption Area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Point                      N. lat.            W. long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
C1...............................  42[deg]10[min]      68[deg]10[min]
C2...............................  41[deg]30[min]      68[deg]41[min]
CI4..............................  41[deg]30[min]      68[deg]30[min]
C3...............................  41[deg]12.8[min]    68[deg]30[min]
C4...............................  41[deg]05[min]      68[deg]20[min]
C5...............................  41[deg]55[min]      67[deg]40[min]
C1...............................  42[deg]10[min]      68[deg]10[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (i) Requirements. (A) A vessel fishing in the Cultivator Shoal 
Whiting Fishery Exemption Area under this exemption must have on board a 
valid letter of authorization issued by the Regional Administrator.
    (B) An owner or operator of a vessel fishing in this area may not 
fish for, possess on board, or land any species of fish other than 
whiting and offshore hake combined--up to a maximum of 30,000 lb (13,608 
kg), except for the following, with the restrictions noted, as allowable 
incidental species: Atlantic herring, up to the amount specified in 
Sec. 648.204; longhorn sculpin; squid, butterfish, and Atlantic 
mackerel, up to the amounts specified in Sec. 648.26; spiny dogfish, up 
to the amount specified in Sec. 648.235; red hake, up to the amount 
specified in Sec. 648.86(d), monkfish and monkfish parts--up to 10 
percent, by weight, of all other species on board or up to 50 lb (23 kg) 
tail-weight/146 lb (66 kg) whole-weight of monkfish per trip, as 
specified in Sec. 648.94(c)(4), whichever is less; and American 
lobster--up to 10 percent, by weight, of all other species on board or 
200 lobsters, whichever is less, unless otherwise restricted by landing 
limits specified in Sec. 697.17 of this chapter.
    (C) Counting from the terminus of the net, all nets must have a 
minimum mesh size of 3-inch (7.6-cm) square or diamond mesh applied to 
the first 100 meshes (200 bars in the case of square mesh) for vessels 
greater than 60 ft (18.3 m) in length and applied to the first 50 meshes 
(100 bars in the case of

[[Page 788]]

square mesh) for vessels less than or equal to 60 ft (18.3 m) in length.
    (D) Fishing is confined to a season of June 15 through October 31, 
unless otherwise specified by notification in the Federal Register.
    (E) When a vessel is transiting through the GOM or GB Regulated Mesh 
Areas specified under paragraphs (a)(1) and (2) of this section, any 
nets with a mesh size smaller than the minimum mesh specified in 
paragraphs (a)(3) or (4) of this section must be stowed and not 
available for immediate use as defined in Sec. 648.2, unless the vessel 
is fishing for small-mesh multispecies under another exempted fishery 
specified in this paragraph (a).
    (F) A vessel fishing in the Cultivator Shoal Whiting Fishery 
Exemption Area may fish for small-mesh multispecies in exempted 
fisheries outside of the Cultivator Shoal Whiting Fishery Exemption 
Area, provided that the vessel complies with the more restrictive gear, 
possession limit, and other requirements specified in the regulations of 
that exempted fishery for the entire participation period specified on 
the vessel's letter of authorization and consistent with paragraph 
(a)(15)(i)(G) of this section. For example, a vessel may fish in both 
the Cultivator Shoal Whiting Fishery Exemption Area and the Southern New 
England or Mid-Atlantic Exemption Areas, and would be restricted to a 
minimum mesh size of 3 in (7.62 cm) and a maximum trip limit of 30,000 
lb (13,607.77 kg) for silver hake and offshore hake, combined, as 
required in the Cultivator Shoal Whiting Fishery Exemption Area.
    (ii) Sea sampling. The Regional Administrator shall conduct periodic 
sea sampling to determine if there is a need to change the area or 
season designation, and to evaluate the bycatch of regulated species, 
especially haddock.
    (iii) Annual review. The NEFMC shall conduct an annual review of 
data to determine if there are any changes in area or season designation 
necessary, and to make appropriate recommendations to the Regional 
Administrator following the procedures specified in Sec. 648.90.
    (7) Transiting. (i) Vessels fishing in the Small Mesh Area 1/Small 
Mesh Area 2 fishery, as specified in paragraph (a)(9) of this section, 
may transit through the Scallop Dredge Fishery Exemption Area as 
specified in paragraph (a)(11) of this section with nets of mesh size 
smaller than the minimum mesh size specified in paragraphs (a)(3) or (4) 
of this section, provided that the nets are stowed and not available for 
immediate use as defined in Sec. 648.2. Vessels fishing in the Small 
Mesh Northern Shrimp Fishery, as specified in paragraph (a)(3) of this 
section, may transit through the GOM, GB, SNE, and MA Regulated Mesh 
Areas, as described in paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(2), (b)(1), and (c)(1) of 
this section, respectively, with nets of mesh size smaller than the 
minimum mesh size specified in paragraphs (a)(3), (a)(4), (b)(2), and 
(c)(2) of this section, provided the nets are stowed and not available 
for immediate use as defined in Sec. 648.2.
    (ii) Vessels subject to the minimum mesh size restrictions specified 
in paragraphs (a)(3) or (4) of this section may transit through the 
Scallop Dredge Fishery Exemption Areas defined in paragraphs (a)(11) and 
(18) of this section with nets on board with a mesh size smaller than 
the minimum size specified, provided that the nets are stowed and not 
available for immediate use as defined in Sec. 648.2, and provided the 
vessel has no fish on board.
    (iii) Vessels subject to the minimum mesh size restrictions 
specified in paragraphs (a)(3) or (4) of this section may transit 
through the GOM and GB Regulated Mesh Areas defined in paragraphs (a)(1) 
and (2) of this section with nets on board with a mesh size smaller than 
the minimum mesh size specified and with small mesh exempted species on 
board, provided that the following conditions are met:
    (A) All nets with a mesh size smaller than the minimum mesh size 
specified in paragraphs (a)(3) or (4) of this section are stowed and not 
available for immediate use as defined in Sec. 648.2.
    (B) A letter of authorization issued by the Regional Administrator 
is on board.
    (C) Vessels do not fish for, possess on board, or land any fish, 
except when fishing in the areas specified in paragraphs (a)(6), 
(a)(10), (a)(15), (b), and (c)

[[Page 789]]

of this section. Vessels may retain exempted small-mesh species as 
provided in paragraphs (a)(6)(i), (a)(10)(i), (a)(15)(i), (b)(3), and 
(c)(3) of this section.
    (8) Addition or deletion of exemptions--(i) Exemption allowing no 
incidental catch of regulated multispecies. An exemption may be added in 
an existing fishery for which there are sufficient data or information 
to ascertain the amount of regulated species bycatch, if the Regional 
Administrator, after consultation with the NEFMC, determines that the 
percentage of regulated species caught as bycatch is, or can be reduced 
to, less than 5 percent, by weight, of total catch, unless otherwise 
specified in this paragraph (a)(8)(i) of this section, and that such 
exemption will not jeopardize fishing mortality objectives. The 5-
percent regulated species incidental bycatch standard could be modified 
for a stock that is not in an overfished condition, or if overfishing is 
not occurring on that stock. When considering modifications of the 
standard, it must be shown that the change will not delay a rebuilding 
program, or result in overfishing or an overfished condition. In 
determining whether exempting a fishery may jeopardize meeting fishing 
mortality objectives, the Regional Administrator may take into 
consideration various factors including, but not limited to, juvenile 
mortality, sacrifices in yield that will result from that mortality, the 
ratio of target species to regulated species, status of stock 
rebuilding, and recent recruitment of regulated species. A fishery can 
be defined, restricted, or allowed by area, gear, season, or other means 
determined to be appropriate to reduce bycatch of regulated species. The 
Regional Administrator may modify or delete an existing exemption if he/
she determines that the catch of regulated species is equal to or 
greater than 5 percent, by weight of total catch, or another pertinent 
approved amount, or that continuing the exemption may jeopardize meeting 
fishing mortality objectives. Notification of additions, deletions, or 
modifications will be made through issuance of a rule in the Federal 
Register.
    (ii) Exemption allowing incidental catch of regulated species. An 
exemption may be added in an existing fishery that would allow vessels 
to retain and land regulated multispecies, under the restrictions 
specified in paragraphs (a)(8)(ii)(A) through (C) of this section, if 
the Regional Administrator, after consultation with the NEFMC, considers 
the status of the regulated species stock or stocks caught in the 
fishery, the risk that this exemption would result in a targeted 
regulated species fishery, the extent of the fishery in terms of time 
and area, and the possibility of expansion in the fishery. Incidental 
catch in exempted fisheries under this paragraph (a)(8)(ii) are subject, 
at a minimum, to the following restrictions:
    (A) A prohibition on the possession of regulated multispecies that 
are overfished or where overfishing is occurring;
    (B) A prohibition on the possession of regulated species in NE 
multispecies closure areas; and
    (C) A prohibition on allowing an exempted fishery to occur that 
would allow retention of a regulated multispecies stock under an ongoing 
rebuilding program, unless it can be determined that the catch of the 
stock in the exempted fishery is not likely to result in exceeding the 
rebuilding mortality rate.
    (iii) For exemptions allowing no incidental catch of regulated 
species, as defined under paragraph (a)(8)(i) of this section, the NEFMC 
may recommend to the Regional Administrator, through the framework 
procedure specified in Sec. 648.90(c), additions or deletions to 
exemptions for fisheries, either existing or proposed, for which there 
may be insufficient data or information for the Regional Administrator 
to determine, without public comment, percentage catch of regulated 
species. For exemptions allowing incidental catch of regulated species, 
as defined under paragraph (a)(8)(ii) of this section, the NEFMC may 
recommend to the Regional Administrator, through the framework procedure 
specified in Sec. 648.90(c), additions or deletions to exemptions for 
fisheries, either existing or proposed, for which there may be 
insufficient data or information for the Regional Administrator to 
determine, without public comment, the risk that

[[Page 790]]

this exemption would result in a targeted regulated species fishery, the 
extent of the fishery in terms of time and area, and the possibility of 
expansion in the fishery.
    (iv) Unless otherwise specified within the exempted fisheries 
authorized under this paragraph (a)(8), incidental catch is restricted, 
at a minimum, to the following:
    (A) With the exception of fisheries authorized under paragraph 
(a)(8)(ii) of this section, a prohibition on the possession of regulated 
species;
    (B) A limit on the possession of monkfish or monkfish parts of 10 
percent, by weight, of all other species on board or as specified by 
Sec. 648.94(c)(3), (4), (5) or (6), as applicable, whichever is less;
    (C) A limit on the possession of lobsters of 10 percent, by weight, 
of all other species on board or 200 lobsters, whichever is less; and
    (D) A limit on the possession of skate or skate parts in the SNE 
Exemption Area described in paragraph (b)(10) of this section of 10 
percent, by weight, of all other species on board.
    (9) Small Mesh Area 1/Small Mesh Area 2--(i) Description. (A) Unless 
otherwise prohibited in Sec. 648.81, Sec. 648.370, or Sec. 648.371, a 
vessel subject to the minimum mesh size restrictions specified in 
paragraph (a)(3) or (4) of this section may fish with or possess nets 
with a mesh size smaller than the minimum size, provided the vessel 
complies with the requirements of paragraph (a)(5)(ii) or (a)(9)(ii) of 
this section, and Sec. 648.86(d), from July 15 through November 15, 
when fishing in Small Mesh Area 1; and from January 1 through June 30, 
when fishing in Small Mesh Area 2. While lawfully fishing in these areas 
with mesh smaller than the minimum size, an owner or operator of any 
vessel may not fish for, possess on board, or land any species of fish 
other than: Silver hake and offshore hake, combined, and red hake--up to 
the amounts specified in Sec. 648.86(d); butterfish, Atlantic mackerel, 
or squid, up the amounts specified in Sec. 648.26; spiny dogfish, up to 
the amount specified in Sec. 648.235; Atlantic herring, up to the 
amount specified in Sec. 648.204; and scup, up to the amount specified 
in Sec. 648.128.
    (B) Small-mesh Areas 1 and 2 are defined by straight lines 
connecting the following points in the order stated (copies of a chart 
depicting these areas are available from the Regional Administrator upon 
request):

                            Small Mesh Area I
------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Point                      N. lat.            W. long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
SM1..............................  43[deg]03[min]      70[deg]27[min]
SM2..............................  42[deg]57[min]      70[deg]22[min]
SM3..............................  42[deg]47[min]      70[deg]32[min]
SM4..............................  42[deg]45[min]      70[deg]29[min]
SM5..............................  42[deg]43[min]      70[deg]32[min]
SM6..............................  42[deg]44[min]      70[deg]39[min]
SM7..............................  42[deg]49[min]      70[deg]43[min]
SM8..............................  42[deg]50[min]      70[deg]41[min]
SM9..............................  42[deg]53[min]      70[deg]43[min]
SM10.............................  42[deg]55[min]      70[deg]40[min]
SM11.............................  42[deg]59[min]      70[deg]32[min]
SM1..............................  43[deg]03[min]      70[deg]27[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                           Small Mesh Area II
------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Point                      N. lat.            W. long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
SM13.............................  43[deg]05.6[min]    69[deg]55[min]
SM14.............................  43[deg]10.1[min]    69[deg]43.3[min]
SM15.............................  42[deg]49.5[min]    69[deg]40[min]
SM16.............................  42[deg]41.5[min]    69[deg]40[min]
SM17.............................  42[deg]36.6[min]    69[deg]55[min]
SM13.............................  43[deg]05.6[min]    69[deg]55[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (ii) Raised footrope trawl. Vessels fishing in the Small Mesh Areas 
I and II Exemption Programs described in Sec. 648.80(a)(9)) must 
configure the vessel's gear with a raised footrope trawl, configured in 
such a way that, when towed, the gear is not in contact with the ocean 
bottom. Vessels are presumed to be fishing in such a manner if their 
trawl gear is designed as specified in paragraphs (a)(9)(ii)(A) through 
(D) of this section and is towed so that it does not come into contact 
with the ocean bottom.
    (A) Eight-inch (20.3-cm) diameter floats must be attached to the 
entire length of the headrope, with a maximum spacing of 4 ft (122.0 cm) 
between floats.
    (B) The ground gear must all be bare wire not larger than \1/2\ inch 
(1.2 cm) for the top leg, not larger than \5/8\ inch (1.6 cm) for the 
bottom leg, and not larger than \3/4\ inch (1.9 cm) for the ground 
cables. The top and bottom legs must be equal in length, with no 
extensions. The total length of ground cables and legs must not be 
greater than 40 fathoms (73 m) from the doors to wing ends.

[[Page 791]]

    (C) The footrope must be longer than the length of the headrope, but 
not more than 20 ft (6.1 m) longer than the length of the headrope. The 
footrope must be rigged so that it does not contact the ocean bottom 
while fishing.
    (D) The raised footrope trawl may be used with or without a chain 
sweep. If used without a chain sweep, the drop chains must be a maximum 
of \3/8\-inch (0.95-cm) diameter bare chain and must be hung from the 
center of the footrope and each corner (the quarter, or the junction of 
the bottom wing to the belly at the footrope). Drop chains must be hung 
at intervals of 8 ft (2.4 m) along the footrope from the corners to the 
wing ends. If used with a chain sweep, the sweep must be rigged so it is 
behind and below the footrope, and the footrope is off the bottom. This 
is accomplished by having the sweep longer than the footrope and having 
long drop chains attaching the sweep to the footrope at regular 
intervals. The forward end of the sweep and footrope must be connected 
to the bottom leg at the same point. This attachment, in conjunction 
with the headrope flotation, keeps the footrope off the bottom. The 
sweep and its rigging, including drop chains, must be made entirely of 
bare chain with a maximum diameter of \5/16\ inches (0.8 cm). No 
wrapping or cookies are allowed on the drop chains or sweep. The total 
length of the sweep must be at least 7 ft (2.1 m) longer than the total 
length of the footrope, or 3.5 ft (1.1 m) longer on each side. Drop 
chains must connect the footrope to the sweep chain, and the length of 
each drop chain must be at least 42 inches (106.7 cm). One drop chain 
must be hung from the center of the footrope to the center of the sweep, 
and one drop chain must be hung from each corner. The attachment points 
of each drop chain on the sweep and the footrope must be the same 
distance from the center drop chain attachments. Drop chains must be 
hung at intervals of 8 ft (2.4 m) from the corners toward the wing ends. 
The distance of the drop chain that is nearest the wing end to the end 
of the footrope may differ from net to net. However, the sweep must be 
at least 3.5 ft (1.1m) longer than the footrope between the drop chain 
closest to the wing ends and the end of the sweep that attaches to the 
wing end.
    (10) Nantucket Shoals Dogfish Fishery Exemption Area. Vessels 
subject to the minimum mesh size restrictions specified in paragraph 
(a)(3) or paragraph (a)(4) of this section may fish with, use, or 
possess nets of mesh smaller than the minimum size specified in the 
Nantucket Shoals Dogfish Fishery Exemption Area, if the vessel complies 
with the requirements specified in paragraph (a)(10)(i) of this section. 
The Nantucket Shoals Dogfish Fishery Exemption Area (copies of a map 
depicting this area are available from the Regional Administrator upon 
request) is defined by straight lines connecting the following points in 
the order stated:

                 Nantucket Shoals Dogfish Exemption Area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Point                      N. lat.            W. long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NS1..............................  41[deg]45[min]      70[deg]00[min]
NS2..............................  41[deg]45[min]      69[deg]20[min]
NS3..............................  41[deg]30[min]      69[deg]20[min]
Cl1..............................  41[deg]30[min]      69[deg]23[min]
NS5..............................  41[deg]26.5[min]    69[deg]20[min]
NS6..............................  40[deg]50[min]      69[deg]20[min]
NS7..............................  40[deg]50[min]      70[deg]00[min]
NS1..............................  41[deg]45[min]      70[deg]00[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (i) Requirements. (A) A vessel fishing in the Nantucket Shoals 
Dogfish Fishery Exemption Area, under the exemption, must have on board 
a letter of authorization issued by the Regional Administrator and may 
not fish for, possess on board, or land any species of fish other than 
dogfish, except as provided under paragraph (a)(10)(i)(D) of this 
section.
    (B) Fishing is confined to June 1 through October 15.
    (C) When transiting the GOM or GB Regulated Mesh Areas, specified 
under paragraphs (a)(1) and (2) of this section, any nets with a mesh 
size smaller than the minimum mesh size specified in paragraphs (a)(3) 
and (4) of this section must be stowed and not available for immediate 
use as defined in Sec. 648.2.
    (D) Incidental species provisions. The following species may be 
possessed and landed, with the restrictions noted, as allowable 
incidental species in the Nantucket Shoals Dogfish Fishery Exemption 
Area: Longhorn sculpin; silver hake--up to 200 lb (90.7 kg); monkfish 
and monkfish parts--up to 10 percent,

[[Page 792]]

by weight, of all other species on board or up to 50 lb (23 kg) tail-
weight/146 lb (66 kg) whole-weight of monkfish per trip, as specified in 
Sec. 648.94(c)(4), whichever is less; American lobster--up to 10 
percent, by weight, of all other species on board or 200 lobsters, 
whichever is less, unless otherwise restricted by landing limits 
specified in Sec. 697.17 of this chapter; and skate or skate parts--up 
to 10 percent, by weight, of all other species on board..
    (E) A vessel fishing in the Nantucket Shoals Dogfish Fishery 
Exemption Area, under the exemption, must comply with any additional 
gear restrictions specified in the letter of authorization issued by the 
Regional Administrator.
    (ii) Sea sampling. The Regional Administrator may conduct periodic 
sea sampling to determine if there is a need to change the area or 
season designation, and to evaluate the bycatch of regulated species.
    (11) [Reserved]
    (12) Nantucket Shoals Mussel and Sea Urchin Dredge Exemption Area. 
Unless otherwise prohibited in Sec. 648.81, Sec. 648.370, or Sec. 
648.371, a vessel may fish with a dredge in the Nantucket Shoals Mussel 
and Sea Urchin Dredge Exemption Area, provided that any dredge on board 
the vessel does not exceed 8 ft (2.4 m), measured at the widest point in 
the bail of the dredge, and the vessel does not fish for, harvest, 
possess, or land any species of fish other than mussels and sea urchins. 
The area coordinates of the Nantucket Shoals Mussel and Sea Urchin 
Dredge Exemption Area are the same coordinates as those of the Nantucket 
Shoals Dogfish Fishery Exemption Area specified in paragraph (a)(10) of 
this section.
    (13) GOM/GB Dogfish and Monkfish Gillnet Fishery Exemption Area. 
Unless otherwise prohibited in Sec. 648.81, Sec. 648.370, or Sec. 
648.371, a vessel may fish with gillnets in the GOM/GB Dogfish and 
Monkfish Gillnet Fishery Exemption Area when not under a NE multispecies 
DAS if the vessel complies with the requirements specified in paragraph 
(a)(13)(i) of this section. The GOM/GB Dogfish and Monkfish Gillnet 
Fishery Exemption Area is defined by straight lines connecting the 
following points in the order stated:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 N lat.                               W long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
41[deg]35[min]..........................  70[deg]00[min]
42[deg]49.5[min]........................  70[deg]00[min]
42[deg]49.5[min]........................  69[deg]40[min]
43[deg]12[min]..........................  69[deg]00[min]
(\1\)...................................  69[deg]00[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Due north to Maine shoreline.

    (i) Requirements. (A) A vessel fishing under this exemption may not 
fish for, possess on board, or land any species of fish other than 
monkfish, or lobsters in an amount not to exceed 10 percent by weight of 
the total catch on board, or 200 lobsters, whichever is less.
    (B) The minimum mesh size for gillnets are as follows:
    (1) Through April 30, 2026, all gillnets must have a minimum mesh 
size of 10-inch (25.4-cm) diamond mesh throughout the net.
    (2) Starting May 1, 2026, all gillnets must have a minimum mesh size 
of 12-inch (30.5-cm) diamond mesh throughout the net.
    (C) Fishing is confined to July 1 through September 14.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (14) GOM/GB Dogfish Gillnet Exemption. Unless otherwise prohibited 
in Sec. 648.81, Sec. 648.370, or Sec. 648.371, a vessel may fish with 
gillnets in the GOM/GB Dogfish and Monkfish Gillnet Fishery Exemption 
Area when not under a NE multispecies DAS if the vessel complies with 
the requirements specified in paragraph (a)(14)(i) of this section. The 
area coordinates of the GOM/GB Dogfish and Monkfish Gillnet Fishery 
Exemption Area are specified in paragraph (a)(13) of this section.
    (i) Requirements. (A) A vessel fishing under this exemption may not 
fish for, possess on board, or land any species of fish other than 
dogfish, or lobsters in an amount not to exceed 10 percent by weight of 
the total catch on board, or 200 lobsters, whichever is less.
    (B) All gillnets must have a minimum mesh size of 6.5-inch (16.5-cm) 
diamond mesh throughout the net.
    (C) Fishing is confined to July 1 through August 31.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (15) Raised Footrope Trawl Exempted Whiting Fishery. Unless 
otherwise prohibited in Sec. 648.370 or Sec. 648.371, vessels subject 
to the minimum mesh size restrictions specified in paragraphs (a)(3) or 
(4) of this section may fish with, use,

[[Page 793]]

or possess nets in the Raised Footrope Trawl Whiting Fishery area with a 
mesh size smaller than the minimum size specified, if the vessel 
complies with the requirements specified in paragraph (a)(15)(i) of this 
section. This exemption does not apply to the Cashes Ledge Closure Areas 
or the Western GOM Area Closure specified in Sec. 648.81(a)(3) and (4), 
respectively. The Raised Footrope Trawl Whiting Fishery Area (copies of 
a chart depicting the area are available from the Regional Administrator 
upon request) is defined by straight lines connecting the following 
points in the order stated:

          Raised Footrope Trawl Whiting Fishery Exemption Area
                    [September 1 through November 20]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Point                     N lat.              W long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
RF 1..........................  42[deg]14.05[min]    70[deg]08.8[min]
RF 2..........................  42[deg]09.2[min]     69[deg]47.8[min]
RF 3..........................  41[deg]54.85[min]    69[deg]35.2[min]
RF 4..........................  41[deg]41.5[min]     69[deg]32.85[min]
RF 5..........................  41[deg]39[min]       69[deg]44.3[min]
RF 6..........................  41[deg]45.6[min]     69[deg]51.8[min]
RF 7..........................  41[deg]52.3[min]     69[deg]52.55[min]
RF 8..........................  41[deg]55.5[min]     69[deg]53.45[min]
RF 9..........................  42[deg]08.35[min]    70[deg]04.05[min]
RF 10.........................  42[deg]04.75[min]    70[deg]16.95[min]
RF 11.........................  42[deg]00[min]       70[deg]13.2[min]
RF 12.........................  42[deg]00[min]       70[deg]24.1[min]
RF 13.........................  42[deg]07.85[min]    70[deg]30.1[min]
RF 1..........................  42[deg]14.05[min]    70[deg]08.8[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------


          Raised Footrope Trawl Whiting Fishery Exemption Area
                    [November 21 through December 31]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Point                     N lat.              W long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
RF 1..........................  42[deg]14.05[min]    70[deg]08.8[min]
RF 2..........................  42[deg]09.2[min]     69[deg]47.8[min]
RF 3..........................  41[deg]54.85[min]    69[deg]35.2[min]
RF 4..........................  41[deg]41.5[min]     69[deg]32.85[min]
RF 5..........................  41[deg]39[min]       69[deg]44.3[min]
RF 6..........................  41[deg]45.6[min]     69[deg]51.8[min]
RF 7..........................  41[deg]52.3[min]     69[deg]52.55[min]
RF 8..........................  41[deg]55.5[min]     69[deg]53.45[min]
RF 9..........................  42[deg]08.35[min]    70[deg]04.05[min]
RF 1..........................  42[deg]14.05[min]    70[deg]08.8[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (i) Requirements. (A) A vessel fishing in the Raised Footrope Trawl 
Whiting Fishery under this exemption must have on board a valid letter 
of authorization issued by the Regional Administrator. To obtain a 
letter of authorization, vessel owners must write to or call during 
normal business hours the Northeast Region Permit Office and provide the 
vessel name, owner name, permit number, and the desired period of time 
that the vessel will be enrolled. Since letters of authorization are 
effective the day after they are requested, vessel owners should allow 
appropriate processing and mailing time. To withdraw from a category, 
vessel owners must write to or call the Northeast Region Permit Office. 
Withdrawals are effective the day after the date of request. Withdrawals 
may occur after a minimum of 7 days of enrollment.
    (B) All nets must be no smaller than a minimum mesh size of 2.5-in 
(6.35-cm) square or diamond mesh, subject to the restrictions as 
specified in paragraph (a)(15)(i)(D) of this section. An owner or 
operator of a vessel enrolled in the raised footrope whiting fishery may 
not fish for, possess on board, or land any species of fish other than 
silver hake, offshore hake, and red hake, subject to the applicable 
possession limits as specified in Sec. 648.86(d), except for the 
following allowable incidental species: Butterfish, Atlantic mackerel, 
and squid, up to the amounts specified in Sec. 648.26; scup, up to the 
amount specified in Sec. 648.128; spiny dogfish, up to the amount 
specified in Sec. 648.235, and Atlantic herring, up to the amount 
specified in Sec. 648.204.
    (C) [Reserved]
    (D) All nets must comply with the minimum mesh sizes specified in 
paragraphs (a)(15)(i)(B) of this section. Counting from the terminus of 
the net, the minimum mesh size is applied to the first 100 meshes (200 
bars in the case of square mesh) from the terminus of the net for 
vessels greater than 60 ft (18.3 m) in length and is applied to the 
first 50 meshes (100 bars in the case of square mesh) from the terminus 
of the net for vessels less than or equal to 60 ft (18.3 m) in length.
    (E) Raised footrope trawl gear is required and must be configured as 
specified in paragraphs (a)(9)(ii)(A) through (D) of this section.
    (F) Fishing may only occur from September 1 through November 20 of 
each fishing year, except that it may continue to occur in the eastern 
portion only of the Raised Footrope Trawl Whiting Fishery Exemption 
Area, which remains open through December 31 of each fishing year.

[[Page 794]]

    (G) A vessel enrolled in the Raised Footrope Trawl Whiting Fishery 
may fish for small-mesh multispecies in exempted fisheries outside of 
the Raised Footrope Trawl Whiting Fishery exemption area, provided that 
the vessel complies with the more restrictive gear, possession limit and 
other requirements specified in the regulations of that exempted fishery 
for the entire participation period specified on the vessel's letter of 
authorization. For example, a vessel may fish in both the Raised 
Footrope Trawl Whiting Fishery and the Cultivator Shoal Whiting Fishery 
Exemption Area, and would be restricted to a minimum mesh size of 3 
inches (7.6 cm), as required in the Cultivator Shoal Whiting Fishery 
Exemption Area; the use of the raised footrope trawl; and the catch and 
bycatch restrictions of the Raised Footrope Trawl Whiting Fishery, 
except for scup.
    (ii) Sea sampling. The Regional Administrator shall conduct periodic 
sea sampling to evaluate the bycatch of regulated species.
    (16) GOM Grate Raised Footrope Trawl Exempted Whiting Fishery. 
Unless otherwise prohibited in Sec. 648.370 or Sec. 648.371, vessels 
subject to the minimum mesh size restrictions specified in paragraphs 
(a)(3) or (4) of this section may fish with, use, and possess in the GOM 
Grate Raised Footrope Trawl Whiting Fishery area from July 1 through 
November 30 of each year, nets with a mesh size smaller than the minimum 
size specified, if the vessel complies with the requirements specified 
in paragraphs (a)(16)(i) and (ii) of this section. The GOM Grate Raised 
Footrope Trawl Whiting Fishery Area (copies of a chart depicting the 
area are available from the Regional Administrator upon request) is 
defined by straight lines connecting the following points in the order 
stated:

     GOM Grate Raised Footrope Trawl Whiting Fishery Exemption Area
                      [July 1 through November 30]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Point                     N lat.              W long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
GRF1..........................  43[deg]15[min]       70[deg]35.4[min]
GRF2..........................  43[deg]15[min]       70[deg]00[min]
GRF3..........................  43[deg]25.2[min]     70[deg]00[min]
GRF4..........................  43[deg]41.8[min]     69[deg]20[min]
GRF5..........................  43[deg]58.8[min]     69[deg]20[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (i) Mesh requirements and possession restrictions. (A) All nets must 
comply with a minimum mesh size of 2.5-in (6.35-cm) square or diamond 
mesh, subject to the restrictions specified in paragraph (a)(16)(i)(B) 
of this section. An owner or operator of a vessel participating in the 
GOM Grate Raised Footrope Trawl Exempted Whiting Fishery may not fish 
for, possess on board, or land any species of fish, other than silver 
hake and offshore hake, subject to the applicable possession limits as 
specified in paragraph (a)(16)(i)(C) of this section, and red hake, 
subject to the possession limit specified in Sec. 648.86, except for 
the following allowable incidental species: Butterfish, Atlantic 
mackerel, and squid, up to the amounts specified in Sec. 648.26; 
Atlantic herring, up to the amount specified in Sec. 648.204; and 
alewife.
    (B) All nets must comply with the minimum mesh size specified in 
paragraph (a)(16)(i)(A) of this section. Counting from the terminus of 
the net, the minimum mesh size is applied to the first 100 meshes (200 
bars in the case of square mesh) from the terminus of the net for 
vessels greater than 60 ft (18.3 m) in length and is applied to the 
first 50 meshes (100 bars in the case of square mesh) from the terminus 
of the net for vessels less than or equal to 60 ft (18.3 m) in length.
    (C) An owner or operator of a vessel participating in the GOM Grate 
Raised Footrope Trawl Exempted Whiting Fishery may fish for, possess, 
and land combined silver hake and offshore hake only up to 7,500 lb 
(3,402 kg). An owner or operator fishing with mesh larger than the 
minimum mesh size specified in paragraph (a)(16)(i)(A) of this section 
may not fish for, possess, or land silver hake or offshore hake in 
quantities larger than 7,500 lb (3,402 kg).
    (ii) Gear specifications. In addition to the requirements specified 
in paragraph (a)(16)(i) of this section, an owner or operator of a 
vessel fishing in the GOM Grate Raised Footrope Trawl Exempted Whiting 
Fishery must configure the vessel's trawl gear as specified in 
paragraphs (a)(16)(ii)(A) through (C) of this section.
    (A) An owner or operator of a vessel fishing in the GOM Grate Raised

[[Page 795]]

Footrope Trawl Exempted Whiting Fishery must configure the vessel's gear 
with a raised footrope trawl as specified in paragraphs (a)(9)(ii)(A) 
through (C) of this section. In addition, the restrictions specified in 
paragraphs (a)(16)(ii)(B) and (C) of this section apply to vessels 
fishing in the GOM Grate Raised Footrope Trawl Exempted Whiting Fishery.
    (B) The raised footrope trawl must be used without a sweep of any 
kind (chain, roller frame, or rockhopper). The drop chains must be a 
maximum of \3/8\-inch (0.95 cm) diameter bare chain and must be hung 
from the center of the footrope and each corner (the quarter, or the 
junction of the bottom wing to the belly at the footrope). Drop chains 
must be at least 42 inches (106.7 cm) in length and must be hung at 
intervals of 8 ft (2.4 m) along the footrope from the corners to the 
wing ends.
    (C) The raised footrope trawl net must have a rigid or semi-rigid 
grate consisting of parallel bars of not more than 50 mm (1.97 inches) 
spacing that excludes all fish and other objects, except those that are 
small enough to pass between its bars into the codend of the trawl. The 
grate must be secured in the trawl, forward of the codend, in such a 
manner that it precludes the passage of fish or other objects into the 
codend without the fish or objects having to first pass between the bars 
of the grate. The net must have an outlet or hole to allow fish or other 
objects that are too large to pass between the bars of the grate to exit 
the net. The aftermost edge of this outlet or hole must be at least as 
wide as the grate at the point of attachment. The outlet or hole must 
extend forward from the grate toward the mouth of the net. A funnel of 
net material is allowed in the lengthening piece of the net forward of 
the grate to direct catch towards the grate.
    (iii) Annual review. On an annual basis, the Groundfish PDT will 
review data from this fishery, including sea sampling data, to determine 
whether adjustments are necessary to ensure that regulated species 
bycatch remains at a minimum. If the Groundfish PDT recommends 
adjustments to ensure that regulated species bycatch remains at a 
minimum, the Council may take action prior to the next fishing year 
through the framework adjustment process specified in Sec. 648.90(c), 
and in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act.
    (17) GOM/GB Exemption Area--Area definition. The GOM/GB Exemption 
Area (copies of a map depicting this area are available from the 
Regional Administrator upon request) is that area:
    (i) Bounded on the east by the U.S.-Canada maritime boundary, 
defined by straight lines connecting the following points in the order 
stated:

                Gulf of Maine Georges Bank Exemption Area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Point                      N. lat.            W. long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
G1...............................  (\1\)               (\1\)
G2...............................  43[deg]58[min]      67[deg]22[min]
G3...............................  42[deg]53.1[min]    67[deg]44.4[min]
G4...............................  42[deg]31[min]      67[deg]28.1[min]
G5...............................  41[deg]18.6[min]    66[deg]24.8[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\The intersection of the shoreline and the U.S.-Canada Maritime
  Boundary

    (ii) Bounded on the south by straight lines connecting the following 
points in the order stated:

                Gulf of Maine/Georges Bank Exemption Area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Point                   N. latitude        W. longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
G6..............................  40[deg]55.5[min]    66[deg]38[min]
G7..............................  40[deg]45[min]      68[deg]00[min]
G8..............................  40[deg]37[min]      68[deg]00[min]
G9..............................  40[deg]30[min]      69[deg]00[min]
NL3.............................  40[deg]22.7[min]    69[deg]00[min]
NL2.............................  40[deg]18.7[min]    69[deg]40[min]
NL1.............................  40[deg]50[min]      69[deg]40[min]
G11.............................  40[deg]50[min]      70[deg]00[min]
G12.............................  (\1\)               70[deg]00[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\Northward to its intersection with the shoreline of mainland
  Massachusetts.

    (18) [Reserved]
    (19) Cape Cod Spiny Dogfish Exemption Areas. Unless otherwise 
prohibited in Sec. 648.370 or Sec. 648.371, vessels issued a NE 
multispecies limited access permit that have declared out of the DAS 
program as specified in Sec. 648.10, or that have used up their DAS 
allocations, may fish in the Eastern or Western Cape Cod Spiny Dogfish 
Exemption Area as defined under paragraphs (a)(19)(i) and (ii) of this 
section, when not under a NE multispecies or scallop DAS, provided the 
vessel complies with the requirements for the Eastern or Western area, 
specified in paragraphs

[[Page 796]]

(a)(19)(i) and (ii) of this section, respectively.
    (i) Eastern area definition. The Eastern Cape Cod Spiny Dogfish 
Exemption Area is defined by the straight lines connecting the following 
points in the order stated (copies of a chart depicting the area are 
available from the Regional Administrator upon request): Eastern Cape 
Cod Spiny Dogfish Exemption Area [June 1 through December 31, unless 
otherwise specified in paragraph (a)(19)(i)(A) of this section]

------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Point                    N. latitude        W. longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CCD 1............................  42/00[min]          70/00[min]
CCD 2............................  42/00[min]          69/47.5[min]
CCD 3............................  41/40[min]          69/47.5[min]
CCD 4............................  41/29.5[min]        69/35.5[min]
CCD 5............................  41/29.5[min]        69/23[min]
CCD 6............................  41/26[min]          69/20[min]
CCD 7............................  41/20[min]          69/20[min]
CCD 8............................  41/20[min]          (\1\)
CCD 9............................  (\2\)               70/00[min]
CCD 10...........................  (\3\)               70/00[min]
CCD 11...........................  (\4\)               70/00[min]
CCD 1............................  42/00[min]          70/00[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The eastern coastline of Nantucket, MA at 41[deg]20[min] N. lat.
\2\ The northern coastline of Nantucket, MA at 70[deg]00[min] W. long.
\3\ The southern coastline of Cape Cod, MA at 70[deg]00[min] W. long.,
  then along the eastern coastline of Cape Cod, MA to Point--11
\4\ The northern coastline of Cape Cod, MA, at 70[deg]00[min] W. long.

    (A) Requirements. (1) A vessel fishing in the Eastern Cape Cod Spiny 
Dogfish Exemption Area specified in this paragraph (a)(19) may not fish 
for, possess on board, or land any NE regulated species in accordance 
with the requirements of paragraph (a)(19) of this section.
    (2) Vessels may use gillnet gear, as specified in Sec. 
648.80(a)(4)(iv), or longline gear as specified in Sec. 
648.80(a)(4)(v), from June 1 through December 31.
    (3) Vessels may use handgear from June 1 through August 31.
    (B) [Reserved]
    (ii) Western area definition. The Western Cape Cod Spiny Dogfish 
Exemption Area is bounded on the north by 42[deg]11.5[min] N. lat., 
bounded on the east by 70[deg]00 W. long., and bounded on the south and 
west by the coast of Massachusetts (copies of a chart depicting the area 
are available from the Regional Administrator upon request).
    (A) Requirements. (1) A vessel fishing in the Western Cape Cod Spiny 
Dogfish Exemption Area specified in this paragraph (a)(19) may not fish 
for, possess on board, or land any NE regulated species in accordance 
with the requirements of paragraph (a)(19) of this section.
    (2) Vessels may use longline gear as specified in Sec. 
648.80(a)(4)(v), and handgear from June 1 through August 31.
    (B) [Reserved]
    (b) Southern New England (SNE) Regulated Mesh Area--(1) Area 
definition. The SNE Regulated Mesh Area (copies of a map depicting this 
area are available from the Regional Administrator upon request) is that 
area:
    (i) Bounded on the east by the western boundary of the GB Regulated 
Mesh Area described under paragraph (a)(2)(iii) of this section; and
    (ii) Bounded on the west by a line beginning at the intersection of 
74[deg]00[min] W. long. and the south facing shoreline of Long Island, 
NY, and then running southward along the 74[deg]00[min] W. long. line.
    (2) Gear restrictions--(i) Vessels using trawls. Except as provided 
in paragraphs (b)(2)(i) and (vi) of this section, and Sec. 
648.85(b)(6), and unless otherwise restricted under paragraph 
(b)(2)(iii) of this section, the minimum mesh size for any trawl net, 
not stowed and not available for immediate use as defined in Sec. 
648.2, except midwater trawl, on a vessel or used by a vessel fishing 
under the NE multispecies DAS program or on a sector trip in the SNE 
Regulated Mesh Area is 6-inch (15.2-cm) diamond mesh or 6.5-inch (16.5-
cm) square mesh, applied throughout the body and extension of the net, 
or any combination thereof, and 6.5-inch (16.5-cm) square or diamond 
mesh applied to the codend of the net, as defined in paragraph (a)(3)(i) 
of this section. This restriction does not apply to nets or pieces of 
nets smaller than 3 ft (0.9 m) x 3 ft (0.9 m), (9 sq ft (0.81 sq m)), or 
to vessels that have not been issued a NE multispecies permit and that 
are fishing exclusively in state waters.
    (ii) Vessels using Scottish seine, midwater trawl, and purse seine. 
Except as provided in paragraphs (b)(2)(ii) and (vi) of this section, 
the minimum mesh size for any Scottish seine, midwater trawl, or purse 
seine, not stowed and not available for immediate use as defined in 
Sec. 648.2, on a vessel or used by a

[[Page 797]]

vessel fishing under a DAS in the NE multispecies DAS program in the SNE 
Regulated Mesh Area is 6-inch (15.2-cm) diamond mesh or 6.5-inch (16.5-
cm) square mesh applied throughout the net, or any combination thereof. 
This restriction does not apply to nets or pieces of nets smaller than 3 
ft (0.9 m) x 3 ft (0.9 m), (9 sq ft (0.81 sq m)), or to vessels that 
have not been issued a NE multispecies permit and that are fishing 
exclusively in state waters.
    (iii) Large-mesh vessels. When fishing in the SNE Regulated Mesh 
Area, the minimum mesh size for any trawl net vessel, or sink gillnet, 
not stowed and not available for immediate use as defined in Sec. 648.2 
on a vessel or used by a vessel fishing under a DAS in the Large-mesh 
DAS program, specified in Sec. 648.82(b)(4), is 8.5-inch (21.6-cm) 
diamond or square mesh throughout the entire net. This restriction does 
not apply to nets or pieces of nets smaller than 3 ft (0.9 m) x 3 ft 
(0.9 m), (9 sq ft (0.81 sq m)), or to vessels that have not been issued 
a NE multispecies permit and that are fishing exclusively in state 
waters.
    (iv) Gillnet vessels. For Day and Trip gillnet vessels, the minimum 
mesh size for any sink gillnet not stowed and not available for 
immediate use as defined in Sec. 648.2, when fishing under a DAS in the 
NE multispecies DAS program or on a sector trip in the SNE Regulated 
Mesh Area, is 6.5 inches (16.5 cm) throughout the entire net. This 
restriction does not apply to nets or pieces of nets smaller than 3 ft 
(0.9 m) x 3 ft (0.9 m), (9 sq ft (0.81 sq m)), to vessels fishing with 
gillnet gear under a monkfish-only DAS in the SNE Dogfish Gillnet 
Exemption Area in accordance with the provisions specified under 
paragraph (b)(7)(i)(A) of this section; to vessels fishing with gillnet 
gear under a monkfish-only DAS in the Mid-Atlantic Exemption Area in 
accordance with the provisions specified under paragraph (c)(5)(ii) of 
this section; or to vessels that have not been issued a NE multispecies 
permit and that are fishing exclusively in state waters. Day gillnet 
vessels must also abide by the tagging requirements in paragraph 
(a)(3)(iv)(C) of this section.
    (A) Trip gillnet vessels. A Trip gillnet vessel fishing under a NE 
multispecies DAS or on a sector trip and fishing in the SNE Regulated 
Mesh Area may not fish with nets longer than 300 ft(91.4 m), or 50 
fathoms (91.4 m) in length.
    (B) Day gillnet vessels--(1) Number of nets. A Day gillnet vessel 
fishing under a NE multispecies DAS or on a sector trip and fishing in 
the SNE Regulated Mesh Area may not fish with, haul, possess, or deploy 
more than 75 nets, except as provided in Sec. 648.92(b)(8)(i). Such 
vessels may stow additional nets in accordance with the definition of 
not available for immediate use as defined in Sec. 648.2 not to exceed 
150 nets, counting the deployed net.
    (2) Net size requirements. Nets may not be longer than 300 ft (91.4 
m), or 50 fathoms (91.4 m), in length.
    (3) Tags. Roundfish or flatfish gillnets must be tagged with two 
tags per net, with one tag secured to each bridle of every net within a 
string of nets.
    (C) Obtaining and replacing tags. See paragraph (a)(3)(iv)(C) of 
this section.
    (v) Hook gear restrictions. Unless otherwise specified in this 
paragraph (b)(2)(v), vessels fishing with a valid NE multispecies 
limited access permit and fishing under a NE multispecies DAS, and 
vessels fishing with a valid NE multispecies limited access Small-Vessel 
permit, in the SNE Regulated Mesh Area, and persons on such vessels, are 
prohibited from fishing, setting, or hauling back, per day, or 
possessing on board the vessel, more than 2,000 rigged hooks. All 
longline gear hooks must be circle hooks, of a minimum size of 12/0. An 
unabated hook and gangions that has not been secured to the ground line 
of the trawl on board a vessel is deemed to be a replacement hook and is 
not counted toward the 2,000-hook limit. A ``snap-on'' hook is deemed to 
be a replacement hook if it is not rigged or baited. The use of de-
hookers (``crucifer'') with less than 6-inch (15.2-cm) spacing between 
the fairlead rollers is prohibited. Vessels fishing with a valid NE 
multispecies limited access Hook Gear permit and fishing under a 
multispecies DAS in the SNE Regulated Mesh Area, and persons on such 
vessels, are prohibited from possessing gear other than hook gear on 
board the vessel. Vessels fishing with a valid NE multispecies limited 
access Handgear A permit are prohibited from fishing,

[[Page 798]]

or possessing on board the vessel, gears other than handgear. Vessels 
fishing with tub-trawl gear are prohibited from fishing, setting, or 
hauling back, per day, or possessing on board the vessel more than 250 
hooks.
    (vi) Other restrictions and exemptions. A vessel is prohibited from 
fishing in the SNE Exemption Area, as defined in paragraph (b)(10) of 
this section, except if fishing with exempted gear (as defined under 
this part) or under the exemptions specified in paragraphs (b)(3), 
(b)(5) through (9), (b)(12), (c), (e), (h), and (i) of this section; or 
if fishing under a NE multispecies DAS; or if fishing on a sector trip; 
or if fishing under the Small Vessel or Handgear A permit specified in 
Sec. 648.82(b)(5) and (6), respectively; or if fishing under a Handgear 
B permit specified in Sec. 648.88(a); or if fishing under a scallop 
state waters exemption specified in Sec. 648.54; or if fishing under a 
scallop DAS or General Category scallop permit in accordance with 
paragraph (h) of this section; or if fishing pursuant to a NE 
multispecies open access Charter/Party or Handgear permit specified in 
Sec. 648.88; or if fishing as a charter/party or private recreational 
vessel in compliance with the regulations specified in Sec. 648.89. Any 
gear on a vessel, or used by a vessel, in this area must be authorized 
under one of these exemptions or must be stowed and not available for 
immediate use as defined in Sec. 648.2.
    (3) Exemptions--(i) Species exemption. Unless otherwise restricted 
in Sec. 648.86, owners and operators of vessels subject to the minimum 
mesh size restrictions specified in paragraphs (a)(4) and (b)(2) of this 
section may fish for, harvest, possess, or land butterfish, dogfish 
(caught by trawl only), herring, Atlantic chub mackerel, Atlantic 
mackerel, ocean pout, scup, shrimp, squid, summer flounder, silver hake 
and offshore hake, and weakfish with nets of a mesh size smaller than 
the minimum size specified in the GB and SNE Regulated Mesh Areas when 
fishing in the SNE Exemption Area defined in paragraph (b)(10) of this 
section, provided such vessels comply with requirements specified in 
paragraph (b)(3)(ii) of this section and with the mesh size and 
possession limit restrictions specified under Sec. 648.86(d).
    (ii) Possession and net stowage requirements. Vessels may possess 
regulated species while in possession of nets with mesh smaller than the 
minimum size specified in paragraphs (a)(4) and (b)(2) of this section 
when fishing in the SNE Exemption Area defined in paragraph (b)(10) of 
this section, provided that such nets are stowed and are not available 
for immediate use as defined in Sec. 648.2, and provided that regulated 
species were not harvested by nets of mesh size smaller than the minimum 
mesh size specified in paragraphs (a)(4) and (b)(2) of this section. 
Vessels fishing for the exempted species identified in paragraph 
(b)(3)(i) of this section may also possess and retain the following 
species, with the restrictions noted, as incidental take to these 
exempted fisheries: Conger eels; sea robins; black sea bass; red hake; 
tautog (blackfish); blowfish; cunner; John Dory; mullet; bluefish; 
tilefish; longhorn sculpin; fourspot flounder; alewife; hickory shad; 
American shad; blueback herring; sea raven; Atlantic croaker; spot; 
swordfish; monkfish and monkfish parts--up to 10 percent, by weight, of 
all other species on board or up to 50 lb (23 kg) tail-weight/146 lb (66 
kg) whole weight of monkfish per trip, as specified in Sec. 
648.94(c)(4), whichever is less; American lobster--up to 10 percent, by 
weight, of all other species on board or 200 lobsters, whichever is 
less; and skate and skate parts (except for barndoor skate and other 
prohibited skate species (see Sec. Sec. 648.14(v)(2) and 648.322(g))--
up to 10 percent, by weight, of all other species on board.
    (4) Addition or deletion of exemptions. Same as in paragraph (a)(8) 
of this section.
    (5) SNE Monkfish and Skate Trawl Exemption Area. Unless otherwise 
required or prohibited by monkfish or skate regulations under this part, 
a vessel may fish with trawl gear in the SNE Monkfish and Skate Trawl 
Fishery Exemption Area when not operating under a NE multispecies DAS if 
the vessel complies with the requirements specified in paragraph 
(b)(5)(i) of this section, and the monkfish and skate regulations, as 
applicable, under this part. The SNE Monkfish and Skate Trawl Fishery 
Exemption Area is defined as the area bounded on the north

[[Page 799]]

by a line extending eastward along 40[deg]10[min] N. lat., and bounded 
on the west by the western boundary of the SNE Exemption Area as defined 
in paragraph (b)(10)(ii) of this section.
    (i) Requirements. (A) A vessel fishing under this exemption may only 
fish for, possess on board, or land monkfish and incidentally caught 
species up to the amounts specified in paragraph (b)(3) of this section.
    (B) All trawl nets must comply with the minimum mesh size specified 
under Sec. 648.91(c)(1)(i).
    (C) A vessel not operating under a multispecies DAS may fish for, 
possess on board, or land skates, provided:
    (1) The vessel is called into the monkfish DAS program (Sec. 
648.92) and complies with the skate possession limit restrictions at 
Sec. 648.322;
    (2) The vessel has a valid letter of authorization on board to fish 
for skates as bait, and complies with the requirements specified at 
Sec. 648.322(c); or
    (3) The vessel possesses and/or lands skates or skate parts in an 
amount not to exceed 10 percent by weight of all other species on board 
as specified at paragraph (b)(3) of this section.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (6) SNE Monkfish and Skate Gillnet Exemption Area. Unless otherwise 
required by monkfish regulations under this part, a vessel may fish with 
gillnet gear in the SNE Monkfish and Skate Gillnet Fishery Exemption 
Area when not operating under a NE multispecies DAS if the vessel 
complies with the requirements specified in paragraph (b)(6)(i) of this 
section; the monkfish regulations, as applicable, under Sec. Sec. 
648.91 through 648.94; and the skate regulations, as applicable, under 
Sec. Sec. 648.4 and 648.322. The SNE Monkfish and Skate Gillnet Fishery 
Exemption Area is defined by a line running from the Massachusetts 
shoreline at 41[deg]35[min] N. lat. and 70[deg]00[min] W. long., south 
to its intersection with the outer boundary of the EEZ, southwesterly 
along the outer boundary of the EEZ, and bounded on the west by the 
western boundary of the SNE Exemption Area, as defined in paragraph 
(b)(10)(ii) of this section.
    (i) Requirements. (A) A vessel fishing under the SNE Monkfish and 
Skate Gillnet Exemption may only fish for, possess on board, or land 
monkfish as specified in Sec. 648.94(b), spiny dogfish up to the amount 
specified in Sec. 648.235, and other incidentally caught species up to 
the amounts specified in paragraph (b)(3) of this section.
    (B) All gillnets must have a minimum mesh size of 10-inch (25.4-cm) 
diamond mesh throughout the net.
    (C) All nets with a mesh size smaller than the minimum mesh size 
specified in paragraph (b)(6)(i)(B) of this section must be stowed and 
not available for immediate use as defined in Sec. 648.2.
    (D) A vessel not operating under a NE multispecies DAS may fish for, 
possess on board, or land skates, provided:
    (1) The vessel is called into the monkfish DAS program (Sec. 
648.92) and complies with the skate possession limit restrictions at 
Sec. 648.322;
    (2) The vessel has a valid letter of authorization on board to fish 
for skates as bait, and complies with the requirements specified at 
Sec. 648.322(c); or
    (3) The vessel possesses and/or lands skates or skate parts in an 
amount not to exceed 10 percent, by weight, of all other species on 
board as specified at paragraph (b)(3) of this section.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (7) SNE Dogfish Gillnet Exemption Area. Unless otherwise required by 
monkfish regulations under this part, a gillnet vessel may fish in the 
SNE Dogfish Gillnet Fishery Exemption Area when not operating under a NE 
multispecies DAS if the vessel complies with the requirements specified 
in paragraph (b)(7)(i) of this section and the applicable dogfish 
regulations under subpart L of this part. The SNE Dogfish Gillnet 
Fishery Exemption Area is defined by a line running from the 
Massachusetts shoreline at 41[deg]35[min] N. lat. and 70[deg]00[min] W. 
long., south to its intersection with the outer boundary of the EEZ, 
southwesterly along the outer boundary of the EEZ, and bounded on the 
west by the western boundary of the SNE Exemption Area as defined in 
paragraph (b)(10)(ii) of this section.
    (i) Requirements. (A) A vessel fishing under the SNE Dogfish Gillnet 
Exemption may only fish for, possess on board, or land dogfish and the 
bycatch species and amounts specified in paragraph (b)(3) of this 
section, unless fishing under a monkfish DAS. A vessel fishing under 
this exemption while on a

[[Page 800]]

monkfish-only DAS may also fish for, possess on board, and land monkfish 
up to the amount specified in Sec. 648.94.
    (B) All gillnets must have a minimum mesh size of 6-inch (15.2-cm) 
diamond mesh throughout the net. A vessel fishing under this exemption 
while on a monkfish-only DAS may not fish with, possess, haul, or deploy 
more than 50 roundfish gillnets, as defined in Sec. 648.2.
    (C) Fishing is confined to May 1 through October 31.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (8) SNE Mussel and Sea Urchin Dredge Exemption. A vessel may fish 
with a dredge in the SNE Exemption Area, as defined in paragraph (b)(10) 
of this section, provided that any dredge on board the vessel does not 
exceed 8 ft (2.4 m), measured at the widest point in the bail of the 
dredge, and the vessel does not fish for, harvest, possess, or land any 
species of fish other than mussels and sea urchins.
    (9) SNE Little Tunny Gillnet Exemption Area. A vessel may fish with 
gillnet gear in the SNE Little Tunny Gillnet Exemption Area when not 
operating under a NE multispecies DAS with mesh size smaller than the 
minimum required in the SNE Regulated Mesh Area, if the vessel complies 
with the requirements specified in paragraph (b)(9)(i) of this section. 
The SNE Little Tunny Gillnet Exemption Area is defined by a line running 
from the Rhode Island shoreline at 41[deg]18.2[min] N. lat. and 
71[deg]51.5[min] W. long. (Watch Hill, RI), southwesterly through 
Fishers Island, NY, to Race Point, Fishers Island, NY; and from Race 
Point, Fishers Island, NY, southeasterly to 41[deg]06.5[min] N. lat. and 
71[deg]50.2[min] W. long.; east-northeastly through Block Island, RI, to 
41[deg]15[min] N. lat. and 71[deg]07[min] W. long.; then due north to 
the intersection of the RI-MA shoreline.
    (i) Requirements. (A) A vessel fishing under this exemption may fish 
only for, possess on board, or land little tunny and the allowable 
incidental species and amounts specified in paragraph (b)(3) of this 
section and, if applicable, paragraph (b)(9)(i)(B) of this section. 
Vessels fishing under this exemption may not possess regulated species.
    (B) A vessel may possess bonito as an allowable incidental species.
    (C) The vessel must have a letter of authorization issued by the 
Regional Administrator on board.
    (D) All gillnets must have a minimum mesh size of 5.5-inch (14.0-cm) 
diamond mesh throughout the net.
    (E) All nets with a mesh size smaller than the minimum mesh size 
specified in paragraph (b)(9)(i)(D) of this section must be stowed and 
not available for immediate use as defined in Sec. 648.2 while fishing 
under this exemption.
    (F) Fishing is confined to September 1 through October 31.
    (ii) The Regional Administrator shall conduct periodic sea sampling 
to evaluate the likelihood of gear interactions with protected 
resources.
    (10) SNE Exemption Area--Area definition. The SNE Exemption Area 
(copies of a map depicting this area are available from the Regional 
Administrator upon request) is that area:
    (i) Bounded on the east by straight lines connecting the following 
points in the order stated:

                   Southern New England Exemption Area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Point                      N. lat.            W. long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
G5...............................  41[deg]18.6[min]    66[deg]24.8[min]
G6...............................  40[deg]55.5[min]    66[deg]38[min]
G7...............................  40[deg]45.5[min]    68[deg]00[min]
G8...............................  40[deg]37[min]      68[deg]00[min]
G9...............................  40[deg]30.5[min]    69[deg]00[min]
NL3..............................  40[deg]22.7[min]    69[deg]00[min]
NL2..............................  40[deg]18.7[min]    69[deg]40[min]
NL1..............................  40[deg]50[min]      69[deg]40[min]
G11..............................  40[deg]50[min]      70[deg]00[min]
G12..............................  ..................  70[deg]00[min]
                                                        \1\
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Northward to its intersection with the shoreline of mainland
  Massachusetts.

    (ii) Bounded on the west by a line running from the Rhode Island 
shoreline at 41[deg]18.2[min] N. lat. and 71[deg]51.5[min] W. long. 
(Watch Hill, RI), southwesterly through Fishers Island, NY, to Race 
Point, Fishers Island, NY; and from Race Point, Fishers Island, NY; 
southeasterly to the intersection of the 3-nautical mile line east of 
Montauk Point; southwesterly along the 3-nautical mile line to the 
intersection of 72[deg]30[min] W. long.; and south along that line to 
the intersection of the outer boundary of the EEZ.
    (11) [Reserved]
    (12) SNE Skate Bait Trawl Exemption Area. Vessels issued an open 
access skate permit and a skate bait Letter of Authorization as 
specified in Sec. 648.322(c)

[[Page 801]]

that have declared out of the DAS program as specified in Sec. 648.10, 
or that have used up their DAS allocations, may fish in the SNE Skate 
Bait Trawl Exemption Area as defined under paragraph (b)(12)(i) of this 
section, when not under a NE multispecies or scallop DAS, provided the 
vessel complies with the requirements specified in paragraph (b)(1)(ii) 
of this section.
    (i) Area definition. The SNE Skate Bait Trawl Exemption Area is 
defined by the straight lines connecting the following points in the 
order stated (copies of a chart depicting the area are available from 
the Regional Administrator upon request):

                   SNE Skate Bait Trawl Exemption Area
                       [July 1 through October 31]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Point                       N. lat.            W. long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
SBT 1............................  Southeastern MA.....  71[deg]00[min]
SBT 2............................  41[deg]00[min]......  71[deg]00[min]
SBT 3............................  41[deg]00[min]......  72[deg]05[min]
SBT 4............................  Southern CT.........  72[deg]05[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (ii) Requirements. (A) A vessel fishing in the SNE Skate Bait Trawl 
Exemption Area specified in this paragraph (b)(12) may not fish for, 
possess on board, or land any NE regulated species.
    (B) Vessels must use trawl gear, as specified in Sec. 
648.80(b)(2)(i).
    (C) Vessels must possess an active skate bait letter of 
authorization issued by the Regional Administrator, as specified in 
Sec. 648.322(c) and fish pursuant to the terms of authorization.
    (D) Fishing may only occur from July 1 through October 31 of each 
fishing year.
    (c) Mid-Atlantic (MA) Regulated Mesh Area--(1) Area definition. The 
MA Regulated Mesh Area is that area bounded on the east by the western 
boundary of the SNE Regulated Mesh Area, described under paragraph 
(b)(1)(ii) of this section.
    (2) Gear restrictions--(i) Vessels using trawls. Except as provided 
in paragraph (c)(2)(iii) of this section, and Sec. 648.85(b)(6), the 
minimum mesh size for any trawl net not stowed and not available for 
immediate use as defined in Sec. 648.2, on a vessel or used by a vessel 
fishing under the NE multispecies DAS program or on a sector trip in the 
MA Regulated Mesh Area, shall be that specified by Sec. 648.108(a), 
applied throughout the body and extension of the net, or any combination 
thereof, and 6.5-inch (16.5-cm) diamond or square mesh applied to the 
codend of the net, as defined in paragraph (a)(3)(i) of this section. 
This restriction does not apply to nets or pieces of nets smaller than 3 
ft (0.9 m) x 3 ft (0.9 m), (9 sq ft (0.81 sq m)), or to vessels that 
have not been issued a NE multispecies permit and that are fishing 
exclusively in state waters.
    (ii) Vessels using Scottish seine, midwater trawl, and purse seine. 
Except as provided in paragraph (c)(2)(iii) of this section, the minimum 
mesh size for any sink gillnet, Scottish seine, midwater trawl, or purse 
seine, not stowed and not available for immediate use as defined in 
Sec. 648.2, on a vessel or used by a vessel fishing under a DAS in the 
NE multispecies DAS program in the MA Regulated Mesh Area, shall be that 
specified in Sec. 648.108(a). This restriction does not apply to nets 
or pieces of nets smaller than 3 ft (0.9 m) x 3 ft (0.9 m), (9 sq ft 
(0.81 sq m)), or to vessels that have not been issued a NE multispecies 
permit and that are fishing exclusively in state waters.
    (iii) Large-mesh vessels. When fishing in the MA Regulated Mesh 
Area, the minimum mesh size for any trawl net vessel, or sink gillnet, 
not stowed and not available for immediate use as defined in Sec. 
648.2, on a vessel or used by a vessel fishing under a DAS in the Large-
mesh DAS program, specified in Sec. 648.82(b)(4), is 7.5-inch (19.0-cm) 
diamond mesh or 8.0-inch (20.3-cm) square mesh, throughout the entire 
net. This restriction does not apply to nets or pieces of nets smaller 
than 3 ft (0.9 m) x 3 ft (0.9 m), (9 sq ft (0.81 sq m)), or to vessels 
that have not been issued a NE multispecies permit and that are fishing 
exclusively in state waters.
    (iv) Hook gear restrictions. Unless otherwise specified in this 
paragraph (c)(2)(iv), vessels fishing with a valid NE multispecies 
limited access permit and fishing under a NE multispecies DAS, and 
vessels fishing with a valid NE multispecies limited access Small Vessel 
permit, in the MA Regulated Mesh Area, and persons on such vessels, are 
prohibited from using de-hookers (``crucifer'') with less than 6-

[[Page 802]]

inch (15.2-cm) spacing between the fairlead rollers. Vessels fishing 
with a valid NE multispecies limited access Hook gear permit and fishing 
under a NE multispecies DAS in the MA Regulated Mesh Area, and persons 
on such vessels, are prohibited from possessing gear other than hook 
gear on board the vessel and are prohibited from fishing, setting, or 
hauling back, per day, or possessing on board the vessel, more than 
4,500 rigged hooks. An unabated hook and gangions that has not been 
secured to the ground line of the trawl on board a vessel is deemed to 
be a replacement hook and is not counted toward the 4,500-hook limit. A 
``snap-on'' hook is deemed to be a replacement hook if it is not rigged 
or baited. Vessels fishing with a valid NE multispecies limited access 
Handgear permit are prohibited from fishing, or possessing on board the 
vessel gears other than handgear. Vessels fishing with tub-trawl gear 
are prohibited from fishing, setting, or hauling back, per day, or 
possessing on board the vessel, more than 250 hooks.
    (v) Gillnet vessels. For Day and Trip gillnet vessels, the minimum 
mesh size for any sink gillnet, not stowed and not available for 
immediate use as defined in Sec. 648.2, when fishing under a DAS in the 
NE multispecies DAS program or on a sector trip in the MA Regulated Mesh 
Area, is 6.5 inches (16.5 cm) throughout the entire net. This 
restriction does not apply to nets or pieces of nets smaller than 3 ft 
(0.9 m) x 3 ft (0.9 m), (9 sq ft (0.81 sq m)), to vessels fishing with 
gillnet gear under a monkfish-only DAS in the Mid-Atlantic Exemption 
Area in accordance with the provisions specified under paragraph 
(c)(5)(ii) of this section, or to vessels that have not been issued a NE 
multispecies permit and that are fishing exclusively in state waters.
    (A) Trip gillnet vessels. A Trip gillnet vessel fishing under a NE 
multispecies DAS or on a sector trip and fishing in the MA Regulated 
Mesh Area may not fish with nets longer than 300 ft (91.4 m), or 50 
fathoms (91.4 m) in length.
    (B) Day gillnet vessels--(1) Number of nets. A Day gillnet vessel 
fishing under a NE multispecies DAS or on a sector trip and fishing in 
the MA Regulated Mesh Area, may not fish with, haul, possess, or deploy 
more than 75 nets, except as provided in Sec. 648.92(b)(8)(i). Such 
vessels may stow additional nets in accordance with the definition of 
not available for immediate use as defined in Sec. 648.2 not to exceed 
150 nets, counting the deployed net.
    (2) Net size requirement. Nets may not be longer than 300 ft (91.4 
m), or 50 fathoms (91.4 m), in length.
    (3) Tags. Roundfish or flatfish gillnets must be tagged with two 
tags per net, with one tag secured to each bridle of every net within a 
string of nets.
    (C) Obtaining and replacing tags. See paragraph (a)(3)(iv)(C) of 
this section.
    (3) Net stowage exemption. Vessels may possess regulated species 
while in possession of nets with mesh smaller than the minimum size 
specified in paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this section, provided that such 
nets are stowed and are not available for immediate use as defined in 
Sec. 648.2, and provided that regulated species were not harvested by 
nets of mesh size smaller than the minimum mesh size specified in 
paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this section.
    (4) Addition or deletion of exemptions. See paragraph (a)(8)(ii) of 
this section.
    (5) MA Exemption Area. (i) The MA Exemption Area is that area that 
lies west of the SNE Exemption Area defined in paragraph (b)(10) of this 
section.
    (ii) Monkfish/Spiny Dogfish Exempted Gillnet Fishery. A vessel 
fishing on a monkfish-only DAS may fish with, use, or possess gillnets 
in the MA Exemption Area with a mesh size smaller than the minimum size 
specified in paragraph (b)(2)(iv) or (c)(2)(v) of this section, provided 
the vessel complies with the following requirements:
    (A) Number of nets. Notwithstanding the provisions specified in 
paragraphs (c)(2)(v)(A) and (B) of this section and Sec. 648.92(b)(8), 
a vessel fishing on a monkfish-only DAS within the MA Exemption Area may 
not fish with, possess, haul, or deploy more than 50 roundfish gillnets, 
as defined in Sec. 648.2.
    (B) Minimum mesh size. The minimum mesh size for any roundfish 
gillnet not stowed and available for immediate use by a vessel fishing 
on a monkfish-only DAS within the MA Exemption Area is 5 inches (12.7 
cm) throughout the entire net.

[[Page 803]]

    (C) Possession limits. A vessel fishing on a monkfish-only DAS 
within the MA Exemption Area may fish for, possess on board, or land 
monkfish up to the amount specified in Sec. 648.94, spiny dogfish up to 
the amount specified in Sec. 648.235, and other incidentally caught 
species up to the amounts specified in paragraph (b)(3) of this section.
    (iii) Atlantic chub mackerel fishery exemption. Owners and operators 
of vessels subject to the minimum mesh size restrictions specified in 
paragraphs (b)(2) and (c)(2) of this section may fish for, harvest, 
possess, or land Atlantic chub mackerel with nets of a mesh size smaller 
than the minimum size specified in the SNE Regulated Mesh Area when 
fishing in the MA Exemption Area defined in paragraph (c)(5)(i) of this 
section, provided such vessels comply with the following requirements:
    (A) Gear restrictions. A vessel fishing for Atlantic chub mackerel 
within the MA Exemption Area must comply with the gear restrictions 
specified in Sec. 648.23.
    (B) Possession limits. A vessel fishing for Atlantic chub mackerel 
within the MA Exemption Area may fish for, possess on board, or land 
Atlantic chub mackerel, Atlantic mackerel, butterfish, Illex squid, and 
longfin squid up to the amount specified in Sec. 648.26, and other 
incidentally caught species up to the amounts specified in paragraph 
(b)(3) of this section.
    (d) Midwater trawl gear exempted fishery. Fishing may take place 
throughout the fishing year with midwater trawl gear of mesh size less 
than the applicable minimum size specified in this section, provided 
that:
    (1) Midwater trawl gear is used exclusively;
    (2) When fishing under this exemption in the GOM/GB Exemption Area, 
as defined in paragraph (a)(17) of this section, the vessel has on board 
a letter of authorization issued by the Regional Administrator, and 
complies with the following restrictions:
    (i) The vessel only fishes for, possesses, or lands Atlantic 
herring, blueback herring, or mackerel in areas north of 42[deg]20[min] 
N lat. and in the areas described in Sec. 648.81(c)(3) and (4); and 
Atlantic herring, blueback herring, mackerel, or squid in all other 
areas south of 42[deg]20[min] N. lat.; and
    (ii) The vessel is issued a letter of authorization for a minimum of 
7 days. The vessel can be issued LOAs for the midwater trawl exempted 
fishery and the purse seine exempted fishery at the same time.
    (3) The vessel carries an observer, if requested by the Regional 
Administrator;
    (4) The vessel does not fish for, possess or land NE. multispecies, 
except that a vessel issued a Category A or B Herring Permit and fishing 
on a declared herring trip, regardless of gear or area fished, or a 
vessel issued a Category C, D, or E Herring Permit and fishing with 
midwater trawl gear pursuant to paragraph (d) of this section, may 
possess and land haddock and other regulated multispecies consistent 
with the catch caps and possession restrictions in Sec. 648.86(a)(3) 
and (k). Such haddock or other regulated NE multispecies may not be 
sold, purchased, received, traded, bartered, or transferred, or 
attempted to be sold, purchased, received, traded, bartered, or 
transferred for, or intended for, human consumption. Haddock or other 
regulated NE multispecies that are separated out from the herring catch 
pursuant to Sec. 648.15(d) may not be sold, purchased, received, 
traded, bartered, or transferred, or attempted to be sold, purchased, 
received, traded, bartered, or transferred for any purpose. A vessel 
issued a Category A or B Herring Permit fishing on a declared herring 
trip, regardless of gear or area fished, or a vessel issued a Category 
C, D, or E Herring Permit and fishing with midwater trawl gear pursuant 
to this paragraph (d), may not discard haddock that has been brought on 
the deck or pumped into the hold;
    (5) To fish for herring under this exemption, a vessel issued a 
Category A or B Herring Permit fishing on a declared herring trip, or a 
vessel issued a Category C, D, or E Herring Permit fishing with midwater 
trawl gear in Management Areas 1A, 1B, and/or 3, as defined in Sec. 
648.200(f)(1) and (3), must provide notice of the following information 
to NMFS at least 48 hr prior to beginning any trip into these areas for 
the purposes of observer deployment:

[[Page 804]]

Vessel name; contact name for coordination of observer deployment; 
telephone number for contact; the date, time, and port of departure; and
    (6) A vessel issued a Category A or B Herring Permit fishing on a 
declared herring trip with midwater trawl gear, or a vessel issued a 
Category C or E Herring Permit and fishing with midwater trawl gear in 
Management Areas 1A, 1B, and/or 3, as defined at Sec. 648.200(f)(1) and 
(3), must notify NMFS Office of Law Enforcement through VMS of the time 
and place of offloading at least 6 hours prior to landing or, if fishing 
ends less than 6 hours before landing, as soon as the vessel stops 
catching fish. The Regional Administrator may adjust the prior 
notification minimum time through publication of a document in the 
Federal Register consistent with the Administrative Procedure Act.
    (7) [Reserved]
    (e) Purse seine gear exempted fishery. Fishing may take place 
throughout the fishing year with purse seine gear of mesh size smaller 
than the applicable minimum size specified in this section, provided 
that:
    (1) The vessel uses purse seine gear exclusively;
    (2) When fishing under this exemption in the GOM/GB Exemption Area, 
as defined in paragraph (a)(17) of this section, the vessel has on board 
a letter of authorization issued by the Regional Administrator and 
complies with the following:
    (i) The vessel only fishes for, possesses, or lands Atlantic 
herring, blueback herring, mackerel, or menhaden; and
    (ii) The vessel carries an observer, if requested by the Regional 
Administrator;
    (3) The vessel is issued a letter of authorization for a minimum of 
7 days, and cancels it only as instructed by the Regional Administrator. 
The vessel can be issued LOAs for the midwater trawl exempted fishery 
and the purse seine exempted fishery at the same time; and
    (4) The vessel does not fish for, possess, or land NE multispecies, 
except that vessels that have a Category A or B Herring Permit fishing 
on a declared herring trip may possess and land haddock or other 
regulated species consistent with possession restrictions in Sec. 
648.86(a)(3) and (k), respectively. Such haddock or other regulated 
multispecies may not be sold, purchased, received, traded, bartered, or 
transferred, or attempted to be sold, purchased, received, traded, 
bartered, or transferred for, or intended for, human consumption. 
Haddock or other regulated species that are separated out from the 
herring catch pursuant to Sec. 648.15(d) may not be sold, purchased, 
received, traded, bartered, or transferred, or attempted to be sold, 
purchased, received, traded, bartered, or transferred for any purpose. A 
vessel issued a Category A or B Herring Permit may not discard haddock 
that has been brought on the deck or pumped into the hold;
    (5) To fish for herring under this exemption, vessels that have a 
Category A or B Herring Permit must provide notice to NMFS of the vessel 
name; contact name for coordination of observer deployment; telephone 
number for contact; and the date, time, and port of departure, at least 
48 hr prior to beginning any trip into these areas for the purposes of 
observer deployment; and
    (6) All vessels that have a Category A or B Herring Permit must 
notify NMFS Office of Law Enforcement through VMS of the time and place 
of offloading at least 6 hours prior to landing or, if fishing ends less 
than 6 hours before landing, as soon as the vessel stops catching fish. 
The Regional Administrator may adjust the prior notification minimum 
time through publication of a document in the Federal Register 
consistent with the Administrative Procedure Act.
    (f) Mesh measurements--(1) Gillnets. Mesh size of gillnet gear shall 
be measured by lining up 5 consecutive knots perpendicular to the float 
line and, with a ruler or tape measure, measuring 10 consecutive 
measures on the diamond, inside knot to inside knot. The mesh shall be 
the average of the measurements of 10 consecutive measures.
    (2) All other nets. With the exception of gillnets, mesh size is 
measured by an electronic Omega gauge or a wedge-shaped gauge. The Omega 
gauge has a measuring range of at least 10-300 mm (0.4 inches-11.81 
inches), and shall be

[[Page 805]]

inserted into the meshes under a pressure or pull of 125 N or 12.75 kg 
for mesh greater than or equal to 55 mm (2.17 inches) and under a 
pressure or pull of 50 N or 5.10 kg for mesh less than 55 mm (2.17 
inches). The wedge shaped gauge, with a taper of 2 cm (0.79 inches) in 8 
cm (3.15 inches), and a thickness of 2.3 mm (0.09 inches), shall be 
inserted into the meshes under a pressure or pull of 5 kg (11.02 lb) for 
mesh size less than 120 mm (4.72 inches) and under a pressure or pull of 
8 kg (17.64 lb) for mesh size at, or greater, than 120 mm (4.72 inches).
    (i) Square-mesh measurement. Square mesh in the regulated portion of 
the net is measured by placing the net gauge along the diagonal line 
that connects the largest opening between opposite corners of the 
square. The square-mesh size is the average of the measurements of 20 
consecutive adjacent meshes from the terminus forward along the long 
axis of the net. The square mesh is measured at least five meshes away 
from the lacings of the net.
    (ii) Diamond-mesh measurement. Diamond mesh in the regulated portion 
of the net is measured running parallel to the long axis of the net. The 
diamond-mesh size is the average of the measurements of any series of 20 
consecutive meshes. The mesh is measured at least five meshes away from 
the lacings of the net.
    (g) Restrictions on gear and methods of fishing--(1) Net obstruction 
or constriction. Except as provided in paragraph (g)(5) of this section, 
a fishing vessel subject to minimum mesh size restrictions shall not 
use, or attach any device or material, including, but not limited to, 
nets, net strengtheners, ropes, lines, or chafing gear, on the top of a 
trawl net, except that one splitting strap and one bull rope (if 
present), consisting of line and rope no more than 3 in (7.6 cm) in 
diameter, may be used if such splitting strap and/or bull rope does not 
constrict, in any manner, the top of the trawl net. ``The top of the 
trawl net'' means the 50 percent of the net that (in a hypothetical 
situation) would not be in contact with the ocean bottom during a tow if 
the net were laid flat on the ocean floor. For the purpose of this 
paragraph, head ropes are not considered part of the top of the trawl 
net.
    (2) Net obstruction or constriction. (i) Except as provided in 
paragraph (g)(5) of this section, a fishing vessel may not use, or 
attach, any mesh configuration, mesh construction, or other means on or 
in the top of the net, as defined in paragraph (g)(1), subject to 
minimum mesh size restrictions, as defined in paragraph (g)(1) of this 
section, if it obstructs the meshes of the net in any manner.
    (ii) A fishing vessel may not use a net capable of catching NE 
multispecies if the bars entering or exiting the knots twist around each 
other.
    (3) Pair trawl prohibition. No vessel may fish for NE multispecies 
while pair trawling, or possess or land NE multispecies that have been 
harvested by means of pair trawling, except as authorized under 
paragraph (d) of this section.
    (4) Brush-sweep trawl prohibition. No vessel may fish for, possess, 
or land NE multispecies while fishing with, or while in possession of, 
brush-sweep trawl gear.
    (5) Net strengthener restrictions when fishing for or possessing 
small-mesh multispecies--(i) Nets of mesh size less than 2.5 inches (6.4 
cm). A vessel lawfully fishing for small-mesh multispecies in the GOM/
GB, SNE, or MA Regulated Mesh Areas, as defined in paragraphs (a), (b), 
and (c) of this section, with nets of mesh size smaller than 2.5 inches 
(6.4 cm), as measured by methods specified in paragraph (f) of this 
section, may use net strengtheners (covers, as described at Sec. 
648.23(a)(3)), provided that the net strengthener for nets of mesh size 
smaller than 2.5 inches (6.4 cm) complies with the provisions specified 
under Sec. 648.23(a)(3)(iii).
    (ii) Nets of mesh size equal to or greater than 2.5 inches (6.4 cm) 
but less than 3 inches (7.6 cm). A vessel lawfully fishing for small-
mesh multispecies in the GOM/GB, SNE, or MA Regulated Mesh Areas, as 
defined in paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) of this section, with nets with 
mesh size equal to or greater than 2.5 inches (6.4 cm) but less than 3 
inches (7.6 cm) (as measured by methods specified in paragraph (f) of 
this section, and

[[Page 806]]

as applied to the part of the net specified in paragraph (d)(1)(iv) of 
this section) may use a net strengthener (i.e., outside net), provided 
the net strengthener does not have an effective mesh opening of less 
than 6 inches (15.2 cm), diamond or square mesh, as measured by methods 
specified in paragraph (f) of this section. The inside net (as applied 
to the part of the net specified in paragraph (d)(1)(iv) of this 
section) must not be more than 2 ft (61 cm) longer than the outside net, 
must be the same circumference or smaller than the smallest 
circumference of the outside net, and must be the same mesh 
configuration (i.e., both square or both diamond mesh) as the outside 
net.
    (6) Gillnet requirements to reduce or prevent marine mammal takes--
(i) Requirements for gillnet gear capable of catching NE multispecies to 
reduce harbor porpoise takes. In addition to the requirements for 
gillnet fishing identified in this section, all persons owning or 
operating vessels in the EEZ that fish with sink gillnet gear and other 
gillnet gear capable of catching NE multispecies, with the exception of 
single pelagic gillnets (as described in Sec. 648.81(b)(2)(ii) and 
(d)(5)(ii)), must comply with the applicable provisions of the Harbor 
Porpoise Take Reduction Plan found in Sec. 229.33 of this title.
    (ii) Requirements for gillnet gear capable of catching NE 
multispecies to prevent large whale takes. In addition to the 
requirements for gillnet fishing identified in this section, all persons 
owning or operating vessels in the EEZ that fish with sink gillnet gear 
and other gillnet gear capable of catching NE multispecies, with the 
exception of single pelagic gillnets (as described in Sec. 
648.81(b)(2)(ii) and (d)(5)(ii)), must comply with the applicable 
provisions of the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan found in 
Sec. 229.32 of this title.
    (h) Scallop vessels--(1) Scallop DAS. Except as provided in 
paragraphs (h)(2) and (3) of this section, a scallop vessel that 
possesses a limited access scallop permit and either a NE multispecies 
Combination vessel permit or a scallop/multispecies possession limit 
permit, and that is fishing under a scallop DAS allocated under Sec. 
648.53, may possess and land up to 300 lb (136.1 kg) of regulated 
species per trip, provided that the amount of regulated species on board 
the vessel does not exceed the trip limits specified in Sec. 648.86, 
and provided the vessel has at least one standard tote on board, unless 
otherwise restricted by Sec. 648.86(a)(2).
    (2) NE Multispecies DAS. Limited access scallop vessels issued a 
limited access NE multispecies permit and fishing under a NE 
multispecies DAS are subject to the gear restrictions specified in this 
section and may possess and land unlimited amounts of regulated species 
or ocean pout, unless otherwise restricted by Sec. 648.86. Such vessels 
may simultaneously fish under a scallop DAS, but are prohibited from 
using scallop dredge gear on such trips.
    (3) Scallop dredge exemption areas for general category scallop 
permits--(i) GOM Scallop Dredge Exemption Area. Unless otherwise 
prohibited in Sec. 648.81, Sec. 648.370, or Sec. 648.371, vessels 
with a limited access scallop permit that have declared out of the DAS 
program as specified in Sec. 648.10, or that have used up their DAS 
allocations, and vessels issued a General Category scallop permit, may 
fish in the GOM Regulated Mesh Area specified in paragraph (a)(1) of 
this section, when not under a NE multispecies DAS, providing the vessel 
fishes in the GOM Scallop Dredge Exemption Area and complies with the 
requirements specified in paragraph (h)(3)(iii) of this section. The GOM 
Scallop Dredge Fishery Exemption Area is bounded on the west and north 
by the coastlines of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine, bounded on 
the east by the U.S.-Canada Maritime Boundary, and bounded on the south 
by straight lines connecting the following points in the order stated:

                    GOM Scallop Dredge Exemption Area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       Point                          N lat.    W long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOM1..............................................  43[deg]58      (\1\)
                                                        [min]
GOM2..............................................  43[deg]58  67[deg]22
                                                        [min]      [min]
GOM3..............................................  43[deg]41  68[deg]00
                                                        [min]      [min]
GOM4..............................................  43[deg]12  69[deg]00
                                                        [min]      [min]
GOM5..............................................  42[deg]49  69[deg]40
                                                      .5[min]      [min]
GOM6..............................................  42[deg]20  69[deg]40
                                                        [min]      [min]
GOM7..............................................  42[deg]20      (\2\)
                                                        [min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The intersection of 43[deg]58[min] N lat. and the U.S.-Canada
  Maritime boundary.
\2\ The intersection of 42[deg]20[min] N lat. and the coastline of
  Massachusetts.


[[Page 807]]

    (ii) Georges Bank/Southern New England Scallop Dredge Exemption 
Area. Unless otherwise prohibited in Sec. 648.81, Sec. 648.370, or 
Sec. 648.371, vessels issued a LAGC scallop permit, including limited 
access scallop permits that have used up their DAS allocations, may fish 
in the Georges Bank/Southern New England Scallop Dredge Exemption Area, 
as defined under paragraph (h)(3)(ii)(A) of this section, when not under 
a NE multispecies or scallop DAS or on a sector trip, provided the 
vessel complies with the requirements specified in paragraph (h)(3)(iii) 
of this section and applicable scallop regulations in subpart D of this 
part.
    (A) Area definition. The Georges Bank/Southern New England dredge 
exemption area is bounded on the north by 42[deg]20[min] N lat.; bounded 
on the east by the U.S.-Canada Maritime boundary and the outer limit of 
the US EEZ; bounded on the west by 72[deg]30[min] W long. from the outer 
limit of the US EEZ to the south-facing coastline of Long Island; and 
bounded on the northwest by the following points, connected as noted in 
the order listed:

                  GB/SNE Scallop Dredge Exemption Area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Point           N lat.            W long.                Note
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1..........  The south-facing   72[deg]30[min] W.  From Point 1 to Point
              coastline of                          2 following the
              Long Island.                          coastline of Long
                                                    Island.
2..........  41[deg]00[min] N.  The southeast-     From Point 2 to Point
                                 facing coast of    3 following a
                                 Long Island.       straight line.
3..........  41[deg]00[min] N.  The 3 nautical     From Point 3 to Point
                                 mile line,         4 following the
                                 approximately      Submerged Lands Act
                                 71[deg]51.841[mi   (3 nautical mile)
                                 n] W long.         line.
4..........  41[deg]4.25[min]   The 3 nautical     From Point 4 to Point
              N.                 mile line,         5 following a
                                 approximately      straight line.
                                 71[deg]47.384[mi
                                 n] W long.
5..........  41[deg]15[min] N.  72[deg]2.25[min]   Point 5 represents
                                 W.                 Race Point, Fishers
                                                    Island, NY. From
                                                    Point 5 to Point 6
                                                    following a straight
                                                    line northeasterly
                                                    through Fishers
                                                    Island, NY.
6..........  41[deg]18.2[min]   71[deg]51.5[min]   Point 6 represents
              N.                 W.                 Watch Hill, RI. From
                                                    Point 6 to Point 7
                                                    following the
                                                    coastlines of Rhode
                                                    Island and
                                                    Massachusetts.
7..........  42[deg]20[min] N.  The coastline of   .....................
                                 Massachusetts.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (B) [Reserved]
    (iii) Requirements. (A) A vessel fishing in the Scallop Dredge 
Fishery Exemption Areas specified in paragraphs (h)(3)(i) and (ii) of 
this section may not fish for, possess on board, or land any species of 
fish other than Atlantic sea scallops and up to 50 lb (23 kg) tail 
weight or 146 lb (66 kg) whole weight of monkfish per trip.
    (B) The combined dredge width in use by, or in possession on board, 
vessels fishing in the Scallop Dredge Fishery Exemption Areas may not 
exceed 10.5 ft (3.2 m), measured at the widest point in the bail of the 
dredge.
    (C) The exemption does not apply to the Cashes Ledge Closure Area or 
the Western GOM Area Closure specified in Sec. 648.81(a)(3) and (4), 
respectively.
    (i) State waters winter flounder exemption. Any vessel issued a NE 
multispecies permit may fish for, possess, or land winter flounder while 
fishing with nets of mesh smaller than the minimum size specified in 
paragraphs (a)(2), (b)(2), and (c)(2) of this section, provided that:
    (1) The vessel has on board a certificate approved by the Regional 
Administrator and issued by the state agency authorizing the vessel's 
participation in the state's winter flounder fishing program and is in 
compliance with the applicable state laws pertaining to minimum mesh 
size for winter flounder.
    (2) Fishing is conducted exclusively in the waters of the state from 
which the certificate was obtained.
    (3) The state's winter flounder plan has been approved by the 
Commission as being in compliance with the Commission's winter flounder 
fishery management plan.
    (4) The state elects, by a letter to the Regional Administrator, to 
participate in the exemption program described by

[[Page 808]]

this section (for a particular fishing year).
    (5) The vessel does not enter or transit the EEZ.
    (6) The vessel does not enter or transit the waters of another 
state, unless such other state is participating in the exemption program 
described by this section and the vessel is enrolled in that state's 
program.
    (7) The vessel, when not fishing under the DAS program, does not 
fish for, possess, or land more than 500 lb (226.8 kg) of winter 
flounder, and has at least one standard tote on board.
    (8) The vessel does not fish for, possess, or land any species of 
fish other than winter flounder and the exempted small-mesh species 
specified under paragraphs (a)(5)(i), (a)(9)(i), (b)(3), and (c)(4) of 
this section when fishing in the areas specified under paragraphs 
(a)(5), (a)(9), (b)(10), and (c)(5) of this section, respectively. 
Vessels fishing under this exemption in New York and Connecticut state 
waters and permitted to fish for skates may also possess and land skates 
in amounts not to exceed 10 percent, by weight, of all other species on 
board.

[69 FR 22951, Apr. 27, 2004]

    Editorial Note: For Federal Register citations affecting Sec. 
648.80, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the 
Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.



Sec. 648.81  NE multispecies year-round and seasonal closed areas.

    (a) Year-round groundfish closed areas--(1) Restrictions. No fishing 
vessel or person on a fishing vessel may enter, fish, or be in, and no 
fishing gear capable of catching NE multispecies may be used or on board 
a vessel in, the, Cashes Ledge, Western Gulf of Maine, or Closed Area II 
Closure Areas, unless otherwise allowed by or exempted under this part. 
Charts of the areas described in this section are available from the 
Regional Administrator upon request.
    (2) Exemptions. Unless restricted by the requirements of subpart P 
of this part or elsewhere in this part, paragraph (a)(1) of this section 
does not apply to a fishing vessel or person on a fishing vessel when 
fishing under the following conditions:
    (i) Fishing with or using exempted gear as defined under this part, 
except for pelagic gillnet gear capable of catching NE multispecies, 
unless fishing with a single pelagic gillnet not longer than 300 ft 
(91.4 m) and not greater than 6 ft (1.83 m) deep, with a maximum mesh 
size of 3 inches (7.6 cm), provided that:
    (A) The net is attached to the boat and fished in the upper two-
thirds of the water column;
    (B) The net is marked with the owner's name and vessel 
identification number;
    (C) No regulated species or ocean pout are retained; and
    (D) No other gear capable of catching NE multispecies is on board;
    (ii) Fishing in the Midwater Trawl Gear Exempted Fishery as 
specified in Sec. 648.80(d);
    (iii) Fishing in the Purse Seine Gear Exempted Fishery as specified 
in Sec. 648.80(e);
    (iv) Fishing under charter/party or recreational regulations 
specified in Sec. 648.89, provided that:
    (A) A letter of authorization issued by the Regional Administrator 
is onboard the vessel, which is valid from the date of enrollment until 
the end of the fishing year;
    (B) No harvested or possessed fish species managed by the NEFMC or 
MAFMC are sold or intended for trade, barter or sale, regardless of 
where the fish are caught;
    (C) Only rod and reel or handline gear is on board the vessel; and
    (D) No NE multispecies DAS are used during the entire period for 
which the letter of authorization is valid.
    (3) Cashes Ledge Closure Area. The Cashes Ledge Closure Area is 
defined by straight lines connecting the following points in the order 
stated:

                        Cashes Ledge Closure Area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Point                     N lat.              W long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CL1...........................  43[deg]07[min] N     69[deg]02[min] W
CL2...........................  42[deg]49.5[min] N   68[deg]46[min] W
CL3...........................  42[deg]46.5[min] N   68[deg]50.5[min] W
CL4...........................  42[deg]43.5[min] N   68[deg]58.5[min] W
CL5...........................  42[deg]42.5[min] N   69[deg]17.5[min] W
CL6...........................  42[deg]49.5[min] N   69[deg]26[min] W
CL1...........................  43[deg]07[min] N     69[deg]02[min] W
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (4) Western Gulf of Maine Closure Area. The Western Gulf of Maine 
Closure

[[Page 809]]

Area is defined by straight lines connecting the following points in the 
order stated:

                   Western Gulf of Maine Closure Area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Point                     N latitude      W longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
WGM1....................................  43[deg]15[min]  70[deg]15[min]
WGM2....................................  42[deg]15[min]  70[deg]15[min]
WGM3....................................  42[deg]15[min]  70[deg]00[min]
WGM4....................................  43[deg]15[min]  70[deg]00[min]
WGM1....................................  43[deg]15[min]  70[deg]15[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (5) Closed Area II Closure Area. (i) The Closed Area II Closure Area 
is defined by straight lines, unless otherwise noted, connecting the 
following points in the order stated:

                                           Closed Area II Closure Area
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Point                             N lat.                      W long.                  Note
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CAII1................................  41[deg]00[min]               67[deg]20[min]
CAII2................................  41[deg]00[min]               66[deg]35.8[min]
CAII3................................  41[deg]18.45[min]            (\1\)                                 (\2\)
CAII4................................  (\3\)                        67[deg]20[min]                        (\2\)
CAII5................................  42[deg]22[min]               67[deg]20[min]
CAII1................................  41[deg]00[min]               67[deg]20[min]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The intersection of 41[deg]18.45[min] N lat. and the U.S.-Canada Maritime Boundary, approximately
  41[deg]18.45[min] N lat. and 66[deg]24.89[min] W long.
\2\ From Point CAII3 to Point CAII4 along the U.S.-Canada Maritime Boundary.
\3\ The intersection of 67[deg]20[min] W long. And the U.S.-Canada Maritime Boundary, approximately
  42[deg]22.06[min] N lat. and 67[deg]20[min] W long.

    (ii) Unless otherwise restricted under the EFH Closure(s) specified 
in paragraph (h) of this section, paragraph (a)(5)(i) of this section 
does not apply to persons on fishing vessels or fishing vessels--
    (A) Fishing with gears as described in paragraph (a)(2) this 
section.
    (B) Fishing with tuna purse seine gear outside of the portion of 
Closed Area II known as the Habitat Area of Particular Concern, as 
described in Sec. 648.370(g).
    (C) Fishing in the CA II Yellowtail Flounder/Haddock SAP or the 
Eastern U.S./Canada Haddock SAP Program as specified in Sec. 
648.85(b)(3)(ii) or (b)(7)(ii), respectively.
    (D) Transiting the area, provided the vessel's fishing gear is 
stowed and not available for immediate use as defined in Sec. 648.2; 
and
    (1) The operator has determined, and a preponderance of available 
evidence indicates, that there is a compelling safety reason; or
    (2) The vessel has declared into the Eastern U.S./Canada Area as 
specified in Sec. 648.85(a)(3)(ii) and is transiting CA II in 
accordance with the provisions of Sec. 648.85(a)(3)(vii).
    (E) Fishing for scallops within the Closed Area II Access Area 
defined in Sec. 648.59(c)(3), during the season specified in Sec. 
648.59(c)(4), and pursuant to the provisions specified in Sec. 648.60.
    (b) Gulf of Maine spawning groundfish closures--(1) Restrictions. 
Unless allowed in this part, no fishing vessel or person on a fishing 
vessel may enter, fish, or be in, and no fishing gear capable of 
catching NE multispecies may be used or on board a vessel in, the 
spawning closure areas described in paragraphs (b)(3) and (4) of this 
section, during the times specified in this section. Charts depicting 
the areas defined here are available from the RA upon request.
    (2) Exemptions. Paragraph (b)(1) of this section does not apply to a 
fishing vessel or person on a fishing vessel:
    (i) That has not been issued a NE multispecies permit that is 
fishing exclusively in state waters;
    (ii) That is fishing with or using exempted gear as defined under 
this part, excluding pelagic gillnet gear capable of catching NE 
multispecies, except for a vessel fishing with a single pelagic gillnet 
not longer than 300 ft (91.4 m) and not greater than 6 ft (1.83 m) deep, 
with a maximum mesh size of 3 inches (7.6 cm), provided:
    (A) The net is attached to the vessel and fished in the upper two-
thirds of the water column;

[[Page 810]]

    (B) The net is marked with the vessel owner's name and vessel 
identification number;
    (C) No regulated species or ocean pout are retained; and
    (D) No other gear capable of catching NE multispecies is on board;
    (iii) That is fishing as a charter/party or recreational fishing 
vessel, provided that:
    (A) With the exception of tuna, fish harvested or possessed by the 
vessel are not sold or intended for trade, barter, or sale, regardless 
of where the species are caught;
    (B) Any gear other than pelagic hook and line gear, as defined in 
this part, is properly stowed and not available for immediate use as 
defined in Sec. 648.2; and
    (C) No regulated species or ocean pout are retained; and
    (iv) That is transiting pursuant to paragraph (e) of this section.
    (3) GOM Cod Spawning Protection Area. Except as specified in 
paragraph (b)(2) of this section, from April through June of each year, 
no fishing vessel or person on a fishing vessel may enter, fish, or be 
in, and no fishing gear capable of catching NE multispecies may be used 
or on board a vessel in, the GOM Cod Spawning Protection Area, as 
defined by straight lines connecting the following points in the order 
stated:

                    GOM Cod Spawning Protection Area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Point                   N latitude          W longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CSPA1.........................  42[deg]50.95[min]    70[deg]32.22[min]
CSPA2.........................  42[deg]47.65[min]    70[deg]35.64[min]
CSPA3.........................  42[deg]54.91[min]    70[deg]41.88[min]
CSPA4.........................  42[deg]58.27[min]    70[deg]38.64[min]
CSPA1.........................  42[deg]50.95[min]    70[deg]32.22[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (4) Winter Massachusetts Bay Spawning Protection Area. Except as 
specified in paragraph (b)(2) of this section, from November 1 through 
January 31 of each year, no fishing vessel or person on a fishing vessel 
may enter, fish, or be in, and no fishing gear capable of catching NE 
multispecies may be used or be on board a vessel in, the Massachusetts 
Bay Protection Area, as defined on the west and south by the outer limit 
of Massachusetts waters and on the northeast by a straight line 
connecting the following points, which fall along the Massachusetts 
state waters boundary:

            Winter Massachusetts Bay Spawning Protection Area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Point                   N latitude          W longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
WSPA1.........................  42[deg] 23.61[min]   70[deg] 39.21[min]
WSPA2.........................  42[deg] 07.68[min]   70[deg] 26.79[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (5) Spring Massachusetts Bay Spawning Protection Area. (i) From 
April 15 through April 30 of each year, no fishing vessel or person on a 
fishing vessel may enter, fish, or be in, and no fishing gear capable of 
catching NE multispecies may be used or on board a vessel in the thirty-
minute block defined by straight lines, unless otherwise noted, 
connecting the following points in the order stated:

                                Spring Massachusetts Bay Spawning Protection Area
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Point                           N latitude                  W longitude                Note
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SSPA1................................  42[deg]30[min]               (\1\)
SSPA2................................  42[deg]30[min]               70[deg]30[min]
SSPA3................................  42[deg]00[min]               70[deg]30[min]
SSPA4................................  42[deg]00[min]               (\2\)                                 (\3\)
SSPA5................................  (\4\)                        71[deg]00[min]                        (\3\)
SSPA6................................  (\5\)                        71[deg]00[min]                        (\6\)
SSPA1................................  42[deg]30[min]               (\1\)                                 (\6\)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The intersection of 42[deg]30[min] N lat. and the coastline at Marblehead, MA.
\2\ The intersection of 42[deg]00[min] N lat. and the coastline at Kingston, MA.
\3\ From Point SSPA4 to Point SSPA5 following the coastline of Massachusetts.
\4\ The intersection of 71[deg]00[min] W long. and the coastline at Quincy, MA.
\5\ The intersection of 71[deg]00[min] W long. and the northernmost coastline at East Boston, Boston, MA.
\6\ From Point SSPA6 back to Point SSPA 1 following the coastline of Massachusetts.


[[Page 811]]

    (ii) Unless otherwise restricted in this part, the Spring 
Massachusetts Bay Spawning Protection Area closure does not apply to a 
fishing vessel or person on a fishing vessel that meets the criteria in 
paragraphs (d)(5)(ii) through (vi) and (x) of this section (listed under 
the exemptions for the GOM Cod Protection Closures). This includes 
recreational vessels meeting the criteria specified in paragraphs 
(d)(5)(v)(A) through (D) of this section.
    (c) Georges Bank Spawning Groundfish Closures--(1) Restrictions. 
Unless otherwise allowed in this part, no fishing vessel or person on a 
fishing vessel may enter, fish, or be in, and no fishing gear capable of 
catching NE multispecies may be used on board a vessel in the spawning 
closure areas described in paragraphs (b)(3) and (4) of this section, 
and during the times specified in this section. Charts depicting the 
areas defined here are available from the RA upon request.
    (2) Exemptions. Paragraph (c)(1) of this section does not apply to a 
fishing vessel or person on a fishing vessel:
    (i) That is fishing with or using exempted gear as defined under 
this part, excluding pelagic gillnet gear capable of catching NE 
multispecies, except for vessels fishing with a single pelagic gillnet 
not longer than 300 ft (91.4 m) and not greater than 6 ft (1.83 m) deep, 
with a maximum mesh size of 3 inches (7.6 cm), provided:
    (A) The net is attached to the vessel and fished in the upper two-
thirds of the water column;
    (B) The net is marked with the vessel owner's name and vessel 
identification number;
    (C) No regulated species or ocean pout are retained; and
    (D) No other gear capable of catching NE multispecies is on board.
    (ii) That is fishing for scallops consistent with the requirements 
of the scallop fishery management plan, including rotational access 
program requirements specified in Sec. 648.59.
    (iii) That is fishing in the mid-water trawl exempted fishery.
    (iv) That is transiting pursuant to the requirements described in 
Sec. 648.2.
    (3) Closed Area I North. Except as specified in paragraph (c)(2) of 
this section, from February 1 through April 15 of each year, no fishing 
vessel or person on a fishing vessel may enter, fish, or be in; and no 
fishing gear capable of catching NE multispecies may be used or on board 
a vessel in, Closed Area I North, as defined by straight lines 
connecting the following points in the order stated:

                          Closed Area I--North
------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Point                     N lat.              W long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CIN1..........................  41[deg]30[min]       69[deg]23[min]
CIN2..........................  41[deg]30[min]       68[deg]30[min]
CIN3..........................  41[deg]26[min]       68[deg]30[min]
CIN4..........................  41[deg]04[min]       69[deg]01[min]
CIN1..........................  41[deg]30[min]       69[deg]23[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (4) Closed Area II. Except as specified in paragraph (c)(2) of this 
section, from February 1 through April 15 of each year, no fishing 
vessel or person on a fishing vessel may enter, fish, or be in, and no 
fishing gear capable of catching NE multispecies may be used or on board 
a vessel in, Closed Area II, as defined by straight lines, unless 
otherwise noted, connecting the following points in the order stated:

                                                 Closed Area II
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Point                             N lat.                      W long.                  Note
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CAII1................................  41[deg]00[min]               67[deg]20[min]
CAII2................................  41[deg]00[min]               66[deg]35.8[min]
CAII3................................  41[deg]18.45                 (\1\)                                 (\2\)
CAII4................................  (\3\)                        67[deg]20[min]                        (\2\)
CAII5................................  42[deg]22[min]               67[deg]20[min]
CAII1................................  41[deg]00[min]               67[deg]20[min]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The intersection of 41[deg]18.45[min] N lat. and the U.S.-Canada Maritime Boundary, approximately
  41[deg]18.45[min] N lat. and 66[deg]24.89[min] W long.
\2\ From Point CAII3 to Point CAII4 along the U.S.-Canada Maritime Boundary.
\3\ The intersection of 67[deg]20[min] W long. and the U.S.-Canada Maritime Boundary, approximately
  42[deg]22.06[min] N lat. and 67[deg]20[min] W long.


[[Page 812]]

    (d) GOM Cod Protection Closures--(1) Restrictions. Unless otherwise 
allowed in this part, no fishing vessel or person on a fishing vessel 
may enter, fish, or be in, and no fishing gear capable of catching NE 
multispecies may be used or on board a vessel in, GOM Cod Protection 
Closures I through V as described, and during the times specified, in 
paragraphs (d)(4)(i) through (v) of this section.
    (2) Review of closure. The New England Fishery Management Council 
shall review the GOM Cod Protection Closures Areas specified in this 
section when the spawning stock biomass for GOM cod reaches the minimum 
biomass threshold specified for the stock (50 percent of 
SSBMSY).
    (3) Seasons. (i) GOM Cod Protection Closure I is in effect from May 
1 through May 31.
    (ii) GOM Cod Protection Closure II is in effect from June 1 through 
June 30.
    (iii) GOM Cod Protection Closure III is in effect from November 1 
through January 31.
    (iv) GOM Cod Protection Closure IV is in effect from October 1 
through October 31.
    (v) GOM Cod Protection Closure V is in effect from March 1 through 
March 31.
    (4) GOM Cod Protection Closure Areas. Charts depicting these areas 
are available from the Regional Administrator upon request.
    (i) GOM Cod Protection Closure I. GOM Cod Protection Closure I is 
the area bounded by the following coordinates connected in the order 
stated by straight lines, unless otherwise noted:

                      GOM Cod Protection Closure I
                             [May 1-May 31]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Point                   N latitude          W longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CPCI 1........................  43[deg]30[min] N     (\1\)
CPCI 2........................  43[deg]30[min] N     69[deg]30[min] W
CPCI 3........................  43[deg]00[min] N     69[deg]30[min] W
CPCI 4........................  43[deg]00[min] N     70[deg]00[min] W
CPCI 5........................  42[deg]30[min] N     70[deg]00[min] W
CPCI 6........................  42[deg]30[min] N     70[deg]30[min] W
CPCI 7........................  42[deg]20[min] N     70[deg]30[min] W
CPCI 8........................  42[deg]20[min] N     (\2\) (\3\)
CPCI 1........................  43[deg]30[min] N     (\1\) (\3\)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The intersection of 43[deg]30[min] N latitude and the coastline of
  Maine.
\2\ The intersection of 42[deg]20[min] N latitude and the coastline of
  Massachusetts.
\3\ From Point 8 back to Point 1 following the coastline of the United
  States.

    (ii) GOM Cod Protection Closure II. GOM Cod Protection Closure II is 
the area bounded by the following coordinates connected in the order 
stated by straight lines, unless otherwise noted:

                      GOM Cod Protection Closure II
                            [June 1-June 30]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Point                   N latitude          W longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CPCII 1.......................  (\1\)                69[deg]30[min] W
CPCII 2.......................  43[deg]30[min] N     69[deg]30[min] W
CPCII 3.......................  43[deg]30[min] N     70[deg]00[min] W
CPCII 4.......................  42[deg]30[min] N     70[deg]00[min] W
CPCII 5.......................  42[deg]30[min] N     70[deg]30[min] W
CPCII 6.......................  42[deg]20[min] N     70[deg]30[min] W
CPCII 7.......................  42[deg]20[min] N     (\2\)(\3\)
CPCII 8.......................  42[deg]30[min] N     (\(4)\)(\3\)
CPCII 9.......................  42[deg]30[min] N     70[deg]30[min] W
CPCII 10......................  43[deg]00[min] N     70[deg]30[min] W
CPCII 11......................  43[deg]00[min] N     (\5\) (\6\)
CPCII 1.......................  (\1\)                69[deg]30[min] W
                                                      (\6\)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The intersection of 69[deg]30[min] W longitude and the coastline of
  Maine.
\2\ The intersection of 42[deg]20[min] N latitude and the coastline of
  Massachusetts.
\3\ From Point 7 to Point 8 following the coastline of Massachusetts.
\4\ The intersection of 42[deg]30[min] N latitude and the coastline of
  Massachusetts.
\5\ The intersection of 43[deg]00[min] N latitude and the coastline of
  New Hampshire.
\6\ From Point 11 back to Point 1 following the coastlines of New
  Hampshire and Maine.

    (iii) GOM Cod Protection Closure III. GOM Cod Protection Closure III 
is the area bounded by the following coordinates connected in the order 
stated by straight lines, unless otherwise noted:

                     GOM Cod Protection Closure III
                         [November 1-January 31]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Point                   N latitude          W longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CPCIII 1......................  42[deg]30[min] N     (\1\)
CPCIII 2......................  42[deg]30[min] N     70[deg]30[min] W
CPCIII 3......................  42[deg]15[min] N     70[deg]30[min] W
CPCIII 4......................  42[deg]15[min] N     70[deg]24[min] W
CPCIII 5......................  42[deg]00[min] N     70[deg]24[min] W
CPCIII 6......................  42[deg]00[min] N     (\2\) (\3\)
CPCIII 1......................  42[deg]30[min] N     (\1\) (\3\)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The intersection of 42[deg]30[min] N latitude and the Massachusetts
  coastline.
\2\ The intersection of 42[deg]00[min] N latitude and the mainland
  Massachusetts coastline at Kingston, MA.
\3\ From Point 6 back to Point 1 following the coastline of
  Massachusetts.

    (iv) GOM Cod Protection Closure IV. GOM Cod Protection Closure IV is 
the area bounded by the following coordinates connected in the order 
stated by straight lines, unless otherwise noted:

                      GOM Cod Protection Closure IV
                         [October 1-October 31]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Point                   N latitude          W longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CPCIV 1.......................  42[deg]30[min] N     (\1\)

[[Page 813]]

 
CPCIV 2.......................  42[deg]30[min] N     70[deg]00[min] W
CPCIV 3.......................  42[deg]00[min] N     70[deg]00[min] W
CPCIV 4.......................  42[deg]00[min] N     (\2\) (\3\)
CPCIV 1.......................  42[deg]30[min] N     (\1\) (\3\)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The intersection of 42[deg]30[min] N latitude and the Massachusetts
  coastline.
\2\ The intersection of 42[deg]00[min] N latitude and the mainland
  Massachusetts coastline at Kingston, MA.
\3\ From Point 4 back to Point 1 following the coastline of
  Massachusetts.

    (v) GOM Cod Protection Closure V. GOM Cod Protection Closure V is 
the area bounded by the following coordinates connected in the order 
stated by straight lines:

                      GOM Cod Protection Closure V
                           [March 1-March 31]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Point                   N latitude          W longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CPCV 1........................  42[deg]30[min] N     70[deg]00[min] W
CPCV 2........................  42[deg]30[min] N     68[deg]30[min] W
CPCV 3........................  42[deg]00[min] N     68[deg]30[min] W
CPCV 4........................  42[deg]00[min] N     70[deg]00[min] W
CPCV 1........................  42[deg]30[min] N     70[deg]00[min] W
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (5) Exemptions. The GOM cod protection closures specified in this 
section do not apply to a fishing vessel or person on board a fishing 
vessel under any of the following conditions:
    (i) No multispecies permit has been issued and the vessel is fishing 
exclusively in state waters;
    (ii) Fishing with or using exempted gear as defined under this part, 
except for pelagic gillnet gear capable of catching NE multispecies, 
unless fishing with a single pelagic gillnet not longer than 300 ft 
(91.4 m) and not greater than 6 ft (1.83 m) deep, with a maximum mesh 
size of 3 inches (7.6 cm), provided that:
    (A) The net is attached to the boat and fished in the upper two-
thirds of the water column;
    (B) The net is marked with the owner's name and vessel 
identification number;
    (C) No regulated species are retained; and
    (D) No other gear capable of catching NE multispecies is on board;
    (iii) Fishing in the Midwater Trawl Gear Exempted Fishery as 
specified in Sec. 648.80(d);
    (iv) Fishing in the Purse Seine Gear Exempted Fishery as specified 
in Sec. 648.80(e);
    (v) Fishing under charter/party or recreational regulations 
specified in Sec. 648.89, provided that:
    (A) A vessel fishing under charter/party regulations in a GOM cod 
protection closure described under paragraph (f)(4) of this section, has 
on board a letter of authorization issued by the Regional Administrator 
that is valid from the date of enrollment through the duration of the 
closure or 3 months duration, whichever is greater;
    (B) No harvested or possessed fish species managed by the NEFMC or 
MAFMC are sold or intended for trade, barter or sale, regardless of 
where the fish are caught;
    (C) Only rod and reel or handline gear is on board; and
    (D) No NE multispecies DAS are used during the entire period for 
which the letter of authorization is valid;
    (vi) Fishing with scallop dredge gear under a scallop DAS or when 
lawfully fishing in the Scallop Dredge Fishery Exemption Area as 
described in Sec. 648.80(a)(11), provided the vessel does not retain 
any regulated NE multispecies during a trip, or on any part of a trip;
    (vii) Fishing in the Raised Footrope Trawl Exempted Whiting Fishery, 
as specified in Sec. 648.80(a)(15), or in the Small Mesh Area II 
Exemption Area, as specified in Sec. 648.80(a)(9);
    (viii) Fishing on a sector trip, as defined in this part, and in the 
GOM Cod Protection Closures IV or V, as specified in paragraphs 
(f)(4)(iv) and (v) of this section; or
    (ix) Fishing under the provisions of a Northeast multispecies 
Handgear A permit, as specified at Sec. 648.82(b)(6), and in the GOM 
Cod Protection Closures IV or V, as specified in paragraphs (f)(4)(iv) 
and (v) of this section.
    (x) Transiting the area, provided it complies with the requirements 
specified in paragraph (e) of this section.
    (e) Transiting. (1) Unless otherwise restricted or specified in this 
paragraph (e), a vessel may transit the Cashes Ledge Closed Area, the 
Western GOM Closure Area, the GOM Cod Protection Closures, and the GOM 
Cod Spawning

[[Page 814]]

Protection Area, as defined in paragraphs (a)(3) and (4), (d)(4), and 
(b)(3), of this section, respectively, provided that its gear is stowed 
and not available for immediate use as defined in Sec. 648.2.
    (2) Private recreational or charter/party vessels fishing under the 
Northeast multispecies provisions specified at Sec. 648.89 may transit 
the GOM Cod Spawning Protection Area, as defined in paragraph (b)(3) of 
this section, provided all bait and hooks are removed from fishing rods, 
and any regulated species on board have been caught outside the GOM Cod 
Spawning Protection Area and has been gutted and stored.
    (f) Restricted Gear Areas--(1) Restricted Gear Area Seasons. No 
fishing vessel with mobile gear on board, or person on a fishing vessel 
with mobile gear on board, may fish or be in the specified Restricted 
Gear Areas, unless transiting, during the seasons below. No fishing 
vessel with lobster pot gear on board, or person on a fishing vessel 
with lobster pot gear on board, may fish in, and no lobster pot gear may 
be deployed or remain in the specified Restricted Gear Areas. Vessels 
with lobster pot gear on board may transit during the seasons listed in 
the table in this paragraph (f)(1).

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                Mobile gear                        Lobster pot gear
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Restricted Gear Area I...............  October 1-June 15............  June 16-September 30.
Restricted Gear Area II..............  November 27-June 15..........  June 16-November 26.
Restricted Gear Area III.............  June 16-November 26..........  January 1-April 30.
Restricted Gear Area IV..............  June 16-September 30.........  n/a.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) Transiting. Vessels with mobile gear may transit this area, 
provided that all mobile gear is on board the vessel while inside the 
area, and is stowed and not available for immediate use as defined in 
Sec. 648.2.
    (3) Restricted Gear Area I. Restricted Gear Area I is defined by the 
following points connected in the order listed by straight lines (points 
followed by an asterisk are shared with an adjacent Restricted Gear 
Area):

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Point                            Latitude                    Longitude                 Note
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AA...................................  40[deg]02.75[min] N          70[deg]16.10[min] W                     (*)
AB...................................  40[deg]02.45[min] N          70[deg]14.10[min] W                     (*)
AC...................................  40[deg]05.20[min] N          70[deg]10.90[min] W                     (*)
AD...................................  40[deg]03.75[min] N          70[deg]10.15[min] W                     (*)
AE...................................  40[deg]00.70[min] N          70[deg]08.70[min] W                     (*)
AF...................................  39[deg]59.20[min] N          70[deg]04.90[min] W                     (*)
AG...................................  39[deg]58.25[min] N          70[deg]03.00[min] W                     (*)
AH...................................  39[deg]56.90[min] N          69[deg]57.45[min] W                     (*)
AI...................................  39[deg]57.40[min] N          69[deg]55.90[min] W                     (*)
AJ...................................  39[deg]57.55[min] N          69[deg]54.05[min] W                     (*)
AK...................................  39[deg]56.70[min] N          69[deg]53.60[min] W                     (*)
AL...................................  39[deg]55.75[min] N          69[deg]41.40[min] W                     (*)
AM...................................  39[deg]56.20[min] N          69[deg]40.20[min] W                     (*)
AN...................................  39[deg]58.80[min] N          69[deg]38.45[min] W                     (*)
AO...................................  39[deg]59.15[min] N          69[deg]37.30[min] W                     (*)
AP...................................  40[deg]00.90[min] N          69[deg]37.30[min] W                     (*)
AQ...................................  40[deg]00.65[min] N          69[deg]36.50[min] W                     (*)
AR...................................  39[deg]57.85[min] N          69[deg]35.15[min] W                     (*)
AS...................................  39[deg]56.80[min] N          69[deg]34.10[min] W                     (*)
AT...................................  39[deg]56.50[min] N          69[deg]26.35[min] W                     (*)
AU...................................  39[deg]56.75[min] N          69[deg]24.40[min] W                     (*)
AV...................................  39[deg]57.80[min] N          69[deg]20.35[min] W                     (*)
AW...................................  40[deg]00.05[min] N          69[deg]14.60[min] W                     (*)
AX...................................  40[deg]02.65[min] N          69[deg]11.15[min] W                     (*)
AY...................................  40[deg]02.00[min] N          69[deg]08.35[min] W                     (*)
AZ...................................  40[deg]02.65[min] N          69[deg]05.60[min] W                     (*)
BA...................................  40[deg]04.10[min] N          69[deg]03.90[min] W                     (*)
BB...................................  40[deg]05.65[min] N          69[deg]03.55[min] W                     (*)
BC...................................  40[deg]08.45[min] N          69[deg]03.60[min] W                     (*)
BD...................................  40[deg]09.75[min] N          69[deg]04.15[min] W                     (*)
BE...................................  40[deg]10.25[min] N          69[deg]04.40[min] W                     (*)
BF...................................  40[deg]11.60[min] N          69[deg]05.40[min] W                     (*)
BG...................................  40[deg]11.00[min] N          69[deg]03.80[min] W                     (*)
BH...................................  40[deg]08.90[min] N          69[deg]01.75[min] W                     (*)

[[Page 815]]

 
BI...................................  40[deg]05.30[min] N          69[deg]01.10[min] W                     (*)
BJ...................................  40[deg]05.20[min] N          69[deg]00.50[min] W                     (*)
BK...................................  40[deg]04.35[min] N          69[deg]00.50[min] W                     (*)
BL...................................  40[deg]03.65[min] N          69[deg]00.00[min] W                     (*)
BM...................................  40[deg]03.60[min] N          68[deg]57.20[min] W                     (*)
BN...................................  40[deg]05.70[min] N          68[deg]52.40[min] W                     (*)
BO...................................  40[deg]08.10[min] N          68[deg]51.00[min] W                     (*)
BP...................................  40[deg]08.70[min] N          68[deg]49.60[min] W                     (*)
BQ...................................  40[deg]06.90[min] N          68[deg]46.50[min] W                     (*)
BR...................................  40[deg]07.20[min] N          68[deg]38.40[min] W                     (*)
BS...................................  40[deg]07.90[min] N          68[deg]36.00[min] W                     (*)
BT...................................  40[deg]06.40[min] N          68[deg]35.80[min] W
BU...................................  40[deg]05.25[min] N          68[deg]39.30[min] W
BV...................................  40[deg]05.40[min] N          68[deg]44.50[min] W
BW...................................  40[deg]06.00[min] N          68[deg]46.50[min] W
BX...................................  40[deg]07.40[min] N          68[deg]49.60[min] W
BY...................................  40[deg]05.55[min] N          68[deg]49.80[min] W
BZ...................................  40[deg]03.90[min] N          68[deg]51.70[min] W
CA...................................  40[deg]02.25[min] N          68[deg]55.40[min] W
CB...................................  40[deg]02.60[min] N          69[deg]00.00[min] W
CC...................................  40[deg]02.75[min] N          69[deg]00.75[min] W
CD...................................  40[deg]04.20[min] N          69[deg]01.75[min] W
CE...................................  40[deg]06.15[min] N          69[deg]01.95[min] W
CF...................................  40[deg]07.25[min] N          69[deg]02.00[min] W
CG...................................  40[deg]08.50[min] N          69[deg]02.25[min] W
CH...................................  40[deg]09.20[min] N          69[deg]02.95[min] W
CI...................................  40[deg]09.75[min] N          69[deg]03.30[min] W
CJ...................................  40[deg]09.55[min] N          69[deg]03.85[min] W
CK...................................  40[deg]08.40[min] N          69[deg]03.40[min] W
CL...................................  40[deg]07.20[min] N          69[deg]03.30[min] W
CM...................................  40[deg]06.00[min] N          69[deg]03.10[min] W
CN...................................  40[deg]05.40[min] N          69[deg]03.05[min] W
CO...................................  40[deg]04.80[min] N          69[deg]03.05[min] W
CP...................................  40[deg]03.55[min] N          69[deg]03.55[min] W
CQ...................................  40[deg]01.90[min] N          69[deg]03.95[min] W
CR...................................  40[deg]01.00[min] N          69[deg]04.40[min] W
CS...................................  39[deg]59.90[min] N          69[deg]06.25[min] W
CT...................................  40[deg]00.60[min] N          69[deg]10.05[min] W
CU...................................  39[deg]59.25[min] N          69[deg]11.15[min] W
CV...................................  39[deg]57.45[min] N          69[deg]16.05[min] W
CW...................................  39[deg]56.10[min] N          69[deg]20.10[min] W
CX...................................  39[deg]54.60[min] N          69[deg]25.65[min] W
CY...................................  39[deg]54.65[min] N          69[deg]26.90[min] W
CZ...................................  39[deg]54.80[min] N          69[deg]30.95[min] W
DA...................................  39[deg]54.35[min] N          69[deg]33.40[min] W
DB...................................  39[deg]55.00[min] N          69[deg]34.90[min] W
DC...................................  39[deg]56.55[min] N          69[deg]36.00[min] W
DD...................................  39[deg]57.95[min] N          69[deg]36.45[min] W
DE...................................  39[deg]58.75[min] N          69[deg]36.30[min] W
DF...................................  39[deg]58.80[min] N          69[deg]36.95[min] W
DG...................................  39[deg]57.95[min] N          69[deg]38.10[min] W
DH...................................  39[deg]54.50[min] N          69[deg]38.25[min] W
DI...................................  39[deg]53.60[min] N          69[deg]46.50[min] W
DJ...................................  39[deg]54.70[min] N          69[deg]50.00[min] W
DK...................................  39[deg]55.25[min] N          69[deg]51.40[min] W
DL...................................  39[deg]55.20[min] N          69[deg]53.10[min] W
DM...................................  39[deg]54.85[min] N          69[deg]53.90[min] W
DN...................................  39[deg]55.70[min] N          69[deg]54.90[min] W
DO...................................  39[deg]56.15[min] N          69[deg]55.35[min] W
DP...................................  39[deg]56.05[min] N          69[deg]56.25[min] W
DQ...................................  39[deg]55.30[min] N          69[deg]57.10[min] W
DR...................................  39[deg]54.80[min] N          69[deg]58.60[min] W
DS...................................  39[deg]56.05[min] N          70[deg]00.65[min] W
DT...................................  39[deg]55.30[min] N          70[deg]02.95[min] W
DU...................................  39[deg]56.90[min] N          70[deg]11.30[min] W
DV...................................  39[deg]58.90[min] N          70[deg]11.50[min] W
DW...................................  39[deg]59.60[min] N          70[deg]11.10[min] W
DX...................................  40[deg]01.35[min] N          70[deg]11.20[min] W
DY...................................  40[deg]02.60[min] N          70[deg]12.00[min] W
DZ...................................  40[deg]00.40[min] N          70[deg]12.30[min] W
EA...................................  39[deg]59.75[min] N          70[deg]13.05[min] W
EB...................................  39[deg]59.30[min] N          70[deg]14.00[min] W                     (*)
AA...................................  40[deg]02.75[min] N          70[deg]16.10[min] W                     (*)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 816]]

    (4) Restricted Gear Area II. Restricted Gear Area II is defined by 
the following points connected in the order listed by straight lines 
(points followed by an asterisk are shared with an adjacent Restricted 
Gear Area):

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              Point                                 N latitude      W longitude        Note
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AA..............................................................  40[deg]02.75[m  70[deg]16.10[m             (*)
                                                                             in]             in]
EB..............................................................  39[deg]59.30[m  70[deg]14.00[m             (*)
                                                                             in]             in]
EC..............................................................  39[deg]58.85[m  70[deg]15.20[m
                                                                             in]             in]
ED..............................................................  39[deg]59.30[m  70[deg]18.40[m
                                                                             in]             in]
EE..............................................................  39[deg]58.10[m  70[deg]19.40[m
                                                                             in]             in]
EF..............................................................  39[deg]57.00[m  70[deg]19.85[m
                                                                             in]             in]
EG..............................................................  39[deg]57.55[m  70[deg]21.25[m
                                                                             in]             in]
EH..............................................................  39[deg]57.50[m  70[deg]22.80[m
                                                                             in]             in]
EI..............................................................  39[deg]57.10[m  70[deg]25.40[m
                                                                             in]             in]
EJ..............................................................  39[deg]57.65[m  70[deg]27.05[m
                                                                             in]             in]
EK..............................................................  39[deg]58.58[m  70[deg]27.70[m
                                                                             in]             in]
EL..............................................................  40[deg]00.65[m  70[deg]28.80[m
                                                                             in]             in]
EM..............................................................  40[deg]02.20[m  70[deg]29.15[m
                                                                             in]             in]
EN..............................................................  40[deg]01.00[m  70[deg]30.20[m
                                                                             in]             in]
EO..............................................................  39[deg]58.58[m  70[deg]31.85[m
                                                                             in]             in]
EP..............................................................  39[deg]57.05[m  70[deg]34.35[m
                                                                             in]             in]
EQ..............................................................  39[deg]56.42[m  70[deg]36.80[m
                                                                             in]             in]
ER..............................................................  39[deg]58.15[m  70[deg]48.00[m
                                                                             in]             in]
ES..............................................................  39[deg]58.30[m  70[deg]51.10[m
                                                                             in]             in]
ET..............................................................  39[deg]58.10[m  70[deg]52.25[m
                                                                             in]             in]
EU..............................................................  39[deg]58.05[m  70[deg]53.55[m
                                                                             in]             in]
EV..............................................................  39[deg]58.40[m  70[deg]59.60[m
                                                                             in]             in]
EW..............................................................  39[deg]59.80[m  71[deg]01.05[m
                                                                             in]             in]
EX..............................................................  39[deg]58.20[m  71[deg]05.85[m
                                                                             in]             in]
EY..............................................................  39[deg]57.45[m  71[deg]12.15[m
                                                                             in]             in]
EZ..............................................................  39[deg]57.20[m  71[deg]15.00[m
                                                                             in]             in]
FA..............................................................  39[deg]56.30[m  71[deg]18.95[m
                                                                             in]             in]
FB..............................................................  39[deg]51.40[m  71[deg]36.10[m
                                                                             in]             in]
FC..............................................................  39[deg]51.75[m  71[deg]41.50[m
                                                                             in]             in]
FD..............................................................  39[deg]50.05[m  71[deg]42.50[m
                                                                             in]             in]
FE..............................................................  39[deg]50.00[m  71[deg]45.00[m
                                                                             in]             in]
FF..............................................................  39[deg]48.95[m  71[deg]46.05[m
                                                                             in]             in]
FG..............................................................  39[deg]46.60[m  71[deg]46.10[m
                                                                             in]             in]
FH..............................................................  39[deg]43.50[m  71[deg]49.40[m
                                                                             in]             in]
FI..............................................................  39[deg]41.30[m  71[deg]55.00[m
                                                                             in]             in]
FJ..............................................................  39[deg]39.00[m  71[deg]55.60[m
                                                                             in]             in]
FK..............................................................  39[deg]36.72[m  71[deg]58.25[m
                                                                             in]             in]
FL..............................................................  39[deg]35.15[m  71[deg]58.55[m
                                                                             in]             in]
FM..............................................................  39[deg]34.50[m  72[deg]00.75[m
                                                                             in]             in]
FN..............................................................  39[deg]32.20[m  72[deg]02.25[m
                                                                             in]             in]
FO..............................................................  39[deg]32.15[m  72[deg]04.10[m
                                                                             in]             in]
FP..............................................................  39[deg]28.50[m  72[deg]06.50[m
                                                                             in]             in]
FQ..............................................................  39[deg]29.00[m  72[deg]09.25[m
                                                                             in]             in]
FR..............................................................  39[deg]29.75[m  72[deg]09.80[m             (*)
                                                                             in]             in]
FS..............................................................  39[deg]32.65[m  72[deg]06.10[m             (*)
                                                                             in]             in]
FT..............................................................  39[deg]35.45[m  72[deg]02.00[m             (*)
                                                                             in]             in]
FU..............................................................  39[deg]41.15[m  71[deg]57.10[m             (*)
                                                                             in]             in]
FV..............................................................  39[deg]46.95[m  71[deg]49.00[m             (*)
                                                                             in]             in]
FW..............................................................  39[deg]53.10[m  71[deg]42.70[m             (*)
                                                                             in]             in]
FX..............................................................  39[deg]52.60[m  71[deg]40.35[m             (*)
                                                                             in]             in]
FY..............................................................  39[deg]53.10[m  71[deg]36.10[m             (*)
                                                                             in]             in]
FZ..............................................................  39[deg]57.50[m  71[deg]20.60[m             (*)
                                                                             in]             in]
GA..............................................................  40[deg]00.70[m  71[deg]19.80[m             (*)
                                                                             in]             in]
GB..............................................................  39[deg]59.30[m  71[deg]18.40[m             (*)
                                                                             in]             in]
GC..............................................................  40[deg]02.00[m  71[deg]01.30[m             (*)
                                                                             in]             in]
GD..............................................................  40[deg]00.50[m  70[deg]57.60[m             (*)
                                                                             in]             in]
GE..............................................................  40[deg]00.10[m  70[deg]45.10[m             (*)
                                                                             in]             in]
GF..............................................................  39[deg]58.90[m  70[deg]38.65[m             (*)
                                                                             in]             in]
GG..............................................................  39[deg]59.15[m  70[deg]34.45[m             (*)
                                                                             in]             in]
GH..............................................................  40[deg]00.55[m  70[deg]32.10[m             (*)
                                                                             in]             in]
GI..............................................................  40[deg]03.85[m  70[deg]28.75[m             (*)
                                                                             in]             in]
GJ..............................................................  39[deg]59.75[m  70[deg]25.50[m             (*)
                                                                             in]             in]
GK..............................................................  39[deg]59.80[m  70[deg]21.75[m             (*)
                                                                             in]             in]
GL..............................................................  40[deg]00.70[m  70[deg]18.60[m             (*)
                                                                             in]             in]
AA..............................................................  40[deg]02.75[m  70[deg]16.10[m             (*)
                                                                             in]             in]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (5) Restricted Gear Area III. Restricted Gear Area III is defined by 
the following points connected in the order listed by straight lines 
(points followed by an asterisk are shared with an adjacent Restricted 
Gear Area):

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Point                            Latitude                    Longitude                 Note
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AA...................................  40[deg]02.75[min] N          70[deg]16.10[min] W                     (*)
GL...................................  40[deg]00.70[min] N          70[deg]18.60[min] W                     (*)
GK...................................  39[deg]59.80[min] N          70[deg]21.75[min] W                     (*)
GJ...................................  39[deg]59.75[min] N          70[deg]25.50[min] W                     (*)
GI...................................  40[deg]03.85[min] N          70[deg]28.75[min] W                     (*)
GH...................................  40[deg]00.55[min] N          70[deg]32.10[min] W                     (*)
GG...................................  39[deg]59.15[min] N          70[deg]34.45[min] W                     (*)
GF...................................  39[deg]58.90[min] N          70[deg]38.65[min] W                     (*)
GE...................................  40[deg]00.10[min] N          70[deg]45.10[min] W                     (*)
GD...................................  40[deg]00.50[min] N          70[deg]57.60[min] W                     (*)
GC...................................  40[deg]02.00[min] N          71[deg]01.30[min] W                     (*)
GB...................................  39[deg]59.30[min] N          71[deg]18.40[min] W                     (*)
GA...................................  40[deg]00.70[min] N          71[deg]19.80[min] W                     (*)
FZ...................................  39[deg]57.50[min] N          71[deg]20.60[min] W                     (*)
FY...................................  39[deg]53.10[min] N          71[deg]36.10[min] W                     (*)
FX...................................  39[deg]52.60[min] N          71[deg]40.35[min] W                     (*)
FW...................................  39[deg]53.10[min] N          71[deg]42.70[min] W                     (*)
FV...................................  39[deg]46.95[min] N          71[deg]49.00[min] W                     (*)
FU...................................  39[deg]41.15[min] N          71[deg]57.10[min] W                     (*)
FT...................................  39[deg]35.45[min] N          72[deg]02.00[min] W                     (*)
FS...................................  39[deg]32.65[min] N          72[deg]06.10[min] W                     (*)
FR...................................  39[deg]29.75[min] N          72[deg]09.80[min] W                     (*)
GM...................................  39[deg]33.65[min] N          72[deg]15.00[min] W
GN...................................  39[deg]47.20[min] N          72[deg]01.60[min] W
GO...................................  39[deg]53.75[min] N          71[deg]52.25[min] W
GP...................................  39[deg]55.85[min] N          71[deg]45.00[min] W
GQ...................................  39[deg]55.60[min] N          71[deg]41.20[min] W
GR...................................  39[deg]57.90[min] N          71[deg]28.70[min] W
GS...................................  40[deg]10.70[min] N          71[deg]10.25[min] W
GT...................................  40[deg]12.75[min] N          70[deg]55.05[min] W

[[Page 817]]

 
GU...................................  40[deg]11.05[min] N          70[deg]45.80[min] W
GV...................................  40[deg]06.50[min] N          70[deg]40.05[min] W
GW...................................  40[deg]05.60[min] N          70[deg]17.70[min] W
AA...................................  40[deg]02.75[min] N          70[deg]16.10[min] W                     (*)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (6) Restricted Gear Area IV. Restricted Gear Area IV is defined by 
the following points connected in the order listed by straight lines 
(points followed by an asterisk are shared with an adjacent Restricted 
Gear Area):

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Point                            Latitude                    Longitude                 Note
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AA...................................  40[deg]02.75[min] N          70[deg]16.10[min] W                     (*)
GX...................................  40[deg]07.80[min] N          70[deg]09.20[min] W
GY...................................  40[deg]07.60[min] N          70[deg]04.50[min] W
GZ...................................  40[deg]02.10[min] N          69[deg]45.00[min] W
HA...................................  40[deg]01.30[min] N          69[deg]45.00[min] W
HB...................................  40[deg]00.50[min] N          69[deg]38.80[min] W
HC...................................  40[deg]01.70[min] N          69[deg]37.40[min] W
HD...................................  40[deg]01.70[min] N          69[deg]35.40[min] W
HE...................................  40[deg]00.40[min] N          69[deg]35.20[min] W
HF...................................  39[deg]57.30[min] N          69[deg]25.10[min] W
HG...................................  40[deg]05.50[min] N          69[deg]09.00[min] W
HH...................................  40[deg]14.30[min] N          69[deg]05.80[min] W
HI...................................  40[deg]14.00[min] N          69[deg]04.70[min] W
HJ...................................  40[deg]11.60[min] N          68[deg]53.00[min] W
HK...................................  40[deg]13.60[min] N          68[deg]40.60[min] W
BS...................................  40[deg]07.90[min] N          68[deg]36.00[min] W                     (*)
BR...................................  40[deg]07.20[min] N          68[deg]38.40[min] W                     (*)
BQ...................................  40[deg]06.90[min] N          68[deg]46.50[min] W                     (*)
BP...................................  40[deg]08.70[min] N          68[deg]49.60[min] W                     (*)
BO...................................  40[deg]08.10[min] N          68[deg]51.00[min] W                     (*)
BN...................................  40[deg]05.70[min] N          68[deg]52.40[min] W                     (*)
BM...................................  40[deg]03.60[min] N          68[deg]57.20[min] W                     (*)
BL...................................  40[deg]03.65[min] N          69[deg]00.00[min] W                     (*)
BK...................................  40[deg]04.35[min] N          69[deg]00.50[min] W                     (*)
BJ...................................  40[deg]05.20[min] N          69[deg]00.50[min] W                     (*)
BI...................................  40[deg]05.30[min] N          69[deg]01.10[min] W                     (*)
BH...................................  40[deg]08.90[min] N          69[deg]01.75[min] W                     (*)
BG...................................  40[deg]11.00[min] N          69[deg]03.80[min] W                     (*)
BF...................................  40[deg]11.60[min] N          69[deg]05.40[min] W                     (*)
BE...................................  40[deg]10.25[min] N          69[deg]04.40[min] W                     (*)
BD...................................  40[deg]09.75[min] N          69[deg]04.15[min] W                     (*)
BC...................................  40[deg]08.45[min] N          69[deg]03.60[min] W                     (*)
BB...................................  40[deg]05.65[min] N          69[deg]03.55[min] W                     (*)
BA...................................  40[deg]04.10[min] N          69[deg]03.90[min] W                     (*)
AZ...................................  40[deg]02.65[min] N          69[deg]05.60[min] W                     (*)
AY...................................  40[deg]02.00[min] N          69[deg]08.35[min] W                     (*)
AX...................................  40[deg]02.65[min] N          69[deg]11.15[min] W                     (*)
AW...................................  40[deg]00.05[min] N          69[deg]14.60[min] W                     (*)
AV...................................  39[deg]57.80[min] N          69[deg]20.35[min] W                     (*)
AU...................................  39[deg]56.75[min] N          69[deg]24.40[min] W                     (*)
AT...................................  39[deg]56.50[min] N          69[deg]26.35[min] W                     (*)
AS...................................  39[deg]56.80[min] N          69[deg]34.10[min] W                     (*)
AR...................................  39[deg]57.85[min] N          69[deg]35.15[min] W                     (*)
AQ...................................  40[deg]00.65[min] N          69[deg]36.50[min] W                     (*)
AP...................................  40[deg]00.90[min] N          69[deg]37.30[min] W                     (*)
AO...................................  39[deg]59.15[min] N          69[deg]37.30[min] W                     (*)
AN...................................  39[deg]58.80[min] N          69[deg]38.45[min] W                     (*)
AM...................................  39[deg]56.20[min] N          69[deg]40.20[min] W                     (*)
AL...................................  39[deg]55.75[min] N          69[deg]41.40[min] W                     (*)
AK...................................  39[deg]56.70[min] N          69[deg]53.60[min] W                     (*)
AJ...................................  39[deg]57.55[min] N          69[deg]54.05[min] W                     (*)
AI...................................  39[deg]57.40[min] N          69[deg]55.90[min] W                     (*)
AH...................................  39[deg]56.90[min] N          69[deg]57.45[min] W                     (*)
AG...................................  39[deg]58.25[min] N          70[deg]03.00[min] W                     (*)
AF...................................  39[deg]59.20[min] N          70[deg]04.90[min] W                     (*)
AE...................................  40[deg]00.70[min] N          70[deg]08.70[min] W                     (*)
AD...................................  40[deg]03.75[min] N          70[deg]10.15[min] W                     (*)
AC...................................  40[deg]05.20[min] N          70[deg]10.90[min] W                     (*)
AB...................................  40[deg]02.45[min] N          70[deg]14.10[min] W                     (*)
AA...................................  40[deg]02.75[min] N          70[deg]16.10[min] W                     (*)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 818]]


[83 FR 15266, Apr. 9, 2018, as amended at 83 FR 17313, Apr. 19, 2018; 84 
FR 68799, Dec. 17, 2019; 85 FR 44221, July 22, 2020; 86 FR 62494, Nov. 
10, 2021]



Sec. 648.82  Effort-control program for NE multispecies limited
access vessels.

    (a) Except as provided in Sec. Sec. 648.17 and 648.82(a)(2), a 
vessel issued a limited access NE multispecies permit may not fish for, 
possess, or land regulated species, except during a DAS, as allocated 
under, and in accordance with, the applicable DAS program described in 
this section, unless otherwise provided elsewhere in this part.
    (1) End-of-year carry-over. With the exception of vessels that held 
a Confirmation of Permit History, as described in Sec. 
648.4(a)(1)(i)(J), for the entire fishing year preceding the carry-over 
year, limited access vessels that have unused DAS on the last day of 
April of any year may carry over a maximum of 10 DAS into the next year. 
Unused leased DAS may not be carried over. Vessels that have been 
sanctioned through enforcement proceedings will be credited with unused 
DAS based on their DAS allocation minus any total DAS that have been 
sanctioned through enforcement proceedings. For the 2004 fishing year 
only, DAS carried over from the 2003 fishing year will be classified as 
Regular B DAS, as specified under paragraph (d)(2) of this section. 
Beginning with the 2005 fishing year, for vessels with a balance of both 
unused Category A DAS and unused Category B DAS at the end of the 
previous fishing year (e.g., for the 2005 fishing year, carry-over DAS 
from the 2004 fishing year), Category A DAS will be carried over first, 
than Regular B DAS, than Reserve B DAS. Category C DAS cannot be carried 
over.
    (2) Notwithstanding any other provision of this part, any vessel 
issued a NE multispecies limited access permit may not call into the DAS 
program and fish under a DAS, fish on a sector trip, or fish under the 
provisions of a limited access Small Vessel Category or Handgear A 
permits pursuant to paragraphs (b)(5) and (6) of this section, 
respectively, if such vessel carries passengers for hire for any portion 
of a fishing trip.
    (b) Permit categories. All limited access NE multispecies permit 
holders shall be assigned to one of the following permit categories, 
according to the criteria specified. Permit holders may request a change 
in permit category, as specified in Sec. 648.4(a)(1)(i)(I)(2). Each 
fishing year shall begin on May 1 and extend through April 30 of the 
following year. Beginning May 1, 2004, with the exception of the limited 
access Small Vessel and Handgear A vessel categories described in 
paragraphs (b)(5) and (6) of this section, respectively, NE multispecies 
DAS available for use will be calculated pursuant to paragraphs (c) and 
(d) of this section.
    (1) Individual DAS category. This category is for vessels allocated 
individual DAS that are not fishing under the Hook Gear, Combination, or 
Large-mesh individual categories. Beginning May 1, 2004, for a vessel 
fishing under the Individual DAS category, the baseline for determining 
the number of NE multispecies DAS available for use shall be calculated 
based upon the fishing history associated with the vessel's permit, as 
specified in paragraph (c)(1) of this section. The number and categories 
of DAS that are allocated for use in a given fishing year are specified 
in paragraph (d) of this section.
    (2) Hook Gear category. To be eligible for a Hook Gear category 
permit, the vessel must have been issued a limited access multispecies 
permit for the preceding year, be replacing a vessel that was issued a 
Hook Gear category permit for the preceding year, or be replacing a 
vessel that was issued a Hook Gear category permit that was issued a 
Confirmation of Permit History. Beginning May 1, 2004, for a vessel 
fishing under the Hook Gear category, the baseline for determining the 
number of NE multispecies DAS available for use shall be calculated 
based upon the fishing history associated with the vessel's permit, as 
specified in paragraph (c)(1) of this section. The number and categories 
of DAS that are allocated for use in a given fishing year are specified 
in paragraph (d) of this section. A vessel fishing under this category 
in the DAS program must meet or comply with the gear restrictions 
specified under Sec. 648.80(a)(3)(v), (a)(4)(v), (b)(2)(v) and 
(c)(2)(iv) when fishing in the respective regulated mesh areas.

[[Page 819]]

    (3) Combination vessel category. To be eligible for a Combination 
vessel category permit, a vessel must have been issued a Combination 
vessel category permit for the preceding year, be replacing a vessel 
that was issued a Combination vessel category permit for the preceding 
year, or be replacing a vessel that was issued a Combination vessel 
category permit that was also issued a Confirmation of Permit History. 
Beginning May 1, 2004, for a vessel fishing under the Combination vessel 
category, the baseline for determining the number of NE multispecies DAS 
available for use shall be calculated based upon the fishing history 
associated with the vessel's permit, as specified in paragraph (c)(1) of 
this section. The number and categories of DAS that are allocated for 
use in a given fishing year are specified in paragraph (d) of this 
section.
    (4) Large Mesh Individual DAS category. This category is for vessels 
allocated individual DAS that area not fishing under the Hook Gear, 
Combination, or Individual DAS categories. Beginning May 1, 2004, for a 
vessel fishing under the Large Mesh Individual DAS category, the 
baseline for determining the number of NE multispecies DAS available for 
use shall be calculated based upon the fishing history associated with 
the vessel's permit, as specified in paragraph (c)(1) of this section. 
The number and categories of DAS that are allocated for use in a given 
fishing year are specified in paragraph (d) of this section. The number 
of Category A DAS shall be increased by 36 percent. To be eligible to 
fish under the Large Mesh Individual DAS category, a vessel, while 
fishing under this category, must fish under the specific regulated mesh 
area minimum mesh size restrictions, as specified in Sec. 
648.80(a)(3)(iii), (a)(4)(iii), (b)(2)(iii), and (c)(2)(ii).
    (5) Small Vessel category--(i) DAS allocation. A vessel qualified 
and electing to fish under the Small Vessel category may retain up to 
300 lb (136.1 kg) of cod, haddock, and yellowtail flounder, combined, 
and one Atlantic halibut per trip, without being subject to DAS 
restrictions, provided the vessel does not exceed the yellowtail 
flounder possession restrictions specified at Sec. 648.86(g). Such a 
vessel is subject to the possession limits specified for other regulated 
species and ocean pout, as specified at Sec. 648.86. Any vessel may 
elect to switch into the Small Vessel category, as provided in Sec. 
648.4(a)(1)(i)(I)(2), if the vessel meets or complies with the 
following:
    (A) The vessel is 30 ft (9.1 m) or less in length overall, as 
determined by measuring along a horizontal line drawn from a 
perpendicular raised from the outside of the most forward portion of the 
stem of the vessel to a perpendicular raised from the after most portion 
of the stern.
    (B) If construction of the vessel was begun after May 1, 1994, the 
vessel must be constructed such that the quotient of the length overall 
divided by the beam is not less than 2.5.
    (C) Acceptable verification for vessels 20 ft (6.1 m) or less in 
length shall be USCG documentation or state registration papers. For 
vessels over 20 ft (6.1 m) in length overall, the measurement of length 
must be verified in writing by a qualified marine surveyor, or the 
builder, based on the vessel's construction plans, or by other means 
determined acceptable by the Regional Administrator. A copy of the 
verification must accompany an application for a NE multispecies permit.
    (D) Adjustments to the Small Vessel category requirements, including 
changes to the length requirement, if required to meet fishing mortality 
goals, may be made by the Regional Administrator following framework 
procedures of Sec. 648.90.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (6) Handgear A category. A vessel qualified and electing to fish 
under the Handgear A category, as described in Sec. 648.4(a)(1)(i)(A), 
may retain, per trip, up to 300 lb (135 kg) of cod, one Atlantic 
halibut, and the daily possession limit for other regulated species and 
ocean pout, as specified under Sec. 648.86. If either the GOM or GB cod 
trip limit applicable to a vessel fishing under a NE multispecies DAS 
permit, as specified in Sec. 648.86(b)(1) and (2), respectively, is 
reduced below 300 lb (135 kg) per DAS by NMFS, the cod trip limit 
specified in this paragraph (b)(6) shall be adjusted to be the same as 
the applicable

[[Page 820]]

cod trip limit specified for NE multispecies DAS permits. For example, 
if the GOM cod trip limit for NE multispecies DAS vessels was reduced to 
250 lb (113.4 kg) per DAS, then the cod trip limit for a vessel issued a 
Handgear A category permit that is fishing in the GOM Regulated Mesh 
Area would also be reduced to 250 lb (113.4 kg). Qualified vessels 
electing to fish under the Handgear A category are subject to the 
following restrictions:
    (i) The vessel must not use or possess on board gear other than 
handgear while in possession of, fishing for, or landing NE 
multispecies;
    (ii) Tub-trawls must be hand-hauled only, with a maximum of 250 
hooks; and
    (iii) Declaration. For any such vessel that is not required to use 
VMS pursuant to Sec. 648.10(b)(4), to fish for GB cod south of the GOM 
Regulated Mesh Area, as defined at Sec. 648.80(a)(1), a vessel owner or 
operator must obtain, and retain on board, a letter of authorization 
from the Regional Administrator stating an intent to fish south of the 
GOM Regulated Mesh Area and may not fish in any other area for a minimum 
of seven consecutive days from the effective date of the letter of 
authorization. For any such vessel that is required, or elects, to use 
VMS pursuant to Sec. 648.10(b)(4), to fish for GB cod south of the GOM 
Regulated Mesh Area, as defined at Sec. 648.80(a)(1), a vessel owner or 
operator must declare an intent to fish south of the GOM Regulated Mesh 
Area on each trip through the VMS prior to leaving port, in accordance 
with instructions provided by the Regional Administrator. Such vessels 
may transit the GOM Regulated Mesh Area, as defined at Sec. 
648.80(a)(1), provided that their gear is stowed and not available for 
immediate use as defined in Sec. 648.2.
    (c) Used DAS baseline--(1) Calculation of used DAS baseline. For all 
valid limited access NE multispecies DAS vessels, vessels issued a valid 
small vessel category permit, and NE multispecies Confirmation of Permit 
Histories, beginning with the 2004 fishing year, a vessel's used DAS 
baseline shall be based on the fishing history associated with its 
permit and shall be determined by the highest number of reported DAS 
fished during a single qualifying fishing year, as specified in 
paragraphs (c)(1)(i) through (iv) of this section, during the 6-year 
period from May 1, 1996, through April 30, 2002, not to exceed the 
vessel's annual allocation prior to August 1, 2002. A qualifying year is 
one in which a vessel landed 5,000 lb (2,268 kg) or more of regulated 
multispecies, based upon landings reported through dealer reports (based 
on live weights of landings submitted to NMFS prior to April 30, 2003). 
If a vessel that was originally issued a limited access NE multispecies 
permit was lawfully replaced in accordance with the replacement 
restrictions specified in Sec. 648.4(a), then the used DAS baseline 
shall be defined based upon the DAS used by the original vessel and by 
subsequent vessel(s) associated with the permit during the qualification 
period specified in this paragraph (c)(1). The used DAS baseline shall 
be used to calculate the number and category of DAS that are allocated 
for use in a given fishing year, as specified in paragraph (d) of this 
section.
    (i) Except as provided in paragraphs (c)(1)(ii) through (iv) of this 
section, the vessel's used DAS baseline shall be determined by 
calculating DAS use reported under the DAS notification requirements in 
Sec. 648.10.
    (ii) For a vessel exempt from, or not subject to, the DAS 
notification system specified in Sec. 648.10 during the period May 1996 
through June 1996, the vessel's used DAS baseline for that period will 
be determined by calculating DAS use from vessel trip reports submitted 
to NMFS prior to April 9, 2003.
    (iii) For a vessel enrolled in a Large Mesh DAS category, as 
specified in paragraph (b)(4) of this section, the calculation of the 
vessel's used DAS baseline may not include any DAS allocated or used by 
the vessel pursuant to the provisions of the Large Mesh DAS category.
    (2) [Reserved]
    (d) DAS categories and allocations. For all valid limited access NE 
multispecies DAS permits, and NE multispecies Confirmation of Permit 
Histories, beginning with the 2004 fishing year, DAS shall be allocated 
and available for use for a given fishing year according to the 
following DAS Categories (unless

[[Page 821]]

otherwise specified, ``NE multispecies DAS'' refers to any authorized 
category of DAS):
    (1) Category A DAS. Calculation of Category A DAS for each fishing 
year is specified in paragraphs (d)(1)(i) through (iv) of this section. 
An additional 36 percent of Category A DAS will be added and available 
for use for participants in the Large Mesh Individual DAS permit 
category, as described in paragraph (b)(4) of this section, provided the 
participants comply with the applicable gear restrictions. Category A 
DAS may be used in the NE multispecies fishery to harvest and land 
stocks of regulated species or ocean pout, in accordance with all of the 
conditions and restrictions of this part.
    (i) For the 2004 and 2005 fishing years, Category A DAS are defined 
as 60 percent of the vessel's used DAS baseline specified under 
paragraph (c)(1) of this section.
    (ii) For the 2006 through 2008 fishing years, Category A DAS are 
defined as 55 percent of the vessel's used DAS baseline specified under 
paragraph (c)(1) of this section.
    (iii) For fishing year 2009 (May 1, 2009, through April 30, 2010), 
Category A DAS are defined as 45 percent of the vessel's used DAS 
baseline specified in paragraph (c)(1) of this section.
    (iv) Starting in fishing year 2010 (beginning May 1, 2010), Category 
A DAS are defined as follows:
    (A) For a vessel fishing under the provisions of the common pool, as 
defined in this part, Category A DAS are defined as 27.5 percent of the 
vessel's used DAS baseline specified in paragraph (c)(1) of this 
section, unless otherwise revised pursuant to paragraph (n)(1) of this 
section, or reduced pursuant to Sec. 648.87(b)(1)(iii).
    (B) For a sector vessel, Category A DAS allocated for use when 
fishing in other fisheries that require the concurrent use of a NE 
multispecies DAS are defined as 45 percent of the vessel's used DAS 
baseline specified in paragraph
    (2) Category B DAS. Category B DAS are divided into Regular B DAS 
and Reserve B DAS. Calculation of Category B DAS for each fishing year, 
and restrictions on use of Category B DAS, are specified in paragraphs 
(d)(2)(i) and (ii) of this section.
    (i) Regular B DAS--(A) Restrictions on use. Regular B DAS can only 
be used by NE multispecies vessels in an approved SAP or in the Regular 
B DAS Program as specified in Sec. 648.85(b)(6). Unless otherwise 
restricted under the Regular B DAS Program as described in Sec. 
648.85(b)(6)(i), vessels may fish under both a Regular B DAS and a 
Reserve B DAS on the same trip (i.e., when fishing in an approved SAP as 
described in Sec. 648.85(b)). Vessels that are required by the Monkfish 
Fishery Management Plan to utilize a NE multispecies DAS, as specified 
under Sec. 648.92(b)(2), may not elect to use a NE multispecies 
Category B DAS to satisfy that requirement.
    (B) Calculation. Regular B DAS are calculated as follows:
    (1) For the 2004 and 2005 fishing years, Regular B DAS are defined 
as 20 percent of the vessel's DAS baseline specified under paragraph 
(c)(1) of this section.
    (2) For the 2006 through 2008 fishing years, Regular B DAS are 
defined as 22.5 percent of the vessel's DAS baseline specified under 
paragraph (c)(1) of this section.
    (3) For fishing year 2009 (May 1, 2009, through April 30, 2010), 
Regular B DAS are defined as 27.5 percent of the vessel's used DAS 
baseline specified in paragraph (c)(1) of this section.
    (4) Starting in fishing year 2010 (beginning May 1, 2010), Regular B 
DAS are defined as follows:
    (i) For a common pool vessel, Regular B DAS are defined as 36.25 
percent of the vessel's used DAS baseline specified in paragraph (c)(1) 
of this section, unless otherwise revised pursuant to paragraph (n)(1) 
of this section.
    (ii) For a sector vessel, Regular B DAS are defined as 27.5 percent 
of the vessel's used DAS baseline specified in paragraph (c)(1) of this 
section.
    (ii) Reserve B DAS--(A) Restrictions on use. Reserve B DAS can only 
be used in an approved SAP, as specified in Sec. 648.85.
    (B) Calculation. Reserve B DAS are calculated as follows:

[[Page 822]]

    (1) For the 2004 and 2005 fishing years, Reserve B DAS are defined 
as 20 percent of the vessel's DAS baseline specified under paragraph 
(c)(1) of this section.
    (2) For the 2006 through 2008 fishing years, Reserve B DAS are 
defined as 22.5 percent of the vessel's DAS baseline specified under 
paragraph (c)(1) of this section.
    (3) For fishing year 2009 (May 1, 2009, through April 30, 2010), 
Reserve B DAS are defined as 27.5 percent of the vessel's used DAS 
baseline specified in paragraph (c)(1) of this section.
    (4) Starting in fishing year 2010 (beginning May 1, 2010), Reserve B 
DAS are defined as follows:
    (i) For a common pool vessel, Reserve B DAS are defined as 36.25 
percent of the vessel's used DAS baseline specified in paragraph (c)(1) 
of this section, unless otherwise revised pursuant to paragraph (n)(1) 
of this section.
    (ii) For a sector vessel, Reserve B DAS are defined as 27.5 percent 
of the vessel's used DAS baseline specified in paragraph (c)(1) of this 
section.
    (3) Category C DAS--(i) Restriction on use. Category C DAS are 
reserved and may not be fished.
    (ii) Calculation. Category C DAS are defined as the difference 
between a vessel's used DAS baseline, as described in paragraph (c)(1) 
of this section, and the number of DAS allocated to the vessel as of May 
1, 2001.
    (e) Accrual of DAS. (1) When a vessel is participating in the NE 
multispecies DAS program, as required by the regulations in this part, 
NE multispecies DAS shall accrue as specified in paragraphs (e)(1)(i) 
and (ii) of this section and shall be based upon the time called, or 
logged into the DAS program, consistent with the DAS notification 
requirements specified in Sec. 648.10. For the purpose of calculating 
trip limits specified in this part, the amount of DAS deducted from a 
vessel's DAS allocation shall determine the amount of fish the vessel 
can land legally.
    (i) Common pool vessels. For a common pool vessel, Category A DAS 
shall accrue in 24-hr increments, unless otherwise required under 
paragraphs (n) or (o) of this section. For example, a vessel that fished 
from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. would be charged 24 hr of Category A DAS, not 16 
hr; a vessel that fished for 25 hr would be charged 48 hr of Category A 
instead of 25 hr.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (2) [Reserved]
    (3) Regular B DAS Program 24-hr clock. For a vessel electing to fish 
in the Regular B DAS Program, as specified at Sec. 648.85(b)(6), that 
remains fishing under a Regular B DAS for the entire fishing trip 
(without a DAS flip), DAS shall accrue at the rate of 1 full DAS for 
each calendar day, or part of a calendar day fished. For example, a 
vessel that fished on 1 calendar day from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. would be 
charged 24 hr of Regular B DAS, not 16 hr; a vessel that left on a trip 
at 11 p.m. on the first calendar day and returned at 10 p.m. on the 
second calendar day would be charged 48 hr of Regular B DAS instead of 
23 hr, because the fishing trip would have spanned 2 calendar days. For 
the purpose of calculating trip limits specified under Sec. 648.86, the 
amount of DAS deducted from a vessel's DAS allocation shall determine 
the amount of fish the vessel can land legally. For a vessel electing to 
fish in the Regular B DAS Program, as specified at Sec. 648.85(b)(6), 
while also fishing in an area subject to differential DAS counting 
pursuant to paragraph (n)(1)(i) of this section, Category B DAS shall 
accrue at the rate described in this paragraph (e)(3), unless the vessel 
flips to a Category A DAS, in which case the vessel is subject to the 
pertinent DAS accrual restrictions of paragraph (n)(1) of this section 
for the entire trip. For vessels electing to fish in both the Regular B 
DAS Program, as specified in Sec. 648.85(b)(6), and in the Eastern 
U.S./Canada Area, as specified in Sec. 648.85(a), DAS counting will 
begin and end according to the DAS rules specified in Sec. 
648.10(e)(5)(iv).
    (f) DAS credits--(1) Good Samaritan credit. A limited access vessel 
fishing under the DAS program and that spends time at sea assisting in a 
USCG search and rescue operation or assisting the USCG in towing a 
disabled vessel, and that can document the occurrence through the USCG, 
shall not accrue DAS for the time documented.
    (2) Canceled trip DAS credit. A limited access vessel operating 
under the DAS

[[Page 823]]

program and that ends a fishing trip prior to setting and/or hauling 
fishing gear for any reason may request a cancelled trip DAS credit for 
the trip based on the following conditions and requirements:
    (i) There is no fish onboard the vessel and no fishing operations on 
the vessel were initiated, including setting and/or hauling fishing 
gear; and
    (ii) The owner or operator of the vessel fishing under a DAS program 
and required to use a VMS as specified under Sec. 648.10(b) makes an 
initial trip cancelation notification from sea, at the time the trip was 
canceled, or at the earliest opportunity prior to crossing the 
demarcation line as defined at Sec. 648.10(a). These reports are in the 
form of an email to NMFS Office of Law Enforcement and include at least 
the following information: Operator name; vessel name; vessel permit 
number; port where vessel will return; date trip started; estimated 
date/time of return to port; and a statement from the operator must that 
no fish were onboard and no fishing activity occurred; and
    (iii) The owner or operator of the vessel operating under the DAS 
program required to use the IVR call in as specified under Sec. 
648.10(h) makes an initial trip cancelation notification to NMFS by 
calling the IVR back at the time the trip was canceled, or at the 
earliest opportunity prior to returning to port. This request must 
include at least the following information: Operator name; vessel name; 
vessel permit number; port where vessel will return; date trip started; 
estimated date/time of return to port; and a statement from the operator 
that no fish were onboard and no fishing activity occurred; and
    (iv) The owner or operator of the vessel requesting a canceled trip 
DAS credit, in addition to the requirements in paragraphs (f)(2)(ii) and 
(iii) of this section, submits a written DAS credit request form to NMFS 
within 30 days of the vessel's return to port from the canceled trip. 
This application must include at least the following information: Date 
and time when the vessel canceled the fishing trip; date and time of 
trip departure and landing; operator name; owner/corporation name; 
permit number; hull identification number; vessel name; date and time 
notification requirements specified under paragraphs (f)(2)(ii) and 
(iii) of this section were made; reason for canceling the trip; and 
owner/operator signature and date; and
    (v) The vessel trip report for the canceled trip as required under 
Sec. 648.7(b) is submitted along with the DAS credit request form; and
    (vi) For DAS credits that are requested near the end of the fishing 
year as defined at Sec. 648.2, and approved by the Regional 
Administrator, the credited DAS apply to the fishing year in which the 
canceled trip occurred. Credited DAS that remain unused at the end of 
the fishing year or are not credited until the following fishing year 
may be carried over into the next fishing year, not to exceed the 
maximum number of carryover DAS as specified under paragraph (a)(1) of 
this section.
    (3) DAS credit for standing by entangled whales. A limited access 
vessel fishing under the DAS program that reports and stands by an 
entangled whale may request a DAS credit for the time spent standing by 
the whale. The following conditions and requirements must be met to 
receive this credit:
    (i) At the time the vessel begins standing by the entangled whale, 
the vessel operator must notify the USCG and the Center for Coastal 
Studies, or another organization authorized by the Regional 
Administrator, of the location of the entangled whale and that the 
vessel is going to stand by the entangled whale until the arrival of an 
authorized response team;
    (ii) Only one vessel at a time may receive credit for standing by an 
entangled whale. A vessel standing by an entangled whale may transfer 
its stand-by status to another vessel while waiting for an authorized 
response team to arrive, provided it notifies the USCG and the Center 
for Coastal Studies, or another organization authorized by the Regional 
Administrator, of the transfer. The vessel to which stand-by status is 
transferred must also notify the USCG and the Center for Coastal Studies 
or another organization authorized by the Regional Administrator of this 
transfer and comply with the conditions and restrictions of this part;

[[Page 824]]

    (iii) The stand-by vessel must be available to answer questions on 
the condition of the animal, possible species identification, severity 
of entanglement, etc., and take photographs of the whale, if possible, 
regardless of the species of whale or whether the whale is alive or 
dead, during its stand-by status and after terminating its stand-by 
status. The stand-by vessel must remain on scene until the USCG or an 
authorized response team arrives, or the vessel is informed that an 
authorized response team will not arrive. If the vessel receives notice 
that a response team is not available, the vessel may discontinue 
standing-by the entangled whale and continue fishing operations; and
    (iv) To receive credit for standing by an entangled whale, a vessel 
must submit a written request to the Regional Administrator. This 
request must include at least the following information: Date and time 
when the vessel began its stand-by status; date of first communication 
with the USCG; and date and time when the vessel terminated its stand-by 
status. DAS credit shall not be granted for the time a vessel fishes 
when standing by an entangled whale. Upon a review of the request, NMFS 
shall consider granting the DAS credit based on information available at 
the time of the request, regardless of whether an authorized response 
team arrives on scene or a rescue is attempted. NMFS shall notify the 
permit holder of any DAS adjustment that is made or explain the reasons 
why an adjustment will not be made.
    (g) Spawning season restrictions. A vessel issued a valid Small 
Vessel category permit specified in paragraph (b)(5) of this section, or 
a vessel issued an open access Handgear B permit, as specified in Sec. 
648.88(a), may not fish for, possess, or land regulated species or ocean 
pout from March 1 through March 20 of each year. A common pool vessel 
must declare out and be out of the NE multispecies DAS program, and a 
sector must declare that the vessel will not fish with gear capable of 
catching NE multispecies (i.e., gear that is not defined as exempted 
gear under this part), for a 20-day period between March 1 and May 31 of 
each calendar year, using the notification requirements specified in 
Sec. 648.10. A vessel fishing under a Day gillnet category designation 
is prohibited from fishing with gillnet gear capable of catching NE 
multispecies during its declared 20-day spawning block, unless the 
vessel is fishing in an exempted fishery, as described in Sec. 648.80. 
If a vessel owner has not declared and been out of the fishery for a 20-
day period between March 1 and May 31 of each calendar year on or before 
May 12 of each year, the vessel is prohibited from fishing for, 
possessing or landing any regulated species, ocean pout, or non-exempt 
species during the period from May 12 through May 31.
    (h) Declaring DAS and blocks of time out. A vessel's owner or 
authorized representative shall notify the Regional Administrator of a 
vessel's participation in the DAS program; declaration of its 120 days 
out of the non-exempt gillnet fishery, if designated as a Day gillnet 
category vessel, as specified in paragraph (j) of this section; and 
declaration of its 20-day period out of the NE multispecies DAS program, 
or, for a sector vessel that the vessel will not fish with gear capable 
of catching NE multispecies, using the notification requirements 
specified in Sec. 648.10.
    (i) [Reserved]
    (j) Gillnet restrictions. A vessel issued a limited access NE 
multispecies permit may fish under a NE multispecies DAS, under the 
provisions of the small vessel permit category, or on a sector trip with 
gillnet gear, provided the owner of the vessel obtains an annual 
designation as either a Day or Trip gillnet vessel, as described in 
Sec. 648.4(c)(2)(iii), and provided the vessel complies with the 
gillnet vessel gear requirements and restrictions specified in Sec. 
648.80.
    (1) Day gillnet vessels. Unless otherwise exempted in this part, a 
Day gillnet vessel fishing with gillnet gear under a NE multispecies 
DAS, the provisions of a small vessel permit category, or on a sector 
trip is not required to remove gear from the water upon returning to the 
dock and calling out of the DAS program, as appropriate, provided the 
vessel complies

[[Page 825]]

with the restrictions specified in paragraphs (j)(1)(i) through (iii) of 
this section. Vessels electing to fish under the Day gillnet designation 
must have on board written confirmation, issued by the Regional 
Administrator, that the vessel is a Day gillnet vessel.
    (i) Removal of gear. All gillnet gear must be brought to port prior 
to the vessel fishing in an exempted fishery.
    (ii) Declaration of time out of the gillnet fishery. (A) During each 
fishing year, a Day gillnet vessel must declare, and take, a total of 
120 days out of the non-exempt gillnet fishery. Each period of time 
declared and taken must be a minimum of 7 consecutive days. At least 21 
days of this time must be taken between June 1 and September 30 of each 
fishing year. The spawning season time out period required by paragraph 
(g) of this section shall be credited toward the 120 days time out of 
the non-exempt gillnet fishery. If a vessel owner has not declared and 
taken any or all of the remaining periods of time required to be out of 
the fishery by the last possible date to meet these requirements, the 
vessel is prohibited from fishing for, possessing, or landing regulated 
multispecies, ocean pout, or non-exempt species harvested with gillnet 
gear and from having gillnet gear on board the vessel that is not stowed 
and not available for immediate use as defined in Sec. 648.2 while 
fishing under a NE multispecies DAS, the provisions of the small vessel 
category permit, or on a sector trip from that date through the end of 
the period between June 1 and September 30, or through the end of the 
fishing year, as applicable, unless otherwise exempt pursuant to Sec. 
648.87.
    (B) Any such vessel shall declare its required time periods through 
the notification procedures specified in Sec. 648.10(j)(2).
    (C) During each period of time declared out, any such vessel is 
prohibited from fishing with non-exempted gillnet gear and must remove 
such gear from the water. However, the vessel may fish in an exempted 
fishery, as described in Sec. 648.80, or it may fish under a NE 
multispecies DAS, under the provisions of the small vessel category 
permit, or on a sector trip, provided it fishes with gear other than 
non-exempted gillnet gear.
    (iii) Method of counting DAS. A Day gillnet vessel fishing with 
gillnet gear under a NE multispecies DAS shall accrue DAS as follows:
    (A) A Day gillnet vessel fishing with gillnet gear that has elected 
to fish in the Regular B DAS Program, as specified in Sec. 
648.85(b)(6), under a Category B DAS, is subject to the DAS accrual 
provisions of paragraph (e)(1)(i) of this section.
    (B) A Day gillnet vessel fishing with gillnet gear under a NE 
multispecies Category A DAS shall accrue DAS as follows:
    (1) A Day gillnet vessel on a common pool trip is subject to the DAS 
accrual provisions of paragraph (e)(1)(i) of this section.
    (2) A Day gillnet vessel on a sector trip is subject to the DAS 
accrual provisions of paragraph (e)(1)(ii) of this section.
    (2) Trip gillnet vessels. When fishing under a NE multispecies DAS, 
under the provisions of the small vessel category permit, or on a sector 
trip, a Trip gillnet vessel is required to remove all gillnet gear from 
the water before returning to port upon the completion of a fishing trip 
and calling out of a NE multispecies DAS, as applicable, under Sec. 
648.10(e)(5) or (h)(5), respectively. When not fishing under a NE 
multispecies DAS, Trip gillnet vessels may fish in an exempted fishery 
with gillnet gear, as authorized by Sec. 648.80. Vessels electing to 
fish under the Trip gillnet designation must have on board written 
confirmation issued by the Regional Administrator that the vessel is a 
Trip gillnet vessel.
    (k) NE Multispecies DAS Leasing Program--(1) Program description. 
Eligible vessels, as specified in paragraph (k)(2) of this section, may 
lease Category A DAS to and from other eligible vessels, in accordance 
with the restrictions and conditions of this section. The Regional 
Administrator has final approval authority for all NE multispecies DAS 
leasing requests.
    (2) Eligible vessels. (i) A vessel issued a valid limited access NE 
multispecies permit is eligible to lease Category A DAS to or from 
another such vessel,

[[Page 826]]

subject to the conditions and requirements of this part, unless the 
vessel was issued a valid Small Vessel or Handgear A permit specified 
under paragraphs (b)(5) and (6) of this section, respectively.
    (ii) Subject to the conditions and requirements of this part, DAS 
associated with a confirmation of permit history may be leased to 
another vessel without placing the permit on an active vessel.
    (3) Application to lease NE multispecies DAS--(i) Application 
information requirements. An application to lease Category A DAS must 
contain the following information: Lessor's owner name, vessel name, 
permit number and official number or state registration number; Lessee's 
owner name, vessel name, permit number and official number or state 
registration number; number of NE multispecies DAS to be leased; total 
priced paid for leased DAS; signatures of Lessor and Lessee; and date 
form was completed. Information obtained from the lease application will 
be held confidential, according to applicable Federal law. Aggregate 
data may be used in the analysis of the DAS Leasing Program.
    (ii) Approval of lease application. Unless an application to lease 
Category A DAS is denied according to paragraph (k)(3)(iii) of this 
section, the Regional Administrator shall issue confirmation of 
application approval to both Lessor and Lessee within 45 days of receipt 
of an application.
    (iii) Denial of lease application. The Regional Administrator may 
deny an application to lease Category A DAS for any of the following 
reasons, including, but not limited to: The application is incomplete or 
submitted past the April 30 deadline; the Lessor or Lessee has not been 
issued a valid limited access NE multispecies permit or is otherwise not 
eligible; the Lessor's or Lessee's DAS are under sanction pursuant to an 
enforcement proceeding; the Lessor's or Lessee's vessel is prohibited 
from fishing; the Lessor's or Lessee's limited access NE multispecies 
permit is sanctioned pursuant to an enforcement proceeding; the Lessor 
or Lessee vessel is determined not in compliance with the conditions, 
restrictions, and requirements of this part; or the Lessor has an 
insufficient number of allocated or unused DAS available to lease. Upon 
denial of an application to lease NE multispecies DAS, the Regional 
Administrator shall send a letter to the applicants describing the 
reason(s) for application rejection. The decision by the Regional 
Administrator is the final agency decision.
    (4) Conditions and restrictions on leased DAS--(i) Confirmation of 
permit history. Pursuant to paragraph (k)(2)(ii) of this section, DAS 
associated with a confirmation of permit history may be leased.
    (ii) Sub-leasing. In a fishing year, a Lessor or Lessee vessel may 
not sub-lease DAS that have already been leased to another vessel. Any 
portion of a vessel's DAS may not be leased more than one time during a 
fishing year.
    (iii) Carry-over of leased DAS. Leased DAS that remain unused at the 
end of the fishing year may not be carried over to the subsequent 
fishing year by the Lessor or Lessee vessel.
    (iv) [Reserved]
    (v) History of leased DAS use. The history of leased DAS use shall 
be presumed to remain with the Lessor vessel. In the case of multiple 
leases to one vessel, the history of leased DAS use shall be presumed to 
remain with the Lessor in the order in which such leases were approved 
by NMFS. For the purpose of accounting for leased DAS use, leased DAS 
will be accounted for (subtracted from available DAS) prior to allocated 
DAS.
    (vi) Monkfish Category C, D, F, G and H vessels. A vessel that 
possesses a valid limited access NE multispecies DAS permit and a valid 
limited access monkfish Category C, D, F, G, or H permit and leases NE 
multispecies DAS to or from another vessel is subject to the 
restrictions specified in Sec. 648.92(b)(2).
    (vii) DAS Category restriction. A vessel may lease only Category A 
DAS, as described under paragraph (d)(1) of this section.
    (viii) Duration of lease. A vessel leasing DAS may only fish those 
leased DAS during the fishing year in which they were leased.
    (ix) Size restriction of Lessee vessel. A Lessor vessel only may 
lease DAS to a

[[Page 827]]

Lessee vessel with a baseline main engine horsepower rating that is no 
more than 20 percent greater than the baseline engine horsepower of the 
Lessor vessel. A Lessor vessel may only lease DAS to a Lessee vessel 
with a baseline length overall that is no more than 10 percent greater 
than the baseline length overall of the Lessor vessel. For the purposes 
of this program, the baseline horsepower and length overall 
specifications of vessels are those associated with the permit as of 
January 29, 2004, unless otherwise modified according to paragraph 
(k)(4)(xi) of this section.
    (x) Leasing by vessels fishing under a sector allocation. A sector 
vessel may not lease DAS to or from common pool vessels, but may lease 
DAS to or from another sector vessel during the fishing year in which 
the vessel is a member of a sector.
    (xi) One-time downgrade of DAS Leasing Program baseline. Unless 
otherwise specified in paragraph (k)(4)(xi)(B) and (C) of this section, 
for the purposes of determining eligibility for leasing DAS only, a 
vessel owner may elect to make a one-time downgrade to the vessel's DAS 
Leasing Program baseline length and horsepower as specified in paragraph 
(k)(4)(ix) of this section to match the length overall and horsepower 
specifications of the vessel that is currently issued the permit.
    (A) Application for a one-time DAS Leasing Program baseline 
downgrade. To downgrade the DAS Leasing Program baseline, eligible NE 
multispecies vessels must submit a completed application form obtained 
from the Regional Administrator. An application to downgrade a vessel's 
DAS Leasing Program baseline must contain at least the following 
information: Vessel owner's name, vessel name, permit number, official 
number or state registration number, current vessel length overall and 
horsepower specifications, an indication whether additional information 
is included to document the vessel's current specifications, and the 
signature of the vessel owner.
    (B) Applicability of the one-time DAS Leasing Program baseline 
downgrade. The downgraded DAS Leasing Program baseline may only be used 
to determine eligibility for the DAS Leasing Program and does not affect 
or change the baseline associated with the DAS Transfer Program 
specified in paragraph (l)(1)(ii) of this section, or the vessel 
replacement or upgrade restrictions specified at Sec. 648.4(a)(1)(i)(E) 
and (F), or any other provision.
    (C) Duration of the one-time DAS Leasing Program baseline downgrade. 
Unless otherwise specified in this paragraph (k)(4)(xi)(C) of this 
section, the downgraded DAS Leasing Program baseline remains in effect 
until the DAS Leasing Program expires or the permit is transferred to 
another vessel via a vessel replacement, or through a DAS transfer. With 
the exception of vessels combining DAS Leasing Program baselines from 
two different vessels through the DAS Transfer Program as outlined in 
paragraph (k)(4)(xi)(C)(2) of this section, once the DAS Leasing Program 
baseline is downgraded for a particular permit, no further downgrades 
may be authorized for that permit.
    (1) Vessel replacement. If the permit is transferred to another 
vessel via a vessel replacement, the DAS Leasing Program baseline 
reverts to the baseline horsepower and length overall specifications 
associated with the permit prior to the one-time downgrade.
    (2) DAS Transfer Program. For vessels involved in a DAS Transfer 
Program transaction as described in paragraph (l) of this section, if 
the transferee vessel baseline is adopted, consistent with the 
regulations under paragraph (l)(1)(ii) of this section, and the DAS 
Leasing Program baseline of the transferee vessel was previously 
downgraded, consistent with the regulations under this paragraph 
(k)(4)(xi), the downgraded DAS Leasing Program baseline specifications 
remain valid. For vessels involved in a DAS Transfer Program transaction 
where a combination of the transferor and transferee vessel baselines is 
adopted resulting in a new vessel baseline, any previous DAS Leasing 
Program baseline downgrade for either the transferor or transferee 
vessel will be voided and the transferee vessel would have an additional 
opportunity to downgrade its combined DAS Leasing Program baseline.

[[Page 828]]

    (l) DAS Transfer program. Except for vessels fishing under a sector 
allocation as specified in Sec. 648.87, or a vessel that acted as a 
lessee or lessor in the DAS Leasing Program transaction, a vessel issued 
a valid limited access NE multispecies permit may transfer all of its NE 
multispecies DAS for an indefinite time to another vessel with a valid 
NE multispecies permit, in accordance with the conditions and 
restrictions described under this section. The Regional Administrator 
has final approval authority for all NE multispecies DAS transfer 
requests.
    (1) DAS transfer conditions and restrictions. (i) The transferor 
vessel must transfer all of its DAS. Upon approval of the DAS transfer, 
all history associated with the transferred NE multispecies DAS 
(moratorium right history, DAS use history, and catch history) shall be 
associated with the permit rights of the transferee. Neither the 
individual permit history elements, nor total history associated with 
the transferred DAS may be retained by the transferor.
    (ii) NE multispecies DAS may be transferred only to a vessel with a 
baseline main engine horsepower rating that is no more than 20 percent 
greater than the baseline engine horsepower of the transferor vessel. NE 
multispecies DAS may be transferred only to a vessel with a baseline 
length overall that is no more than 10 percent greater than the baseline 
length overall of the transferor vessel. For the purposes of this 
program, the baseline horsepower and length overall are those associated 
with the permit as of January 29, 2004. Upon approval of the transfer, 
the baseline of the transferee vessel would be the smaller baseline of 
the two vessels or the vessel owner could choose to adopt the larger 
baseline of the two vessels provided such an upgrade is consistent with 
provisions of this paragraph (l)(1)(ii). A vessel that has executed a 
one-time downgrade of a DAS Leasing Program baseline in accordance with 
paragraph (k)(4)(xi) of this section is subject to the restrictions of 
paragraph (k)(4)(xi)(C) of this section.
    (iii) The transferor vessel must transfer all of its Federal limited 
access permits for which it is eligible to the transferee vessel in 
accordance with the vessel replacement restrictions under Sec. 648.4, 
or permanently cancel such permits. When duplicate permits exist, i.e., 
those permits for which both the transferor and transferee vessel are 
eligible, one of the duplicate permits must be permanently cancelled.
    (iv) [Reserved]
    (v) In any particular fishing year, a vessel may not execute a DAS 
transfer as a transferor if it previously participated in the DAS 
Leasing Program as either a lessee or a lessor, as described under 
paragraph (k) of this section. A vessel may participate in DAS lease 
transaction (as a lessee or a lessor) and submit an application for a 
DAS transfer (as a transferor) during the same fishing year, but the 
transfer, if approved, would not be effective until the beginning of the 
following fishing year. Other combinations of activities under the DAS 
Leasing and DAS Transfer programs are permissible during the same 
fishing year (i.e., act as a transferee, or act as transferor and 
subsequently conduct a DAS lease).
    (vi) Confirmation of permit history. NE multispecies DAS associated 
with a Confirmation of Permit History may be transferred.
    (vii) Transfer by sector vessels. A sector vessel may not transfer 
DAS to or from vessels that are fishing under the provisions of the 
common pool or another sector, but may transfer DAS to or from another 
vessel participating in that vessel's sector during the fishing year in 
which the vessel is a member of a particular sector.
    (viii) Unless otherwise restricted by this part, a vessel with a NE 
multispecies limited access Category D permit may transfer DAS only to a 
vessel with a NE multispecies limited access Category D permit, but may 
receive transferred DAS from any eligible NE multispecies vessel.
    (2) Application to transfer DAS. Owners of the vessels applying to 
transfer and receive DAS must submit a completed application form 
obtained from the Regional Administrator. The application must be signed 
by both seller/transferor and buyer/transferee of the DAS, and submitted 
to the Regional Office at least 45 days before the date on which the 
applicant desires to have the DAS

[[Page 829]]

effective on the buying vessel. The Regional Administrator will notify 
the applicants of any deficiency in the application pursuant to this 
section. Applications may be submitted at any time during the fishing 
year, up until March 1.
    (i) Application information requirements. An application to transfer 
NE multispecies DAS must contain the following information: Seller's/
transferor's name, vessel name, permit number and official number or 
state registration number; buyer's/transferee's name, vessel name, 
permit number and official number or state registration number; total 
price paid for purchased DAS; signatures of seller and buyer; and date 
the form was completed. Information obtained from the transfer 
application will be held confidential, and will be used only in 
summarized form for management of the fishery.
    (ii) Approval of transfer application. Unless an application to 
transfer NE multispecies DAS is denied according to paragraph 
(l)(2)(iii) of this section, the Regional Administrator shall issue 
confirmation of application approval to both seller/transferor and 
buyer/transferee within 45 days of receipt of an application.
    (iii) Denial of transfer application. The Regional Administrator may 
reject an application to transfer NE multispecies DAS for the following 
reasons: The application is incomplete or submitted past the March 1 
deadline; the seller/transferor or buyer/transferee does not possess a 
valid limited access NE multispecies permit; the seller's/transferor's 
or buyer's/transferee's DAS is sanctioned, pursuant to an enforcement 
proceeding; the seller's/transferor's or buyer/transferee's vessel is 
prohibited from fishing; the seller's/transferor's or buyer's/
transferee's limited access NE multispecies permit is sanctioned 
pursuant to enforcement proceedings; or the seller/transferor has a DAS 
baseline of zero. Upon denial of an application to transfer NE 
multispecies DAS, the Regional Administrator shall send a letter to the 
applicants describing the reason(s) for application rejection. The 
decision by the Regional Administrator is the final agency decision and 
there is no opportunity to appeal the Regional Administrator's decision.
    (m) [Reserved]
    (n) NE multispecies common pool accountability measure (AM). Common 
pool vessels are subject to the following AMs, in addition to the DAS 
accrual provisions specified in paragraph (e) of this section and other 
measures specified in this part.
    (1) Differential DAS counting AM for fishing years 2010 and 2011. 
Unless otherwise specified pursuant to Sec. 648.90(a)(5), based upon 
catch and other information available to NMFS by February of each year, 
the Regional Administrator shall project the catch of regulated species 
or ocean pout by common pool vessels for the fishing year ending on 
April 30 to determine whether such catch will exceed any of the sub-ACLs 
specified for common pool vessels pursuant to Sec. 648.90(a)(4)(iii). 
This initial projection of common pool catch shall be updated shortly 
after the end of each fishing year, once information becomes available 
regarding the catch of regulated species and ocean pout by vessels 
fishing for groundfish in state waters outside of the FMP, vessels 
fishing in exempted fisheries, and vessels fishing in the Atlantic sea 
scallop fishery; and the catch of Atlantic halibut, SNE/MA winter 
flounder, ocean pout, windowpane flounder, and Atlantic wolffish by 
sector vessels to determine if excessive catch by such vessels resulted 
in the overall ACL for a particular stock to be exceeded. If such catch 
resulted in the overall ACL for a particular stock being exceeded, the 
common pool's catch of that stock shall be increased by an amount equal 
to the amount of the overage of the overall ACL for that stock 
multiplied by the common pool's share of the overall ACL for that stock 
calculated pursuant to Sec. 648.90(a)(4)(iii)(H)(2). For example, if 
the 2010 overall ACL for GOM cod was exceeded by 10,000 lb (4,536 kg) 
due to excessive catch of that stock by vessels fishing in state waters 
outside the FMP, and the common pool's share of the 2010 overall GOM cod 
ACL was 5 percent, then the common pool's 2010 catch of GOM cod shall be 
increased by 500 lb (226.8 kg) (10,000 lb (4,536 kg) x 0.05 of the 
overall GOM

[[Page 830]]

cod ACL). If, based on the initial projection completed in February, the 
Regional Administrator projects that any of the sub-ACLs specified for 
common pool vessels will be exceeded or underharvested, the Regional 
Administrator shall implement a differential DAS counting factor to all 
Category A DAS used within the stock area in which the sub-ACL was 
exceeded or underharvested, as specified in paragraph (n)(1)(i) of this 
section, during the following fishing year, in a manner consistent with 
the Administrative Procedure Act. Any differential DAS counting 
implemented at the start of the fishing year will be reevaluated and 
recalculated, if necessary, once updated information is obtained. The 
differential DAS counting factor shall be based upon the projected 
proportion of the sub-ACL of each NE multispecies stock caught by common 
pool vessels, rounded to the nearest even tenth, as specified in 
paragraph (n)(1)(ii) of this section, unless otherwise specified 
pursuant to Sec. 648.90(a)(5). For example, if the Regional 
Administrator projects that common pool vessels will catch 1.18 times 
the sub-ACL for GOM cod during fishing year 2010, the Regional 
Administrator shall implement a differential DAS counting factor of 1.2 
to all Category A DAS used by common pool vessels only within the 
Inshore GOM Differential DAS Area during fishing year 2011 (i.e., 
Category A DAS will be charged at a rate of 28.8 hr for every 24 hr 
fished--1.2 times 24-hr DAS counting). If it is projected that catch in 
a particular fishing year will exceed or underharvest the sub-ACLs for 
several regulated species stocks within a particular stock area, 
including both exceeding and underharvesting several sub-ACLs within a 
particular stock area, the Regional Administrator shall implement the 
most restrictive differential DAS counting factor derived from paragraph 
(n)(1)(ii) of this section for the sub-ACLs exceeded or underharvested 
to any Category A DAS used by common pool vessels within that particular 
stock area. For example, if it is projected that common pool vessels 
will be responsible for 1.2 times the GOM cod sub-ACL and 1.1 times the 
CC/GOM yellowtail flounder sub-ACL, the Regional Administrator shall 
implement a differential DAS counting factor of 1.2 to any Category A 
DAS fished by common pool vessels only within the Inshore GOM 
Differential DAS Area during the following fishing year. For any 
differential DAS counting factor implemented in fishing year 2011, the 
differential DAS counting factor shall be applied against the DAS 
accrual provisions specified in paragraph (e)(1)(i) of this section for 
the time spent fishing in the applicable differential DAS counting area 
based upon the first VMS position into the applicable differential DAS 
counting area and the first VMS position outside of the applicable 
differential DAS counting area, pursuant to Sec. 648.10. For example, 
if a vessel fished 12 hr inside a differential DAS counting area where a 
differential DAS counting factor of 1.2 would be applied, and 12 hr 
outside of the differential DAS counting area, the vessel would be 
charged 48 hr of DAS use because DAS would be charged in 24-hr 
increments ((12 hr inside the area x 1.2 = 14.4 hr) + 12 hr outside the 
area, rounded up to the next 24-hr increment to determine DAS charged). 
For any differential DAS counting factor implemented in fishing year 
2012, the differential DAS counting factor shall be applied against the 
DAS accrual provisions in paragraph (e)(1)(i) of this section, or if a 
differential DAS counting factor was implemented for that stock area 
during fishing year 2011, against the DAS accrual rate applied in 
fishing year 2011. For example, if a differential DAS counting factor of 
1.2 was applied to the Inshore GOM Differential DAS Area during fishing 
year 2011 due to a 20-percent overage of the GOM cod sub-ACL, yet the 
GOM cod sub-ACL was exceeded again, but by 50 percent during fishing 
year 2011, an additional differential DAS factor of 1.5 would be applied 
to the DAS accrual rate applied during fishing year 2012 (i.e., the DAS 
accrual rate in the Inshore GOM Differential DAS Counting Area during 
fishing year 2012 would be 43.2 hr charged for every 24-hr fished--1.2 x 
1.5 x 24-hr DAS charge). If the Regional Administrator determines that 
similar DAS adjustments are necessary in all stock areas, the Regional 
Administrator will adjust the ratio of Category

[[Page 831]]

A:Category B DAS specified in paragraph (d)(1) of this section to reduce 
the number of available Category A DAS available based upon the amount 
of the overage, rather than apply a differential DAS counting factor to 
all Category A DAS used in all stock areas.
    (i) Differential DAS counting areas. The following differential DAS 
counting areas shall be used for the purposes of implementing the 
differential DAS counting AM specified in paragraph (n)(1) of this 
section:
    (A) Inshore GOM Differential DAS Area. The Inshore GOM Differential 
DAS Area applies to the following stocks of regulated species: White 
hake, pollock, GOM cod, GOM haddock, CC/GOM yellowtail flounder, GOM 
winter flounder, and Atlantic wolffish. The Inshore GOM Differential DAS 
Area is defined as the area bounded on the west by the shoreline of the 
United States and bounded on the east by straight lines connecting the 
following points in the order stated:

                    Inshore GOM Differential DAS Area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Point                   N. latitude         W. longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
INGOM1.........................  (\1\)                69[deg]30[min]
INGOM2.........................  43[deg]00[min]       69[deg]30[min]
INGOM3.........................  43[deg]00[min]       70[deg]00[min]
INGOM4.........................  (\2\)                70[deg]00[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Intersection with ME shoreline.
\2\ North-facing shoreline of Cape Cod, MA.

    (B) Offshore GOM Differential DAS Area. The Offshore GOM 
Differential DAS Area applies to the following stocks of regulated 
species: GOM haddock, white hake, pollock, redfish, witch flounder, 
American plaice, and Atlantic halibut. The Offshore GOM Differential DAS 
Area is defined as the area bounded on the north by the shoreline of 
Maine, bounded on the east by the U.S./Canadian maritime boundary, and 
bounded on the south and west by straight lines connecting the following 
points in the order stated:

                   Offshore GOM Differential DAS Area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Point                   N. latitude         W. longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CII3...........................  42[deg]22[min]       67[deg]20[min]
OFFGOM1........................  42[deg]20[min]       67[deg]20[min]
OFFGOM2........................  42[deg]20[min]       70[deg]00[min]
OFFGOM5........................  43[deg]00[min]       70[deg]00[min]
INGOM2.........................  43[deg]00[min]       69[deg]30[min]
INGOM1.........................  (\1\)                69[deg]30[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Intersection with ME shoreline.

    (C) Inshore GB Differential DAS Area. The Inshore GB Differential 
DAS Area applies to the following stocks of regulated species: Witch 
flounder, American plaice, white hake, Atlantic halibut, redfish, 
pollock, CC/GOM yellowtail flounder, GB cod, GB haddock, SNE/MA winter 
flounder, and Atlantic wolffish. The Inshore GB Differential DAS Area is 
defined as the area bounded by straight lines connecting the following 
points in the order stated:

                    Inshore GB Differential DAS Area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Point                   N. latitude         W. longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
G9.............................  (\1\)                70[deg]00[min]
G10............................  42[deg]20[min]       70[deg]00[min]
IGB1...........................  42[deg]20[min]       68[deg]50[min]
IGB2...........................  41[deg]00[min]       68[deg]50[min]
IGB3...........................  41[deg]00[min]       69[deg]30[min]
IGB4...........................  41[deg]10[min]       69[deg]30[min]
IGB5...........................  41[deg]10[min]       69[deg]50[min]
IGB6...........................  41[deg]20[min]       69[deg]50[min]
IGB7...........................  41[deg]20[min]       70[deg]00[min]
G12............................  (\2\)                70[deg]00[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The intersection of the Cape Cod, MA, coastline and 70[deg]00[min]
  W. longitude.
\2\ South-facing shoreline of Cape Cod, MA.

    (D) Offshore GB Differential DAS Area. The Offshore GB Differential 
DAS Area applies to the following stocks of regulated species: Witch 
flounder, American plaice, Atlantic halibut, northern windowpane 
flounder, GB cod, GB haddock, GB yellowtail flounder, and GB winter 
flounder. The Offshore GB Differential DAS Area is defined as the area 
bounded on the east by the U.S./Canadian maritime boundary and straight 
lines connecting the following points in the order stated:

                    Offshore GB Differential DAS Area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Point                   N. latitude         W. longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
IGB1...........................  42[deg]20[min]       68[deg]50[min]
OGB1...........................  42[deg]20[min]       67[deg]20[min]
CII3...........................  (\1\)                67[deg]20[min]
OGB2...........................  40[deg]10[min]       (\1\)
OGB3...........................  40[deg]10[min]       68[deg]50[min]
IGB1...........................  42[deg]20[min]       68[deg]50[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The U.S./Canada maritime boundary as it intersects with the EEZ.


[[Page 832]]

    (E) SNE/MA Differential DAS Area. The SNE/MA Differential DAS Area 
applies to the following stocks of regulated species or ocean pout: SNE/
MA winter flounder, SNE/MA yellowtail flounder, southern windowpane 
flounder, and ocean pout. The SNE/MA Differential DAS Area is defined as 
the area bounded on the north and west by the coastline of the United 
States, bounded on the east and south by straight lines connecting the 
following points in the order stated:

                      SNE/MA Differential DAS Area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Point                   N. latitude         W. longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
G12............................  (\1\)                70[deg]00[min]
IGB7...........................  41[deg]20[min]       70[deg]00[min]
IGB6...........................  41[deg]20[min]       69[deg]50[min]
IGB5...........................  41[deg]10[min]       69[deg]50[min]
IGB4...........................  41[deg]10[min]       69[deg]30[min]
IGB3...........................  41[deg]00[min]       69[deg]30[min]
IGB2...........................  41[deg]00[min]       68[deg]50[min]
SNEDA1.........................  40[deg]10[min]       68[deg]50[min]
SNEDA2.........................  40[deg]10[min]       73[deg]10[min]
SNEDA3.........................  39[deg]50[min]       73[deg]10[min]
SNEDA4.........................  39[deg]50[min]       (\2\)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ South-facing shoreline of Cape Cod, MA.
\2\ East-facing shoreline of NJ.

    (ii) Differential DAS counting factor. For determining the 
differential DAS counting AM specified in this paragraph (n)(1), or the 
inseason differential DAS counting adjustment specified in paragraph (o) 
of this section, the following differential DAS factor shall, except as 
provided in paragraph (n)(1)(iii) of this section, be applied to the DAS 
accrual rate specified in paragraph (e)(1) of this section, and 
implemented in a manner consistent with the Administrative Procedure 
Act.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Proportion of ACL caught              Differential DAS factor
------------------------------------------------------------------------
0.5.......................................  0.5
0.6.......................................  0.6
0.7.......................................  0.7
0.8.......................................  0.8
0.9.......................................  No change
1.0.......................................  No change
1.1.......................................  1.1
1.2.......................................  1.2
1.3.......................................  1.3
1.4.......................................  1.4
1.5.......................................  1.5
1.6.......................................  1.6
1.7.......................................  1.7
1.8.......................................  1.8
1.9.......................................  1.9
2.0.......................................  2.0
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (iii) Mixed-stock exception. When determining the differential DAS 
counting AM specified in this paragraph (n)(1), the Regional 
Administrator shall conduct an analysis to determine whether the mixed-
stock exception, as specified in Sec. 600.310(m), may be applicable. If 
the analysis concludes that the mixed-stock exception is applicable, the 
Regional Administrator shall modify or not apply a differential DAS 
counting AM on specific stocks, as appropriate, in accordance with the 
mixed-stock exception.
    (iv) Fishing year 2012. Any adjustments to DAS counting necessary as 
a result of either underharvesting or overharvesting any of the sub-ACLs 
specified for common pool vessels during the 2011 fishing year pursuant 
to Sec. 648.90(a)(4) shall become effective and remain effective for 
the duration of fishing year 2012 in addition to the implementation of 
the trimester TAC AM specified in paragraph (n)(2) of this section.
    (2) Trimester TAC AM for fishing years 2012 and beyond. Beginning in 
fishing year 2012, common pool vessels shall be subject to the following 
restrictions:
    (i) Trimester TACs--(A) Trimester TAC distribution. With the 
exception of SNE/MA winter flounder, any sub-ACLs specified for common 
pool vessels pursuant to Sec. 648.90(a)(4) shall be apportioned into 4-
month trimesters, beginning at the start of the fishing year (i.e., 
Trimester 1: May 1-August 31; Trimester 2: September 1-December 31; 
Trimester 3: January 1-April 30), as follows:

                  Portion of Common Pool Sub-ACLs Apportioned to Each Stock for Each Trimester
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                    Trimester 1     Trimester 2     Trimester 3
                              Stock                                  (percent)       (percent)       (percent)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GB cod..........................................................              28              34              38
GOM cod.........................................................              49              33              18
GB haddock......................................................              27              33              40
GOM haddock.....................................................              27              26              47
GB yellowtail flounder..........................................              19              30              51

[[Page 833]]

 
SNE/MA yellowtail flounder......................................              21              28              51
CC/GOM yellowtail flounder......................................              57              26              17
American plaice.................................................              74               8              18
Witch flounder..................................................              55              20              25
GB winter flounder..............................................               8              24              68
GOM winter flounder.............................................              37              38              25
Redfish.........................................................              25              31              44
White hake......................................................              38              31              31
Pollock.........................................................              28              35              37
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (B) Trimester TAC adjustment. For stocks that have experienced early 
closures (e.g., Trimester 1 or Trimester 2 closures), the Regional 
Administrator may use the biennial adjustment process specified in Sec. 
648.90 to revise the distribution of trimester TACs specified in 
paragraph (n)(2)(i)(A) of this section. Future adjustments to the 
distribution of trimester TACs shall use catch data for the most recent 
5-year period prior to the reevaluation of trimester TACs.
    (ii) Stock area closures. Unless otherwise specified in this 
paragraph (n)(2)(ii), if the Regional Administrator projects that 90 
percent of the trimester TACs specified in paragraph (n)(2)(i) of this 
section will be caught based upon available information, the Regional 
Administrator shall close the area where 90 percent of the catch for 
each such stock occurred to all common pool vessels on a NE multispecies 
DAS using gear capable of catching such stocks for the remainder of that 
trimester, as specified in paragraphs (n)(2)(ii)(A) through (N) of this 
section, in a manner consistent with the Administrative Procedure Act. 
For example, if the Regional Administrator projects that 90 percent of 
the CC/GOM yellowtail flounder Trimester 1 TAC will be caught, common 
pool vessels using trawl and gillnet gear shall be prohibited from 
fishing in the CC/GOM Yellowtail Flounder Closure Area specified in 
paragraph (n)(2)(ii)(G) of this section until the beginning of Trimester 
2 on September 1 of that fishing year. Based upon all available 
information, the Regional Administrator is authorized to expand or 
narrow the areas closed under this paragraph (n)(2)(ii) in a manner 
consistent with the Administrative Procedure Act. If it is not possible 
to identify an area where only 90 percent of the catch occurred, the 
Regional Administrator shall close the smallest area possible where 
greater than 90 percent of the catch occurred. Common pool vessels 
holding either a Handgear A or B permit and fishing with handgear or tub 
trawls are exempt from stock area closures for white hake. The Regional 
Administrator may exempt Handgear A and B permitted vessels from stock 
area closures for other stocks pursuant to this paragraph (n)(2)(ii) if 
it is determined that catches of the respective species or stock by 
these vessels are less than 1 percent of the common pool catch of that 
species or stock. The Regional Administrator shall make such 
determination prior to the start of the fishing year through a notice 
published in the Federal Register, consistent with the Administrative 
Procedure Act, and any such determination shall remain in effect until 
modified.
    (A) GB Cod Trimester TAC Area. For the purposes of the trimester TAC 
AM closure specified in paragraph (n)(2)(ii) of this section, the GB Cod 
Trimester TAC Area shall apply to common pool vessels using trawl gear, 
sink gillnet gear, and longline/hook gear within the area bounded by 
straight lines connecting the following points in the order stated:

                        GB Cod Trimester TAC Area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  N. Latitude          W. Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1...........................  42[deg] 20[min]       70[deg] 00[min]
2...........................  42[deg] 20[min]       (\1\)
3...........................  41[deg] 50[min]       (\1\)
4...........................  41[deg] 50[min]       67[deg] 40[min]
5...........................  41[deg] 10[min]       67[deg] 40[min]
6...........................  41[deg] 10[min]       67[deg] 10[min]
7...........................  41[deg] 00[min]       67[deg] 10[min]

[[Page 834]]

 
8...........................  41[deg] 00[min]       67[deg] 00[min]
9...........................  40[deg] 50[min]       67[deg] 00[min]
10..........................  40[deg] 50[min]       66[deg] 50[min]
11..........................  40[deg] 40[min]       66[deg] 50[min]
12..........................  40[deg] 40[min]       66[deg] 40[min]
13..........................  39[deg] 50[min]       66[deg] 40[min]
14..........................  39[deg] 50[min]       68[deg] 50[min]
15..........................  41[deg] 00[min]       68[deg] 50[min]
16..........................  41[deg] 00[min]       69[deg] 30[min]
17..........................  41[deg] 10[min]       69[deg] 30[min]
18..........................  41[deg] 10[min]       69[deg] 50[min]
19..........................  41[deg] 20[min]       69[deg] 50[min]
20..........................  41[deg] 20[min]       (\2\)
21..........................  (\3\)                 70[deg] 00[min]
22..........................  (\4\)                 70[deg] 00[min]
23..........................  (\5\)                 70[deg] 00[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ U.S./Canada maritime boundary.
\2\ East-facing shoreline of Nantucket, MA.
\3\ North-facing shoreline of Nantucket, MA.
\4\ South-facing shoreline of Cape Cod, MA.
\5\ North-facing shoreline of Cape Cod, MA.

    (B) GOM Cod Trimester TAC Area. For the purposes of the trimester 
TAC AM closure specified in paragraph (n)(2)(ii) of this section, the 
GOM Cod Trimester TAC Area shall apply to common pool vessels using 
trawl gear, sink gillnet gear, and longline/hook gear within the area 
bounded on the south, west, and north by the shoreline of the United 
States and bounded on the east by straight lines connecting the 
following points in the order stated:

                       GOM Cod Trimester TAC Area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  N. Latitude          W. Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1...........................  (\1\)                 69[deg] 20[min]
2...........................  43[deg] 40[min]       69[deg] 20[min]
3...........................  43[deg] 40[min]       69[deg] 00[min]
4...........................  43[deg] 10[min]       69[deg] 00[min]
5...........................  43[deg] 10[min]       69[deg] 10[min]
6...........................  43[deg] 00[min]       69[deg] 10[min]
7...........................  43[deg] 00[min]       69[deg] 20[min]
8...........................  42[deg] 50[min]       69[deg] 20[min]
9...........................  42[deg] 50[min]       69[deg] 40[min]
10..........................  42[deg] 20[min]       69[deg] 40[min]
11..........................  42[deg] 20[min]       70[deg] 00[min]
12..........................  (\2\)                 70[deg] 00[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Intersection with ME shoreline.
\2\ North-facing shoreline of Cape Cod, MA.

    (C) GB Haddock Trimester TAC Area. For the purposes of the trimester 
TAC AM closure specified in paragraph (n)(2)(ii) of this section, the GB 
Haddock Trimester TAC Area shall apply to common pool vessels using 
trawl gear, sink gillnet gear, and longline/hook gear within the area 
bounded by straight lines connecting the following points in the order 
stated:

                      GB Haddock Trimester TAC Area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Point                   N. latitude         W. longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
GB1............................  42[deg]20[min]       70[deg]00[min]
GB2............................  42[deg]20[min]       (\1\)
GB3............................  40[deg]30[min]       (\1\)
GB4............................  40[deg]30[min]       66[deg]40[min]
GB5............................  39[deg]50[min]       66[deg]40[min]
GB6............................  39[deg]50[min]       68[deg]50[min]
GB7............................  41[deg]00[min]       68[deg]50[min]
GB8............................  41[deg]00[min]       69[deg]30[min]
GB9............................  41[deg]10[min]       69[deg]30[min]
GB10...........................  41[deg]10[min]       69[deg]50[min]
GB11...........................  41[deg]20[min]       69[deg]50[min]
GB12...........................  41[deg]20[min]       (\2\)
GB13...........................  (\3\)                70[deg]00[min]
GB14...........................  (\4\)                70[deg]00[min]
GB15...........................  (\5\)                70[deg]00[min]
GB1............................  42[deg]20[min]       70[deg]00[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ U.S./Canada maritime boundary.
\2\ East-facing shoreline of Nantucket, MA.
\3\ North-facing shoreline of Nantucket, MA.
\4\ South-facing shoreline of Cape Cod, MA.
\5\ North-facing shoreline of Cape Cod, MA.

    (D) GOM Haddock Trimester TAC Area. For the purposes of the 
trimester TAC AM closure specified in paragraph (n)(2)(ii) of this 
section, the GOM Haddock Trimester TAC Area shall apply to common pool 
vessels using trawl gear, sink gillnet gear, and longline/hook gear 
within the area bounded on the south, west, and north by the shoreline 
of the United States and bounded on the east by straight lines 
connecting the following points in the order stated:

                     GOM Haddock Trimester TAC Area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Point                   N. latitude         W. longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOM1...........................  (\1\)                69[deg]20[min]
GOM2...........................  43[deg]40[min]       69[deg]20[min]
GOM3...........................  43[deg]40[min]       69[deg]00[min]
GOM4...........................  43[deg]20[min]       69[deg]00[min]
GOM5...........................  43[deg]20[min]       67[deg]40[min]
GOM6...........................  (\2\)                67[deg]40[min]
GOM7...........................  42[deg]53.1[min]     67[deg]44.4[min]
GOM8...........................  (\2\)                67[deg]40[min]
GOM9...........................  42[deg]20[min]       67[deg]40[min]
GOM10..........................  42[deg]20[min]       70[deg]00[min]
GOM12..........................  (\3\)                70[deg]00[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Intersection with ME shoreline.
\2\ U.S./Canada maritime boundary.
\3\ North-facing shoreline of Cape Cod, MA.

    (E) GB Yellowtail Flounder Trimester TAC Area. For the purposes of 
the trimester TAC AM closure specified in paragraph (n)(2)(ii) of this 
section, the GB Yellowtail Flounder Trimester TAC Area shall apply to 
common pool vessels using trawl gear and sink gillnet gear within the 
area bounded by straight lines connecting the following points in the 
order stated:

[[Page 835]]



                GB Yellowtail Flounder Trimester TAC Area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Point                   N. latitude         W. longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
GB1............................  42[deg]20[min]       68[deg]50[min]
GB2............................  42[deg]20[min]       (\1\)
GB3............................  40[deg]30[min]       (\1\)
GB4............................  40[deg]30[min]       66[deg]40[min]
GB5............................  39[deg]50[min]       66[deg]40[min]
GB6............................  39[deg]50[min]       68[deg]50[min]
GB1............................  42[deg]20[min]       68[deg]50[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ U.S./Canada maritime boundary.

    (F) SNE/MA Yellowtail Flounder Trimester TAC Area. For the purposes 
of the trimester TAC AM closure specified in paragraph (n)(2)(ii) of 
this section, the SNE/MA Yellowtail Flounder Trimester TAC Area shall 
apply to common pool vessels using trawl gear and sink gillnet gear 
within the area bounded by straight lines connecting the following 
points in the order stated:

              SNE/MA Yellowtail Flounder Trimester TAC Area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Point                   N. latitude         W. longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
SNEMA1.........................  (\1\)                70[deg]00[min]
SNEMA2.........................  (\2\)                70[deg]00[min]
SNEMA3.........................  (\3\)                70[deg]00[min]
SNEMA4.........................  39[deg]50[min]       70[deg]00[min]
SNEMA5.........................  39[deg]50[min]       71[deg]40[min]
SNEMA6.........................  40[deg]00[min]       71[deg]40[min]
SNEMA7.........................  40[deg]00[min]       73[deg]00[min]
SNEMA8.........................  (\4\)                73[deg]00[min]
SNEMA9.........................  41[deg]00[min]       (\5\)
SNEMA10........................  41[deg]00[min]       71[deg]40[min]
SNEMA11........................  (\6\)                71[deg]40[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ South-facing shoreline of Cape Cod, MA.
\2\ North-facing shoreline of Nantucket, MA.
\3\ South-facing shoreline of Nantucket, MA.
\4\ South-facing shoreline of Long Island, NY.
\5\ East-facing shoreline of Long Island, NY.
\6\ Intersection with RI shoreline.

    (G) CC/GOM Yellowtail Flounder Trimester TAC Area. For the purposes 
of the trimester TAC AM closure specified in paragraph (n)(2)(ii) of 
this section, the CC/GOM Yellowtail Flounder Trimester TAC Area shall 
apply to common pool vessels using trawl gear and sink gillnet gear 
within the area bounded by straight lines connecting the following 
points in the order stated:

              CC/GOM Yellowtail Flounder Trimester TAC Area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Point                   N. latitude         W. longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CCGOM1.........................  42[deg]50'           (\1\)
CCGOM2.........................  42[deg]50[min]       69[deg]40[min]
CCGOM3.........................  42[deg]20[min]       69[deg]40[min]
CCGOM4.........................  42[deg]20[min]       68[deg]50[min]
CCGOM5.........................  41[deg]00[min]       68[deg]50[min]
CCGOM6.........................  41[deg]00[min]       69[deg]30[min]
CCGOM7.........................  41[deg]10[min]       69[deg]30[min]
CCGOM8.........................  41[deg]10[min]       69[deg]50[min]
CCGOM9.........................  41[deg]20[min]       69[deg]50[min]
CCGOM10........................  41[deg]20[min]       (\2\)
CCGOM11........................  (\3\)                70[deg]00[min]
CCGOM12........................  (\4\)                70[deg]00[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Intersection with MA shoreline.
\2\ East-facing shoreline of Nantucket, MA.
\3\ North-facing shoreline of Nantucket, MA.
\4\ South-facing shoreline of MA.

    (H) American Plaice Trimester TAC Area. For the purposes of the 
trimester TAC AM closure specified in paragraph (n)(2)(ii) of this 
section, the American Plaice Trimester TAC Area shall apply to common 
pool vessels using trawl gear within the area bounded by straight lines 
connecting the following points in the order stated:

                   American Plaice Trimester TAC Area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  N. Latitude          W. Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1...........................  (\1\)                 68[deg]00[min]
2...........................  44[deg]10[min]        67[deg]50[min]
3...........................  44[deg]00[min]        67[deg]50[min]
4...........................  44[deg]00[min]        67[deg]40[min]
5...........................  (\2\)                 67[deg]40[min]
6...........................  42[deg]53.1[min]      67[deg]44.4[min]
7...........................  (\2\)                 67[deg]40[min]
8...........................  41[deg]10[min]        67[deg]40[min]
9...........................  41[deg]10[min]        67[deg]10[min]
10..........................  41[deg]00[min]        67[deg]10[min]
11..........................  41[deg]00[min]        67[deg]00[min]
12..........................  40[deg]50[min]        67[deg]00[min]
13..........................  40[deg]50[min]        66[deg]50[min]
14..........................  40[deg]40[min]        66[deg]50[min]
15..........................  40[deg]40[min]        66[deg]40[min]
16..........................  39[deg]50[min]        66[deg]40[min]
17..........................  39[deg]50[min]        68[deg]50[min]
18..........................  41[deg]00[min]        68[deg]50[min]
19..........................  41[deg]00[min]        69[deg]30[min]
20..........................  41[deg]10[min]        69[deg]30[min]
21..........................  41[deg]10[min]        69[deg]50[min]
22..........................  41[deg]20[min]        69[deg]50[min]
23..........................  41[deg]20[min]        (\3\)
24..........................  (\4\)                 70[deg]00[min]
25..........................  (\5\)                 70[deg]00[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Intersection with ME shoreline.
\2\ U.S./Canada maritime boundary.
\3\ East-facing shoreline of Nantucket, MA.
\4\ North-facing shoreline of Nantucket, MA.
\5\ South-facing shoreline of Cape Cod, MA.

    (I) Witch Flounder Trimester TAC Area. For the purposes of the 
trimester TAC AM closure specified in paragraph (n)(2)(ii) of this 
section, the Witch Flounder Trimester TAC Area shall apply to common 
pool vessels using trawl gear within the area bounded by

[[Page 836]]

straight lines connecting the following points in the order stated:

                    Witch Flounder Trimester TAC Area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  N. Latitude          W. Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1...........................  (\1\)                 68[deg]00[min]
2...........................  44[deg]10[min]        67[deg]50[min]
3...........................  44[deg]00[min]        67[deg]50[min]
4...........................  44[deg]00[min]        67[deg]40[min]
5...........................  (\2\)                 67[deg]40[min]
6...........................  42[deg]53.1[min]      67[deg]44.4[min]
7...........................  (\2\)                 67[deg]40[min]
8...........................  41[deg]10[min]        67[deg]40[min]
9...........................  41[deg]10[min]        67[deg]10[min]
10..........................  41[deg]00[min]        67[deg]10[min]
11..........................  41[deg]00[min]        67[deg]00[min]
12..........................  40[deg]50[min]        67[deg]00[min]
13..........................  40[deg]50[min]        66[deg]50[min]
14..........................  40[deg]40[min]        66[deg]50[min]
15..........................  40[deg]40[min]        66[deg]40[min]
16..........................  39[deg]50[min]        66[deg]40[min]
17..........................  39[deg]50[min]        68[deg]50[min]
18..........................  41[deg]00[min]        68[deg]50[min]
19..........................  41[deg]00[min]        69[deg]30[min]
20..........................  41[deg]10[min]        69[deg]30[min]
21..........................  41[deg]10[min]        69[deg]50[min]
22..........................  41[deg]20[min]        69[deg]50[min]
23..........................  41[deg]20[min]        (\3\)
24..........................  (\4\)                 70[deg]00[min]
25..........................  (\5\)                 70[deg]00[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Intersection with ME shoreline.
\2\ U.S./Canada maritime boundary.
\3\ East-facing shoreline of Nantucket, MA.
\4\ North-facing shoreline of Nantucket, MA.
\5\ South-facing shoreline of Cape Cod, MA.

    (J) GB Winter Flounder Trimester TAC Area. For the purposes of the 
trimester TAC AM closure specified in paragraph (n)(2)(ii) of this 
section, the GB Winter Flounder Trimester TAC Area shall apply to common 
pool vessels using trawl gear within the area bounded by straight lines 
connecting the following points in the order stated:

                  GB Winter Flounder Trimester TAC Area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  N. Latitude          W. Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1...........................  42[deg]20[min]        68[deg]50[min]
2...........................  42[deg]20[min]        (\1\)
3...........................  40[deg]30[min]        (\1\)
4...........................  40[deg]30[min]        66[deg]40[min]
5...........................  39[deg]50[min]        66[deg]40[min]
6...........................  39[deg]50[min]        68[deg]50[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ U.S./Canada maritime boundary

    (K) GOM Winter Flounder Trimester TAC Area. For the purposes of the 
trimester TAC AM closure specified in paragraph (n)(2)(ii) of this 
section, the GOM Winter Flounder Trimester TAC Area shall apply to 
common pool vessels using trawl gear and sink gillnet gear within the 
area bounded by straight lines connecting the following points in the 
order stated:

                 GOM Winter Flounder Trimester TAC Area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Point                   N. latitude         W. longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOM1...........................  42[deg]50[min]       (\1\)
GOM2...........................  42[deg]50[min]       69[deg]40[min]
GOM3...........................  42[deg]20[min]       69[deg]40[min]
GOM4...........................  42[deg]20[min]       70[deg]00[min]
GOM5...........................  (\2\)                70[deg]00[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Intersection with MA shoreline
\2\ North-facing shoreline of Cape Cod, MA

    (L) Redfish Trimester TAC Area. For the purposes of the trimester 
TAC AM closure specified in paragraph (n)(2)(ii) of this section, the 
Redfish Trimester TAC Area shall apply to common pool vessels using 
trawl gear within the area bounded by straight lines connecting the 
following points in the order stated:

                       Redfish Trimester TAC Area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Point                   N. latitude         W. longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
RF1............................  (\1\)                69[deg]20[min]
RF2............................  43[deg]40[min]       69[deg]20[min]
RF3............................  43[deg]40[min]       69[deg]00[min]
RF4............................  43[deg]20[min]       69[deg]00[min]
RF5............................  43[deg]20[min]       67[deg]40[min]
RF6............................  (\2\)                67[deg]40[min]
RF7............................  42[deg]53.1[min]     67[deg]44.4[min]
RF8............................  (\2\)                67[deg]40[min]
RF9............................  41[deg]20[min]       67[deg]40[min]
RF10...........................  41[deg]20[min]       68[deg]10[min]
RF11...........................  41[deg]10[min]       68[deg]10[min]
RF12...........................  41[deg]10[min]       68[deg]20[min]
RF13...........................  41[deg]00[min]       68[deg]20[min]
RF14...........................  41[deg]00[min]       69[deg]30[min]
RF15...........................  41[deg]10[min]       69[deg]30[min]
RF16...........................  41[deg]10[min]       69[deg]50[min]
RF17...........................  41[deg]20[min]       69[deg]50[min]
RF18...........................  41[deg]20[min]       (\3\)
RF19...........................  (\4\)                70[deg]00[min]
RF20...........................  (\5\)                70[deg]00[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Intersection with ME shoreline.
\2\ U.S./Canada maritime boundary.
\3\ East-facing shoreline of Nantucket, MA.
\4\ North-facing shoreline of Nantucket, MA.
\5\ South-facing shoreline of Cape Cod, MA.

    (M) White Hake Trimester TAC Area. For the purposes of the trimester 
TAC AM closure specified in paragraph (n)(2)(ii) of this section, the 
White Hake Trimester TAC Area shall apply to common pool vessels using 
trawl gear, sink gillnet gear, and longline/hook gear, except for 
Handgear A and B permitted vessels using handgear or tub trawls, within 
the area bounded by straight lines connecting the following points in 
the order stated:

                      White Hake Trimester TAC Area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  N. Latitude          W. Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1...........................  (\1\)                 69[deg]20[min]

[[Page 837]]

 
2...........................  43[deg]40[min]        69[deg]20[min]
3...........................  43[deg]40[min]        69[deg]00[min]
4...........................  43[deg]20[min]        69[deg]00[min]
5...........................  43[deg]20[min]        67[deg]40[min]
6...........................  (\2\)                 67[deg]40[min]
7...........................  42[deg]53.1[min]      67[deg]44.4[min]
8...........................  (\2\)                 67[deg]40[min]
9...........................  41[deg]20[min]        67[deg]40[min]
10..........................  41[deg]20[min]        68[deg]10[min]
11..........................  41[deg]10[min]        68[deg]10[min]
12..........................  41[deg]10[min]        68[deg]20[min]
13..........................  41[deg]00[min]        68[deg]20[min]
14..........................  41[deg]00[min]        69[deg]30[min]
15..........................  41[deg]10[min]        69[deg]30[min]
16..........................  41[deg]10[min]        69[deg]50[min]
17..........................  41[deg]20[min]        69[deg]50[min]
18..........................  41[deg]20[min]        (\3\)
19..........................  (\4\)                 70[deg]00[min]
20..........................  (\5\)                 70[deg]00[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Intersection with ME shoreline.
\2\ U.S./Canada maritime boundary.
\3\ East-facing shoreline of Nantucket, MA.
\4\ North-facing shoreline of Nantucket, MA.
\5\ South-facing shoreline of Cape Cod, MA.

    (N) Pollock Trimester TAC Area. For the purposes of the trimester 
TAC AM closure specified in paragraph (n)(2)(ii) of this section, the 
Pollock Trimester TAC Area shall apply to common pool vessels using 
trawl gear, sink gillnet gear, and longline/hook gear within the area 
bounded by straight lines connecting the following points in the order 
stated:

                       Pollock Trimester TAC Area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Point                   N. latitude         W. longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
RF1............................  (\1\)                69[deg]20[min]
RF2............................  43[deg]40[min]       69[deg]20[min]
RF3............................  43[deg]40[min]       69[deg]00[min]
RF4............................  43[deg]20[min]       69[deg]00[min]
RF5............................  43[deg]20[min]       67[deg]40[min]
RF6............................  (\2\)                67[deg]40[min]
RF7............................  42[deg]53.1[min]     67[deg]44.4[min]
RF8............................  (\2\)                67[deg]40[min]
RF9............................  41[deg]20[min]       67[deg]40[min]
RF10...........................  41[deg]20[min]       68[deg]10[min]
RF11...........................  41[deg]10[min]       68[deg]10[min]
RF12...........................  41[deg]10[min]       68[deg]20[min]
RF13...........................  41[deg]00[min]       68[deg]20[min]
RF14...........................  41[deg]00[min]       69[deg]30[min]
RF15...........................  41[deg]10[min]       69[deg]30[min]
RF16...........................  41[deg]10[min]       69[deg]50[min]
RF17...........................  41[deg]20[min]       69[deg]50[min]
RF18...........................  41[deg]20[min]       (\3\)
RF19...........................  (\4\)                70[deg]00[min]
RF20...........................  (\5\)                70[deg]00[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Intersection with ME shoreline.
\2\ U.S./Canada maritime boundary.
\3\ East-facing shoreline of Nantucket, MA.
\4\ North-facing shoreline of Nantucket, MA.
\5\ South-facing shoreline of Cape Cod, MA.

    (iii) Trimester TAC overage/underage. If any trimester TAC, as 
specified in paragraph (n)(2)(i) of this section, is not caught during 
Trimester 1 or 2, the uncaught portion of the trimester TAC shall be 
carried forward into the next trimester. Uncaught portions of any 
trimester TAC following Trimester 3 may not be carried over into the 
following fishing year. If any trimester TAC is exceeded during the 
Trimesters 1 or 2, the overage shall be deducted from the Trimester 3 
TAC for that stock. If the entire sub-ACL for a particular stock that is 
allocated to the common pool is exceeded (i.e., the common pool catch of 
that stock at the end of the fishing year, including the common pool's 
share of any overage of the overall ACL for a particular stock caused by 
excessive catch by other sub-components of the fishery pursuant to Sec. 
648.90(a)(5), exceeds all three trimester TACs for that stock combined), 
an amount equal to the overage shall be deducted from the sub-ACL for 
that stock that is allocated to common pool vessels pursuant to Sec. 
648.90(a)(4) for the following fishing year.
    (iv) [Reserved]
    (v) Adjustments to trimester TACs. The distribution of trimester 
TACs specified in paragraph (n)(2)(i) of this section may be revised 
pursuant to the biennial adjustment or framework process specified in 
Sec. 648.90(a)(2) and shall use the distribution of landings of the 
most recent 5-year period available.
    (vi) Trip limit adjustment. When 60 percent of the northern or 
southern windowpane flounder, ocean pout, or Atlantic halibut sub-ACLs 
specified for common pool vessels pursuant to Sec. 
648.90(a)(4)(iii)(H)(2) is projected to be caught, the Regional 
Administrator may specify, consistent with the APA, a possession limit 
for these stocks that is calculated to prevent the yearly sub-ACL from 
being exceeded prior to the end of the fishing year.
    (vii) SNE/MA winter flounder AM. If the common pool fishery sub-ACL 
for SNE/MA winter flounder is exceeded, including the common pool's 
share of any overage of the total ACL, as specified at Sec. 
648.90(a)(5), by an amount that exceeds the management uncertainty 
buffer, the AM described in this paragraph would be implemented in the 
following fishing year. The AM would be effective for the entire fishing 
year.

[[Page 838]]

Common pool vessels fishing on a NE Multispecies DAS with trawl gear may 
only use a haddock separator trawl, as specified in Sec. 
648.85(a)(3)(iii)(A); a Ruhle trawl, as specified in Sec. 
648.85(b)(6)(iv)(J)(3); a rope separator trawl, as specified in Sec. 
648.84(e); or any other gear approved consistent with the process 
defined in Sec. 648.85(b)(6) in the SNE/MA Winter Flounder Trawl Gear 
AM Areas. The AM areas are defined below, and are bounded by the 
following coordinates, connected in the order listed by straight lines, 
unless otherwise noted.

               SNE/MA Winter Flounder Trawl Gear AM Area 1
------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  N. Latitude          W. Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1...........................  41[deg]10[min]        71[deg]40[min] \1\
2...........................  41[deg]10[min]        71[deg]20[min]
3...........................  41[deg]00[min]        71[deg]20[min]
4...........................  41[deg]00[min]        71[deg]40[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Point 1 connects to Point 2 along 41[deg]10[min] N or the southern
  coastline of Block Island, RI, whichever is farther south.


               SNE/MA Winter Flounder Trawl Gear AM Area 2
------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  N. Latitude          W. Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1...........................  41[deg]20[min]        70[deg]30[min]
2...........................  41[deg]20[min]        70[deg]20[min]
3...........................  41[deg]00[min]        70[deg]20[min]
4...........................  41[deg]00[min]        70[deg]30[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------


               SNE/MA Winter Flounder Trawl Gear AM Area 3
------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  N. Latitude          W. Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1...........................  41[deg]20[min]        69[deg]20[min]
2...........................  41[deg]20[min]        69[deg]10[min]
3...........................  41[deg]10[min]        69[deg]10[min]
4...........................  41[deg]10'            69[deg]20'
------------------------------------------------------------------------


               SNE/MA Winter Flounder Trawl Gear AM Area 4
------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  N. Latitude          W. Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1...........................  41[deg]20[min]        69[deg]20[min]
2...........................  41[deg]20[min]        (\1\)
3...........................  (\1\)                 69[deg]00[min]
4...........................  41[deg]00[min]        69[deg]00[min]
5...........................  41[deg]00[min]        69[deg]10[min]
6...........................  41[deg]10[min]        69[deg]10[min]
7...........................  41[deg]10[min]        69[deg]20[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(\1\) The southwest-facing boundary of Closed Area I.

    (o) Inseason adjustment to differential DAS counting for NE 
multispecies common pool vessels. (1) In addition to the DAS accrual 
provisions specified in paragraphs (e) and (n) of this section, and 
other measures specified in this part, common pool vessels are subject 
to the following restrictions: The Regional Administrator shall project 
the catch of regulated species or ocean pout by common pool vessels and 
shall determine whether such catch will exceed any of the sub-ACLs 
specified for common pool vessels as described in Sec. 648.90(a)(4). 
This projection shall include catch by common pool vessels, as well as 
available information, regarding the catch of regulated species and 
ocean pout by vessels fishing for NE multispecies in State waters 
outside of the authority of the FMP, vessels fishing in exempted 
fisheries, and vessels fishing in the Atlantic sea scallop fishery. If 
it is projected that catch will exceed or under-harvest the common pool 
sub-ACL, the Regional Administrator may, at any time during the fishing 
year, implement a differential DAS counting factor to all Category A DAS 
used within the pertinent stock area(s), as specified in paragraph 
(n)(1)(i) of this section, in a manner consistent with the 
Administrative Procedure Act. Notwithstanding the fact that the 
differential DAS accountability measures described in paragraph (n)(1) 
of this section are intended to address potential over-harvests in 
fishing year 2010 and 2011, the scope of the Regional Administrator 
authority specified in this paragraph (o) is not limited to FY 2010 and 
2011.
    (2) The differential DAS counting factor shall be based on the 
projected proportion of the sub-ACL of each NE multispecies stock caught 
by common pool vessels, rounded to the nearest even tenth, as specified 
in paragraph (n)(1)(ii) of this section, unless otherwise specified in 
Sec. 648.90(a)(5). For example, if the Regional Administrator projects 
that common pool vessels will catch 1.18 times the sub-ACL for GOM cod 
by the end of fishing year 2010, the Regional Administrator may 
implement a differential DAS counting factor of 1.2 to all Category A 
DAS used by common pool vessels within the Inshore GOM Differential DAS 
Area during fishing year 2010 (i.e., Category A DAS will be charged at a 
rate of 28.8 hr for every 24 hr fished--1.2 times 24-hr DAS counting). 
If it is projected that catch will simultaneously exceed

[[Page 839]]

or underharvest the sub-ACLs for several regulated species stocks within 
a particular stock area, the Regional Administrator may implement the 
most restrictive differential DAS counting factor derived from paragraph 
(n)(1)(ii) of this section for the sub-ACLs exceeded or underharvested 
to any Category A DAS used by common pool vessels within that particular 
stock area. For example, if it is projected that the common pool vessel 
catch will exceed the GOM cod sub-ACL by a factor of 1.2 and the CC/GOM 
yellowtail flounder sub-ACL by a factor of 1.1, the Regional 
Administrator may implement a differential DAS counting factor of 1.2 to 
any Category A DAS fished by common pool vessels within the Inshore GOM 
Differential DAS Area during the fishing year. For any inseason 
differential DAS counting factor implemented, the differential DAS 
counting factor shall be applied against the DAS accrual provisions 
specified in paragraph (e)(1)(i) of this section for the time spent 
fishing in the applicable differential DAS counting area based upon the 
first VMS position into the applicable differential DAS counting area 
and the first VMS position outside of the applicable differential DAS 
counting area pursuant to Sec. 648.10. For example, if a vessel fished 
12 hr inside a differential DAS counting area where a differential DAS 
counting factor of 1.2 would be applied, and 12 hr outside of the 
differential DAS counting area, the vessel would be charged 48 hr of 
DAS, because DAS would be charged in 24-hr increments ((12 hr inside the 
area x 1.2 = 14.4 hr) + 12 hr outside the area, rounded to the next 24-
hr increment to determine DAS charged).
    (3) For any inseason differential DAS counting factor implemented in 
fishing year 2011, the inseason differential DAS counting factor shall 
be applied in accordance with the DAS accrual provisions specified in 
paragraph (e)(1)(i) of this section, and, if pursuant to paragraph 
(n)(1) of this section, in conjunction with a differential DAS counting 
factor also implemented for the same differential DAS area during 
fishing year 2011 as an AM. For example, if a differential DAS counting 
factor of 1.2 was applied to the Inshore GOM Differential DAS Area 
during fishing year 2011, as an AM due to a 20-percent overage of the 
GOM cod sub-ACL in fishing year 2010, and during fishing year 2011 the 
GOM cod sub-ACL was projected to be exceeded by 30 percent, an 
additional differential DAS factor of 1.3 would be applied to the DAS 
accrual rate as an inseason action during fishing year 2011. Under this 
example, the DAS accrual rate after both the AM and the inseason 
differential DAS rate is applied to FY 2011 in the Inshore GOM 
Differential DAS Counting Area would be 37.4 hr charged for every 24 hr 
fished--1.2 x 1.3 x 24-hr DAS charge.

[69 FR 22969, Apr. 27, 2004]

    Editorial Notes: 1. For Federal Register citations affecting Sec. 
648.82, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the 
Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.

    2. At 75 FR 18319, Apr. 9, 2010, in Sec. 648.82, paragraph 
(e)(1)(ii) was revised, however no (e)(1)(ii) existed, so it could not 
be revised.



Sec. 648.83  Multispecies minimum fish sizes.

    (a) Minimum fish sizes. (1) Minimum fish sizes for recreational 
vessels and charter/party vessels that are not fishing under a NE 
multispecies DAS are specified in Sec. 648.89. Except as provided in 
Sec. Sec. 648.11(l)(10)(i)(E) and 648.17, all other vessels are subject 
to the following minimum fish sizes, determined by total length (TL):

   Table 1 to Paragraph (a)(1)--Minimum Fish Sizes (TL) for Commercial
                                 Vessels
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Species                          Size in inches
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cod...................................  19 (48.3 cm).
Haddock...............................  16 (40.6 cm).
Pollock...............................  19 (48.3 cm).
Witch flounder (gray sole)............  13 (33 cm).
Yellowtail flounder...................  12 (30.5 cm).
American plaice (dab).................  12 (30.5 cm).
Atlantic halibut......................  41 (104.1 cm).
Winter flounder (blackback)...........  12 (30.5 cm).
Redfish...............................  7 (17.8 cm).
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) The minimum fish size applies to whole fish or to any part of a 
fish while possessed on board a vessel, except as provided in paragraph 
(b) of this section, and to whole, whole-gutted or gilled fish only, 
after landing. For purposes of determining compliance with the 
possession limits in Sec. 648.86, the weight of fillets and parts of 
fish, other than whole-gutted or gilled fish, will be

[[Page 840]]

multiplied by 3. Fish fillets, or parts of fish, must have skin on while 
possessed on board a vessel and at the time of landing in order to meet 
minimum size requirements. ``Skin on'' means the entire portion of the 
skin normally attached to the portion of the fish or to fish parts 
possessed is still attached.
    (b) Exceptions. (1) Each person aboard a vessel issued a NE 
multispecies limited access permit and fishing under the NE multispecies 
DAS program or on a sector trip may possess up to 25 lb (11.3 kg) of 
fillets that measure less than the minimum size, if such fillets are 
from legal-sized fish and are not offered or intended for sale, trade, 
or barter. The weight of fillets and parts of fish, other than whole-
gutted or gilled fish, shall be multiplied by 3. For the purposes of 
accounting for all catch by sector vessels as specified at Sec. 
648.87(b)(1)(v), the weight of all fillets and parts of fish, other than 
whole-gutted or gilled fish reported for at-home consumption shall be 
multiplied by a factor of 3.
    (2) Recreational, party, and charter vessels may possess fillets 
less than the minimum size specified, if the fillets are taken from 
legal-sized fish and are not offered or intended for sale, trade or 
barter.
    (3) Vessels fishing exclusively with pot gear may possess NE 
multispecies frames used, or to be used, as bait, that measure less than 
the minimum fish size, if there is a receipt for purchase of those 
frames on board the vessel.
    (4) Vessels that have a Category A or B Herring Permit may possess 
and land haddock and other regulated species that are smaller than the 
minimum size specified under Sec. 648.83, consistent with the bycatch 
caps specified in Sec. 648.86(a)(3) and (k). Such fish may not be sold 
for human consumption.
    (c) Adjustments. (1) At any time when information is available, the 
NEFMC will review the best available mesh selectivity information to 
determine the appropriate minimum size for the species listed in 
paragraph (a) of this section, except winter flounder, according to the 
length at which 25 percent of the regulated species would be retained by 
the applicable minimum mesh size.
    (2) Upon determination of the appropriate minimum sizes, the NEFMC 
shall propose the minimum fish sizes to be implemented following the 
procedures specified in Sec. 648.90.
    (3) Additional adjustments or changes to the minimum fish sizes 
specified in paragraph (a) of this section, and exemptions specified in 
paragraph (b) of this section, may be made at any time after 
implementation of the final rule as specified under Sec. 648.90.

[69 FR 22974, Apr. 27, 2004, as amended at 71 FR 46876, Aug. 15, 2006; 
72 FR 11276, Mar. 12, 2007; 75 FR 18328, Apr. 9, 2010; 76 FR 42585, July 
19, 2011; 78 FR 26158, May 3, 2013; 85 FR 26885, May 6, 2020; 87 FR 
75886, Dec. 9, 2022]



Sec. 648.84  Gear-marking requirements and gear restrictions.

    (a) Bottom-tending fixed gear, including, but not limited to, 
gillnets and longlines designed for, capable of, or fishing for NE 
multispecies or monkfish, must have the name of the owner or vessel or 
the official number of that vessel permanently affixed to any buoys, 
gillnets, longlines, or other appropriate gear so that the name of the 
owner or vessel or the official number of the vessel is visible on the 
surface of the water.
    (b) Bottom-tending fixed gear, including, but not limited to 
gillnets or longline gear, must be marked so that the westernmost end 
(measuring the half compass circle from magnetic south through west to, 
and including, north) of the gear displays a standard 12-inch (30.5-cm) 
tetrahedral corner radar reflector and a pennant positioned on a staff 
at least 6 ft (1.8 m) above the buoy. The easternmost end (meaning the 
half compass circle from magnetic north through east to, and including, 
south) of the gear need display only the standard 12-inch (30.5-cm) 
tetrahedral radar reflector positioned in the same way.
    (c) Continuous gillnets must not exceed 6,600 ft (2,011.7 m) between 
the end buoys.
    (d) In the GOM and GB regulated mesh area specified in Sec. 
648.80(a), gillnet gear set in an irregular pattern or in any way that 
deviates more than 30[deg] from the original course of the set must be 
marked at the extremity of the deviation with an additional marker, 
which must display two or more

[[Page 841]]

visible streamers and may either be attached to or independent of the 
gear.
    (e) Rope separator trawl. A rope separator trawl is defined as a 
four-seam bottom trawl net (i.e., a net with a top and bottom panel and 
two side panels) modified to include both a horizontal separator panel 
and an escape opening in the bottom belly of the net below the separator 
panel, as further specified in paragraphs (e)(1) through (3) of this 
section.
    (1) Mesh size. The minimum mesh size applied throughout the body and 
extension of a rope separator trawl must be 6-inch (15.2-cm) diamond 
mesh or 6.5-inch (16.5-cm) square mesh, or any combination thereof. Mesh 
in the bottom belly of the net must be 13-inch (33-cm) diamond mesh. 
Unless otherwise specified in this part, the codend mesh size must be 
consistent with mesh size requirements specified in Sec. 648.80. The 
mesh size of a particular section of the rope separator trawl is 
measured in accordance with Sec. 648.80(f)(2), unless insufficient 
numbers of mesh exist, in which case the maximum total number of meshes 
in the section will be measured (between 2 and 20 meshes).
    (2) Separator panel. The separator panel must consist of parallel 
lines made of fiber rope, the ends of which are attached to each side of 
the net starting at the forward edge of the square of the net and 
running aft toward the extension of the net. The leading rope must be 
attached to the side panel at a point at least \1/3\ of the number of 
meshes of the side panel above the lower gore, and the panel of ropes 
shall slope downward toward the extension of the net. For example, if 
the side panel of the net is 42 meshes tall, the leading rope must be 
attached at least 14 meshes above the lower gore. The forward \2/3\ of 
the separator ropes that comprise the separator panel must be no farther 
than 26 inches (66 cm) apart, with the after \1/3\ of the separator 
ropes that comprise the separator panel being no farther than 13 inches 
(33 cm) apart. The ends of the aftermost rope shall be attached to the 
bottom belly at a point \1/6\ of the number of meshes of the after end 
of the bottom belly below the lower gore. The separator ropes should be 
of sufficient length not to impinge upon the overall shape of the net 
without being too long to compromise the selectivity of the net. The 
separator ropes may not be manipulated in any way that would inhibit the 
selectivity of the net by causing the separator ropes to dip toward the 
bottom belly of the net and obscure the escape opening, as defined in 
paragraph (e)(3) of this section.
    (3) Escape opening. The escape opening must be positioned in the 
bottom belly of the net behind the sweep and terminate under the 
separator panel, as described in paragraph (e)(2) of this section. 
Longitudinal lines may be used to maintain the shape of the escape 
opening, as necessary. The escape opening shall be at least 18 meshes in 
both length and width.
    (f) Large-mesh belly panel trawl. A large-mesh belly panel trawl is 
defined as a four-seam bottom trawl net (i.e., a net with a top and 
bottom panel and two side panels) modified to include a large-mesh panel 
to replace the first bottom belly, as further specified in paragraphs 
(f)(1) through (3) of this section.
    (1) Mesh size. The minimum mesh size applied throughout the body of 
the trawl, as well as the codend mesh size, must be consistent with mesh 
size requirements specified in Sec. 648.80. If a vessel is fishing in 
an exemption area or an exempted fishery, it must comply with all of the 
requirements and conditions of the exemption.
    (2) Large-mesh belly panel. The large-mesh belly panel must have a 
minimum mesh size of 30 in (76.2 cm) measured using the standard defined 
in Sec. 648.80(f)(2). The owner or operator of a fishing vessel shall 
not use any mesh construction, mesh configuration, or other means on, 
in, or attached to the regulated portion of the net, as defined in this 
paragraph (f)(2), if it obstructs or constricts the meshes of the net in 
any manner. The width of the panel must extend the full width of the 
bottom panel (i.e., from one bottom gore to the other bottom gore). To 
determine the width of the large-mesh panel please see the explanation, 
and example provided below. The depth must be at least 90 in (228.6 cm) 
and at least three meshes deep (two meshes deep with a 15-in (38.1-cm) 
sewing seam on

[[Page 842]]

top and bottom). No more than six meshes of the small-mesh net may be 
left behind the sweep, before the large-mesh panel is sewn in.
    (3) Determining panel width example. Assume the large-mesh twine is 
30 in (76.2 cm) knot center to knot center (KKFM), two meshes deep with 
a 15-in (38.1-cm) sewing seam on the top and bottom. In most cases, the 
existing first bottom-belly twine sizes are 12 cm (4.7 in) KKFM and 16 
cm (6.3 in) KKFM yielding ratios of 20:3 and 5:1, respectively. 
Therefore, to determine the required width of large mesh panel, take the 
number of meshes of the existing belly and divide by the ratio. If the 
existing twine is 16 cm (6.3 in) KKFM, and the belly, six meshes behind 
the sweep is 150 meshes wide, you would divide 150 by 5:1 to get the 
width of the large-mesh panel, 30 meshes.

[69 FR 22974, Apr. 27, 2004, as amended at 78 FR 26158, May 3, 2013; 85 
FR 13073, Mar. 6, 2020]



Sec. 648.85  Special management programs.

    (a) U.S./Canada Resource Sharing Understanding. No NE multispecies 
fishing vessel, or person on such vessel, may enter, fish in, or be in 
the U.S./Canada Resource Sharing Understanding Management Areas (U.S./
Canada Management Areas), as defined in paragraph (a)(1) of this 
section, unless the vessel is fishing in accordance with the 
restrictions and conditions of this section. These restrictions do not 
preclude fishing under an approved Special Access Program specified 
under paragraph (b) of this section.
    (1) U.S./Canada Management Areas. A vessel issued a NE multispecies 
permit that meets the requirements of paragraph (a)(3) of this section 
may fish in the U.S./Canada Management Areas described in paragraphs 
(a)(1)(i) and (ii) of this section.
    (i) Western U.S./Canada Area. The Western U.S./Canada Area is the 
area defined by straight lines connecting the following points in the 
order stated (a chart depicting this area is available from the Regional 
Administrator upon request):

                        Western U.S./Canada Area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Point                      N. lat.            W. long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
USCA 1...........................  42[deg]20[min]      68[deg]50[min]
USCA 2...........................  39[deg]50[min]      68[deg]50[min]
USCA 3...........................  39[deg]50[min]      66[deg]40[min]
USCA 4...........................  40[deg]40[min]      66[deg]40[min]
USCA 5...........................  40[deg]40[min]      66[deg]50[min]
USCA 6...........................  40[deg]50[min]      66[deg]50[min]
USCA 7...........................  40[deg]50[min]      67[deg]00[min]
USCA 8...........................  41[deg]00[min]      67[deg]00[min]
USCA 9...........................  41[deg]00[min]      67[deg]20[min]
USCA 10..........................  41[deg]10[min]      67[deg]20[min]
USCA 11..........................  41[deg]10[min]      67[deg]40[min]
USCA 12..........................  42[deg]20[min]      67[deg]40[min]
USCA 1...........................  42[deg]20[min]      68[deg]50[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (ii) Eastern U.S./Canada Area. The Eastern U.S./Canada Area is the 
area defined by straight lines connecting the following points in the 
order stated (a chart depicting this area is available from the Regional 
Administrator upon request):

                        Eastern U.S./Canada Area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Point                   N. latitude        W. longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
USCA 12.........................  42[deg]20[min]      67[deg]40[min]
USCA 11.........................  41[deg]10[min]      67[deg]40[min]
USCA 10.........................  41[deg]10[min]      67[deg]20[min]
USCA 9..........................  41[deg]00[min]      67[deg]20[min]
USCA 8..........................  41[deg]00[min]      67[deg]00[min]
USCA 7..........................  40[deg]50[min]      67[deg]00[min]
USCA 6..........................  40[deg]50[min]      66[deg]50[min]
USCA 5..........................  40[deg]40[min]      66[deg]50[min]
USCA 4..........................  40[deg]40[min]      66[deg]40[min]
USCA 15.........................  40[deg]30[min]      66[deg]40[min]
USCA 14.........................  40[deg]30[min]      65[deg]44.3[min]
USCA 13.........................  42[deg]20[min]      67[deg]18.4[min]
USCA 12.........................  42[deg]20[min]      67[deg]40[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) TAC allocation--(i) Process for establishing TACs. The amount of 
GB cod and haddock TAC that may be harvested from the Eastern U.S./
Canada Area described in paragraph (a)(1)(ii) of this section, and the 
amount of GB yellowtail flounder TAC that may be harvested from the 
Western U.S./Canada Area and the Eastern U.S./Canada Area, as described 
in paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (ii) of this section, combined, shall be 
determined by the process specified in paragraphs (a)(2)(i)(A) through 
(D) of this section.
    (A) To the extent practicable, by June 30 of each year, the Terms of 
Reference for the U.S./Canada shared resources for GB cod, haddock, and 
yellowtail flounder shall be established by the Steering Committee and 
the Transboundary Management Guidance Committee (TMGC).

[[Page 843]]

    (B) To the extent practicable, by July 31 of each year, a 
Transboundary Resource Assessment Committee (TRAC) joint assessment of 
the U.S./Canada shared resources for GB cod, haddock and yellowtail 
flounder shall occur.
    (C) To the extent practicable, by August 31 of each year, the TMGC 
shall recommend TACs for the U.S./Canada shared resources for GB cod, 
haddock, and yellowtail flounder. Prior to October 31 of each year, the 
Council may refer any or all recommended TACs back to the TMGC and 
request changes to any or all TACs. The TMGC shall consider such 
recommendations and respond to the Council prior to October 31.
    (D) To the extent practicable, by October 31 of each year, the 
Council shall review the TMGC recommended TACs for the U.S. portion of 
the U.S./Canada Management Area resources for GB cod, haddock, and 
yellowtail flounder. Based on the TMGC recommendations, the Council 
shall recommend to the Regional Administrator the U.S. TACs for the 
shared stocks for the subsequent fishing year as a subset of the ACLs 
for these stocks available to the commercial fishery pursuant to Sec. 
648.90(a)(4). NMFS shall review the Council's recommendations and shall 
publish the proposed TACs in the Federal Register and provide a 30-day 
public comment period. NMFS shall make a final determination concerning 
the TACs and publish notification of the approved TACs and responses to 
public comments in the Federal Register. The Council, at this time, may 
also consider modification of management measures in order to ensure 
compliance with the U.S./Canada Resource Sharing Understanding. Any 
changes to management measures will be modified pursuant to Sec. 
648.90.
    (ii) TAC Overages. Any overages of the overall Eastern GB cod, 
Eastern GB haddock, and GB yellowtail flounder U.S. TACs caused by an 
overage of the component of the U.S. TAC specified for either the common 
pool, individual sectors, the scallop fishery, or any other fishery, 
pursuant to this paragraph (a)(2) and Sec. 648.90(a)(4), that occur in 
a given fishing year shall be subtracted from the respective TAC 
component responsible for the overage in the following fishing year and 
may be subject to the overall groundfish AM provisions as specified in 
Sec. 648.90(a)(5)(ii) if the overall ACL for a particular stock in a 
given fishing year, specified pursuant to Sec. 648.90(a)(4), is 
exceeded.
    (iii) Distribution of TACs. For stocks managed by the U.S./Canada 
Resource Sharing Understanding, as specified in paragraph (a)(1) of this 
section, the TAC allocation determined pursuant to this paragraph (a)(2) 
shall be distributed between sectors approved pursuant to Sec. 
648.87(c), common pool vessels, scallop vessels, and other applicable 
fisheries, as specified in Sec. 648.90(a)(4). Approved sectors will be 
allocated ACE for Eastern GB cod and Eastern GB haddock proportional to 
the sector's allocation of the overall ACL for these stocks, based upon 
the fishing histories of sector vessels, as specified in Sec. 
648.87(b)(1)(i). Any ACE for Eastern GB cod and Eastern GB haddock 
allocated to an individual sector is considered a subset of the overall 
GB cod and GB haddock ACE allocated to that sector and may only be 
harvested from the Eastern U.S./Canada Area, while the remaining ACE for 
GB cod and GB haddock available to that sector may only be harvested 
outside of the Eastern U.S./Canada Area. For example, if a sector is 
allocated 10 percent of the GB haddock ACL, it will also be allocated 10 
percent of the Eastern GB haddock TAC for that particular fishing year.
    (iv) Inseason TAC Adjustments. For FY 2014 only, the Regional 
Administrator, in consultation with the Council, may adjust the FY 2014 
TACs for the U.S./Canada shared resources inseason consistent with any 
quota trade recommendations made by the TMGC and/or Steering Committee, 
and approved by the Regional Administrator. Any such inseason adjustment 
to the FY 2014 TACs may only increase the TAC available to the U.S. 
fishery, and may not reduce the TAC amount distributed in FY 2014 to any 
fishery component as specified in paragraph (a)(2)(iii) of this section. 
The revised FY 2014 TAC(s) shall be distributed consistent with the 
process specified in paragraph (a)(2)(iii) of this section. For example, 
if the U.S. receives additional yellowtail flounder

[[Page 844]]

TAC in FY 2014, and trades away a portion of its FY 2015 haddock TAC, 
the Regional Administrator would increase the FY 2014 U.S. TAC for 
yellowtail flounder inseason consistent with the process specified in 
this paragraph (a)(2)(iv). The adjustment to the FY 2015 U.S. TAC for 
haddock would be made as part of the process for establishing TACs, as 
described in paragraph (a)(2)(i)(C) of this section.
    (3) Requirements for vessels in U.S./Canada Management Areas. Any 
common pool or sector vessel, provided the sector to which a vessel 
belongs is allocated ACE for stocks caught in the Eastern U.S./Canada 
Area pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)(iii) of this section and Sec. 
648.87(b)(1)(i), may fish in the U.S./Canada Management Areas, provided 
it complies with conditions and restrictions of this section. A vessel 
other than a NE multispecies vessel may fish in the U.S./Canada 
Management Area, subject to the restrictions specified in paragraph 
(a)(3)(iv)(E) of this section and all other applicable regulations for 
such vessels.
    (i) VMS requirement. A NE multispecies vessel fishing in the U.S./
Canada Management Areas described in paragraph (a)(1) of this section 
must have installed on board an operational VMS unit that meets the 
minimum performance criteria specified in Sec. Sec. 648.9 and 648.10.
    (ii) Declaration. To fish in the U.S./Canada Management Area under a 
NE multispecies DAS or on a sector trip, a NE multispecies vessel must 
declare through the VMS the specific area within the U.S./Canada 
Management Areas, as described in paragraphs (a)(1)(i) or (ii) of this 
section, or the specific SAP within the U.S./Canada Management Areas, as 
described in paragraph (b) of this section, the vessel will be fishing 
in prior to leaving the dock, in accordance with instructions to be 
provided by the Regional Administrator, and must comply with the 
restrictions and conditions in paragraphs (a)(3)(ii)(A) through (C) of 
this section. Vessels other than NE multispecies vessels are not 
required to declare into the U.S./Canada Management Areas.
    (A) A common pool vessel fishing under a NE multispecies DAS in the 
Eastern U.S./Canada Area may fish both inside and outside of the Eastern 
U.S./Canada Area on the same trip, provided it complies with the most 
restrictive DAS counting requirements specified in Sec. 648.10(e)(5), 
trip limits, and reporting requirements for the areas fished for the 
entire trip, and the restrictions specified in paragraphs 
(a)(3)(ii)(A)(1) through (4) of this section. A vessel on a sector trip 
may fish both inside and outside of the Eastern U.S./Canada Area on the 
same trip, provided it complies with the restrictions specified in 
paragraphs (a)(3)(ii)(A)(1) through (3) of this section. When a vessel 
operator elects to fish both inside and outside of the Eastern U.S./
Canada Area, all cod and haddock caught on that trip will be apportioned 
by area fished, as determined by all available data sources, and those 
portions of the catch taken inside the Eastern U.S./Canada Area shall 
count toward the applicable hard TAC specified for the U.S./Canada 
Management Area.
    (1) The vessel operator must notify NMFS via VMS prior to leaving 
the Eastern U.S./Canada Area (including at the time of initial 
declaration into the Eastern U.S./Canada Area) that it is also electing 
to fish outside the Eastern U.S./Canada Area, as instructed by the 
Regional Administrator. With the exception of vessels participating in 
the Regular B DAS Program and fishing under a Regular B DAS and vessels 
on a sector trip that are not fishing under a NE multispecies DAS for 
the purposes of complying with the restrictions of other fisheries, once 
a vessel elects to fish outside of the Eastern U.S./Canada Area, 
Category A DAS shall accrue from the time the vessel crosses the VMS 
Demarcation Line at the start of its fishing trip until the time the 
vessel crosses the VMS Demarcation Line on its return to port, in 
accordance with Sec. 648.10(e)(5)(iii).
    (2) Unless otherwise exempted pursuant to this part, the vessel must 
comply with the reporting requirements of the U.S./Canada Management 
Area specified in Sec. 648.85(a)(3)(v) for the duration of the trip.
    (3) [Reserved]
    (4) If a common pool vessel fishing under a NE multispecies DAS 
possesses yellowtail flounder in excess of the trip

[[Page 845]]

limits for CC/GOM yellowtail flounder or SNE/MA yellowtail flounder, as 
specified in Sec. 648.86(g), the vessel may not fish in either the CC/
GOM or SNE/MA yellowtail flounder stock area during that trip (i.e., may 
not fish outside of the U.S./Canada Management Area).
    (B) A common pool vessel fishing under a NE multispecies DAS in the 
Western U.S./Canada Area may fish inside and outside the Western U.S./
Canada Area on the same trip, provided it complies with the more 
restrictive regulations applicable to the area fished for the entire 
trip (e.g., the possession restrictions specified in paragraph 
(a)(3)(iv)(C)(4) of this section), and the reporting requirements 
specified in Sec. 648.85(a)(3)(v). A vessel on a sector trip in the 
Western U.S./Canada Area may fish inside and outside the Western U.S./
Canada Area on the same trip, provided it complies with the more 
restrictive reporting requirements specified in Sec. 648.85(a)(3)(v), 
unless otherwise exempted pursuant to this part.
    (C) For the purposes of selecting vessels for observer deployment, a 
vessel fishing in either of the U.S./Canada Management Areas specified 
in paragraph (a)(1) of this section must provide notice to NMFS of the 
vessel name; contact name for coordination of observer deployment; 
telephone number for contact; and the date, time, and port of departure, 
at least 48 hr prior to the beginning of any trip that it declares into 
the U.S./Canada Management Area as required under this paragraph 
(a)(3)(ii).
    (iii) Gear requirements. A NE multispecies vessel fishing with trawl 
gear in the Eastern U.S./Canada Area defined in paragraph (a)(1)(ii) of 
this section, unless otherwise provided in paragraphs (b)(6) and (8) of 
this section, must fish with a Ruhle trawl, as described in paragraph 
(b)(6)(iv)(J)(1) of this section, or a haddock separator trawl, or a 
flounder trawl net, as described in paragraphs (a)(3)(iii)(A) and (B) of 
this section (all three nets may be onboard the fishing vessel 
simultaneously). Unless otherwise restricted by Sec. 648.80(n), gear 
other than the Ruhle trawl, haddock separator trawl, or the flounder 
trawl net, or gear authorized under paragraphs (b)(6) and (8) of this 
section, may be on board the vessel during a trip to the Eastern U.S./
Canada Area, provided the gear is stowed and not available for immediate 
use as defined in Sec. 648.2. The description of the haddock separator 
trawl and the flounder trawl net, and the description of the Ruhle trawl 
may be further specified by the Regional Administrator through 
publication of such specifications in the Federal Register, in a manner 
consistent with the Administrative Procedure Act.
    (A) Haddock Separator Trawl. A haddock separator trawl is defined as 
a groundfish trawl modified to a vertically-oriented trouser trawl 
configuration, with two extensions arranged one over the other, where a 
codend shall be attached only to the upper extension, and the bottom 
extension shall be left open and have no codend attached. A horizontal 
large-mesh separating panel constructed with a minimum of 6.0-inch 
(15.2-cm) diamond mesh must be installed between the selvedges joining 
the upper and lower panels, as described in paragraphs (a)(3)(iii)(A) 
and (B) of this section, extending forward from the front of the trouser 
junction to the aft edge of the first belly behind the fishing circle. 
The horizontal large-mesh separating panel must be constructed with mesh 
of a contrasting color to the upper and bottom extensions of the net 
that it separates.
    (1) Two-seam bottom trawl nets. For two seam nets, the separator 
panel will be constructed such that the width of the forward edge of the 
panel is 80-85 percent of the width of the after edge of the first belly 
of the net where the panel is attached. For example, if the belly is 200 
meshes wide (from selvedge to selvedge), the separator panel must be no 
wider than 160-170 meshes wide.
    (2) Four-seam bottom trawl nets. For four seam nets, the separator 
panel will be constructed such that the width of the forward edge of the 
panel is 90-95 percent of the width of the after edge of the first belly 
of the net where the panel is attached. For example, if the belly is 200 
meshes wide (from selvedge to selvedge), the separator panel must be no 
wider than 180-190 meshes wide. The separator panel will be attached to 
both of the side panels of the

[[Page 846]]

net along the midpoint of the side panels. For example, if the side 
panel is 100 meshes tall, the separator panel must be attached at the 
50th mesh.
    (B) Flounder Trawl Net. A flounder trawl net is defined as bottom 
trawl gear meeting one of the following two net descriptions:
    (1) A two-seam, low-rise net constructed with mesh size in 
compliance with Sec. 648.80(a)(4), where the maximum footrope length is 
not greater than 105 ft (32.0 m) and the headrope is at least 30 percent 
longer than the footrope. The footrope and headrope lengths shall be 
measured from the forward wing end.
    (2) A two-seam, low-rise net constructed with mesh size in 
compliance with Sec. 648.80(a)(4), with the exception that the top 
panel of the net contains a section of mesh at least 10 ft (3.05 m) long 
and stretching from selvedge to selvedge, composed of at least 12-in 
(30.5-cm) mesh that is inserted no farther than 4.5 meshes behind the 
headrope.
    (iv) Harvest controls. Unless otherwise specified in this paragraph 
(a)(3)(iv), any NE multispecies vessel fishing in the U.S./Canada 
Management Areas is subject to the following restrictions. For common 
pool vessels, the trip limits specified in this paragraph (a)(3)(iv) are 
in addition to any other possession or landing limits applicable to 
vessels not fishing in the U.S./Canada Management Areas. A sector vessel 
is subject to the trip limits specified in Sec. 648.87(b)(1)(ix).
    (A) Cod landing limit restrictions. Notwithstanding other applicable 
possession and landing restrictions under this part, a common pool 
vessel fishing in the Eastern U.S./Canada Area described in paragraph 
(a)(1)(ii) of this section may not land more than 500 lb (226.8 kg) of 
cod per DAS, or any part of a DAS, up to 5,000 lb (2,268 kg) per trip. A 
vessel fishing in the Eastern U.S./Canada Area may be further restricted 
by participation in other Special Management Programs, as required under 
this section.
    (1) Initial cod landing limit. Unless modified pursuant to paragraph 
(a)(3)(iv)(D) of this section, notwithstanding other applicable 
possession and landing restrictions under this part, a common pool 
vessel fishing in the Eastern U.S./Canada Area described in paragraph 
(a)(1)(ii) of this section may not land more than 500 lb (226.8 kg) of 
cod per DAS, or any part of a DAS, up to 5,000 lb (2,268 kg) per trip. A 
vessel fishing in the Eastern U.S./Canada Area may be further restricted 
by participation in other Special Management Programs, as required under 
this section.
    (2) Possession restriction when 100 percent of TAC is harvested. 
When the Regional Administrator projects that 100 percent of the TAC 
allocation for cod specified in paragraph (a)(2) of this section will be 
harvested, NMFS shall, in a manner consistent with the Administrative 
Procedure Act, close the Eastern U.S./Canada Area to all limited access 
NE multispecies DAS and sector vessels subject to that particular TAC 
allocation, as specified in paragraph (a)(3)(iv)(E) of this section, by 
prohibiting such vessels and all other vessels not issued a limited 
access NE multispecies permit from entering or being in this area and 
from harvesting, possessing, or landing cod in or from the Eastern U.S./
Canada Area during the closure period.
    (B) Haddock landing limit--(1) Initial haddock landing limit. The 
initial haddock landing limit for common pool vessels is specified in 
Sec. 648.86(a), unless adjusted pursuant to paragraphs (a)(3)(iv)(B)(2) 
and (3) of this section.
    (2) Implementation of haddock landing limit for Eastern U.S./Canada 
Area. When the Regional Administrator projects that 70 percent of the 
haddock TAC allocation specified for common pool vessels, as described 
in paragraph (a)(2) of this section, will be harvested, NMFS shall 
implement, in a manner consistent with the Administrative Procedure Act, 
a haddock trip limit for common pool vessels fishing in the Eastern 
U.S./Canada Area of 1,500 lb (680.4 kg) per day, and 15,000 lb (6,804.1 
kg) per trip.
    (3) Possession restriction when 100 percent of TAC is harvested. 
When the Regional Administrator projects that 100 percent of the TAC 
allocation for haddock distributed to either common pool vessels or a 
particular sector, as specified in paragraph (a)(2) of this section, 
will be harvested, NMFS shall, in

[[Page 847]]

a manner consistent with the Administrative Procedure Act, close the 
Eastern U.S./Canada Area to all limited access NE multispecies vessels 
subject to that particular TAC allocation, as specified in paragraph 
(a)(3)(iv)(E) of this section, and prohibit such vessels and all other 
vessels not issued a limited access NE multispecies permit from 
harvesting, possessing, or landing haddock in or from the Eastern U.S./
Canada Area.
    (C) Yellowtail flounder landing limit--(1) Initial yellowtail 
flounder landing limit. Unless further restricted under paragraphs 
(a)(3)(iv)(C)(2) or (D) of this section (gear performance incentives), 
or modified pursuant to paragraph (a)(3)(iv)(D) of this section, there 
is no initial limit to the amount of yellowtail flounder that could be 
landed for each fishing year.
    (2) Regional Administrator authority to adjust the yellowtail 
flounder landing limit mid-season. If, based upon available information, 
the Regional Administrator projects that the yellowtail flounder catch 
may exceed the yellowtail flounder TAC for a fishing year, the Regional 
Administrator may implement, adjust, or remove the yellowtail flounder 
landing limit at any time during that fishing year in order to prevent 
yellowtail flounder catch from exceeding the TAC, or to facilitate 
harvesting the TAC, in a manner consistent with the Administrative 
Procedure Act. If, based upon available information, the Regional 
Administrator projects that the yellowtail flounder catch is less than 
90 percent of the TAC, the Regional Administrator may adjust or remove 
the yellowtail flounder landing limit at any time during the fishing 
year in order to facilitate the harvest of the TAC, in a manner 
consistent with the Administrative Procedure Act. The Regional 
Administrator may specify yellowtail flounder trip limits that apply to 
the entire U.S./Canada Management Area or to only the Western or Eastern 
Area.
    (3) Possession restriction when 100 percent of TAC is harvested. 
When the Regional Administrator projects that 100 percent of the TAC 
allocation for yellowtail flounder distributed to either common pool 
vessels or a particular sector, as specified in paragraph (a)(2) of this 
section, will be harvested, NMFS shall, in a manner consistent with the 
Administrative Procedure Act, close the Eastern U.S./Canada Area to all 
limited access NE multispecies vessels subject to that particular TAC 
allocation, as specified in paragraph (a)(3)(iv)(E) of this section, and 
prohibit such vessels and all other vessels not issued a limited access 
NE multispecies permit from harvesting, possessing, or landing 
yellowtail flounder from the U.S./Canada Management Area.
    (4) Yellowtail flounder landing limit for vessels fishing both 
inside and outside the Western U.S./Canada Area on the same trip. A 
vessel fishing both inside and outside of the Western U.S./Canada Area 
on the same trip, as allowed under paragraph (a)(3)(ii)(B) of this 
section, is subject to the most restrictive landing limits that apply to 
any of the areas fished, for the entire trip.
    (D) Other restrictions or inseason adjustments. In addition to the 
possession restrictions specified in paragraph (a)(3)(iv) of this 
section, the Regional Administrator, in a manner consistent with the 
Administrative Procedure Act, may modify the gear requirements, modify 
or close access to the U.S./Canada Management Areas, or modify the total 
number of trips into the U.S./Canada Management Area, to prevent over-
harvesting or to facilitate achieving the TAC specified in paragraph 
(a)(2) of this section. Such adjustments may be made at any time during 
the fishing year, or prior to the start of the fishing year. If 
necessary to give priority to using Category A DAS versus using Category 
B DAS, the Regional Administrator may implement different management 
measures for vessels using Category A DAS than for vessels using 
Category B DAS. If the Regional Administrator, under this authority, 
requires use of a particular gear type in order to reduce catches of 
stocks of concern, unless further restricted elsewhere in this part, the 
following gear performance incentives will apply: Possession of 
flounders (all species combined), monkfish, and skates is limited to 500 
lb (226.8 kg) (whole weight) each (i.e., no more than 500 lb (226.8 kg) 
of all flounders, no more than 500 lb (226.8 kg) of monkfish,

[[Page 848]]

and no more than 500 lb (226.8 kg) of skates), and possession of 
lobsters is prohibited.
    (E) Closure of Eastern U.S./Canada Area. Based upon available 
information, when the Regional Administrator projects that any 
individual TAC allocation for NE multispecies common pool or sectors 
specified in paragraph (a)(2)(iii) of this section will be caught, NMFS 
shall close, in a manner consistent with the Administrative Procedure 
Act, the Eastern U.S./Canada Area to all vessels subject to that 
particular TAC allocation, unless otherwise allowed under this paragraph 
(a)(3)(iv)(E). For example, if the Eastern GB cod TAC specified for 
common pool vessels is projected to be caught, NMFS shall close the 
Eastern U.S./Canada Area to all common pool vessels operating under a NE 
multispecies DAS. Should the Eastern U.S./Canada Area close as described 
in this paragraph (a)(3)(iv)(E), common pool vessels fishing under a DAS 
may continue to fish in a SAP within the Eastern U.S./Canada Area, 
provided that the TAC for the target stock identified for that 
particular SAP (i.e., haddock for the Eastern U.S./Canada Haddock SAP or 
haddock or yellowtail flounder for the CA II Yellowtail Flounder/Haddock 
SAP) has not been fully harvested. A vessel fishing on a sector trip may 
only fish in a SAP if that vessel's sector has ACE available for all 
stocks caught in that SAP. For example, should the GB cod TAC allocation 
specified for common pool vessels in paragraph (a)(2)(iii) of this 
section be attained, and the Eastern U.S./Canada Area closure 
implemented for common pool vessels, common pool vessels could continue 
to fish for yellowtail flounder within the SAP identified as the Closed 
Area II Yellowtail Flounder/Haddock SAP, described in paragraph (b)(3) 
of this section, in accordance with the requirements of that program. 
Upon closure of the Eastern U.S./Canada Area, vessels may transit 
through this area as described in paragraph (a)(1)(ii) of this section, 
provided that its gear is stowed and not available for immediate use as 
defined in Sec. 648.2, unless otherwise restricted under this part.
    (v) Reporting. (A) The owner or operator of a common pool vessel 
must submit reports via VMS, in accordance with instructions provided by 
the Regional Administrator, for each day of the fishing trip when 
declared into either of the U.S./Canada Management Areas. The owner or 
operator of a sector vessel must submit daily reports via VMS, in 
accordance with instructions provided by the Regional Administrator, for 
each day of the fishing trip when declared into the Eastern U.S./Canada 
Area. Vessels subject to the daily reporting requirement must report 
daily for the entire fishing trip, regardless of what areas are fished. 
The reports must be submitted in 24-hr intervals for each day, beginning 
at 0000 hr and ending at 2359 hr, and must be submitted by 0900 hr of 
the following day, or as instructed by the Regional Administrator. The 
reports must include at least the following information:
    (1) VTR serial number or other universal ID specified by the 
Regional Administrator;
    (2) Date fish were caught and statistical area in which fish were 
caught; and
    (3) Total pounds of cod, haddock, yellowtail flounder, winter 
flounder, witch flounder, pollock, American plaice, redfish, Atlantic 
halibut, ocean pout, Atlantic wolffish, and white hake kept (in pounds, 
live weight) in each statistical area, as instructed by the Regional 
Administrator.
    (B) The Regional Administrator may remove or modify the reporting 
requirement for sector vessels in Sec. 648.85(a)(3)(v) in a manner 
consistent with the Administrative Procedure Act.
    (vi) Withdrawal from U.S./Canada Resource Sharing Understanding. At 
any time, the Regional Administrator, in consultation with the Council, 
may withdraw from the provisions of the U.S./Canada Resource Sharing 
Understanding described in this section, if the Understanding is 
determined to be inconsistent with the goals and objectives of the FMP, 
the Magnuson-Stevens Act, or other applicable law. If the United States 
withdraws from the Understanding, the implementing measures, including 
TACs, remain in place until changed through the framework or FMP 
amendment process.

[[Page 849]]

    (vii) Transiting. A NE multispecies vessel that has declared into 
the Eastern U.S./Canada Area, as defined in paragraph (a)(1)(ii) of this 
section, and that is not fishing in the CA II Yellowtail Flounder/
Haddock SAP described in paragraph (b)(3) of this section, may transit 
the CA II Yellowtail Flounder/Haddock SAP Area, as described in 
paragraph (b)(3)(ii) of this section, provided all fishing gear is 
stowed and not available for immediate use as defined in Sec. 648.2.
    (b) Special Access Programs. A SAP is a narrowly defined fishery 
that results in increased access to a stock that, in the absence of such 
authorization, would not be allowed due to broadly applied regulations. 
A SAP authorizes specific fisheries targeting either NE multispecies 
stocks or non-multispecies stocks in order to allow an increased yield 
of the target stock(s) without undermining the achievement of the goals 
of the NE Multispecies FMP. A SAP should result in a harvest level that 
more closely approaches OY, without compromising efforts to rebuild 
overfished stocks, end overfishing, minimize bycatch, or minimize impact 
on EFH. Development of a SAP requires a relatively high level of fishery 
dependent and fishery independent information in order to be consistent 
with this rationale.
    (1) SAPs harvesting NE multispecies. A SAP to harvest NE 
multispecies may be proposed by the Council and approved by NMFS through 
the framework process described under Sec. 648.90.
    (2) SAPs harvesting stocks other than NE multispecies. A SAP to 
harvest stocks of fish other than NE multispecies (non-multispecies SAP) 
may be proposed by the Council and approved by NMFS through the 
framework process described under Sec. 648.90.
    (3) Closed Area II Yellowtail Flounder/Haddock SAP--(i) Eligibility. 
Any vessel issued a valid limited access NE multispecies permit fishing 
under a NE multispecies DAS or on a sector trip, provided the sector to 
which the vessel belongs has been allocated ACE for all stocks that may 
be caught within the Eastern U.S./Canada Area pursuant to Sec. 
648.87(b)(1)(i), are eligible to participate in the Closed Area II 
Yellowtail Flounder/Haddock SAP, and may fish in the Closed Area II 
Yellowtail Flounder/Haddock Access Area, as described in paragraph 
(b)(3)(ii) of this section, for the period specified in paragraph 
(b)(3)(iii) of this section, provided the Eastern U.S./Canada Area, as 
described in paragraph (a)(1)(ii) of this section, is not closed 
according to the provisions specified in paragraph (a)(3)(iv)(E) of this 
section, or that the sector to which a vessel belongs no longer has ACE 
available for all stocks caught within the Eastern U.S./Canada Area 
pursuant to Sec. 648.87(b)(1)(i). All eligible vessels must comply with 
the requirements of this section, unless otherwise specified in this 
paragraph (b)(3).
    (ii) Closed Area II Yellowtail Flounder/Haddock SAP Area. The Closed 
Area II Yellowtail Flounder/Haddock SAP Area is the area defined by 
straight lines connecting the following points in the order stated:

           Closed Area II Yellowtail Flounder/Haddock SAP Area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Point                   N. latitude         W. longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ytail 1........................  41[deg]30[min]       67[deg]20[min]
Ytail 2........................  41[deg]30[min]       66[deg]34.8[min]
G5.............................  41[deg]18.6[min]     66[deg]24.8[min]1
CII 2..........................  41[deg]00[min]       66[deg]35.8[min]
CII 1..........................  41[deg]00[min]       67[deg]20[min]
Ytail 1........................  41[deg]30[min]       67[deg]20[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (iii) Season--(A) Season when the CA II Yellowtail Flounder/Haddock 
SAP is open to target yellowtail flounder. When the CA II Yellowtail 
Flounder/Haddock SAP is open to target yellowtail flounder, as specified 
in paragraph (b)(3)(vii) of this section, eligible vessels may fish in 
the Closed Area II Yellowtail Flounder/Haddock SAP from July 1 through 
December 31.
    (B) Season when the CA II Yellowtail Flounder/Haddock SAP is open 
only to target haddock. When the CA II Yellowtail Flounder/Haddock SAP 
is open only to target haddock, as specified in paragraph (b)(3)(vii) of 
this section, eligible vessels may fish in the CA II Yellowtail 
Flounder/Haddock SAP from August 1 through January 31.
    (iv) VMS requirement. All NE multispecies vessels fishing in the 
U.S./Canada Management Areas described in paragraph (a)(1) of this 
section must have installed on board an operational VMS unit that meets 
the minimum

[[Page 850]]

performance criteria specified in Sec. Sec. 648.9 and 648.10.
    (v) Declaration. For the purposes of selecting vessels for observer 
deployment, a vessel must provide notice to NMFS of the vessel name; 
contact name for coordination of observer deployment; telephone number 
for contact; date, time and port of departure; and special access 
program to be fished, at least 48 hr prior to the beginning of any trip 
that it declares into the SAP as required under this paragraph 
(b)(3)(v). To fish in the Closed Area II Yellowtail Flounder/Haddock 
SAP, a vessel must declare into this area through the VMS prior to 
departure from port, in accordance with instructions provided by the 
Regional Administrator. A vessel declared into the Closed Area II 
Yellowtail Flounder/Haddock SAP may also fish in the area outside the 
Eastern U.S./Canada Area, as defined in paragraph (a)(1)(ii) of this 
section, on the same trip, provided the vessel also declares into this 
area prior to departure from port and fishes under the most restrictive 
DAS counting requirements specified in Sec. 648.10(e)(5), trip limits, 
and reporting requirements for the areas fished during the entire trip.
    (vi) Number of trips per vessel--(A) Number of trips allowed when 
the CA II Yellowtail Flounder/Haddock SAP is open to target yellowtail 
flounder. When the CA II Yellowtail Flounder/Haddock SAP is open to 
target yellowtail flounder, as specified in paragraph (b)(3)(vii) of 
this section, eligible common pool vessels are restricted to one trip 
per calendar month during the season described in paragraph (b)(3)(iii) 
of this section.
    (B) Number of trips allowed when the CA II Yellowtail Flounder/
Haddock SAP is open only to target haddock. When the CA II Yellowtail 
Flounder/Haddock SAP is open only to target haddock, as specified in 
paragraph (b)(3)(vii) of this section, there is no limit on the number 
of trips that can be taken by eligible vessels during the season 
described in paragraph (b)(3)(iii) of this section.
    (vii) Opening criteria--(A) Opening the CA II Yellowtail Flounder/
Haddock SAP to target yellowtail flounder. Unless otherwise authorized 
by the Regional Administrator, as specified in paragraph (a)(3)(iv)(D) 
of this section, the total number of allowed trips by common pool 
vessels that may be declared into the Closed Area II Yellowtail 
Flounder/Haddock SAP for each fishing year shall be as announced by the 
Regional Administrator on or about June 1, after consultation with the 
Council, in a manner consistent with the Administrative Procedure Act. 
Except as provided in paragraph (b)(3)(vii)(B) of this section, the 
total number of trips by all common pool vessels that may be declared 
into this SAP when the SAP is open to target yellowtail flounder shall 
not exceed 320 per year. When determining the total number of trips, the 
Regional Administrator shall consider the available yellowtail flounder 
TAC under the U.S./Canada Resource Sharing Understanding, the potential 
catch of GB yellowtail flounder by all vessels fishing outside of the 
SAP, recent discard estimates in all fisheries that catch yellowtail 
flounder, the expected number of SAP participants, and any other 
available information. If the Regional Administrator determines that the 
available catch, as determined by subtracting the potential catch of GB 
yellowtail flounder by all vessels outside of the SAP from the GB 
yellowtail flounder TAC allocation specified in paragraph (a)(2) of this 
section, is insufficient to allow for at least 150 trips with a 
possession limit of 15,000 lb (6,804 kg) of yellowtail flounder per 
trip, the Regional Administrator may choose not to authorize any trips 
into the SAP during a fishing year.
    (B) Opening the CA II Yellowtail/Haddock SAP to only target haddock. 
If the CA II Yellowtail Flounder/Haddock SAP is not open to targeting 
yellowtail flounder due to an insufficient amount of yellowtail flounder 
TAC, or because the maximum number of trips allowed into the CA II 
Yellowtail Flounder/Haddock SAP to target yellowtail flounder has been 
achieved pursuant to paragraph (b)(3)(vii)(A) of this section, eligible 
vessels may target haddock in the CA II Yellowtail Flounder/Haddock 
Access Area, as specified in paragraph (b)(3)(ii) of this section, 
provided the Eastern GB haddock TAC specified in paragraph (a)(2) of 
this section has not been caught, the Eastern U.S./Canada

[[Page 851]]

Area is not closed pursuant to paragraph (a)(3)(iv)(D) of this section; 
and, for vessels on a sector trip, the sector to which the sector vessel 
belongs has ACE remaining for the stocks caught in the Eastern U.S./
Canada Area.
    (viii) Trip limits. Vessels subject to the provisions of the common 
pool that are fishing in the Closed Area II Yellowtail Flounder/Haddock 
SAP are subject to the following trip limits, unless otherwise 
restricted in this part. Vessels subject to the restrictions and 
conditions of an approved sector operations plan fishing in the Closed 
Area II Yellowtail Flounder/Haddock SAP are subject to the trip limits 
specified in Sec. 648.87(b)(1)(ix).
    (A) Yellowtail flounder trip limit--(1) Trip limits when the CA II 
Yellowtail Flounder/Haddock SAP is open to target yellowtail flounder. 
Unless otherwise authorized by the Regional Administrator as specified 
in paragraph (a)(3)(iv)(D) of this section, when the CA II Yellowtail 
Flounder/Haddock SAP is open to target yellowtail flounder, as specified 
in paragraph (b)(3)(vii) of this section, a vessel subject to the 
provisions of the common pool that is fishing in the CA II Yellowtail 
Flounder/Haddock SAP may fish for, possess, and land up to 10,000 lb 
(4,536 kg) of yellowtail flounder per trip. The Regional Administrator 
may adjust this limit to a maximum of 30,000 lb (13,608 kg) per trip 
after considering the factors listed in paragraph (b)(3)(vii) of this 
section for the maximum number of trips.
    (2) Trip limits when the CA II Yellowtail Flounder/Haddock SAP is 
open to target haddock. Unless otherwise specified by the Regional 
Administrator pursuant to paragraph (a)(3)(iv)(D) of this section, when 
the CA II Yellowtail Flounder/Haddock SAP is only open to target 
haddock, as specified in paragraph (b)(3)(vii) of this section, the trip 
limit for yellowtail flounder is specified in paragraph (b)(3)(viii)(C) 
of this section.
    (B) Cod and haddock trip limit. Unless otherwise restricted, a 
common pool vessel fishing any portion of a trip in the Closed Area II 
Yellowtail Flounder/Haddock SAP on a NE multispecies DAS may not fish 
for, possess, or land more than 1,000 lb (453.6 kg) of cod per trip, 
regardless of trip length. A common pool vessel fishing on a NE 
multispecies DAS in the Closed Area II Yellowtail Flounder/Haddock SAP 
is subject to the haddock requirements described in Sec. 648.86(a), 
unless further restricted under paragraph (a)(3)(iv) of this section.
    (C) Other species trip limits. A common pool vessel fishing on a NE 
multispecies DAS in the CA II Yellowtail Flounder/Haddock SAP using a 
haddock separator trawl, a Ruhle trawl, or any other gear specified 
pursuant to paragraph (b)(3)(x)(B) must comply with the trip limits 
specified in Sec. 648.86, unless further restricted by the trip limits 
specified in paragraph (e) of this section.
    (ix) Area fished. Eligible vessels that have declared a trip into 
the Closed Area II Yellowtail Flounder/Haddock SAP, and other areas as 
specified in paragraph (b)(3)(v) of this section, may not fish for, 
possess, or land fish in or from outside of the declared area during the 
same trip.
    (x) Gear requirements--(A) Approved gear. When the CA II Yellowtail 
Flounder/Haddock SAP is open to target yellowtail flounder, as specified 
in paragraph (b)(3)(vii) of this section, NE multispecies vessels 
fishing with trawl gear must use a haddock separator trawl or a flounder 
trawl net, as described in paragraph (a)(3)(iii) of this section, or the 
Ruhle trawl, as described in paragraph (b)(6)(iv)(J)(3) of this section 
(all three nets may be onboard the fishing vessel simultaneously). When 
this SAP is only open to target haddock, NE multispecies vessels must 
use a haddock separator trawl, a Ruhle trawl, or hook gear. Gear other 
than the haddock separator trawl, the flounder trawl, or the Ruhle trawl 
may be on board the vessel during a trip to the Eastern U.S./Canada Area 
outside of the CA II Yellowtail Flounder/Haddock SAP, provided the gear 
is stowed and not available for immediate use as defined in Sec. 648.2.
    (B) Approval of additional gear. The Regional Administrator may 
authorize additional gear for use in the CA II Yellowtail Flounder/
Haddock SAP in accordance with the standards and requirements specified 
in paragraph (b)(6)(iv)(J)(2) of this section.

[[Page 852]]

    (xi) No-discard provision and DAS flips. A vessel fishing in the CA 
II Yellowtail Flounder/Haddock SAP under a NE multispecies DAS or on a 
sector trip may not discard legal-sized regulated NE multispecies, 
unless the possession of the species is prohibited pursuant to Sec. 
648.86, or unless otherwise specified in this paragraph (b)(3)(xi). A 
vessel may discard Atlantic halibut exceeding the one fish per trip 
possession limit. If a vessel fishing in the CA II Yellowtail Flounder/
Haddock SAP exceeds an applicable trip limit, the vessel must exit the 
SAP. If a common pool vessel operator fishing in the CA II Yellowtail 
Flounder/Haddock SAP under a Category B DAS harvests and brings on board 
more legal-sized regulated NE multispecies or Atlantic halibut than the 
maximum landing limits allowed per trip, as specified in paragraph 
(b)(3)(iv) or (viii) of this section, or in Sec. 648.86, the vessel 
operator must immediately notify NMFS via VMS to initiate a DAS flip 
(from a Category B DAS to a Category A DAS). Once this notification has 
been received by NMFS, the vessel's entire trip will accrue as a 
Category A DAS trip. For a vessel that notifies NMFS of a DAS flip, the 
Category B DAS that have accrued between the time the vessel started 
accruing Category B DAS (i.e., either at the beginning of the trip, or 
at the time the vessel crossed into the Eastern U.S./Canada Area) and 
the time the vessel declared its DAS flip shall be accrued as Category A 
DAS, and not Category B DAS.
    (xii) Minimum Category A DAS. For vessels fishing under a Category B 
DAS, the number of Category B DAS that can be used on a trip cannot 
exceed the number of available Category A DAS the vessel has at the 
start of the trip.
    (xiii) Catch distribution. All catch of GB haddock from vessels 
declared into the CA II Yellowtail Flounder/Haddock SAP shall be applied 
against the Eastern GB haddock TAC, as specified in paragraph (a)(2) of 
this section, for either common pool vessels or individual approved 
sectors.
    (4) [Reserved]
    (5) Incidental Catch TACs. Unless otherwise specified in this 
paragraph (b)(5), Incidental Catch TACs shall be based upon the portion 
of the ACL for a stock specified for the common pool vessels pursuant to 
Sec. 648.90(a)(4), and allocated as described in this paragraph (b)(5), 
for each of the following stocks: GOM cod, GB cod, GB yellowtail 
flounder, CC/GOM yellowtail flounder, American plaice, SNE/MA winter 
flounder, and witch flounder. Because GB yellowtail flounder and GB cod 
are transboundary stocks, the incidental catch TACs for these stocks 
shall be based upon the common pool portion of the ACL available to U.S. 
vessels. NMFS shall send letters to limited access NE multispecies 
permit holders notifying them of such TACs.
    (i) Stocks other than GB cod and GB yellowtail flounder. With the 
exception of GB cod and GB yellowtail flounder, 100 percent of the 
Incidental Catch TACs specified in this paragraph (b)(5) shall be 
allocated to the Regular B DAS Program described in paragraph (b)(6) of 
this section.
    (ii) GB cod. The Incidental Catch TAC for GB cod specified in this 
paragraph (b)(5) shall be subdivided as follows: 60 percent to the 
Regular B DAS Program described in paragraph (b)(6) of this section and 
40 percent to the Eastern U.S./Canada Haddock SAP described in paragraph 
(b)(7) of this section.
    (iii) GB yellowtail flounder. The Incidental Catch TAC for GB 
yellowtail flounder specified in this paragraph (b)(5) shall be 
subdivided as follows: 50 percent to the Regular B DAS Program described 
in paragraph (b)(6) of this section and 50 percent to the Eastern U.S./
Canada Haddock SAP described in paragraph (b)(8) of this section.
    (6) Regular B DAS Pilot Program--(i) Eligibility. Vessels issued a 
valid limited access NE multispecies DAS permit and allocated Regular B 
DAS are eligible to participate in the Regular B DAS Program, and may 
elect to fish under a Regular B DAS, provided they comply with the 
requirements and restrictions of this paragraph (b)(6), and provided the 
use of Regular B DAS is not restricted according to paragraphs 
(b)(6)(iv)(G) or (H), or paragraph (b)(6)(vi) of this section. Vessels 
are required to comply with the no discarding and DAS flip requirements 
specified in paragraph (b)(6)(iv)(E) of this section, and the DAS 
balance and

[[Page 853]]

accrual requirements specified in paragraph (b)(6)(iv)(F) of this 
section. Vessels may fish under the B Regular DAS Program and in the 
U.S./Canada Management Area on the same trip, but may not fish under the 
Regular B DAS Program and in a SAP on the same trip.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (iii) Quarterly Incidental Catch TACs. The Incidental Catch TACs 
specified in accordance with paragraph (b)(5) of this section shall be 
divided into quarterly catch TACs as follows: The first quarter shall 
receive 13 percent of the Incidental Catch TACs and the remaining 
quarters shall each receive 29 percent of the Incidental Catch TACs. 
NMFS shall send letters to all limited access NE multispecies permit 
holders notifying them of such TACs.
    (iv) Program requirements--(A) VMS requirement. A NE multispecies 
DAS vessel fishing in the Regular B DAS Program described in paragraph 
(b)(6)(i) of this section must have installed on board an operational 
VMS unit that meets the minimum performance criteria specified in 
Sec. Sec. 648.9 and 648.10.
    (B) Observer notification. For the purposes of selecting vessels for 
observer deployment, a vessel must provide notice to NMFS of the vessel 
name; contact name for coordination of observer deployment; telephone 
number for contact; the date, time, and port of departure; and the 
planned fishing area or areas (GOM, GB, or SNE/MA) at least 48 hr prior 
to the beginning of any trip declared into the Regular B DAS Program as 
required by paragraph (b)(6)(iv)(C) of this section, and in accordance 
with the Regional Administrator's instructions. Providing notice of the 
area that the vessel intends to fish does not restrict the vessel's 
activity on that trip to that area only (i.e., the vessel operator may 
change his/her plans regarding planned fishing areas).
    (C) VMS declaration. To participate in the Regular B DAS Program 
under a Regular B DAS, a vessel must declare into the Program via VMS 
prior to departure from port, in accordance with instructions provided 
by the Regional Administrator. A vessel declared into the Regular B DAS 
Program cannot fish in an approved SAP described under this section on 
the same trip. Mere declaration of a Regular B DAS Program trip does not 
reserve a vessel's right to fish under the Program, if the vessel has 
not crossed the VMS demarcation line.
    (D) Landing limits. Unless otherwise specified in this paragraph 
(b)(6)(iv)(D), or restricted pursuant to Sec. 648.86, a NE multispecies 
vessel fishing in the Regular B DAS Program described in this paragraph 
(b)(6), and fishing under a Regular B DAS, may not land more than 100 lb 
(45.5 kg) per DAS, or any part of a DAS, up to a maximum of 1,000 lb 
(454 kg) per trip, of any of the following species/stocks from the areas 
specified in paragraph (b)(6)(v) of this section: Cod (both GOM and GB), 
American plaice, witch flounder, SNE/MA winter flounder, and GB 
yellowtail flounder; and may not land more than 25 lb (11.3 kg) per DAS, 
or any part of a DAS, up to a maximum of 250 lb (113 kg) per trip of CC/
GOM yellowtail flounder. In addition, trawl vessels, which are required 
to fish with a haddock separator trawl, as specified in paragraph 
(a)(3)(iii)(A) of this section, or a Ruhle trawl, as specified in 
paragraph (b)(6)(iv)(J) of this section, and other gear that may be 
required in order to reduce catches of stocks of concern as described in 
paragraph (b)(6)(iv)(J) of this section, are restricted to the trip 
limits specified in paragraph (e) of this section.
    (E) No-discard provision and DAS flips. A vessel fishing in the 
Regular B DAS Program under a Regular B DAS may not discard legal-sized 
regulated species, ocean pout, or monkfish. This prohibition on 
discarding does not apply in areas or times where the possession or 
landing of regulated species or ocean pout is prohibited, as specified 
in Sec. Sec. 648.85 and 648.86. If such a vessel harvests and brings on 
board legal-sized regulated species or ocean pout in excess of the 
allowable landing limits specified in paragraph (b)(6)(iv)(D) of this 
section or Sec. 648.86, the vessel operator must notify NMFS 
immediately via VMS to initiate a DAS flip from a B DAS to an A DAS. 
Once this notification has been received by NMFS, the vessel shall 
automatically be switched by NMFS to fishing under a Category A DAS for 
its entire fishing trip. Thus,

[[Page 854]]

any Category B DAS that accrued between the time the vessel declared 
into the Regular B DAS Program at the beginning of the trip (i.e., at 
the time the vessel crossed the demarcation line at the beginning of the 
trip) and the time the vessel declared its DAS flip shall be accrued as 
Category A DAS, and not Regular B DAS. After flipping to a Category A 
DAS, the vessel is subject to the applicable trip limits specified in 
Sec. 648.85(a) or Sec. 648.86 and may discard fish in excess of the 
applicable trip limits.
    (F) Minimum Category A DAS and B DAS accrual. For a vessel fishing 
under the Regular B DAS Program, the number of Regular B DAS that may be 
used on a trip cannot exceed the number of Category A DAS that the 
vessel has at the start of the trip. If a vessel is fishing in an area 
subject to differential DAS counting pursuant to Sec. 648.82(n)(1), the 
number of Regular B DAS that may be used on a trip cannot exceed the 
number of Category A DAS that the vessel has at the start of the trip 
divided by the applicable differential DAS counting factor specified in 
Sec. 648.82(n)(1)(ii). For example, if a vessel plans a trip under the 
Regular B DAS Program in the Inshore GOM Differential DAS Area during a 
fishing year in which the area is subject to a differential DAS counting 
factor of 1.2, and the vessel has 10 Category A DAS available at the 
start of the trip, the maximum number of Regular B DAS that the vessel 
may fish under the Regular B Program is 8 (10 divided by 1.2 = 8.33, but 
since Regular B DAS are charged in 24-hr intervals, 8 Regular B DAS is 
the maximum that can be used for this trip). A vessel fishing in the 
Regular B DAS Program for its entire trip shall accrue DAS in accordance 
with Sec. 648.82(e)(1).
    (G) Restrictions when 100 percent of the incidental catch TAC is 
harvested. With the exception of white hake, when the Regional 
Administrator provides notification through rulemaking consistent with 
the Administrative Procedure Act, that 100 percent of one or more of 
quarterly incidental TACs specified under paragraph (b)(6)(iii) of this 
section has projected to have been harvested, the use of Regular B DAS 
shall be prohibited in the pertinent stock area(s) as defined under 
paragraph (b)(6)(v) of this section for the duration of the calendar 
quarter. The closure of a stock area to all Regular B DAS use will occur 
even if the quarterly incidental catch TACs for other stocks in that 
stock area have not been completely harvested. When the Regional 
Administrator projects that 100 percent of the quarterly white hake 
incidental catch TAC specified under paragraph (b)(6)(iii) of this 
section has been harvested, vessels fishing under a Regular B DAS, or 
that complete a trip under a Regular B DAS, will be prohibited from 
retaining white hake.
    (H) Closure of Regular B DAS Program and quarterly DAS limits. 
Unless otherwise closed as a result of the harvest of an Incidental 
Catch TAC as described in paragraph (b)(6)(iv)(G) of this section, or as 
a result of an action by the Regional Administrator under paragraph 
(b)(6)(vi) of this section, the use of Regular B DAS shall, in a manner 
consistent with the Administrative Procedure Act, be prohibited when 500 
Regular B DAS have been used during the first quarter of the fishing 
year (May-July), or when 1,000 Regular B DAS have been used during any 
of the remaining quarters of the fishing year, in accordance with Sec. 
648.82(e)(1).
    (I) Reporting requirements. The owner or operator of a NE 
multispecies DAS vessel must submit catch reports via VMS in accordance 
with instructions provided by the Regional Administrator, for each day 
fished when declared into the Regular B DAS Program. The reports must be 
submitted in 24-hr intervals for each day, beginning at 0000 hr and 
ending at 2359 hr. The reports must be submitted by 0900 hr of the 
following day. For vessels that have declared into the Regular B DAS 
Program in accordance with paragraph (b)(6)(iv)(C) of this section, the 
reports must include at least the following information: VTR serial 
number or other universal ID specified by the Regional Administrator; 
date fish were caught; statistical area fished; and the total pounds of 
cod, haddock, yellowtail flounder, winter flounder, witch flounder, 
pollock, American plaice, redfish, Atlantic halibut, and white hake kept 
in each statistical

[[Page 855]]

area (in pounds, live weight), as instructed by the Regional 
Administrator. Daily reporting must continue even if the vessel operator 
is required to flip, as described in paragraph (b)(6)(iv)(E) of this 
section.
    (J) Gear requirement. (1) Vessels fishing with trawl gear in the 
Regular B DAS Program must use the haddock separator trawl or Ruhle 
trawl, as described in paragraphs (a)(3)(iii)(A) and (b)(6)(iv)(J)(3) of 
this section, respectively, or other type of gear if approved as 
described in this paragraph (b)(6)(iv)(J). When the vessel is fishing 
under the Regular B DAS Program other gear may be on board provided it 
is stowed and not available for immediate use as defined in Sec. 648.2.
    (2) Approval of additional gear. At the request of the Council or 
the Council's Executive Committee, the Regional Administrator may 
authorize additional gear for use in the Regular B DAS Program, through 
notice consistent with the Administrative Procedure Act. The proposed 
gear must satisfy standards specified in paragraph (b)(6)(iv)(J)(2)(i) 
or (ii) of this section in a completed experiment that has been reviewed 
according to the standards established by the Council's research policy 
before the gear can be considered and approved by the Regional 
Administrator. Comparisons of the criteria specified in this paragraph 
(b)(6)(iv)(J)(2) will be made to an appropriately selected control gear.
    (i) The gear must show a statistically significant reduction in 
catch of at least 50 percent (by weight, on a trip-by-trip basis) of 
each regulated species stock of concern, unless otherwise allowed in 
this paragraph (b)(6)(iv)(J)(2)(i), or other non-groundfish stocks that 
are overfished or subject to overfishing identified by the Council. This 
requirement does not apply to regulated species identified by the 
Council as not being subject to gear performance standards; or
    (ii) The catch of each regulated species stock of concern, unless 
otherwise allowed in this paragraph (b)(6)(iv)(J)(2)(ii), or other non-
groundfish stocks that are overfished or subject to overfishing 
identified by the Council, must be less than 5 percent of the total 
catch of regulated groundfish (by weight, on a trip-by-trip basis). This 
requirement does not apply to regulated species identified by the 
Council as not being subject to gear performance standards.
    (iii) The Council may recommend to the Regional Administrator an 
addition or modification to the gear standards specified in paragraph 
(b)(6)(iv)(J)(2)(i) or (ii) of this section, and the Regional 
Administrator may approve the Council's recommendation in a manner 
consistent with the Administrative Procedure Act. If the Regional 
Administrator does not approve an addition or modification to the gear 
standards as recommended by the Council, NMFS must provide a written 
rationale to the Council regarding its decision not to do so.
    (3) Ruhle Trawl. The Ruhle Trawl is a four-seam bottom groundfish 
trawl designed to reduce the bycatch of cod while retaining or 
increasing the catch of haddock, when compared to traditional groundfish 
trawls. A Ruhle Trawl must be constructed in accordance with the 
standards described and referenced in this paragraph Sec. 
648.85(b)(6)(iv)(J)(3). The mesh size of a particular section of the 
Ruhle Trawl is measured in accordance with Sec. 648.80(f)(2), unless 
insufficient numbers of mesh exist, in which case the maximum total 
number of meshes in the section will be measured (between 2 and 20 
meshes).
    (i) The net must be constructed with four seams (i.e., a net with a 
top and bottom panel and two side panels), and include at least the 
following net sections as depicted in Figure 1 of this part (this figure 
is also available from the Administrator, Northeast Region): Top jib, 
bottom jib, jib side panels ( x 2), top wing, bottom wing, wing side 
panels ( x 2), bunt, square, square side panels ( x 2), first top belly, 
first bottom belly, first belly side panels ( x 2), and second bottom 
belly.
    (ii) The top and bottom jibs, jib side panels, top and bottom wings, 
and wing side panels, bunt, and first bottom belly (the first bottom 
belly and all portions of the net in front of the first bottom belly, 
with the exception of the square and the square side panels) must be at 
least two meshes long in the fore and aft direction. For these

[[Page 856]]

net sections, the stretched length of any single mesh must be at least 
7.9 ft (240 cm), measured in a straight line from knot to knot.
    (iii) Mesh size in all other sections must be consistent with mesh 
size requirements specified under Sec. 648.80 and meet the following 
minimum specifications: Each mesh in the square, square side panels, and 
second bottom belly must be 31.5 inches (80 cm); each mesh in the first 
top belly, and first belly side panels must be at least 7.9 inches (20 
cm); and 6 inches (15.24 cm) or larger in sections following the first 
top belly and second bottom belly sections, all the way to the codend. 
The mesh size requirements of the top sections apply to the side panel 
sections.
    (iv) The trawl must have at least 15 meshes (240 cm each) at the 
wide end of the first bottom belly, excluding the gore.
    (v) The trawl must have a single or multiple kite panels with a 
total surface area of at least 19.3 sq. ft. (1.8 sq. m) on the forward 
end of the square to help maximize headrope height, for the purpose of 
capturing rising fish. A kite panel is a flat structure, usually semi-
flexible, used to modify the shape of trawl and mesh openings by 
providing lift when a trawl is moving through the water.
    (4) Mesh size. An eligible vessel fishing in the Regular B DAS 
Program within the GB Cod Stock Area as defined in paragraph 
(b)(6)(v)(B) of this section pursuant to paragraph (b)(6) of this 
section must use trawl gear described in this paragraph (b)(6)(iv)(J) 
with a minimum codend mesh size of 6-inch (15.24-cm) square or diamond 
mesh.
    (v) Definition of stock areas. The species stock areas associated 
with the incidental catch TACs for the Regular B DAS Program are defined 
in paragraphs (b)(6)(v)(A) through (K) of this section. Where specified, 
these areas also identify stock areas applicable for trip limits 
specified in Sec. 648.86 and for determining areas applicable to sector 
allocations of ACE pursuant to Sec. 648.87(b). Copies of a chart 
depicting these areas are available from the Regional Administrator upon 
request.
    (A) GOM cod stock area. The GOM cod stock area, for the purposes of 
the Regular B DAS Program and determining areas applicable to sector 
allocations of ACE pursuant to Sec. 648.87(b), is defined as the area 
bounded on the north and west by the coastline of the United States, on 
the east by the U.S./Canadian maritime boundary, and on the south by 
straight lines connecting the following points in the order stated:

                           GOM Cod Stock Area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Point                   N. latitude         W. longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOM1...........................  (\1\)                70[deg]00[min]
GOM2...........................  42[deg]20[min]       70[deg]00[min]
GOM3...........................  42[deg]20[min]       67[deg]40[min]
GOM4...........................  (\2\)                67[deg]40[min]
GOM5...........................  (\3\)                67[deg]40[min]
GOM6...........................  43[deg]50[min]       67[deg]40[min]
GOM7...........................  43[deg]50[min]       (\4\)
GOM8...........................  (\4\)                67[deg]00[min]
GOM9...........................  (\5\)                67[deg]00[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Intersection of the north-facing coastline of Cape Cod, MA, and
  70[deg]00[min] W. long.
\2\ U.S./Canada maritime boundary (southern intersection with
  67[deg]40[min] W. long.).
\3\ U.S./Canada maritime boundary (northern intersection with
  67[deg]40[min] W. long.).
\4\ U.S./Canada maritime boundary.
\5\ Intersection of the south-facing ME coastline and 67[deg]00[min] W.
  long.

    (B) GB cod stock area. The GB cod stock area, for the purposes of 
the Regular B DAS Program and determining areas applicable to sector 
allocations of ACE pursuant to Sec. 648.87(b), is the area defined by 
straight lines connecting the following points in the order stated:

                            GB Cod Stock Area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Point                   N. latitude         W. longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
GB1............................  (\1\)                70[deg]00[min]
GB2............................  42[deg]20[min]       70[deg]00[min]
GB3............................  42[deg]20[min]       (\2\)
GB4............................  35[deg]00[min]       (\2\)
GB5............................  35[deg]00[min]       (\3\)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Intersection of the north-facing coastline of Cape Cod, MA, and
  70[deg]00[min] W. long.
\2\ U.S./Canada maritime boundary.
\3\ Intersection of the east-facing coastline of Outer Banks, NC, and
  35[deg]00[min] N. lat.

    (C) CC/GOM yellowtail flounder stock area. For the purposes of the 
Regular B DAS Program, the CC/GOM yellowtail flounder stock area is the 
area defined by straight lines connecting the following points in the 
order stated:

                  CC/GOM Yellowtail Flounder Stock Area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Point                   N. latitude         W. longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CCGOM 1........................  43[deg]00[min]       (\1\)
CCGOM 2........................  43[deg]00[min]       70[deg]00[min]

[[Page 857]]

 
CCGOM 3........................  42[deg]30[min]       70[deg]00[min]
CCGOM 4........................  42[deg]30[min]       69[deg]30[min]
CCGOM 5........................  41[deg]30[min]       69[deg]30[min]
CCGOM 6........................  41[deg]30[min]       69[deg]00[min]
CCGOM 7........................  41[deg]00[min]       69[deg]00[min]
CCGOM 8........................  41[deg]00[min]       69[deg]30[min]
CCGOM 5........................  41[deg]30[min]       69[deg]30[min]
CCGOM 9........................  41[deg]30[min]       70[deg]00[min]
CCGOM 10.......................  (\2\)                70[deg]00[min]
CCGOM 11.......................  42[deg]00[min]       70[deg]00[min]
CCGOM 12.......................  42[deg]00[min]       (\3\)
CCGOM 13.......................  42[deg]00[min]       (\4\)
CCGOM 14.......................  42[deg]00[min]       (\5\)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Intersection with the NH coastline.
\2\ Intersection of the south-facing shoreline of Cape Cod, MA.
\3\ Intersection with the east-facing shoreline of Cape Cod, MA.
\4\ Intersection with the west-facing shoreline of Cape Cod, MA.
\5\ Intersection with the east-facing shoreline of Massachusetts.

    (D) American plaice stock area. The American plaice stock area, for 
the purposes of the Regular B DAS Program and determining areas 
applicable to sector allocations of ACE pursuant to Sec. 648.87(b), is 
the area defined by straight lines connecting the following points in 
the order stated:

                       American Plaice Stock Area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Point                   N. latitude         W. longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMP1...........................  (\1\)                67[deg]00[min]
AMP2...........................  (\2\)                67[deg]00[min]
AMP3...........................  43[deg]50[min]       (\2\)
AMP4...........................  43[deg]50[min]       67[deg]40[min]
AMP5...........................  (\3\)                67[deg]40[min]
AMP6...........................  (\4\)                67[deg]40[min]
AMP7...........................  42[deg]30[min]       67[deg]40[min]
AMP8...........................  42[deg]30[min]       (\2\)
AMP9...........................  35[deg]00[min]       (\2\)
AMP10..........................  35[deg]00[min]       (\5\)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Intersection of south-facing ME coastline and 67[deg]00[min] W.
  long.
\2\ U.S./Canada maritime boundary.
\3\ U.S./Canada maritime boundary (northern intersection with
  67[deg]40[min] N. lat.).
\4\ U.S./Canada maritime boundary (southern intersection with
  67[deg]40[min] N. lat.)
\5\ Intersection of east-facing coastline of Outer Banks, NC, and
  35[deg]00[min] N. lat.

    (E) SNE/MA yellowtail flounder stock area. For the purposes of the 
Regular B DAS Program, the SNE/MA stock area is the area bounded on the 
north, east, and south by straight lines connecting the following points 
in the order stated:

                  SNE/MA Yellowtail Flounder Stock Area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Point                   N. latitude         W. longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
SNEMA1.........................  40[deg]00[min]       74[deg]00[min]
SNEMA2.........................  40[deg]00[min]       72[deg]00[min]
SNEMA3.........................  40[deg]30[min]       72[deg]00[min]
SNEMA4.........................  40[deg]30[min]       69[deg]30[min]
SNEMA5.........................  41[deg]10[min]       69[deg]30[min]
SNEMA6.........................  41[deg]10[min]       69[deg]50[min]
SNEMA7.........................  41[deg]20[min]       69[deg]50[min]
SNEMA8.........................  41[deg]20[min]       (\1\)
SNEMA9.........................  (\2\)                70[deg]00[min]
SNEMA10........................  41[deg]00[min]       70[deg]00[min]
SNEMA11........................  41[deg]00[min]       70[deg]30[min]
SNEMA12........................  (\3\)                70[deg]30[min]
SNEMA13........................  (\4\)                72[deg]00[min]
SNEMA14........................  (\5\)                72[deg]00[min]
SNEMA15........................  (\6\)                73[deg]00[min]
SNEMA16........................  40[deg]30[min]       73[deg]00[min]
SNEMA17........................  40[deg]30[min]       74[deg]00[min]
SNEMA1.........................  40[deg]00[min]       74[deg]00[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ East-facing shoreline of Nantucket, MA.
\2\ South-facing shoreline of Nantucket, MA.
\3\ Intersection of the south-facing shoreline of Cape Cod, MA.
\4\ South-facing shoreline of CT.
\5\ North-facing shoreline of Long Island, NY.
\6\ South-facing shoreline of Long Island, NY.

    (F) SNE/MA winter flounder stock area. The SNE winter flounder stock 
area, for the purposes of the Regular B DAS Program and identifying 
stock areas for trip limits specified in Sec. Sec. 648.86 and 648.89 is 
the area defined by straight lines connecting the following points in 
the order stated:

                    SNE/MA Winter Flounder Stock Area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Point                   N. latitude         W. longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1..............................  (\1\)                70[deg]00[min]
2..............................  42[deg]20[min]       70[deg]00[min]
3..............................  42[deg]20[min]       68[deg]50[min]
4..............................  39[deg]50[min]       68[deg]50[min]
5..............................  39[deg]50[min]       69[deg]00[min]
6..............................  39[deg]00[min]       69[deg]00[min]
7..............................  39[deg]00[min]       (\2\)
8..............................  35[deg]00[min]       (\2\)
9..............................  35[deg]00[min]       (\3\)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Intersection of the north-facing Coastline of Cape Cod, MA, and
  70[deg]00[min] W. long.
\2\ U.S./Canada maritime boundary.
\3\ The intersection of the east-facing coastline of Outer Banks, NC,
  and 35[deg]00[min] N. lat.

    (G) Witch flounder stock area. The witch flounder stock area, for 
the purposes of the Regular B DAS Program and determining areas 
applicable to sector allocations of ACE pursuant to Sec. 648.87(b), is 
the area bounded on the north and west by the coastline of the United 
States, bounded on the south and east by a line running east from the 
intersection of the east-facing coastline of Outer Banks, NC, at 
35[deg]00[min] N. lat. to the boundary of the EEZ, and

[[Page 858]]

running northward to the U.S.-Canada border.
    (H) GB yellowtail flounder stock area. The GB yellowtail flounder 
stock area, for the purposes of the Regular B DAS Program, identifying 
stock areas for trip limits specified in Sec. 648.86, and determining 
areas applicable to sector allocations of ACE pursuant to Sec. 
648.87(b), is the area bounded by straight lines connecting the 
following points in the order stated:

                    GB Yellowtail Flounder Stock Area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Point                   N. latitude         W. longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
USCA1..........................  42[deg]20[min]       68[deg]50[min]
USCA16.........................  42[deg]20[min]       (\1\)
USCA5..........................  39[deg]00[min]       (\1\)
USCA17.........................  39[deg]00[min]       69[deg]00[min]
USCA18.........................  39[deg]50[min]       69[deg]00[min]
USCA2..........................  39[deg]50[min]       68[deg]50[min]
USCA1..........................  42[deg]20[min]       68[deg]50[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ U.S./Canada maritime boundary.

    (I) GB winter flounder stock area. The GB winter flounder stock 
area, for the purposes of the Regular B DAS Program, identifying stock 
areas for trip limits specified in Sec. 648.86, and determining areas 
applicable to sector allocations of ACE pursuant to Sec. 648.87(b), is 
the area bounded by straight lines connecting the following points in 
the order stated:

                      GB Winter Flounder Stock Area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Point                   N. latitude         W. longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
USCA1..........................  42[deg]20[min]       68[deg]50[min]
USCA16.........................  42[deg]20[min]       (\1\)
USCA5..........................  39[deg]00[min]       (\1\)
USCA17.........................  39[deg]00[min]       69[deg]00[min]
USCA18.........................  39[deg]50[min]       69[deg]00[min]
USCA2..........................  39[deg]50[min]       68[deg]50[min]
USCA1..........................  42[deg]20[min]       68[deg]50[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ U.S./Canada maritime boundary.

    (J) White hake stock area. The white hake stock area, for the 
purposes of the Regular B DAS Program, identifying stock areas for trip 
limits specified in Sec. 648.86, and determining areas applicable to 
sector allocations of ACE pursuant to Sec. 648.87(b), is the area 
bounded on the north and west by the coastline of the United States, 
bounded on the south and east by a line running east from the 
intersection of the east-facing coastline of Outer Banks, NC, at 
35[deg]00[min] N. lat. to the boundary of the EEZ, and running northward 
to the U.S.-Canada border.
    (K) Pollock stock area. The pollock stock area, for the purposes of 
the Regular B DAS Program and determining areas applicable to sector 
allocations of ACE pursuant to Sec. 648.87(b), is the area defined by 
straight lines connecting the following points in the order stated:

                           Pollock Stock Area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Point                   N. latitude         W. longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
P1.............................  (\1\)                67[deg]00[min]
P2.............................  (\2\)                67[deg]00[min]
P3.............................  43[deg]50[min]       (\2\)
P4.............................  43[deg]50[min]       67[deg]40[min]
P5.............................  (\3\)                67[deg]40[min]
P6.............................  (\4\)                67[deg]40[min]
P7.............................  42[deg]30[min]       67[deg]40[min]
P8.............................  42[deg]30[min]       (\2\)
P9.............................  35[deg]00[min]       (\2\)
P10............................  35[deg]00[min]       (\5\)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Intersection of south-facing ME coastline and 67[deg]00[min] W.
  long.
\2\ U.S./Canada maritime boundary.
\3\ U.S./Canada maritime boundary (northern intersection with
  67[deg]40[min] N. lat.).
\4\ U.S./Canada maritime boundary (southern intersection with
  67[deg]40[min] N. lat.).
\5\ Intersection of east-facing coastline of Outer Banks, NC, and
  35[deg]00[min] N. lat.

    (vi) Closure of the Regular B DAS Program. The Regional 
Administrator, based upon information required under Sec. Sec. 648.7, 
648.9, 648.10, or 648.85, and any other relevant information may, in a 
manner consistent with the Administrative Procedure Act, prohibit the 
use of Regular B DAS for the duration of a quarter or fishing year, if 
it is projected that continuation of the Regular B DAS Program would 
undermine the achievement of the objectives of the FMP or Regular B DAS 
Program. Reasons for terminating the program include, but are not 
limited to the following: Inability to constrain catches to the 
Incidental Catch TACs; evidence of excessive discarding; a significant 
difference in flipping rates between observed and unobserved trips; or 
insufficient observer coverage to adequately monitor the program.
    (7) Eastern U.S./Canada Haddock SAP--(i) Eligibility. A vessel 
issued a valid limited access NE multispecies permit and fishing with 
trawl gear as specified in paragraph (b)(8)(v)(E) of this section while 
operating under a NE multispecies DAS or on a sector trip, provided the 
sector to which the vessel belongs has been allocated ACE

[[Page 859]]

for all stocks caught within the Eastern U.S./Canada Area pursuant to 
Sec. 648.87(b)(1)(i), is eligible to participate in the Eastern U.S./
Canada Haddock SAP and may fish in the Eastern U.S./Canada Haddock SAP 
Area, as described in paragraph (b)(8)(ii) of this section, during the 
season specified in paragraph (b)(8)(iv) of this section, provided such 
vessel complies with the requirements of this section and provided the 
SAP is not closed according to the provisions specified in paragraph 
(b)(8)(v)(K) or (L) of this section, the Eastern U.S./Canada Area is not 
closed as described under paragraph (a)(3)(iv)(E) of this section, or 
the sector to which the vessel belongs no longer has ACE available for 
all stocks caught within the Eastern U.S./Canada Area pursuant to Sec. 
648.87(b)(1)(i).
    (ii) Eastern U.S./Canada Haddock SAP Area. The Eastern U.S./Canada 
Haddock SAP Area is the area defined by straight lines connecting the 
following points in the order stated:

                  Eastern U.S./Canada Haddock SAP Area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Point                      N. Lat.          W. Long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CAII3.................................  42[deg] 22[min]  67[deg] 20[min]
                                                                  \(1)\
SAP1..................................  42[deg] 20[min]  67[deg] 20[min]
SAP2..................................  42[deg] 20[min]  67[deg] 40[min]
SAP3..................................  41[deg] 10[min]  67[deg] 40[min]
SAP4..................................  41[deg] 10[min]  67[deg] 20[min]
SAP5..................................  42[deg] 10[min]  67[deg] 20[min]
SAP6..................................  42[deg] 10[min]  67[deg] 10[min]
CAII3.................................  42[deg] 22[min]  67[deg] 20[min]
                                                                 \(1)\
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\(1)\ U.S./Canada maritime boundary.

    (iii) [Reserved]
    (iv) Season. An eligible vessel may fish in the Eastern U.S./Canada 
Haddock SAP from August 1 through December 31.
    (v) Program restrictions--(A) Area and DAS use restrictions. A 
common pool vessel fishing under a NE multispecies DAS in the Eastern 
U.S./Canada Haddock SAP may elect to fish under a Category A or Category 
B DAS in accordance with Sec. 648.82(d)(2), or in multiple areas in 
accordance with the restrictions of this paragraph (b)(8)(v)(A). A 
vessel on a sector trip in the Eastern U.S./Canada Haddock SAP may elect 
to fish in multiple areas in accordance with the restrictions of this 
paragraph (b)(8)(v)(A).
    (1) If fishing under a Category B DAS, a vessel is required to 
comply with the no discarding and DAS flip requirements specified in 
paragraph (b)(8)(v)(I) of this section, and the minimum Category A DAS 
requirements of paragraph (b)(8)(v)(J) of this section.
    (2) A vessel that is declared into the Eastern U.S./Canada Haddock 
SAP described in paragraph (b)(8)(i) of this section may fish, on the 
same trip, in the Eastern U.S./Canada Haddock SAP Area and in the Closed 
Area II Yellowtail Flounder/Haddock SAP Area, as described in paragraph 
(b)(3)(ii) of this section, and, for common pool vessels fishing a NE 
multispecies DAS, while under either a Category A DAS or a Category B 
DAS.
    (3) A vessel may choose, on the same trip, to fish in either/both 
the Eastern U.S./Canada Haddock SAP Program and the Closed Area II 
Yellowtail Flounder/Haddock SAP Area, and in the portion of the Eastern 
U.S./Canada Area described in paragraph (a)(1)(ii) of this section that 
lies outside of these two SAPs, provided a common pool vessel fishes 
under a Category A DAS and all eligible vessels comply with the VMS 
restrictions of paragraph (b)(8)(v)(D) of this section. Such a vessel 
may also elect to fish outside of the Eastern U.S./Canada Area on the 
same trip, in accordance with the restrictions of paragraph 
(a)(3)(ii)(A) of this section.
    (4) A common pool vessel fishing under a NE multispecies DAS that 
elects to fish in multiple areas, as described in this paragraph 
(b)(8)(v)(A), must fish under the most restrictive DAS counting 
requirements specified in Sec. 648.10(e)(5), trip limits, and reporting 
requirements of the areas fished for the entire trip. A vessel on a 
sector trip that elects to fish in multiple areas, as described in this 
paragraph (b)(8)(v)(A), must comply with the most restrictive reporting 
requirements of the areas fished for the entire trip, unless otherwise 
specified by the Regional Administrator in a manner consistent with the 
Administrative Procedure Act.
    (B) VMS requirement. A vessel issued a limited access NE 
multispecies permit fishing in the Eastern U.S./Canada Haddock SAP 
Program specified in paragraph (b)(8)(i) of this section must have 
installed on board an operational

[[Page 860]]

VMS unit that meets the minimum performance criteria specified in 
Sec. Sec. 648.9 and 648.10.
    (C) Observer notifications. For the purpose of selecting vessels for 
observer deployment, a vessel must provide notice to NMFS of the vessel 
name; contact name for coordination of observer deployment; telephone 
number for contact; areas to be fished; and date, time, and port of 
departure at least 48 hours prior to the beginning of any trip that it 
declares into the Eastern U.S./Canada Haddock SAP Program specified in 
paragraph (b)(8)(i) of this section, as required under paragraph 
(b)(8)(v)(D) of this section, and in accordance with instructions 
provided by the Regional Administrator.
    (D) VMS declaration. To fish in the Eastern U.S./Canada Haddock SAP, 
a vessel issued a limited access NE multispecies permit must declare 
into the SAP via VMS and provide information on the areas within the 
Eastern U.S./Canada Area that it intends to fish and the type of DAS 
(Category A, Regular B, or Reserve B) that it intends to fish, if 
operating under the provisions of the common pool, prior to departure 
from port, in accordance with paragraph (b)(8)(v)(A) of this section and 
any instructions provided by the Regional Administrator.
    (E) Gear requirement--(1) Unless otherwise specified in this 
paragraph (b)(8)(v)(E)(1), a vessel issued a limited access NE 
multispecies permit fishing in the Eastern U.S./Canada Haddock SAP must 
use the haddock separator trawl or the Ruhle Trawl, as described in 
paragraphs (a)(3)(iii)(A) and (b)(6)(iv)(J)(3) of this section, 
respectively, or another type of gear, if approved as described in this 
paragraph (b)(8)(v)(E). A vessel on a sector trip in the Eastern U.S./
Canada Haddock SAP is not restricted to only using the haddock separator 
trawl or the Ruhle trawl, but may use any gear authorized in paragraph 
(a)(3)(iii) of this section, unless otherwise restricted by a sector 
operations plan approved pursuant to Sec. 648.87(c). Other gear may be 
on board the vessel when on a trip in the Eastern U.S./Canada Haddock 
SAP, provided that the gear is stowed and not available for immediate 
use as defined in Sec. 648.2.
    (2) Approval of additional gear. The Regional Administrator may 
authorize additional gear for use in the Eastern U.S./Canada Haddock SAP 
in accordance with the standards and requirements specified at Sec. 
648.85(b)(6)(iv)(J)(2).
    (F) Landing limits. Unless otherwise restricted under this part, a 
vessel fishing any portion of a trip in the Eastern U.S./Canada Haddock 
SAP under a NE multispecies DAS may not fish for, possess, or land more 
than 1,000 lb (453.6 kg) of cod, per trip, regardless of trip length. A 
common pool vessel fishing in the Eastern U.S./Canada Haddock SAP under 
a NE multispecies DAS is subject to the haddock requirements described 
in Sec. 648.86(a), unless further restricted under paragraph (a)(3)(iv) 
of this section. A common pool vessel fishing in the Eastern U.S./Canada 
Haddock SAP may not land more than 100 lb (45.5 kg) per DAS, or any part 
of a DAS, of GB yellowtail flounder, up to a maximum of 500 lb (227 kg) 
of all flatfish species, combined. Possession of monkfish (whole weight) 
and skates (whole weight) is limited to 500 lb (227 kg) each, unless 
otherwise restricted by Sec. 648.94(b)(3), and possession of lobsters 
is prohibited. Possession limits for all other stocks are as specified 
in Sec. 648.86.
    (G) Reporting requirements. The owner or operator of a vessel 
declared into the Eastern U.S./Canada Haddock SAP, as described in 
paragraph (b)(8) of this section, must submit reports in accordance with 
the reporting requirements described in paragraph (a)(3)(v) of this 
section.
    (H) Incidental TACs. The maximum amount of GB cod and GB yellowtail 
flounder, both landings and discards, that may be caught when fishing in 
the Eastern U.S./Canada Haddock SAP Program in a fishing year by vessels 
fishing under a Category B DAS, as authorized in paragraph (b)(8)(v)(A) 
of this section, is the amount specified in paragraphs (b)(5)(ii) and 
(iii) of this section. All regulated species and ocean pout caught by a 
vessel on a sector trip will be applied against the ACE for each stock 
that is specified for the sector in which the vessel participates.
    (I) No discard provision and DAS flips. A vessel fishing in the 
Eastern U.S./Canada Haddock SAP Program may

[[Page 861]]

not discard legal-sized regulated or ocean pout unless otherwise 
required due to a prohibition of the possession of such species 
specified in this part. If a common pool vessel fishing in the Eastern 
U.S./Canada Haddock SAP under a Category B DAS exceeds the applicable 
maximum landing limit per trip specified in paragraph (b)(8)(v)(F) of 
this section, or in Sec. 648.86, the vessel operator must retain the 
fish and immediately notify NMFS via VMS to initiate a DAS flip (from a 
Category B DAS to a Category A DAS). After flipping to a Category A DAS, 
the vessel is subject to all applicable landing limits specified in 
Sec. 648.85(a) or Sec. 648.86. If a common pool vessel fishing in this 
SAP while under a Category B DAS or a Category A DAS exceeds a trip 
limit specified in paragraph (b)(8)(v)(F) of this section or Sec. 
648.86, or other applicable trip limit, the vessel must immediately exit 
the SAP area defined in paragraph (b)(8)(ii) of this section for the 
remainder of the trip. For a common pool vessel that notifies NMFS of a 
DAS flip, the Category B DAS that have accrued between the time the 
vessel started accruing Category B DAS and the time the vessel declared 
its DAS flip will be accrued as Category A DAS pursuant to Sec. 
648.82(e)(1), and not Category B DAS.
    (J) Minimum Category A DAS. To fish under a Category B DAS, the 
number of Category B DAS that can be used on a trip cannot exceed the 
number of available Category A DAS the vessel has at the start of the 
trip.
    (K) Mandatory closure of Eastern U.S./Canada Haddock SAP. When the 
Regional Administrator projects that one or more of the TAC allocations 
specified in paragraph (b)(8)(v)(H) of this section has been caught by 
vessels fishing under Category B DAS, NMFS shall prohibit the use of 
Category B DAS in the Eastern U.S./Canada Haddock SAP, through 
publication in the Federal Register consistent with the Administrative 
Procedure Act. In addition, the closure regulations described in 
paragraph (a)(3)(iv)(E) of this section shall apply to the Eastern U.S./
Canada Haddock SAP Program.
    (L) General closure of the Eastern U.S./Canada Haddock SAP Area. The 
Regional Administrator, based upon information required under Sec. 
648.7, 648.9, 648.10, or 648.85, and any other relevant information may, 
through rulemaking consistent with the Administrative Procedure Act, 
close the Eastern U.S./Canada Haddock SAP Pilot Program for the duration 
of the season, if it is determined that continuation of the Eastern 
U.S./Canada Haddock SAP Pilot Program would undermine the achievement of 
the objectives of the FMP or the Eastern U.S./Canada Haddock SAP Pilot 
Program.
    (c) Scallop fishery closed area access program. Limited access 
scallop vessels operating under the Sea Scallop Area Access Program, as 
defined in Sec. 648.59, and fishing in accordance with the regulations 
at Sec. 648.60 may possess and land up to 1,000 lb (453.6 kg) of all NE 
multispecies combined, as provided in Sec. 648.60(a)(5)(ii), unless 
otherwise restricted in this section.
    (d) Authorized gear performance standards. Unless otherwise 
restricted in this part, in areas and times when a special management 
program, as specified in this section, requires the use of gear 
authorized by that program to reduce catches of stocks of concern, 
participating vessels are restricted to the following trip limits: 500 
lb (227 kg) of all flatfish species (American plaice, witch flounder, 
winter flounder, windowpane flounder, and GB yellowtail flounder), 
combined; 500 lb (227 kg) of monkfish (whole weight); 500 lb (227 kg) of 
skates (whole weight); and zero possession of lobsters, unless otherwise 
restricted by Sec. 648.94(b)(3).
    (e) Universal exemption programs for sector vessels--(1) Redfish 
Exemption Program--(i) Eligibility. Any vessel enrolled in a NMFS 
approved Northeast multispecies sector and issued a limited access 
Northeast multispecies permit that allows the use of trawl gear 
consistent with paragraph (e)(1)(vii) of this section may fish in 
compliance with the provisions of the Redfish Exemption Program 
described in paragraphs (e)(1)(ii) through (viii) of this section, 
except those vessels enrolled in a sector whose members have been 
prohibited from doing so by the Regional Administrator under paragraph 
(e)(1)(viii)(C) of this section, or those vessels ineligible or 
prohibited for any other reason. Letters of authorization

[[Page 862]]

issued pursuant to Sec. 648.87(c)(2) shall authorize or prohibit 
participation in the program by sector vessels consistent with paragraph 
(e)(1)(viii)(C) of this section.
    (ii) Redfish Exemption Area. The Redfish Exemption Area is the area 
defined by straight lines connecting the following points in the order 
stated, except between points D and E and E and F, the boundary follows 
the outer limits of the U.S. EEZ. (A chart depicting this area is 
available from the Regional Administrator upon request):

           Table 14 to Paragraph (e)(1)(ii) Introductory Text
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                      Point                         N lat.      W long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A...............................................  43[deg]00[  69[deg]55[
                                                        min]        min]
B...............................................  43[deg]00[  69[deg]30[
                                                        min]        min]
C...............................................  43[deg]20[  69[deg]30[
                                                        min]        min]
D...............................................  43[deg]20[       (\1\)
                                                        min]
E...............................................  42[deg]53.  67[deg]44.
                                                     24[min]     55[min]
F...............................................  42[deg]20[       (\2\)
                                                        min]
G...............................................  42[deg]20[  67[deg]40[
                                                        min]        min]
H...............................................  42[deg]00[  67[deg]40[
                                                        min]        min]
I...............................................  42[deg]00[  69[deg]37[
                                                        min]        min]
J...............................................  42[deg]20[  69[deg]55[
                                                        min]        min]
A...............................................  43[deg]00[  69[deg]55[
                                                        min]        min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ U.S. EEZ longitude, approximately 67[deg]35.07[min].
\2\ U.S. EEZ longitude, approximately 67[deg]18.17[min].

    (A) Redfish Exemption Area Cod Closure. No vessel may participate in 
the Redfish Exemption Program inside the Redfish Exemption Area Cod 
Closure from February 1 through March 31 of each year. The Redfish 
Exemption Area Cod Closure is the area defined by straight lines 
connecting the following points in the order stated:

                   Table 15 to Paragraph (e)(1)(ii)(A)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                    N Lat.                W Long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A...........................  43[deg]00[min]        69[deg]55[min]
B...........................  43[deg]00[min]        69[deg]30[min]
K...........................  42[deg]30[min]        69[deg]30[min]
L...........................  42[deg]30[min]        69[deg]55[min]
A...........................  43[deg]00[min]        69[deg]55[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (B) Redfish Exemption Area Seasonal Closure II. No vessel may 
participate in the Redfish Exemption Program inside the Redfish 
Exemption Area Seasonal Closure II from September 1 through December 31 
of each year. The Redfish Exemption Area Seasonal Closure II is the area 
defined by straight lines connecting the following points in the order 
stated, except between points F and G the boundary follows the outer 
limits of the U.S. EEZ:

                   Table 16 to Paragraph (e)(1)(ii)(B)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                      Point                         N lat.      W long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
M...............................................  42[deg]47.  67[deg]40[
                                                     17[min]        min]
F...............................................  42[deg]20[       (\1\)
                                                        min]
G...............................................  42[deg]20[  67[deg]40[
                                                        min]        min]
M...............................................  42[deg]47.  67[deg]40[
                                                     17[min]        min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ U.S. EEZ longitude, approximately 67[deg]18.17[min].

    (C) No vessel may participate in the Redfish Exemption Program in 
any areas that are otherwise closed to fishing for Northeast 
multispecies or fishing with trawl gear, including but not limited to 
year-round closed areas, seasonal closed areas, or habitat closures.
    (iii) Season. An eligible vessel as described in paragraph (e)(1)(i) 
of this section may participate in the Redfish Exemption Program from 
May 1 through April 30 of each year as authorized in the vessel's letter 
of authorization issued pursuant to Sec. 648.87(c)(2), unless otherwise 
prohibited in the letter of authorization under paragraph 
(e)(1)(viii)(C) of this section.
    (iv) Declaration. To participate in the Redfish Exemption Program on 
a sector trip, an eligible vessel must declare its intent to do so 
through the VMS prior to leaving the dock, in accordance with 
instructions provided by the Regional Administrator.
    (A) Pre-trip notification. For the purposes of selecting vessels for 
observer deployment or electronic monitoring, a vessel participating in 
the Redfish Exemption Program must comply with all pre-trip notification 
requirements at Sec. 648.11(l).
    (B) [Reserved]
    (v) Reporting--(A) Daily catch reporting. The owner or operator of a 
vessel that has declared into the Redfish Exemption Program as required 
in paragraph (e)(1)(iv) of this section must submit catch reports via 
VMS, for each day of the fishing trip. Vessels subject to the daily 
reporting requirement must report daily for the entire fishing trip, 
including any portion fished outside of the Redfish Exemption Area. The 
reports must be submitted in 24-hr intervals for each day, beginning at 
0000 hr and ending at 2359 hr, and must be submitted by 0900 hr of the 
following day, or as instructed by the Regional

[[Page 863]]

Administrator. The reports must include at least the following 
information:
    (1) VTR serial number or other universal ID specified by the 
Regional Administrator;
    (2) Date fish were caught and statistical area in which fish were 
caught; and
    (3) Total pounds of each regulated Northeast multispecies and ocean 
pout kept (in pounds, live weight) as well as the total pounds of other 
kept catch (in pounds, live weight) in each statistical area, as 
instructed by the Regional Administrator.
    (B) Redfish exemption fishing notification. After the vessel has 
entered the Redfish Exemption Area, the owner or operator of a vessel 
must submit a redfish exemption fishing notification before switching to 
a smaller mesh codend allowed under the Redfish Exemption Program. This 
notification is provided with an additional catch report submitted via 
VMS, reporting all catch on board and indicating that the vessel is 
switching to a smaller mesh codend. This notification indicates that the 
vessel is now fishing under the provisions of the Redfish Exemption 
Program. Vessels that fail to declare into the Redfish Exemption Program 
as required in paragraph (e)(1)(iv) of this section may not fish under 
the Redfish Exemption Program even if this notification is sent. The 
notification must include at least the following information:
    (1) VTR serial number or other universal ID specified by the 
Regional Administrator;
    (2) Date fish were caught and statistical area in which fish were 
caught;
    (3) Total pounds of each regulated Northeast multispecies and ocean 
pout kept (in pounds, live weight) as well as the total pounds of other 
kept catch (in pounds, live weight) in each statistical area, as 
instructed by the Regional Administrator; and
    (4) Indication that the vessel is now switching to a smaller mesh 
codend.
    (vi) Area fished. (A) A vessel that has declared its intent to fish 
under the Redfish Exemption Program consistent with paragraph (e)(1)(iv) 
of this section may conduct the first part of its trip outside the 
provisions of the Redfish Exemption Program, subject to all other 
Northeast multispecies regulations including codend mesh size, prior to 
sending a redfish exemption fishing notification as described in 
paragraph (e)(1)(v)(B) of this section.
    (B) Once a vessel has sent a redfish exemption fishing notification 
as described in paragraph (e)(1)(v)(B) of this section, the vessel is 
prohibited from fishing outside of the Redfish Exemption Area for the 
remainder of its trip.
    (vii) Gear requirements. Vessels may only use trawl gear when 
declared into and fishing in the Redfish Exemption Program. Vessels may 
fish in the Redfish Exemption Program with any trawl gear, including, 
but not limited to, otter trawl, haddock separator trawl, flounder 
trawl, or Ruhle trawl.
    (A) Minimum codend mesh size. The minimum codend mesh size for 
vessels fishing in the Redfish Exemption Program is 5.5-inch square or 
diamond mesh. All other trawl net restrictions listed in Sec. 
648.80(a)(3)(i) and (a)(4)(i), including minimum mesh sizes for the net 
body and extensions, still apply.
    (B) Gear stowage. Codends with mesh smaller than otherwise permitted 
by regulation at Sec. 648.80(a)(3)(i) and (a)(4)(i), or Sec. 
648.87(c)(2)(ii)(D), must be stowed during transit to and from the 
Redfish Exemption Area, and when not in use under the Redfish Exemption 
Program. Any non-trawl fishing gear must be stowed for the duration of 
any trip for which a vessel declared its intent to fish under the 
Redfish Exemption Program consistent with paragraph (e)(1)(iv) of this 
section. Stowed gear must be not available for immediate use consistent 
with definitions in Sec. 648.2
    (viii) Catch Thresholds--(A) Monthly Performance Thresholds. (1) 
Monthly Redfish Landings Threshold--Monthly redfish landings by a sector 
whose member vessels fish under the provisions of the Redfish Exemption 
Program may not be less than 50 percent of all the allocated Northeast 
multispecies stocks landed each month while fishing under the provisions 
of the Redfish Exemption Program.
    (2) Monthly Discards Threshold--Monthly observed discards of 
regulated Northeast multispecies and ocean pout by a sector whose member 
vessels fish

[[Page 864]]

under the provisions of the Redfish Exemption Program may not exceed 5 
percent of total observed kept catch, for those portions of trips fished 
each month under the provisions of the Redfish Exemption Program.
    (B) Annual Performance Thresholds. (1) Annual Redfish Landings 
Threshold--Annual fishing year redfish landings by a sector whose member 
vessels fish under the provisions of the Redfish Exemption Program may 
be no less than 55 percent of all the allocated Northeast multispecies 
stocks landed while fishing under the provisions of the Redfish 
Exemption Program.
    (C) Administration of thresholds. (1) For the purpose of determining 
a sector's monthly redfish landings threshold performance described in 
paragraph (e)(1)(viii)(A)(1) of this section and the annual redfish 
landings threshold described in paragraph (e)(1)(viii)(B)(1) of this 
section, landings of allocated regulated species by vessels 
participating in a maximized retention electronic monitoring program 
consistent with Sec. 648.11(l), including landings of allocated stocks 
below the minimum size at Sec. 648.83(a)(1), will be counted as 
landings and not discards.
    (2) For the purpose of determining a sector's monthly discards 
threshold performance described in paragraph (e)(1)(viii)(A)(2) of this 
section, a trip by a vessel participating in a maximized retention 
electronic monitoring program consistent with Sec. 648.11(l) will be 
excluded from evaluation of the monthly discard threshold.
    (3) If a sector fails to meet the monthly redfish landings threshold 
or the monthly discards threshold described in paragraphs 
(e)(1)(viii)(A)(1) and (2) of this section for four or more months 
total, or three or more consecutive months, in a fishing year, the 
Regional Administrator shall prohibit all vessels in that sector from 
fishing under the provisions of the Redfish Exemption Program for the 
remainder of the fishing year, and place the sector and its vessels in a 
probationary status for one fishing year beginning the following fishing 
year.
    (4) If a sector fails to meet the annual redfish landings threshold 
described in paragraph (e)(1)(viii)(B)(1) of this section in a fishing 
year, the Regional Administrator shall place the sector and its vessels 
in a probationary status for one fishing year beginning the following 
fishing year.
    (5) While in probationary status as described in paragraph 
(e)(1)(viii)(C)(3) or (4) of this section, if the sector fails to meet 
the monthly redfish landings threshold or the monthly discards threshold 
described in paragraphs (e)(1)(viii)(A)(1) and (2) of this section for 
four or more months total, or three or more consecutive months, in that 
fishing year, the Regional Administrator shall prohibit all vessels in 
that sector from fishing under the provisions of the Redfish Exemption 
Program for the remainder of the fishing year and the following fishing 
year.
    (6) If a sector fails to meet the annual redfish landings threshold 
in paragraph (e)(1)(viii)(B)(1) of this section for any fishing year 
during which the sector is in a probationary status as described in 
paragraph (e)(1)(viii)(C)(3) or (4) of this section, the Regional 
Administrator shall prohibit all vessels in that sector from fishing 
under the provisions of the Redfish Exemption Program for the following 
fishing year.
    (7) The Regional Administrator may determine a sector has failed to 
meet required monthly or annual thresholds described in paragraphs 
(e)(1)(viii)(A) and (B) of this section using available information 
including, but not limited to, vessel declarations and notifications, 
vessel trip reports, dealer reports, and observer and electronic 
monitoring records.
    (8) The Regional Administrator shall notify a sector of a failure to 
meet the required monthly or annual thresholds and the sector's vessels 
prohibition or probation status consistent with the provisions in 
paragraphs (e)(1)(viii)(C)(1) through (7) of this section. The Regional 
Administrator shall also make administrative amendments to the approved 
sector operations plan and issue sector vessel letters of authorization 
consistent with the provisions in paragraphs (e)(1)(viii)(C)(1) through 
(7) of this section. These administrative amendments may be made during 
a fishing year or during the sector operations plan and sector contract 
approval process.

[[Page 865]]

    (9) A sector may request in writing that the Regional Administrator 
review and reverse a determination made under the provisions of this 
section within 30 days of the date of the Regional Administrator's 
determination. Any such request must be based on information showing the 
sector complied with the required thresholds, including, but not limited 
to, landing, discard, observer or electronic monitoring records. The 
Regional Administrator will review and maintain or reverse the 
determination and notify the sector of this decision in writing. Any 
determination resulting from a review conducted under this paragraph 
(e)(1)(viii)(C)(9) is final and may not be reviewed further.
    (ix) Program review. The Council will review the Redfish Exemption 
Program after the first peer-reviewed redfish stock assessment following 
implementation of the program. The Council will prepare a report, which 
may include, but is not limited to, an evaluation of threshold 
performance, vessel-level performance, bycatch of non-redfish stocks, 
and changes in catch selectivity, and will consider the goals and 
objectives of the Redfish Exemption Program and the FMP. The Council may 
decide, as needed, to conduct additional reviews following the review 
outlined in this section.
    (2) [Reserved]

[69 FR 22975, Apr. 27, 2004]

    Editorial Note: For Federal Register citations affecting Sec. 
648.85, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the 
Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.



Sec. 648.86  NE Multispecies possession restrictions.

    Except as provided in Sec. Sec. 648.11(l) and 648.17, or elsewhere 
in this part, the following possession restrictions apply:
    (a) Haddock--(1) NE multispecies common pool vessels. Haddock 
possession restrictions for such vessels may be implemented through 
Regional Administrator authority, as specified in paragraph (r) of this 
section.
    (2) Scallop dredge vessels. (i) No person owning or operating a 
scallop dredge vessel issued a NE multispecies permit may land haddock 
from, or possess haddock on board, a scallop dredge vessel from January 
1 through June 30.
    (ii) No person owning or operating a scallop dredge vessel without 
an NE multispecies permit may possess haddock in, or harvested from, the 
EEZ from January 1 through June 30.
    (iii) Unless otherwise authorized by the Regional Administrator as 
specified in paragraph (f) of this section, scallop dredge vessels or 
persons owning or operating a scallop dredge vessel that is fishing 
under a scallop DAS allocated under Sec. 648.53 may land or possess on 
board up to 300 lb (136.1 kg) of haddock, except as specified in Sec. 
648.88(c), provided that the vessel has at least one standard tote on 
board. This restriction does not apply to vessels also issued limited 
access NE multispecies permits that are fishing under a multispecies 
DAS. Haddock on board a vessel subject to this possession limit must be 
separated from other species of fish and stored so as to be readily 
available for inspection.
    (3)(i) Incidental catch allowance for some Atlantic herring vessels. 
A vessel issued a Category A or B Herring Permit fishing on a declared 
herring trip, regardless of gear or area fished, or a vessel issued a 
Category C, D, or E Herring Permit and fishing with midwater trawl gear 
pursuant to Sec. 648.80(d), may only possess and land haddock, in 
accordance with requirements specified in Sec. 648.80(d) and (e).
    (ii) Haddock incidental catch cap. (A)(1) Haddock incidental catch 
cap. When the Regional Administrator has determined that the incidental 
catch allowance for a given haddock stock, as specified in Sec. 
648.90(a)(4)(iii)(D), has been caught, no vessel issued an Atlantic 
herring permit and fishing with midwater trawl gear in the applicable 
stock area, i.e., the Herring GOM Haddock Accountability Measure (AM) 
Area or Herring GB Haddock AM Area, as defined in paragraphs 
(a)(3)(ii)(A)(2) and (3) of this section, may fish for, possess, or land 
herring in excess of 2,000 lb (907.2 kg) per trip in or from that area, 
unless all herring possessed and landed by the vessel were caught 
outside the applicable AM Area and the vessel's gear is stowed and not 
available for immediate use as defined in Sec. 648.2 while transiting 
the AM Area.

[[Page 866]]

Upon this determination, the haddock possession limit is reduced to 0 lb 
(0 kg) for a vessel issued a Federal Atlantic herring permit and fishing 
with midwater trawl gear or for a vessel issued a Category A or B 
Herring Permit fishing on a declared herring trip, regardless of area 
fished or gear used, in the applicable AM Area, unless the vessel also 
possesses a NE multispecies permit and is operating on a declared 
(consistent with Sec. 648.10(g)) NE multispecies trip. In making this 
determination, the Regional Administrator shall use haddock catches 
observed by observers or monitors by herring vessel trips using midwater 
trawl gear in Management Areas 1A, 1B, and/or 3, as defined in Sec. 
648.200(f)(1) and (3), expanded to an estimate of total haddock catch 
for all such trips in a given haddock stock area.
    (2) Herring GOM Haddock Accountability Measure Area. The Herring GOM 
Haddock AM Area is defined by the straight lines connecting the 
following points in the order stated (copies of a map depicting the area 
are available from the Regional Administrator upon request):

             Herring GOM Haddock Accountability Measure Area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Point                   N. latitude         W. longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
HGA1...........................  (\1\)                69[deg]20[min]
HGA............................  43[deg]40[min]       69[deg]20[min]
HGA3...........................  43[deg]40[min]       69[deg]00[min]
HGA4...........................  43[deg]20[min]       69[deg]00[min]
HGA5...........................  43[deg]20[min]       (\2\)
HGA6...........................  42[deg]20[min]       (\3\)
HGA7...........................  42[deg]20[min]       70[deg]00[min]
HGA8...........................  (\4\)                70[deg]00[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The intersection of the Maine coastline and 69[deg]20[min] W. long.
\2\ The intersection of the U.S./Canada maritime boundary and
  43[deg]20[min] N. lat.
\3\ The intersection of the U.S./Canada maritime boundary and
  42[deg]20[min] N. lat.
\4\ The intersection of the north-facing shoreline of Cape Cod, MA, and
  70[deg]00[min] W. long.

    (3) The Herring GB Haddock Accountability Measure Area. The Herring 
GB Haddock AM Area is defined by the straight lines connecting the 
following points in the order stated (copies of a map depicting the area 
are available from the Regional Administrator upon request):

             Herring GB Haddock Accountability Measure Area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point                  N. Latitude          W. Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1...........................  42[deg] 20[min]       70[deg] 00[min]
2...........................  42[deg] 20[min]       (\1\)
3...........................  40[deg] 30[min]       (\1\)
4...........................  40[deg] 30[min]       66[deg] 40[min]
5...........................  39[deg] 50[min]       66[deg] 40[min]
6...........................  39[deg] 50[min]       68[deg] 50[min]
7...........................  (\2\)                 68[deg] 50[min]
8...........................  41[deg] 00[min]       (\3\)
9...........................  41[deg] 00[min]       69[deg] 30[min]
10..........................  41[deg] 10[min]       69[deg] 30[min]
11..........................  41[deg] 10[min]       69[deg] 50[min]
12..........................  41[deg] 20[min]       69[deg] 50[min]
13..........................  41[deg] 20[min]       (\4\)
14..........................  (\5\)                 70[deg] 00[min]
15..........................  (\6\)                 70[deg] 00[min]
16..........................  (\7\)                 70[deg] 00[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The intersection of the U.S./Canada maritime boundary.
\2\ The intersection of the boundary of Closed Area I and 68[deg]
  50[min] W. long.
\3\ The intersection of the boundary of Closed Area I and 41[deg]
  00[min] N. lat.
\4\ The intersection of the east-facing shoreline of Nantucket, MA, and
  41[deg] 20[min] N. lat.
\5\ The intersection of the north-facing shoreline of Nantucket, MA, and
  70[deg] 00[min] W. long.
\6\ The intersection of the south-facing shoreline of Cape Cod, MA, and
  70[deg] 00[min] W. long.
\7\ The intersection of the north-facing shoreline of Cape Cod, MA, and
  70[deg] 00[min] W. long.

    (4) The haddock incidental catch caps specified are for the NE 
multispecies fishing year (May 1-April 30), which differs from the 
herring fishing year (January 1-December 31). If the haddock incidental 
catch allowance is attained by the herring midwater trawl fishery for 
the GOM or GB, as specified in Sec. 648.90(a)(4)(iii)(D), the 2,000-lb 
(907.2-kg) limit on herring possession in the applicable AM Area, as 
described in paragraph (a)(3)(ii)(A)(2) or (3) of this section, shall be 
in effect until the end of the NE multispecies fishing year. For 
example, the 2011 haddock incidental catch cap is specified for the 
period May 1, 2011-April 30, 2012, and the 2012 haddock catch cap would 
be specified for the period May 1, 2012-April 30, 2013. If the catch of 
haddock by herring midwater trawl vessels reached the 2011 incidental 
catch cap at any time prior to the end of the NE multispecies fishing 
year (April 30, 2012), the 2,000-lb (907.2-kg) limit on possession of 
herring in the applicable AM Area would extend through April 30, 2012. 
Beginning May 1, 2012, the 2012 catch cap would go into effect.
    (B) [Reserved]
    (b) Cod--(1) GOM cod landing limit. Except as provided in paragraph 
(b)(4)

[[Page 867]]

of this section, or unless otherwise restricted under Sec. 648.85, a 
vessel fishing under a NE multispecies DAS permit, including a vessel 
issued a monkfish limited access permit and fishing under the monkfish 
Category C or D permit provisions, may land up to 800 lb (362.9 kg) of 
cod for each DAS, or part of a DAS, up to 4,000 lb (1,818.2 kg) per 
trip. Cod on board a vessel subject to this landing limit must be 
separated from other species of fish and stored so as to be readily 
available for inspection.
    (2) GB cod landing and maximum possession limits. Unless otherwise 
restricted under Sec. 648.85, a vessel fishing under a NE multispecies 
DAS permit, including a vessel issued a monkfish limited access permit 
and fishing under the monkfish Category C or D permit provisions, may 
land up to 2,000 lb (907.2 kg) of cod per DAS, or part of a DAS, up to 
20,000 lb (9,072 kg) provided it complies with the requirements 
specified in paragraph (b)(4) of this section and this paragraph (b)(2). 
Cod on board a vessel subject to this landing limit must be separated 
from other species of fish and stored so as to be readily available for 
inspection.
    (3) [Reserved]
    (4) Exemption. A common pool vessel fishing under a NE multispecies 
DAS is exempt from the landing limit described in paragraph (b)(1) of 
this section when fishing south of the GOM Regulated Mesh Area, defined 
in Sec. 648.80(a)(1), provided that it complies with the requirement of 
this paragraph (b)(4).
    (i) Declaration. With the exception of a vessel declared into the 
U.S./Canada Management Area, as described in Sec. 648.85(a)(3)(ii), a 
common pool vessel that fishes or intends to fish under a NE 
multispecies DAS south of the line described in paragraph (b)(4) of this 
section, under the cod trip limits described in paragraph (b)(2) of this 
section, must, prior to leaving port, declare its intention to do so 
through the VMS, in accordance with instructions to be provided by the 
Regional Administrator. In lieu of a VMS declaration, the Regional 
Administrator may authorize such vessels to obtain a letter of 
authorization. If a letter of authorization is required, such vessel may 
not fish north of the exemption area for a minimum of 7 consecutive days 
(when fishing under the multispecies DAS program), and must carry the 
letter of authorization on board.
    (ii) A common pool vessel exempt from the GOM cod landing limit 
pursuant to paragraph (b)(4)(i) of this section may not fish north of 
the line specified in paragraph (b)(4) of this section for the duration 
of the trip, but may transit the GOM Regulated Mesh Area, provided that 
its gear is stowed and not available for immediate use as defined in 
Sec. 648.2. A vessel fishing north and south of the line on the same 
trip is subject to the most restrictive applicable cod trip limit.
    (c) Atlantic halibut. A vessel issued a NE multispecies permit under 
Sec. 648.4(a)(1) may land or possess on board no more than one Atlantic 
halibut per trip, provided the vessel complies with other applicable 
provisions of this part, unless otherwise specified in Sec. 
648.90(a)(5)(i)(F).
    (d) Small-mesh multispecies. (1) Vessels issued a valid Federal NE 
multispecies permit specified under Sec. 648.4(a)(1) are subject to the 
following possession limits for small-mesh multispecies, which are based 
on the mesh size used by, or on board vessels fishing for, in possession 
of, or landing small-mesh multispecies.
    (i) Vessels possessing on board or using nets of mesh size smaller 
than 3 in (7.62 cm). Owners or operators of a vessel may possess and 
land not more than 15,000 lb (6,804 kg) of combined silver hake and 
offshore hake, if either of the following conditions apply:
    (A) The mesh size of any net or any part of a net used by or on 
board the vessel is smaller than 3 inches (7.62 cm), as applied to the 
part of the net specified in paragraph (d)(1)(iv) of this section, as 
measured in accordance with Sec. 648.80(f); or
    (B) The mesh size of any net or part of a net on board the vessel 
not incorporated into a fully constructed net is smaller than 3 inches 
(7.62 cm), as measured by methods specified in Sec. 648.80(f). 
``Incorporated into a fully constructed net'' means that any mesh 
smaller than 3 inches (7.62 cm) that is incorporated into a fully 
constructed net may occur only in the part of the

[[Page 868]]

net not subject to the mesh size restrictions specified in paragraph 
(d)(1)(iv) of this section, and the net into which the mesh is 
incorporated must be available for immediate use.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (iii) Vessels possessing on board or using nets of mesh size equal 
to or greater than 3 in (7.62 cm). An owner or operator of a vessel that 
is not subject to the possession limits specified in paragraphs 
(d)(1)(i) and (ii) of this section may possess and land not more than 
30,000 lb (13,608 kg) of combined silver hake and offshore hake when 
fishing in the GOM or GB Exemption Areas, as described in Sec. 
648.80(a), and not more than 40,000 lb (18,144 kg) of combined silver 
hake and offshore hake when fishing in the SNE or MA Exemption Areas, as 
described in Sec. 648.80(b)(10) and (c)(5), respectively, if both of 
the following conditions apply:
    (A) The mesh size of any net or any part of a net used by or on 
board the vessel is equal to or greater than 3 inches (7.62 cm), as 
applied to the part of the net specified in paragraph (d)(1)(iv) of this 
section, as measured by methods specified in Sec. 648.80(f); and
    (B) The mesh size of any net or part of a net on board the vessel 
not incorporated into a fully constructed net is equal to or greater 
than 3 inches (7.62 cm), as measured by methods specified in Sec. 
648.80(f). ``Incorporated into a fully constructed net'' means that any 
mesh smaller than 3 inches (7.62 cm) that is incorporated into a fully 
constructed net may occur only in the part of the net not subject to the 
mesh size restrictions as specified in paragraph (d)(1)(iv) of this 
section, and the net into which the mesh is incorporated must be 
available for immediate use.
    (iv) Application of mesh size. Counting from the terminus of the 
net, the mesh size restrictions specified in paragraphs (d)(1)(i) 
through (iii) of this section are only applicable to the first 100 
meshes (200 bars in the case of square mesh) for vessels greater than 60 
ft (18.3 m) in length, and to the first 50 meshes (100 bars in the case 
of square mesh) for vessels 60 ft (18.3 m) or less in length. 
Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the restrictions 
and conditions pertaining to mesh size do not apply to nets or pieces of 
net smaller than 3 ft by 3 ft (0.9 m by 0.9 m), (9 sq ft (0.81 sq m)).
    (v) Possession of southern red hake while under a rebuilding plan. 
When the southern red hake stock, defined as statistical areas 525-526, 
533-534, 541-543, 537-539, 562, 611-616, 621-623, 625-628, 631-634, 635-
638, is under a rebuilding plan, the year-round possession limit for 
southern red hake shall be the following:
    (A) Vessels possessing on board or using nets of mesh size smaller 
than 5.5 in (13.97 cm). Owners and operators of vessels may possess and 
land no more than 600 lb (272 kg) of southern red hake per trip when:
    (1) Using trawls with diamond or square mesh size less than 5.5 in 
(13.97 cm); and/or
    (2) A vessel is in possession of a net with mesh size smaller than 
5.5 in (13.97 cm), unless it is properly stowed and not available for 
immediate use in accordance with Sec. 648.2 and not used on that trip.
    (B) Vessels using nets of mesh size greater than or equal to 5.5 in 
(13.97 cm), using small-mesh selective trawls, or gear other than trawl. 
Owners and operators may possess and land no more than 1,000 lb (453 kg) 
of southern red hake per trip when:
    (1) Using trawls with diamond or square mesh size 5.5 in (13.97 cm) 
or larger;
    (2) Using small-mesh selective gear, including raised-footrope 
trawls as defined in Sec. 648.80(a)(9)(ii), large-mesh belly panel 
trawls as defined in Sec. 648.84(f), rope separator trawls as defined 
in Sec. 648.84(e), and other selective gears deemed by the Regional 
Administrator to adequately reduce the catch of red hake; or
    (3) When using gears other than trawls.
    (vi) Possession of northern red hake. Vessels participating in the 
small-mesh multispecies fishery and fishing on the northern red hake 
stock, defined as statistical areas 464-465, 467, 511-515, 521-522, and 
561, may possess and land no more than 3,000 lb 91,361 kg) of red hake 
when fishing in the GOM/GB Exemption area, as described in Sec. 
648.80(a)(17).
    (2) Possession limit for vessels participating in the northern 
shrimp fishery.

[[Page 869]]

Owners and operators of vessels participating in the Small-Mesh Northern 
Shrimp Fishery Exemption Area, as described in Sec. 648.80(a)(3), with 
a vessel issued a valid Federal NE multispecies permit specified under 
Sec. 648.4(a)(1), may possess and land silver hake and offshore hake, 
combined, up to an amount equal to the weight of shrimp on board, not to 
exceed 3,500 lb (1,588 kg). Silver hake and offshore hake on board a 
vessel subject to this possession limit must be separated from other 
species of fish and stored so as to be readily available for inspection.
    (3) Possession restriction for vessels electing to transfer small-
mesh NE multispecies at sea. Owners and operators of vessels issued a 
valid Federal NE multispecies permit and issued a letter of 
authorization to transfer small-mesh NE multispecies at sea according to 
the provisions specified in Sec. 648.13(b) are subject to a combined 
silver hake and offshore hake possession limit that is 500 lb (226.8 kg) 
less than the possession limit the vessel otherwise receives. This 
deduction shall be noted on the transferring vessel's letter of 
authorization from the Regional Administrator.
    (4) Accountability Measure In-season adjustment of small-mesh 
multispecies possession limits. If the Regional Administrator projects 
that an in-season adjustment TAL trigger level for any small-mesh 
multispecies stock, as specified in Sec. 648.90(b)(5)(iii), has been 
reached or exceeded, the Regional Administrator shall reduce the 
possession limit of that stock to the incidental level for that stock, 
as specified in this paragraph (d)(4), for the remainder of the fishing 
year through notice consistent with the Administrative Procedure Act, 
unless such a reduction in the possession limit would be expected to 
prevent the TAL from being reached.
    (i) Red hake. If a possession limit reduction is needed for a stock 
area, the incidental possession limit for red hake in that stock area 
will be 400 lb (181.44 kg) for the remainder of the fishing year.
    (ii) Silver hake and offshore hake. If a possession limit reduction 
is needed for a stock area, the incidental possession limit for silver 
hake and offshore hake, combined, in that stock area will be 2,000 lb 
(907 kg) for the remainder of the fishing year.
    (e) White hake. Unless otherwise restricted under this part, a 
common pool vessel fishing under a NE multispecies DAS, a limited access 
Handgear A permit, an open access Handgear B permit, or a monkfish 
limited access permit and fishing under the monkfish Category C or D 
permit provisions is not restricted in the amount of white hake the 
vessel may land per trip during fishing years 2010 and 2011. Starting in 
fishing year 2012, unless otherwise restricted under this part, a common 
pool vessel fishing under a NE multispecies DAS, a limited access 
Handgear A permit, an open access Handgear B permit, or a monkfish 
limited access permit and fishing under the monkfish Category C or D 
permit provisions may land up to 500 lb (226.8 kg) of white hake per 
DAS, or any part of a DAS, up to 2,000 lb (907.2 kg) per trip.
    (f) Calculation of weight of fillets or parts of fish. The 
possession limits described under this part are based on the weight of 
whole, whole-gutted, or gilled fish. For purposes of determining 
compliance with the possession limits specified in paragraphs (a), (b), 
or (c) of this section, the weight of fillets and parts of fish, other 
than whole-gutted or gilled fish, as allowed under Sec. 648.83(a) and 
(b), will be multiplied by 3.
    (g) Yellowtail flounder--(1) CC/GOM and SNE/MA yellowtail flounder 
landing limit. Unless otherwise restricted under this part, a common 
pool vessel fishing under a NE multispecies DAS, a limited access 
Handgear A permit, an open access Handgear B permit, or a monkfish 
limited access permit and fishing under the monkfish Category C or D 
permit provisions, and fishing exclusively outside of the U.S./Canada 
Management Area, as defined in Sec. 648.85(a)(1), may land or possess 
on board up to 250 lb (113.6 kg) of yellowtail flounder per DAS, or any 
part of a DAS, up to a maximum possession limit of 1,500 lb (680.4 kg) 
per trip. A vessel fishing outside and inside of the U.S./Canada 
Management Area on the same trip is subject to the more restrictive 
yellowtail flounder trip limit (i.e., that specified by this paragraph 
(g) or Sec. 648.85(a)(3)(iv)(C)).

[[Page 870]]

    (2) GB yellowtail flounder landing limit. Unless otherwise 
restricted under this part, a common pool vessel fishing under a NE 
multispecies DAS, a limited access Handgear A permit, an open access 
Handgear B permit, or a monkfish limited access permit and fishing under 
the monkfish Category C or D permit provisions, and fishing in the U.S./
Canada Management Area defined in Sec. 648.85(a)(1) is subject to the 
GB yellowtail flounder limit described in paragraph Sec. 
648.85(a)(3)(iv)(c).
    (h) Other possession restrictions. Vessels are subject to any other 
applicable possession limit restrictions of this part.
    (i) Offloading requirement for vessels possessing species regulated 
by a daily possession limit. A vessel that has ended a trip as specified 
in Sec. 648.10(e)(2)(iii) or (h)(5) that possesses on board species 
regulated by a daily possession limit (i.e., pounds per DAS), as 
specified at Sec. 648.85 or Sec. 648.86, must offload species in 
excess of the daily landing limit prior to leaving port on a subsequent 
trip. A vessel may retain on board up to one day's worth of such species 
prior to the start of a subsequent trip. Other species regulated by an 
overall trip limit may be retained on board for a subsequent trip. For 
example, a vessel that possesses cod and winter flounder harvested from 
Georges Bank is subject to a daily possession limit for cod of 1,000 lb 
(453 kg)/DAS and an overall trip limit of 5,000 lb (2,267 kg)/trip for 
winter flounder. In this example, the vessel would be required to 
offload any cod harvested in excess of 1,000 lb (453 kg) (i.e., the 
vessel may retain up to 1,000 lb (453 kg) of Georges Bank cod, but must 
offload any additional cod), but may retain on board winter flounder up 
to the maximum trip limit prior to leaving port and crossing the VMS 
Demarcation Line to begin a subsequent trip.
    (j) GB winter flounder. Unless otherwise restricted under this part, 
a common pool vessel fishing under a NE multispecies DAS, a limited 
access Handgear A permit, an open access Handgear B permit, or a 
monkfish limited access permit and fishing under the monkfish Category C 
or D permit provisions and fishing in the U.S./Canada Management Area 
defined in Sec. 648.85(a)(1) is not restricted in the amount of GB 
winter flounder the vessel may land per trip.
    (k) Other regulated NE multispecies possession restrictions for some 
Atlantic herring vessels. A vessel issued a Category A or B Herring 
Permit on a declared herring trip, regardless of area fished or gear 
used, or a vessel issued a Category C, D, or E Herring Permit and 
fishing with midwater trawl gear pursuant to Sec. 648.80(d), may 
possess and land haddock, and up to 100 lb (45 kg), combined, of other 
regulated NE. multispecies, other than haddock, in accordance with the 
requirements in Sec. 648.80(d) and (e). Such fish may not be sold for 
human consumption.
    (l) Ocean pout, windowpane flounder, and Atlantic wolffish. A vessel 
issued a limited access NE multispecies permit, an open access NE 
multispecies Handgear B permit, or a limited access monkfish permit and 
fishing under the monkfish Category C or D permit provisions may not 
fish for, possess, or land ocean pout, windowpane flounder, or Atlantic 
wolffish.
    (m) Additional possession restrictions--(1) Daily landing 
restriction. A vessel issued a limited access NE multispecies permit, an 
open access NE multispecies Handgear B permit, or a limited access 
monkfish permit and fishing under the monkfish Category C or D permit 
provisions may only land regulated species or ocean pout once in any 24-
hr period, based upon the time the vessel lands following the end of the 
previous trip. For example, if a vessel lands 1,600 lb (725.7 kg) of GOM 
cod at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, that vessel cannot land any more regulated 
species or ocean pout until at least 6 p.m. on the following Wednesday.
    (2) Possession limits for vessels fishing in multiple areas. If a 
vessel fishes in more than one stock area on the same trip, as defined 
in Sec. 648.85(b)(6)(v) or Sec. 648.87(b)(1)(ii), the most restrictive 
trip limit for a species applies for the entire trip.
    (n) Pollock. Unless otherwise restricted under this part, a vessel 
issued a NE multispecies DAS permit, a limited access Handgear A permit, 
an open access Handgear B permit, or a monkfish limited access permit 
and fishing under the monkfish Category C

[[Page 871]]

or D permit provisions, may not possess or land more than 1,000 lb (450 
kg) of pollock for each DAS or part of a DAS fished, up to 10,000 lb 
(4,500 kg) per trip.
    (o) Regional Administrator authority to implement possession 
limits--(1) Possession restrictions to prevent exceeding common pool 
sub-ACLs. If the Regional Administrator projects that the catch of any 
NE multispecies stock allocated to common pool vessels pursuant to Sec. 
648.90(a)(4) will exceed the pertinent sub-ACL, NMFS may implement or 
adjust, at any time prior to or during the fishing year, in a manner 
consistent with the Administrative Procedure Act, a per-DAS possession 
limit and/or a maximum trip limit in order to prevent exceeding the 
common pool sub-ACL in that fishing year.
    (2) Possession restrictions to facilitate harvest of sub-ACLs 
allocated to the common pool. If the Regional Administrator projects 
that the sub-ACL of any stock allocated to the common pool pursuant to 
Sec. 648.90(a)(4) will not be caught during the fishing year, the 
Regional Administrator may remove or adjust, in a manner consistent with 
the Administrative Procedure Act, a per-DAS possession limit and/or a 
maximum trip limit in order to facilitate harvest and enable the total 
catch to approach, but not exceed, the pertinent sub-ACL allocated to 
the common pool for that fishing year.

[69 FR 22978, Apr. 27, 2004]

    Editorial Note: For Federal Register citations affecting Sec. 
648.86, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the 
Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.



Sec. 648.87  Sector allocation.

    (a) Procedure for approving/implementing a sector allocation 
proposal. (1) Any person may submit a sector allocation proposal for a 
group of limited access NE multispecies vessels to NMFS. The sector 
allocation proposal must be submitted to the Council and NMFS in writing 
by the deadline for submitting an operations plan and preliminary sector 
contract that is specified in paragraph (b)(2) of this section. The 
proposal must include a cover letter requesting the formation of the new 
sector, a complete sector operations plan and preliminary sector 
contract, prepared as described in paragraphs (b)(2) and (b)(3) of this 
section, and appropriate analysis that assesses the impact of the 
proposed sector, in compliance with the National Environmental Policy 
Act.
    (2) Upon receipt of a proposal to form a new sector allocation, and 
following the deadline for each sector to submit an operations plan, as 
described in paragraph (b)(2) of this section, NMFS will notify the 
Council in writing of its intent to consider a new sector allocation for 
approval. The Council will review the proposal(s) and associated NEPA 
analyses at a Groundfish Committee and Council meeting, and provide its 
recommendation on the proposed sector allocation to NMFS in writing. 
NMFS will make final determinations regarding the approval of the new 
sectors based on review of the proposed operations plans, associated 
NEPA analyses, and the Council's recommendations, and in a manner 
consistent with the Administrative Procedure Act. NMFS will only approve 
a new sector that has received the Council's endorsement.
    (3) Eligibility. Any valid limited access NE multispecies permit, 
including a Handgear A permit and those permits held in confirmation of 
permit history pursuant to Sec. 648.4(a)(1)(i)(J) as of May 1, 2008, is 
eligible to join a NE multispecies sector, provided the permit complies 
with the restrictions specified in this section. Any valid limited 
access Category A or B monkfish permit may be eligible to join a NE 
multispecies sector, as described in this section, pursuant to any 
measures adopted by a future revision to the Monkfish FMP by both the 
New England and Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Councils. Vessels that 
do not join a sector remain subject to the NE multispecies regulations 
for common pool vessels.
    (4) Minimum size. To be authorized to operate as a sector under this 
section, a sector must be comprised of at least three NE multispecies 
permits issued to at least three different persons, none of whom have 
any common ownership interests in the permits, vessels, or businesses 
associated with the permits issued the other two or more persons in

[[Page 872]]

that sector. Having an ownership interest in a permit includes, but is 
not limited to, persons or entities who are shareholders, officers, or 
partners in a corporation owning a permit; who are partners (general or 
limited) to a permit owner; who, in any way, partly own a permit; or who 
derive any financial benefit, or exercises any control over, another 
permit. As long as at least three persons issued a NE multispecies 
permit meet these requirements, permit owners may have common ownership 
interests in other permits, vessels, or businesses associated with such 
permits.
    (b) General requirements applicable to all approved Sectors. (1) All 
sectors approved under the provisions of paragraph (a) of this section 
must submit the documents specified in paragraphs (a)(1) and (b)(2) and 
(3) of this section, comply with the conditions and restrictions of this 
paragraph (b)(1), and comply with the groundfish sector monitoring 
program in Sec. 648.11(l).
    (i) TAC allocation--(A) Allocated stocks. Each sector shall be 
allocated a TAC in the form of an ACE for each NE multispecies stock, 
with the exception of Atlantic halibut, ocean pout, windowpane flounder 
(both the northern and southern stocks), and Atlantic wolffish based 
upon the cumulative PSCs of vessels/permits participating in each sector 
during a particular fishing year, as described in paragraph (b)(1)(i)(E) 
of this section.
    (B) Eastern GB stocks--(1) Allocation. Each sector allocated ACE for 
stocks managed under the terms of the U.S./Canada Resource Sharing 
Understanding in the Eastern U.S./Canada Area, as specified in Sec. 
648.85(a), shall be allocated a specific portion of the ACE for such 
stocks that can only be harvested from the Eastern U.S./Canada Area, as 
specified in Sec. 648.85(a)(1). The ACE specified for the Eastern U.S./
Canada Area portions of these stocks shall be proportional to the 
sector's allocation of the overall ACL available to all vessels issued a 
limited access NE multispecies permit for these stocks pursuant to Sec. 
648.90(a)(4). For example, if a sector is allocated 10 percent of the GB 
cod ACL available to all vessels issued a limited access NE multispecies 
permit, that sector would also be allocated and may harvest 10 percent 
of that ACE from the Eastern U.S./Canada Area. In this example, if the 
overall GB cod ACL available to all vessels issued a limited access NE 
multispecies permit is 1,000 mt, of which 100 mt is specified to the 
Eastern U.S./Canada Area, the sector would be allocated 100 mt of GB 
cod, of which no more than 10 mt could be harvested from the Eastern 
U.S./Canada Area and no more than 90 mt could be harvested from the rest 
of the GB cod stock area.
    (2) Re-allocation of haddock or cod ACE. A sector may re-allocate 
all, or a portion, of its haddock or cod ACE specified to the Eastern 
U.S./Canada Area, pursuant to paragraph (b)(1)(i)(B)(1) of this section, 
to the Western U.S./Canada Area at any time during the fishing year, and 
up to 2 weeks into the following fishing year (i.e., through May 14), 
unless otherwise instructed by NMFS, to cover any overages during the 
previous fishing year. Re-allocation of any ACE only becomes effective 
upon approval by NMFS, as specified in paragraphs (b)(1)(i)(B)(2)(i) 
through (iii) of this section. Re-allocation of haddock or cod ACE may 
only be made within a sector, and not between sectors. For example, if 
100 mt of a sector's GB haddock ACE is specified to the Eastern U.S./
Canada Area, the sector could re-allocate up to 100 mt of that ACE to 
the Western U.S./Canada Area.
    (i) Application to re-allocate ACE. GB haddock or GB cod ACE 
specified to the Eastern U.S./Canada Area may be re-allocated to the 
Western U.S./Canada Area through written request to the Regional 
Administrator. This request must include the name of the sector, the 
amount of ACE to be re-allocated, and the fishing year in which the ACE 
re-allocation applies, as instructed by the Regional Administrator.
    (ii) Approval of request to re-allocate ACE. NMFS shall approve or 
disapprove a request to re-allocate GB haddock or GB cod ACE provided 
the sector, and its participating vessels, are in compliance with the 
reporting requirements specified in this part. The Regional 
Administrator shall inform the sector in writing, within 2 weeks of the 
receipt of the sector's request,

[[Page 873]]

whether the request to re-allocate ACE has been approved.
    (iii) Duration of ACE re-allocation. GB haddock or GB cod ACE that 
has been re-allocated to the Western U.S./Canada Area pursuant to this 
paragraph (b)(1)(i)(B)(2) is only valid for the fishing year in which 
the re-allocation is approved, with the exception of any requests that 
are submitted up to 2 weeks into the subsequent fishing year to address 
any potential ACE overages from the previous fishing year, as provided 
in paragraph (b)(1)(iii) of this section, unless otherwise instructed by 
NMFS.
    (C) Carryover. (1) With the exception of GB yellowtail flounder, a 
sector may carryover an amount of ACE equal to 10 percent of its 
original ACE for each stock that is unused at the end of one fishing 
year into the following fishing year, provided that the total unused 
sector ACE plus the overall ACL for the following fishing year does not 
exceed the ABC for the fishing year in which the carryover may be 
harvested. If this total exceeds the ABC, NMFS shall adjust the maximum 
amount of unused ACE that a sector may carryover (down from 10 percent) 
to an amount equal to the ABC of the following fishing year. Any 
adjustments made would be applied to each sector based on its total 
unused ACE and proportional to the cumulative PSCs of vessels/permits 
participating in the sector for the particular fishing year, as 
described in paragraph (b)(1)(i)(E) of this section.
    (i) Eastern GB Stocks Carryover. Any unused ACE allocated for 
Eastern GB stocks in accordance with paragraph (b)(1)(i)(B) of this 
section shall contribute to the carryover allowance for each stock, as 
specified in this paragraph (b)(1)(i)(C)(1), but shall not increase 
individual sector's allocation of Eastern GB stocks during the following 
year.
    (ii) This carryover ACE remains effective during the subsequent 
fishing year even if vessels that contributed to the sector allocation 
during the previous fishing year are no longer participating in the same 
sector for the subsequent fishing year.
    (2) Carryover accounting. (i) If the overall ACL for a particular 
stock is exceeded, the allowed carryover of a particular stock harvested 
by a sector, minus the NMFS-specified de minimis amount, shall be 
counted against the sector's ACE for purposes of determining an overage 
subject to the AM in paragraph (b)(1)(iii) of this section.
    (ii) De Minimis Carryover Amount. The de minimis carryover amount is 
one percent of the overall sector sub-ACL for the fishing year in which 
the carryover would be harvested. NMFS may change this de minimis 
carryover amount for any fishing year through notice consistent with the 
Administrative Procedure Act. The overall de minimis carryover amount 
would be applied to each sector proportional to the cumulative PSCs of 
vessels/permits participating in the sector for the particular fishing 
year, as described in paragraph (b)(1)(i)(E) of this section.
    (D) Maximum ACE allocation. There is no maximum amount of ACE that 
can be allocated to a particular sector during each fishing year.
    (E) Potential sector contribution (PSC). For the purposes of 
allocating a share of the available ACL for each NE multispecies stock 
to approved sectors pursuant to Sec. 648.90(a)(4), the landings history 
of all limited access NE multispecies permits shall be evaluated to 
determine each permit's share of the overall landings for each NE 
multispecies stock as specified in paragraphs (b)(1)(i)(E)(1) and (2) of 
this section. When calculating an individual permit's share of the 
overall landings for a particular regulated species or ocean pout stock, 
landed weight shall be converted to live weight to maintain consistency 
with the way ACLs are calculated pursuant to Sec. 648.90(a)(4) and the 
way ACEs are allocated to sectors pursuant to this paragraph (b)(1)(i). 
This calculation shall be performed on July 1 of each year, unless 
another date is specified by the Regional Administrator, to redistribute 
the landings history associated with permits that have been voluntarily 
relinquished or otherwise canceled among all remaining valid limited 
access NE multispecies permits as of that date during the following 
fishing year. The PSC calculated pursuant to this paragraph (b)(1)(i)(E) 
shall remain with the

[[Page 874]]

permit indefinitely, but may be permanently reduced or eliminated due to 
a permit sanction or other enforcement action.
    (1) Calculation of PSC for all NE multispecies stocks except GB cod. 
Unless otherwise specified in paragraph (b)(1)(i)(E)(2) of this section, 
for each valid limited access NE multispecies permit, including limited 
access NE multispecies Handgear A permits, landings recorded in the NMFS 
dealer database of each stock of NE multispecies determined by NMFS to 
be the landings history associated with that permit while subject to the 
NE multispecies regulations based on whether the vessel fishing under 
that permit was issued a limited access NE multispecies permit or 
subsequently qualified for a limited access NE multispecies permit 
pursuant to Sec. 648.4(a)(1)(i), including regulated species or ocean 
pout caught under a NE multispecies DAS when participating in the skate 
or monkfish fisheries, but excluding, for example, landings by scallop 
vessels operating under a scallop DAS, shall be summed for fishing years 
1996 through 2006. This sum shall then be divided by the total landings 
of each NE multispecies stock during the same period by all permits 
eligible to join sectors as of May 1, 2008. The resulting figure shall 
then be multiplied by a factor of 1/PSC of remaining permits as of June 
1 of each year, unless another date is specified by the Regional 
Administrator, to calculate the PSC for each individual valid limited 
access NE multispecies permit for each regulated species or ocean pout 
stock allocated to sectors in the NE multispecies fishery for the 
following fishing year pursuant to this paragraph (b)(1)(i)(E)(1).
    (2) Calculation of GB cod PSC. The GB cod PSC shall be calculated as 
specified in this paragraph (b)(1)(i)(E)(2) and shall remain with the 
permit indefinitely regardless whether the vessel participates in either 
the GB Cod Hook Gear Sector or the GB Cod Fixed Gear Sector, as defined 
in Sec. 648.87(d)(1) or (2), joins a new sector, or fishes pursuant to 
the provisions of the common pool.
    (i) GB cod PSC for permits committed to participate in the GB Cod 
Hook Gear Sector or GB Cod Fixed Gear Sector. For each owner of a valid 
NE multispecies permit, or CPH, that committed to participate in either 
the GB Cod Hook Gear Sector or the GB Cod Fixed Gear Sector as evidenced 
by a valid authorized signature executed on or before March 1, 2008, on 
a preliminary roster for either of these sectors, the PSC for GB cod 
shall be equal to the sum of dealer landings of GB cod for fishing years 
1996 through 2001, divided by the total landings of GB cod by permits 
eligible to join sectors as of May 1, 2008, during that period. The PSC 
for all other regulated species or ocean pout stocks specified for these 
permits shall be calculated pursuant to paragraph (b)(1)(i)(E)(1) of 
this section. The PSC calculated pursuant to this paragraph 
(b)(1)(i)(E)(2)(i) shall then be multiplied by a factor of 1/PSC of 
remaining permits as of June 1 of each year, unless another date is 
specified by the Regional Administrator, to calculate the GB cod PSC for 
each permit for the following fishing year.
    (ii) GB cod PSC for all other permits. For each owner of a valid NE 
multispecies permit or CPH that has not committed to participate in 
either the GB Cod Hook Gear Sector or GB Cod Fixed Gear Sector, as 
specified in paragraph (b)(1)(i)(E)(2)(i) of this section, the GB cod 
PSC for each such permit or CPH shall be based upon the GB cod PSC 
available after accounting for the GB cod PSC calculated pursuant to 
paragraph (b)(1)(i)(E)(2)(i) of this section. To determine the GB cod 
PSC for each of these permits, the sum of the individual permit's 
landings of GB cod available in the NMFS dealer database for fishing 
years 1996 through 2006 shall be divided by the total landings of GB cod 
during that period by the total landings of GB cod by permits eligible 
to join sectors as of May 1, 2008, during that period, after subtracting 
the total landings of GB cod by permits that committed to participate in 
either the GB Cod Hook Sector or GB Cod Fixed Gear Sector as of March 1, 
2008. This individual share shall then be multiplied by the available GB 
cod PSC calculated by subtracting the GB cod PSC allocated pursuant to 
paragraph (b)(1)(i)(E)(2)(i) of this section from one. The PSC 
calculated pursuant to this paragraph (b)(1)(i)(E)(2)(ii) shall then be 
multiplied by a factor of 1/PSC

[[Page 875]]

of remaining permits as of July 1 of each year, unless another date is 
specified by the Regional Administrator, to calculate the GB cod PSC for 
each permit.
    (ii) Areas that can be fished. Vessels in a sector may only fish in 
a particular stock area, as specified in paragraphs (b)(1)(ii)(A) 
through (F) of this section, and Sec. 648.85(b)(6)(v), or the Eastern 
U.S./Canada Area, as specified in Sec. 648.85(a)(1), if the sector has 
been allocated, or acquires, pursuant to paragraph (b)(1)(viii) of this 
section, ACE for all stocks allocated to sectors pursuant to paragraph 
(b)(1)(i)(A) of this section that are caught in that stock area. A 
sector must project when its ACE for each stock will be exceeded and 
must ensure that all vessels in the sector cease fishing operations 
prior to exceeding it. Once a sector has harvested its ACE for a stock, 
all vessels in that sector must cease fishing operations in that stock 
area on a sector trip unless and until it acquires additional ACE from 
another sector pursuant to paragraph (b)(1)(viii) of this section, or as 
otherwise specified in an approved operations plan pursuant to paragraph 
(b)(2)(xiv) of this section. For the purposes of this paragraph 
(b)(1)(ii), an ACE overage means catch of regulated species or ocean 
pout by vessels participating in a particular sector that exceeds the 
ACE allocated to that sector, as of the date received or purchased by 
the dealer, whichever occurs first, after considering all ACE transfer 
requests ultimately approved by NMFS during the current fishing year, 
pursuant to paragraph (b)(1)(viii) of this section, unless otherwise 
specified pursuant to Sec. 648.90(a)(5).
    (A) CC/GOM Yellowtail Flounder Stock Area. The CC/GOM Yellowtail 
Flounder Stock Area, for the purposes of identifying stock areas for 
trip limits specified in Sec. 648.86, and for determining areas 
applicable to sector allocations of CC/GOM yellowtail flounder ACE 
pursuant to paragraph (b) of this section, is defined as the area 
bounded on the north and west by the coastline of the United States, on 
the east by the U.S./Canadian maritime boundary, and on the south by 
rhumb lines connecting the following points in the order stated:

                  CC/GOM Yellowtail Flounder Stock Area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Point                   N. Latitude         W. Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1..............................  (\1\).............  70[deg] 00[min]
2..............................  (\2\).............  70[deg] 00[min]
3..............................  41[deg] 20[min]...  (\3\)
4..............................  41[deg] 20[min]...  69[deg] 50[min]
5..............................  41[deg] 10[min]...  69[deg] 50[min]
6..............................  41[deg] 10[min]...  69[deg] 30[min]
7..............................  41[deg] 00[min]...  69[deg] 30[min]
8..............................  41[deg] 00[min]...  68[deg] 50[min]
9..............................  42[deg] 20[min]...  68[deg] 50[min]
10.............................  42[deg] 20[min]...  (\4\)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Intersection of south-facing coastline of Cape Cod, MA, and 70[deg]
  00[min] W. long.
\2\ Intersection of north-facing coastline of Nantucket, MA, and 70[deg]
  00[min] W. long.
\3\ Intersection of east-facing coastline of Nantucket, MA, and 41[deg]
  20[min] N. lat.
\4\ U.S./Canada maritime boundary.

    (B) SNE/MA Yellowtail Flounder Stock Area. The SNE/MA Yellowtail 
Flounder Stock Area, for the purposes of identifying stock areas for 
trip limits specified in Sec. 648.86, and for determining areas 
applicable to sector allocations of SNE/MA yellowtail flounder ACE 
pursuant to paragraph (b) of this section, is the area bounded by rhumb 
lines connecting the following points in the order stated:

                  SNE/MA Yellowtail Flounder Stock Area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Point                   N. Latitude         W. Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1..............................  35[deg] 00[min]...  (\1\)
2..............................  35[deg] 00[min]...  (\2\)
3..............................  39[deg] 00[min]...  (\2\)
4..............................  39[deg] 00[min]...  69[deg] 00[min]
5..............................  39[deg] 50[min]...  69[deg] 00[min]
7..............................  39[deg] 50[min]...  68[deg] 50[min]
8..............................  41[deg] 00[min]...  68[deg] 50[min]
9..............................  41[deg] 00[min]...  69[deg] 30[min]
10.............................  41[deg] 10[min]...  69[deg] 30[min]
11.............................  41[deg] 10[min]...  69[deg] 50[min]
12.............................  41[deg] 20[min]...  69[deg] 50[min]
13.............................  41[deg] 20[min]...  (\3\)
14.............................  (\4\).............  70[deg] 00[min]
15.............................  (\5\).............  70[deg] 00[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Intersection of east-facing coastline of Outer Banks, NC, and
  35[deg] 00[min] N. lat.
\2\ U.S./Canada maritime boundary.
\3\ Intersection of east-facing coastline of Nantucket, MA, and 41[deg]
  20[min] N. lat.
\4\ Intersection of north-facing coastline of Nantucket, MA, and 70[deg]
  00[min] W. long.
\5\ Intersection of south-facing coastline of Cape Cod, MA, and 70[deg]
  00[min] W. long.

    (C) GOM Haddock Stock Area. The GOM Haddock Stock Area, for the 
purposes of identifying stock areas for trip limits specified in Sec. 
648.86 and for determining areas applicable to sector allocations of GOM 
haddock ACE pursuant to paragraph (b) of this section, is defined as the 
area bounded on the north and west by the coastline of the United

[[Page 876]]

States, on the east by the U.S./Canadian maritime boundary, and on the 
south by straight lines connecting the following points in the order 
stated:

                         GOM Haddock Stock Area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Point                   N. Latitude         W. Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1..............................  (\1\).............  70[deg] 00[min]
2..............................  42[deg] 20[min]...  70[deg] 00[min]
3..............................  42[deg] 20[min]...  67[deg] 40[min]
4..............................  (\2\).............  67[deg] 40[min]
5..............................  (\3\).............  67[deg] 40[min]
6..............................  43[deg] 50[min]...  67[deg] 40[min]
7..............................  43[deg] 50[min]...  (\4\)
8..............................  (\4\).............  67[deg] 00[min]
9..............................  (\5\).............  67[deg] 00[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Intersection of the north-facing coastline of Cape Cod, MA, and
  70[deg] 00[min] W. long.
\2\ U.S./Canada maritime boundary southern intersection with 67[deg]
  40[min] W. long.).
\3\ U.S./Canada maritime boundary northern intersection with 67[deg]
  40[min] W. long.).
\4\ U.S./Canada maritime boundary.
\5\ Intersection of the south-facing ME coastline and 67[deg] 00[min] W.
  long.

    (D) GB Haddock Stock Area. The GB Haddock Stock Area, for the 
purposes of identifying stock areas for trip limits specified in Sec. 
648.86 and for determining areas applicable to sector allocations of GB 
haddock ACE pursuant to paragraph (b) of this section, is defined as the 
area bounded on the west by the coastline of the United States, on the 
south by a line running from the east-facing coastline of North Carolina 
at 35[deg] N. lat. until its intersection with the EEZ, on the east by 
the U.S./Canadian maritime boundary, and bounded on the north by 
straight lines connecting the following points in the order stated:

                          GB Haddock Stock Area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Point                   N. Latitude         W. Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1..............................  (\1\).............  70[deg] 00[min]
2..............................  42[deg] 20[min]...  70[deg] 00[min]
3..............................  42[deg] 20[min]...  (\2\)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Intersection of the north-facing coastline of Cape Cod, MA, and
  70[deg] 00[min] W. long.
\2\ U.S./Canada maritime boundary.

    (E) Redfish Stock Area. The Redfish Stock Area, for the purposes of 
identifying stock areas for trip limits specified in Sec. 648.86 and 
for determining areas applicable to sector allocations of redfish ACE 
pursuant to paragraph (b) of this section, is defined as the area 
bounded on the north and west by the coastline of the United States, on 
the east by the U.S./Canadian maritime boundary, and bounded on the 
south by a rhumb line running from the east-facing coastline of North 
Carolina at 35[deg] N. lat. until its intersection with the EEZ.
    (F) GOM Winter Flounder Stock Area. The GOM Winter Flounder Stock 
Area, for the purposes of identifying stock areas for trip limits 
specified in Sec. 648.86 and for determining areas applicable to sector 
allocations of GOM winter flounder ACE pursuant to paragraph (b) of this 
section, is the area bounded by straight lines connecting the following 
points in the order stated:

                     GOM Winter Flounder Stock Area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Point                   N. Latitude         W. Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1..............................  (\1\)                70[deg]00[min]
2..............................  42[deg]20[min]       70[deg]00[min]
3..............................  42[deg]20[min]       67[deg]40[min]
4..............................  (\2\)                67[deg]40[min]
5..............................  (\3\)                67[deg]40[min]
6..............................  43[deg]50[min]       67[deg]40[min]
7..............................  43[deg]50[min]       \4\
8..............................  (\4\)                67[deg]00[min]
9..............................  (\5\)                67[deg]00[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(\1\) Intersection of the north-facing coastline of Cape Cod, MA, and
  70[deg]00[min] W. long.
(\2\) U.S./Canada maritime boundary (southern intersection with
  67[deg]40[min] N. lat.)
(\3\) U.S./Canada maritime boundary (northern intersection with
  67[deg]40[min] N. lat.)
(\4\) U.S./Canada maritime boundary.
(\5\) Intersection of the south-facing ME coastline and 67[deg]00[min]
  W. long.

    (iii) Sector AMs. At the end of the fishing year, NMFS shall 
evaluate sector catch using VTR, VMS, IVR, and any other available 
information to determine whether a sector has exceeded any of its ACE 
allocations based upon the cumulative catch by participating permits/
vessels, as identified in the final operations plan approved by the 
Regional Administrator pursuant to paragraph (c) of this section, and 
each sector's share of any overage of the overall ACL for any stock 
caused by excessive catch by other sub-components of the fishery 
pursuant to Sec. 648.90(a)(5), if necessary. Should an ACE allocated to 
a sector be exceeded in a given fishing year, the sector's ACE shall be 
reduced by the overage on a pound-for-pound basis during the following 
fishing year, and the sector, each vessel, vessel operator and/or vessel 
owner participating in the sector

[[Page 877]]

may be charged, as a result of said overages, jointly and severally for 
civil penalties and permit sanctions pursuant to 15 CFR part 904. If an 
ACE allocated to a sector is not exceeded in a given fishing year 
pursuant to this paragraph (b)(1)(iii), the sector's ACE allocation 
shall not be reduced for the following fishing year as a result of an 
overage of an ACE by non-compliant sectors or an overage of sub-ACLs 
allocated to common pool vessels, but may be reduced if the excessive 
catch of a particular stock by other sub-components of the fishery 
causes the overall ACL of a particular stock to be exceeded pursuant to 
Sec. 648.90(a)(5). If declining stock conditions result in a need to 
reduce fishing mortality, and all sectors and common pool vessels have 
operated within their ACE or sub-ACL limits, a sector's percentage share 
shall not be changed, but the amount this share represents may be 
reduced due to reduced overall ACL for a particular stock. If stock 
conditions improve, and certain sectors stay within their ACE while 
other sectors or the common pool exceed their respective ACEs or sub-
ACLs, the sectors that stay within their ACEs shall receive a temporary 
increase in ACE equal to the amount that other sectors or the common 
pool exceeded their ACE or sub-ACL, divided among such sectors 
proportional to each sector's share of the ACL available to vessels 
issued a limited access NE multispecies permit.
    (A) Overage penalty if there is sufficient ACE to cover the overage. 
If a sector exceeds an ACE allocated to it during the previous fishing 
year, but has sufficient ACE to address the overage pursuant to this 
paragraph (b)(1)(iii) based upon the cumulative PSCs of participating 
vessels during the fishing year following the overage, no overage 
penalty shall be applied to any member permit/vessel that leaves that 
sector to fish under the provisions of the common pool or in another 
sector in the year following the overage. Any impacts to departing 
member permits/vessels may be specified and addressed by the sector 
operations plan and associated sector contract.
    (B) Overage penalty if there is insufficient ACE to cover an 
overage. If a sector exceeds an ACE allocated to it during the previous 
fishing year, but disbands in the year following the overage, or 
otherwise does not have sufficient ACE to address the overage pursuant 
to this paragraph (b)(1)(iii) based upon the cumulative PSCs of permits/
vessels participating in that sector during the fishing year following 
the overage, individual permit holders that participated in the sector 
during the fishing year in which the overage occurred shall be 
responsible for reducing their DAS/PSC to account for that overage in 
the subsequent fishing year, as follows:
    (1) PSC reduction. If a sector disbands following an overage, and 
the owner of an individual permit joins another sector for the 
subsequent fishing year, that permit's contribution toward the ACE for 
the stock for which the overage occurred to the other sector in the 
subsequent fishing year shall be reduced by an amount equal to the 
overage divided by the number of permits/vessels participating in the 
sector during the fishing year in which the overage occurred. For 
example, if a sector comprised of 10 permits/vessels exceeded its GB cod 
ACE by 10,000 lb (4,536 kg) during the previous fishing year, but later 
disbands, each permit/vessel that was in that sector, but then joins 
another sector during the following fishing year shall have its 
contribution of GB cod to another sector temporarily reduced by 1,000 lb 
(453.6 kg) during the subsequent fishing year for the purposes of 
calculating the available GB cod ACE allocated to another sector during 
that fishing year.
    (2) DAS reduction. If a sector disbands following an overage and the 
owner of an individual permit elects to fish under the provisions of the 
common pool during the subsequent fishing year, that permit/vessel's NE 
multispecies Category A DAS allocation for the subsequent fishing year 
shall be temporarily reduced by an amount proportional to the highest 
percentage overage by that sector of any of the stocks for which an 
overage occurred. For example, if a sector exceeded its GB cod ACE by 10 
percent and its pollock ACE

[[Page 878]]

by 15 percent, each permit would receive a 15-percent reduction in its 
Category A DAS allocation for the subsequent fishing year if fishing 
under the provisions of the common pool.
    (3) Fishing prohibition. If a sector does not disband following an 
overage, but otherwise does not have sufficient ACE to cover an overage 
based upon the PSC of participating permits, that sector's ACE for the 
stock for which the overage occurred shall be temporarily reduced to 
zero for the following fishing year, and that sector shall be prohibited 
from fishing on a sector trip in the stock area associated with the 
stock for which the ACE was exceeded during the following year, unless 
and until that sector can acquire sufficient ACE from another sector to 
cover the remaining overage from the previous fishing year. For example, 
if a sector comprised of 10 permits/vessels was allocated 10 mt of GB 
cod ACE, but caught 25 mt during the previous fishing year (i.e., it 
exceeded its GB cod ACE by 15 mt), each permit/vessel that participating 
in that sector during the following fishing year would have its GB cod 
PSC temporarily reduced to zero during the subsequent fishing year, and 
that sector would not be able to fish on a sector trip in the GB cod 
stock area until it could acquire at least an additional 5 mt of GB cod 
ACE from another sector (i.e., 15 mt overage--10 mt ACE for the 
following year = 5 mt overage remaining).
    (C) ACE buffer. At the beginning of each fishing year, NMFS shall 
withhold 20 percent of a sector's ACE for each stock for a period of up 
to 61 days (i.e., through June 30), unless otherwise specified by NMFS, 
to allow time to process any ACE transfers submitted at the end of the 
fishing year pursuant to paragraph (b)(1)(viii) of this section and to 
determine whether the ACE allocated to any sector needs to be reduced, 
or any overage penalties need to be applied to individual permits/
vessels in the current fishing year to accommodate an ACE overage by 
that sector during the previous fishing year, as specified in paragraph 
(b)(1)(iii) of this section. NMFS shall not withhold 20 percent of a 
sector's ACE at the beginning of a fishing year in which default 
specifications are in effect, as specified in Sec. 648.90(a)(3).
    (iv) Sector enforcement--(A) Sector compliance and joint/several 
liability. Unless exempted through a letter of authorization specified 
in paragraph (c)(2) of this section, each vessel operator and/or vessel 
owner fishing under an approved sector must comply with all NE 
multispecies management measures of this part and other applicable law. 
Each vessel and vessel operator and/or vessel owner participating in a 
sector must also comply with all applicable requirements and conditions 
of the operations plan specified in paragraph (b)(2) of this section and 
the letter of authorization issued pursuant to paragraph (c)(2) of this 
section. Pursuant to 15 CFR part 904, each sector, permit/vessel owner, 
and vessel operator participating in the sector may be charged jointly 
and severally for violations of the following sector operations plan 
requirements, which may result in an assessment of civil penalties and 
permit sanctions: ACE overages, discarding of legal-sized NE 
multispecies, and misreporting of catch, including both landings and 
discards. For the purposes of enforcement, a sector is a legal entity 
that can be subject to NMFS enforcement action for violations of the 
regulations pertaining to sectors, as specified in this paragraph 
(b)(1)(iv).
    (B) Commitment to a sector. A permit/vessel participating in a 
sector must remain in the sector for the remainder of the fishing year. 
Such permits/vessels cannot fish under both the sector provisions and 
the provisions of the common pool during that same fishing year for any 
reason, including, but not limited to, expulsion from the sector 
pursuant to enforcement actions or other measures specified in an 
approved sector operations plan, vessel replacement, or permit/vessel 
sale to another owner. For example, if a permit/vessel is sold by a 
sector participant during the fishing year, the new owner must comply 
with the sector regulations and the conditions of the sector operations 
plan, sector contract, or any other binding agreements among 
participating sector vessels for the remainder of the fishing year. If a 
permit/vessel has been expelled from a

[[Page 879]]

sector, the sector must notify NMFS of such an expulsion immediately. 
Any permit/vessel, vessel operator, or vessel owner removed from a 
sector during a specific fishing year consistent with sector rules shall 
not be eligible to fish in another sector or under the NE multispecies 
regulations for common pool vessels specified in this part for the 
remainder of that fishing year. For the purposes of this paragraph, 
``permit/vessel'' refers to the fishing and landings history associated 
with a particular permit/vessel enrolled in a specific sector at the 
start of the fishing year that was used to calculate the PSC for that 
permit/vessel and contribute to the ACE for each stock allocated to that 
specific sector.
    (v) Sector reporting requirements. In addition to the other 
reporting/recordkeeping requirements specified in this part, a sector's 
vessels must comply with the reporting requirements specified in this 
paragraph (b)(1)(v).
    (A) VMS declarations and trip-level catch reports. Prior to each 
sector trip, a sector vessel must declare into broad stock areas in 
which the vessel fishes and submit the VTR serial number associated with 
that trip pursuant to Sec. 648.10(k). The sector vessel must also 
submit a VMS catch report detailing regulated species and ocean pout 
catch by statistical area when fishing in multiple broad stock areas on 
the same trip, pursuant to Sec. 648.10(k).
    (B) Weekly catch report. Each sector must submit weekly reports to 
NMFS stating the remaining balance of ACE allocated to each sector based 
upon regulated species and ocean pout landings and discards of vessels 
participating in that sector and any compliance/enforcement concerns. 
These reports must include at least the following information, as 
instructed by the Regional Administrator: Week ending date; species, 
stock area, gear, number of trips, reported landings (landed pounds and 
live pounds), discards (live pounds), total catch (live pounds), status 
of the sector's ACE (pounds remaining and percent remaining), and 
whether this is a new or updated record of sector catch for each 
regulated species stock allocated to that particular sector; sector 
enforcement issues; and a list of vessels landing for that reporting 
week. These weekly catch reports must be submitted no later than 0700 hr 
on the second Monday after the reporting week, as defined in this part. 
The frequency of these reports must be increased to more than a weekly 
submission when the balance of remaining ACE is low, as specified in the 
sector operations plan and approved by NMFS. If requested, sectors must 
provide detailed trip-by-trip catch data to NMFS for the purposes of 
auditing sector catch monitoring data based upon guidance provided by 
the Regional Administrator.
    (C) Year-end report. An approved sector must submit an annual year-
end report to NMFS and the Council, no later than 60 days after the end 
of the fishing year, that summarizes the fishing activities of 
participating permits/vessels, which must include at least the following 
information: Catch, including landings and discards, of all species by 
sector vessels; the permit number of each sector vessel that fished for 
regulated species or ocean pout; the number of vessels that fished for 
non-regulated species or ocean pout; the method used to estimate 
discards by sector vessels; the landing port used by sector vessels; 
enforcement actions; and other relevant information required to evaluate 
the biological, economic, and social impacts of sectors and their 
fishing operations consistent with confidentiality requirements of 
applicable law.
    (D) Streamlining sector reporting requirements. The reporting/
recordkeeping requirements specified in Sec. 648.11(l) and this 
paragraph (b)(1)(v) may be revised by the Regional Administrator in a 
manner consistent with the Administrative Procedure Act.
    (vi) Interaction with other fisheries--(A) Use of DAS. A sector 
vessel must comply with all measures specified for another fishery 
pursuant to this part, including any requirement to use a NE 
multispecies DAS. If the regulations in this part for another fishery 
require the use of a NE multispecies DAS, the DAS allocation and accrual 
provisions specified in Sec. 648.82(d) and (e), respectively, apply to 
each trip by a sector vessel, as applicable. For example, if a sector 
vessel is also issued a limited access monkfish Category C permit and

[[Page 880]]

is required to use a NE multispecies DAS concurrent with a monkfish DAS 
under this part, any NE multispecies DAS used by the sector vessel 
accrues, as specified in Sec. 648.82(e)(1)(ii) based upon the vessel's 
NE multispecies DAS allocation calculated pursuant to Sec. 
648.82(d)(1)(iv)(B).
    (B) Availability of ACE. Notwithstanding the requirements in 
paragraph (b)(1)(vi)(A) of this section, if a sector has not been 
allocated or does not acquire sufficient ACE available to cover the 
catch of a particular stock of regulated species while participating in 
another fishery in which such catch would apply to the ACE allocated to 
a sector, vessels participating in that sector cannot participate in 
those other fisheries unless NMFS has approved a sector operations plan 
that ensures that regulated species or ocean pout will not be caught 
while participating in these other fisheries.
    (vii) ACE transfers. All or a portion of a sector's ACE for any NE 
multispecies stock may be transferred to another sector at any time 
during the fishing year and up to 2 weeks into the following fishing 
year (i.e., through May 14), unless otherwise instructed by NMFS, to 
cover any overages during the previous fishing year. A sector is not 
required to transfer ACE to another sector. An ACE transfer only becomes 
effective upon approval by NMFS, as specified in paragraph 
(b)(1)(vii)(B) of this section.
    (A) Application to transfer ACE. ACE may be transferred from one 
sector to another through written request to the Regional Administrator. 
This request must include the name of the sectors involved, the amount 
of each ACE to be transferred, the fishing year in which the ACE 
transfer applies, and the amount of compensation received for any ACE 
transferred, as instructed by the Regional Administrator.
    (B) Approval of an ACE transfer request. NMFS shall approve/
disapprove a request to transfer ACE based upon compliance by each 
sector and its participating vessels with the reporting requirements 
specified in this part. The Regional Administrator shall inform both 
sectors in writing whether the ACE transfer request has been approved 
within 2 weeks of the receipt of the ACE transfer request.
    (C) Duration of transfer. Notwithstanding ACE carried over into the 
next fishing year pursuant to paragraph (b)(1)(i)(C) of this section, 
ACE transferred pursuant to this paragraph (b)(1)(vii) is only valid for 
the fishing year in which the transfer is approved, with the exception 
of ACE transfer requests that are submitted up to 2 weeks into the 
subsequent fishing year to address any potential ACE overages from the 
previous fishing year, as provided in paragraph (b)(1)(iii) of this 
section, unless otherwise instructed by NMFS.
    (viii) Trip limits. With the exception of stocks listed in Sec. 
648.86(1) and the Atlantic halibut trip limit at Sec. 648.86(c), a 
sector vessel is not limited in the amount of allocated NE multispecies 
stocks that can be harvested on a particular fishing trip, unless 
otherwise specified in the operations plan.
    (2) Operations plan and sector contract. To be approved to operate, 
each sector must submit an operations plan and preliminary sector 
contract to the Regional Administrator no later than September 1 prior 
to the fishing year in which the sector intends to begin operations, 
unless otherwise instructed by NMFS. A final roster, sector contract, 
and list of Federal and state permits held by participating vessels for 
each sector must be submitted by December 1 prior to the fishing year in 
which the sector intends to begin operations, unless otherwise 
instructed by NMFS. The operations plan may cover a 1- or 2-year period, 
provided the analysis required in paragraph (b)(3) of this section is 
sufficient to assess the impacts of sector operations during the 2-year 
period and that sector membership, or any other parameter that may 
affect sector operations during the second year of the approved 
operations plan, does not differ to the point where the impacts analyzed 
by the supporting National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) document are 
compromised. Each vessel and vessel operator and/or vessel owner 
participating in a sector must agree to and comply with all applicable 
requirements and conditions of the operations plan specified in this

[[Page 881]]

paragraph (b)(2) and the letter of authorization issued pursuant to 
paragraph (c)(2) of this section. It shall be unlawful to violate any 
such conditions and requirements unless such conditions or restrictions 
are identified in an approved operations plan as administrative only. If 
a proposed sector does not comply with the requirements of this 
paragraph (b)(2), NMFS may decline to propose for approval such sector 
operations plans, even if the Council has approved such sector. At least 
the following elements must be contained in either the final operations 
plan or sector contract submitted to NMFS:
    (i) A list of all parties, vessels, and vessel owners who will 
participate in the sector;
    (ii) A list of all Federal and state permits held by persons 
participating in the sector, including an indication for each permit 
whether it is enrolled and will actively fish in a sector, or will be 
subject to the provisions of the common pool;
    (iii) A contract signed by all sector participants indicating their 
agreement to abide by the operations plan;
    (iv) The name of a designated representative or agent of the sector 
for service of process;
    (v) If applicable, a plan for consolidation or redistribution of ACE 
detailing the quantity and duration of such consolidation or 
redistribution within the sector;
    (vi) A list of the specific management rules the sector participants 
will agree to abide by in order to avoid exceeding the allocated ACE for 
each stock, including a plan of operations or cessation of operations 
once the ACEs of one or more stocks are harvested and detailed plans for 
enforcement of the sector rules;
    (vii) A plan that defines the procedures by which members of the 
sector that do not abide by the rules of the sector will be disciplined 
or removed from the sector, and a procedure for notifying NMFS of such 
expulsions from the sector;
    (viii) If applicable, a plan of how the ACE allocated to the sector 
is assigned to each vessel;
    (ix) If the operations plan is inconsistent with, or outside the 
scope of the NEPA analysis associated with the sector proposal/framework 
adjustment as specified in paragraph (a)(1) of this section, a 
supplemental NEPA analysis may be required with the operations plan;
    (x) Detailed information about overage penalties or other actions 
that will be taken if a sector exceeds its ACE for any stock;
    (xi) Detailed plans for the monitoring and reporting of landings and 
discards by sector participants, including, but not limited to, detailed 
information describing the sector's at-sea/electronic monitoring program 
for monitoring utilization of ACE allocated to that sector; 
identification of the independent third-party service providers employed 
by the sector to provide at-sea/electronic monitoring services; the 
mechanism and timing of any hail reports; a list of specific ports where 
participating vessels will land fish, with specific exemptions noted for 
safety, weather, etc., allowed, provided the sector provides reasonable 
notification to NMFS concerning a deviation from the listed ports; and 
any other information about such a program required by NMFS;
    (xii) ACE thresholds that may trigger revisions to sector operations 
to ensure allocated ACE is not exceeded, and details regarding the 
sector's plans for notifying NMFS once the specified ACE threshold has 
been reached;
    (xiii) Identification of any potential redirection of effort into 
other fisheries expected as a result of sector operations, and, if 
necessary, proposed limitations to eliminate any adverse effects 
expected from such redirection of effort;
    (xiv) If applicable, description of how regulated species and ocean 
pout will be avoided while participating in other fisheries that have a 
bycatch of regulated species or ocean pout if the sector does not have 
sufficient ACE for stocks of regulated species or ocean pout caught as 
bycatch in those fisheries, as specified in paragraph (b)(1)(vi)(B) of 
this section; and
    (xv) A list of existing regulations in this part that the sector is 
requesting exemption from during the following fishing year pursuant to 
paragraph (c)(2) of this section.

[[Page 882]]

    (3) NEPA analysis. In addition to the documents required by 
paragraphs (a)(1) and (b)(2) of this section, before NMFS can approve a 
sector to operate during a particular fishing year, each sector must 
develop and submit to NMFS, in conjunction with the yearly operations 
plan and sector contract, an appropriate NEPA analysis assessing the 
impacts of forming the sector and operating under the measures described 
in the sector operations plan.
    (c) Approval of a sector and granting of exemptions by the Regional 
Administrator. (1) Once the Regional Administrator has made a 
preliminary determination that the documents submitted pursuant to 
paragraphs (a)(1), (b)(2), and (b)(3) of this section appear to comply 
with the requirements of this section, NMFS may consult with the Council 
and approve or disapprove sector operations consistent with the 
Administrative Procedure Act and other applicable law.
    (2) If a sector is approved, the Regional Administrator shall issue 
a letter of authorization to each vessel operator and/or vessel owner 
participating in the sector. The letter of authorization shall authorize 
participation in the sector operations and may exempt participating 
vessels from any Federal fishing regulation implementing the NE 
multispecies FMP, except those specified in paragraphs (c)(2)(i) and 
(ii) of this section, in order to allow vessels to fish in accordance 
with an approved operations plan, provided such exemptions are 
consistent with the goals and objectives of the FMP. The letter of 
authorization may also include requirements and conditions deemed 
necessary to ensure effective administration of, and compliance with, 
the operations plan and the sector allocation. Solicitation of public 
comment on, and NMFS final determination on such exemptions shall be 
consistent with paragraphs (c)(1) and (2) of this section.
    (i) Regulations that may not be exempted for sector participants. 
The Regional Administrator may not exempt participants in a sector from 
the following Federal fishing regulations: Specific times and areas 
within the NE multispecies year-round closure areas; permitting 
restrictions (e.g., vessel upgrades, etc.); gear restrictions designed 
to minimize habitat impacts (e.g., roller gear restrictions, etc.); 
reporting requirements; and AMs specified in Sec. 648.90(a)(5)(i)(D) 
through (H). For the purposes of this paragraph (c)(2)(i), the DAS 
reporting requirements specified in Sec. 648.82, the SAP-specific 
reporting requirements specified in Sec. 648.85, VMS requirements for 
Handgear A category permitted vessels as specified in Sec. 648.10, and 
the reporting requirements associated with a dockside monitoring program 
are not considered reporting requirements, and the Regional 
Administrator may exempt sector participants from these requirements as 
part of the approval of yearly operations plans. For the purpose of this 
paragraph (c)(2)(i), the Regional Administrator may not grant sector 
participants exemptions from the NE multispecies year-round closures 
areas defined as Habitat Management Areas as defined in Sec. 648.370; 
Closed Area I North and Closed Area II, as defined in Sec. 648.81(c)(3) 
and (4), respectively, during the period February 16 through April 30; 
and the Western GOM Closure Area, as defined at Sec. 648.81(a)(4), 
where it overlaps with GOM Cod Protection Closures I through III, as 
defined in Sec. 648.81(d)(4). This list may be modified through a 
framework adjustment, as specified in Sec. 648.90.
    (ii) Universal sector exemptions. All sector vessels are exempt from 
the following Federal fishing regulations under this part:
    (A) Trip limits on NE multispecies stocks for which a sector 
receives an allocation of ACE pursuant to paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this 
section (i.e., all stocks except Atlantic halibut, ocean pout, 
windowpane flounder, and Atlantic wolffish);
    (B) The GOM Cod Protection Closures IV and V specified in Sec. 
648.81(d)(4)(iv) and (v);
    (C) NE multispecies DAS restrictions other than those required to 
comply with effort controls in other fisheries, as specified in 
Sec. Sec. 648.92 and 648.322;
    (D) The minimum codend mesh size restrictions for trawl gear 
specified in Sec. 648.80(a)(4)(i) when using a haddock separator trawl 
defined in Sec. 648.85(a)(3)(iii) or the Ruhle trawl defined in Sec. 
648.85(b)(6)(iv)(J)(3) within the

[[Page 883]]

GB RMA, as defined in Sec. 648.80(a)(2), provided sector vessels use a 
codend with 6-inch (15.2-cm) minimum mesh; and
    (E) The minimum codend mesh size restrictions for trawl gear 
specified in Sec. 648.80(a)(3)(i) or (a)(4)(i) when fishing in 
compliance with the provisions of the Redfish Exemption Program defined 
in Sec. 648.85(e)(1).
    (3) The Regional Administrator may withdraw approval of a sector, 
after consultation with the Council, at any time, if it is determined 
that sector participants are not complying with the requirements of an 
approved operations plan or that the continuation of the operations plan 
will undermine achievement of fishing mortality objectives of the FMP. 
Withdrawal of approval of a sector may only be done in a manner 
consistent with the Administrative Procedure Act and other applicable 
law.
    (4) Any sector may submit a written request to amend its approved 
operations plan to the Regional Administrator. If the amendment is 
administrative in nature, within the scope of and consistent with the 
actions and impacts previously considered for current sector operations, 
the Regional Administrator may approve an administrative amendment in 
writing. The Regional Administrator may approve substantive changes to 
an approved operations plan in a manner consistent with the 
Administrative Procedure Act and other applicable law. All approved 
operations plan amendments will be published on the regional office Web 
site and will be provided to the Council.
    (d) Approved sector allocation proposals. Eligible NE multispecies 
vessels, as specified in paragraph (a)(3) of this section, may 
participate in the sectors identified in paragraphs (d)(1) through (26) 
of this section, provided the operations plan is approved by the 
Regional Administrator in accordance with paragraph (c) of this section 
and each participating vessel and vessel operator and/or vessel owner 
complies with the requirements of the operations plan, the requirements 
and conditions specified in the letter of authorization issued pursuant 
to paragraph (c) of this section, and all other requirements specified 
in this section. All operational aspects of these sectors shall be 
specified pursuant to the operations plan and sector contract, as 
required by this section.
    (1) GB Cod Hook Sector.
    (2) GB Cod Fixed Gear Sector.
    (3) Mooncusser Sector.
    (4) Sustainable Harvest Sector.
    (5) Sustainable Harvest Sector II.
    (6) Sustainable Harvest Sector III.
    (7) Port Clyde Community Groundfish Sector.
    (8) Northeast Fishery Sector I.
    (9) Northeast Fishery Sector II.
    (10) Northeast Fishery Sector III.
    (11) Northeast Fishery Sector IV.
    (12) Northeast Fishery Sector V.
    (13) Northeast Fishery Sector VI.
    (14) Northeast Fishery Sector VII.
    (15) Northeast Fishery Sector VIII.
    (16) Northeast Fishery Sector IX.
    (17) Northeast Fishery Sector X.
    (18) Northeast Fishery Sector XI.
    (19) Northeast Fishery Sector XII.
    (20) Northeast Fishery Sector XIII.
    (21) Tristate Sector.
    (22) Northeast Coastal Communities Sector.
    (23) State of Maine Permit Banking Sector.
    (24) State of Rhode Island Permit Bank Sector.
    (25) State of New Hampshire Permit Bank Sector.
    (26) State of Massachusetts Permit Bank Sector.
    (e) State-operated permit bank. A state-operated permit bank must 
meet and is subject to the following requirements and conditions:
    (1) The state-operated permit bank must be initially established 
using a Federal grant award from NOAA through a valid Memorandum of 
Agreement (MOA) with NMFS and the state must maintain and comply with 
such MOA. The MOA must contain and the state must comply with at least 
the following requirements and conditions:
    (i) The state may not associate a state-operated permit bank permit 
with a vessel engaged in any fishing or other on-the-water activities;
    (ii) The state must establish the minimum eligibility criteria to 
determine whether a sector and its associated vessels are qualified to 
receive either ACE

[[Page 884]]

or DAS from the state-operated permit bank;
    (iii) The state must identify a program contact person for the state 
agency administering the state-operated permit bank;
    (iv) The state must provide to NMFS a list of all permits held by 
the state under the aegis of the state-operated permit bank, and declare 
which permits will be used in the coming fishing year for exclusively 
DAS leasing to common pool vessels and which permits are to be used 
exclusively for transferring ACE to sectors (including the leasing of 
DAS to sector vessels for the purpose of complying with the requirements 
of other FMPs); and
    (v) The state must prepare and submit an annual performance report 
to NMFS, and that said performance report must include, at a minimum, 
the following elements:
    (A) A comprehensive listing of all permits held by the state-
operated permit bank, identifying whether a permit was used for ACE 
transfers to sectors (including DAS leases to the sector members) or DAS 
leases to common pool vessels, the total amount of ACE, by stock, and 
DAS available to the state-operated permit bank for transfers and leases 
to sectors and common-pool vessels;
    (B) A comprehensive listing of all sectors to which ACE was 
transferred from the state-operated permit bank, including the amount, 
by stock, of ACE transferred to each sector, including a list of all 
vessels that harvested the ACE transferred to the sector and the amounts 
harvested;
    (C) A comprehensive listing of all sector vessels to which DAS were 
leased from the state-operated permit bank, including the number of DAS 
leased to each sector vessel; and
    (D) A comprehensive listing of all common pool vessels to which DAS 
were leased from the state-operated permit bank, including the number of 
DAS leased to each common pool vessel.
    (2) Eligibility. If a state is issued a permit that meets sector 
eligibility requirements, as defined in paragraph (a)(3) of this 
section, such permit may be held by a state-operated permit bank.
    (3) Allocation and utilization of ACE--(i) Allocation of ACE. The 
amount of ACE allocated to a state-operated permit bank shall be derived 
from the permits appropriately declared by the state to be ``ACE 
permits,'' pursuant to paragraph (e)(1)(i)(v) of this section, for the 
fishing year and allocated on a stock-by-stock basis pursuant to 
paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section.
    (ii) Acquiring ACE. Except as provided in this paragraph, a state-
operated permit bank may not acquire ACE for a fishing year through a 
transfer from a sector. If ACE is transferred to a sector from a state-
operated permit bank, NMFS may authorize the return of the unused 
portion of such ACE (up to the total originally transferred) to the 
state-operated permit bank upon written agreement by both parties. The 
state-operated permit bank may then redistribute the available ACE to 
another qualifying sector during that fishing year.
    (iii) Transferring ACE. Subject to the terms and conditions of the 
state-operated permit bank's MOAs with NMFS, as well as ACE transfer 
restrictions described in paragraph (b)(1)(viii) of this section, a 
state-operated permit bank may transfer ACE, on a stock-by-stock basis, 
to other state-operated permit banks.
    (iv) Reallocation of GB haddock or GB cod ACE. Subject to the terms 
and conditions of the state-operated permit bank's MOAs with NMFS, a 
state-operated permit bank may re-allocate all, or a portion, of its GB 
haddock or GB cod ACE specified for the Eastern U.S./Canada Area to the 
Western U.S./Canada Area provided it complies with the requirements in 
paragraph (b)(1)(i)(B)(2) of this section.
    (4) Allocation and utilization of days-at-sea--(i) Allocation of 
DAS. The number of DAS available for a state-operated permit bank to 
provide to sector or common pool vessels shall be the accumulated NE 
Multispecies Category A DAS assigned to the fishing vessel permits held 
by the state and appropriately declared by the state pursuant to 
paragraph (e)(1)(v) of this section to be either ``ACE permits'' or 
``common pool permits'' for that fishing year, consistent with the terms 
of the state's permit bank MOA.

[[Page 885]]

    (ii) Acquiring DAS. A state-operated permit bank may not acquire DAS 
through a lease from a vessel permit (including permits held by other 
state-operated permit banks), as described in Sec. 684.82(k). If a 
vessel leases DAS from a state-operated permit bank, NMFS may authorize 
the return of the unused portion of such DAS to the state-operated 
permit bank upon written agreement by both parties, provided none of the 
DAS had been used. The state-operated permit bank may then redistribute 
the available DAS to another vessel during the same fishing year.
    (5) Annual report. A state-operated permit bank shall report to the 
Council annually on the performance of the state-operated permit bank. 
Such reports shall include at a minimum and to the extent that the 
information does not conflict with any regulations regarding the 
protection of personal and/or proprietary information, all elements 
listed in paragraph (e)(1)(v) of this section.
    (6) Use of additional funds. If additional funds from any source 
become available to a state-operated permit bank, the state-operated 
permit bank may not allocate or transfer any ACE that may be associated 
with any new permit purchased with those funds, until the state-operated 
permit bank provides the Council the opportunity to review the 
implications of the expanded state-operated permit bank to the goals and 
objectives of the NE Multispecies FMP.
    (7) Violation of the terms and conditions applicable to a state-
operated permit bank. If a state or state-operated permit bank violates 
or fails to comply with any of the requirements and conditions specified 
in this section or in the MOA referenced in paragraph (e)(1) of this 
section, the state or state-operated permit bank is subject to the 
actions and penalties specified in Sec. 648.4(n) or the MOA.

[75 FR 18338, 18374, Apr. 9, 2010]

    Editorial Note: For Federal Register citations affecting Sec. 
648.87, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the 
Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.



Sec. 648.88  Multispecies open access permit restrictions.

    (a) Handgear permit. A vessel issued a valid open access NE 
multispecies Handgear permit is subject to the following restrictions:
    (1) The vessel may possess and land up to 75 lb (90.7 kg) of cod, 
and up to the landing and possession limit restrictions for other NE 
multispecies specified in Sec. 648.86, provided the vessel complies 
with the restrictions specified in paragraph (a)(2) of this section. If 
either the GOM or GB cod trip limit applicable to a vessel fishing under 
a NE multispecies DAS permit, as specified in Sec. 648.86(b)(1) and 
(2), respectively, is adjusted by NMFS, the cod trip limit specified in 
this paragraph (a)(1) shall be adjusted proportionally (rounded up to 
the nearest 25 lb (11.3 kg)). For example, if the GOM cod trip limit 
specified at Sec. 648.86(b)(1) doubled, then the cod trip limit for the 
Handgear B category fishing in the GOM Regulated Mesh Area would also 
double to 150 lb (68 kg).
    (2) Restrictions: (i) The vessel may not use or possess on board 
gear other than handgear while in possession of, fishing for, or landing 
NE multispecies, and must have at least one standard tote on board;
    (ii) The vessel may not fish for, possess, or land regulated species 
from March 1 through March 20 of each year; and
    (iii) The vessel, if fishing with tub-trawl gear, may not fish with 
more than a maximum of 250 hooks.
    (iv) Declaration. To fish for GB cod south of the GOM Regulated Mesh 
Area, as defined at Sec. 648.80(a)(1), a vessel owner or operator must 
obtain, and retain on board, a letter of authorization from the Regional 
Administrator declaring an intent to fish south of the GOM Regulated 
Mesh Area, and may not fish in any other area for a minimum of 7 
consecutive days from the effective date of the letter of authorization. 
Such a vessel may transit the GOM Regulated Mesh Area, provided that 
their gear is stowed and not available for immediate use as defined in 
Sec. 648.2.
    (b) Charter/party permit. A vessel that has been issued a valid open 
access NE multispecies charter/party permit is

[[Page 886]]

subject to the additional restrictions on gear, recreational minimum 
fish sizes, possession limits, and prohibitions on sale specified in 
Sec. 648.89, and any other applicable provisions of this part.
    (c) Scallop NE multispecies possession limit permit. With the 
exception of vessels fishing in the Sea Scallop Access Areas as 
specified in Sec. 648.59(b) through (d), a vessel that has been issued 
a valid open access scallop NE multispecies possession limit permit may 
possess and land up to 300 lb (136.1 kg) of regulated NE multispecies 
when fishing under a scallop DAS allocated under Sec. 648.53, provided 
the vessel does not fish for, possess, or land haddock from January 1 
through June 30, as specified under Sec. 648.86(a)(2)(i), and provided 
that the amount of regulated NE multispecies on board the vessel does 
not exceed any of the pertinent trip limits specified under Sec. 
648.86, and provided the vessel has at least one standard tote on board. 
A vessel fishing in the Sea Scallop Access Areas as specified in Sec. 
648.59(b) through (d) is subject to the possession limits specified in 
Sec. 648.60(a)(5)(ii).
    (d) Non-regulated NE multispecies permit. A vessel issued a valid 
open access non-regulated NE multispecies permit may possess and land 
one Atlantic halibut and unlimited amounts of the other non-regulated NE 
multispecies, unless otherwise restricted by Sec. 648.86. The vessel is 
subject to restrictions on gear, area, and time of fishing specified in 
Sec. 648.80 and any other applicable provisions of this part.

[69 FR 22983, Apr. 27, 2004, as amended at 69 FR 63481, Nov. 2, 2004; 71 
FR 62195, Oct. 23, 2006; 75 FR 18348, Apr. 9, 2010; 76 FR 23075, Apr. 
25, 2011; 77 FR 19143, Mar. 30, 2012; 79 FR 52580, Sept. 4, 2014; 79 FR 
67375, Nov. 13, 2014; 80 FR 25141, May 1, 2015]



Sec. 648.89  Recreational and charter/party vessel restrictions.

    (a) Recreational gear restrictions. Persons aboard charter/party 
vessels permitted under this part and not fishing under the DAS program 
or under the restrictions and conditions of an approved sector 
operations plan, as specified in Sec. 648.87(c), and recreational 
fishing vessels in the EEZ, are prohibited from fishing with more than 
one line per angler, and all other gear on board must be stowed and not 
available for immediate use as defined in Sec. 648.2.
    (b) Recreational minimum and maximum fish sizes--(1) Minimum and 
maximum fish sizes. Unless further restricted under this section, 
persons aboard charter or party boats permitted under this part and not 
fishing under the NE multispecies DAS program or under the restrictions 
and conditions of an approved sector operations plan, and private 
recreational fishing vessels may not possess fish in or from the EEZ 
that are smaller than the minimum fish sizes or larger than the maximum 
fish sizes, measured in total length, as follows:

                                           Table 1 to Paragraph (b)(1)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           Charter/party minimum   Private minimum size        Maximum size
                                                   size          -----------------------------------------------
                 Species                 ------------------------
                                            Inches        cm        Inches        cm        Inches        cm
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cod:
    Inside GOM Regulated Mesh Area \1\..          22        55.9          22        55.9         N/A         N/A
    Outside GOM Regulated Mesh Area \1\.          23        58.4          23        58.4         N/A         N/A
Haddock:
    Inside GOM Regulated Mesh Area \1\..          18        45.7          17        43.2         N/A         N/A
    Outside GOM Regulated Mesh Area \1\.          18        45.7          18        45.7         N/A         N/A
Pollock.................................          19        48.3          19        48.3         N/A         N/A
Witch Flounder (gray sole)..............          14        35.6          14        35.6         N/A         N/A
Yellowtail Flounder.....................          13        33.0          13        33.0         N/A         N/A
American Plaice (dab)...................          14        35.6          14        35.6         N/A         N/A
Atlantic Halibut........................          41       104.1          41       104.1         N/A         N/A
Winter Flounder (black back)............          12        30.5          12        30.5         N/A         N/A
Redfish.................................           9        22.9           9        22.9         N/A         N/A
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ GOM Regulated Mesh Area specified in Sec. 648.80(a).


[[Page 887]]

    (2) Exceptions--(i) Fillet size. Vessels may possess fillets less 
than the minimum size specified, if the fillets are taken from legal-
sized fish and are not offered or intended for sale, trade or barter.
    (ii) Transiting. Vessels in possession of cod or haddock caught 
outside the GOM Regulated Mesh Area specified in Sec. 648.80(a)(1) may 
transit this area with cod and haddock that meet the minimum size 
specified for fish caught outside the GOM Regulated Mesh Area specified 
in Sec. 648.80(b)(1), provided all bait and hooks are removed from 
fishing rods, and any cod and haddock on board has been gutted and 
stored.
    (3) Fillets. Fish fillets, or parts of fish, must have at least 2 
square inches (5.1 square cm) of skin on while possessed on board a 
vessel and at the time of landing in order to meet minimum size 
requirements. The skin must be contiguous and must allow ready 
identification of the fish species.
    (c) Possession Restrictions--(1) Private recreational vessels. 
Persons aboard private recreational fishing vessels during the open 
season listed in the column titled ``Open Season'' in Table 2 to 
paragraph (c)(1)(i), may not possess more fish in or from the EEZ than 
the amount listed in the column titled ``Possession Limit'' in Table 2 
to paragraph (c)(1)(i).
    (i) Closed season. Persons aboard private recreational fishing 
vessels may not possess species, as specified in the column titled 
``Species'' in Table 2 to paragraph (c)(1)(i), in or from the EEZ during 
that species closed season as specified in the column titled ``Closed 
Season'' in Table 2 to paragraph (c)(1)(i).

                                         Table 2 to Paragraph (c)(1)(i)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Stock                       Open season             Possession limit           Closed season
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GB Cod..............................  September 1-April 30     5........................  June 1-August 31.
                                       May 1-31.
GOM Cod.............................  September 1-October 31.  1........................  May 1-August 31.
                                                                                          November 1-April 30.
GB Haddock..........................  All Year...............  Unlimited................  N/A.
GOM Haddock.........................  May 1-February 28 (or    10.......................  March 1-March 31.
                                       29) April 1-30.
GB Yellowtail Flounder..............  All Year...............  Unlimited................  N/A.
SNE/MA Yellowtail Flounder..........  All Year...............  Unlimited................  N/A.
CC/GOM Yellowtail Flounder..........  All Year...............  Unlimited................  N/A.
American Plaice.....................  All Year...............  Unlimited................  N/A.
Witch Flounder......................  All Year...............  Unlimited................  N/A.
GB Winter Flounder..................  All Year...............  Unlimited................  N/A.
GOM Winter Flounder.................  All Year...............  Unlimited................  N/A.
SNE/MA Winter Flounder..............  All Year...............  Unlimited................  N/A.
Redfish.............................  All Year...............  Unlimited................  N/A.
White Hake..........................  All Year...............  Unlimited................  N/A.
Pollock.............................  All Year...............  Unlimited................  N/A.
N. Windowpane Flounder..............  CLOSED.................  No retention.............  All Year.
S. Windowpane Flounder..............  CLOSED.................  No retention.............  All Year.
Ocean Pout..........................  CLOSED.................  No retention.............  All Year.
                                     ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Atlantic Halibut....................                             See paragraph (c)(3).
                                     ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Atlantic Wolffish...................  CLOSED.................  No retention.............  All Year.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (ii) [Reserved]
    (2) Charter or Party Boats. Persons aboard party or charter boats 
during the open season listed in the column titled ``Open Season'' in 
Table 3 to paragraph (c)(2), may not possess more fish in or from the 
EEZ than the amount listed in the column titled ``Possession Limit'' in 
Table 3 to paragraph (c)(2).

                                           Table 3 to Paragraph (c)(2)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Stock                       Open season             Possession limit           Closed season
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GB Cod..............................  September 1-April 30     5........................  June 1-August 31.
                                       May 1-31.
GOM Cod.............................  September 1-October 31.  1........................  May 1-August 31.
                                                                                          November 1-April 30.

[[Page 888]]

 
GB Haddock..........................  All Year...............  Unlimited................  N/A.
GOM Haddock.........................  May 1-February 28 (or    15.......................  March 1-March 31.
                                       29) April 1-30.
GB Yellowtail Flounder..............  All Year...............  Unlimited................  N/A.
SNE/MA Yellowtail Flounder..........  All Year...............  Unlimited................  N/A.
CC/GOM Yellowtail Flounder..........  All Year...............  Unlimited................  N/A.
American Plaice.....................  All Year...............  Unlimited................  N/A.
Witch Flounder......................  All Year...............  Unlimited................  N/A.
GB Winter Flounder..................  All Year...............  Unlimited................  N/A.
GOM Winter Flounder.................  All Year...............  Unlimited................  N/A.
SNE/MA Winter Flounder..............  All Year...............  Unlimited................  N/A.
Redfish.............................  All Year...............  Unlimited................  N/A.
White Hake..........................  All Year...............  Unlimited................  N/A.
Pollock.............................  All Year...............  Unlimited................  N/A.
N. Windowpane Flounder..............  CLOSED.................  No retention.............  All Year.
S. Windowpane Flounder..............  CLOSED.................  No retention.............  All Year.
Ocean Pout..........................  CLOSED.................  No retention.............  All Year.
                                     ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Atlantic Halibut....................                             See Paragraph (c)(3).
                                     ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Atlantic Wolffish...................  CLOSED.................  No retention.............  All Year.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (3) Atlantic halibut. Vessels permitted under this part, and 
recreational fishing vessels fishing in the EEZ, may not possess more 
than one Atlantic halibut on board the vessel.
    (4) Accounting of daily possession limit. For the purposes of 
determining the per day trip limit for cod and haddock for private 
recreational fishing vessels and charter or party boats, any trip in 
excess of 15 hours and covering 2 consecutive calendar days will be 
considered more than 1 day. Similarly, any trip in excess of 39 hours 
and covering 3 consecutive calendar days will be considered more than 2 
days and, so on, in a similar fashion.
    (5) Fillet conversion. For purposes of counting fish for cod and 
haddock for private recreational fishing vessels and charter or party 
boats, if fish are filleted, fillets will be converted to whole fish by 
dividing the number of fillets by two. If fish are filleted into a 
single (butterfly) fillet, such fillet shall be deemed to be from one 
whole fish.
    (6) Application of daily possession limit. Compliance with the daily 
possession limit for cod and haddock harvested by party, charter, and 
private recreational fishing vessels, in or from the EEZ, with more than 
one person aboard, will be determined by dividing the number of fish on 
board by the number of persons on board. If there is a violation of the 
daily possession limit on board a vessel carrying more than one person 
the violation shall be deemed to have been committed by the owner or 
operator of the vessel.
    (7) Storage. Cod and haddock must be stored so as to be readily 
available for inspection.
    (d) Restrictions on sale. It is unlawful to sell, barter, trade, or 
otherwise transfer for a commercial purpose, or to attempt to sell, 
barter, trade, or otherwise transfer for a commercial purpose, NE 
multispecies caught in or landed from the EEZ by recreational, charter, 
or party vessels permitted under this part not fishing under a DAS, on a 
sector trip, or under a Handgear A permit, Handgear B permit, or Small 
Vessel Category C permit.
    (e) Charter/party vessel restrictions on fishing in GOM closed areas 
and the Nantucket Lightship Closed Area--(1) GOM closed areas. (i) A 
vessel fishing under charter/party regulations may not fish in the GOM 
closed areas specified in Sec. 648.81(a)(3) and (4) and (d)(4) during 
the time periods specified in those paragraphs, unless the vessel has on 
board a valid letter of authorization issued by the Regional 
Administrator pursuant to Sec. 648.81(d)(5)(v) and paragraph (e)(3) of 
this section. The conditions and restrictions of the letter of 
authorization must be complied with for a minimum of 3 months if the 
vessel fishes or intends to fish in the GOM cod protection closures; or 
for the rest

[[Page 889]]

of the fishing year, beginning with the start of the participation 
period of the letter of authorization, if the vessel fishes or intends 
to fish in the year-round GOM closure areas.
    (ii) A vessel fishing under charter/party regulations may not fish 
in the GOM Cod Spawning Protection Area specified at Sec. 648.81(b)(3) 
during the time period specified in that paragraph, unless the vessel 
complies with the requirements specified at Sec. 648.81(b)(2)(iii).
    (2) [Reserved]
    (3) Letters of authorization. To obtain either of the letters of 
authorization specified in paragraphs (e)(1) and (2) of this section, a 
vessel owner must request a letter from the NMFS Greater Atlantic 
Regional Fisheries Office, either in writing or by phone (see Table 1 to 
50 CFR 600.502). As a condition of these letters of authorization, the 
vessel owner must agree to the following:
    (i) The letter of authorization must be carried on board the vessel 
during the period of participation;
    (ii) Fish species managed by the NEFMC or MAFMC that are harvested 
or possessed by the vessel, are not sold or intended for trade, barter 
or sale, regardless of where the fish are caught;
    (iii) The vessel has no gear other than rod and reel or handline 
gear on board; and
    (iv) For the GOM charter/party closed area exemption only, the 
vessel may not fish on a sector trip, under a NE multispecies DAS, or 
under the provisions of the NE multispecies Small Vessel Category or 
Handgear A or Handgear B permit categories, as specified at Sec. 
648.82, during the period of participation.
    (f) Recreational fishery AM--(1) Catch evaluation. As soon as 
recreational catch data are available for the entire previous fishing 
year, the Regional Administrator will evaluate whether recreational 
catches exceed any of the sub-ACLs specified for the recreational 
fishery pursuant to Sec. 648.90(a)(4). When evaluating recreational 
catch, the components of recreational catch that are used shall be the 
same as those used in the most recent assessment for that particular 
stock. To determine if any sub-ACL specified for the recreational 
fishery was exceeded, the Regional Administrator shall compare the 3-
year average of recreational catch to the 3-year average of the 
recreational sub-ACL for each stock.
    (2) Reactive AM adjustment. If it is determined that any 
recreational sub-ACL was exceeded, as specified in paragraph (f)(1) of 
this section, the Regional Administrator, after consultation with the 
NEFMC, shall develop measures necessary to prevent the recreational 
fishery from exceeding the appropriate sub-ACL in future years. 
Appropriate AMs for the recreational fishery, including adjustments to 
fishing season, minimum fish size, or possession limits, may be 
implemented in a manner consistent with the Administrative Procedure 
Act, with final measures published in the Federal Register no later than 
January when possible. Separate AMs shall be developed for the private 
and charter/party components of the recreational fishery.
    (3) Proactive AM adjustment. When necessary, the Regional 
Administrator, after consultation with the NEFMC, may adjust 
recreational measures to ensure the recreational fishery achieves, but 
does not exceed any recreational fishery sub-ACL in a future fishing 
year. Appropriate AMs for the recreational fishery, including 
adjustments to fishing season, minimum fish size, or possession limits, 
may be implemented in a manner consistent with the Administrative 
Procedure Act, with final measures published in the Federal Register 
prior to the start of the fishing year where possible. In specifying 
these AMs, the Regional Administrator shall take into account the non-
binding prioritization of possible measures recommended by the NEFMC: 
For cod, first increases to minimum fish sizes, then adjustments to 
seasons, followed by changes to bag limits; and for haddock, first 
increases to minimum size limits, then changes to bag limits, and then 
adjustments to seasons.
    (g) Regional Administrator authority for Georges Bank cod 
recreational measures. For the 2023 and 2024 fishing years, the Regional 
Administrator, after consultation with the NEFMC, may adjust 
recreational measures for Georges Bank cod to prevent the recreational 
fishery from exceeding the

[[Page 890]]

annual catch target as determined by the NEFMC. Appropriate measures, 
including adjustments to fishing seasons, minimum fish sizes, or 
possession limits, may be implemented in a manner consistent with the 
Administrative Procedure Act, with the final measures published in the 
Federal Register prior to the start of the fishing year when possible. 
Separate measures may be implemented for the private and charter/party 
components of the recreational fishery. Measures in place in fishing 
year 2024 will be in effect beginning in fishing year 2025, and will 
remain in effect until they are changed by a Framework Adjustment or 
Amendment to the FMP, or through an emergency action.

[69 FR 22984, Apr. 27, 2004]

    Editorial Note: For Federal Register citations affecting Sec. 
648.89, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the 
Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.



Sec. 648.90  NE multispecies assessment, framework procedures and
specifications, and flexible area action system.

    For the NE multispecies framework specification process described in 
this section, the regulated species and ocean pout biennial review is 
considered a separate process from the small-mesh species annual review, 
as described in paragraphs (a)(2) and (b)(1), respectively, of this 
section. In addition, the process for specifying ABCs and associated 
ACLs for regulated species and ocean pout, as described in paragraph 
(a)(4) of this section, is considered a separate process from the small-
mesh species ABC and ACL process described in paragraph (b)(2) of this 
section.
    (a) NE multispecies. For the purpose of this paragraph (a), the term 
``NE multispecies fishery'' is defined as common pool vessels, sector 
vessels, and private recreational and charter/party vessels, as defined 
in this part; the term ``NE multispecies commercial fishery'' is defined 
as vessels issued a limited access NE multispecies permit, or an open 
access NE multispecies Handgear B permit; and the term ``NE multispecies 
recreational fishery'' is defined as private recreational vessels and 
charter or party boats, as further defined in this part.
    (1) NE Multispecies annual SAFE Report. The NE Multispecies Plan 
Development Team (PDT) shall prepare an annual Stock Assessment and 
Fishery Evaluation (SAFE) Report for the NE multispecies fishery. The 
SAFE Report shall be the primary vehicle for the presentation of all 
updated biological and socio-economic information regarding the NE 
multispecies complex and its associated fisheries. The SAFE report shall 
provide source data for any adjustments to the management measures that 
may be needed to continue to meet the goals and objectives of the FMP.
    (2) Biennial review. (i) At a minimum, the NE multispecies PDT shall 
meet on or before September 30 every other year to perform a review of 
the fishery, using the most current scientific information available 
provided primarily from the NEFSC. Data provided by states, ASMFC, the 
USCG, and other sources may also be considered by the PDT. The PDT shall 
review available data pertaining to: Catch and landings, discards, DAS 
allocations, DAS use, sector operations, and other measures of fishing 
effort; survey results; stock status; current estimates of fishing 
mortality and overfishing levels; social and economic impacts; 
enforcement issues; and any other relevant information. The PDT may also 
review the performance of different user groups or fleet sectors.
    (ii) Based on this review, the PDT shall recommend ACLs for the 
upcoming fishing year(s), as described in paragraph (a)(4) of this 
section, and develop options for consideration by the Council, if 
necessary, on any changes, adjustments, or additions to DAS allocations, 
closed areas, or other measures necessary to rebuild overfished stocks 
and achieve the FMP goals and objectives, which may include a preferred 
option. The range of options developed by the PDT may include any of the 
management measures in the FMP, including, but not limited to: ACLs, 
which must be based on the projected fishing mortality levels required 
to meet the goals and objectives outlined in the FMP for the 12 
regulated species

[[Page 891]]

and ocean pout if able to be determined; identifying and distributing 
ACLs and other sub-components of the ACLs among various segments of the 
fishery; AMs; DAS changes; possession limits; gear restrictions; closed 
areas; permitting restrictions; minimum fish sizes; recreational fishing 
measures; describing and identifying EFH; fishing gear management 
measures to protect EFH; designating habitat areas of particular concern 
within EFH; and changes to the SBRM, including the CV-based performance 
standard, the means by which discard data are collected/obtained, 
fishery stratification, the process for prioritizing observer sea-day 
allocations, reports, and/or industry-funded observers or observer set 
aside programs. The PDT must demonstrate through analyses and 
documentation that the options it develops are expected to meet the FMP 
goals and objectives.
    (iii) In addition, the PDT may develop ranges of options for any of 
the management measures in the FMP and the following conditions that may 
be adjusted through a framework adjustment to achieve FMP goals and 
objectives including, but not limited to:
    (A) Revisions to DAS measures, including DAS allocations (such as 
the distribution of DAS among the four categories of DAS), future uses 
for Category C DAS, and DAS baselines, adjustments for steaming time, 
etc.;
    (B) Accumulation limits due to a permit buyout or buyback;
    (C) Modifications to capacity measures, such as changes to the DAS 
transfer or DAS leasing measures;
    (D) Calculation of area-specific ACLs (including sub-ACLs for 
specific stocks and areas (e.g., Gulf of Maine cod)), area management 
boundaries, and adoption of area-specific management measures including 
the delineation of inshore/offshore fishing practices, gear 
restrictions, declaration time periods;
    (E) Sector allocation requirements and specifications, including the 
establishment of a new sector, the disapproval of an existing sector, 
the allowable percent of ACL available to a sector through a sector 
allocation, an optional sub-ACL specific to Handgear A permitted 
vessels, management uncertainty buffers, and the calculation of PSCs;
    (F) Sector administration provisions, including at-sea, electronic, 
dockside, and other monitoring tools, coverage requirements and 
processes, monitoring program review, or other measures; sector 
reporting requirements; vessel-specific coverage levels;
    (G) State-operated permit bank administrative provisions;
    (H) Measures to implement the U.S./Canada Resource Sharing 
Understanding, including any specified TACs (hard or target);
    (I) Changes to administrative measures;
    (J) Additional uses for Regular B DAS;
    (K) Reporting requirements;
    (L) Declaration requirements pertaining to when and what time period 
a vessel must declare into or out of a fishery management area;
    (M) The GOM Inshore Conservation and Management Stewardship Plan;
    (N) Adjustments to the Handgear A or B permits;
    (O) Gear requirements to improve selectivity, reduce bycatch, and/or 
reduce impacts of the fishery on EFH;
    (P) Special Access Program (SAP) modifications;
    (Q) Revisions to the ABC control rule and status determination 
criteria, including, but not limited to, changes in the target fishing 
mortality rates, minimum biomass thresholds, numerical estimates of 
parameter values, and the use of a proxy for biomass may be made either 
through a biennial adjustment or framework adjustment;
    (R) Changes to the SBRM, including the CV-based performance 
standard, the means by which discard data are collected/obtained, 
fishery stratification, the process for prioritizing observer sea-day 
allocations, reports, and/or industry-funded observers or observer set 
aside programs; and
    (S) Any other measures currently included in the FMP.
    (iv) [Reserved]
    (v) The Council shall review the ACLs recommended by the PDT and all 
of the options developed by the PDT and other relevant information; 
consider public comment; and develop a

[[Page 892]]

recommendation to meet the FMP objectives pertaining to regulated 
species or ocean pout that is consistent with applicable law. If the 
Council does not submit a recommendation that meets the FMP objectives 
and is consistent with applicable law, the Regional Administrator may 
adopt any option developed by the PDT, unless rejected by the Council, 
as specified in paragraph (a)(2)(vii) of this section, provided the 
option meets the FMP objectives and is consistent with applicable law.
    (vi) Based on this review, the Council shall submit a recommendation 
to the Regional Administrator of any changes, adjustments or additions 
to DAS allocations, closed areas or other measures necessary to achieve 
the FMP's goals and objectives. The Council shall include in its 
recommendation supporting documents, as appropriate, concerning the 
environmental and economic impacts of the proposed action and the other 
options considered by the Council.
    (vii) If the Council submits, on or before December 1, a 
recommendation to the Regional Administrator after one Council meeting, 
and the Regional Administrator concurs with the recommendation, the 
Regional Administrator shall publish the Council's recommendation in the 
Federal Register as a proposed rule with a 30-day public comment period. 
The Council may instead submit its recommendation on or before February 
1, if it chooses to follow the framework process outlined in paragraph 
(c) of this section, and requests that the Regional Administrator 
publish the recommendation as a final rule, in a manner consistent with 
the Administrative Procedure Act. If the Regional Administrator concurs 
that the Council's recommendation meets the FMP objectives and is 
consistent with other applicable law, and determines that the 
recommended management measures should be published as a final rule, the 
action will be published as a final rule in the Federal Register, in a 
manner consistent with the Administrative Procedure Act. If the Regional 
Administrator concurs that the recommendation meets the FMP objectives 
and is consistent with other applicable law and determines that a 
proposed rule is warranted, and, as a result, the effective date of a 
final rule falls after the start of the fishing year on May 1, fishing 
may continue. However, DAS used or regulated species or ocean pout 
landed by a vessel on or after May 1 will be counted against any DAS or 
sector ACE allocation the vessel or sector ultimately receives for that 
year, as appropriate.
    (viii) If the Regional Administrator concurs in the Council's 
recommendation, a final rule shall be published in the Federal Register 
on or about April 1 of each year, with the exception noted in paragraph 
(a)(2)(vii) of this section. If the Council fails to submit a 
recommendation to the Regional Administrator by February 1 that meets 
the FMP goals and objectives, the Regional Administrator may publish as 
a proposed rule one of the options reviewed and not rejected by the 
Council, provided that the option meets the FMP objectives and is 
consistent with other applicable law. If, after considering public 
comment, the Regional Administrator decides to approve the option 
published as a proposed rule, the action will be published as a final 
rule in the Federal Register.
    (3) Default OFLs, ABCs, and ACLs. (i) Unless otherwise specified in 
this paragraph (a)(3), if final specifications are not published in the 
Federal Register for the start of a fishing year, as outlined in 
paragraph (a)(4) of this section, specifications for that fishing year 
shall be set at 75 percent of the previous year's specifications for 
each NE multispecies stock, including the U.S./Canada shared resources, 
for the period of time beginning on May 1 and ending on October 31, 
unless superseded by the final rule implementing the current year's 
specifications.
    (ii) If the default specifications exceed the Council's 
recommendations for any stock for the current year, the specifications 
for that stock shall be reduced to the Council's recommendation through 
notice consistent with the Administrative Procedure Act.
    (iii) These specifications shall be subdivided among the various 
sub-components of the fishery consistent with the ABC/ACL distribution 
adopted for the previous year's specifications.

[[Page 893]]

    (4) Process for setting ABCs and ACLs--(i) ABC/ACL recommendations. 
As described in this paragraph (a)(4), with the exception of stocks 
managed by the Understanding, the PDT shall develop recommendations for 
setting an ABC, ACL, and OFL for each NE multispecies stock for each of 
the next 3 years as part of the biennial review process specified in 
paragraph (a)(2) of this section. ACLs can also be specified based upon 
updated information in the annual SAFE report, as described in paragraph 
(a)(1) of this section, and other available information as part of a 
specification package, as described in paragraph (a)(6) of this section. 
For NE multispecies stocks or stock components managed under both the NE 
Multispecies FMP and the Understanding, the PDT shall develop 
recommendations for ABCs, ACLs, and OFLs for the pertinent stock or 
stock components for each of the next 2 years as part of the annual 
process described in this paragraph (a)(4) and Sec. 648.85(a)(2).
    (A) ABC recommendations. The PDT shall develop ABC recommendations 
based on the ABC control rule, the fishing mortality rate necessary to 
rebuild the stock, guidance from the SSC, and any other available 
information. The PDT recommendations shall be reviewed by the SSC. 
Guided by terms of reference developed by the Council, the SSC shall 
either concur with the ABC recommendations provided by the PDT, or 
provide alternative recommendations for each stock of regulated species 
or ocean pout and describe the elements of scientific uncertainty used 
to develop its recommendations. Should the SSC recommend an ABC that 
differs from that originally recommend by the PDT, the PDT shall revise 
its ACL recommendations if necessary to be consistent with the ABC 
recommendations made by the SSC. In addition to consideration of ABCs, 
the SSC may consider other related issues specified in the terms of 
reference developed by the Council, including, but not limited to, OFLs, 
ACLs, and management uncertainty.
    (B) ACL recommendations. The PDT shall develop ACL recommendations 
based upon ABCs recommended by the SSC and the pertinent recommendations 
of the Transboundary Management Guidance Committee (TMGC). The ACL 
recommendations of the PDT shall be specified based upon total catch for 
each stock (including both landings and discards), if that information 
is available. The PDT shall describe the steps involved with the 
calculation of the recommended ACLs and uncertainties and risks 
considered when developing these recommendations, including whether 
different levels of uncertainties were used for different sub-components 
of the fishery and whether ACLs have been exceeded in recent years. 
Based upon the ABC recommendations of the SSC and the ACL 
recommendations of the PDT, the Council shall adopt ACLs that are equal 
to or lower than the ABC recommended by the SSC to account for 
management uncertainty in the fishery. In years that the coverage target 
for the groundfish sector monitoring program specified in Sec. 
648.11(l) is set at 100 percent, the management uncertainty buffer 
defaults to zero for the sector sub-ACL for the allocated regulated 
species stocks specified at Sec. 648.87(b)(1)(i)(A), unless through an 
action the New England Fishery Management Council specifies a different 
management uncertainty buffer for a sector sub-ACL to prevent catches 
from exceeding an ACL when the coverage target is 100 percent. The need 
for a management uncertainty buffer for the sector sub-ACL will continue 
to be evaluated as part of each specification action. The PDT will 
consider whether the 100-percent monitoring coverage target supports a 
zero percent buffer, or any other factor has a significant potential to 
result in catches that could exceed ACLs and will recommend an 
appropriate management uncertainty buffer if necessary.
    (ii) Timing. The PDT recommendations for setting ABCs and ACLs shall 
be provided to the SSC prior to the September Council meeting, to the 
extent possible. The Council shall consider the ABC recommendations of 
the SSC and the ACL recommendations of the PDT (and TMGC) and shall make 
a decision on those recommendations prior to December 1, to the extent 
possible. Once the Council has approved its recommended ACLs, they shall 
be

[[Page 894]]

submitted to NMFS prior to December 1, to the extent possible for 
approval and implementation. If the Council is submitting a management 
action as part of the biennial adjustment process, the ACLs can be 
included in that document along with any necessary analysis required by 
applicable law. After receipt of the Council recommendation for ACLs, 
either as part of a new management action or as part of a specification 
package, as described in paragraph (a)(5) of this section, NMFS shall 
review the Council's decision and, if consistent with applicable law, 
implement the ACL in a manner consistent with the Administrative 
Procedure Act.
    (iii) ABC/ACL distribution. The ABCs/ACLs adopted by the Council for 
each regulated species or ocean pout stock pursuant to this paragraph 
(a)(4) shall be subdivided among the various sub-components of the 
fishery, as specified in paragraphs (a)(4)(iii)(A) through (H) of this 
section. For transboundary stocks managed by the Understanding, pursuant 
to Sec. 648.85(a), the distribution of ABC/ACLs described in paragraphs 
(a)(4)(iii)(A) through (H) of this section shall be based upon the catch 
available to U.S. fishermen. The Council may revise its recommendations 
for the distribution of ABCs and ACLs among these and other sub-
components through the process to specify ABCs and ACLs, as described in 
this paragraph (a)(4).
    (A) Regulated species or ocean pout catch by vessels operating only 
in state waters. The catch of regulated species or ocean pout that is 
expected to be harvested by vessels operating only in state waters that 
have not been issued a Federal NE multispecies permit and are not 
subject to the regulations specified in this part, as well as the 
recreational catch of regulated species or ocean pout that occurs in 
state waters, unless otherwise specified in paragraph 
(a)(4)(iii)(H)(1)(i) of this section, shall be deducted from the ABC/ACL 
of each regulated species or ocean pout stock pursuant to the process 
for specifying ABCs and ACLs, as described in this paragraph (a)(4).
    (B) Regulated species or ocean pout catch by other, non-specified 
fisheries. Regulated species or ocean pout catch by other, non-specified 
fisheries, including, but not limited to, exempted fisheries that occur 
in Federal waters, fisheries harvesting exempted species specified in 
Sec. 648.80(b)(3), and recreational fisheries that occur in Federal 
waters, unless otherwise specified in paragraph (a)(4)(iii)(H)(1)(i) of 
this section, shall be deducted from the ABC/ACL of each regulated 
species or ocean pout stock, pursuant to the process to specify ABCs and 
ACLs described in this paragraph (a)(4), unless otherwise specified in 
paragraphs (a)(4)(iii)(C) through (G) of this section. The catch of 
these non-specified sub-components of the ACL shall be monitored using 
data collected pursuant to this part. If catch from such fisheries 
exceeds the amount specified in this paragraph (a)(4)(iii)(B), AMs shall 
be developed to prevent the overall ACL for each stock from being 
exceeded, pursuant to the framework adjustment process specified in this 
section.
    (C) Yellowtail flounder catch by the Atlantic sea scallop fishery. 
Yellowtail flounder catch in the Atlantic sea scallop fishery, as 
defined in subpart D of this part, shall be deducted from the ABC/ACL 
for each yellowtail flounder stock pursuant to the restrictions 
specified in subpart D of this part and the process to specify ABCs and 
ACLs, as described in paragraph (a)(4) of this section. Unless otherwise 
specified in this paragraph (a)(4)(iii)(C), or subpart D of this part, 
the specific value of the sub-components of the ABC/ACL for each stock 
of yellowtail flounder distributed to the Atlantic sea scallop fishery 
shall be specified pursuant to the biennial adjustment process specified 
in paragraph (a)(2) of this section. The Atlantic sea scallop fishery 
shall be allocated 40 percent of the GB yellowtail flounder ABC (U.S. 
share only) in fishing year 2013, and 16 percent in fishing year 2014 
and each fishing year thereafter, pursuant to the process for specifying 
ABCs and ACLs described in this paragraph (a)(4). An ACL based on this 
ABC shall be determined using the process described in paragraph 
(a)(4)(i) of this section. Based on information available, NMFS shall 
project the expected scallop fishery catch of GB and SNE/MA yellowtail 
flounder for the current fishing year by

[[Page 895]]

January 15. If NMFS determines that the scallop fishery will catch less 
than 90 percent of its GB or SNE/MA yellowtail flounder sub-ACL, the 
Regional Administrator may reduce the pertinent scallop fishery sub-ACL 
to the amount projected to be caught, and increase the groundfish 
fishery sub-ACL by any amount up to the amount reduced from the scallop 
fishery sub-ACL. The revised GB or SNE/MA yellowtail flounder groundfish 
fishery sub-ACL shall be distributed to the common pool and sectors 
based on the process specified in paragraph (a)(4)(iii)(H)(2) of this 
section.
    (D) Haddock catch by the midwater trawl Atlantic herring fishery--
(1) Sub-ACL values. The midwater trawl Atlantic herring fishery will be 
allocated sub-ACLs equal to 1 percent of the GOM haddock ABC, and 2 
percent of the GB haddock ABC (U.S. share only), pursuant to the 
restrictions in Sec. 648.86(a)(3). The sub-ACLs will be set using the 
process for specifying ABCs and ACLs described in paragraph (a)(4) of 
this section. For the purposes of these sub-ACLs, the midwater trawl 
Atlantic herring fishery includes vessels issued a Federal Atlantic 
herring permit and fishing with midwater trawl gear in Management Areas 
1A, 1B, and/or 3, as defined in Sec. 648.200(f)(1) and (3).
    (2) GB haddock sub-ACL Review. Following an assessment of the total 
GB haddock stock, the Groundfish PDT will conduct a review of the sub-
ACL and recommend to the Groundfish Committee and Council a sub-ACL for 
the midwater trawl Atlantic herring fishery of 1 and up to 2 percent of 
the GB haddock U.S. ABC. The sub-ACL review should consider factors 
including, but not limited to, groundfish fishery catch performance, 
expected groundfish fishery utilization of the GB haddock ACL, status of 
the GB haddock resource, recruitment, incoming year-class strength, and 
evaluation of the coefficient of variation of the GB haddock incidental 
catch estimates for the midwater trawl Atlantic herring fishery.
    (E) Windowpane flounder catch by the Atlantic sea scallop fishery. 
The Atlantic sea scallop fishery, as defined in subpart D of this part, 
will be allocated sub-ACLs equaling 21 percent of the northern 
windowpane flounder ABC and 36 percent of the southern windowpane 
flounder ABC. The sub-ACLs will be set using the process for specifying 
ABCs and ACLs described in paragraph (a)(4) of this section.
    (F) Southern windowpane flounder catch by exempted fisheries. 
Southern windowpane flounder catch by other, non-specified fisheries, 
including, but not limited to, exempted fisheries that occur in Federal 
waters and fisheries harvesting exempted species specified in Sec. 
648.80(b)(3), shall be deducted from the ABC/ACL for southern windowpane 
flounder pursuant to the process to specify ABCs and ACLs, as described 
in this paragraph (a)(4). The specific value of the sub-components of 
the ABC/ACL for southern windowpane flounder distributed to these other 
fisheries shall be specified pursuant to the biennial adjustment process 
specified in paragraph (a)(2) of this section.
    (G) GB yellowtail flounder catch by small mesh fisheries--(1) For 
the purposes of this paragraph, the term ``small-mesh fisheries'' is 
defined as vessels fishing with bottom tending mobile gear with a codend 
mesh size of less than 5 in (12.7 cm) in other, non-specified sub-
components of the fishery, including, but not limited to, exempted 
fisheries that occur in Federal waters and fisheries harvesting exempted 
species specified in Sec. 648.80(b)(3).
    (2) Small-mesh fisheries allocation. GB yellowtail flounder catch by 
the small-mesh fisheries, as defined in paragraph (a)(4)(iii)(G)(1) of 
this section, shall be deducted from the ABC/ACL for GB yellowtail 
flounder pursuant to the process to specify ABCs and ACLs, as described 
in this paragraph (a)(4). This small mesh fishery shall be allocated 2 
percent of the GB yellowtail flounder ABC (U.S. share only) in fishing 
year 2013 and each fishing year after, pursuant to the process for 
specifying ABCs and ACLs described in this paragraph (a)(4). An ACL 
based on this ABC shall be determined using the process described in 
paragraph (a)(4)(i) of this section.
    (H) Regulated species or ocean pout catch by the NE multispecies 
commercial

[[Page 896]]

and recreational fisheries. Unless otherwise specified in the ACL 
recommendations developed pursuant to paragraph (a)(4)(i) of this 
section, after all of the deductions and considerations specified in 
paragraphs (a)(4)(iii)(A) through (G) and (a)(4)(iii)(H)(1) of this 
section, the remaining ABC/ACL for each regulated species or ocean pout 
stock shall be allocated to the NE multispecies commercial fishery, 
pursuant to paragraph (a)(4)(iii)(H)(2) of this section.
    (1) Recreational allocation. Unless otherwise specified in paragraph 
(a)(5) of this section, recreational catches shall be compared to the 
ACLs allocated pursuant to this paragraph (a)(4)(iii)(H)(1) for the 
purposes of determining whether adjustments to recreational measures are 
necessary, pursuant to the recreational fishery AMs specified in Sec. 
648.89(f).
    (i) Stocks allocated. Unless otherwise specified in this paragraph 
(a)(4)(iii)(H)(1), the ABCs/ACLs for GOM cod and GOM haddock set 
pursuant to paragraph (a)(4) of this section shall be divided between 
commercial and recreational components, based upon the average 
proportional catch of each component for each stock during fishing years 
2001 through 2006.
    (ii) Process for determining if a recreational allocation is 
necessary. A recreational allocation may not be made if it is determined 
that, based upon available information, the ACLs for these stocks are 
not being fully harvested by the NE multispecies fishery, or if the 
recreational harvest, after accounting for state waters catch pursuant 
to paragraph (a)(4)(iii)(A) of this section, is less than 5 percent of 
the overall catch for a particular stock of regulated species or ocean 
pout.
    (2) Commercial allocation. Unless otherwise specified in this 
paragraph (a)(4)(iii)(H)(2), the ABC/ACL for regulated species or ocean 
pout stocks available to the commercial NE multispecies fishery, after 
consideration of the recreational allocation pursuant to paragraph 
(a)(4)(iii)(H)(1) of this section, shall be divided between vessels 
operating under approved sector operations plans, as described at Sec. 
648.87(c), and vessels operating under the provisions of the common 
pool, as defined in this part, based upon the cumulative PSCs of vessels 
participating in sectors calculated pursuant to Sec. 
648.87(b)(1)(i)(E). The ABC/ACL of each regulated species or ocean pout 
stocks not allocated to sectors pursuant to Sec. 648.87(b)(1)(i)(E) 
(i.e., Atlantic halibut, ocean pout, windowpane flounder, and Atlantic 
wolffish) that is available to the commercial NE multispecies fishery 
shall be allocated entirely to the common pool, and catch from sector 
and common pool vessels shall be attributed to this allocation. Unless 
otherwise specified in paragraph (a)(5) of this section, regulated 
species or ocean pout catch by common pool and sector vessels shall be 
deducted from the sub-ACL/ACE allocated pursuant to this paragraph 
(a)(4)(iii)(H)(2) for the purposes of determining whether adjustments to 
common pool measures are necessary, pursuant to the common pool AMs 
specified in Sec. 648.82(n), or whether sector ACE overages must be 
deducted, pursuant to Sec. 648.87(b)(1)(iii).
    (3) Revisions to commercial and recreational allocations. 
Distribution of the ACL for each stock available to the NE multispecies 
fishery between and among commercial and recreational components of the 
fishery may be implemented through a framework adjustment pursuant to 
this section. Any changes to the distribution of ACLs to the NE 
multispecies fishery shall not affect the implementation of AMs based 
upon the distribution in effect at the time of the overage that 
triggered the AM.
    (iv) ACL monitoring--(A) Landings. For the purposes of monitoring 
the catch of regulated species or ocean pout towards the harvest of ACLs 
and other, non-specified sub-components of the ACLs specified in 
paragraph (a)(4) of this section, the reporting requirements specified 
in this part, including dealer reports, VTRs, VMS catch reports, sector 
catch reports, and other available information shall be used to identify 
and apportion regulated species or ocean pout landings by stock area.
    (B) Discards. Unless otherwise specified in this paragraph 
(a)(4)(iv)(B), regulated species or ocean pout discards shall be 
monitored through the use of VTRs, observer data, VMS catch reports, and 
other available information,

[[Page 897]]

as specified in this part. Regulated species or ocean pout discards by 
vessels on a sector trip shall be monitored pursuant to Sec. 
648.87(b)(1)(v)(A).
    (v) Adjustments to ACLs. The Council may elect to revise the ACL for 
any regulated species or ocean pout stock in the second fishing year 
following a biennial review to account for any overages of an ACL in 
year one that may result in overfishing for a particular stock. Any 
adjustments to the ACLs in year two will be implemented pursuant to the 
process to specify ABCs and ACLs, as described in paragraph (a)(4) of 
this section.
    (5) AMs. Except as specified in paragraphs (a)(4)(iii)(A) through 
(G) of this section, if any of the ACLs specified in paragraph (a)(4) of 
this section are exceeded based upon available catch information, the 
AMs specified in paragraphs (a)(5)(i) and (ii) of this section shall 
take effect in the following fishing year, or as soon as practicable, 
thereafter, once catch data for all affected fisheries are available, as 
applicable.
    (i) AMs for the NE multispecies commercial and recreational 
fisheries. If the catch of regulated species or ocean pout by a sub-
component of the NE multispecies fishery (i.e., common pool vessels, 
sector vessels, or private recreational and charter/party vessels) 
exceeds the amount allocated to each sub-component, as specified in 
paragraph (a)(4)(iii)(H) of this section, then the applicable AM for 
that sub-component of the fishery shall take effect, pursuant to 
paragraphs (a)(5)(i)(A) through (C) of this section. In determining the 
applicability of AMs specified for a sub-component of the NE 
multispecies fishery in paragraphs (a)(5)(i)(A) through (C) of this 
section, the Regional Administrator shall consider available information 
regarding the catch of regulated species and ocean pout by each sub-
component of the NE multispecies fishery, plus each sub-component's 
share of any overage of the overall ACL for a particular stock caused by 
excessive catch by vessels outside of the FMP, exempted fisheries, or 
the Atlantic sea scallop fishery, as specified in this paragraph (a)(5), 
as appropriate.
    (A) Excessive catch by common pool vessels. If the catch of 
regulated species and ocean pout by common pool vessels exceeds the 
amount of the ACL specified for common pool vessels pursuant to 
paragraph (a)(4)(iii)(H)(2) of this section, then the AMs described in 
Sec. 648.82(n) shall take effect. Pursuant to the distribution of ABCs/
ACLs specified in paragraph (a)(4)(iii)(H)(2) of this section, for the 
purposes of this paragraph (a)(5)(i)(A), the catch of each regulated 
species or ocean pout stock not allocated to sectors pursuant to Sec. 
648.87(b)(1)(i)(E) (i.e., Atlantic halibut, ocean pout, windowpane 
flounder, and Atlantic wolffish) during fishing years 2010 and 2011 
shall be added to the catch of such stocks by common pool vessels to 
determine whether the differential DAS counting AM described in Sec. 
648.82(n)(1) shall take effect. If such catch does not exceed the 
portion of the ACL specified for common pool vessels pursuant to 
paragraph (a)(4)(iii)(H)(2) of this section, then no AMs shall take 
effect for common pool vessels.
    (B) Excessive catch by sector vessels. If the catch of regulated 
species and ocean pout by sector vessels exceeds the amount of the ACL 
specified for sector vessels pursuant to paragraph (a)(4)(iii)(H)(2) of 
this section, then the AMs described in Sec. 648.87(b)(1)(iii) shall 
take effect. For the purposes of this paragraph (a)(5)(i)(B), the catch 
of regulated species and ocean pout for each sector approved pursuant to 
Sec. 648.87 shall be based upon the catch of vessels participating in 
each approved sector. If such catch does not exceed the portion of the 
ACL specified for an individual sector pursuant to paragraph 
(a)(4)(iii)(H)(2) of this section, then no AMs shall take effect for 
that sector.
    (C) Excessive catch by the NE multispecies recreational fishery. If 
the catch of regulated species and ocean pout by private recreational 
and charter/party vessels exceeds the amount of the ACL specified for 
the recreational fishery pursuant to paragraph (a)(4)(iii)(H)(1) of this 
section, then the AMs described in Sec. 648.89(f) shall take effect. If 
such catch does not exceed the portion of the ACL specified for the 
recreational fishery pursuant to paragraph (a)(4)(iii)(H)(1) of this 
section, then no

[[Page 898]]

AMs shall take effect for the recreational fishery.
    (D) AMs for both stocks of windowpane flounder, ocean pout, Atlantic 
halibut, and Atlantic wolffish. At the end of each fishing year, NMFS 
shall determine if the overall ACL for northern windowpane flounder, 
southern windowpane flounder, ocean pout, Atlantic halibut, or Atlantic 
wolffish was exceeded. If the overall ACL for any of these stocks is 
exceeded, NMFS shall implement the appropriate AM, as specified in 
paragraphs (a)(5)(i)(D) through (H) of this section, in a subsequent 
fishing year, consistent with the APA. If reliable information is 
available, the AM shall be implemented in the fishing year immediately 
following the fishing year in which the overage occurred. Otherwise, the 
AM shall be implemented in the second fishing year after the fishing 
year in which the overage occurred. For example, if NMFS determined 
before the start of fishing year 2013 that the overall ACL for northern 
windowpane flounder was exceeded by the groundfish fishery in fishing 
year 2012, the applicable AM would be implemented for fishing year 2013. 
If NMFS determined after the start of fishing year 2013 that the overall 
ACL for northern windowpane flounder was exceeded in fishing year 2012, 
the applicable AM would be implemented for fishing year 2014. If updated 
catch information becomes available subsequent to the implementation of 
an AM that indicates that an ACL was not exceeded, the AM will be 
rescinded, consistent with the Administrative Procedure Act.
    (E) Windowpane flounder. Unless otherwise specified in paragraphs 
(a)(5)(i)(E)(5) and (6) of this section, if NMFS determines the total 
catch exceeds the overall ACL for either stock of windowpane flounder, 
as described in this paragraph (a)(5)(i)(E), by any amount greater than 
the management uncertainty buffer, up to 20 percent greater than the 
overall ACL, the applicable small AM area for the stock shall be 
implemented, as specified in paragraph (a)(5)(i)(E) of this section, 
consistent with the Administrative Procedure Act. If the overall ACL is 
exceeded by more than 20 percent, the applicable large AM area(s) for 
the stock shall be implemented, as specified in this paragraph 
(a)(5)(i)(E), consistent with the Administrative Procedure Act. Vessels 
fishing with trawl gear in these areas may only use a haddock separator 
trawl, as specified in Sec. 648.85(a)(3)(iii)(A); a Ruhle trawl, as 
specified in Sec. 648.85(b)(6)(iv)(J)(3); a rope separator trawl, as 
specified in Sec. 648.84(e); or any other gear approved consistent with 
the process defined in Sec. 648.85(b)(6).
    (1) Multispecies Fishery. If an overage of the overall ACL for 
southern windowpane flounder is a result of an overage of the sub-ACL 
allocated to the multispecies fishery pursuant to paragraph 
(a)(4)(iii)(H)(2) of this section, the applicable AM area(s) shall be in 
effect year-round for any limited access NE multispecies permitted 
vessel fishing on a NE multispecies DAS or sector trip.
    (2) Exempted Fisheries. If an overage of the overall ACL for 
southern windowpane flounder is a result of an overage of the sub-ACL 
allocated to exempted fisheries pursuant to paragraph (a)(4)(iii)(F) of 
this section, the applicable AM area(s) shall be in effect for any trawl 
vessel fishing with a codend mesh size of greater than or equal to 5 
inches (12.7 cm) in other, non-specified sub-components of the fishery, 
including, but not limited to, exempted fisheries that occur in Federal 
waters and fisheries harvesting exempted species specified in Sec. 
648.80(b)(3). If triggered, the Southern Windowpane Flounder Small AM 
Area will be implemented from September 1 through April 30; the Southern 
Windowpane Flounder Large AM Areas 2 and 3 will be implemented year-
round.
    (3) Combined Overage. If an overage of the overall ACL for southern 
windowpane flounder is a result of overages of both the multispecies 
fishery and exempted fishery sub-ACLs, the applicable AM area(s) shall 
be in effect for both the multispecies fishery and exempted fisheries as 
described in this paragraph (a)(5)(i)(E). If a sub-ACL for either stock 
of windowpane flounder is allocated to another fishery, consistent with 
the process specified at paragraph (a)(4) of this section, and there are 
AMs for that fishery, the multispecies fishery AM shall only be 
implemented if

[[Page 899]]

the sub-ACL allocated to the multispecies fishery is exceeded (i.e., the 
sector and common pool catch for a particular stock, including the 
common pool's share of any overage of the overall ACL caused by 
excessive catch by other sub-components of the fishery pursuant to 
paragraph (a)(5) of this section exceeds the common pool sub-ACL) and 
the overall ACL is also exceeded.
    (4) Windowpane AM Areas. The AM areas defined below are bounded by 
the following coordinates, connected in the order listed by rhumb lines, 
unless otherwise noted.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    Point                      N latitude    W longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Northern Windowpane Flounder and Ocean Pout Small AM Area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1...........................................  41[deg]10[mi  67[deg]40[mi
                                                        n]            n]
2...........................................  41[deg]10[mi  67[deg]20[mi
                                                        n]            n]
3...........................................  41[deg]00[mi  67[deg]20[mi
                                                        n]            n]
4...........................................  41[deg]00[mi  67[deg]00[mi
                                                        n]            n]
5...........................................  40[deg]50[mi  67[deg]00[mi
                                                        n]            n]
6...........................................  40[deg]50[mi  67[deg]40[mi
                                                        n]            n]
1...........................................  41[deg]10[mi  67[deg]40[mi
                                                        n]            n]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Northern Windowpane Flounder and Ocean Pout Large AM Area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1...........................................  42[deg]10[mi  67[deg]40[mi
                                                        n]            n]
2...........................................  42[deg]10[mi  67[deg]20[mi
                                                        n]            n]
3...........................................  41[deg]00[mi  67[deg]20[mi
                                                        n]            n]
4...........................................  41[deg]00[mi  67[deg]00[mi
                                                        n]            n]
5...........................................  40[deg]50[mi  67[deg]00[mi
                                                        n]            n]
6...........................................  40[deg]50[mi  67[deg]40[mi
                                                        n]            n]
1...........................................  42[deg]10[mi  67[deg]40[mi
                                                        n]            n]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Southern Windowpane Flounder and Ocean Pout Small AM Area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1...........................................  41[deg]10[mi  71[deg]30[mi
                                                        n]            n]
2...........................................  41[deg]10[mi  71[deg]20[mi
                                                        n]            n]
3...........................................  40[deg]50[mi  71[deg]20[mi
                                                        n]            n]
4...........................................  40[deg]50[mi  71[deg]30[mi
                                                        n]            n]
1...........................................  41[deg]10[mi  71[deg]30[mi
                                                        n]            n]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Southern Windowpane Flounder and Ocean Pout Large AM Area 1
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1...........................................  41[deg]10[mi  71[deg]50[mi
                                                        n]            n]
2...........................................  41[deg]10[mi  71[deg]10[mi
                                                        n]            n]
3...........................................  41[deg]00[mi  71[deg]10[mi
                                                        n]            n]
4...........................................  41[deg]00[mi  71[deg]20[mi
                                                        n]            n]
5...........................................  40[deg]50[mi  71[deg]20[mi
                                                        n]            n]
6...........................................  40[deg]50[mi  71[deg]50[mi
                                                        n]            n]
1...........................................  41[deg]10[mi  71[deg]50[mi
                                                        n]            n]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Southern Windowpane Flounder and Ocean Pout Large AM Area 2
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1...........................................         (\1\)  73[deg]30[mi
                                                                      n]
2...........................................  40[deg]30[mi  73[deg]30[mi
                                                        n]            n]
3...........................................  40[deg]30[mi  73[deg]50[mi
                                                        n]            n]
4...........................................  40[deg]20[mi  73[deg]50[mi
                                                        n]            n]
5...........................................  40[deg]20[mi         (\2\)
                                                        n]
6...........................................         (\3\)  73[deg]58.5[
                                                                    min]
7...........................................         (\4\)  73[deg]58.5[
                                                                    min]
8...........................................           \5\           \5\
                                              40[deg]32.6[  73[deg]56.4[
                                                      min]          min]
1...........................................         (\1\)  73[deg]30[mi
                                                                      n]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Southern Windowpane Flounder Large AM Area 3
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1...........................................  41[deg]10[mi  71[deg]30[mi
                                                        n]            n]
2...........................................  41[deg]10[mi  71[deg]10[mi
                                                        n]            n]
3...........................................  41[deg]00[mi  71[deg]10[mi
                                                        n]            n]
4...........................................  41[deg]00[mi  71[deg]20[mi
                                                        n]            n]
5...........................................  40[deg]50[mi  71[deg]20[mi
                                                        n]            n]
6...........................................  40[deg]50[mi  71[deg]30[mi
                                                        n]            n]
1...........................................  41[deg]10[mi  71[deg]30[mi
                                                        n]            n]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The southernmost coastline of Long Island, NY, at 73[deg]30[min] W
  longitude.
\2\ The easternmost coastline of NJ at 40[deg]20[min] N latitude, then
  northward along the NJ coastline to Point 6.
\3\ The northernmost coastline of NJ at 73[deg]58.5[min] W longitude.
\4\ The southernmost coastline of Long Island, NY, at 73[deg]58.5[min] W
  longitude.
\5\ The approximate location of the southwest corner of the Rockaway
  Peninsula, Queens, NY, then eastward along the southernmost coastline
  of Long Island, NY (excluding South Oyster Bay), back to Point 1.

    (5) Reducing the size of an AM. If the overall northern or southern 
windowpane flounder ACL is exceeded by more than 20 percent and NMFS 
determines that the stock is rebuilt, and the biomass criterion, as 
defined by the Council, is greater than the most recent fishing year's 
catch, then only the small AM may be implemented as described in this 
paragraph (a)(5)(i)(E), consistent with the Administrative Procedure 
Act. This provision applies to a limited access NE multispecies 
permitted vessel fishing on a NE multispecies DAS or sector trip, and to 
all vessels fishing with trawl gear with a codend mesh size equal to or 
greater than 5 inches (12.7 cm) in other, non-specified sub-components 
of the fishery, including, but not limited to, exempted fisheries that 
occur in Federal waters and fisheries harvesting exempted species 
specified in Sec. 648.80(b)(3).
    (6) Reducing the duration of an AM. If the northern or southern 
windowpane flounder AM is implemented in the third fishing year 
following the year of an overage, as described in paragraph (a)(5)(i)(D) 
of this section, and NMFS subsequently determines that the applicable 
windowpane flounder ACL was not exceeded by any amount the year 
immediately after which the overage occurred (i.e., the second year), on 
or after September 1 the AM can be removed once year-end data are 
complete. This reduced duration does not apply if NMFS determines during 
year

[[Page 900]]

3 that a year 3 overage of the applicable windowpane flounder ACL has 
occurred. This provision applies to a limited access NE multispecies 
permitted vessel fishing on a NE multispecies DAS or sector trip, and to 
all vessels fishing with trawl gear with a codend mesh size equal to or 
greater than 5 inches (12.7 cm) in other, non-specified sub-components 
of the fishery, including, but not limited to, exempted fisheries that 
occur in Federal waters and fisheries harvesting exempted species 
specified in Sec. 648.80(b)(3).
    (F) Atlantic halibut. If NMFS determines the overall ACL for 
Atlantic halibut is exceeded, as described in this paragraph 
(a)(5)(i)(F), by any amount greater than the management uncertainty 
buffer, the applicable AM areas shall be implemented and any vessel 
issued a Federal permit for any fishery management plan may not fish 
for, possess, or land Atlantic halibut for the fishing year in which the 
AM is implemented, as specified in paragraph (a)(5)(i)(F) of this 
section. Vessels issued only a charter/party permit, and/or an Atlantic 
highly migratory species angling permit, and/or an Atlantic highly 
migratory species charter/headboat permit are exempt from the AM. A 
vessel issued a permit that is not exempt from the AM in addition to an 
exempt permit may not fish for, possess, or land Atlantic halibut for 
the fishing year in which the AM is implemented. If the overall ACL is 
exceeded by more than 20 percent, the applicable AM area(s) for the 
stock shall be implemented, as specified in paragraph (a)(5)(i)(F) of 
this section, and the Council shall revisit the AM in a future action. 
The AM areas defined below are bounded by the following coordinates, 
connected in the order listed by rhumb lines, unless otherwise noted. 
Any vessel issued a limited access NE multispecies permit and fishing 
with trawl gear in the Atlantic Halibut Trawl Gear AM Area may only use 
a haddock separator trawl, as specified in Sec. 648.85(a)(3)(iii)(A); a 
Ruhle trawl, as specified in Sec. 648.85(b)(6)(iv)(J)(3); a rope 
separator trawl, as specified in Sec. 648.84(e); or any other gear 
approved consistent with the process defined in Sec. 648.85(b)(6); 
except that selective trawl gear is not required in the portion of the 
Trawl Gear AM Area between 41 degrees 40 minutes and 42 degrees from 
April 1 through July 31. When in effect, a limited access NE 
multispecies permitted vessel with gillnet gear may not fish or be in 
the Atlantic Halibut Fixed Gear AM Area from March 1 through October 31, 
unless transiting with its gear stowed and not available for immediate 
use as defined in Sec. 648.2, or such gear was approved consistent with 
the process defined in Sec. 648.85(b)(6). If a sub-ACL for Atlantic 
halibut is allocated to another fishery, consistent with the process 
specified at Sec. 648.90(a)(4), and there are AMs for that fishery, the 
multispecies fishery AM shall only be implemented if the sub-ACL 
allocated to the multispecies fishery is exceeded (i.e., the sector and 
common pool catch for a particular stock, including the common pool's 
share of any overage of the overall ACL caused by excessive catch by 
other sub-components of the fishery pursuant to Sec. 648.90(a)(5), 
exceeds the common pool sub-ACL) and the overall ACL is also exceeded.

                   Atlantic Halibut Trawl Gear AM Area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    Point                      N latitude    W longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1...........................................  42[deg]00[mi  69[deg]20[mi
                                                        n]            n]
2...........................................  42[deg]00[mi  68[deg]20[mi
                                                        n]            n]
3...........................................  41[deg]30[mi  68[deg]20[mi
                                                        n]            n]
4...........................................  41[deg]30[mi  69[deg]20[mi
                                                        n]            n]
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                  Atlantic Halibut Gillnet Gear AM Area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    Point                      N latitude    W longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1...........................................  43[deg]10[mi  69[deg]40[mi
                                                        n]            n]
2...........................................  43[deg]10[mi  69[deg]30[mi
                                                        n]            n]
3...........................................  43[deg]00[mi  69[deg]30[mi
                                                        n]            n]
4...........................................  43[deg]00[mi  69[deg]40[mi
                                                        n]            n]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (G) Atlantic wolffish. If NMFS determines the overall ACL for 
Atlantic wolffish is exceeded, as described in this paragraph 
(a)(5)(i)(G), by any amount greater than the management uncertainty 
buffer, the applicable AM areas shall be implemented, as specified in 
this paragraph (a)(5)(i)(G). If the overall ACL is exceeded by more than 
20 percent, the applicable AM area(s) for the stock shall be 
implemented, as specified in this paragraph (a)(5)(i)(G), and the 
Council shall revisit the AM in a future action. The AM areas defined

[[Page 901]]

below are bounded by the following coordinates, connected in the order 
listed by rhumb lines, unless otherwise noted. Any vessel issued a 
limited access NE multispecies permit and fishing with trawl gear in the 
Atlantic Wolffish Trawl Gear AM Area may only use a haddock separator 
trawl, as specified in Sec. 648.85(a)(3)(iii)(A); a Ruhle trawl, as 
specified in Sec. 648.85(b)(6)(iv)(J)(3); a rope separator trawl, as 
specified in Sec. 648.84(e); or any other gear approved consistent with 
the process defined in Sec. 648.85(b)(6). When in effect, a limited 
access NE multispecies permitted vessel with gillnet or longline gear 
may not fish or be in the Atlantic Wolffish Fixed Gear AM Areas, unless 
transiting with its gear stowed and not available for immediate use as 
defined in Sec. 648.2, or such gear was approved consistent with the 
process defined in Sec. 648.85(b)(6). If a sub-ACL for Atlantic 
wolffish is allocated to another fishery, consistent with the process 
specified at Sec. 648.90(a)(4), and AMs are developed for that fishery, 
the multispecies fishery AM shall only be implemented if the sub-ACL 
allocated to the multispecies fishery is exceeded (i.e., the sector and 
common pool catch for a particular stock, including the common pool's 
share of any overage of the overall ACL caused by excessive catch by 
other sub-components of the fishery pursuant to Sec. 648.90(a)(5), 
exceeds the common pool sub-ACL) and the overall ACL is also exceeded.

                  Atlantic Wolffish Trawl Gear AM Area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    Point                      N latitude    W longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1...........................................  42[deg]30[mi  70[deg]30[mi
                                                        n]            n]
2...........................................  42[deg]30[mi  70[deg]15[mi
                                                        n]            n]
3...........................................  42[deg]15[mi  70[deg]15[mi
                                                        n]            n]
4...........................................  42[deg]15[mi  70[deg]10[mi
                                                        n]            n]
5...........................................  42[deg]10[mi  70[deg]10[mi
                                                        n]            n]
6...........................................  42[deg]10[mi  70[deg]20[mi
                                                        n]            n]
7...........................................  42[deg]20[mi  70[deg]20[mi
                                                        n]            n]
8...........................................  42[deg]20[mi  70[deg]30[mi
                                                        n]            n]
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                 Atlantic Wolffish Fixed Gear AM Area 1
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    Point                      N latitude    W longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1...........................................  41[deg]40[mi  69[deg]40[mi
                                                        n]            n]
2...........................................  41[deg]40[mi  69[deg]30[mi
                                                        n]            n]
3...........................................  41[deg]30[mi  69[deg]30[mi
                                                        n]            n]
4...........................................  41[deg]30[mi  69[deg]40[mi
                                                        n]            n]
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                 Atlantic Wolffish Fixed Gear AM Area 2
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    Point                      N latitude    W longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1...........................................  42[deg]30[mi  70[deg]20[mi
                                                        n]            n]
2...........................................  42[deg]30[mi  70[deg]15[mi
                                                        n]            n]
3...........................................  42[deg]20[mi  70[deg]15[mi
                                                        n]            n]
4...........................................  42[deg]20[mi  70[deg]20[mi
                                                        n]            n]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (H) Ocean pout. Unless otherwise specified in paragraphs 
(a)(5)(i)(E)(5) and (6) of this section, if NMFS determines the total 
catch exceeds the overall ACL for ocean pout, as described in paragraph 
(a)(5)(i)(E) of this section, by any amount greater than the management 
uncertainty buffer up to 20 percent greater than the overall ACL, the 
applicable small AM area for the stock shall be implemented, as 
specified in paragraph (a)(5)(i)(E) of this section, consistent with the 
Administrative Procedure Act. If the overall ACL is exceeded by more 
than 20 percent, large AM area(s) for the stock shall be implemented, as 
specified in paragraph (a)(5)(i)(E) of this section, consistent with the 
Administrative Procedure Act. The AM areas for ocean pout are defined in 
paragraph (a)(5)(i)(E)(4) of this section, connected in the order listed 
by rhumb lines, unless otherwise noted. Vessels fishing with trawl gear 
in these areas may only use a haddock separator trawl, as specified in 
Sec. 648.85(a)(3)(iii)(A); a Ruhle trawl, as specified in Sec. 
648.85(b)(6)(iv)(J)(3); a rope separator trawl, as specified in Sec. 
648.84(e); or any other gear approved consistent with the process 
defined in Sec. 648.85(b)(6).
    (ii) AMs due to excessive catch of regulated species or ocean pout 
by state and other, non-specified fisheries. At the end of the NE 
multispecies fishing year, NMFS will evaluate whether the catch of any 
stock of regulated species or ocean pout by vessels operating only in 
state waters or in other, non-specified fisheries, as defined in 
paragraphs (a)(4)(iii)(A) and (B) of this section, exceeds the sub-
component of the ACL for that stock.
    (A) AMs if the overall ACL for a regulated species or ocean pout 
stock is exceeded. If the catch of any stock of regulated species or 
ocean pout by vessels operating only in state waters or in other, non-
specified fisheries exceeds the sub-component of the ACL for that stock, 
and the overall ACL for that

[[Page 902]]

stock is exceeded, then the amount of the overage of the overall ACL for 
that stock attributed to catch from vessels operating only in state 
waters or in other, non-specified fisheries, as defined in paragraphs 
(a)(4)(iii)(A) and (B) of this section, shall be distributed among 
components of the NE multispecies fishery based upon each component's 
share of that stock's ACL available to the NE multispecies fishery 
pursuant to paragraph (a)(4)(iii)(H) of this section. Each component's 
share of the ACL overage for a particular stock would be then added to 
the catch of that stock by each component of the NE multispecies 
fishery. If the resulting sum of catch of that stock for each component 
of the fishery exceeds that individual component's share of that stock's 
ACL specified pursuant to paragraph (a)(4)(iii)(H) of this section, then 
the AMs specified in paragraphs (a)(5)(i)(A) through (C) of this section 
shall take effect, as applicable, unless otherwise specified in 
paragraph (a)(5)(ii)(C) of this section.
    (B) AMs if the overall ACL for a regulated species or ocean pout 
stock is not exceeded. If the catch of any stock of regulated species or 
ocean pout by vessels operating only in state waters or in other, non-
specified fisheries, as defined in paragraphs (a)(4)(iii)(A) and (B) of 
this section, exceeds the sub-component of the ACL for that stock, but 
the overall ACL for that stock is not exceeded, even after consideration 
of the catch of that stock by other sub-components of the fishery, then 
the AMs specified in this paragraph (a)(5)(ii) shall not take effect.
    (C) AMs for GB cod due to excessive catch by non-allocated 
fisheries. For any overages of the GB cod ACL in the 2022-2024 fishing 
years, the amount of overage of the overall ACL for GB cod attributed to 
catch from vessels operating only in state waters or in other, non-
specified fisheries, as defined in paragraphs (a)(4)(iii)(A) and (B) of 
this section, would be reduced by any underage of the GB cod ACL in the 
fishing year following the overage, in order to determine the total 
amount that must be added to the catch by components of the NE 
multispecies fishery, as specified in paragraph (a)(5)(i)(A) of this 
section. If the full ACL of GB cod is caught or exceeded in the fishing 
year following an overage, no reduction to this amount would be made. 
For example, if in 2023 NMFS determines that 100 mt of GB cod catch by 
vessels operating only in state waters or in other, non-specified 
fisheries in fishing year 2022 has contributed to an ACL overage, NMFS 
would implement the AMs specified in paragraph (a)(5)(ii)(A) of this 
section at the beginning of fishing year 2024. If 2023 fishing year-end 
data showed that total catch of GB cod in fishing year 2023 was 25 mt 
below the 2023 ACL, NMFS would reduce the 100-mt overage amount by that 
25-mt amount (down to 75 mt) in an in-season adjustment to the 2024 sub-
ACLs, as specified in paragraph (a)(5)(i)(A) of this section.
    (iii) AMs if the incidental catch cap for the Atlantic herring 
fishery is exceeded. At the end of the NE multispecies fishing year, 
NMFS shall evaluate Atlantic herring fishery catch using VTR, VMS, IVR, 
observer data, and any other available information to determine whether 
a haddock incidental catch cap has been exceeded based upon the 
cumulative catch of vessels issued an Atlantic herring permit and 
fishing with midwater trawl gear in Management Areas 1A, 1B, and/or 3. 
If the catch of haddock by all vessels issued an Atlantic herring permit 
and fishing with midwater trawl gear in Management Areas 1A, 1B, and/or 
3, exceeds the amount of the incidental catch cap specified in Sec. 
648.90(a)(4)(iii)(D) of this section, then the appropriate incidental 
catch cap shall be reduced by the overage on a pound-for-pound basis 
during the following fishing year. Any overage reductions shall be 
announced by the Regional Administrator in the Federal Register, 
accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act, prior to the start of 
the next NE multispecies fishing year after which the overage occurred, 
if possible, or as soon as possible thereafter if the overage is not 
determined until after the end of the NE multispecies fishing year in 
which the overage occurred.
    (iv) AMs if the sub-ACL for the Atlantic sea scallop fishery is 
exceeded. At the end of the scallop fishing year, NMFS will evaluate 
whether Atlantic sea scallop fishery catch exceeded the sub-ACLs

[[Page 903]]

for any groundfish stocks allocated to the scallop fishery. On January 
15, or when information is available to make an accurate projection, 
NMFS will also determine whether total catch exceeded the overall ACL 
for each stock allocated to the scallop fishery. When evaluating whether 
total catch exceeded the overall ACL, NMFS will add the maximum 
carryover available to sectors, as specified at Sec. 
648.87(b)(1)(i)(C), to the estimate of total catch for the pertinent 
stock.
    (A) Threshold for implementing the Atlantic sea scallop fishery AMs. 
If scallop fishery catch exceeds the scallop fishery sub-ACLs for any 
groundfish stocks in paragraph (a)(4) of this section by 50 percent or 
more, or if scallop fishery catch exceeds the scallop fishery sub-ACL by 
any amount and total catch exceeds the overall ACL for a given stock, 
then the applicable scallop fishery AM will take effect, as specified in 
Sec. 648.64 of the Atlantic sea scallop regulations.
    (B) [Reserved]
    (v) AM if the small-mesh fisheries GB yellowtail flounder sub-ACL is 
exceeded. If NMFS determines that the sub-ACL of GB yellowtail flounder 
allocated to the small-mesh fisheries, pursuant to paragraph 
(a)(4)(iii)(G) of this section, is exceeded, NMFS shall implement the AM 
specified in this paragraph consistent with the Administrative 
Procedures Act. The AM requires that small-mesh fisheries vessels, as 
defined in paragraph (a)(4)(iii)(G)(1) of this section, use one of the 
following approved selective trawl gear in the GB yellowtail flounder 
stock area, as defined at Sec. 648.85(b)(6)(v)(H): A haddock separator 
trawl, as specified in Sec. 648.85(a)(3)(iii)(A); a Ruhle trawl, as 
specified in Sec. 648.85(b)(6)(iv)(J)(3); a rope separator trawl, as 
specified in Sec. 648.84(e); a large-mesh belly panel trawl, as 
specified in Sec. 648.84(f); or any other gear approved consistent with 
the process defined in Sec. 648.85(b)(6). If reliable information is 
available, the AM shall be implemented in the fishing year immediately 
following the year in which the overage occurred only if there is 
sufficient time to do so in a manner consistent with the Administrative 
Procedure Act. Otherwise, the AM shall be implemented in the second 
fishing year after the fishing year in which the overage occurred. For 
example, if NMFS determined after the start of Year 2 that the small-
mesh fisheries sub-ACL for GB yellowtail flounder was exceeded in Year 
1, the applicable AM would be implemented at the start of Year 3. If 
updated catch information becomes available subsequent to the 
implementation of an AM that indicates that an overage of the small-mesh 
fisheries sub-ACL did not occur, NMFS shall rescind the AM, consistent 
with the Administrative Procedure Act.
    (6) Specifications process--(i) PDT recommendations. Unless 
otherwise developed pursuant to the biennial review process specified in 
paragraph (a)(2) of this section, the PDT shall develop recommendations 
for setting ACLs for each regulated species or ocean pout, including 
ACLs for stocks managed by the Understanding; revising rebuilding 
programs and associated management measures; or modifying AMs for 
consideration by the Council's Groundfish Oversight Committee based upon 
the SAFE report prepared pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) of this section. 
If the Council determines, based on information provided by the PDT or 
other stock-related information, that the ACLs should be adjusted 
between biennial reviews, it can do so through the same process outlined 
in this section during the interim year.
    (ii) Guidelines. As the basis for its recommendations under 
paragraph (a)(5)(i) of this section, the PDT shall review available data 
pertaining to: Commercial and recreational catch data; current estimates 
of fishing mortality; discards; stock status; recent estimates of 
recruitment; virtual population analysis results and other estimates of 
stock size; sea sampling and trawl survey data or, if sea sampling data 
are unavailable, length frequency information from trawl surveys; impact 
of other fisheries on herring mortality; and any other relevant 
information.
    (iii) Groundfish Oversight Committee recommendations. Based on the 
PDT's recommendations and any public comment received, the Groundfish 
Oversight Committee shall recommend to the Council appropriate 
specifications

[[Page 904]]

a period of at least 1 year. The Council shall review these 
recommendations and, after considering public comment, shall recommend 
appropriate specifications to NMFS. NMFS shall review the 
recommendations and publish proposed specifications in a manner 
consistent with the Administrative Procedure Act. If the proposed 
specifications differ from those recommended by the Council, the reasons 
for any differences shall be clearly stated.
    (iv) Analysis. Any specifications package developed pursuant to this 
paragraph (a)(5) shall be supported by the appropriate NEPA analysis, 
which shall be made available for public comment.
    (b) Small-mesh multispecies--(1) Three-year specifications process, 
annual review, and specifications package. The Council shall specify on 
at least a 3-year basis the OFL, ABC, ACLs, and TALs for each small-mesh 
multispecies stock in accordance with the following process.
    (i) At least every 3 years, based on the annual review, described 
below in paragraph (b)(3) of this section, and/or the specifications 
package, described in paragraph (b)(4) of this section, recommendations 
for ABC from the SSC, and any other relevant information, the Whiting 
PDT shall recommend to the Whiting Oversight Committee and Council 
specifications including the OFL, ABC, ACL, and TAL for each small-mesh 
multispecies stock for a period of at least 3 years. The Whiting PDT and 
the Council shall follow the process in paragraph (b)(2) of this section 
for setting these specifications.
    (ii) The Whiting PDT, after reviewing the available information on 
the status of the stock and the fishery, may recommend to the Council 
any measures necessary to assure that the specifications will not be 
exceeded; changes to the SBRM, including the CV-based performance 
standard, the means by which discard data are collected/obtained, 
fishery stratification, the process for prioritizing observer sea-day 
allocations, reports, and/or industry-funded observers or observer set 
aside programs; as well as changes to the appropriate specifications.
    (iii) Taking into account the annual review and/or specifications 
package described in paragraphs (b)(2) and (b)(4), respectively, of this 
section, the advice of the SSC, and any other relevant information, the 
Whiting PDT may also recommend to the Whiting Oversight Committee and 
Council changes to stock status determination criteria and associated 
thresholds based on the best scientific information available, including 
information from peer-reviewed stock assessments of small-mesh 
multispecies. These adjustments may be included in the Council's 
specifications for the small-mesh multispecies fishery.
    (iv) Council recommendation. (A) The Council shall review the 
recommendations of the Whiting PDT, Whiting Oversight Committee, and 
SSC, any public comment received thereon, and any other relevant 
information, and make a recommendation to the Regional Administrator on 
appropriate specifications and any measures necessary to assure that the 
specifications will not be exceeded.
    (B) The Council's recommendation must include supporting 
documentation, as appropriate, concerning the environmental, economic, 
and social impacts of the recommendations. The Regional Administrator 
will consider the recommendations and publish a rule in the Federal 
Register proposing specifications and associated measures, consistent 
with the Administrative Procedure Act.
    (C) The Regional Administrator may propose specifications different 
than those recommended by the Council. If the specifications published 
in the Federal Register differ from those recommended by the Council, 
the reasons for any differences must be clearly stated and the revised 
specifications must satisfy the criteria set forth in this section, the 
FMP, and other applicable laws.
    (D) If the final specifications are not published in the Federal 
Register for the start of the fishing year, the previous year's 
specifications will remain in effect until superseded by the final rule 
implementing the current year's specifications, to ensure that there is 
no lapse in regulations while new specifications are completed.

[[Page 905]]

    (2) Process for specifying ABCs, ACLs, and TALs. The Whiting PDT 
shall calculate the OFL and ABC values for each small-mesh multispecies 
stock based on the control rules established in the FMP. These 
calculations shall be reviewed by the SSC and guided by terms of 
reference developed by the Council. The ACLs and TALs shall be 
calculated based on the SSC's approved ABCs, as specified in paragraphs 
(a)(2)(i)(A) through (C) and (a)(2)(ii)(A) through (C) of this section.
    (i) Red hake--(A) ABCs. (1) The Council's SSC will recommend an ABC 
to the Council for both the northern and southern stocks of red hake. 
The red hake ABCs are reduced from the OFLs based on an adjustment for 
scientific uncertainty as specified in the FMP; the ABCs must be less 
than or equal to the OFL.
    (2) While the southern red hake stock is under a rebuilding plan, 
the ABC for that stock shall be set to 75-percent of the OFL for the 
duration of the rebuilding period or until the stock reaches its biomass 
target, whichever occurs first.
    (B) ACLs. The red hake ACLs are equal to 95 percent of the 
corresponding ABCs.
    (C) TALs. (1) The red hake TALs are equal to the northern red hake 
and southern red hake ACLs minus a discard estimate based on the most 
recent 3 years of data and then reduced by 3 percent to account for 
silver hake and offshore hake landings that occur in state waters.
    (2) If more than two-thirds of the southern red hake TAL is 
harvested in a single year, the Regional Administrator shall consult 
with the Council and will consider implementing quarterly TALs in the 
following fishing year, as prescribed in the FMP and in a manner 
consistent with the requirements of the Administrative Procedure Act.
    (ii) Silver and Offshore Hake--(A) ABCs. The Council's SSC will 
recommend an ABC to the Council for both the northern and southern 
stocks of silver hake. The ABC for the southern stock of silver hake 
will be increased by 4 percent to account for catch of offshore hake. 
The combined silver hake and offshore hake ABC in the southern area will 
be the southern whiting ABC. The silver hake and whiting ABCs are 
reduced from the OFLs based on an adjustment for scientific uncertainty 
as specified in the FMP; the ABCs must be less than or equal to the 
OFLs.
    (B) ACLs. The northern silver hake and southern whiting ACLs are 
equal to 95 percent of the ABCs.
    (C) TALs. (1) The northern silver hake and southern whiting TALs are 
equal to the northern silver hake and southern whiting ACLs minus a 
discard estimate based on the most recent 3 years of data and then 
reduced by 3 percent to account for silver hake and offshore hake 
landings that occur in state waters.
    (2) If more than two-thirds of the southern whiting TAL is harvested 
in a single year, the Regional Administrator shall consult with the 
Council and will consider implementing quarterly TALs in the following 
fishing year, as proscribed in the FMP and in a manner consistent with 
the requirements of the Administrative Procedure Act.
    (3) Annual Review. (i) Using a report provided by NMFS that includes 
trends in the fishery, changes in stock biomass, and total catch data, 
the Whiting PDT shall meet at least once annually to review the status 
of the stock and the fishery and the adequacy of the 3-year 
specifications. Based on such review, the PDT shall provide a report to 
the Council on any changes or new information about the small-mesh 
multispecies stocks and/or fishery, and it shall recommend whether the 
specifications for the upcoming year(s), established pursuant to 
paragraph (b)(1) of this section, need to be modified. At a minimum, 
this review should include a review of at least the following data, if 
available: Commercial catch data; discards; stock status (exploitation 
rate and survey biomass); sea sampling, port sampling, and survey data 
or, if sea sampling data are unavailable, length frequency information 
from port sampling and/or surveys; impact of other fisheries on the 
mortality of small-mesh multispecies; and any other relevant 
information.
    (ii) If new and/or additional information becomes available, the 
Whiting

[[Page 906]]

PDT shall consider it during this annual review. Based on this review, 
the Whiting PDT shall provide guidance to the Whiting Oversight 
Committee and the Council regarding the need to adjust measures for the 
small-mesh multispecies fishery to better achieve the FMP's objectives. 
After considering this guidance, the Council may submit to NMFS its 
recommendations for changes to management measures, as appropriate, 
through the specifications process described in this section, the 
process specified in paragraph (c) of this section, or through an 
amendment to the FMP.
    (4) Specifications package. (i) The Whiting PDT shall prepare a 
specification package, including a SAFE Report, at least every 3 years. 
Based on the specification package, the Whiting PDT shall develop and 
present to the Council recommended specifications as defined in 
paragraph (a) of this section for up to 3 fishing years. The 
specifications package shall be the primary vehicle for the presentation 
of all updated biological and socio-economic information regarding the 
small-mesh multispecies fishery. The specifications package shall 
provide source data for any adjustments to the management measures that 
may be needed to continue to meet the goals and objectives of the FMP. 
The specifications package may include modifications to the OFL, ABC, 
ACL, TAL, possession limits, and in-season possession limit triggers.
    (ii) In any year in which a specifications package, including a SAFE 
Report, is not completed by the Whiting PDT, the annual review process 
described in paragraph (a) of this section shall be used to recommend 
any necessary adjustments to specifications and/or management measures 
in the FMP.
    (5) Accountability measures for the small-mesh multispecies 
fishery--(i) In-season adjustment of possession limits. In-season 
adjustment accountability measures for the small-mesh multispecies 
fishery are specified in accordance with the procedures in Sec. 
648.86(d)(4).
    (ii) Post-season adjustment for an overage. If NMFS determines that 
a small-mesh multispecies ACL was exceeded in a given fishing year, the 
in-season accountability measure adjustment trigger, as specified in 
paragraph (b)(5)(iii) of this section, shall be reduced in a subsequent 
fishing year by 1 percent for each 1 percent by which the ACL was 
exceeded through notification consistent with the Administrative 
Procedure Act. For example, if the in-season adjustment trigger is 90 
percent, and an ACL is exceeded by 5 percent, the adjustment trigger for 
the stock whose ACL was exceeded would be reduced to 85 percent for 
subsequent fishing years.
    (iii) Small-mesh multispecies in-season adjustment triggers. The 
small-mesh multispecies in-season accountability measure adjustment 
triggers are as follows:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             In-season
                                                            adjustment
                         Species                              trigger
                                                             (percent)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Northern Red Hake.......................................              90
Northern Silver Hake....................................              90
Southern Red Hake.......................................            40.4
Southern Silver Hake....................................              90
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (c) Within season management action for NE multispecies, including 
small-mesh NE multispecies. The Council may, at any time, initiate 
action to add or adjust management measures if it finds that action is 
necessary to meet or be consistent with the goals and objectives of the 
NE Multispecies FMP, to address gear conflicts, or to facilitate the 
development of aquaculture projects in the EEZ. This procedure may also 
be used to modify FMP overfishing definitions and fishing mortality 
targets that form the basis for selecting specific management measures.
    (1) Adjustment process. (i) After a management action has been 
initiated, the Council shall develop and analyze appropriate management 
actions over the span of at least two Council meetings. The Council 
shall provide the public with advance notice of the availability of both 
the proposals and the analyses and opportunity to comment on them prior 
to and at the second Council meeting. The Council's recommendation on 
adjustments or additions to management measures, other than to address 
gear conflicts, must come from one or more of the following

[[Page 907]]

categories: DAS changes; effort monitoring; data reporting; possession 
limits; gear restrictions; closed areas; permitting restrictions; crew 
limits; minimum fish sizes; onboard observers; minimum hook size and 
hook style; the use of crucifer in the hook-gear fishery; sector 
requirements; recreational fishing measures; area closures and other 
appropriate measures to mitigate marine mammal entanglements and 
interactions; description and identification of EFH; fishing gear 
management measures to protect EFH; designation of habitat areas of 
particular concern within EFH; changes to the SBRM, including the CV-
based performance standard, the means by which discard data are 
collected/obtained, fishery stratification, the process for prioritizing 
observer sea-day allocations, reports, and/or industry-funded observers 
or observer set aside programs; and any other management measures 
currently included in the FMP.
    (ii) The Council's recommendation on adjustments or additions to 
management measures pertaining to small-mesh NE multispecies, other than 
to address gear conflicts, must come from one or more of the following 
categories: Quotas and appropriate seasonal adjustments for vessels 
fishing in experimental or exempted fisheries that use small mesh in 
combination with a separator trawl/grate (if applicable); modifications 
to separator grate (if applicable) and mesh configurations for fishing 
for small-mesh NE multispecies; adjustments to whiting stock boundaries 
for management purposes; adjustments for fisheries exempted from minimum 
mesh requirements to fish for small-mesh NE multispecies (if 
applicable); season adjustments; declarations; participation 
requirements for any of the Gulf of Maine/Georges Bank small-mesh 
multispecies exemption areas; OFL and ABC values; ACL, TAL, or TAL 
allocations, including the proportions used to allocate by season or 
area; small-mesh multispecies possession limits, including in-season AM 
possession limits; changes to reporting requirements and methods to 
monitor the fishery; and biological reference points, including selected 
reference time series, survey strata used to calculate biomass, and the 
selected survey for status determination; and changes to the SBRM, 
including the CV-based performance standard, the means by which discard 
data are collected/obtained, fishery stratification, the process for 
prioritizing observer sea-day allocations, reports, and/or industry-
funded observers or observer set aside programs.
    (iii) Adjustment process for whiting DAS. The Council may develop 
recommendations for a whiting DAS effort reduction program through the 
framework process outlined in paragraph (c) of this section only if 
these options are accompanied by a full set of public hearings that span 
the area affected by the proposed measures in order to provide adequate 
opportunity for public comment.
    (2) Adjustment process for gear conflicts. The Council may develop a 
recommendation on measures to address gear conflicts as defined under 50 
CFR 600.10, in accordance with the procedures specified in Sec. 648.55 
(d) and (e).
    (3) Council recommendation. After developing management actions and 
receiving public testimony, the Council shall make a recommendation to 
the Regional Administrator. The Council's recommendation must include 
supporting rationale and, if management measures are recommended, an 
analysis of impacts and a recommendation to the Regional Administrator 
on whether to issue the management measures as a final rule, consistent 
with the Administrative Procedure Act. If the Council recommends that 
the management measures should be issued as a final rule, the Council 
must consider at least the following factors and provide support and 
analysis for each factor considered:
    (i) Whether the availability of data on which the recommended 
management measures are based allows for adequate time to publish a 
proposed rule, and whether regulations have to be in place for an entire 
harvest/fishing season.
    (ii) Whether there has been adequate notice and opportunity for 
participation by the public and members of the affected industry in the 
development of the Council's recommended management measures.

[[Page 908]]

    (iii) Whether there is an immediate need to protect the resource.
    (iv) Whether there will be a continuing evaluation of management 
measures adopted following their implementation as a final rule.
    (4) Regional Administrator action. If the Council's recommendation 
includes adjustments or additions to management measures, after 
reviewing the Council's recommendation and supporting information:
    (i) If the Regional Administrator concurs with the Council's 
recommended management measures and determines that the recommended 
management measures should be issued as a final rule, based on the 
factors specified in paragraph (c)(3) of this section, the measures will 
be issued as a final rule in the Federal Register, consistent with the 
Administrative Procedure Act.
    (ii) If the Regional Administrator concurs with the Council's 
recommendation and determines that the recommended management measures 
should be published first as a proposed rule, the measures will be 
published as a proposed rule in the Federal Register. After additional 
public comment, if the Regional Administrator concurs with the Council's 
recommendation, the measures will be issued as a final rule in the 
Federal Register.
    (iii) If the Regional Administrator does not concur, the Council 
will be notified in writing of the reasons for the non-concurrence.
    (d) Flexible Area Action System. (1) The Chair of the Multispecies 
Oversight Committee, upon learning of the presence of discard problems 
associated with large concentrations of juvenile, sublegal, or spawning 
multispecies, shall determine if the situation warrants further 
investigation and possible action. In making this determination, the 
Committee Chair shall consider the amount of discard of regulated 
species, the species targeted, the number and types of vessels operating 
in the area, the location and size of the area, and the resource 
condition of the impacted species. If he/she determines it is necessary, 
the Committee Chair will request the Regional Administrator to initiate 
a fact finding investigation to verify the situation and publish 
notification in the Federal Register requesting public comments in 
accordance with the procedures therefore in Amendment 3 to the NE 
Multispecies FMP.
    (2) After examining the facts, the Regional Administrator shall, 
within the deadlines specified in Amendment 3, provide the technical 
analysis required by Amendment 3.
    (3) The NEFMC shall prepare an economic impact analysis of the 
potential management options under consideration within the deadlines 
specified in Amendment 3.
    (4) Copies of the analysis and reports prepared by the Regional 
Administrator and the NEFMC shall be made available for public review at 
the NEFMC's office and the Committee shall hold a meeting/public 
hearing, at which time it shall review the analysis and reports and 
request public comments. Upon review of all available sources of 
information, the Committee shall determine what course of action is 
warranted by the facts and make a recommendation, consistent with the 
provisions of Amendment 3 to the Regional Administrator.
    (5) By the deadline set in Amendment 3 the Regional Administrator 
shall either accept or reject the Committee's recommendation. If the 
recommended action is consistent with the record established by the 
fact-finding report, impact analysis, and comments received at the 
public hearing, he/she shall accept the Committee's recommendation and 
implement it through notification in the Federal Register and by notice 
sent to all vessel owners holding multispecies permits. The Regional 
Administrator shall also use other appropriate media, including, but not 
limited to, mailings to the news media, fishing industry associations 
and radio broadcasts, to disseminate information on the action to be 
implemented.
    (6) Once implemented, the Regional Administrator shall monitor the 
affected area to determine if the action is still warranted. If the 
Regional Administrator determines that the circumstances under which the 
action was taken, based on the Regional Administrator's report, the 
NEFMC's report,

[[Page 909]]

and the public comments, are no longer in existence, he/she shall 
terminate the action by notification in the Federal Register.
    (7) Actions taken under this section will ordinarily become 
effective upon the date of filing with the Office of the Federal 
Register. The Regional Administrator may determine that facts warrant a 
delayed effective date.
    (e) Nothing in this section is meant to derogate from the authority 
of the Secretary to take emergency action and interim measures under 
section 305(c) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act.

[69 FR 22984, Apr. 27, 2004]

    Editorial Note: For Federal Register citations affecting Sec. 
648.90, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the 
Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.



Sec. 648.91  Monkfish regulated mesh areas and restrictions on
gear and methods of fishing.

    All vessels fishing for, possessing or landing monkfish must comply 
with the following minimum mesh size, gear, and methods of fishing 
requirements, unless otherwise exempted or prohibited:
    (a) Northern Fishery Management Area (NFMA)--Area definition. The 
NFMA (copies of a chart depicting the area are available from the 
Regional Administrator upon request) is that area defined by a line 
beginning at the intersection of 70[deg] W. longitude and the south-
facing shoreline of Cape Cod, MA (point A), then southward along 70[deg] 
W. longitude to 41[deg] N. latitude, then eastward to the U.S.-Canada 
maritime boundary, then in a northerly direction along the U.S.-Canada 
maritime boundary until it intersects the Maine shoreline, and then 
following the coastline in a southerly direction until it intersects 
with point A.
    (b) Southern Fishery Management Area (SFMA)--Area definition. The 
SFMA (copies of a chart depicting the area are available from the 
Regional Administrator upon request) is that area defined by a line 
beginning at point A, then in a southerly direction to the NC-SC border, 
then due east to the 200-mile limit, then in a northerly direction along 
the 200-mile limit to the U.S.-Canada maritime boundary, then in a 
northwesterly direction along the U.S.-Canada maritime boundary to 
41[deg] N. latitude, and then westward to 70[deg] W. longitude, and 
finally north to the shoreline at Cape Cod, MA (point A).
    (c) Gear restrictions--(1) Minimum mesh size--(i) Trawl nets while 
on a monkfish DAS. Except as provided in paragraph (c)(1)(ii) of this 
section, the minimum mesh size for any trawl net, including beam trawl 
nets, used by a vessel fishing under a monkfish DAS is 10-inch (25.4-cm) 
square or 12-inch (30.5-cm) diamond mesh throughout the codend for at 
least 45 continuous meshes forward of the terminus of the net. The 
minimum mesh size for the remainder of the trawl net is the regulated 
mesh size specified under Sec. 648.80(a)(3), (a)(4), (b)(2)(i), or 
(c)(2)(i) of the Northeast multispecies regulations, depending upon and 
consistent with the NE multispecies regulated mesh area being fished.
    (ii) Trawl nets while on a monkfish and NE multispecies DAS. Vessels 
issued a Category C, D, G, or H limited access monkfish permit and 
fishing with trawl gear under both a monkfish and NE multispecies DAS 
are subject to the minimum mesh size allowed under regulations governing 
mesh size at Sec. 648.80(a)(3), (a)(4), (b)(2)(i), or (c)(2)(i), 
depending upon, and consistent with, the NE multispecies regulated mesh 
area being fished, unless otherwise specified in this paragraph 
(c)(1)(ii). Trawl vessels participating in the Offshore Fishery Program, 
as described in Sec. 648.95, and that have been issued a Category F 
monkfish limited access permit, are subject to the minimum mesh size 
specified in paragraph (c)(1)(i) of this section.
    (iii) Gillnets while on a monkfish DAS for fishing years 2023, 2024, 
and 2025. Until April 30, 2026, the minimum mesh size for any gillnets 
used by a vessel fishing under a monkfish DAS is 10-inch (25.4-cm) 
diamond mesh, unless the vessel meets one of the exceptions in paragraph 
(c)(1)(v) of this section.
    (iv) Gillnets while on a monkfish DAS from fishing year 2026 and 
beyond. Starting May 1, 2026, the minimum mesh size for any gillnets 
used by a vessel fishing under a monkfish DAS is 12-inch (30.5-cm) 
diamond mesh, unless

[[Page 910]]

the vessel meets one of the exceptions in paragraph (c)(1)(v) of this 
section.
    (v) Exceptions from the minimum mesh size for gillnets on a monkfish 
DAS. A vessel fishing with gillnet gear under a monkfish DAS is subject 
to the minimum mesh size as defined in paragraph (c)(1)(iii) or (iv) of 
this section, unless:
    (A) The owner or operator of a limited access NE multispecies vessel 
fishing under a NE multispecies category A DAS with gillnet gear in the 
NFMA changes the vessel's DAS declaration to a monkfish DAS through the 
vessel's VMS unit during the trip in accordance with the provisions 
specified under Sec. 648.92(b)(1)(vi);
    (B) A vessel issued a Category C or D limited access monkfish permit 
is fishing under both a monkfish and NE multispecies Category A DAS in 
the SFMA using roundfish gillnets, as defined at Sec. 648.2, with 6.5-
inch (16.5-cm) diamond mesh;
    (C) A vessel issued a limited access monkfish permit is fishing on a 
monkfish-only DAS in the Mid-Atlantic Exemption Area using roundfish 
gillnets with a minimum mesh size of 5 inches (12.7 cm) in accordance 
with the provisions specified under Sec. 648.80(c)(5); or
    (D) A vessel issued a limited access monkfish permit is fishing on a 
monkfish-only DAS in the Southern New England Dogfish Exemption Area 
using roundfish gillnets with a minimum mesh size of 6 inches (15.2 cm) 
in accordance with the provisions specified under Sec. 648.80(b)(7).
    (vi) Authorized gear while on a monkfish and scallop DAS. Vessels 
issued a Category C, D, G, or H limited access monkfish permit and 
fishing under a monkfish and scallop DAS may only fish with and use a 
trawl net with a mesh size no smaller than that specified in paragraph 
(c)(1)(i) of this section.
    (2) Other gear restrictions. (i) A vessel may not fish with dredges 
or have dredges on board while fishing under a monkfish DAS.
    (ii) All other non-conforming gear must be stowed and not available 
for immediate use as defined in Sec. 648.2.
    (iii) The mesh size restrictions in paragraph (c)(1) of this section 
do not apply to nets or pieces of nets smaller than 3 ft (0.9 m) x 3 ft 
(0.9 m), (9 ft\2\ (0.81 m\2\)).
    (3) SFMA trawl roller gear restriction. The roller gear diameter on 
any vessel on a monkfish DAS in the SFMA may not exceed 6 inches (15.2 
cm) in diameter.

[64 FR 54747, Oct. 7, 1999, as amended at 65 FR 37917, June 19, 2000; 67 
FR 50323, Aug. 1, 2002; 70 FR 21942, Apr. 28, 2005; 72 FR 53949, Sept. 
21, 2007; 79 FR 52580, Sept. 4, 2014; 81 FR 58865, Aug. 26, 2016; 88 FR 
54498, Aug. 11, 2023]



Sec. 648.92  Effort-control program for monkfish limited access vessels.

    (a) General. A vessel issued a limited access monkfish permit may 
not fish for, possess, retain, or land monkfish, except during a DAS as 
allocated under and in accordance with the applicable DAS program 
described in this section, except as otherwise provided in this part.
    (1) End of year carryover. With the exception of a vessel that held 
a Confirmation of Permit History, as described in Sec. 
648.4(a)(1)(i)(J), for the entire fishing year preceding the carryover 
year, a limited access monkfish vessel that has unused monkfish DAS on 
the last day of April of any year may carry over a maximum of 4 unused 
monkfish DAS into the next fishing year. A vessel whose DAS have been 
sanctioned through enforcement proceedings shall be credited with unused 
DAS based on its DAS allocation minus any DAS that have been sanctioned.
    (2) [Reserved]
    (b) Monkfish DAS program--permit categories and allocations--(1) 
Limited access monkfish permit holders--(i) DAS allocations. Each vessel 
issued a limited access monkfish permit will be allocated 35 monkfish 
DAS each fishing year that may be used only in the Northern Fishery 
Management Area as defined in Sec. 648.91(a). Each vessel issued a 
limited access monkfish permit will also be allocated 37 monkfish DAS 
each fishing year that may be used only in the Southern Fishery 
Management Area as defined in Sec. 648.91(b). The annual allocation of 
monkfish DAS to each vessel issued a limited access monkfish permit in 
the NFMA and SFMA shall be reduced by the amount calculated in paragraph 
(b)(1)(iii) of

[[Page 911]]

this section for the research DAS set-aside. All DAS must be used in 
accordance with the provisions of this paragraph (b) unless the permit 
is enrolled in the Offshore Fishery Program in the SFMA, as specified in 
paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of this section.
    (ii) Offshore fishery program DAS allocation. A vessel issued a 
Category F permit, as described in Sec. 648.95, shall be allocated a 
prorated number of monkfish DAS as specified in Sec. 648.95(g)(2).
    (iii) Research DAS set-aside. A total of 500 DAS will be set aside 
and made available for cooperative research programs as described in 
paragraph (c) of this section. These DAS shall be deducted 
proportionally from the DAS allocated to each vessel issued a limited 
access monkfish permit by the process prescribed in this paragraph 
(b)(1)(iii).
    (A) Calculating the total per vessel DAS deduction. The total per 
vessel DAS deduction will be calculated as the quotient of 500 divided 
by the total number of limited access permits issued in the previous 
fishing year.
    (B) Calculating the per vessel DAS deduction for the NFMA and SFMA. 
The total vessel DAS deduction will be distributed proportionally to the 
DAS for the NFMA and SFMA allocated to each vessel issued a monkfish 
limited access permit, as specified in paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this 
section. To determine the per-vessel deduction from the NFMA DAS 
allocation, the total per vessel deduction will be multiplied by the 
quotient of the NFMA DAS allocation divided by the total number of DAS 
allocated to each monkfish limited access vessel. To determine the per-
vessel deduction from the SFMA DAS allocation, the NFMA deduction will 
be subtracted from the total per vessel deduction.
    (C) Example. If, in the current year, each vessel is allocated 30 
NFMA DAS and 20 SFMA DAS, then the total vessel DAS allocation is 50 
DAS. In this example, 625 limited access monkfish permits were issued in 
the previous year. Dividing 500 by the 625 permits equals a total per-
vessel DAS deduction of 0.8 DAS. Dividing the NFMA allocation of 30 DAS 
by the total DAS allocation of 50 DAS equals 0.6. Multiplying 0.6 by 0.8 
equals an NFMA DAS deduction of 0.48, which is rounded to 0.5. 
Subtracting the 0.5 NFMA DAS deduction from the total per vessel 
deduction of 0.8 results in an SFMA DAS deduction of 0.3 DAS. The result 
of is that each limited access monkfish vessel would be allocated 29.5 
NFMA DAS and 19.7 SFMA DAS.
    (iv) General DAS usage restrictions. A vessel issued a limited 
access monkfish permit may not use more than 46 allocated monkfish DAS 
in a fishing year. Unless otherwise specified in paragraph (b)(2) of 
this section or under this subpart, a vessel issued a limited access NE 
multispecies or limited access Atlantic sea scallop permit that is also 
issued a limited access monkfish permit must use a NE multispecies or 
sea scallop DAS concurrently with each monkfish DAS utilized.
    (v) DAS declaration requirements. Each vessel issued a limited 
access monkfish permit that intends to fish under a monkfish DAS must 
declare that it will fish in either the NFMA or SFMA through the vessel 
call-in system or VMS prior to the start of each trip. A vessel fishing 
or intending to fish for, possessing, or landing monkfish under a NE 
multispecies, scallop, or monkfish DAS under the management measures of 
the NFMA, must fish exclusively in the NFMA for the entire trip. In 
addition, a vessel that is not required to and does not possess a VMS 
unit must declare its intent to fish in the NFMA by obtaining a letter 
of authorization from the Regional Administrator, which is effective for 
a period of not less than 7 days, and fish exclusively in the NFMA 
during the effective period of that letter of authorization. A vessel 
that has not declared into the NFMA under this paragraph (b)(1)(v) shall 
be presumed to have fished in the SFMA and shall be subject to the 
requirements of that area. A vessel that has declared into the NFMA may 
transit the SFMA, providing that it complies with the transiting and 
gear storage provision described in Sec. 648.94(e).
    (vi) Monkfish Option provision and declaration requirements. Any 
limited access NE multispecies vessel fishing on a sector trip or under 
a NE multispecies Category A DAS in the NFMA, and

[[Page 912]]

issued an LOA as specified in paragraph (b)(1)(v) of this section, may 
change its DAS declaration to a monkfish DAS through the vessel's VMS 
unit during the course of the trip after leaving port, but prior to 
crossing the VMS demarcation line upon its return to port or leaving the 
NFMA, if the vessel exceeds the incidental catch limit specified under 
Sec. 648.94(c).
    (A) Vessels that change their DAS declaration from a NE multispecies 
Category A DAS to a monkfish DAS during a trip remain subject to the NE 
multispecies DAS usage requirements (i.e., use a NE multispecies 
Category A DAS in conjunction with the monkfish DAS) described in 
paragraph (b)(2)(iv) of this section.
    (B) Gillnet vessels that change their DAS declaration in accordance 
with this paragraph (b)(1)(vi) are not subject to the gillnet minimum 
mesh size restrictions found at Sec. 648.91(c)(1)(iii) and (iv) but are 
subject to the smaller NE multispecies minimum mesh requirements for 
gillnet vessels found under Sec. 648.80 based upon the NE Multispecies 
Regulated Mesh Area in which the vessel is fishing.
    (2) Category C, D, F, G, or H limited access monkfish permit 
holders. (i) General provision. Unless otherwise specified in paragraph 
(b)(2)(ii) of this section, each monkfish DAS used by a vessel issued a 
limited access monkfish Category C, D, F, G, or H permit and a limited 
access NE multispecies or scallop DAS permit shall also be counted as a 
NE multispecies or scallop DAS, as applicable. A vessel issued a limited 
access monkfish Category C, D, F, or H permit may not use a NE 
multispecies Category B Regular DAS under the NE Multispecies Regular B 
DAS Program, as specified under Sec. 648.85(b)(6), in order to satisfy 
the requirement of this paragraph (b)(2)(i) to use a NE multispecies DAS 
concurrently with a monkfish DAS.
    (ii) Monkfish-only DAS. When a vessel issued a limited access 
monkfish Category C, D, F, G, or H permit and a limited access NE 
multispecies DAS permit has an allocation of NE multispecies Category A 
DAS, specified under Sec. 648.82(d)(1), that is less than the number of 
monkfish DAS allocated for the fishing year May 1 through April 30, that 
vessel shall be allocated ``monkfish-only'' DAS equal to the difference 
between the number of its allocated monkfish DAS and the number of its 
allocated NE multispecies Category A DAS at the start of a fishing year. 
For example, if a vessel issued a limited access monkfish Category D 
permit is allocated 30 monkfish DAS for use in the Northern Fishery 
Management Area, 20 monkfish DAS for use in the Southern Fishery 
Management Area, and 26 NE multispecies Category A DAS, it would have 24 
monkfish-only DAS at the start of each fishing year. The available 
balance of monkfish-only DAS may vary throughout the fishing year based 
upon monkfish-only DAS usage and the acquisition or relinquishment of NE 
multispecies DAS under the NE Multispecies DAS Leasing Program, as 
specified in paragraph (b)(2)(iii) of this section. A vessel issued a 
limited access monkfish Category C, D, F, G, or H permit may use 
monkfish-only DAS without the concurrent use of a NE multispecies DAS at 
any time throughout the fishing year, regardless of the number of NE 
multispecies Category A DAS available. When fishing under a monkfish-
only DAS, the vessel must fish under the regulations in this part 
pertaining to a limited access monkfish Category A or B permit, as 
applicable, and may not retain any regulated NE multispecies. For 
example, a vessel issued a limited access monkfish Category C permit 
must comply with the monkfish landing limits applicable to a Category A 
monkfish permit when fishing under a monkfish-only DAS.
    (iii) Category C, D, F, G, or H vessels that lease NE multispecies 
DAS. (A) A vessel issued a limited access monkfish Category C, D, F, G, 
or H permit that has monkfish-only DAS, as specified in paragraph 
(b)(2)(ii) of this section, and that leases NE multispecies DAS from 
another vessel pursuant to Sec. 648.82(k), must fish its available 
monkfish-only DAS in conjunction with its leased NE multispecies DAS, to 
the extent that the vessel has NE multispecies DAS available.
    (B) A vessel issued a limited access monkfish Category C, D, F, G, 
or H permit may forfeit some of its monkfish DAS, if it leases NE 
multispecies DAS to another vessel(s), pursuant to

[[Page 913]]

Sec. 648.82(k). The number of monkfish DAS forfeited by a vessel 
depends on its balance of Monkfish and NE multispecies DAS at the time 
of the lease. Any forfeited monkfish DAS will be deducted proportionally 
between the DAS allocated to the vessel for use in the Northern Fishery 
Management Area and Southern Fishery Management Area in paragraph 
(b)(1)(i) of this section.
    (1) If the vessel's unused monkfish DAS balance is greater than or 
equal to its unused NE multispecies DAS balance, at the time of the 
lease, then the vessel will forfeit an amount of monkfish DAS equal to 
the number of NE multispecies DAS being leased to another vessel. For 
example, if a vessel has 40 monkfish DAS and 30 NE multispecies DAS and 
it leases 10 NE multispecies DAS in accordance with Sec. 648.82(k), 
then, as part of the lease, the vessel would forfeit 10 monkfish DAS and 
be left with 30 monkfish DAS and 20 multispecies DAS.
    (2) If the vessel's unused monkfish DAS balance is less than its 
unused NE multispecies DAS balance, at the time of lease, then the 
vessel will forfeit an amount of monkfish DAS equal to the number of NE 
multispecies DAS being leased minus the difference between the vessel's 
unused NE multispecies DAS balance and the vessel's unused monkfish DAS 
balance. If the number of NE multispecies DAS being leased is less than 
the difference between the vessel's unused NE multispecies DAS balance 
and the vessel's unused monkfish DAS balance, then no monkfish DAS are 
forfeited. For example, if a vessel has 25 monkfish DAS and 30 NE 
multispecies DAS at the time of the lease, and it leases 10 NE 
multispecies DAS, the vessel would forfeit 5 monkfish DAS (10 leased -
[30 NE multispecies DAS - 25 monkfish DAS] = 5 forfeited monkfish DAS). 
If, however, the vessel has 25 monkfish DAS and 40 NE multispecies and 
the vessel leases 10 NE multispecies DAS, it would not forfeit any 
monkfish DAS (10 leased NE multispecies DAS -[40 NE multispecies DAS -25 
monkfish DAS] = -5. The number of DAS forfeited cannot be negative, so 0 
DAS are forfeited).
    (3) Accrual of DAS. Unless otherwise provided in Sec. 
648.92(b)(8)(v), all monkfish DAS fished shall be charged to the nearest 
minute.
    (4) DAS credits--(i) Good Samaritan credit. A limited access vessels 
fishing under the DAS program and that spends time at sea assisting in a 
USCG search and rescue operation or assisting the USCG in towing a 
disabled vessel, and that can document the occurrence through the USCG, 
will not accrue DAS for the time documented.
    (ii) Canceled trip DAS credit. A limited access vessel operating 
under the DAS program and that end a fishing trip prior to setting and/
or hauling fishing gear for any reason may request a cancelled trip DAS 
credit for the trip based on the following conditions and requirements.
    (A) There is no fish onboard the vessel and no fishing operations on 
the vessel were initiated, including setting and/or hauling fishing 
gear; and
    (B) The owner or operator of the vessel fishing under a DAS program 
and required to use a VMS as specified under Sec. 648.10(b) makes an 
initial trip cancelation notification from sea, at the time the trip was 
canceled, or at the earliest opportunity prior to crossing the 
demarcation line as defined at Sec. 648.10(a). These reports are in the 
form of an email to NMFS Office of Law Enforcement and include at least 
the following information: Operator name; vessel name; vessel permit 
number; port where vessel will return; date trip started; estimated 
date/time of return to port; and a statement from the operator that no 
fish were onboard and no fishing activity occurred; and
    (C) The owner or operator of the vessel operating under the DAS 
program required to use the IVR call in as specified under Sec. 
648.10(h) makes an initial trip cancelation notification to NMFS by 
calling the IVR back at the time the trip was canceled, or at the 
earliest opportunity prior to returning to port. This request must 
include at least the following information: Operator name; vessel name; 
vessel permit number; port where vessel will return; date trip started; 
estimated date/time of return to port; and a statement from the operator 
that no fish were onboard and no fishing activity occurred; and

[[Page 914]]

    (D) The owner or operator of the vessel requesting a canceled trip 
DAS credit, in addition to the requirements in paragraphs (b)(4)(ii)(B) 
and (C) of this section, submits a written DAS credit request form to 
NMFS within 30 days of the vessel's return to port from the canceled 
trip. This application must include at least the following information: 
Date and time when the vessel canceled the fishing trip; date and time 
of trip departure and landing; operator name; owner/corporation name; 
permit number; hull identification number; vessel name; date and time 
notification requirements specified under paragraphs (b)(4)(ii)(B) and 
(C) of this section were made; reason for canceling the trip; and owner/
operator signature and date; and
    (E) The vessel trip report for the canceled trip as required under 
Sec. 648.7(b) is submitted along with the DAS credit request form; and
    (F) For DAS credits that are requested near the end of the fishing 
year as defined at Sec. 648.2, and approved by the Regional 
Administrator, the credited DAS apply to the fishing year in which the 
canceled trip occurred. Credited DAS that remain unused at the end of 
the fishing year or are not credited until the following fishing year 
and may be carried over into the next fishing year, not to exceed the 
maximum number of carryover DAS as specified under paragraph (a)(1) of 
this section.
    (5) [Reserved]
    (6) Declaring monkfish DAS. A vessel's owner or authorized 
representative shall notify the Regional Administrator of a vessel's 
participation in the monkfish DAS program using the notification 
requirements specified in Sec. 648.10.
    (7) Adjustments in annual monkfish DAS allocations. Adjustments in 
annual monkfish DAS allocations, if required to meet fishing mortality 
goals, may be implemented pursuant to the framework adjustment 
procedures of Sec. 648.96.
    (8) Gillnet restrictions--(i) Number and size of nets--(A) Category 
A and B vessels. A vessel issued a monkfish limited access Category A or 
B permit and fishing under a monkfish DAS may not fish with, haul, 
possess, or deploy more than 160 gillnets. Nets may not be longer than 
300 ft (91.44 m), or 50 fathoms, in length.
    (B) Category C, D, F, G, and H vessels that possess a limited access 
NE multispecies permit. A vessel issued a valid monkfish limited access 
Category C, D, F, G, or H permit that possesses a valid limited access 
NE multispecies permit and fishing under a monkfish DAS may not fish 
with, haul, possess, or deploy more than 150 gillnets. A vessel issued a 
NE multispecies limited access permit and a limited access monkfish 
permit, and fishing under a monkfish DAS, may fish any combination of 
monkfish, roundfish, and flatfish gillnets, up to 150 nets total, 
provided that the number of monkfish, roundfish, and flatfish gillnets 
is consistent with the limitations of Sec. 648.82. Nets may not be 
longer than 300 ft (91.4 m), or 50 fathoms, in length.
    (ii) Tagging requirements. Beginning May 1, 2000, all gillnets 
fished, hauled, possessed, or deployed by a vessel fishing for monkfish 
under a monkfish DAS must have one monkfish tag per net, with one tag 
secured to every other bridle of every net within a string of nets. Tags 
must be obtained as described in Sec. 648.4. A vessel operator must 
account for all net tags upon request by an authorized officer.
    (iii) Lost tags. A vessel owner or operator must report lost, 
destroyed, or missing tag numbers by letter or fax to the Regional 
Administrator within 24 hours after tags have been discovered lost, 
destroyed, or missing.
    (iv) Replacement tags. A vessel owner or operator seeking 
replacement of lost, destroyed, or missing tags must request replacement 
tags by letter or fax to the Regional Administrator. A check for the 
cost of the replacement tags must be received before the tags will be 
re-issued.
    (v) Method of counting DAS. A vessel fishing with gillnet gear under 
a monkfish DAS shall accrue 15 hours monkfish DAS for all trips less 
than or equal to 15 hours in duration. Such vessels shall accrue 
monkfish DAS based on actual time at sea for trips greater than 15 hours 
in duration. A vessel fishing with gillnet gear under only a monkfish 
DAS is not required to remove gillnet gear from the water upon returning 
to the dock and calling out

[[Page 915]]

of the DAS program, provided the vessel complies with the requirements 
and conditions of paragraphs (b)(8)(i)-(v) of this section. A vessel 
fishing with gillnet gear under a joint monkfish and NE multispecies 
DAS, as required under Sec. 648.92(b)(2)(i), that is declared as a trip 
gillnet vessel under the NE Multispecies FMP, must remove its gillnet 
gear from the water prior to calling out of the DAS program, as 
specified at Sec. 648.82(j)(2).
    (9) Category G and H limited access permit holders. (i) A vessel 
issued a limited access monkfish Category G or H permit may fish under a 
monkfish DAS only in the SFMA, as defined at Sec. 648.91(b).
    (ii) Vessels issued valid limited access monkfish Category G or H 
permit that also possess a limited access NE multispecies or limited 
access scallop permit are subject to the same provisions as Category C 
or D vessels, respectively, unless otherwise stated under this subpart 
F.
    (10) DAS Adjustment for Trip Limit Overage. Any limited access 
monkfish vessel, required to or voluntarily using a VMS, fishing on a 
monkfish DAS may land up to the equivalent of one additional day's worth 
of its trip limit (i.e., amount of monkfish authorized per DAS) than 
would otherwise be authorized, provided the vessel, vessel owner, or 
vessel operator notifies the Regional Administrator of the overage via 
VMS prior to crossing the VMS demarcation line. If the vessel is not 
required to be, or is not equipped with an operable VMS, the vessel, 
vessel operator, or owner must notify the Regional Administrator via the 
call-in system at least 1-hr prior to landing. The monkfish DAS charged 
to the vessel will then be increased to equal a full 24-hr period plus 1 
minute to account for the trip limit overage. For example, if a vessel 
has the equivalent of two monkfish DAS trip limits (based on its permit 
category) on board, but has only been declared into the monkfish DAS 
program for 15 hr, the vessel, vessel owner, or vessel operator may land 
fish equal to the two DAS trip limits only if the Regional Administrator 
of the overage is notified via VMS or the call-in system as described 
above. In this case, the monkfish DAS charged to the vessel would be 
adjusted from 15 hr to 24 hr and 1 minute.
    (c) Monkfish Research--(1) DAS Set-Aside Program. (i) NMFS shall 
publish a Request for Proposals (RFP) in the Federal Register consistent 
with procedures and requirements established by the NOAA Grants Office 
to solicit proposals for the upcoming fishing year that are based on 
research priorities identified by the Councils.
    (ii) NMFS shall convene a review panel that may include members of 
the Councils' Monkfish Oversight Committee, the Council's Research 
Steering Committee, and other subject matter experts, to review 
proposals submitted in response to the RFP.
    (A) Each panel member shall recommend which research proposals 
should be authorized to utilize the research DAS set aside in accordance 
with paragraph (b)(1)(iii) of this section, based on the selection 
criteria described in the RFP.
    (B) NMFS and the NOAA Grants Office shall consider each panel 
member's recommendation, and NOAA shall provide final approval of the 
projects, and notify applicants of the grant award through written 
notification to the project proponent. The Regional Administrator may 
exempt selected vessel(s) from regulations specified in each of the 
respective FMPs through the exempted fishing permit (EFP) process 
specified under Sec. 600.745(b)(2).
    (iii) The grant awards approved under the RFPs shall be for the 
upcoming fishing year. Proposals to fund research that would start prior 
to the fishing year are not eligible for consideration. Multi-year grant 
awards may be approved under an RFP for an upcoming fishing year, so 
long as the research DAS available under subsequent RFPs are adjusted to 
account for the approval of multi-year awards.
    (iv) Research projects shall be conducted in accordance with 
provisions approved and provided in an EFP issued by the Regional 
Administrator, as authorized under Sec. 600.745(b)(2).
    (v) If the Regional Administrator determines that the annual 
allocation of research DAS will not be used in its entirety once all of 
the grant awards have been approved, the Regional Administrator shall 
reallocate the

[[Page 916]]

unallocated research DAS as exempted DAS to be authorized as described 
in paragraph (c)(2) of this section, and provide notice of the 
reallocation of DAS in the Federal Register. Any allocated research DAS 
that are not used during the fishing year for which they are granted may 
be carried over into the next fishing year. Any unallocated research DAS 
may not be carried over into the next fishing year.
    (vi) For proposals that require other regulatory exemptions that 
extend beyond the scope of the analysis contained in the Monkfish FMP, 
subsequent amendments, or framework adjustments, applicants may be 
required to provide additional analysis of the impacts of the requested 
exemptions before issuance of an EFP will be considered.
    (2) DAS Exemption Program. (i) Vessels that seek to conduct monkfish 
research within the current fishing year, and that were not selected in 
the RFP process during the previous fishing year, may seek exemptions 
from monkfish DAS for the purpose of conducting exempted fishing 
activities, as authorized at Sec. 600.745(b), under the following 
conditions and restrictions:
    (A) The request for a monkfish DAS exemption must be submitted along 
with a complete application for an EFP to the Regional Administrator. 
The requirements for submitting a complete EFP application are provided 
in Sec. 600.745(b)(2);
    (B) Exempted DAS must be available for usage. Exempted DAS shall 
only be made available by the Regional Administrator if it is determined 
that the annual set-aside of research DAS will not be used in its 
entirety, as described in paragraph (c)(1)(v) of this section. If 
exempted DAS are not available for usage, the applicant may continue to 
seek an exemption from monkfish DAS, but may be required to conduct an 
analysis of the impacts associated with the monkfish DAS exemption 
request before issuance of the EFP application will be considered; and
    (C) For EFP applications that require other regulatory exemptions 
that extend beyond the scope of the analysis contained in the Monkfish 
FMP, subsequent amendments, or framework adjustments, applicants may be 
required to provide additional analysis of the impacts of the requested 
exemptions before issuance of an EFP will be considered.
    (ii) Monkfish DAS exemption requests shall be reviewed and approved 
by the Regional Administrator in the order in which they are received.

[64 FR 54748, Oct. 7, 1999]

    Editorial Note: For Federal Register citations affecting Sec. 
648.92, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the 
Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.



Sec. 648.93  Monkfish minimum fish sizes.

    (a) General provisions. All monkfish caught by vessels issued a 
valid Federal monkfish permit must meet the minimum fish size 
requirements established in this section.

                           Minimum Fish Sizes
                       (Total Length/Tail Length)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Total Length                         Tail Length
------------------------------------------------------------------------
17 inches (43.2 cm)                                  11 inches (27.9 cm)
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (b) The minimum fish size applies to the whole fish (total length) 
or to the tail of a fish (tail length) at the time of landing. Fish or 
parts of fish, with the exception of cheeks and livers, must have skin 
on while possessed on board a vessel and at the time of landing in order 
to meet minimum size requirements. ``Skin on'' means the entire portion 
of the skin normally attached to the portion of the fish or fish parts 
possessed. Monkfish tails are measured from the anterior portion of the 
fourth cephalic dorsal spine to the end of the caudal fin. Any tissue 
anterior to the fourth dorsal spine is ignored. If the fourth dorsal 
spine or the tail is not intact, the minimum size is measured between 
the most anterior vertebra and the most posterior portion of the tail.

[64 FR 54749, Oct. 7, 1999, as amended at 68 FR 22329, Apr. 28, 2003; 70 
FR 21944, Apr. 28, 2005; 79 FR 41924, July 18, 2014]



Sec. 648.94  Monkfish possession and landing restrictions.

    (a) General. Monkfish may be possessed or landed either as tails 
only, tails with associated heads possessed separately, or in whole form 
(head on and gutted), or any combination of the

[[Page 917]]

three provided the weight of monkfish heads on board does not exceed 
1.91 times the weight of monkfish tails on board. When any combination 
of tails, and whole fish are possessed or landed, the possession or 
landing limit shall be based on tail weight where all whole monkfish 
(head on and gutted) are converted to tail weight using the conversion 
factor of 2.91. For example, whole weight is converted to tail weight by 
dividing the whole weight by 2.91. Conversely, tail weight is converted 
to whole weight by multiplying the tail weight by 2.91. If heads only 
are possessed in combination with tails, the possession or landing limit 
for monkfish heads may not exceed 1.91 times the tail weight of fish on 
board, excluding any whole monkfish. The allowed amount of head weight 
is determined by multiplying the tail weight by 1.91. For example a 
vessel possessing 100 lb (45 kg) of tail weight may possess an 
additional 191 lb (87 kg) of monkfish heads (100 x 1.91 = 191). A vessel 
may not possess heads only without possessing the equivalent weight of 
tails allowed by using the conversion factor.
    (b) Vessels issued limited access monkfish permits--(1) Vessels 
fishing under the monkfish DAS program in the NFMA-- (i) Category A 
vessels. A limited access monkfish Category A vessel that fishes 
exclusively in the NFMA under a monkfish DAS may land up to 1,250 lb 
(567 kg) tail weight or 3,638 lb (1,650 kg) whole weight of monkfish per 
DAS (or any prorated combination of tail weight and whole weight based 
on the conversion factor for tail weight to whole weight of 2.91). For 
every 1 lb (0.45 kg) of tail only weight landed, the vessel may land up 
to 1.91 lb (0.87 kg) of monkfish heads only, as described in paragraph 
(a) of this section.
    (ii) Category B vessels. A limited access monkfish Category B vessel 
that fishes exclusively in the NFMA under a monkfish DAS may land up to 
600 lb (272 kg) tail weight or 1,746 lb (792 kg) whole weight of 
monkfish per DAS (or any prorated combination of tail weight and whole 
weight based on the conversion factor for tail weight to whole weight of 
2.91). For every 1 lb (0.45 kg) of tail only weight landed, the vessel 
may land up to 1.91 lb (0.87 kg) of monkfish heads only, as described in 
paragraph (a) of this section.
    (iii) Category C vessels. A limited access monkfish Category C 
vessel that fishes exclusively in the NFMA under a monkfish-only DAS may 
land up to 1,250 lb (567 kg) tail weight or 3,638 lb (1,650 kg) whole 
weight of monkfish per DAS (or any prorated combination of tail weight 
and whole weight based on the conversion factor for tail weight to whole 
weight of 2.91). A limited access monkfish Category C vessel that fishes 
exclusively in the NFMA under both a monkfish and NE multispecies DAS 
may possess and land an unlimited amount of monkfish. For every 1 lb 
(0.45 kg) of tail only weight landed, the vessel may land up to 1.91 lb 
(0.87 kg) of monkfish heads only, as described in paragraph (a) of this 
section.
    (iv) Category D vessels. A limited access monkfish Category D vessel 
that fishes exclusively in the NFMA under a monkfish-only DAS may land 
up to 600 lb (272 kg) tail weight or 1,746 lb (792 kg) whole weight of 
monkfish per DAS (or any prorated combination of tail weight and whole 
weight based on the conversion factor for tail weight to whole weight of 
2.91). A limited access monkfish Category D vessel that fishes 
exclusively in the NFMA under both a monkfish and NE multispecies DAS 
may possess and land an unlimited amount of monkfish. For every 1 lb 
(0.45 kg) of tail only weight landed, the vessel may land up to 1.91 lb 
(0.87 kg) of monkfish heads only, as described in paragraph (a) of this 
section.
    (2) Vessels fishing under the monkfish DAS program in the SFMA--(i) 
Category A, C, and G vessels. A vessel issued a limited access monkfish 
Category A, C, or G permit that fishes under a monkfish DAS in the SFMA 
may land up to 700 lb (318 kg) tail weight or 2,037 lb (924 kg) whole 
weight of monkfish per DAS (or any prorated combination of tail weight 
and whole weight based on the conversion factor for tail weight to whole 
weight of 2.91). For every 1 lb (0.45 kg) of tail-only weight landed, 
the vessel may land up to 1.91 lb (0.87 kg) of monkfish heads only, as 
described in paragraph (a) of this section.
    (ii) Category B, D, and H vessels. A vessel issued a limited access 
monkfish Category B, D, or H permit that fishes

[[Page 918]]

under a monkfish DAS in the SFMA may land up to 575 lb (261 kg) tail 
weight or 1,673 lb (759 kg) whole weight of monkfish per DAS (or any 
prorated combination of tail weight and whole weight based on the 
conversion factor for tail weight to whole weight of 2.91). For every 1 
lb (0.45 kg) of tail-only weight landed, the vessel may land up to 1.91 
lb (0.87) of monkfish heads only, as described in paragraph (a) of this 
section.
    (iii) Category F vessels. Vessels issued a Category F permit are 
subject to the possession and landing restrictions specified at Sec. 
648.95(g)(1).
    (iv) Administration of landing limits. A vessel owner or operator 
may not exceed the monkfish trip limits as specified in paragraphs 
(b)(2)(i) through (iii) of this section per monkfish DAS fished, or any 
part of a monkfish DAS fished.
    (3) Category C, D, F, G, and H vessels fishing under the 
multispecies DAS program--(i) NFMA. Unless otherwise specified in 
paragraph (b)(1) of this section, a vessel issued a limited access 
monkfish Category C permit that fishes under a NE multispecies DAS, and 
not a monkfish DAS, exclusively in the NFMA may land up to 900 lb (408 
kg) tail weight or 2,619 lb (1,188 kg) whole weight of monkfish per DAS 
(or any prorated combination of tail weight and whole weight based on 
the conversion factor for tail weight to whole weight of 2.91). A vessel 
issued a limited access monkfish Category D permit that fishes under a 
NE multispecies DAS, and not a monkfish DAS, exclusively in the NFMA may 
land up to 750 lb (340 kg) tail weight or 2,183 lb (990 kg) whole weight 
of monkfish per DAS (or any prorated combination of tail weight and 
whole weight based on the conversion factor for tail weight to whole 
weight of 2.91). A vessel issued a limited access monkfish Category C, 
D, or F permit participating in the NE Multispecies Regular B DAS 
program, as specified under Sec. 648.85(b)(6), is also subject to the 
incidental landing limit specified in paragraph (c)(1)(i) of this 
section on such trips.
    (ii) SFMA--(A) Category C, D, and F vessels. Limited access monkfish 
Category C, D, or F vessels that fish any portion of a trip under a NE 
multispecies DAS in the SFMA, and not a monkfish DAS, may land up to 300 
lb (136 kg) tail weight or 873 lb (396 kg) whole weight of monkfish per 
DAS if trawl gear is used exclusively during the trip, or 50 lb (23 kg) 
tail weight or 146 lb (66 kg) whole weight per DAS if gear other than 
trawl gear is used at any time during the trip. Category C, D, and F 
vessels participating in the NE Multispecies Regular B DAS program, as 
specified under Sec. 648.85(b)(6), are also subject to the incidental 
catch limit specified in paragraph (c)(1)(ii) of this section. For the 
purpose of converting whole weight to tail weight, the amount of whole 
weight possessed or landed is divided by 2.91. For every 1 lb (0.45 kg) 
of tail only weight landed, the vessel may land up to 1.91 lb (0.87 kg) 
of monkfish heads only, as described in paragraph (a) of this section.
    (B) Category G and H vessels. Limited access monkfish Category G and 
H vessels that fish any portion of a trip under a NE multispecies DAS in 
the SFMA, and not under a monkfish DAS, are subject to the incidental 
catch limit specified in paragraph (c)(1)(ii) of this section. Category 
G and H vessels participating in the NE Multispecies Regular B DAS 
program, as specified under Sec. 648.85(b)(6), are also subject to the 
incidental catch limit specified in paragraph (c)(1)(ii) of this 
section.
    (iii) Transiting. A vessel that harvested monkfish in the NFMA may 
transit the SFMA and possess monkfish in excess of the SFMA landing 
limit provided such vessel complies with the provisions of Sec. 
648.94(e).
    (4) Category C, D, F, G, or H vessels fishing under the scallop DAS 
program. A Category C, D, F, G, or H vessel fishing under a scallop DAS 
may land up to 300 lb (136 kg) tail weight or 873 lb (396 kg) whole 
weight of monkfish per DAS (or any prorated combination of tail weight 
and whole weight based on the conversion factor for tail weight to whole 
weight of 2.91). For every 1 lb (0.45 kg) of tail only weight landed, 
the vessel may land up to 1.91 lb (0.87 kg) of monkfish heads only, as 
described in paragraph (a) of this section.
    (5) Category C, D, F, G, or H scallop vessels declared into the 
monkfish DAS program without a dredge on board, or not under the net 
exemption provision.

[[Page 919]]

Category C, D, G, or H vessels that have declared into the monkfish DAS 
program and that do not fish with or have a dredge on board, or that are 
not fishing with a net under the net exemption provision specified in 
Sec. 648.51(f), are subject to the same landing limits as specified in 
paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) of this section, or the landing limit 
specified in Sec. 648.95(g)(1), if issued a Category F permit. Such 
vessels are also subject to provisions applicable to Category A and B 
vessels fishing only under a monkfish DAS, consistent with the 
provisions of this part.
    (6) Vessels not fishing under a NE multispecies, scallop, or 
monkfish DAS. The possession limits for all limited access monkfish 
vessels when not fishing under a NE multispecies, scallop, or monkfish 
DAS are the same as those possession limits applicable to a vessel 
issued a monkfish incidental catch permit specified under paragraphs 
(c)(3) through (c)(8) of this section.
    (c) Vessels issued a monkfish incidental catch permit--(1) Vessels 
fishing under a NE multispecies DAS--(i) NFMA. A vessel issued a valid 
monkfish incidental catch (Category E) permit fishing under a NE 
multispecies DAS exclusively in the NFMA may land up to 300 lb (136 kg) 
tail weight or 873 lb (396 kg) whole weight of monkfish per DAS, or 25 
percent (where the weight of all monkfish is converted to tail weight) 
of the total weight of fish on board, whichever is less. For the purpose 
of converting whole weight to tail weight, the amount of whole weight 
possessed or landed is divided by 2.91. For every 1 lb (0.45 kg) of 
tail-only weight landed, the vessel may land up to 1.91 lb (0.87 kg) of 
monkfish heads only, as described in paragraph (a) of this section.
    (ii) SFMA. If any portion of the trip by a vessel issued a monkfish 
incidental catch (Category E) permit, or issued a valid limited access 
Category G or H permit, is fished under a NE multispecies DAS in the 
SFMA, the vessel may land up to 50 lb (23 kg) tail weight or 146 lb (66 
kg) whole weight of monkfish per DAS (or any prorated combination of 
tail weight and whole weight based on the conversion factor for tail 
weight to whole weight of 2.91). For every 1 lb (0.45 kg) of tail only 
weight landed, the vessel may land up to 1.91 lb (0.87 kg) of monkfish 
heads only, as described in paragraph (a) of this section.
    (2) Scallop vessels fishing under a scallop DAS. A scallop vessel 
issued a monkfish incidental catch (Category E) permit fishing under a 
scallop DAS may land up to 300 lb (136 kg) tail weight or 873 lb (396 
kg) whole weight of monkfish per DAS (or any prorated combination of 
tail weight and whole weight based on the conversion factor for tail 
weight to whole weight of 2.91). For every 1 lb (0.45 kg) of tail only 
weight landed, the vessel may land up to 1.91 lb (0.87 kg) of monkfish 
heads only, as described in paragraph (a) of this section.
    (3) Vessels fishing with large mesh and not fishing under a DAS --
(i) A vessel issued a valid monkfish incidental catch limit (Category E) 
permit or a limited access monkfish permit (Category A, B, C, D, F, G, 
or H) fishing in the GOM or GB RMAs with mesh no smaller than specified 
at Sec. Sec. 648.80(a)(3)(i) and (a)(4)(i), respectively, while not on 
a monkfish, NE multispecies, or scallop DAS, may possess, retain, and 
land monkfish (whole or tails) only up to 5 percent (where the weight of 
all monkfish is converted to tail weight) of the total weight of fish on 
board. For the purpose of converting whole weight to tail weight, the 
amount of whole weight possessed or landed is divided by 2.91. For every 
1 lb (0.45 kg) of tail only weight landed, the vessel may land up to 
1.91 lb (0.87 kg) of monkfish heads only, as described in paragraph (a) 
of this section.
    (ii) A vessel issued a valid monkfish incidental catch (Category E) 
permit or a limited access monkfish permit (Category A, B, C, D, F, G, 
or H) fishing in the SNE RMA east of the MA Exemption Area boundary with 
mesh no smaller than specified at Sec. 648.80(b)(2)(i), while not on a 
monkfish, NE multispecies, or scallop DAS, may possess, retain, and land 
monkfish (whole or tails) only up to 5 percent (where the weight of all 
monkfish is converted to tail weight) of the total weight of fish on 
board, not to exceed 50 lb (23 kg) tail weight or 146 lb (66 kg) whole 
weight of monkfish per day or partial day, up to a maximum of 150 lb (68 
kg) tail weight or 437 lb (198

[[Page 920]]

kg) whole weight per trip. For the purpose of converting whole weight to 
tail weight, the amount of whole weight possessed or landed is divided 
by 2.91. For every 1 lb (0.45 kg) of tail only weight landed, the vessel 
may land up to 1.91 lb (0.87 kg) of monkfish heads only, as described in 
paragraph (a) of this section.
    (iii) A vessel issued a valid monkfish incidental catch (Category E) 
permit or a limited access monkfish permit (Category A, B, C, D, F, G, 
or H) fishing in the SNE RMA under a Skate Bait Letter of Authorization, 
as authorized under Sec. 648.322(c), while not on a monkfish, NE 
multispecies, or scallop DAS, may possess, retain, and land monkfish 
(whole or tails) only up to 5 percent (where the weight of all monkfish 
is converted to tail weight) of the total weight of fish on board, not 
to exceed 50 lb (23 kg) tail weight or 146 lb (66 kg) whole weight of 
monkfish per day or partial day, up to a maximum of 150 lb (68 kg) tail 
weight or 437 lb (198 kg) whole weight per trip. For the purpose of 
converting whole weight to tail weight, the amount of whole weight 
possessed or landed is divided by 2.91. For every 1 lb (0.45 kg) of tail 
only weight landed, the vessel may land up to 1.91 lb (0.87 kg) of 
monkfish heads only, as described in paragraph (a) of this section.
    (iv) A vessel issued a valid monkfish incidental catch (Category E) 
permit or a limited access monkfish permit (Category A, B, C, D, F, G, 
or H) fishing in the SNE or MA RMAs west of the MA Exemption Area 
boundary with mesh no smaller than specified at Sec. 648.108(a)(1) 
while not on a monkfish, NE multispecies, or scallop DAS, may possess, 
retain, and land monkfish (whole or tails) only up to 5 percent (where 
the weight of all monkfish is converted to tail weight) of the total 
weight of fish on board, up to a maximum of 450 lb (204 kg) tail weight 
or 1,310 lb (594 kg) whole weight of monkfish per trip, unless that 
vessel is fishing under a Skate Bait Letter of Authorization in the SNE 
RMA. Such a vessel is subject to the incidental catch limit specified 
under paragraph (c)(3)(iii) of this section. For the purpose of 
converting whole weight to tail weight, the amount of whole weight 
possessed or landed is divided by 2.91. For every 1 lb (0.45 kg) of tail 
only weight landed, the vessel may land up to 1.91 lb (0.87 kg) of 
monkfish heads only, as described in paragraph (a) of this section.
    (4) Vessels fishing with small mesh and not fishing under a DAS. A 
vessel issued a valid monkfish incidental catch (Category E) permit or a 
limited access monkfish permit (Category A, B, C, D, F, G, or H) fishing 
with mesh smaller than the mesh size specified by area in paragraph 
(c)(3) of this section, while not on a monkfish, NE multispecies, or 
scallop DAS, may possess, retain, and land only up to 50 lb (23 kg) tail 
weight or 146 lb (66 kg) whole weight of monkfish per day or partial 
day, up to a maximum of 150 lb (68 kg) tail weight or 437 lb (198 kg) 
whole weight per trip. For the purpose of converting whole weight to 
tail weight, the amount of whole weight possessed or landed is divided 
by 2.91. For every 1 lb (0.45 kg) of tail weight landed, the vessel may 
land up to 1.91 lb (0.87 kg) of monkfish heads only, as described in 
paragraph (a) of this section.
    (5) Small vessels. A vessel issued a limited access NE multispecies 
small vessel category permit and a valid monkfish incidental catch 
(Category E) permit that is less than 30 ft (9.1 m) in length and that 
elects not to fish under the NE multispecies DAS program, may possess, 
retain, and land up to 50 lb (23 kg) tail weight or 146 lb (66 kg) whole 
weight of monkfish per day or partial day, up to a maximum of 150 lb (68 
kg) tail weight or 437 lb (198 kg) whole weight per trip. For the 
purpose of converting whole weight to tail only weight, the amount of 
whole weight possessed or landed is divided by 2.91. For every 1 lb 
(0.45 kg) of tail weight landed, the vessel may land up to 1.91 lb of 
monkfish heads only, as described in paragraph (a) of this section.
    (6) Vessels fishing with handgear. A vessel issued a valid monkfish 
incidental catch (Category E) permit or a limited access monkfish permit 
(Category A, B, C, D, F, G, or H) and fishing exclusively with rod and 
reel or handlines with no other fishing gear on board, while not on a 
monkfish, NE multispecies, or scallop DAS, may possess, retain, and land 
up to 50 lb (23 kg)

[[Page 921]]

tail weight or 146 lb (66 kg) whole weight of monkfish per day or 
partial day, up to a maximum of 150 lb (68 kg) tail weight or 437 lb 
(198 kg) whole weight per trip. For the purpose of converting whole 
weight to tail weight, the amount of whole weight possessed or landed is 
divided by 2.91. For every 1 lb (0.45 kg) of tail only weight landed, 
the vessel may land up to 1.91 lb (0.87 kg) of monkfish heads only, as 
described in paragraph (a) of this section.
    (7) Vessels fishing with surfclam or ocean quahog dredge gear. A 
vessel issued a valid monkfish incidental catch (Category E) permit and 
a valid surfclam or ocean quahog permit, while fishing exclusively with 
a hydraulic clam dredge or mahogany quahog dredge, may possess, retain, 
and land up to 50 lb (23 kg) tail weight or 146 lb (66 kg) whole weight 
of monkfish per day or partial day, not to exceed 150 lb (68 kg) tail 
weight or 437 lb (198 kg) whole weight per trip. For the purpose of 
converting whole weight to tail weight, the amount of whole weight 
possessed or landed is divided by 2.91. For every 1 lb (0.45 kg) of tail 
only weight landed, the vessel may land up to 1.91 lb (0.87 kg) of 
monkfish heads only, as described in paragraph (a) of this section.
    (8) Scallop vessels not fishing under a scallop DAS with dredge 
gear--(i) General provisions. A vessel issued a valid monkfish 
incidental catch (Category E) permit or a valid limited access Category 
C, D, F, G, or H permit, and also possessing a valid General Category 
sea scallop permit or a limited access sea scallop vessel not fishing 
under a scallop DAS, while fishing exclusively with scallop dredge gear 
as specified in Sec. 648.51(b), may possess, retain, and land up to 50 
lb (23 kg) tail weight or 146 lb (66 kg) whole weight of monkfish per 
day or partial day, up to a maximum of 150 lb (68 kg) tail weight or 437 
lb (198 kg) whole weight per trip, unless otherwise specified in 
paragraph (c)(8)(ii) of this section. For the purpose of converting 
whole weight to tail weight, the amount of whole weight possessed or 
landed is divided by 2.91. For every 1 lb (0.45 kg) of tail only weight 
landed, the vessel may land up to 1.91 lb (0.87 kg) of monkfish heads 
only, as described in paragraph (a) of this section.
    (ii) Limited access scallop vessels fishing in Sea Scallop Access 
Areas. A vessel issued a valid monkfish incidental catch (Category E) 
permit or a valid limited access Category C, D, F, G, or H permit, and 
also possessing a limited access sea scallop permit while fishing 
exclusively with scallop dredge gear as specified in Sec. 648.51(b), 
and fishing in one of the established Sea Scallop Access Areas specified 
under Sec. 648.59, may possess, retain, and land up to 300 lb (136 kg) 
tail weight or 873 lb (396 kg) whole weight of monkfish per day or 
partial day fished within the boundaries of the Sea Scallop Access Area. 
Time within the applicable access area, for purposes of determining the 
incidental catch limit, will be determined through the vessel's VMS 
unit. For the purpose of converting whole weight to tail weight, the 
amount of whole weight possessed or landed is divided by 2.91. For every 
1 lb (0.45 kg) of tail only weight landed, the vessel may land up to 
1.91 lb (0.87 kg) of monkfish heads only, as described in paragraph (a) 
of this section.
    (d) Monkfish liver landing restrictions. (1) A vessel authorized to 
land monkfish under this part may possess or land monkfish livers up to 
25 percent of the tail-weight of monkfish, or up to 10 percent of the 
whole weight of monkfish, per trip, except as provided under paragraph 
(d)(2) of this section.
    (2) If a vessel possesses or lands both monkfish tails and whole 
monkfish, the vessel may land monkfish livers up to 10 percent of the 
whole weight of monkfish per trip using the following weight ratio: 
(0.10) x [(tail weight x 2.91) + (whole fish x 1)].
    (e) Transiting. A vessel that has declared into the NFMA for the 
purpose of fishing for monkfish under the less restrictive measures of 
the NFMA, may transit the SFMA provided that the vessel does not harvest 
or possess monkfish, or any other fish, from the SFMA, and the vessel's 
gear is properly stowed and not available for immediate use as defined 
in Sec. 648.2.
    (f) [Reserved]

[[Page 922]]

    (g) Other landing restrictions. Vessels are subject to any other 
applicable landing restrictions of this part.

[64 FR 54749, Oct. 7, 1999]

    Editorial Note: For Federal Register citations affecting Sec. 
648.94, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the 
Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.



Sec. 648.95  Offshore Fishery Program in the SFMA.

    (a) General. Any vessel issued a valid monkfish limited access 
permit is eligible to apply for a Category F permit in order to fish in 
the Offshore Fishery Program in the SFMA.
    (1) A vessel issued a Category F permit is subject to the specific 
provisions and conditions of this section while fishing on a monkfish 
DAS.
    (2) A vessel issued a limited access monkfish Category C or D permit 
that applies for and is issued a Category F permit remains subject to 
the provisions specific to Category C and D vessels, unless otherwise 
specified under this subpart F.
    (3) Limited access Category C or D vessels that apply for and are 
issued a Category F permit remain subject to the provisions specific to 
Category C and D vessels, unless otherwise specified under this subpart 
F.
    (b) Declaration. To fish in the Offshore Fishery Program, a vessel 
must obtain a monkfish limited access Category F permit and fish under 
this permit for the entire fishing year, subject to the conditions and 
restrictions specified under this part. The owner of a vessel, or 
authorized representative, may change the vessel's limited access 
monkfish permit category within 45 days of the effective date of the 
vessel's permit, provided the vessel has not fished under the monkfish 
DAS program during that fishing year. If such a request is not received 
within 45 days, the vessel owner may not request a change in permit 
category and the vessel's permit category will remain unchanged for the 
duration of the fishing year.
    (c) Offshore Fishery Program Area. The Offshore Fishery Program Area 
is bounded on the south by 38[deg] 00[min] N. lat. and on the north, 
west, and east by the following coordinates, connected in the order 
listed by rhumb lines.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Point                   N. latitude         W. longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1..............................  41[deg]18.6[min]     66[deg]24.8[min]
2..............................  40[deg]55.5[min]     66[deg]38.0[min]
3..............................  40[deg]45.5[min]     68[deg]00.0[min]
4..............................  40[deg]37.0[min]     68[deg]00.0[min]
5..............................  40[deg]30.0[min]     69[deg]00.0[min]
6..............................  40[deg]22.7[min]     69[deg]00.0[min]
7..............................  40[deg]18.7[min]     69[deg]40.0[min]
8..............................  40[deg]21.0[min]     71[deg]03.0[min]
9..............................  39[deg]41.0[min]     72[deg]32.0[min]
10.............................  38[deg]47.0[min]     73[deg]11.0[min]
11.............................  38[deg]04.0[min]     74[deg]06.0[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (d) Season. October 1 through April 30 each year.
    (e) Restrictions. (1) Except for the transit provisions provided for 
in paragraph (f) of this section, a vessel issued a valid Category F 
permit may only fish for, possess, and land monkfish in or from the 
Offshore Fishery Program Area while on a monkfish DAS.
    (2) A vessel enrolled in the Offshore Fishery Program is restricted 
to fishing under its monkfish DAS during the season in paragraph (d) of 
this section.
    (3) A vessel issued a limited access monkfish Category F permit 
fishing on a monkfish DAS is subject to the minimum mesh size 
requirements specified in Sec. 648.91(c)(1)(i), (iii) and (iv), as well 
as the other gear requirements specified in Sec. 648.91(c)(2) and (3).
    (4) A vessel issued a Category F permit must have installed on board 
an operational VMS unit that meets the minimum performance criteria 
specified in Sec. Sec. 648.9 and 648.10 during the entire season 
established under paragraph (d) of this section. Unless otherwise 
required to maintain an operational VMS unit under the VMS notification 
requirements specified at Sec. 648.10(b), a vessel issued a Category F 
permit may turn off its VMS unit outside of that season.
    (f) Transiting. A vessel issued a limited access monkfish Category F 
permit fishing under a monkfish DAS that is transiting to or from the 
Offshore Fishery Program Area, described in paragraph (c) of this 
section, shall have all gear stowed and not available for immediate use 
as defined in Sec. 648.2.
    (g) Monkfish landing limits and DAS allocations. (1) A vessel issued 
a limited access monkfish Category F permit may land up to 1,600 lb (726 
kg) tail weight or 4,656 lb (2,112 kg) whole

[[Page 923]]

weight of monkfish per monkfish DAS (or any prorated combination of tail 
weight and whole weight based on the conversion factor for tail weight 
to whole weight of 2.91).
    (2) The monkfish DAS allocation for vessels issued a Category F 
permit shall be equal to the trip limit applicable to the vessel's 
monkfish limited access permit category divided by the fixed daily 
possession limit specified in paragraph (g)(1) of this section, and then 
multiplied by the DAS allocation for limited access monkfish vessels not 
issued Category F permits, specified under Sec. 648.92(b)(1). For 
example, if a vessel has a limited access monkfish Category C permit, 
and the applicable trip limit is 800 lb (363 kg) for this category, and 
the vessel has an annual allocation of 40 monkfish DAS, then the 
monkfish DAS allocated to that vessel when issued a Category F permit 
would be 20 monkfish DAS (800 lb divided by 1,600 lb, multiplied by 40 
monkfish DAS equals 20 DAS). Any carryover monkfish DAS will be included 
in the calculation of monkfish DAS for Category F vessels.
    (3) A vessel issued a limited access monkfish Category F permit that 
is fishing under a NE multispecies DAS in the NFMA is subject to the 
incidental landing limit specified at Sec. 648.94(b)(3).
    (4) When not fishing on a monkfish DAS, a vessel issued a limited 
access monkfish Category F permit may fish under the regulations 
applicable to the monkfish incidental catch (Category E) permit, 
specified at Sec. 648.94(c).
    (h) DAS usage by NE multispecies or sea scallop limited access 
permit holders. A vessel issued a Category F permit that also has been 
issued either a NE multispecies or sea scallop limited access permit, 
and is fishing on a monkfish DAS, is subject to the DAS usage 
requirements specified in Sec. 648.92(b)(2).

[70 FR 21945, Apr. 28, 2005, as amended at 72 FR 20960, Apr. 27, 2007; 
72 FR 53942, Sept. 21, 2007; 74 FR 20557, May 4, 2009; 79 FR 41925, July 
18, 2014; 79 FR 52580, Sept. 4, 2014; 88 FR 54499, Aug. 11, 2023]



Sec. 648.96  FMP review, specification, and framework adjustment process.

    (a) Annual review and adjustment process. The NEFMC and MAFMC, the 
Monkfish Plan Development Team (PDT), and the Monkfish Advisory Panel 
shall monitor the status of the monkfish fishery and resource.
    (1) Monkfish annual SAFE Report. The PDT shall prepare an annual 
Stock Assessment and Fishery Evaluation (SAFE) Report for the monkfish 
fishery. The SAFE Report shall be the primary vehicle for the 
presentation of updated biological and socio-economic information 
regarding the monkfish fishery. The SAFE report shall provide source 
data for any adjustments to the management measures that may be needed 
for the Councils to meet the goals and objectives of the FMP.
    (2) Annual review. The PDT shall meet at least annually to conduct a 
review of the monkfish fishery in relation to the goals and objectives 
specified in the Monkfish FMP, including a review of catch relative to 
the annual catch targets (ACTs) for each management area. They shall 
review available data pertaining to discards and landings; DAS and other 
measures of fishing effort; stock status and fishing mortality rate 
information, if available; enforcement of and compliance with management 
measures; and any other relevant information. Based on this review, the 
PDT shall provide guidance to the NEFMC and MAFMC regarding the need to 
adjust management measures to better achieve the FMP's goals and 
objectives. After considering the PDT's guidance, the Council may submit 
to NMFS its recommendations for changes to management measures, as 
appropriate, through the annual framework adjustment process specified 
in paragraph (a)(3) of this section, the in-season framework adjustment 
process specified in paragraph (b) of this section, or through an 
amendment to the FMP.
    (3) Annual framework adjustment procedures. (i) If necessary based 
on the annual review, the Councils may develop adjustments to management 
measures to achieve the annual catch target (ACT) for the upcoming 
fishing year, and may develop other management options to better achieve 
the goals and objectives of the Monkfish FMP, which may include a 
preferred option. The Councils must demonstrate through analysis and 
documentation

[[Page 924]]

that any options they develop are expected to meet the goals and 
objectives of the Monkfish FMP. Additionally, if necessary based on the 
recommendation of the NEFMC's Scientific and Statistical Committee 
(SSC), the Councils may recommend measures to revise the ABCs and ACLs 
for the upcoming fishing year(s) as described in paragraph (c) of this 
section.
    (ii) The range of options developed by the Councils may include any 
of the management measures in the Monkfish FMP, including, but not 
limited to: ACTs; closed seasons or closed areas; minimum size limits; 
mesh size limits; net limits; liver-to-monkfish landings ratios; annual 
monkfish DAS allocations and monitoring; trip or possession limits; 
blocks of time out of the fishery; gear restrictions; transferability of 
permits and permit rights or administration of vessel upgrades, vessel 
replacement, or permit assignment; measures to minimize the impact of 
the monkfish fishery on protected species; gear requirements or 
restrictions that minimize bycatch or bycatch mortality; transferable 
DAS programs; changes to the SBRM, including the CV-based performance 
standard, the means by which discard data are collected/obtained, 
fishery stratification, the process for prioritizing observer sea-day 
allocations, reports, and/or industry-funded observers or observer set 
aside programs; changes to the Monkfish Research Set-Aside Program; and 
other frameworkable measures included in Sec. Sec. 648.55 and 648.90.
    (iii) The Councils shall review the options analyzed by the PDT and 
other relevant information, consider public comment, and submit a 
recommendation to the Regional Administrator that meets the Monkfish 
FMP's objectives, consistent with other applicable law. The Councils' 
recommendation to the Regional Administrator shall include supporting 
documents, as appropriate, concerning the environmental and economic 
impacts of the proposed action and the other options considered by the 
Councils. Management adjustments made to the Monkfish FMP require 
majority approval of each Council for submission to the Secretary.
    (A) The Councils may delegate authority to the Joint Monkfish 
Oversight Committee to conduct an initial review of the options analyzed 
by the PDT and any other relevant information, consider public comment, 
and make a recommendation to the Councils.
    (B) If the Councils submit a recommendation that is consistent with 
other applicable law but does not meet the Monkfish FMP's goals and 
objectives, the Regional Administrator may adopt any option developed by 
the Councils and analyzed by the PDT that has not been rejected by 
either Council, provided such option meets the Monkfish FMP's goals and 
objectives, and is consistent with other applicable law. If either the 
NEFMC or MAFMC has rejected all options, then the Regional Administrator 
may select any measure that has not been rejected by both Councils and 
that meets the Monkfish FMP's goals and objectives.
    (iv) If the Councils submit, on or before December 1, a 
recommendation to the Regional Administrator after one meeting with each 
Council, and the Regional Administrator concurs with the recommendation, 
the recommendation shall be published in the Federal Register as a 
proposed rule, or as otherwise authorized under the Administrative 
Procedure Act. The Councils may instead submit their recommendation on 
or before February 1, if they choose to follow the framework process 
outlined in paragraph (b) of this section and request that the Regional 
Administrator publish the recommendation as a final rule. If the 
Regional Administrator concurs with the Councils' recommendation the 
recommended management measures may be published as a proposed rule or a 
final rule, in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act. If the 
effective date of a final rule to implement the recommended measures 
falls after the start of the fishing year, fishing may continue under 
the existing regulations, but any DAS used by a vessel on or after the 
start of a fishing year shall be counted against any DAS allocation the 
vessel ultimately receives for that fishing year.
    (v) Following publication of a proposed rule and after receiving 
public

[[Page 925]]

comment, if the Regional Administrator concurs in the Councils' 
recommendation, a final rule, if possible, shall be published in the 
Federal Register prior to the start of the next fishing year. If the 
Councils fail to submit a recommendation to the Regional Administrator 
by February 1 that meets the goals and objectives of the Monkfish FMP, 
the Regional Administrator may implement through rulemaking in 
accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act one of the options 
reviewed and not rejected by either Council, provided the option meets 
the goals and objectives of the Monkfish FMP, and is consistent with 
other applicable law.
    (b) Within-season management action. At any time, the Councils or 
the Joint Monkfish Oversight Committee (subject to the approval of the 
Councils' Chairmen) may initiate action to add or adjust management 
measures if it is determined that action is necessary to meet or be 
consistent with the goals and objectives of the Monkfish FMP.
    (1) In-season Framework adjustment procedures. (i) Framework 
adjustments shall require at least one initial meeting of the Joint 
Monkfish Oversight Committee or one of the Councils (the agenda must 
include notification of the framework adjustment proposal) and at least 
two final Council meetings, one at each Council. The Councils shall 
provide the public with advance notice of the availability of both the 
proposals and the analysis, and opportunity to comment on them prior to 
the first of the two final Council meetings. Framework adjustments and 
amendments to the Monkfish FMP require majority approval of each Council 
for submission to the Secretary.
    (ii) Recommended adjustments to management measures must come from 
the categories specified under paragraph (a)(3)(i) of this section, 
including specification of ABC and ACLs, if necessary.
    (2) Councils' recommendation. After developing management actions 
and receiving public testimony, the Councils shall make a recommendation 
to the Regional Administrator. The Councils' recommendation must include 
supporting rationale and, if management measures are recommended, an 
analysis of impacts and a recommendation to the Regional Administrator 
on whether to issue the management measures as a final rule. If the 
Councils recommend that the management measures should be issued as a 
final rule, the Councils must consider at least the following four 
factors and provide support and analysis for each factor considered:
    (i) Whether the availability of data on which the recommended 
management measures are based allows for adequate time to publish a 
proposed rule, and whether regulations have to be in place for an entire 
harvest/fishing season;
    (ii) Whether there has been adequate notice and opportunity for 
participation by the public and members of the affected industry in the 
development of the Councils' recommended management measures;
    (iii) Whether there is an immediate need to protect the resource or 
to impose management measures to resolve gear conflicts; and
    (iv) Whether there will be a continuing evaluation of management 
measures adopted following their implementation as a final rule.
    (3) Adjustments for gear conflicts. The Councils may develop a 
recommendation on measures to address gear conflict as defined under 
Sec. 600.10 of this chapter, in accordance with the procedure specified 
in Sec. 648.55(g) and (h).
    (4) Action by NMFS. (i) If the Regional Administrator approves the 
Councils' recommended management measures and determines that the 
recommended management measures should be issued as a final rule based 
on the factors specified in paragraph (c)(3)(i) of this section, the 
Secretary may, for good cause found under the standard of the 
Administrative Procedure Act, waive the requirement for a proposed rule 
and opportunity for public comment in the Federal Register. The 
Secretary, in so doing, shall publish only the final rule. Submission of 
the recommendations does not preclude the Secretary from deciding to 
provide additional opportunity for prior notice and comment in the 
Federal Register.
    (ii) If the Regional Administrator concurs with the Councils' 
recommendation and determines that the

[[Page 926]]

recommended management measures should be published first as a proposed 
rule, then the measures shall be published as a proposed rule in the 
Federal Register. After additional public comment, if NMFS concurs with 
the Councils' recommendation, then the measures shall be issued as a 
final rule in the Federal Register.
    (iii) If the Regional Administrator does not concur, then the 
Councils shall be notified in writing of the reasons for the non-
concurrence.
    (c) Process for setting ABCs and ACLs. (1) The Councils or the PDT 
may develop options for setting ABC, ACL, and OFL for each monkfish 
stock, as necessary, as part of the annual review and adjustment process 
specified in paragraph (a) of this section, or as otherwise deemed 
necessary following the in-season adjustment process specified in 
paragraph (b) of this section. These options shall be submitted to the 
SSC for consideration. The Councils or the PDT may recommend to the SSC 
that ABC, ACL, and OFL are specified for each monkfish stock for 
multiple years as determined necessary to best align management with the 
stock assessment process for this fishery.
    (i) ABC recommendation. The Councils or the PDT shall calculate ABC 
values for each monkfish stock based on the ABC control rule established 
in the FMP. These calculations shall be reviewed by the SSC, guided by 
terms of reference developed by the Councils. The SSC shall either 
concur with these ABC calculations, or provide alternative 
recommendations for each stock and describe the elements of scientific 
uncertainty used to develop its recommendations. If the SSC concurs with 
the ABC calculations, the revised ABC values are automatically updated 
and no action by the Councils is necessary. If the SSC provides an 
alternative recommendation for calculating the ABC than that currently 
specified in the FMP, the Councils would need to need to take action 
through the annual or in-season framework adjustment process specified 
in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section, respectively, to implement 
the SSC's recommendation. The SSC may also consider other related issues 
specified in the terms of reference developed by the Councils, 
including, but not limited to, OFLs, ACLs, and management uncertainty.
    (ii) ACL recommendations. The Councils shall establish ACLs for each 
management area that are equivalent to the ABCs calculated using the 
control rule established in the FMP, and reviewed and recommended by the 
SSC.
    (iii) Timing. If determined necessary under the annual review 
process, the Councils shall develop and approve any recommendations for 
ABCs and ACLs prior to December 31, to the extent possible. Once the 
Councils have approved the recommended ABCs and ACLs, only if they 
require adjustments to the ACTs described in paragraph (d) shall they be 
submitted to NMFS as part of an annual framework adjustment or in-season 
framework adjustment, as described in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this 
section, along with any necessary analysis required by applicable law. 
After receipt of the Councils' recommendation for ACLs, NMFS shall 
review the Councils' decision and, if consistent with applicable law, 
implement the ACLs in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act.
    (d) Accountability Measures (AMs)--(1) Specification of ACTs. 
Through the annual review process described in paragraph (a) of this 
section, or as otherwise determined necessary, the Councils shall 
specify ACTs for each management area that are set sufficiently below 
the ACL to account for management uncertainty and prevent the ACL from 
being exceeded. The ACTs established for each management area shall be 
the basis for setting management measures (DAS and trip limits), after 
accounting for incidental catch in non-directed fisheries and discards 
in all fisheries.
    (2) ACL overages and adjustments--(i) Council action. The Councils 
shall revise the ACT for a monkfish stock if it is determined that the 
ACL was exceeded in any given year, based upon, but not limited to, 
available landings and discard information. The amount of an ACL overage 
shall be deducted from the ACT for the corresponding monkfish stock on a 
pound-for-pound basis. The revised ACT and corresponding management 
measures (DAS and trip limits) shall be implemented through either the 
annual or

[[Page 927]]

in-season framework adjustment process, specified in paragraphs (a) and 
(b) of this section, in the second fishing year following the fishing 
year in which the ACL overage occurred.
    (ii) NMFS action. If the Councils fail to take appropriate action to 
correct an ACL overage consistent with paragraph (d)(1)(i) of this 
section, the Regional Administrator shall implement the required 
adjustment, as described in paragraph (d)(2)(i) of this section, 
including the specification of DAS and trip limits using a formulaic 
approach developed by the PDT, in accordance with the Administrative 
Procedure Act and other applicable law. Notification of the proposed ACL 
revision and DAS and/or trip limit adjustments shall be published in the 
Federal Register no later than January 1, if possible, for 
implementation on May 1 of the second fishing year following the fishing 
year in which the ACL overage occurred.
    (e) Emergency action. Nothing in this section is meant to derogate 
from the authority of the Secretary to take emergency action under 
section 305(c) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act.

[76 FR 30274, May 25, 2011, as amended at 76 FR 81849, Dec. 29, 2011; 80 
FR 37196, June 30, 2015]



Sec. 648.97  Closed areas.

    (a) Oceanographer Canyon Closed Area. No fishing vessel or person on 
a fishing vessel may enter, fish, or be in the area known as 
Oceanographer Canyon Closed Area (copies of a chart depicting this area 
are available from the Regional Administrator upon request), as defined 
by straight lines connecting the following points in the order stated, 
while on a monkfish DAS:

                    Oceanographer Canyon Closed Area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     Point                        N. Lat.      W. Long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) OC1                                         40[deg]10[m  68[deg]12[m
                                                        in]          in]
(2) OC2                                         40[deg]24[m  68[deg]09[m
                                                        in]          in]
(3) OC3                                         40[deg]24[m  68[deg]08[m
                                                        in]          in]
(4) OC4                                         40[deg]10[m  67[deg]59[m
                                                        in]          in]
(5) OC1                                         40[deg]10[m  68[deg]12[m
                                                        in]          in]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (b) Lydonia Canyon Closed Area. No fishing vessel or person on a 
fishing vessel may enter, fish, or be in the area known as Lydonia 
Canyon Closed Area (copies of a chart depicting this area are available 
from the Regional Administrator upon request), as defined by straight 
lines connecting the following points in the order stated, while on a 
monkfish DAS:

                       Lyndonia Canyon Closed Area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     Point                        N. Lat.      W. Long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) LC1                                         40[deg]16[m  67[deg]34[m
                                                        in]          in]
(2) LC2                                         40[deg]16[m  67[deg]42[m
                                                        in]          in]
(3) LC3                                         40[deg]20[m  67[deg]43[m
                                                        in]          in]
(4) LC4                                         40[deg]27[m  67[deg]40[m
                                                        in]          in]
(5) LC5                                             40[deg]  67[deg]38[m
                                                    27[min]          in]
(6) LC1                                         40[deg]16[m  67[deg]34[m
                                                        in]          in]
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[70 FR 21946, Apr. 28, 2005]



     Subpart G_Management Measures for the Summer Flounder Fisheries



Sec. 648.100  Summer flounder Annual Catch Limit (ACL).

    (a) Annual catch limits. The Monitoring Committee shall recommend to 
the MAFMC separate ACLs for the commercial and recreational summer 
flounder fisheries, the sum total of which shall be equal to the ABC 
recommended by the SSC.
    (1) Sector allocations. The commercial and recreational fishing 
sector ACLs will be established based on the allocations defined in the 
Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan (FMP).
    (2) Periodicity. The summer flounder commercial and recreational 
sector ACLs may be established on an annual basis for up to 3 years at a 
time, dependent on whether the SSC provides single or multiple year ABC 
recommendations.
    (b) Performance review. The Monitoring Committee shall conduct a 
detailed review of fishery performance relative to the sector ACLs at 
least every 5 years.
    (1) If one or both of the sector-specific ACLs is exceeded with a 
frequency greater than 25 percent (i.e., more than once in 4 years or 
any 2 consecutive years), the Monitoring Committee will review fishery 
performance information and consider whether changes in measures are 
needed.
    (2) The MAFMC may specify more frequent or more specific ACL 
performance review criteria as part of a stock

[[Page 928]]

rebuilding plan following a determination that the summer flounder stock 
has become overfished.
    (3) Performance reviews shall not substitute for annual reviews that 
occur to ascertain if prior year ACLs have been exceeded but may be 
conducted in conjunction with such reviews.

[76 FR 60626, Sept. 29, 2011, as amended at 87 FR 68929, Nov. 17, 2022; 
88 FR 14507, Mar. 9, 2023]



Sec. 648.101  Summer flounder Annual Catch Target (ACT).

    (a) Annual catch target. The Monitoring Committee shall identify and 
review the relevant sources of management uncertainty to recommend ACTs 
for the commercial and recreational fishing sectors as part of the 
summer flounder specification process. The Monitoring Committee 
recommendations shall identify the specific sources of management 
uncertainty that were considered, technical approaches to mitigating 
these sources of uncertainty, and any additional relevant information 
considered in the ACT recommendation process.
    (1) Sectors. Commercial and recreational specific ACTs shall be less 
than or equal to the sector-specific ACLs. The Monitoring Committee 
shall recommend any reduction in catch necessary to address sector-
specific management uncertainty, consistent with this paragraph (a).
    (2) Periodicity. ACTs may be established on an annual basis for up 
to 3 years at a time, dependent on whether the SSC provides single or 
multiple year ABC recommendations.
    (b) Performance review. The Monitoring Committee shall conduct a 
detailed review of fishery performance relative to ACTs in conjunction 
with any ACL performance review, as outlined in Sec. 648.100(b)(1) 
through (3).

[76 FR 60626, Sept. 29, 2011, as amended at 88 FR 14507, Mar. 9, 2023]



Sec. 648.102  Summer flounder specifications.

    (a) Commercial quota, recreational landing limits, research set-
asides, and other specification measures. The Monitoring Committee shall 
recommend to the MAFMC, through the specifications process, for use in 
conjunction with each ACL and ACT, a sector-specific research set-aside, 
estimates of sector-related discards, a recreational harvest limit, and 
a commercial quota, along with other measures, as needed to prevent 
overages of the applicable specified limits or targets for each sector, 
as prescribed in the FMP. The measures to be considered by the 
Monitoring Committee are:
    (1) Research quota set from a range of 0 to 3 percent of the 
allowable landings level for both the commercial and recreational 
sectors.
    (2) Commercial minimum fish size.
    (3) Minimum mesh size.
    (4) Restrictions on gear other than otter trawls.
    (5) Adjustments to the exempted area boundary and season specified 
in Sec. 648.108(b)(1) by 30-minute intervals of latitude and longitude 
and 2-week intervals, respectively, based on data reviewed by Summer 
Flounder Monitoring Committee during the specification process, to 
prevent discarding of sublegal sized summer flounder in excess of 10 
percent, by weight.
    (6) Recreational possession limit set from a range of 0 to 15 summer 
flounder.
    (7) Recreational minimum and/or maximum fish size.
    (8) Recreational season.
    (9) Recreational state conservation equivalent and precautionary 
default measures utilizing possession limits, minimum fish sizes, and/or 
seasons set after reductions for research quota.
    (10) Changes, as appropriate, to the SBRM, including the CV-based 
performance standard, the means by which discard data are collected/
obtained, fishery stratification, the process for prioritizing observer 
sea-day allocations, reports, and/or industry-funded observers or 
observer set aside programs.
    (11) Modification of existing accountability measures and ACT 
control rules utilized by the Monitoring Committee.
    (b) Specification fishing measures. The MAFMC shall review the 
recommendations of the Monitoring Committee and, based on the 
recommendations and any public comment, recommend to the Regional 
Administrator measures that are projected to constrain the

[[Page 929]]

sectors to the applicable limit or target as prescribed in the FMP. The 
MAFMC's recommendations must include supporting documentation, as 
appropriate, concerning the environmental and economic impacts of the 
recommendations. The Regional Administrator shall review these 
recommendations and any recommendations of the ASMFC.
    (c) After such review, the Regional Administrator will publish a 
proposed rule in the Federal Register to implement a coastwide 
commercial quota, a recreational harvest limit, research set-aside, 
adjustments to ACL or ACT resulting from AMs, and additional management 
measures for the commercial fishery. After considering public comment, 
NMFS will publish a final rule in the Federal Register.
    (1) Distribution of annual commercial quota. (i) For years when the 
annual commercial quota is at or below 9,550,000 lb (4,332 mt), the 
quota will be distributed to the states, based upon the following 
percentages (state followed by percent share in parenthesis): Maine 
(0.04756); New Hampshire (0.00046); Massachusetts (6.82046); Rhode 
Island (15.68298); Connecticut (2.25708); New York (7.64699); New Jersey 
(16.72499); Delaware (0.01779); Maryland (2.03910); Virginia (21.31676); 
and North Carolina (27.44584).
    (ii) For years when the annual commercial quota is greater than 
9,550,000 lb (4,332 mt), the quota up to this amount will be distributed 
as outlined in paragraph (c)(1)(i) of this section, and the additional 
quota above 9,550,000 lb (4,332 mt) will be distributed based upon the 
following percentages (state followed by percent share in parenthesis): 
Maine (0.333); New Hampshire (0.333); Massachusetts (12.375); Rhode 
Island (12.375); Connecticut (12.375); New York (12.375); New Jersey 
(12.375); Delaware (0.333); Maryland (12.375); Virginia (12.375); and 
North Carolina (12.375).
    (2) Quota transfers and combinations. Any state implementing a state 
commercial quota for summer flounder may request approval from the 
Regional Administrator to transfer part or its entire annual quota to 
one or more states. Two or more states implementing a state commercial 
quota for summer flounder may request approval from the Regional 
Administrator to combine their quotas, or part of their quotas, into an 
overall regional quota. Requests for transfer or combination of 
commercial quotas for summer flounder must be made by individual or 
joint letter(s) signed by the principal state official with marine 
fishery management responsibility and expertise, or his/her previously 
named designee, for each state involved. The letter(s) must certify that 
all pertinent state requirements have been met and identify the states 
involved and the amount of quota to be transferred or combined.
    (i) Within 10 working days following the receipt of the letter(s) 
from the states involved, the Regional Administrator shall notify the 
appropriate state officials of the disposition of the request. In 
evaluating requests to transfer a quota or combine quotas, the Regional 
Administrator shall consider whether:
    (A) The transfer or combination would preclude the overall annual 
quota from being fully harvested;
    (B) The transfer addresses an unforeseen variation or contingency in 
the fishery; and
    (C) The transfer is consistent with the objectives of the FMP and 
the Magnuson-Stevens Act.
    (ii) The transfer of quota or the combination of quotas will be 
valid only for the calendar year for which the request was made;
    (iii) A state may not submit a request to transfer quota or combine 
quotas if a request to which it is party is pending before the Regional 
Administrator. A state may submit a new request when it receives notice 
that the Regional Administrator has disapproved the previous request or 
when notice of the approval of the transfer or combination has been 
filed at the Office of the Federal Register.
    (iv) If there is a quota overage among states involved in the 
combination of quotas at the end of the fishing year, the overage will 
be deducted from the following year's quota for each of the states 
involved in the combined quota. The deduction will be proportional, 
based on each state's relative share of the combined quota for the 
previous

[[Page 930]]

year. A transfer of quota or combination of quotas does not alter any 
state's percentage share of the overall quota specified in paragraph 
(d)(1)(i) of this section.
    (d) Recreational specification measures. The MAFMC shall review the 
recommendations of the Monitoring Committee and, based on the 
recommendations and any public comment, recommend to the Regional 
Administrator measures that are projected to prevent overages of the 
applicable recreational target, as prescribed in the FMP, for an 
upcoming fishing year or years. The MAFMC's recommendations must include 
supporting documentation, as appropriate, concerning the environmental 
and economic impacts of the recommendations. The MAFMC and the ASMFC 
will recommend that the Regional Administrator implement either:
    (1) Coastwide measures. Annual, or multi-year, coastwide management 
measures projected to achieve the applicable recreational target as 
prescribed in the FMP, or
    (2) Conservation equivalent measures. Individual states, or regions 
formed voluntarily by adjacent states (i.e., multi-State conservation 
equivalency regions), may implement different combinations of minimum 
and/or maximum fish sizes, possession limits, and closed seasons that 
achieve equivalent conservation as the coastwide measures established 
under paragraph (e)(1) of this section. Each State or multi-State 
conservation equivalency region may implement measures by mode or area 
only if the proportional standard error of recreational landing 
estimates by mode or area for that State is less than 30 percent.
    (i) After review of the recommendations, the Regional Administrator 
will publish a proposed rule in the Federal Register as soon as possible 
to implement the overall recreational target for the fishing year(s), 
and the ASMFC's recommendation concerning conservation equivalency, the 
precautionary default measures, and coastwide measures.
    (ii) The ASMFC will review conservation equivalency proposals and 
determine whether or not they achieve the necessary adjustment to 
recreational landings. The ASMFC will provide the Regional Administrator 
with the individual State and/or multi-State region conservation 
measures for the approved State and/or multi-State region proposals and, 
in the case of disapproved State and/or multi-State region proposals, 
the precautionary default measures that should be applied to a State or 
region. At the request of the ASMFC, precautionary default measures 
would apply to federally permitted party/charter vessels and other 
recreational fishing vessels harvesting summer flounder in or from the 
EEZ when landing in a State that implements measures not approved by the 
ASMFC.
    (iii) After considering public comment, the Regional Administrator 
will publish a final rule in the Federal Register to implement either 
the State or regional conservation equivalency measures or coastwide 
measures to ensure that the applicable specified target is not exceeded.
    (iv) The ASMFC may allow states or regions assigned the 
precautionary default measures to resubmit revised management measures. 
The ASMFC will detail the procedures by which the State or region can 
develop alternate measures. The ASMFC will notify the Regional 
Administrator of any resubmitted State or regional proposals approved 
subsequent to publication of the final rule and the Regional 
Administrator will publish a document in the Federal Register to notify 
the public.
    (e) Research quota. See Sec. 648.22(g).

[76 FR 60626, Sept. 29, 2011, as amended at 76 FR 81849, Dec. 29, 2011; 
80 FR 37196, June 30, 2015; 84 FR 65702, Nov. 29, 2019; 85 FR 36803, 
June 18, 2020; 85 FR 80666, Dec. 14, 2020; 88 FR 14507, Mar. 9, 2023]



Sec. 648.103  Summer flounder accountability measures.

    (a) Commercial sector EEZ closure. The Regional Administrator shall 
close the EEZ to fishing for summer flounder by commercial vessels for 
the remainder of the calendar year by publishing notification in the 
Federal Register if he/she determines that the inaction of one or more 
states will cause the commercial sector ACL to be exceeded, or if the 
commercial fisheries in all states

[[Page 931]]

have been closed. The Regional Administrator may reopen the EEZ if 
earlier inaction by a state has been remedied by that state, or if 
commercial fisheries in one or more states have been reopened without 
causing the sector ACL to be exceeded.
    (b) State commercial landing quotas. The Regional Administrator will 
monitor state commercial quotas based on dealer reports and other 
available information and shall determine the date when a state 
commercial quota will be harvested. The Regional Administrator shall 
publish notification in the Federal Register advising a state that, 
effective upon a specific date, its commercial quota has been harvested 
and notifying vessel and dealer permit holders that no commercial quota 
is available for landing summer flounder in that state.
    (1) Commercial ACL overage evaluation. The commercial sector ACL 
will be evaluated based on a single-year examination of total catch 
(landings and dead discards). Both landings and dead discards will be 
evaluated in determining if the commercial sector ACL has been exceeded.
    (2) Commercial landings overage repayment. All summer flounder 
landed for sale in a state shall be applied against that state's annual 
commercial quota, regardless of where the summer flounder were 
harvested. Any landings in excess of the commercial quota in any state, 
inclusive of any state-to-state transfers, will be deducted from that 
state's annual quota for the following year in the final rule that 
establishes the annual state-by-state quotas, irrespective of whether 
the commercial sector ACL is exceeded. The overage deduction will be 
based on landings for the current year through October 31 and on 
landings for the previous calendar year that were not included when the 
overage deduction was made in the final rule that established the annual 
quota for the current year. If the Regional Administrator determines 
during the fishing year that any part of an overage deduction was based 
on erroneous landings data that were in excess of actual landings for 
the period concerned, he/she will restore the overage that was deducted 
in error to the appropriate quota allocation. The Regional Administrator 
will publish notification in the Federal Register announcing such 
restoration.
    (3) Non-landing accountability measure. In the event that the 
commercial ACL is exceeded and that the overage has not been 
accommodated through the landings-based AM, then the following procedure 
will be followed:
    (i) Overfishing, rebuilding, or unknown stock status. If the most 
recent estimate of biomass is below the BMSY threshold (i.e., 
B/BMSY is less than 0.5), the stock is under a rebuilding 
plan, or the biological reference points (B or BMSY) are 
unknown, and the commercial ACL has been exceeded, then the exact 
amount, in pounds, by which the most recent year's commercial catch 
estimate exceeded the most recent year's commercial ACL will be 
deducted, in the following fishing year from the commercial ACT, as a 
single-year adjustment.
    (ii) If biomass is above the threshold, but below the target, and 
the stock is not under rebuilding. If the most recent estimate of 
biomass is above the biomass threshold (B/BMSY is greater 
than 0.5), but below the biomass target (B/BMSY is less than 
1.0), and the stock is not under a rebuilding plan, then the following 
AMs will apply:
    (A) If the Commercial ACL has been exceeded, but not the overall 
ABC, then no single-year AM payback is required.
    (B) If the Commercial ACL and ABC have been exceeded, then a scaled 
single-year adjustment to the commercial ACT will be made, in the 
following fishing year. The ACT will be reduced by the exact amount, in 
pounds, of the product of the overage, defined as the difference between 
the commercial catch and the commercial ACT, and the payback 
coefficient. The payback coefficient is the difference between the most 
recent estimate of biomass and BMSY (i.e., BMSY-B) 
divided by one-half of BMSY.
    (iii) If biomass is above BMSY. If the most recent 
estimate of biomass is above BMSY (i.e., B/BMSY is 
greater than 1.0), then no single-year AM payback is required.
    (c) Recreational ACL Evaluation. The recreational sector ACL will be 
evaluated based on a 3-year moving average comparison of total catch 
(landings

[[Page 932]]

and dead discards). Both landings and dead discards will be evaluated in 
determining if the 3-year average recreational sector ACL has been 
exceeded.
    (d) Recreational AMs. If the recreational ACL is exceeded, then the 
following procedure will be followed:
    (1) If biomass is below the threshold, the stock is under 
rebuilding, or biological reference points are unknown. If the most 
recent estimate of biomass is below the BMSY threshold (i.e., B/BMSY is 
less than 0.5),), the stock is under a rebuilding plan, or the 
biological reference points (B or BMSY) are unknown, and the 
recreational ACL has been exceeded, then the exact amount, in pounds, by 
which the most recent 3-year average recreational catch estimate 
exceeded the most recent 3-year average recreational ACL will be 
deducted, in the following fishing year, or as soon as possible, 
thereafter, once catch data are available, from the recreational ACT. 
This payback may be evenly spread over 2 years if doing so allows for 
use of identical recreational management measures across the upcoming 2 
years.
    (2) If biomass is above the threshold, but below the target, and the 
stock is not under rebuilding. If the most recent estimate of biomass is 
above the biomass threshold (B/BMSY is greater than 0.5), but 
below the biomass target (B/BMSY is less than 1.0), and the 
stock is not under a rebuilding plan, then the following AMs will apply:
    (i) If the Recreational ACL has been exceeded. If the Recreational 
ACL has been exceeded, then adjustments to the recreational management 
measures, taking into account the performance of the measures and 
conditions that precipitated the overage, will be made in the following 
fishing year, or as soon as possible thereafter, once catch data are 
available, as a single-year adjustment.
    (ii) If the fishing mortality (F) has exceeded FMSY (or the proxy). 
If the most recent estimate of total fishing mortality exceeds FMSY (or 
the proxy), then an adjustment to the recreational ACT will be made as 
soon as possible, once catch data are available, as described in 
paragraph (d)(2)(ii)(A) of this section. If an estimate of total fishing 
mortality is not available for the most recent complete year of catch 
data, then a comparison of total catch relative to the ABC will be used.
    (A) Adjustment to Recreational ACT. If an adjustment to the 
following year's Recreational ACT is required, then the ACT will be 
reduced by the exact amount, in pounds, of the product of the overage, 
defined as the difference between the most recent 3-year average 
recreational catch and the most recent 3-year recreational ACL, and the 
payback coefficient, as specified in paragraph (d)(2)(ii)(B) of this 
section. This payback may be evenly spread over 2 years if doing so 
allows for use of identical recreational management measures across the 
upcoming 2 years.
    (B) Payback coefficient. The payback coefficient is the difference 
between the most recent estimate of biomass and BMSY (i.e., 
BMSY-B) divided by one-half of BMSY.
    (3) If biomass is above BMSY. If the most recent estimate 
of biomass is above BMSY (i.e., B/BMSY is greater 
than 1.0), then adjustments to the recreational management measures, 
taking into account the performance of the measures and conditions that 
precipitated the overage, will be made in the following fishing year, or 
as soon as possible thereafter, once catch data are available, as a 
single-year adjustment.
    (e) State/Federal disconnect AM. If the total catch, allowable 
landings, commercial quotas, and/or RHL measures adopted by the ASMFC 
Summer Flounder, Scup and Black Sea Bass Management Board and the MAFMC 
differ for a given fishing year, administrative action will be taken as 
soon as possible to revisit the respective recommendations of the two 
groups. The intent of this action shall be to achieve alignment through 
consistent state and Federal measures such that no differential effects 
occur on Federal permit holders.

[76 FR 60628, Sept. 29, 2011, as amended at 78 FR 76763, Dec. 19, 2013; 
83 FR 53826, Oct. 25, 2018; 88 FR 14508, Mar. 9, 2023]



Sec. 648.104  Summer flounder size requirements.

    (a) Moratorium (commercial) permitted vessels. The minimum size for 
summer

[[Page 933]]

flounder is 14 inches (35.6 cm) TL for all vessels issued a moratorium 
permit under Sec. 648.4(a)(3), except on board party and charter boats 
carrying passengers for hire or carrying more than three crew members, 
if a charter boat, or more than five crew members, if a party boat.
    (b) Party/charter permitted vessels and recreational fishery 
participants. The minimum size for summer flounder is 18 inches (45.72 
cm) total length for all vessels that do not qualify for a summer 
flounder moratorium permit under Sec. 648.4(a)(3), and charter boats 
holding a summer flounder moratorium permit if fishing with more than 
three crew members, or party boats holding a summer flounder moratorium 
permit if fishing with passengers for hire or carrying more than five 
crew members, unless otherwise specified in the conservation equivalency 
regulations at Sec. 648.107. If conservation equivalency is not in 
effect in any given year, possession of smaller (or larger, if 
applicable) summer flounder harvested from state waters is allowed for 
state-only permitted vessels when transiting Federal waters within the 
Block Island Sound Transit Area provided they follow the provisions at 
Sec. 648.111 and abide by state regulations.
    (c) Measurement. The size limits in this section apply to whole fish 
or to any part of a fish found in possession, e.g., fillets, except that 
party and charter vessels fishing exclusively in state waters possessing 
valid state permits authorizing filleting at sea may possess fillets 
smaller than the size specified if all state requirements are met.

[76 FR 60629, Sept. 29, 2011, as amended at 78 FR 37479, June 21, 2013; 
82 FR 31494, July 7, 2017; 84 FR 65702, Nov. 29, 2019; 87 FR 35116, June 
9, 2022; 88 FR 55418, Aug. 15, 2023]



Sec. 648.105  Summer flounder recreational fishing season.

    No person may fish for summer flounder in the EEZ from May 15 
through September 22 unless that person is the owner or operator of a 
fishing vessel issued a commercial summer flounder moratorium permit, or 
is issued a summer flounder dealer permit, or unless otherwise specified 
in the conservation equivalency measures at Sec. 648.107. Persons 
aboard a commercial vessel that is not eligible for a summer flounder 
moratorium permit are subject to this recreational fishing season. This 
time period may be adjusted pursuant to the procedures in Sec. 648.102. 
Possession of summer flounder harvested from state waters during this 
time is allowed for state-only permitted vessels when transiting Federal 
waters within the Block Island Sound Transit Area provided they follow 
the provisions at Sec. 648.111 and abide by state regulations.

[88 FR 55418, Aug. 15, 2023]



Sec. 648.106  Summer flounder possession restrictions.

    (a) Party/charter and recreational possession limits. No person 
shall possess more than three summer flounder in, or harvested from, the 
EEZ, per trip unless that person is the owner or operator of a fishing 
vessel issued a summer flounder moratorium permit, or is issued a summer 
flounder dealer permit, or unless otherwise specified in the 
conservation equivalency measures at Sec. 648.107. Persons aboard a 
commercial vessel that is not eligible for a summer flounder moratorium 
permit are subject to this possession limit. The owner, operator, and 
crew of a charter or party boat issued a summer flounder moratorium 
permit are subject to the possession limit when carrying passengers for 
hire or when carrying more than five crew members for a party boat, or 
more than three crew members for a charter boat. This possession limit 
may be adjusted pursuant to the procedures in Sec. 648.102. Possession 
of summer flounder harvested from state waters above this possession 
limit is allowed for state-only permitted vessels when transiting 
Federal waters within the Block Island Sound Transit Area provided they 
follow the provisions at Sec. 648.111 and abide by state regulations.
    (b) If whole summer flounder are processed into fillets, the number 
of fillets will be converted to whole summer flounder at the place of 
landing by dividing the fillet number by two. If summer flounder are 
filleted into single (butterfly) fillets, each fillet is deemed to be 
from one whole summer flounder.

[[Page 934]]

    (c) Summer flounder harvested by vessels subject to the possession 
limit with more than one person on board may be pooled in one or more 
containers. Compliance with the possession limit will be determined by 
dividing the number of summer flounder on board by the number of persons 
on board, other than the captain and the crew. If there is a violation 
of the possession limit on board a vessel carrying more than one person, 
the violation shall be deemed to have been committed by the owner and 
operator of the vessel.
    (d) Commercially permitted vessel possession limits. Owners and 
operators of otter trawl vessels issued a permit under Sec. 648.4(a)(3) 
that fish with or possess nets or pieces of net on board that do not 
meet the minimum mesh requirements and that are not stowed in accordance 
with Sec. 648.108(e), may not retain 100 lb (45.4 kg) or more of summer 
flounder from May 1 through October 31, or 200 lb (90.7 kg) or more of 
summer flounder from November 1 through April 30, unless the vessel 
possesses a valid summer flounder small-mesh exemption LOA and is 
fishing in the exemption area as specified in Sec. 648.108(b). Summer 
flounder on board these vessels must be stored so as to be readily 
available for inspection in standard 100-lb (45.3-kg) totes or fish 
boxes having a liquid capacity of 18.2 gal (70 L), or a volume of not 
more than 4,320 in\3\ (2.5 ft\3\ or 70.79 cm\3\).

[76 FR 60629, Sept. 29, 2011, as amended at 78 FR 37479, June 21, 2013; 
80 FR 35258, June 19, 2015; 82 FR 31494, July 7, 2017; 84 FR 65703, Nov. 
29, 2019; 88 FR 55418, Aug. 15, 2023]



Sec. 648.107  Conservation equivalent measures for the summer
flounder fishery.

    (a) The Regional Administrator has determined that the recreational 
fishing measures proposed to be implemented by the states of Maine 
through North Carolina for 2023 are the conservation equivalent of the 
season, size limits, and possession limit prescribed in Sec. Sec. 
648.104(b), 648.105, and 648.106. This determination is based on a 
recommendation from the Summer Flounder Board of the Atlantic States 
Marine Fisheries Commission.
    (1) Federally permitted vessels subject to the recreational fishing 
measures of this part, and other recreational fishing vessels harvesting 
summer flounder in or from the EEZ and subject to the recreational 
fishing measures of this part, landing summer flounder in a state whose 
fishery management measures are determined by the Regional Administrator 
to be conservation equivalent shall not be subject to the more 
restrictive Federal measures, pursuant to the provisions of Sec. 
648.4(b). Those vessels shall be subject to the recreational fishing 
measures implemented by the state in which they land.
    (2) [Reserved]
    (b) Federally permitted vessels subject to the recreational fishing 
measures of this part, and other recreational fishing vessels registered 
in states and subject to the recreational fishing measures of this part, 
whose fishery management measures are not determined by the Regional 
Administrator to be the conservation equivalent of the season, size 
limits and possession limit prescribed in Sec. Sec. 648.102, 
648.103(b), and 648.105(a), respectively, due to the lack of, or the 
reversal of, a conservation equivalent recommendation from the Summer 
Flounder Board of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission shall 
be subject to the following precautionary default measures: Season--July 
1 through August 31; minimum size--20 inches (50.8 cm); and possession 
limit--two fish.

[79 FR 38264, July 7, 2014, as amended at 80 FR 35258, June 19, 2015; 81 
FR 51378, Aug. 4, 2016; 82 FR 31494, July 7, 2017; 83 FR 24947, May 31, 
2018; 84 FR 31745, July 3, 2019; 84 FR 65703, Nov. 29, 2019; 85 FR 
36803, June 18, 2020; 86 FR 24361, May 6, 2021; 87 FR 35116, June 9, 
2022; 88 FR 55418, Aug. 15, 2023]



Sec. 648.108  Summer flounder gear restrictions.

    (a) General. (1) Otter trawlers whose owners are issued a summer 
flounder permit and that land or possess 100 lb (45.4 kg) or more of 
summer flounder from May 1 through October 31, or 200 lb (90.7 kg) or 
more of summer flounder from November 1 through April 30, per trip, must 
fish with nets that have a minimum mesh size of 5.5-inch (14.0-cm) 
diamond or 6.0-inch (15.2-cm)

[[Page 935]]

square mesh applied throughout the body, extension(s), and codend 
portion of the net, except as required in a TED extension, in accordance 
with Sec. 223.206(d)(2)(iii) of this title.
    (2) Mesh size is measured by using an electronic Omega gauge or a 
wedge-shaped gauge. The Omega gauge has a measuring range of at least 
10-300 mm (0.4 inches-11.81 inches), and shall be inserted into the 
meshes under a pressure or pull of 125 N or 12.75 kg for mesh greater 
than or equal to 55 mm (2.17 inches) and under a pressure or pull of 50 
N or 5.10 kg for mesh less than 55 mm (2.17 inches). The wedge shaped 
gauge, with a taper of 2 cm (0.79 inches) in 8 cm (3.15 inches), and a 
thickness of 2.3 mm (0.09 inches), shall be inserted into the meshes 
under a pressure or pull of 5 kg (11.02 lb) for mesh size less than 120 
mm (4.72 inches) and under a pressure or pull of 8 kg (17.64 lb) for 
mesh size at, or greater than, 120 mm (4.72 inches). The mesh size is 
the average of the measurements of any series of 20 consecutive meshes 
for nets having 75 or more meshes, and 10 consecutive meshes for nets 
having fewer than 75 meshes, when using either the Omega gauge or the 
wedge-shaped gauge. The mesh in the regulated portion of the net is 
measured at least five meshes away from the lacings, running parallel to 
the long axis of the net.
    (b) Exemptions. Unless otherwise restricted by this part, the 
minimum mesh-size requirements specified in paragraph (a)(1) of this 
section do not apply to:
    (1) Vessels issued a summer flounder moratorium permit, a Summer 
Flounder Small-Mesh Exemption Area letter of authorization (LOA), 
required under paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section, and fishing from 
November 1 through April 30 in the exemption area, which is east of the 
line that follows 72[deg]30.0[min] W. long. until it intersects the 
outer boundary of the EEZ (copies of a map depicting the area are 
available upon request from the Regional Administrator). Vessels fishing 
under the LOA shall not fish west of the line. Vessels issued a permit 
under Sec. 648.4(a)(3)(iii) may transit the area west or south of the 
line, if the vessel's fishing gear is stowed in a manner prescribed 
under Sec. 648.108(e), so that it is not ``available for immediate 
use'' outside the exempted area. The Regional Administrator may 
terminate this exemption if he/she determines, after a review of sea 
sampling data, that vessels fishing under the exemption are discarding 
more than 10 percent, by weight, of their entire catch of summer 
flounder per trip. If the Regional Administrator makes such a 
determination, he/she shall publish notification in the Federal Register 
terminating the exemption for the remainder of the exemption season.
    (i) Requirements. (A) A vessel fishing in the Summer Flounder Small-
Mesh Exemption Area under this exemption must have on board a valid LOA 
issued by the Regional Administrator.
    (B) The vessel must be in enrolled in the exemption program for a 
minimum of 7 days.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (2) Vessels fishing with a two-seam otter trawl fly net with the 
following configuration, provided that no other nets or netting with 
mesh smaller than 5.5 inches (14.0 cm) are on board:
    (i) The net has large mesh in the wings that measures 8 inches (20.3 
cm) to 64 inches (162.6 cm).
    (ii) The first body section (belly) of the net has 35 or more meshes 
that are at least 8 inches (20.3 cm).
    (iii) The mesh decreases in size throughout the body of the net to 2 
inches (5 cm) or smaller towards the terminus of the net.
    (iv) The Regional Administrator may terminate this exemption if he/
she determines, after a review of sea sampling data, that vessels 
fishing under the exemption, on average, are discarding more than 1 
percent of their entire catch of summer flounder per trip. If the 
Regional Administrator makes such a determination, he/she shall publish 
notification in the Federal Register terminating the exemption for the 
remainder of the calendar year.
    (c) Net modifications. No vessel subject to this part shall use any 
device, gear, or material, including, but not limited to, nets, net 
strengtheners, ropes, lines, or chafing gear, on the top of the 
regulated portion of a trawl net; except that, one splitting strap and 
one bull rope (if present) consisting of line or

[[Page 936]]

rope no more than 3 inches (7.2 cm) in diameter may be used if such 
splitting strap and/or bull rope does not constrict, in any manner, the 
top of the regulated portion of the net, and one rope no greater than 
0.75 inches (1.9 cm) in diameter extending the length of the net from 
the belly to the terminus of the codend along the top, bottom, and each 
side of the net. ``Top of the regulated portion of the net'' means the 
50 percent of the entire regulated portion of the net that (in a 
hypothetical situation) will not be in contact with the ocean bottom 
during a tow if the regulated portion of the net were laid flat on the 
ocean floor. For the purpose of this paragraph (c), head ropes shall not 
be considered part of the top of the regulated portion of a trawl net. A 
vessel shall not use any means or mesh configuration on the top of the 
regulated portion of the net, as defined paragraph (c) of this section, 
if it obstructs the meshes of the net or otherwise causes the size of 
the meshes of the net while in use to diminish to a size smaller than 
the minimum specified in paragraph (a) of this section.
    (d) Mesh obstruction or constriction. (1) A fishing vessel may not 
use any mesh configuration, mesh construction, or other means on or in 
the top of the net, as defined in paragraph (c) of this section, that 
obstructs the meshes of the net in any manner.
    (2) No person on any vessel may possess or fish with a net capable 
of catching summer flounder in which the bars entering or exiting the 
knots twist around each other.
    (e) Stowage of nets. Otter trawl vessels retaining 100 lb (45.3 kg) 
or more of summer flounder from May 1 through October 31, or 200 lb 
(90.6 kg) or more of summer flounder from November 1 through April 30, 
and subject to the minimum mesh size requirement of paragraph (a)(1) of 
this section may not have ``available for immediate use'' any net or any 
piece of net that does not meet the minimum mesh size requirement, or 
any net, or any piece of net, with mesh that is rigged in a manner that 
is inconsistent with the minimum mesh size requirement. Nets must be 
stowed and not available for immediate use as defined in Sec. 648.2.
    (f) The minimum net mesh requirement may apply to any portion of the 
net. The minimum mesh size and the portion of the net regulated by the 
minimum mesh size may be adjusted pursuant to the procedures in Sec. 
648.102.

[76 FR 60629, Sept. 29, 2011, as amended at 79 FR 52583, Sept. 4, 2014; 
81 FR 51378, Aug. 4, 2016; 88 FR 7628, Feb. 6, 2023]



Sec. 648.109  Sea turtle conservation.

    Sea turtle regulations are found at 50 CFR parts 222 and 223.

[76 FR 60630, Sept. 29, 2011]



Sec. 648.110  Summer flounder framework adjustments to management measures.

    (a) Within season management action. The MAFMC may, at any time, 
initiate action to add or adjust management measures within the Summer 
Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass FMP if it finds that action is 
necessary to meet or be consistent with the goals and objectives of the 
FMP.
    (1) Adjustment process. The MAFMC shall develop and analyze 
appropriate management actions over the span of at least two MAFMC 
meetings. The MAFMC must provide the public with advance notice of the 
availability of the recommendation(s), appropriate justification(s) and 
economic and biological analyses, and the opportunity to comment on the 
proposed adjustment(s) at the first meeting and prior to and at the 
second MAFMC meeting. The MAFMC's recommendations on adjustments or 
additions to management measures must come from one or more of the 
following categories: Adjustments within existing ABC control rule 
levels; adjustments to the existing MAFMC risk policy; introduction of 
new AMs, including sub-ACTs; minimum fish size; maximum fish size; gear 
restrictions; gear requirements or prohibitions; permitting 
restrictions; recreational possession limit; recreational seasons; 
closed areas; commercial seasons; commercial trip limits; commercial 
quota system including commercial quota allocation procedure and 
possible quota set asides to mitigate bycatch; recreational harvest 
limit; specification quota setting process; commercial/recreational 
allocations; transfer provisions between the

[[Page 937]]

commercial and recreational sectors; FMP Monitoring Committee 
composition and process; description and identification of essential 
fish habitat (and fishing gear management measures that impact EFH); 
description and identification of habitat areas of particular concern; 
regional gear restrictions; regional season restrictions (including 
option to split seasons); restrictions on vessel size (LOA and GRT) or 
shaft horsepower; operator permits; changes to the SBRM, including the 
CV-based performance standard, the means by which discard data are 
collected/obtained, fishery stratification, the process for prioritizing 
observer sea-day allocations, reports, and/or industry-funded observers 
or observer set aside programs; any other commercial or recreational 
management measures; any other management measures currently included in 
the FMP; and set aside quota for scientific research. Issues that 
require significant departures from previously contemplated measures or 
that are otherwise introducing new concepts may require an amendment of 
the FMP instead of a framework adjustment.
    (2) MAFMC recommendation. After developing management actions and 
receiving public testimony, the MAFMC shall make a recommendation to the 
Regional Administrator. The MAFMC's recommendation must include 
supporting rationale, if management measures are recommended, an 
analysis of impacts, and a recommendation to the Regional Administrator 
on whether to issue the management measures as a final rule. If the 
MAFMC recommends that the management measures should be issued as a 
final rule, it must consider at least the following factors and provide 
support and analysis for each factor considered:
    (i) Whether the availability of data on which the recommended 
management measures are based allows for adequate time to publish a 
proposed rule, and whether the regulations would have to be in place for 
an entire harvest/fishing season;
    (ii) Whether there has been adequate notice and opportunity for 
participation by the public and members of the affected industry in the 
development of recommended management measures;
    (iii) Whether there is an immediate need to protect the resource; 
and
    (iv) Whether there will be a continuing evaluation of management 
measures adopted following their implementation as a final rule.
    (3) NMFS action. If the MAFMC's recommendation includes adjustments 
or additions to management measures and, if after reviewing the MAFMC's 
recommendation and supporting information:
    (i) NMFS concurs with the MAFMC's recommended management measures 
and determines that the recommended management measures should be issued 
as a final rule based on the factors in paragraph (a)(2) of this 
section, the measures will be issued as a final rule in the Federal 
Register.
    (ii) If NMFS concurs with the MAFMC's recommended management 
measures and determines that the recommended management measures should 
be published first as a proposed rule, the measures will be published as 
a proposed rule in the Federal Register. After additional public 
comment, if NMFS concurs with the MAFMC recommendation, the measures 
will be published as a final rule in the Federal Register.
    (iii) If NMFS does not concur, the MAFMC will be notified in writing 
of the reasons for the non-concurrence.
    (4) Emergency actions. Nothing in this section is meant to derogate 
from the authority of the Secretary to take emergency action under 
section 305(e) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act.
    (b) [Reserved]

[76 FR 60630, Sept. 29, 2011, as amended at 76 FR 1849, Dec.. 29, 2011; 
80 FR 37196, June 30, 2015; 87 FR 68929, Nov. 17, 2022]



Sec. 648.111  Block Island Sound Transit Area.

    (a) Vessels not issued a summer flounder Federal moratorium or 
party/charter permit, and recreational fishing participants fishing 
exclusively in state waters may transit with summer flounder harvested 
from state waters on board through Federal waters of the EEZ within 
Block Island Sound, north of a line connecting Montauk Light, Montauk 
Point, NY, and Block Island Southeast Light, Block Island, RI; and west 
of a line connecting Point Judith

[[Page 938]]

Light, Point Judith, RI, and Block Island Southeast Light, Block Island, 
RI. Within this area, possession of summer flounder is permitted 
regardless of the minimum or maximum size (as applicable), possession 
limit, and seasons outlined in Sec. Sec. 648.104, 648.105, and 648.106, 
provided no fishing takes place from the vessel while in Federal waters 
of the EEZ, the vessel complies with state regulations, and is in 
continuous transit. During such transit through this area, commercial 
gear must be stowed in accordance with the definition of ``not available 
for immediate use'' found at Sec. 648.2, and party/charter vessels and 
recreational participants must have all bait and hooks removed from 
fishing rods, and any summer flounder on board must be stored in a 
cooler or container.
    (b) The requirements of this transit zone are not necessary or 
applicable for recreational fishery participants during years when 
conservation equivalency has been adopted under Sec. 648.107 
conservation equivalency measures and recreational Federal measures are 
waived.

[84 FR 65703, Nov. 29, 2019]



           Subpart H_Management Measures for the Scup Fishery

    Source: 61 FR 43426, Aug. 23, 1996, unless otherwise noted.



Sec. 648.120  Scup Annual Catch Limit (ACL).

    (a) Annual catch limits. The Monitoring Committee shall recommend to 
the MAFMC separate ACLs for the commercial and recreational scup 
fisheries, the sum total of which shall be equal to the ABC recommended 
by the SSC.
    (1) Sector allocations. The commercial and recreational fishing 
sector ACLs will be based on the allocations defined in the Summer 
Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass FMP.
    (2) Periodicity. The scup commercial and recreational sector ACLs 
may be established on an annual basis for up to 3 years at a time, 
dependent on whether the SSC provides single or multiple year ABC 
recommendations.
    (b) Performance review. The Monitoring Committee shall conduct a 
detailed review of fishery performance relative to the sector ACLs at 
least every 5 years.
    (1) If one or both of the sector-specific ACLs is exceeded with a 
frequency greater than 25 percent (i.e., more than once in 4 years or 
any 2 consecutive years), the Monitoring Committee will review fishery 
performance information and consider whether changes to measures are 
needed.
    (2) The MAFMC may specify more frequent or more specific ACL 
performance review criteria as part of a stock rebuilding plan following 
a determination that the scup stock has become overfished.
    (3) Performance reviews shall not substitute for annual reviews that 
occur to ascertain if prior year ACLs have been exceeded but may be 
conducted in conjunction with such reviews.

[76 FR 60631, Sept. 29, 2011, as amended at 87 FR 68930, Nov. 17, 2022; 
88 FR 14508, Mar. 9, 2023]



Sec. 648.121  Scup Annual Catch Target (ACT).

    (a) Annual catch targets. The Monitoring Committee shall identify 
and review the relevant sources of management uncertainty to recommend 
ACTs for the commercial and recreational fishing sectors as part of the 
scup specification process. The Monitoring Committee recommendations 
shall identify the specific sources of management uncertainty that were 
considered, technical approaches to mitigating these sources of 
uncertainty, and any additional relevant information considered in the 
ACT recommendation process.
    (1) Sectors. Commercial and recreational specific ACTs shall be less 
than or equal to the sector-specific ACLs. The Monitoring Committee 
shall recommend any reduction in catch necessary to address sector-
specific management uncertainty, consistent with this paragraph (a).
    (2) Periodicity. ACTs may be established on an annual basis for up 
to 3 years at a time, dependent on whether the SSC provides single or 
multiple year ABC recommendations.

[[Page 939]]

    (b) Performance review. The Monitoring Committee shall conduct a 
detailed review of fishery performance relative to ACTs in conjunction 
with any ACL performance review, as outlined in Sec. 648.120(b)(1) 
through (3).

[76 FR 60631, Sept. 29, 2011], as amended at 88 FR 14509, Mar. 9, 2023



Sec. 648.122  Scup specifications.

    (a) Commercial quota, recreational landing limits, research set-
asides, and other specification measures. The Monitoring Committee shall 
recommend to the MAFMC and the ASMFC through the specifications process, 
for use in conjunction with each ACL and ACT, a sector-specific research 
set-aside, estimates of sector-related discards, a recreational harvest 
limit, and a commercial quota, along with other measures, as needed, to 
prevent overages of the applicable specified limits or targets for each 
sector, as prescribed in the FMP. The measures to be considered by the 
Monitoring Committee are as follows:
    (1) Research quota set from a range of 0 to 3 percent of the maximum 
allowed to achieve the specified exploitation rate.
    (2) The commercial quota for each of the three periods specified in 
paragraph (c)(1) of this section for research quota.
    (3) Possession limits for the Winter I and Winter II periods, 
including possession limits that result from potential rollover of quota 
from Winter I to Winter II. The possession limit is the maximum quantity 
of scup that is allowed to be landed within a 24-hour period (calendar 
day).
    (4) Percent of landings attained at which the landing limit for the 
Winter I period will be reduced.
    (5) All scup landed for sale in any state during a quota period 
shall be applied against the coastwide commercial quota for that period, 
regardless of where the scup were harvested, except as provided in 
paragraph (c)(5) of this section.
    (6) Minimum mesh size.
    (7) Recreational possession limit set from a range of 0 to 50 scup.
    (8) Recreational minimum fish size.
    (9) Recreational season.
    (10) Restrictions on gear.
    (11) Season and area closures in the commercial fishery.
    (12) Total allowable landings on an annual basis for a period not to 
exceed 3 years.
    (13) Changes, as appropriate, to the SBRM, including the CV-based 
performance standard, the means by which discard data are collected/
obtained, fishery stratification, the process for prioritizing observer 
sea-day allocations, reports, and/or industry-funded observers or 
observer set aside programs.
    (14) Modification of existing AM measures and ACT control rules 
utilized by the Monitoring Committee.
    (b) Specification of fishing measures. The MAFMC shall review the 
recommendations of the Monitoring Committee. Based on these 
recommendations and any public comment, the MAFMC shall recommend to the 
Regional Administrator measures necessary to prevent overages of the 
appropriate specified limits or targets for each sector, as prescribed 
in the FMP. The MAFMC's recommendation must include supporting 
documentation, as appropriate, concerning the environmental and economic 
impacts of the recommendations. The Regional Administrator shall review 
these recommendations and any recommendations of the ASMFC. After such 
review, NMFS will publish a proposed rule in the Federal Register to 
implement a commercial quota, specifying the amount of quota allocated 
to each of the three periods, possession limits for the Winter I and 
Winter II periods, including possession limits that result from 
potential rollover of quota from Winter I to Winter II, the percentage 
of landings attained during the Winter I fishery at which the possession 
limits will be reduced, a recreational harvest limit, and additional 
management measures for the commercial and recreational fisheries.
    (c) Distribution of commercial quota. (1) The annual commercial 
quota will be allocated into three periods, based on the following 
percentages:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            Period                              Percent
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Winter I--January-April......................................      45.11
Summer--May-September........................................      38.95
Winter II--October-December..................................      15.94
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 940]]

    (2) The commercial quotas for each period will each be distributed 
to the coastal states from Maine through North Carolina on a coastwide 
basis.
    (d) Winter I and II commercial quota adjustment procedures. The 
Regional Administrator will monitor the harvest of commercial quota for 
the Winter I period based on dealer reports, state data, and other 
available information and shall determine the total amount of scup 
landed during the Winter I period. In any year that the Regional 
Administrator determines that the landings of scup during Winter I are 
less than the Winter I quota for that year, he/she shall increase, 
through publication of a notification in the Federal Register, provided 
such rule complies with the requirements of the Administrative Procedure 
Act, the Winter II quota for that year by the amount of the Winter I 
under-harvest. The Regional Administrator shall also adjust, through 
publication of a notification in the Federal Register, the Winter II 
possession limits consistent with the amount of the quota increase, 
based on the possession limits established through the annual 
specifications-setting process.
    (e) Research quota. See Sec. 648.21(g).

[76 FR 60631, Sept. 29, 2011, as amended at 76 FR 81850, Dec. 29, 2011; 
80 FR 37196, June 30, 2015; 83 FR 17315, Apr. 19, 2018; 88 FR 14509, 
Mar. 9, 2023]



Sec. 648.123  Scup accountability measures.

    (a) Commercial sector period closures. The Regional Administrator 
will monitor the harvest of commercial quota for each quota period based 
on dealer reports, state data, and other available information and shall 
determine the date when the commercial quota for a period will be 
harvested. NMFS shall close the EEZ to fishing for scup by commercial 
vessels for the remainder of the indicated period by publishing 
notification in the Federal Register advising that, effective upon a 
specific date, the commercial quota for that period has been harvested, 
and notifying vessel and dealer permit holders that no commercial quota 
is available for landing scup for the remainder of the period.
    (1) Commercial ACL overage evaluation. The commercial sector ACL 
will be evaluated based on a single-year examination of total catch 
(landings and dead discards). Both landings and dead discards will be 
evaluated in determining if the commercial sector ACL has been exceeded.
    (2) Commercial landings overage repayment by quota period. (i) All 
scup landed for sale in any state during a quota period shall be applied 
against the coastwide commercial quota for that period, regardless of 
where the scup were harvested, except as provided in paragraph 
(a)(2)(iv) of this section, and irrespective of whether the commercial 
sector ACL is exceeded. Any current year landings in excess of the 
commercial quota in any quota period will be deducted from that quota 
period's annual quota in the following year as prescribed in paragraphs 
(a)(2)(ii) through (iii) of this section:
    (ii) For the Winter I and Summer quota periods, landings in excess 
of the allocation will be deducted from the appropriate quota period for 
the following year in the final rule that establishes the annual quota. 
The overage deduction will be based on landings for the current year 
through September 30 and on landings for the previous calendar year that 
were not included when the overage deduction was made in the final rule 
that established the period quotas for the current year. If the Regional 
Administrator determines during the fishing year that any part of an 
overage deduction was based on erroneous landings data that were in 
excess of actual landings for the period concerned, he/she will restore 
the overage that was deducted in error to the appropriate quota 
allocation. The Regional Administrator will publish notification in the 
Federal Register announcing the restoration.
    (iii) For the Winter II quota period, landings in excess of the 
allocation will be deducted from the Winter II period for the following 
year through notification in the Federal Register during July of the 
following year. The overage deduction will be based on landings 
information available for the Winter II period as of June 30 of the 
following year. If the Regional Administrator determines during the 
fishing year that

[[Page 941]]

any part of an overage deduction was based on erroneous landings data 
that were in excess of actual landings for the period concerned, he/she 
will restore the overage that was deducted in error to the appropriate 
quota allocation. The Regional Administrator will publish notification 
in the Federal Register announcing the restoration.
    (iv) During a fishing year in which the Winter I quota period is 
closed prior to April 15, a state may apply to the Regional 
Administrator for authorization to count scup landed for sale in that 
state from April 15 through April 30 by state-only permitted vessels 
fishing exclusively in waters under the jurisdiction of that state 
against the Summer period quota. Requests to the Regional Administrator 
to count scup landings in a state from April 15 through April 30 against 
the Summer period quota must be made by letter signed by the principal 
state official with marine fishery management responsibility and 
expertise, or his/her designee, and must be received by the Regional 
Administrator no later than April 15. Within 10 working days following 
receipt of the letter, the Regional Administrator shall notify the 
appropriate state official of the disposition of the request.
    (b) Non-landing accountability measure. In the event that the 
commercial ACL has been exceeded and the overage has not been 
accommodated through the landings-based AM, then the following procedure 
will be followed:
    (1) Overfishing, rebuilding, or unknown stock status. If the most 
recent estimate of biomass is below the BMSY threshold (i.e., 
B/BMSY is less than 0.5), the stock is under a rebuilding 
plan, or the biological reference points (B or BMSY) are 
unknown, and the commercial ACL has been exceeded, then the exact 
amount, in pounds, by which the most recent year's commercial catch 
estimate exceeded the most recent year's commercial ACL will be 
deducted, in the following fishing year from the commercial ACT, as a 
single-year adjustment.
    (2) If biomass is above the threshold, but below the target, and the 
stock is not under rebuilding. If the most recent estimate of biomass is 
above the biomass threshold (B/BMSY is greater than 0.5), but 
below the biomass target (B/BMSY is less than 1.0), and the 
stock is not under a rebuilding plan, then the following AMs will apply:
    (i) If the Commercial ACL has been exceeded, but not the overall 
ABC, then no single-year AM payback is required.
    (ii) If the Commercial ACL and ABC have been exceeded, then a scaled 
single-year adjustment to the commercial ACT will be made, in the 
following fishing year. The ACT will be reduced by the exact amount, in 
pounds, of the product of the overage, defined as the difference between 
the commercial catch and the commercial ACT, and the payback 
coefficient. The payback coefficient is the difference between the most 
recent estimate of biomass and BMSY (i.e., BMSY-B) 
divided by one-half of BMSY.
    (3) If biomass is above BMSY. If the most recent estimate 
of biomass is above BMSY (i.e., B/BMSY is greater 
than 1.0), then no single-year AM payback is required.
    (c) Recreational ACL. The recreational sector ACL will be evaluated 
based on a 3-year moving average comparison of total catch (landings and 
dead discards). Both landings and dead discards will be evaluated in 
determining if the 3-year average recreational sector ACL has been 
exceeded.
    (d) Recreational AMs. If the recreational ACL is exceeded, then the 
following procedure will be followed:
    (1) If biomass is below the threshold, the stock is under 
rebuilding, or biological reference points are unknown. If the most 
recent estimate of biomass is below the BMSY threshold (i.e., B/BMSY is 
less than 0.5), the stock is under a rebuilding plan, or the biological 
reference points (B or BMSY) are unknown, and the recreational ACL has 
been exceeded, then the exact amount, in pounds, by which the most 
recent 3-year average recreational catch estimate exceeded the most 
recent 3-year average recreational ACL will be deducted in the following 
fishing year, or as soon as possible, thereafter, once catch data are 
available, from the recreational ACT. This payback may be evenly spread 
over 2 years if doing so allows for use of identical recreational 
management measures across the upcoming 2 years.

[[Page 942]]

    (2) If biomass is above the threshold, but below the target, and the 
stock is not under rebuilding. If the most recent estimate of biomass is 
above the biomass threshold (B/BMSY is greater than 0.5), but 
below the biomass target (B/BMSY is less than 1.0), and the 
stock is not under a rebuilding plan, then the following AMs will apply:
    (i) If the Recreational ACL has been exceeded. If the Recreational 
ACL has been exceeded, then adjustments to the recreational management 
measures, taking into account the performance of the measures and 
conditions that precipitated the overage, will be made in the following 
fishing year, or as soon as possible thereafter, once catch data are 
available, as a single-year adjustment.
    (ii) If the fishing mortality (F) has exceeded FMSY (or the proxy). 
If the most recent estimate of total fishing mortality exceeds FMSY (or 
the proxy), then an adjustment to the recreational ACT will be made as 
soon as possible once catch data are available, as described in 
paragraph (d)(2)(ii)(A) of this section. If an estimate of total fishing 
mortality for the most recent complete year of catch data is not 
available, then a comparison of total catch relative to the ABC will be 
used.
    (A) Adjustment to Recreational ACT. If an adjustment to the 
following year's Recreational ACT is required, then the ACT will be 
reduced by the exact amount, in pounds, of the product of the overage, 
defined as the difference between the most recent 3-year average 
recreational catch and the most recent 3-year average recreational ACL, 
and the payback coefficient, as specified in paragraph (d)(2)(ii)(B) of 
this section. This payback may be evenly spread over 2 years if doing so 
allows for use of identical recreational management measures across the 
upcoming 2 years.
    (B) Payback coefficient. The payback coefficient is the difference 
between the most recent estimate of biomass and BMSY (i.e., 
BMSY-B) divided by one-half of BMSY.
    (3) If biomass is above BMSY. If the most recent estimate of biomass 
is above BMSY (i.e., B/BMSY is greater than 1.0), 
then adjustments to the recreational management measures, taking into 
account the performance of the measures and conditions that precipitated 
the overage, will be made in the following fishing year, or as soon as 
possible thereafter, once catch data are available, as a single-year 
adjustment.
    (e) State/Federal disconnect AM. If the total catch, allowable 
landings, commercial quotas, and/or RHL measures adopted by the ASMFC 
Summer Flounder, Scup and Black Sea Bass Management Board and the MAFMC 
differ for a given fishing year, administrative action will be taken as 
soon as possible to revisit the respective recommendations of the two 
groups. The intent of this action shall be to achieve alignment through 
consistent state and Federal measures such that no differential effects 
occur on Federal permit holders.

[76 FR 60632, Sept. 29, 2011, as amended at 78 FR 76763, Dec. 19, 2013; 
83 FR 17315, Apr. 19, 2018; 83 FR 53827, Oct. 25, 2018; 88 FR 14509, 
Mar. 9, 2023]



Sec. 648.124  Scup commercial season and commercial fishery area restrictions.

    (a) Southern Gear Restricted Area--(1) Restrictions. From January 1 
through March 15, all trawl vessels in the Southern Gear Restricted Area 
that fish for or possess non-exempt species as specified in paragraph 
(a)(2) of this section must fish with nets that have a minimum mesh size 
of 5.0-inch (12.7-cm) diamond mesh, applied throughout the codend for at 
least 75 continuous meshes forward of the terminus of the net. For trawl 
nets with codends (including an extension) of fewer than 75 meshes, the 
entire trawl net must have a minimum mesh size of 5.0 inches (12.7 cm) 
throughout the net. The Southern Gear Restricted Area is an area bounded 
by straight lines connecting the following points in the order stated 
(copies of a chart depicting the area are available from the Regional 
Administrator upon request):

                      Southern Gear Restricted Area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Point                 Latitude                  Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
SGA1................  39[deg]20[min] N........  72[deg]37[min] W.
SGA2................  39[deg]4.38[min] N......  72[deg]47.22[min] W.
SGA3................  38[deg]28.65[min] N.....  73[deg]29.37[min] W.
SGA4................  38[deg]29.72[min] N.....  73[deg]30.65[min] W.
SGA5................  38[deg]26.32[min] N.....  73[deg]33.44[min] W.
SGA6................  38[deg]25.08[min] N.....  73[deg]34.99[min] W.
SGA7................  38[deg]13.15[min] N.....  73[deg]49.77[min] W.

[[Page 943]]

 
SGA8................  38[deg]13.74[min] N.....  73[deg]50.73[min] W.
SGA9................  38[deg]11.98[min] N.....  73[deg]52.65[min] W.
SGA10...............  37[deg]29.53[min] N.....  74[deg]29.95[min] W.
SGA11...............  37[deg]29.43[min] N.....  74[deg]30.29[min] W.
SGA12...............  37[deg]28.6[min] N......  74[deg]30.6[min] W.
SGA13...............  37[deg]6.97[min] N......  74[deg]40.8[min] W.
SGA14...............  37[deg]5.83[min] N......  74[deg]45.57[min] W.
SGA15...............  37[deg]4.43[min] N......  74[deg]41.03[min] W.
SGA16...............  37[deg]3.5[min] N.......  74[deg]40.39[min] W.
SGA17...............  37[deg] N...............  74[deg]43[min] W.
SGA18...............  37[deg] N...............  75[deg]3[min] W.
SGA19...............  38[deg] N...............  74[deg]23[min] W.
SGA20...............  39[deg]20[min] N........  72[deg]53[min] W.
SGA1................  39[deg]20[min] N........  72[deg]37[min] W.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) Non-exempt species. Unless otherwise specified in paragraph (d) 
of this section, the restrictions specified in paragraph (a)(1) of this 
section apply only to vessels in the Southern Gear Restricted Area that 
are fishing for or in possession of the following non-exempt species: 
Longfin squid; black sea bass; and silver hake (whiting).
    (b) Northern Gear Restricted Area 1--(1) Restrictions. From November 
1 through December 31, all trawl vessels in the Northern Gear Restricted 
Area 1 that fish for or possess non-exempt species as specified in 
paragraph (b)(2) of this section must fish with nets of 5.0-inch (12.7-
cm) diamond mesh, applied throughout the codend for at least 75 
continuous meshes forward of the terminus of the net. For trawl nets 
with codends (including an extension) of fewer than 75 meshes, the 
entire trawl net must have a minimum mesh size of 5.0 inches (12.7 cm) 
throughout the net. The Northern Gear Restricted Area 1 is an area 
bounded by straight lines connecting the following points in the order 
stated (copies of a chart depicting the area are available from the 
Regional Administrator upon request):

                     Northern Gear Restricted Area 1
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Point                     N. lat.            W. long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NGA1..............................  41[deg]00[min]     71[deg]00[min]
NGA2..............................  41[deg]00[min]     71[deg]30[min]
NGA3..............................  40[deg]00[min]     72[deg]40[min]
NGA4..............................  40[deg]00[min]     72[deg]05[min]
NGA1..............................  41[deg]00[min]     71[deg]00[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) Non-exempt species. Unless otherwise specified in paragraph (d) 
of this section, the restrictions specified in paragraph (b)(1) of this 
section apply only to vessels in the Northern Gear Restricted Area 1 
that are fishing for, or in possession of, the following non-exempt 
species: Longfin squid squid; black sea bass; and silver hake (whiting).
    (c) Transiting. Vessels that are subject to the provisions of the 
Southern and Northern GRAs, as specified in paragraphs (a) and (b) of 
this section, respectively, may transit these areas provided that trawl 
net codends on board of mesh size less than that specified in paragraphs 
(a) and (b) of this section are stowed and not available for immediate 
use as defined in Sec. 648.2.
    (d) [Reserved]
    (e) Addition or deletion of exemptions. The MAFMC may recommend to 
the Regional Administrator, through the framework procedure specified in 
Sec. 648.130(a), additions or deletions to exemptions for fisheries 
other than scup. A fishery may be restricted or exempted by area, gear, 
season, or other means determined to be appropriate to reduce bycatch of 
scup.
    (f) Exempted experimental fishing. The Regional Administrator may 
issue an exempted experimental fishing permit (EFP) under the provisions 
of Sec. 600.745(b), consistent with paragraph (d)(2) of this section, 
to allow any vessel participating in a scup discard mitigation research 
project to engage in any of the following activities: Fish in the 
applicable gear restriction area; use fishing gear that does not conform 
to the regulations; possess non-exempt species specified in paragraphs 
(a)(2) and (b)(2) of this section; or engage in any other activity 
necessary to project operations for which an exemption from regulatory 
provision is required. Vessels issued an EFP must comply with all 
conditions and restrictions specified in the EFP.
    (1) A vessel participating in an exempted experimental fishery in 
the Scup Gear Restriction Area(s) must carry an EFP authorizing the 
activity and any required Federal fishery permit on board.
    (2) The Regional Administrator may not issue an EFP unless s/he 
determines that issuance is consistent with the objectives of the FMP, 
the provisions of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, and other applicable law and 
will not:

[[Page 944]]

    (i) Have a detrimental effect on the scup resource and fishery;
    (ii) Cause the quotas for any species of fish for any quota period 
to be exceeded;
    (iii) Create significant enforcement problems; or
    (iv) Have a detrimental effect on the scup discard mitigation 
research project.

[76 FR 60633, Sept. 29, 2011, as amended at 77 FR 16480, Mar. 21, 2012; 
79 FR 52580, Sept. 4, 2014; 81 FR 78731, Nov. 9, 2016]



Sec. 648.125  Scup gear restrictions.

    (a) Trawl vessel gear restrictions--(1) Minimum mesh size. No owner 
or operator of an otter trawl vessel that is issued a scup moratorium 
permit may possess more than 1,000 lb (454 kg) of scup from October 1 
through April 14, more than 2,000 lb (907 kg) from April 15 through June 
15, or more than 200 lb (91 kg) of scup from June 16 through September 
30, unless fishing with nets that have a minimum mesh size of 5.0-inch 
(12.7-cm) diamond mesh, applied throughout the codend for at least 75 
continuous meshes forward of the terminus of the net, and all other nets 
are stowed and not available for immediate use as defined in Sec. 
648.2.
    (2) Mesh-size measurement. Mesh sizes will be measured according to 
the procedure specified in Sec. 648.108(a)(2).
    (3) Net modification. The owner or operator of a fishing vessel 
subject to the minimum mesh requirements in Sec. 648.124 and paragraph 
(a)(1) of this section shall not use any device, gear, or material, 
including, but not limited to, nets, net strengtheners, ropes, lines, or 
chafing gear, on the top of the regulated portion of a trawl net. 
However, one splitting strap and one bull rope (if present), consisting 
of line or rope no more than 3 inches (7.2 cm) in diameter, may be used 
if such splitting strap and/or bull rope does not constrict in any 
manner the top of the regulated portion of the net, and one rope no 
greater that 0.75 inches (1.9 cm) in diameter extending the length of 
the net from the belly to the terminus of the codend along the top, 
bottom, and each side of the net. ``Top of the regulated portion of the 
net'' means the 50 percent of the entire regulated portion of the net 
that (in a hypothetical situation) will not be in contact with the ocean 
bottom during a tow if the regulated portion of the net were laid flat 
on the ocean floor. For the purpose of this paragraph (a)(3), head ropes 
are not considered part of the top of the regulated portion of a trawl 
net.
    (4) Mesh obstruction or constriction. (i) The owner or operator of a 
fishing vessel subject to the minimum mesh restrictions in Sec. 648.124 
and in paragraph (a)(1) of this section shall not use any mesh 
construction, mesh configuration, or other means on, in, or attached to 
the top of the regulated portion of the net, as defined in paragraph 
(a)(3) of this section, if it obstructs or constricts the meshes of the 
net in any manner.
    (ii) The owner or operator of a fishing vessel subject to the 
minimum mesh requirements in Sec. 648.124 and in paragraph (a)(1) of 
this section may not use a net capable of catching scup if the bars 
entering or exiting the knots twist around each other.
    (5) Stowage of nets. The owner or operator of an otter trawl vessel 
retaining 1,000 lb (454 kg) or more of scup from October 1 through April 
14, 2,000 lb (907 kg) or more of scup from April 15 through June 15, or 
200 lb (90.7 kg) or more of scup from June 16 through September 30, and 
subject to the minimum mesh requirements in paragraph (a)(1) of this 
section, and the owner or operator of a midwater trawl or other trawl 
vessel subject to the minimum size requirement in Sec. 648.126, may not 
have available for immediate use any net, or any piece of net, not 
meeting the minimum mesh size requirement, or mesh that is rigged in a 
manner that is inconsistent with the minimum mesh size. A net that is 
stowed and not available for immediate use as defined in Sec. 648.2, 
and that can be shown not to have been in recent use, is considered to 
be not available for immediate use.
    (6) Roller gear. The owner or operator of an otter trawl vessel 
issued a moratorium permit pursuant to Sec. 648.4(a)(6) shall not use 
roller rig trawl gear equipped with rollers greater than 18 inches (45.7 
cm) in diameter.
    (7) Procedures for changes. The minimum net mesh and the threshold 
catch level at which it is required set forth in paragraph (a)(1) of 
this section,

[[Page 945]]

and the maximum roller diameter set forth in paragraph (a)(6) of this 
section, may be changed following the procedures in Sec. 648.122.
    (b) Pot and trap gear restrictions. Owners or operators of vessels 
subject to this part must fish with scup pots or traps that comply with 
the following:
    (1) Degradable hinges. A scup pot or trap must have degradable 
hinges and fasteners made of one of the following degradable materials:
    (i) Untreated hemp, jute, or cotton string of \3/16\ inches (4.8 mm) 
diameter or smaller;
    (ii) Magnesium alloy, timed float releases (pop-up devices) or 
similar magnesium alloy fasteners; or
    (iii) Ungalvanized or uncoated iron wire of 0.094 inches (2.4 mm) 
diameter or smaller.
    (iv) The use of a single non-degradable retention device designed to 
prevent loss of the ghost panel after the degradable materials have 
failed is permitted provided the device does not impair the egress 
design function of the ghost panel by obstructing the opening or by 
preventing the panel from opening at such time that the degradable 
fasteners have completely deteriorated.
    (2) Escape vents. (i) All scup pots or traps that have a circular 
escape vent with a minimum of 3.1 inches (7.9 cm) in diameter, or a 
square escape vent with a minimum of 2.25 inches (5.7 cm) for each side, 
or an equivalent rectangular escape vent.
    (ii) The minimum escape vent size set forth in paragraph (b)(2)(i) 
of this section may be revised following the procedures in Sec. 
648.122.
    (3) Pot and trap identification. Pots or traps used in fishing for 
scup must be marked with a code of identification that may be the number 
assigned by the Regional Administrator and/or the identification marking 
as required by the vessel's home port state.

[76 FR 60634, Sept. 29, 2011, as amended at 79 FR 52580, Sept. 4, 2014; 
81 FR 51378, Aug. 4, 2016; 83 FR 17315, Apr. 19, 2018; 83 FR 64487, Dec. 
17, 2018; 88 FR 7628, Feb. 6, 2023]



Sec. 648.126  Scup minimum fish sizes.

    (a) Moratorium (commercially) permitted vessels. The minimum size 
for scup is 9 inches (22.9 cm) TL for all vessels issued a moratorium 
permit under Sec. 648.4(a)(6). If such a vessel is also issued a 
charter and party boat permit and is carrying passengers for hire, or 
carrying more than three crew members if a charter boat, or more than 
five crew members if a party boat, then the minimum size specified in 
paragraph (b) of this section applies.
    (b) Party/Charter permitted vessels and recreational fishery 
participants. The minimum size for scup is 10 inches (25.4 cm) total 
length for all vessels that do not have a scup moratorium permit, or for 
party and charter vessels that are issued a scup moratorium permit but 
are fishing with passengers for hire, or carrying more than three crew 
members if a charter boat, or more than five crew members if a party 
boat. However, possession of smaller scup harvested from state waters is 
allowed for state-only permitted vessels when transiting Federal waters 
within the Block Island Sound Transit Area provided they follow the 
provisions at Sec. 648.131 and abide by state regulations.
    (c) The minimum size applies to whole fish or any part of a fish 
found in possession, e.g., fillets. These minimum sizes may be adjusted 
pursuant to the procedures in Sec. 648.122.

[76 FR 60635, Sept. 29, 2011, as amended at 78 FR 37480, June 21, 2013; 
79 FR 38264, July 7, 2014; 84 FR 65703, Nov. 29, 2019; 87 FR 35116, June 
9, 2022]



Sec. 648.127  Scup recreational fishing season.

    Fishermen and vessels that are not eligible for a scup moratorium 
permit under Sec. 648.4(a)(6), may possess scup from May 1 through 
December 31, subject to the possession limit specified in Sec. 
648.128(a). The recreational fishing season may be adjusted pursuant to 
the procedures in Sec. 648.122. Should the recreational fishing season 
be modified, non-federally permitted scup vessels abiding by state 
regulations may transit with scup harvested from state waters on board 
through the Block Island Sound Transit Area following the provisions 
outlined in Sec. 648.131.

[88 FR 55419, Aug. 15, 2023]



Sec. 648.128  Scup possession restrictions.

    (a) No person shall possess more than 40 scup in, or harvested from, 
the EEZ

[[Page 946]]

per trip unless that person is the owner or operator of a fishing vessel 
issued a scup moratorium permit, or is issued a scup dealer permit. 
Persons aboard a commercial vessel that is not eligible for a scup 
moratorium permit are subject to this possession limit. The owner, 
operator, and crew of a charter or party boat issued a scup moratorium 
permit are subject to the possession limit when carrying passengers for 
hire or when carrying more than five crew members for a party boat, or 
more than three crew members for a charter boat. This possession limit 
may be adjusted pursuant to the procedures in Sec. 648.122. However, 
possession of scup harvested from state waters above this possession 
limit is allowed for state-only permitted vessels when transiting 
Federal waters within the Block Island Sound Transit Area provided they 
follow the provisions at Sec. 648.131 and abide by state regulations.
    (b) If whole scup are processed into fillets, an authorized officer 
will convert the number of fillets to whole scup at the place of landing 
by dividing fillet number by 2. If scup are filleted into a single 
(butterfly) fillet, such fillet shall be deemed to be from one whole 
scup.
    (c) Scup harvested by vessels subject to the possession limit with 
more than one person aboard may be pooled in one or more containers. 
Compliance with the possession limit will be determined by dividing the 
number of scup on board by the number of persons aboard other than the 
captain and crew. If there is a violation of the possession limit on 
board a vessel carrying more than one person, the violation shall be 
deemed to have been committed by the owner and operator.
    (d) Scup and scup parts harvested by a vessel with a moratorium or 
charter or party boat scup permit, or in or from the EEZ north of 
35[deg]15.3[min] N. lat., may not be landed with the skin removed.

[76 FR 60635, Sept. 29, 2011, as amended at 77 FR 30431, May 23, 2012; 
78 FR 37480, June 21, 2013; 80 FR 35258, June 19, 2015; 84 FR 65703, 
Nov. 29, 2019; 88 FR 55419, Aug. 15, 2023]



Sec. 648.129  Protection of threatened and endangered sea turtles.

    This section supplements existing regulations issued to regulate 
incidental take of sea turtles under authority of the Endangered Species 
Act under 50 CFR parts 222 and 223. In addition to the measures required 
under those parts, NMFS will investigate the extent of sea turtle takes 
in flynet gear and, if deemed appropriate, may develop and certify a 
Turtle Excluder Device for that gear.

[76 FR 60635, Sept. 29, 2011]



Sec. 648.130  Scup framework adjustments to management measures.

    (a) Within season management action. See Sec. 648.110(a).
    (1) Adjustment process. The MAFMC shall develop and analyze 
appropriate management actions over the span of at least two MAFMC 
meetings. The MAFMC must provide the public with advance notice of the 
availability of the recommendation(s), appropriate justification(s) and 
economic and biological analyses, and the opportunity to comment on the 
proposed adjustment(s) at the first meeting and prior to and at the 
second MAFMC meeting. The MAFMC's recommendations on adjustments or 
additions to management measures must come from one or more of the 
following categories: Adjustments within existing ABC control rules; 
adjustments to the existing MAFMC risk policy; introduction of new AMs, 
including sub-ACTs; minimum fish size; maximum fish size; gear 
restrictions; gear restricted areas; gear requirements or prohibitions; 
permitting restrictions; recreational possession limits; recreational 
seasons; closed areas; commercial seasons; commercial trip limits; 
commercial quota system including commercial quota allocation procedure 
and possible quota set asides to mitigate bycatch; recreational harvest 
limits; annual specification quota setting process; commercial/
recreational allocations; transfer provisions between the commercial and 
recreational sectors; FMP Monitoring Committee composition and process; 
description and identification of EFH (and fishing gear management

[[Page 947]]

measures that impact EFH); description and identification of habitat 
areas of particular concern; regional gear restrictions; regional season 
restrictions (including option to split seasons); restrictions on vessel 
size (LOA and GRT) or shaft horsepower; operator permits; changes to the 
SBRM, including the CV-based performance standard, the means by which 
discard data are collected/obtained, fishery stratification, the process 
for prioritizing observer sea-day allocations, reports, and/or industry-
funded observers or observer set aside programs; any other commercial or 
recreational management measures; any other management measures 
currently included in the FMP; and set aside quota for scientific 
research.
    (2) MAFMC recommendation. See Sec. 648.110(a)(2)(i) through (iv).
    (3) NMFS action. See Sec. 648.110(a)(3)(i) through (iii).
    (4) Emergency actions. See Sec. 648.110(a)(4).
    (b) [Reserved]

[76 FR 60635, Sept. 29, 2011, as amended at 80 FR 37196, June 30, 2015; 
87 FR 68930, Nov. 17, 2022]



Sec. 648.131  Block Island Sound Transit Area.

    Vessels not issued a scup Federal moratorium or party/charter 
permit, and recreational fishing participants fishing exclusively in 
state waters may transit with scup harvested from state waters on board 
through Federal waters of the EEZ within Block Island Sound, north of a 
line connecting Montauk Light, Montauk Point, NY, and Block Island 
Southeast Light, Block Island, RI; and west of a line connecting Point 
Judith Light, Point Judith, RI, and Block Island Southeast Light, Block 
Island, RI. Within this area, possession of scup is permitted regardless 
of the minimum size, possession limit, and seasons outlined in 
Sec. Sec. 648.126, 648.127, and 648.128, provided no fishing takes 
place from the vessel while in Federal waters of the EEZ, the vessel 
complies with state regulations, and is in continuous transit. During 
such transit through this area, commercial gear must be stowed in 
accordance with the definition of ``not available for immediate use'' 
found at Sec. 648.2, and party/charter vessels and recreational 
participants must have all bait and hooks removed from fishing rods, and 
any scup on board must be stored in a cooler or container.

[84 FR 65703, Nov. 29, 2019]



      Subpart I_Management Measures for the Black Sea Bass Fishery

    Source: 61 FR 58467, Nov. 15, 1996, unless otherwise noted.



Sec. 648.140  Black sea bass Annual Catch Limit (ACL).

    (a) Annual Catch Limits. The Monitoring Committee shall recommend to 
the MAFMC separate ACLs for the commercial and recreational scup 
fisheries, the sum total of which shall be equal to the ABC recommended 
by the SSC.
    (1) Sector allocations. The commercial and recreational fishing 
sector ACLs will be based on the allocations defined in the Summer 
Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan.
    (2) Periodicity. The black sea bass commercial and recreational 
sector ACLs may be established on an annual basis for up to 3 years at a 
time, dependent on whether the SSC provides single or multiple year ABC 
recommendations.
    (b) Performance review. The Monitoring Committee shall conduct a 
detailed review of fishery performance relative to the sector ACLs at 
least every 5 years.
    (1) If one or both of the sector-specific ACLs is exceeded with a 
frequency greater than 25 percent (i.e., more than once in 4 years or 
any 2 consecutive years), the Monitoring Committee will review fishery 
performance information and consider whether changes to measures are 
needed.
    (2) The MAFMC may specify more frequent or more specific ACL 
performance review criteria as part of a stock rebuilding plan following 
a determination that the black sea bass stock has become overfished.
    (3) Performance reviews shall not substitute for annual reviews that 
occur to ascertain if prior year ACLs

[[Page 948]]

have been exceeded but may be conducted in conjunction with such 
reviews.

[76 FR 60636, Sept. 29, 2011, as amended at 87 FR 68930, Nov. 17, 2022; 
88 FR 14509, Mar. 9, 2023]



Sec. 648.141  Black sea bass Annual Catch Target (ACT).

    (a) Annual Catch Targets. The Monitoring Committee shall identify 
and review the relevant sources of management uncertainty to recommend 
ACTs for the commercial and recreational fishing sectors as part of the 
black sea bass specification process. The Monitoring Committee 
recommendations shall identify the specific sources of management 
uncertainty that were considered, technical approaches to mitigating 
these sources of uncertainty, and any additional relevant information 
considered in the ACT recommendation process.
    (1) Sectors. Commercial and recreational specific ACTs shall be less 
than or equal to the sector-specific ACLs. The Monitoring Committee 
shall recommend any reduction in catch necessary to address sector-
specific management uncertainty, consistent with this paragraph (a).
    (2) Periodicity. ACTs may be established on an annual basis for up 
to 3 years at a time, dependent on whether the SSC provides single or 
multiple-year ABC recommendations.
    (b) Performance review. The Monitoring Committee shall conduct a 
detailed review of fishery performance relative to ACTs in conjunction 
with any ACL performance review, as outlined in Sec. 648.140(b)(1) 
through (3).

[76 FR 60636, Sept. 29, 2011, as amended at 88 FR 14510, Mar. 9, 2023]



Sec. 648.142  Black sea bass specifications.

    (a) Specifications. Commercial quota, recreational landing limit, 
research set-aside, and other specification measures. The Monitoring 
Committee will recommend to the MAFMC and the ASMFC, through the 
specification process, for use in conjunction with the ACL and ACT, 
sector-specific research set-asides, estimates of the sector-related 
discards, a recreational harvest limit, a commercial quota, along with 
other measures, as needed, that are projected to prevent overages of the 
applicable specified limits or targets for each sector as prescribed in 
the FMP. The following measures are to be considered by the Monitoring 
Committee:
    (1) Research quota set from a range of 0 to 3 percent of the maximum 
allowed.
    (2) A commercial quota, allocated annually.
    (3) A commercial possession limit for all moratorium vessels, with 
the provision that these quantities be the maximum allowed to be landed 
within a 24-hour period (calendar day).
    (4) Commercial minimum fish size.
    (5) Minimum mesh size in the codend or throughout the net and the 
catch threshold that will require compliance with the minimum mesh 
requirement.
    (6) Escape vent size.
    (7) A recreational possession limit.
    (8) Recreational minimum and/or maximum fish size.
    (9) Recreational season.
    (10) Recreational State conservation equivalent and precautionary 
default measures utilizing possession limits, minimum fish sizes, and/or 
seasons.
    (11) Restrictions on gear other than otter trawls and pots or traps.
    (12) Total allowable landings on an annual basis for a period not to 
exceed 3 years.
    (13) Changes, as appropriate, to the SBRM, including the CV-based 
performance standard, the means by which discard data are collected/
obtained, fishery stratification, the process for prioritizing observer 
sea-day allocations, reports, and/or industry-funded observers or 
observer set aside programs.
    (14) Modification of the existing AM measures and ACT control rules 
utilized by the Black Sea Bass Monitoring Committee.
    (b) Specification fishing measures. The MAFMC shall review the 
Monitoring Committee recommendations and, based on the recommendations 
and public comment, make recommendations to the Regional Administrator 
on measures projected to constrain the sectors to the applicable limit 
or target as prescribed in the FMP. Included in the recommendation will 
be supporting documents, as appropriate,

[[Page 949]]

concerning the environmental and economic impacts of the final rule. The 
Regional Administrator will review these recommendations and any 
recommendations of the ASMFC. After such review, the Regional 
Administrator will publish a proposed rule in the Federal Register to 
implement a commercial quota, a recreational harvest limit, and 
additional management measures for the commercial fishery.
    (c) Distribution of annual commercial quota. The black sea bass 
commercial quota will be allocated on a coastwide basis.
    (d) Recreational specification measures. The Monitoring Committee 
shall recommend to the MAFMC and ASMFC measures that are projected to 
prevent overages of the applicable recreational target as prescribed in 
the FMP. The MAFMC shall review these recommendations and, based on the 
recommendations and any public comment, recommend recreational 
management measures to the Regional Administrator. The MAFMC's 
recommendations must include supporting documentation, as appropriate, 
concerning the environmental and economic impacts of the 
recommendations. The MAFMC and the ASMFC will recommend that the 
Regional Administrator implement either:
    (1) Coastwide measures. Annual coastwide management measures that 
constrain the recreational black sea bass fishery to the recreational 
target as specified in the fishery management plan, or
    (2) Conservation equivalent measures. Individual states, or regions 
formed voluntarily by adjacent states (i.e., multi-state conservation 
equivalency regions), may implement different combinations of minimum 
and/or maximum fish sizes, possession limits, and closed seasons that 
achieve equivalent conservation as the coastwide measures. Each state or 
multi-state conservation equivalency region may implement measures by 
mode or area only if the proportional standard error of recreational 
landing estimates by mode or area for that state is less than 30 
percent.
    (i) After review of the recommendations, the Regional Administrator 
will publish a proposed rule in the Federal Register as soon as possible 
to implement the overall recreational target required for the fishing 
year(s), and the ASMFC's recommendation concerning conservation 
equivalency, the precautionary default measures, and coastwide measures.
    (ii) The ASMFC will review conservation equivalency proposals and 
determine whether or not they achieve the necessary recreational target. 
The ASMFC will provide the Regional Administrator with the individual 
State and/or multi-State region conservation measures for the approved 
State and/or multi-State region proposals and, in the case of 
disapproved State and/or multi-State region proposals, the precautionary 
default measures that should be applied to a State or region. At the 
request of the ASMFC, precautionary default measures would apply to 
federally permitted party/charter vessels and other recreational fishing 
vessels harvesting black sea bass in or from the EEZ when landing in a 
State that implements measures not approved by the ASMFC.
    (iii) After considering public comment, the Regional Administrator 
will publish a final rule in the Federal Register to implement either 
the State or regional conservation equivalency measures or coastwide 
measures to ensure that the applicable specified target is not exceeded.
    (iv) The ASMFC may allow states or regions assigned the 
precautionary default measures to resubmit revised management measures. 
The ASMFC will detail the procedures by which the State or region can 
develop alternate measures. The ASMFC will notify the Regional 
Administrator of any resubmitted State or regional proposals approved 
subsequent to publication of the final rule and the Regional 
Administrator will publish a document in the Federal Register to notify 
the public.
    (e) Research quota. See Sec. 648.22(g).

[84 FR 65704, Nov. 29, 2019; 88 FR 14510, Mar. 9, 2023]



Sec. 648.143  Black sea bass accountability measures.

    (a) Commercial sector fishery closure. The Regional Administrator 
will monitor the harvest of commercial quota based on dealer reports, 
state data, and

[[Page 950]]

other available information. All black sea bass landed for sale in the 
states from North Carolina through Maine by a vessel with a moratorium 
permit issued under Sec. 648.4(a)(7) shall be applied against the 
commercial annual coastwide quota, regardless of where the black sea 
bass were harvested. All black sea bass harvested north of 
35[deg]15.3[min] N. lat., and landed for sale in the states from North 
Carolina through Maine by any vessel without a moratorium permit and 
fishing exclusively in state waters, will be counted against the quota 
by the state in which it is landed, pursuant to the FMP for the black 
sea bass fishery adopted by the ASMFC. The Regional Administrator will 
determine the date on which the annual coastwide quota will have been 
harvested; beginning on that date and through the end of the calendar 
year, the EEZ north of 35[deg]15.3[min] N. lat. will be closed to the 
possession of black sea bass. The Regional Administrator will publish 
notification in the Federal Register advising that, upon, and after, 
that date, no vessel may possess black sea bass in the EEZ north of 
35[deg]15.3[min] N. lat. during a closure, nor may vessels issued a 
moratorium permit land black sea bass during the closure. Individual 
states will have the responsibility to close their ports to landings of 
black sea bass during a closure, pursuant to the FMP for the black sea 
bass fishery adopted by the ASMFC.
    (1) Commercial ACL overage evaluation. The commercial sector ACL 
will be evaluated based on a single-year examination of total catch 
(landings and dead discards). Both landings and dead discards will be 
evaluated in determining if the commercial sector ACL has been exceeded.
    (2) Commercial landings overage repayment. Landings in excess of the 
annual coastwide quota will be deducted from the quota allocation for 
the following year in the final rule that establishes the annual quota. 
The overage deduction will be based on landings for the current year 
through September 30, and landings for the previous calendar year were 
not included when the overage deduction was made in the final rule that 
established the annual coastwide quota for the current year. If the 
Regional Administrator determines during the fishing year that any part 
of an overage deduction was based on erroneous landings data that were 
in excess of actual landings for the period concerned, he/she will 
restore the overage that was deducted in error to the appropriate quota 
allocation. The Regional Administrator will publish notification in the 
Federal Register announcing the restoration.
    (b) Non-landing accountability measure. In the event that the 
commercial ACL has been exceeded and the overage has not been 
accommodated through the landings-based AM, then the following procedure 
will be followed:
    (1) Overfishing, rebuilding, or unknown stock status. If the most 
recent estimate of biomass is below the BMSY threshold (i.e., 
B/BMSY is less than 0.5), the stock is under a rebuilding 
plan, or the biological reference points (B or BMSY) are 
unknown, and the commercial ACL has been exceeded, then the exact 
amount, in pounds, by which the most recent year's commercial catch 
estimate exceeded the most recent year's commercial ACL will be 
deducted, in the following fishing year from the commercial ACT, as a 
single-year adjustment.
    (2) If biomass is above the threshold, but below the target, and the 
stock is not under rebuilding. If the most recent estimate of biomass is 
above the biomass threshold (B/BMSY is greater than 0.5), but 
below the biomass target (B/BMSY is less than 1.0), and the 
stock is not under a rebuilding plan, then the following AMs will apply:
    (i) If the Commercial ACL has been exceeded, but not the overall 
ABC, then no single-year AM payback is required.
    (ii) If the Commercial ACL and ABC have been exceeded, then a scaled 
single-year adjustment to the commercial ACT will be made, in the 
following fishing year. The ACT will be reduced by the exact amount, in 
pounds, of the product of the overage, defined as the difference between 
the commercial catch and the commercial ACT, and the payback 
coefficient. The payback coefficient is the difference between the most 
recent estimate of biomass and BMSY (i.e., BMSY-B) 
divided by one-half of BMSY.

[[Page 951]]

    (3) If biomass is above BMSY. If the most recent estimate 
of biomass is above BMSY (i.e., B/BMSY is greater 
than 1.0), then no single-year AM payback is required.
    (c) Recreational ACL Evaluation. The recreational sector ACL will be 
evaluated based on a 3-year moving average comparison of total catch 
(landings and dead discards). Both landings and dead discards will be 
evaluated in determining if the 3-year average recreational sector ACL 
has been exceeded.
    (d) Recreational AMs. If the recreational ACL is exceeded, then the 
following procedure will be followed:
    (1) If biomass is below the threshold, the stock is under 
rebuilding, or biological reference points are unknown. If the most 
recent estimate of biomass is below the BMSY threshold (i.e., B/BMSY is 
less than 0.5), the stock is under a rebuilding plan, or the biological 
reference points (B or BMSY) are unknown, and the recreational ACL has 
been exceeded, then the exact amount, in pounds, by which the most 
recent 3-year average recreational catch estimate exceeded the most 
recent 3-year average recreational ACL will be deducted in the following 
fishing year, or as soon as possible thereafter, once catch data are 
available, from the recreational ACT. This payback may be evenly spread 
over 2 years if doing so allows for use of identical recreational 
management measures across the upcoming 2 years.
    (2) If biomass is above the threshold, but below the target, and the 
stock is not under rebuilding. If the most recent estimate of biomass is 
above the biomass threshold (B/BMSY is greater than 0.5), but 
below the biomass target (B/BMSY is less than 1.0), and the 
stock is not under a rebuilding plan, then the following AMs will apply:
    (i) If the Recreational ACL has been exceeded. If the Recreational 
ACL has been exceeded, then adjustments to the recreational management 
measures, taking into account the performance of the measures and 
conditions that precipitated the overage, will be made in the following 
fishing year, or as soon as possible thereafter, once catch data are 
available, as a single-year adjustment.
    (ii) If the fishing mortality (F) has exceeded FMSY (or the proxy). 
If the most recent estimate of total fishing mortality exceeds FMSY (or 
the proxy) then an adjustment to the recreational ACT will be made as 
soon as possible once catch data are available, as described in 
paragraph (d)(2)(ii)(A) of this section. If an estimate of total fishing 
mortality for the most recent complete year of catch data is not 
available, then a comparison of total catch relative to the ABC will be 
used.
    (A) Adjustment to Recreational ACT. If an adjustment to the 
following year's Recreational ACT is required, then the ACT will be 
reduced by the exact amount, in pounds, of the product of the overage, 
defined as the difference between the most recent 3-year average 
recreational catch and the most recent 3-year average recreational ACL, 
and the payback coefficient, as specified in paragraph (d)(2)(ii)(B) of 
this section. This payback may be evenly spread over 2 years if doing so 
allows for use of identical recreational management measures across the 
upcoming 2 years.
    (B) Payback coefficient. The payback coefficient is the difference 
between the most recent estimate of biomass and BMSY (i.e., 
BMSY-B) divided by one-half of BMSY.
    (3) If biomass is above BMSY. If the most recent estimate of biomass 
is above BMSY (i.e., B/BMSY is greater than 1.0), 
then adjustments to the recreational management measures, taking into 
account the performance of the measures and conditions that precipitated 
the overage, will be made in the following fishing year, or as soon as 
possible thereafter, once catch data are available, as a single-year 
adjustment.
    (e) State/Federal disconnect AM. If the total catch, allowable 
landings, commercial quotas, and/or RHL measures adopted by the ASMFC 
Summer Flounder, Scup and Black Sea Bass Management Board and the MAFMC 
differ for a given fishing year, administrative action will be taken as 
soon as possible to revisit the respective recommendations of the two 
groups. The intent of this action shall be to achieve alignment through 
consistent state and

[[Page 952]]

Federal measures such that no differential effects occur to Federal 
permit holders.

[76 FR 60636, Sept. 29, 2011, as amended at 78 FR 76764, Dec. 19, 2013; 
83 FR 53827, Oct. 25, 2018; 88 FR 14510, Mar. 9, 2023]



Sec. 648.144  Black sea bass gear restrictions.

    (a) Trawl gear restrictions--(1) General. (i) Otter trawlers whose 
owners are issued a black sea bass moratorium permit and that land or 
possess 500 lb (226.8 kg) or more of black sea bass from January 1 
through March 31, or 100 lb (45.4 kg) or more of black sea bass from 
April 1 through December 31, must fish with nets that have a minimum 
mesh size of 4.5-inch (11.43-cm) diamond mesh applied throughout the 
codend for at least 75 continuous meshes forward of the terminus of the 
net, or for codends with less than 75 meshes, the entire net must have a 
minimum mesh size of 4.5-inch (11.43-cm) diamond mesh throughout.
    (ii) Mesh sizes shall be measured pursuant to the procedure 
specified in Sec. 648.108(a)(2).
    (2) Net modifications. No vessel subject to this part shall use any 
device, gear, or material, including, but not limited to, nets, net 
strengtheners, ropes, lines, or chafing gear, on the top of the 
regulated portion of a trawl net except that one splitting strap and one 
bull rope (if present) consisting of line or rope no more than 3 inches 
(7.6 cm) in diameter may be used if such splitting strap and/or bull 
rope does not constrict, in any manner, the top of the regulated portion 
of the net, and one rope no greater than 0.75 inches (1.9 cm) in 
diameter extending the length of the net from the belly to the terminus 
of the codend along the top, bottom, and each side of the net. ``Top of 
the regulated portion of the net'' means the 50 percent of the entire 
regulated portion of the net that (in a hypothetical situation) will not 
be in contact with the ocean bottom during a tow if the regulated 
portion of the net were laid flat on the ocean floor. For the purpose of 
this paragraph, head ropes shall not be considered part of the top of 
the regulated portion of a trawl net.
    (3) Mesh obstruction or constriction. (i) A fishing vessel may not 
use any mesh configuration, mesh construction, or other means on or in 
the top of the net, as defined in paragraph (a)(2) of this section, that 
obstructs the meshes of the net in any manner, or otherwise causes the 
size of the meshes of the net while in use to diminish to a size smaller 
than the minimum established pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this 
section.
    (ii) No person on any vessel may possess or fish with a net capable 
of catching black sea bass in which the bars entering or exiting the 
knots twist around each other.
    (4) Stowage of nets. Otter trawl vessels subject to the minimum 
mesh-size requirement of paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this section may not 
have ``available for immediate use'' any net or any piece of net that 
does not meet the minimum mesh size requirement, or any net, or any 
piece of net, with mesh that is rigged in a manner that is inconsistent 
with the minimum mesh size requirement. Nets must be stowed and not 
available for immediate use as defined in Sec. 648.2.
    (5) Roller gear. Rollers used in roller rig or rock hopper trawl 
gear shall be no larger than 18 inches (45.7 cm) in diameter.
    (b) Pot and trap gear restrictions--(1) Gear marking. The owner of a 
vessel issued a black sea bass moratorium permit must mark all black sea 
bass pots or traps with the vessel's USCG documentation number or state 
registration number.
    (2) All black sea bass traps or pots must have two escape vents 
placed in lower corners of the parlor portion of the pot or trap that 
each comply with one of the following minimum size requirements: 1.375 
inches by 5.75 inches (3.49 cm by 14.61 cm); a circular vent of 2.5 
inches (6.4 cm) in diameter; or a square vent with sides of 2 inches 
(5.1 cm), inside measure; however, black sea bass traps constructed of 
wooden laths instead may have escape vents constructed by leaving spaces 
of at least 1.375 inches (3.49 cm) between two sets of laths in the 
parlor portion of the trap. These dimensions for escape vents and lath 
spacing may be adjusted pursuant to the procedures in Sec. 648.140.

[[Page 953]]

    (3) Ghost panel. (i) Black sea bass traps or pots must contain a 
ghost panel affixed to the trap or pot with degradable fasteners and 
hinges. The opening to be covered by the ghost panel must measure at 
least 3.0 inches (7.62 cm) by 6.0 inches (15.24 cm). The ghost panel 
must be affixed to the pot or trap with hinges and fasteners made of one 
of the following degradable materials:
    (A) Untreated hemp, jute, or cotton string of \3/16\ inches (4.8 mm) 
diameter or smaller; or
    (B) Magnesium alloy, timed float releases (pop-up devices) or 
similar magnesium alloy fasteners; or
    (C) Ungalvanized or uncoated iron wire of 0.094 inches (2.4 mm) 
diameter or smaller.
    (ii) The use of a single non-degradable retention device designed to 
prevent loss of the ghost panel after the degradable materials have 
failed is permitted, provided the device does not impair the egress 
design function of the ghost panel by obstructing the opening or by 
preventing the panel from opening at such time that the degradable 
fasteners have completely deteriorated.

[76 FR 60637, Sept. 29, 2011, as amended at 79 FR 52583, Sept. 4, 2014; 
84 FR 65705, Nov. 29, 2019]



Sec. 648.145  Black sea bass possession limit.

    (a) During the recreational fishing season specified at Sec. 
648.146, no person shall possess more than 5 black sea bass in, or 
harvested from, the EEZ per trip unless that person is the owner or 
operator of a fishing vessel issued a black sea bass moratorium permit, 
or is issued a black sea bass dealer permit, unless otherwise specified 
in the conservation equivalent measures described in Sec. 648.151. 
Vessels landing black sea bass in a state with an approved Wave 1 
recreational fishery are subject to the state regulations regarding 
possession limit during that Wave 1 fishery. Persons aboard a commercial 
vessel that is not eligible for a black sea bass moratorium permit may 
not retain more than 5 black sea bass during the recreational fishing 
season specified at Sec. 648.146. The owner, operator, and crew of a 
charter or party boat issued a black sea bass moratorium permit are 
subject to the possession limit when carrying passengers for hire or 
when carrying more than five crew members for a party boat, or more than 
three crew members for a charter boat. This possession limit may be 
adjusted pursuant to the procedures in Sec. 648.142. However, 
possession of black sea bass harvested from state waters above this 
possession limit is allowed for state-only permitted vessels when 
transiting Federal waters within the Block Island Sound Transit Area 
provided they follow the provisions at Sec. 648.150 and abide by state 
regulations.
    (b) If whole black sea bass are processed into fillets, an 
authorized officer will convert the number of fillets to whole black sea 
bass at the place of landing by dividing fillet number by two. If black 
sea bass are filleted into a single (butterfly) fillet, such fillet 
shall be deemed to be from one whole black sea bass.
    (c) Black sea bass harvested by vessels subject to the possession 
limit with more than one person aboard may be pooled in one or more 
containers. Compliance with the possession limit will be determined by 
dividing the number of black sea bass on board by the number of persons 
aboard, other than the captain and the crew. If there is a violation of 
the possession limit on board a vessel carrying more than one person, 
the violation shall be deemed to have been committed by the owner and 
operator of the vessel.
    (d) Owners or operators of otter trawl vessels issued a moratorium 
permit under Sec. 648.4(a)(7) and fishing with, or possessing on board, 
nets or pieces of net that do not meet the minimum mesh requirements 
specified in Sec. 648.144(a) and that are not stowed in accordance with 
Sec. 648.144(a)(4) may not retain more than 500 lb (226.8 kg) of black 
sea bass from January 1 through March 31, or more than 100 lb (45.4 kg) 
of black sea bass from April 1 through December 31. Black sea bass on 
board these vessels shall be stored so as to be

[[Page 954]]

readily available for inspection in a standard 100-lb (45.4-kg) tote.

[76 FR 60638, Sept. 29, 2011, as amended at 77 FR 30431, May 23, 2012; 
78 FR 37480, June 21, 2013; 79 FR 38265, July 7, 2014; 80 FR 35259, June 
19, 2015; 84 FR 65705, Nov. 29, 2019; 87 FR 35116, June 9, 2022; 88 FR 
15, Jan. 3, 2023]



Sec. 648.146  Black sea bass recreational fishing season.

    Vessels that are not eligible for a black sea bass moratorium permit 
under Sec. 648.4(a)(7), and fishermen subject to the possession limit 
specified in Sec. 648.145(a), may only possess black sea bass from May 
15 through September 8, unless otherwise specified in the conservation 
equivalent measures described in Sec. 648.151 or unless this time 
period is adjusted pursuant to the procedures in Sec. 648.142. However, 
possession of black sea bass harvested from state waters outside of this 
season is allowed for state-only permitted vessels when transiting 
Federal waters within the Block Island Sound Transit Area provided they 
follow the provisions at Sec. 648.151 and abide by state regulations.

[88 FR 55419, Aug. 15, 2023]



Sec. 648.147  Black sea bass size requirements.

    (a) Moratorium (commercially) permitted vessels. The minimum size 
for black sea bass is 11 inches (27.94 cm) total length for all vessels 
issued a moratorium permit under Sec. 648.4(a)(7) that fish for, 
possess, land or retain black sea bass in or from U.S. waters of the 
western Atlantic Ocean from 35[deg]15.3[min] N. Lat., the latitude of 
Cape Hatteras Light, North Carolina, northward to the U.S.-Canadian 
border. The minimum size may be adjusted for commercial vessels pursuant 
to the procedures in Sec. 648.142.
    (b) Party/charter permitted vessels and recreational fishery 
participants. The minimum fish size for black sea bass is 15 inches 
(38.1 cm) total length for all vessels that do not qualify for a black 
sea bass moratorium permit, and for party boats holding a black sea bass 
moratorium permit, if fishing with passengers for hire or carrying more 
than five crew members, and for charter boats holding a black sea bass 
moratorium permit, if fishing with more than three crew members, unless 
otherwise specified in the conservation equivalent measures as described 
in Sec. 648.151. However, possession of smaller black sea bass 
harvested from state waters is allowed for state-only permitted vessels 
when transiting Federal waters within the Block Island Sound Transit 
Area provided they follow the provisions at Sec. 648.151 and abide by 
state regulations.

[76 FR 60638, Sept. 29, 2011, as amended at ; 84 FR 65705, Nov. 29, 
2019; 87 FR 35116, June 9, 2022; 88 FR 15, Jan. 3, 2023; 88 FR 55419, 
Aug. 15, 2023]



Sec. 648.148  Special management zones.

    (a) General. The recipient of a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permit 
for an artificial reef, fish attraction device, or other modification of 
habitat for purposes of fishing may request that an area surrounding and 
including the site be designated by the MAFMC as a special management 
zone (SMZ). The MAFMC may prohibit or restrain the use of specific types 
of fishing gear that are not compatible with the purpose of the 
artificial reef or fish attraction device or other habitat modification 
within the SMZ. The establishment of an SMZ will be effected by a 
regulatory amendment, pursuant to the following procedure: An SMZ 
monitoring team comprised of members of staff from the MAFMC, NMFS 
Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office, and NMFS Northeast Fisheries 
Science Center will evaluate the request in the form of a written 
report.
    (1) Evaluation criteria. In establishing an SMZ, the SMZ monitoring 
team will consider the following criteria:
    (i) Fairness and equity;
    (ii) Promotion of conservation;
    (iii) Avoidance of excessive shares;
    (iv) Consistency with the objectives of Amendment 9 to the Summer 
Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan, the 
Magnuson-Stevens Act, and other applicable law;
    (v) The natural bottom in and surrounding potential SMZs; and
    (vi) Impacts on historical uses.
    (2) The MAFMC Chairman may schedule meetings of MAFMC's industry 
advisors and/or the SSC to review the report and associated documents 
and to advise the MAFMC. The

[[Page 955]]

MAFMC Chairman may also schedule public hearings.
    (3) The MAFMC, following review of the SMZ monitoring team's report, 
supporting data, public comments, and other relevant information, may 
recommend to the Regional Administrator that an SMZ be approved. Such a 
recommendation will be accompanied by all relevant background 
information.
    (4) The Regional Administrator will review the MAFMC's 
recommendation. If the Regional Administrator concurs in the 
recommendation, he or she will publish a proposed rule in the Federal 
Register in accordance with the recommendations. If the Regional 
Administrator rejects the MAFMC's recommendation, he or she shall advise 
the MAFMC in writing of the basis for the rejection.
    (5) The proposed rule to establish an SMZ shall afford a reasonable 
period for public comment. Following a review of public comments and any 
information or data not previously available, the Regional Administrator 
will publish a final rule if he or she determines that the establishment 
of the SMZ is supported by the substantial weight of evidence in the 
record and consistent with the Magnuson-Stevens Act and other applicable 
law.
    (b) Approved/Established SMZs--(1) Delaware Special Management Zone 
Areas. Special management zones are established for Delaware artificial 
reef permit areas 9, 10, 11, and 13, in the area of the U.S. Exclusive 
Economic Zone. From January 1 through December 31 of each year, no 
person may fish in the Delaware Special Management Zones except by 
handline, rod and reel, or spear fishing (including the taking of fish 
by hand). The Delaware Special Management Zones are defined by rhumb 
lines connecting the following coordinates in the order stated:
    (i) Delaware artificial reef 9.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point              Corner      N Latitude      W Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1...........................  9SE       38[deg]39.972[m  74[deg]59.298[m
                                         in]              in]
2...........................  9SW       38[deg]40.05[mi  75[deg]0.702[mi
                                         n]               n]
3...........................  9NW       38[deg]40.848[m  75[deg]0.402[mi
                                         in]              n]
4...........................  9NE       38[deg]40.8[min  74[deg]58.902[m
                                         ]                in]
5...........................  9SE       38[deg]39.972[m  74[deg]59.298[m
                                         in]              in]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (ii) Delaware artificial reef 10.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point              Corner      N Latitude      W Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1...........................  10SE      38[deg]36.198[m  74[deg]55.674[m
                                         in]              in]
2...........................  10SW      38[deg]36.294[m  74[deg]57.15[mi
                                         in]              n]
3...........................  10NW      38[deg]37.098[m  74[deg]56.802[m
                                         in]              in]
4...........................  10NE      38[deg]37.002[m  74[deg]55.374[m
                                         in]              in]
5...........................  10SE      38[deg]36.198[m  74[deg]55.674[m
                                         in]              in]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (iii) Delaware artificial reef 11.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point              Corner      N Latitude      W Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1...........................  11SE      38[deg]39.882[m  74[deg]43.05[mi
                                         in]              n]
2...........................  11SW      38[deg]40.002[m  74[deg]44.802[m
                                         in]              in]
3...........................  11NW      38[deg]40.848[m  74[deg]44.502[m
                                         in]              in]
4...........................  11NE      38[deg]40.752[m  74[deg]42.75[mi
                                         in]              n]
5...........................  11SE      38[deg]39.882[m  74[deg]43.05[mi
                                         in]              n]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (iv) Delaware artificial reef 13.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Point              Corner      N Latitude      W Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1...........................  13SE      38[deg]30.138[m  74[deg]30.582[m
                                         in]              in]
2...........................  13SW      38[deg]30.222[m  74[deg]31.5[min
                                         in]              ]
3...........................  13NW      38[deg]31.614[m  74[deg]30.864[m
                                         in]              in]
4...........................  13NE      38[deg]31.734[m  74[deg]30.018[m
                                         in]              in]
5...........................  13SE      38[deg]30.138[m  74[deg]30.582[m
                                         in]              in]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) New Jersey Special Management Zone Areas. Special management 
zones are established for New Jersey artificial reef permit areas, in 
the area of the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone. From January 1 through 
December 31 of each year, no person may fish in the New Jersey Special 
Management Zones except by handline, rod and reel, or spear fishing 
(including the taking of fish by hand). The New Jersey Special 
Management Zones are defined by rhumb lines connecting the following 
coordinates in the order stated:
    (i) Sea Girt Reef Site.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Point                   N Latitude          W Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NE Corner.....................  40[deg]08.22[min]    73[deg]55.52[min]
ME Corner.....................  40[deg]07.30[min]    73[deg]56.67[min]
SE Corner.....................  40[deg]06.13[min]    73[deg]57.12[min]
SW Corner.....................  40[deg]06.17[min]    73[deg]57.57[min]
MW Corner.....................  40[deg]07.48[min]    73[deg]57.15[min]
NW Corner.....................  40[deg]08.63[min]    73[deg]55.73[min]
NE Corner.....................  40[deg]08.22[min]    73[deg]55.52[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (ii) Garden State North Reef Site.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Point                   N Latitude          W Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NE Corner.....................  39[deg]38.05[min]    74[deg]00.70
SE Corner.....................  39[deg]37.05[min]    74[deg]01.00[min]
SW Corner.....................  39[deg]37.00[min]    74[deg]02.50[min]
NW Corner.....................  39[deg]37.98[min]    74[deg]02.20[min]
NE Corner.....................  39[deg]38.05[min]    74[deg]00.70[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (iii) Garden State South Reef Site.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Point                   N Latitude          W Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NE Corner.....................  39[deg]33.82[min]    74[deg]05.75[min]
SE Corner.....................  39[deg]33.33[min]    74[deg]05.85[min]

[[Page 956]]

 
SW Corner.....................  39[deg]33.33[min]    74[deg]07.35[min]
NW Corner.....................  39[deg]33.80[min]    74[deg]07.20[min]
NE Corner.....................  39[deg]33.82[min]    74[deg]05.75[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (iv) Little Egg Reef Site.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Point                   N Latitude          W Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NE Corner.....................  39[deg]29.00[min]    74[deg]10.00[min]
SE Corner.....................  39[deg]28.00[min]    74[deg]10.00[min]
SW Corner.....................  39[deg]28.00[min]    74[deg]12.00[min]
NW Corner.....................  39[deg]29.00[min]    74[deg]12.00[min]
NE Corner.....................  39[deg]29.00[min]    74[deg]10.00[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (v) Atlantic City Reef Site.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Point                   N Latitude          W Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NE Corner.....................  39[deg]16.90[min]    74[deg]15.28[min]
SE Corner.....................  39[deg]13.93[min]    74[deg]11.80[min]
SW Corner.....................  39[deg]13.30[min]    74[deg]12.70[min]
NW Corner.....................  39[deg]16.22[min]    74[deg]16.18[min]
NE Corner.....................  39[deg]16.90[min]    74[deg]15.28[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (vi) Great Egg Reef Site.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Point                   N Latitude          W Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NE Corner.....................  39[deg]15.00[min]    74[deg]21.00[min]
SE Corner.....................  39[deg]14.00[min]    74[deg]21.00[min]
SW Corner.....................  39[deg]14.00[min]    74[deg]22.00[min]
NW Corner.....................  39[deg]15.00[min]    74[deg]22.00[min]
NE Corner.....................  39[deg]15.00[min]    74[deg]21.00[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (vii) Ocean City Reef Site.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Point                   N Latitude          W Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NE Corner.....................  39[deg]10.75[min]    74[deg]32.45[min]
SE Corner.....................  39[deg]09.40[min]    74[deg]34.62[min]
SW Corner.....................  39[deg]09.82[min]    74[deg]34.97[min]
NW Corner.....................  39[deg]11.10[min]    74[deg]32.85[min]
NE Corner.....................  39[deg]10.75[min]    74[deg]32.45[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (viii) Shark River Reef Site.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Point                   N Latitude          W Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NE Corner.....................  40[deg]07.33[min]    73[deg]41.08[min]
SE Corner.....................  40[deg]06.20[min]    73[deg]41.08[min]
SW Corner.....................  40[deg]06.20[min]    73[deg]41.80[min]
NW Corner.....................  40[deg]07.33[min]    73[deg]41.80[min]
NE Corner.....................  40[deg]07.33[min]    73[deg]41.08[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (ix) Barnegat Light Reef Site.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Point                   N Latitude          W Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NE Corner.....................  39[deg]45.87[min]    74[deg]01.10[min]
SE Corner.....................  39[deg]44.62[min]    74[deg]01.10[min]
SW Corner.....................  39[deg]44.62[min]    74[deg]01.95[min]
NW Corner.....................  39[deg]45.87[min]    74[deg]01.95[min]
NE Corner.....................  39[deg]45.87[min]    74[deg]01.10[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (x) Wildwood Reef Site.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Point                   N Latitude          W Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NE Corner.....................  38[deg]57.85[min]    74[deg]39.70[min]
SE Corner.....................  38[deg]56.58[min]    74[deg]41.40[min]
SW Corner.....................  38[deg]57.55[min]    74[deg]42.60[min]
NW Corner.....................  38[deg]58.80[min]    74[deg]40.90[min]
NE Corner.....................  38[deg]57.85[min]    74[deg]39.70[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (xi) Deepwater Reef Site.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Point                   N Latitude          W Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NE Corner.....................  38[deg]59.00[min]    74[deg]10.50[min]
SE Corner.....................  38[deg]58.00[min]    74[deg]10.50[min]
SW Corner.....................  38[deg]58.00[min]    74[deg]11.50[min]
NW Corner.....................  38[deg]59.00[min]    74[deg]11.50[min]
NE Corner.....................  38[deg]59.00[min]    74[deg]10.50[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (xii) Cape May Reef Site.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Point                   N Latitude          W Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NE Corner.....................  38[deg]53.45[min]    74[deg]39.43[min]
SE Corner.....................  38[deg]50.07[min]    74[deg]42.25[min]
SW Corner.....................  38[deg]50.67[min]    74[deg]43.25[min]
NW Corner.....................  38[deg]53.97[min]    74[deg]40.62[min]
NE Corner.....................  38[deg]53.45[min]    74[deg]39.43[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (xiii) Townsend Inlet Reef Site.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Point                   N Latitude          W Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NE Corner.....................  39[deg]06.70[min]    74[deg]36.00[min]
SE Corner.....................  39[deg]06.25[min]    74[deg]36.00[min]
SW Corner.....................  39[deg]06.25[min]    74[deg]37.50[min]
NW Corner.....................  39[deg]06.70[min]    74[deg]37.50[min]
NE Corner.....................  39[deg]06.70[min]    74[deg]36.00[min]
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[80 FR 32485, June 9, 2015, as amended at 83 FR 31692, July 9, 2018]



Sec. 648.149  Black sea bass framework adjustments to management measures.

    (a) Within season management action. See Sec. 648.110(a).
    (1) Adjustment process. See Sec. 648.110(a)(1).
    (2) MAFMC recommendation. See Sec. 648.110(a)(2)(i) through (iv).
    (3) Regional Administrator action. See Sec. 648.110(a)(3)(i) 
through (iii).
    (4) Emergency actions. See Sec. 648.110(a)(4).
    (b) [Reserved]

[76 FR 60639, Sept. 29, 2011]



Sec. 648.150  Block Island Sound Transit Zone.

    (a) Vessels not issued a black sea bass Federal moratorium or party/
charter permit, and recreational fishing participants fishing 
exclusively in state waters may transit with black sea bass harvested 
from state waters on board through Federal waters of the EEZ within 
Block Island Sound, north of a line connecting Montauk Light,

[[Page 957]]

Montauk Point, NY, and Block Island Southeast Light, Block Island, RI; 
and west of a line connecting Point Judith Light, Point Judith, RI, and 
Block Island Southeast Light, Block Island, RI. Within this area, 
possession of black sea bass is permitted regardless of the minimum and/
or maximum (as applicable) size, possession limit, and seasons outlined 
in Sec. Sec. 648.145, 648.146, and 648.147, provided no fishing takes 
place from the vessel while in Federal waters of the EEZ, the vessel 
complies with state regulations, and is in continuous transit. During 
such transit through this area, commercial gear must be stowed in 
accordance with the definition of ``not available for immediate use'' 
found at Sec. 648.2, and party/charter vessels and recreational 
participants must have all bait and hooks removed from fishing rods, and 
any black sea bass on board must be stored in a cooler or container.
    (b) The requirements of this transit zone are not necessary or 
applicable for recreational fishery participants during years when 
conservation equivalency has been adopted under conservation equivalency 
measures and recreational Federal measures are waived.

[84 FR 65705, Nov. 29, 2019]



Sec. 648.151  Black sea bass conservation equivalency.

    (a) The Regional Administrator has determined that the recreational 
fishing measures proposed to be implemented by the states of Maine 
through North Carolina for 2023 are the conservation equivalent of the 
season, size limits, and possession limit prescribed in Sec. Sec. 
648.146, 648.147(b), and 648.145(a). This determination is based on a 
recommendation from the Black Sea Bass Board of the Atlantic States 
Marine Fisheries Commission.
    (1) Federally permitted vessels subject to the recreational fishing 
measures of this part, and other recreational fishing vessels harvesting 
black sea bass in or from the EEZ and subject to the recreational 
fishing measures of this part, landing black sea bass in a state whose 
fishery management measures are determined by the Regional Administrator 
to be conservation equivalent shall not be subject to the more 
restrictive Federal measures, pursuant to the provisions of Sec. 
648.4(b). Those vessels shall be subject to the recreational fishing 
measures implemented by the state in which they land.
    (2) [Reserved]
    (b) Federally permitted vessels subject to the recreational fishing 
measures of this part, and other recreational fishing vessels registered 
in states and subject to the recreational fishing measures of this part, 
whose fishery management measures are not determined by the Regional 
Administrator to be the conservation equivalent of the season, size 
limits and possession limit prescribed in Sec. Sec. 648.146, 
648.147(b), and 648.145(a), respectively, due to the lack of, or the 
reversal of, a conservation-equivalent recommendation from the Black Sea 
Bass Board of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission shall be 
subject to the following precautionary default measures: Season-June 1 
through August 31; minimum size--16 inches (40.64 cm); and possession 
limit--2 fish.

[88 FR 55419, Aug. 15, 2023]



     Subpart J_Management Measures for the Atlantic Bluefish Fishery

    Source: 65 FR 45852, July 26, 2000, unless otherwise noted.



Sec. 648.160  Bluefish Annual Catch Limit (ACL).

    (a) The Bluefish Monitoring Committee shall recommend to the MAFMC 
an ACL for the bluefish fishery, which shall be equal to the ABC 
recommended by the SSC.
    (1) Periodicity. The bluefish fishery ACL may be established on an 
annual basis for up to 3 years at a time, dependent on whether the SSC 
provides single or multiple-year ABC recommendations.
    (2) [Reserved]
    (b) Performance review. The Bluefish Monitoring Committee shall 
conduct a detailed review of fishery performance relative to the ACL at 
least every 5 years.
    (1) If the ACL is exceeded with a frequency greater than 25 percent 
(i.e.,

[[Page 958]]

more than once in 4 years or any 2 consecutive years), the Bluefish 
Monitoring Committee will review fishery performance information and 
consider whether changes to measures are needed.
    (2) The MAFMC may specify more frequent or more specific ACL 
performance review criteria as part of a stock rebuilding plan following 
the determination that the bluefish stock has become overfished.
    (3) Performance reviews shall not substitute for annual reviews that 
occur to ascertain if prior year ACLs have been exceeded, but may be 
conducted in conjunction with such reviews.

[76 FR 60639, Sept. 29, 2011, as amended at 88 FR 14511, Mar. 9, 2023]



Sec. 648.161  Bluefish Sector ACLs and Annual Catch Targets (ACTs).

    (a) Sector ACLs and ACTs. As a part of the bluefish specifications 
process, the Bluefish Monitoring Committee shall allocate a specified 
percentage of the fishery-level ACL to the commercial and recreational 
fishery sectors, and identify and review the relevant sources of sector-
specific management uncertainty to recommend ACTs for each sector.
    (1) Sectors. The sum of the commercial and recreational sector-
specific ACLs shall be less than or equal to the fishery level ACL. A 
total of 86 percent of the fishery-level ACL will be allocated to the 
recreational fishery. A total of 14 percent of the fishery-level ACL 
will be allocated to the commercial fishery.
    (2) Management uncertainty. The Bluefish Monitoring Committee shall 
recommend any reduction in catch necessary to address management 
uncertainty and recommend ACTs for each sector, consistent with 
paragraph (a) of this section, after the sector allocation described in 
paragraph (a)(1) of this section. The Bluefish Monitoring Committee 
recommendations shall identify any sector-specific sources of management 
uncertainty affecting the fishery, technical approaches to mitigating 
these sources of uncertainty, and any additional relevant information 
considered in the ACT recommendation and adjustment process.
    (3) Periodicity. ACTs may be established on an annual basis for up 
to 3 years at a time, dependent on whether the SSC provides single or 
multiple-year ABC recommendations.
    (b) Performance review. The Bluefish Monitoring Committee shall 
conduct a detailed review of fishery performance relative to ACTs in 
conjunction with any ACL performance review, as outlined in Sec. 
648.160(b)(1) through (3).

[76 FR 60639, Sept. 29, 2011, as amended at 86 FR 66981, Nov. 24, 2021]



Sec. 648.162  Bluefish specifications.

    (a) Recommended measures. Based on the annual review and requests 
for research quota as described in paragraph (h) of this section, the 
Bluefish Monitoring Committee shall recommend to the MAFMC and the ASMFC 
the following measures to ensure that the ACL specified by the process 
outlined in Sec. 648.160(a) will not be exceeded:
    (1) A fishery-level ACT;
    (2) Research quota set from a range of 0 to 3 percent of TALs;
    (3) Commercial minimum fish size;
    (4) Minimum mesh size;
    (5) Recreational possession limit set from a range of 0 to 20 
bluefish;
    (6) Recreational minimum fish size;
    (7) Recreational season;
    (8) Restrictions on gear other than otter trawls and gill nets;
    (9) Changes, as appropriate, to the SBRM, including the CV-based 
performance standard, the means by which discard data are collected/
obtained, fishery stratification, the process for prioritizing observer 
sea-day allocations, reports, and/or industry-funded observers or 
observer set aside programs; and
    (10) Modification of existing AM measures and ACT control rules 
utilized by the Bluefish Monitoring Committee.
    (b) TAL. The Bluefish Monitoring Committee shall recommend sector-
specific TALs less than or equal to the ACTs through the specifications 
process.
    (1) Recreational harvest limit and commercial quota. If research 
quota is specified as described in paragraph (g) of this section, the 
recreational harvest limit and commercial quota will be

[[Page 959]]

based on the respective sector TALs remaining after the deduction of the 
applicable research quota.
    (2) Sector quota transfer. During the specifications process, the 
Bluefish Monitoring Committee may recommend a transfer of quota from the 
commercial fishery to the recreational fishery or from the recreational 
fishery to the commercial fishery; based on a review and comparison of 
expected landings for each sector and the recreational harvest limit and 
commercial quota. The amount of quota transferred between sectors may 
not exceed 10-percent of the ABC for that fishing year. No transfer may 
occur when the bluefish stock is overfished or subject to overfishing.
    (c) Annual fishing measures. The MAFMC shall review the 
recommendations of the Bluefish Monitoring Committee. Based on these 
recommendations and any public comment, the MAFMC shall recommend to the 
Regional Administrator by September 1 measures necessary to prevent 
overages of the applicable specified limits or targets for each sector 
as prescribed in the FMP. The MAFMC's recommendations must include 
supporting documentation, as appropriate, concerning the environmental, 
economic, and social impacts of the recommendations. The Regional 
Administrator shall review these recommendations and any recommendations 
of the ASMFC. After such review, NMFS will publish a proposed rule in 
the Federal Register as soon as practicable to implement ACLs, ACTs, 
research quota, a coastwide commercial quota, individual State 
commercial quotas, a recreational harvest limit, and additional 
management measures for the commercial and recreational fisheries to 
prevent overages of the applicable specified limits or targets for each 
sector as prescribed in the FMP. After considering public comment, NMFS 
will publish a final rule in the Federal Register.
    (d) Distribution of annual commercial quota. (1) The annual 
commercial quota will be distributed to the states, based upon the 
following percentages; state each followed by its allocation in 
parentheses: ME (0.1091); NH (0.2154); MA (10.1150); RI (9.6079); CT 
(1.0872); NY (19.7582); NJ (13.8454); DE (0.4945); MD (1.9175); VA 
(5.8657); NC (32.0278); SC (0.1034); GA (0.1023); and FL (4.7788). Note: 
The sum of all state allocations does not add to 100 because of 
rounding. This distribution includes a minimum allocation of 0.1 to 
every state in the management unit.
    (2) The allocation percentages in paragraph (d)(1) of this section 
will be phased in over a 7-year period beginning in 2022. The percent 
change in allocation from those prior to 2022 for each state is divided 
equally by seven, and will be applied incrementally each year until the 
final allocations listed in paragraph (d)(1) are in full effect for 
fishing year 2028.
    (e) Quota transfers and combinations. Any state implementing a state 
commercial quota for bluefish may request approval from the Regional 
Administrator to transfer part or all of its annual quota to one or more 
states. Two or more states implementing a state commercial quota for 
bluefish may request approval from the Regional Administrator to combine 
their quotas, or part of their quotas, into an overall regional quota. 
Requests for transfer or combination of commercial quotas for bluefish 
must be made by individual or joint letter(s) signed by the principal 
state official with marine fishery management responsibility and 
expertise, or his/her previously named designee, for each state 
involved. The letter(s) must certify that all pertinent state 
requirements have been met and identify the states involved and the 
amount of quota to be transferred or combined.
    (1) Within 10 working days following the receipt of the letter(s) 
from the states involved, the Regional Administrator shall notify the 
appropriate state officials of the disposition of the request. In 
evaluating requests to transfer a quota or combine quotas, the Regional 
Administrator shall consider whether:
    (i) The transfer or combination would preclude the overall annual 
quota from being fully harvested;
    (ii) The transfer addresses an unforeseen variation or contingency 
in the fishery; and

[[Page 960]]

    (iii) The transfer is consistent with the objectives of the Bluefish 
FMP and Magnuson-Stevens Act.
    (2) The transfer of quota or the combination of quotas will be valid 
only for the calendar year for which the request was made.
    (3) A state may not submit a request to transfer quota or combine 
quotas if a request to which it is party is pending before the Regional 
Administrator. A state may submit a new request when it receives 
notification that the Regional Administrator has disapproved the 
previous request or when notification of the approval of the transfer or 
combination has been published in the Federal Register.
    (f) Revision of state allocation. Based upon any changes in the 
landings data available from the states for the base years 2009-2018, 
the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) and the MAFMC 
may recommend to the Regional Administrator that the states' shares 
specified in paragraph (d)(1) of this section be revised. The MAFMC's 
and the ASMFC's recommendation must include supporting documentation, as 
appropriate, concerning the environmental and economic impacts of the 
recommendation. The Regional Administrator shall review the 
recommendation of the ASMFC and the MAFMC. After such review, NMFS will 
publish a proposed rule in the Federal Register to implement a revision 
in the state shares. After considering public comment, NMFS will publish 
a final rule in the Federal Register to implement any warranted changes 
in allocation.
    (g) Research quota. See Sec. 648.22(g).

[76 FR 60639, Sept. 29, 2011, as amended at 76 FR 81850, Dec. 29, 2011; 
80 FR 37197, June 30, 2015; 86 FR 66981, Nov. 24, 2021; 88 FR 14511, 
Mar. 9, 2023]



Sec. 648.163  Bluefish Accountability Measures (AMs).

    (a) ACL overage evaluation. The ACLs will be evaluated based on a 
single-year examination of total catch (landings and dead discards). 
Both landings and dead discards will be evaluated in determining if the 
ACLs have been exceeded.
    (b) Commercial sector EEZ closure. NMFS shall close the EEZ to 
fishing for bluefish by commercial vessels for the remainder of the 
calendar year by publishing notification in the Federal Register if the 
Regional Administrator determines that the inaction of one or more 
states will cause the ACL specified in Sec. 648.160(a) to be exceeded, 
or if the commercial fisheries in all states have been closed. NMFS may 
reopen the EEZ if earlier inaction by a state has been remedied by that 
state, or if commercial fisheries in one or more states have been 
reopened without causing the ACL to be exceeded.
    (c) State commercial landing quotas. The Regional Administrator will 
monitor state commercial quotas based on dealer reports and other 
available information and shall determine the date when a state 
commercial quota will be harvested. NMFS shall publish notification in 
the Federal Register advising a state that, effective upon a specific 
date, its commercial quota has been harvested and notifying vessel and 
dealer permit holders that no commercial quota is available for landing 
bluefish in that state.
    (1) Commercial landings overage repayment. All bluefish landed for 
sale in a state shall be applied against that state's annual commercial 
quota, regardless of where the bluefish were harvested. Any overages of 
the commercial quota landed in any state will be deducted from that 
state's annual quota for the following year, irrespective of whether the 
fishery-level ACL is exceeded. If a state has increased or reduced quota 
through the transfer process described in Sec. 648.162, then any 
overage will be measured against that state's final adjusted quota.
    (2) If there is a quota overage at the end of the fishing year among 
states involved in the combination of quotas, the overage will be 
deducted from the following year's quota for each of the states involved 
in the combined quota, irrespective of whether the fishery-level ACL is 
exceeded. The deduction will be proportional, based on each state's 
relative share of the combined quota for the previous year. A transfer 
of quota or combination of quotas does not alter any state's percentage 
share of the overall quota specified in Sec. 648.162(d)(1).

[[Page 961]]

    (d) Recreational landings AM when the recreational ACL is exceeded 
and no sector-to-sector transfer of allowable landings has occurred. If 
the recreational ACL is exceeded and no transfer between the commercial 
and recreational sector was made for the fishing year, as outlined in 
Sec. 648.162(b)(2), then the following procedure will be followed:
    (1) If biomass is below the threshold, the stock is under 
rebuilding, or biological reference points are unknown. If the most 
recent estimate of biomass is below the BMSY threshold (i.e., 
B/BMSY is less than 0.5), the stock is under a rebuilding 
plan, or the biological reference points (B or BMSY) are 
unknown, and the recreational ACL has been exceeded, then the exact 
amount, in pounds, by which the most recent year's recreational catch 
estimate exceeded the most recent year's recreational ACL will be 
deducted from the following year's recreational ACT, or as soon as 
possible thereafter, once catch data are available. This payback may be 
evenly spread over 2 years if doing so allows for use of identical 
recreational management measures across the upcoming 2 years.
    (2) If biomass is above the threshold, but below the target, and the 
stock is not under rebuilding. If the most recent estimate of biomass is 
above the biomass threshold (B/BMSY is greater than 0.5), but 
below the biomass target (B/BMSY is less than 1.0), and the 
stock is not under a rebuilding plan, then the following AMs will apply:
    (i) If the recreational ACL has been exceeded. If the recreational 
ACL has been exceeded, then adjustments to the recreational management 
measures, taking into account the performance of the measures and 
conditions that precipitated the overage, will be made in the following 
fishing year, or as soon as possible thereafter, once catch data are 
available, as a single-year adjustment.
    (ii) If the fishing mortality (F) has exceeded FMSY (or the proxy). 
If the most recent estimate of total fishing mortality exceeds FMSY (or 
the proxy) then an adjustment to the recreational ACT will be made as 
soon as possible once catch data are available. If an estimate of total 
fishing mortality for the most recent complete year of catch data is not 
available, then a comparison of total catch relative to the ABC will be 
used.
    (A) Adjustment to Recreational ACT. If an adjustment to the 
following year's Recreational ACT is required, then the ACT will be 
reduced by the exact amount, in pounds, of the product of the 
recreational ACL overage and the payback coefficient, as specified in 
paragraph (d)(2)(ii)(B) of this section. This payback may be evenly 
spread over 2 years if doing so allows for use of identical recreational 
management measures across the upcoming 2 years.
    (B) Payback coefficient. The payback coefficient is the difference 
between the most recent estimates of BMSY and biomass (i.e., 
BMSY- B) divided by one-half of BMSY.
    (3) If biomass is above BMSY. If the most recent estimate of biomass 
is above BMSY (i.e., B/BMSY is greater than 1.0), then adjustments to 
the recreational management measures, taking into account the 
performance of the measures and conditions that precipitated the 
overage, will be made in the following fishing year, or as soon as 
possible thereafter, once catch data are available, as a single-year 
adjustment.
    (e) AM for when the ACL is exceeded and a sector-to-sector transfer 
of allowable landings has occurred. If the fishery-level ACL is exceeded 
and landings from the recreational fishery and/or the commercial fishery 
are determined to have caused the overage, and a transfer between the 
commercial and recreational sector has occurred for the fishing year, as 
outlined in Sec. 648.162(b)(2), then the amount transferred between the 
recreational and commercial sectors may be reduced by the ACL overage 
amount (pound-for-pound repayment) in a subsequent, single fishing year 
if the Bluefish Monitoring Committee determines that the ACL overage was 
the result of too liberal a landings transfer between the two sectors. 
If the Bluefish Monitoring Committee determines that the ACL overage was 
not the result of the landings transfer, the recreational AMs described 
in paragraph (d) of this section will be implemented.

[[Page 962]]

    (f) Non-landing AMs. In the event that the fishery-level ACL has 
been exceeded and the overage has not been accommodated through the AM 
measures in paragraphs (a) through (d) of this section, then the exact 
amount, in pounds, by which the fishery-level ACL was exceeded shall be 
deducted, as soon as possible, from subsequent, single fishing year 
ACTs. The payback will be applied to each sector's ACT in proportion to 
each sector's contribution to the overage.
    (g) State/Federal disconnect AM. If the total catch, allowable 
landings, commercial quotas, and/or recreational harvest limit measures 
adopted by the ASMFC Bluefish Management Board and the MAFMC differ for 
a given fishing year, administrative action will be taken as soon as is 
practicable to revisit the respective recommendations of the two groups. 
The intent of this action shall be to achieve alignment through 
consistent state and Federal measures so no differential effects occur 
to Federal permit holders.

[76 FR 60640, Sept. 29, 2011, as amended at 78 FR 76765, Dec. 19, 2013; 
88 FR 14511, Mar. 9, 2023]



Sec. 648.164  Bluefish possession restrictions.

    (a) Recreational possession limits. Any person fishing from a vessel 
in the EEZ that is not fishing under a bluefish commercial permit shall 
observe the applicable recreational possession limit. The owner, 
operator, and crew of a charter or party boat issued a bluefish 
commercial permit are not subject to the recreational possession limit 
when not carrying passengers for hire and when the crew size does not 
exceed five for a party boat and three for a charter boat.
    (1) Private recreational vessels. Any person fishing from a vessel 
that is not fishing under a bluefish commercial or charter/party vessel 
permit issued pursuant to Sec. 648.4(a)(8), may land up to three 
bluefish per day.
    (2) For-hire vessels. Anglers fishing onboard a for-hire vessel 
under a bluefish charter/party vessel permit issued pursuant to Sec. 
648.4(a)(8), may land up to five bluefish per person per day.
    (b) Pooling Catch. Bluefish harvested by vessels subject to the 
possession limit with more than one person on board may be pooled in one 
or more containers. Compliance with the daily possession limit will be 
determined by dividing the number of bluefish on board by the number of 
persons on board, other than the captain and the crew. If there is a 
violation of the possession limit on board a vessel carrying more than 
one person, the violation shall be deemed to have been committed by the 
owner and operator of the vessel.

[76 FR 60641, Sept. 29, 2011, as amended at 85 FR 38798, June 29, 2020]



Sec. 648.165  Bluefish minimum fish sizes.

    If the MAFMC determines through its annual review or framework 
adjustment process that minimum fish sizes are necessary to ensure that 
the fishing mortality rate is not exceeded, or to attain other FMP 
objectives, such measures will be enacted through the procedure 
specified in Sec. 648.162(c) or 648.167.

[76 FR 60641, Sept. 29, 2011]



Sec. 648.166  Bluefish gear restrictions.

    If the MAFMC determines through its annual review or framework 
adjustment process that gear restrictions are necessary to ensure that 
the ACL is not exceeded, or to attain other FMP objectives, such 
measures, subject to the gear other than trawls and gillnets 
restrictions in Sec. 648.162 regarding specifications, will be enacted 
through the procedure specified in Sec. 648.162(c) or 648.167.

[76 FR 60641, Sept. 29, 2011]



Sec. 648.167  Bluefish framework adjustment to management measures.

    (a) Within-season management action. The MAFMC may, at any time, 
initiate action to add or adjust management measures if it finds that 
action is necessary to meet or be consistent with the goals and 
objectives of the Bluefish FMP.
    (1) Adjustment process. After a management action has been 
initiated, the MAFMC shall develop and analyze appropriate management 
actions over the span of at least two MAFMC meetings. The MAFMC shall 
provide the public with advance notice of the availability

[[Page 963]]

of both the proposals and the analysis and the opportunity to comment on 
them prior to and at the second MAFMC meeting. The MAFMC's 
recommendation on adjustments or additions to management measures must 
come from one or more of the following categories: Adjustments within 
existing ABC control rule levels; adjustments to the existing MAFMC risk 
policy; introduction of new AMs, including sub-ACTs; minimum fish size; 
maximum fish size; gear restrictions; gear requirements or prohibitions; 
permitting restrictions; recreational possession limit; recreational 
season; closed areas; commercial season; description and identification 
of EFH; fishing gear management measures to protect EFH; designation of 
habitat areas of particular concern within EFH; changes to the SBRM, 
including the CV-based performance standard, the means by which discard 
data are collected/obtained, fishery stratification, the process for 
prioritizing observer sea-day allocations, reports, and/or industry-
funded observers or observer set aside programs; and any other 
management measures currently included in the FMP. Measures that require 
significant departures from previously contemplated measures or that are 
otherwise introducing new concepts may require an amendment of the FMP 
instead of a framework adjustment.
    (2) MAFMC recommendation. After developing management actions and 
receiving public testimony, the MAFMC shall make a recommendation to the 
Regional Administrator. The MAFMC's recommendation must include 
supporting rationale and, if management measures are recommended, an 
analysis of impacts and a recommendation to the Regional Administrator 
on whether to issue the management measures as a final rule. If the 
MAFMC recommends that the management measures should be issued as a 
final rule, the MAFMC must consider at least the following factors and 
provide support and analysis for each factor considered:
    (i) Whether the availability of data on which the recommended 
management measures are based allows for adequate time to publish a 
proposed rule, and whether regulations have to be in place for an entire 
harvest/fishing season;
    (ii) Whether there has been adequate notice and opportunity for 
participation by the public and members of the affected industry in the 
development of the MAFMC's recommended management measures;
    (iii) Whether there is an immediate need to protect the resource; 
and
    (iv) Whether there will be a continuing evaluation of management 
measures adopted following their implementation as a final rule.
    (3) Action by NMFS. If the MAFMC's recommendation includes 
adjustments or additions to management measures and, after reviewing the 
MAFMC's recommendation and supporting information:
    (i) If NMFS concurs with the MAFMC's recommended management measures 
and determines that the recommended management measures should be issued 
as a final rule based on the factors specified in paragraph (a)(2) of 
this section, the measures will be issued as a final rule in the Federal 
Register.
    (ii) If NMFS concurs with the MAFMC's recommendation and determines 
that the recommended management measures should be published first as a 
proposed rule, the measures will be published as a proposed rule in the 
Federal Register. After additional public comment, if NMFS concurs with 
the MAFMC's recommendation, the measures will be issued as a final rule 
in the Federal Register.
    (iii) If NMFS does not concur, the MAFMC will be notified in writing 
of the reasons for the non-concurrence.
    (b) Emergency action. Nothing in this section is meant to derogate 
from the authority of the Secretary to take emergency action under 
section 305(e) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act.

[76 FR 60641, Sept. 29, 2011, as amended at 76 FR 81850, Dec. 29, 2011; 
80 FR 37197, June 30, 2015]



     Subpart K_Management Measures for the Atlantic Herring Fishery

    Source: 72 FR 11277, Mar. 12, 2007, unless otherwise noted.

[[Page 964]]



Sec. 648.200  Specifications.

    (a) The Atlantic Herring Plan Development Team (PDT) shall meet at 
least every 3 years, but no later than July of the year before new 
specifications are implemented, with the Atlantic States Marine 
Fisheries Commission's (Commission) Atlantic Herring Technical Committee 
(TC) to develop and recommend the following specifications for a period 
of 3 years for consideration by the New England Fishery Management 
Council's Atlantic Herring Oversight Committee: Overfishing Limit (OFL), 
Acceptable Biological Catch (ABC), Annual Catch Limit (ACL), Optimum 
yield (OY), domestic annual harvest (DAH), domestic annual processing 
(DAP), U.S. at-sea processing (USAP), border transfer (BT), the sub-ACL 
for each management area, including seasonal periods as specified at 
Sec. 648.201(d) and modifications to sub-ACLs as specified at Sec. 
648.201(f), the amount to be set aside for the RSA (from 0 to 3 percent 
of the sub-ACL from any management area), and river herring and shad 
catch caps, as specified in Sec. 648.201(a)(4). Recommended 
specifications shall be presented to the New England Fishery Management 
Council.
    (1) The PDT shall meet with the Commission's TC to review the status 
of the stock and the fishery and prepare a Stock Assessment and Fishery 
Evaluation (SAFE) report at least every 3 years. The Herring PDT will 
meet at least once during interim years to review the status of the 
stock relative to the overfishing definition if information is available 
to do so. When conducting a 3-year review and preparing a SAFE Report, 
the PDT/TC will recommend to the Council/Commission any necessary 
adjustments to the specifications for the upcoming 3 years.
    (2) If the Council determines, based on information provided by the 
PDT/TC or other stock-related information, that the specifications 
should be adjusted during the 3-year time period, it can do so through 
the same process outlined in this section during one or both of the 
interim years.
    (b) Guidelines. As the basis for its recommendations under paragraph 
(a) of this section, the PDT shall review available data pertaining to: 
Commercial and recreational catch data; current estimates of fishing 
mortality; discards; stock status; recent estimates of recruitment; 
virtual population analysis results and other estimates of stock size; 
sea sampling and trawl survey data or, if sea sampling data are 
unavailable, length frequency information from trawl surveys; impact of 
other fisheries on herring mortality; and any other relevant 
information. The specifications recommended pursuant to paragraph (a) of 
this section must be consistent with the following:
    (1) OFL must be equal to catch resulting from applying the maximum 
fishing mortality threshold to a current or projected estimate of stock 
size. When the stock is not overfished and overfishing is not occurring, 
this is the fishing rate supporting maximum sustainable yield (e.g., 
FMSY or proxy). Catch that exceeds this amount would result 
in overfishing. The stock is considered overfished if stock biomass is 
less than \1/2\ the stock biomass associated with the MSY level or its 
proxy (e.g., SSBMSY or proxy). The stock is considered 
subject to overfishing if the fishing mortality rate exceeds the fishing 
mortality rate associated with the MSY level or its proxy (e.g., 
FMSY or proxy).
    (2) ABC must be less than the OFL. The Council's Scientific and 
Statistical Committee (SSC) shall recommend ABC to the Council by 
applying the ABC control rule and considering scientific uncertainty. 
Scientific uncertainty, including, but not limited to, uncertainty 
around stock size estimates, variability around estimates of 
recruitment, and consideration of ecosystem issues, shall be considered 
when setting ABC.
    (3) ACL must be equal to or less than the ABC. Management 
uncertainty, which includes, but is not limited to, expected catch of 
herring in the New Brunswick weir fishery and the uncertainty around 
discard estimates of herring caught in Federal and state waters, shall 
be considered when setting the ACL. Catch in excess of the ACL shall 
trigger accountability measures (AMs), as described in Sec. 648.201(a).
    (4) OY may not exceed OFL (i.e., MSY) and must take into account the

[[Page 965]]

need to prevent overfishing while allowing the fishery to achieve OY on 
a continuing basis. OY is prescribed on the basis of MSY, as reduced by 
social, economic, and ecological factors. OY may equal DAH.
    (5) DAH is comprised of DAP and BT.
    (6) River herring and shad catch caps may be allocated to the 
herring fishery by the following: Species, as defined in Sec. 648.2, 
either separately or combined; area as specified in paragraph (f)(7) of 
this section; vessel permit; gear type; or any combination of these.
    (c) The Atlantic Herring Oversight Committee shall review the 
recommendations of the PDT and shall consult with the Commission's 
Herring Board. Based on these recommendations and any public comment 
received, the Herring Oversight Committee shall recommend to the Council 
appropriate specifications for a 3-year period. The Council shall review 
these recommendations and, after considering public comment, shall 
recommend appropriate 3-year specifications to NMFS. NMFS shall review 
the recommendations, consider any comments received from the Commission, 
and publish notification in the Federal Register proposing 3-year 
specifications. If the proposed specifications differ from those 
recommended by the Council, the reasons for any differences shall be 
clearly stated and the revised specifications must satisfy the criteria 
set forth in paragraph (b) of this section.
    (d) NMFS shall make a final determination concerning the 
specifications for Atlantic herring. Notification of the final 
specifications and responses to public comments shall be published in 
the Federal Register. If the final specification amounts differ from 
those recommended by the Council, the reason(s) for the difference(s) 
must be clearly stated and the revised specifications must be consistent 
with the criteria set forth in paragraph (b) of this section. The 
previous year's specifications shall remain effective until they are 
revised through the specification process.
    (e) In-season adjustments. The specifications and sub-ACLs 
established pursuant to this section may be adjusted by NMFS to achieve 
conservation and management objectives, after consulting with the 
Council, during the fishing year in accordance with the Administrative 
Procedure Act (APA). Any adjustments must be consistent with the 
Atlantic Herring FMP objectives and other FMP provisions.
    (f) Management areas. The specifications process establishes sub-
ACLs and other management measures for the three management areas, which 
may have different management measures. Management Area 1 is subdivided 
into inshore and offshore sub-areas. The management areas are defined as 
follows:
    (1) Management Area 1 (Gulf of Maine): All U.S. waters of the Gulf 
of Maine (GOM) north of a line extending from a point at 41[deg]39[min] 
N. lat, 70[deg]00[min] W. long. to 42[deg]53[min] 14.32125[sec] N. lat., 
67[deg] 44[min] 33.01613[sec] W. long., thence northerly along the U.S.-
Canada Maritime Boundary to the U.S.-Canadian border, to include state 
and Federal waters adjacent to the states of Maine, New Hampshire, and 
Massachusetts. Management Area 1 is divided into Area 1A (inshore) and 
Area 1B (offshore). The line dividing these areas is described by the 
following coordinates:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Point          Latitude            Longitude              Note
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1..........  41[deg]58[min] N    70[deg] 00[min] W
2..........  42[deg]38[min] N    70[deg] 00[min] W
3..........  42[deg]53[min] N    69[deg] 40[min] W
4..........  43[deg]12[min] N    69[deg] 00[min] W
5..........  43[deg]40[min] N    68[deg] 00[min] W
6..........  43[deg]58[min]16.0  67[deg]             (\1\)
              314[sec] N          21[min]26.157[sec
                                  ] W
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Point 6 falls on the U.S.-Canada Maritime Boundary.

    (2) Management Area 2 (South Coastal Area): All state and Federal 
waters inclusive of sounds and bays, bounded on the east by 
70[deg]00[min] W. long. and the outer limit of the U.S. Exclusive 
Economic Zone; bounded on the north and west by the southern coastline 
of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and the coastlines of Rhode Island, 
Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and 
North Carolina; and bounded on the south by a line following the lateral 
seaward boundary between North Carolina and South Carolina from the 
coast to the Submerged Lands Act line, approximately 
33[deg]48[min]46.37[sec] N.

[[Page 966]]

lat., 78[deg]29[min]46.46[sec] W. long., and then heading due east along 
33[deg]48[min]46.37[sec] N. lat. to the outer limit of the US Exclusive 
Economic Zone.
    (3) Management Area 3 (Georges Bank): All U.S. waters east of 
70[deg]00[min] W. long. and southeast of the line that runs from a point 
at 41[deg]39[min] N. lat. and 70[deg]00[min] W. long., northeasterly to 
U.S.-Canada Maritime Boundary at 42[deg]53[min]14.32125[sec] N. lat., 
67[deg]44[min]33.01613[sec] W. long.
    (4) River Herring Monitoring/Avoidance Areas--(i) January-February 
River Herring Monitoring/Avoidance Areas. The January-February River 
Herring Monitoring/Avoidance Areas include four sub-areas. Each sub-area 
includes the waters bounded by the coordinates below, connected in the 
order listed by straight lines unless otherwise noted.
    (A) January-February River Herring Monitoring/Avoidance Sub-Area 1.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Point                  Latitude                 Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
JF1A.................  43[deg]00[min] N          71[deg]00[min] W
JF1B.................  43[deg]00[min] N          70[deg]30[min] W
JF1C.................  42[deg]30[min] N          70[deg]30[min] W
JF1D.................  42[deg]30[min] N          71[deg]00[min] W
JF1A.................  43[deg]00[min] N          71[deg]00[min] W
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (B) January-February River Herring Monitoring/Avoidance Sub-Area 2.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Point                  Latitude                 Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
JF2A.................  42[deg]00[min] N          70[deg]00[min] W
JF2B.................  42[deg]00[min] N          69[deg]30[min] W
JF2C.................  41[deg]30[min] N          69[deg]30[min] W
JF2D.................  41[deg]30[min] N          70[deg]00[min] W
JF2A.................  42[deg]00[min] N          70[deg]00[min] W
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (C) January-February River Herring Monitoring/Avoidance Sub-Area 3.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Point            Latitude            Longitude            Note
------------------------------------------------------------------------
JF3A...........  41[deg]30[min] N    72[deg]00[min] W
JF3B...........  41[deg]30[min] N    71[deg]00[min] W
JF3C...........  40[deg]30[min] N    71[deg]00[min] W
JF3D...........  40[deg]30[min] N    72[deg]30[min] W
JF3E...........  (\1\)               72[deg]30[min] W    (\3\)
JF3F...........  (\2\)               72[deg]00[min] W    (\3\)
JF3A...........  41[deg]30[min] N    72[deg]00[min] W
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The southernmost shoreline of Long Island, New York.
\2\ The north-facing shoreline of Long Island, New York.
\3\ Points JF3E and JF3F are connected following the coastline of the
  south fork of eastern Long Island, New York.

    (D) January-February River Herring Monitoring/Avoidance Sub-Area 4.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Point            Latitude            Longitude            Note
------------------------------------------------------------------------
JF4A...........  40[deg]30[min] N    74[deg]00[min] W
JF4B...........  40[deg]30[min] N    72[deg]30[min] W
JF4C...........  40[deg]00[min] N    72[deg]30[min] W
JF4D...........  40[deg]00[min] N    72[deg]00[min] W
JF4E...........  39[deg]30[min] N    72[deg]00[min] W
JF4F...........  39[deg]30[min] N    73[deg]30[min] W
JF4G...........  40[deg]00[min] N    73[deg]30[min] W
JF4H...........  40[deg]00[min] N    74[deg]00[min] W    (\1\)
JF4A...........  40[deg]30[min] N    74[deg]00[min] W    (\1\)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Points JF4H and JF4A are connected following 74 [deg]W longitude and
  the easternmost shoreline of New Jersey, whichever is furthest east.

    (ii) March-April River Herring Monitoring/Avoidance Areas. The 
March-April River Herring Monitoring/Avoidance Areas include five sub-
areas. Each sub-area includes the waters bounded by the coordinates 
below, connected in the order listed by straight lines unless otherwise 
noted.
    (A) March-April River Herring Monitoring/Avoidance Sub-Area 1.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Point                  Latitude                 Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
MA1A.................  43[deg]00[min] N          71[deg]00[min] W
MA1B.................  43[deg]00[min] N          70[deg]30[min] W
MA1C.................  42[deg]30[min] N          70[deg]30[min] W
MA1D.................  42[deg]30[min] N          71[deg]00[min] W
MA1A.................  43[deg]00[min] N          71[deg]00[min] W
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (B) March-April River Herring Monitoring/Avoidance Sub-Area 2.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Point                  Latitude                 Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
MA2A.................  42[deg]00[min] N          70[deg]00[min] W
MA2B.................  42[deg]00[min] N          69[deg]30[min] W
MA2C.................  41[deg]30[min] N          69[deg]30[min] W
MA2D.................  41[deg]30[min] N          70[deg]00[min] W
MA2A.................  42[deg]00[min] N          70[deg]00[min] W
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (C) March-April River Herring Monitoring/Avoidance Sub-Area 3.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Point            Latitude            Longitude            Note
------------------------------------------------------------------------
MA3A...........  41[deg]00[min] N    (\1\)
MA3B...........  41[deg]00[min] N    71[deg]00[min] W
MA3C...........  40[deg]30[min] N    71[deg]00[min] W
MA3D...........  40[deg]30[min] N    71[deg]30[min] W
MA3E...........  40[deg]00[min] N    71[deg]30[min] W
MA3F...........  40[deg]00[min] N    72[deg]30[min] W
MA3G...........  (\2\)               72[deg]30[min] W    (\3\)
MA3A...........  41[deg]00[min] N    (\1\)               (\3\)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The easternmost shoreline of Long Island, New York.
\2\ The southernmost shoreline of Long Island, New York.
\3\ Points MA3G and MA3A are connected following the southern shoreline
  of Long Island, New York.

    (D) March-April River Herring Monitoring/Avoidance Sub-Area 4.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Point                  Latitude                 Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
MA4A.................  40[deg]00[min] N          73[deg]30[min] W
MA4B.................  40[deg]00[min] N          72[deg]30[min] W
MA4C.................  39[deg]00[min] N          72[deg]30[min] W
MA4D.................  39[deg]00[min] N          73[deg]30[min] W
MA4A.................  40[deg]00[min] N          73[deg]30[min] W
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 967]]

    (E) March-April River Herring Monitoring/Avoidance Sub-Area 5.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Point            Latitude            Longitude            Note
------------------------------------------------------------------------
MA5A...........  40[deg]30[min] N    74[deg]00[min] W
MA5B...........  40[deg]30[min] N    73[deg]30[min] W
MA5C...........  40[deg]00[min] N    73[deg]30[min] W
MA5D...........  40[deg]00[min] N    74[deg]00[min] W    (\1\)
MA5A...........  40[deg]30[min] N    74[deg]00[min] W    (\1\)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Points MA5D and MA5A are connected following 74 [deg]W longitude and
  the easternmost shoreline of New Jersey, whichever is furthest east.

    (iii) May-June River Herring Monitoring/Avoidance Areas. The May-
June River Herring Monitoring/Avoidance Areas include two sub-areas. 
Each sub-area includes the waters bounded by the coordinates below, 
connected in the order listed by straight lines unless otherwise noted.
    (A) May-June River Herring Monitoring/Avoidance Sub-Area 1.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Point                  Latitude                 Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
MJ1A.................  44[deg]00[min] N          69[deg]30[min] W
MJ1B.................  44[deg]00[min] N          69[deg]00[min] W
MJ1C.................  43[deg]30[min] N          69[deg]00[min] W
MJ1D.................  43[deg]30[min] N          69[deg]30[min] W
MJ1A.................  44[deg]00[min] N          69[deg]30[min] W
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (B) May-June River Herring Monitoring/Avoidance Sub-Area 2.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Point                  Latitude                 Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
MJ2A.................  42[deg]00[min] N          70[deg]00[min] W
MJ2B.................  42[deg]00[min] N          69[deg]30[min] W
MJ2C.................  41[deg]30[min] N          69[deg]30[min] W
MJ2D.................  41[deg]30[min] N          70[deg]00[min] W
MJ2A.................  42[deg]00[min] N          70[deg]00[min] W
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (iv) July-August River Herring Monitoring/Avoidance Areas. The July-
August River Herring Monitoring/Avoidance Areas include two sub-areas. 
Each sub-area includes the waters bounded by the coordinates below, 
connected in the order listed by straight lines unless otherwise noted.
    (A) July-August River Herring Monitoring/Avoidance Sub-Area 1.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Point            Latitude            Longitude            Note
------------------------------------------------------------------------
JA1A...........  44[deg]00[min] N    70[deg]00[min] W
JA1B...........  44[deg]00[min] N    69[deg]30[min] W
JA1C...........  43[deg]00[min] N    69[deg]30[min] W
JA1D...........  43[deg]00[min] N    70[deg]00[min] W    (\1\)
JA1A...........  44[deg]00[min] N    70[deg]00[min] W    (\1\)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The boundary from Points JA1D to JA1A excludes the portions Maquoit
  Bay and Middle Bay (Brunswick, ME) east of 70[deg]00[min] W.

    (B) July-August River Herring Monitoring/Avoidance Sub-Area 2.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Point                  Latitude                 Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
JA2A.................  44[deg]00[min] N          69[deg]00[min] W
JA2B.................  44[deg]00[min] N          68[deg]30[min] W
JA2C.................  43[deg]30[min] N          68[deg]30[min] W
JA2D.................  43[deg]30[min] N          69[deg]00[min] W
JA2A.................  44[deg]00[min] N          69[deg]00[min] W
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (v) September-October River Herring Monitoring/Avoidance Areas. The 
September-October River Herring Monitoring/Avoidance Areas include two 
sub-areas. Each sub-area includes the waters bounded by the coordinates 
below, connected in the order listed by straight lines unless otherwise 
noted.
    (A) September-October River Herring Monitoring/Avoidance Sub-Area 1.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Point            Latitude            Longitude            Note
------------------------------------------------------------------------
SO1A...........  44[deg]30[min] N    68[deg]00[min] W
SO1B...........  44[deg]30[min] N    (\1\)               (\2\)
SO1C...........  44[deg]00[min] N    (\3\)               (\2\)
SO1D...........  44[deg]00[min] N    68[deg]00[min] W
SO1A...........  44[deg]30[min] N    68[deg]00[min] W
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The intersection of 44[deg]30[min] N and the U.S.-Canada Maritime
  Boundary.
\2\ Point SO1B and Point SO1C are connected along the U.S.-Canada
  Maritime Boundary.
\3\ The intersection of 44[deg]00[min] N and the U.S.-Canada Maritime
  Boundary.

    (B) September-October River Herring Monitoring/Avoidance Sub-Area 2.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Point                  Latitude                 Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
SO2A.................  43[deg]00[min] N          71[deg]00[min] W
SO2B.................  43[deg]00[min] N          70[deg]30[min] W
SO2C.................  42[deg]30[min] N          70[deg]30[min] W
SO2D.................  42[deg]30[min] N          71[deg]00[min] W
SO2A.................  43[deg]00[min] N          71[deg]00[min] W
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (vi) November-December River Herring Monitoring/Avoidance Areas. The 
November-December River Herring Monitoring/Avoidance Areas include two 
sub-areas. Each sub-area includes the waters bounded by the coordinates 
below, connected in the order listed by straight lines unless otherwise 
noted.
    (A) November-December River Herring Monitoring/Avoidance Sub-Area 1.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Point            Latitude            Longitude            Note
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ND1A...........  43[deg]00[min] N    71[deg]00[min] W
ND1B...........  43[deg]00[min] N    70[deg]00[min] W
ND1C...........  42[deg]00[min] N    70[deg]00[min] W
ND1D...........  42[deg]00[min] N    69[deg]30[min] W
ND1E...........  41[deg]30[min] N    69[deg]30[min] W
ND1F...........  41[deg]30[min] N    70[deg]00[min] W
ND1G...........  (\1\)               70[deg]00[min] W    (\3\)
ND1H...........  42[deg]00[min] N    (\2\)               (\3\)
ND1I...........  42[deg]00[min] N    70[deg]30[min] W
ND1J...........  42[deg]30[min] N    70[deg]30[min] W
ND1K...........  42[deg]30[min] N    71[deg]00[min] W
ND1A...........  43[deg]00[min] N    71[deg]00[min] W
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The south-facing shoreline of Cape Cod, Massachusetts.

[[Page 968]]

 
\2\ The west-facing shoreline of Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
\3\ Point ND1G and ND1H are connected following the coastline of Cape
  Cod, Massachusetts.

    (B) November-December River Herring Monitoring/Avoidance Sub-Area 2.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Point                  Latitude                 Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ND2A.................  41[deg]30[min] N          72[deg]00[min] W
ND2B.................  41[deg]30[min] N          70[deg]00[min] W
ND2C.................  40[deg]30[min] N          70[deg]00[min] W
ND2D.................  40[deg]30[min] N          70[deg]30[min] W
ND2E.................  41[deg]00[min] N          70[deg]30[min] W
ND2F.................  41[deg]00[min] N          72[deg]00[min] W
ND2A.................  41[deg]30[min] N          72[deg]00[min] W
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (5) Gulf of Maine Modified Haddock Stock Area. The Gulf of Maine 
Modified Haddock Stock Area is composed of the portions of Greater 
Atlantic Region Statistical Areas 464, 465, 511, 512, 513, 514, 
and 515 in U.S. waters, and is defined by the following points 
connected in the order listed by straight lines unless otherwise noted:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Point            Latitude            Longitude            Note
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A..............  (\1\)               67[deg]00[min] W
B..............  (\2\)               67[deg]00[min] W    (\3\)
C..............  42[deg]20[min] N    (\4\)               (\3\)
D..............  42[deg]20[min] N    70[deg]00[min] W
E..............  (\5\)               70[deg]00[min] W    (\6\)
A..............  (\1\)               67[deg]00[min] W    (\6\)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The intersection of 67[deg]00[min] W longitude and the southern
  coast of Maine.
\2\ The intersection of 67[deg]00[min] W longitude and the U.S.-Canada
  Maritime Boundary.
\3\ From POINT B to POINT C along the U.S.-Canada Maritime Boundary.
\4\ The intersection of 42[deg]20[min] N latitude and the U.S.-Canada
  Maritime Boundary.
\5\ The intersection of 70[deg]00[min] W longitude and the northeast-
  facing shoreline of Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
\6\ From POINT E back to POINT A along the coastline of the United
  States.

    (6) Georges Bank Modified Haddock Stock Area. The Georges Bank 
Modified Haddock Stock Area is composed of Greater Atlantic Region 
Statistical Areas 521, 522, 525, 526, 561, and 562, and is defined 
by the following points connected in the order listed by straight lines 
unless otherwise noted:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Point            Latitude            Longitude            Note
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A..............  42[deg]20[min] N    70[deg]00[min] W
B..............  42[deg]20[min] N    (\1\)               (\2\)
C..............  40[deg]30[min] N    (\3\)               (\2\)
D..............  40[deg]30[min] N    66[deg]40[min] W
E..............  39[deg]50[min] N    66[deg]40[min] W
F..............  39[deg]50[min] N    70[deg]00[min] W    (\4\)
A..............  42[deg]20[min] N    70[deg]00[min] W    (\4\)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The intersection of 42[deg]20[min] N latitude and the U.S.-Canada
  Maritime Boundary.
\2\ From POINT B to POINT C following the U.S.-Canada Maritime Boundary.
\3\ The intersection of 40[deg]30[min] N latitude and the U.S.-Canada
  Maritime Boundary.
\4\ From POINT F back to POINT A along 70[deg]00[min] W longitude and
  the coastlines of Nantucket Island and mainland Cape Cod,
  Massachusetts, whichever is further east.

    (7) River herring and shad catch cap areas--(i) Gulf of Maine Catch 
Cap Area. The Gulf of Maine Catch Cap Area is composed of the portions 
of Greater Atlantic Region Statistical Areas 464, 465, 467, 511, 
512, 513, 514, and 515 in U.S. waters. The Gulf of Maine Catch Cap 
Area is bounded on the west by the coastline of the United States, 
bounded on the east by the U.S.-Canada Maritime Boundary, and bounded on 
the south by the following coordinates connected by straight lines in 
the order listed:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Point                  Latitude                 Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A....................  (\1\)                     70[deg]00[min] W
B....................  42[deg]20[min] N          70[deg]00[min] W
C....................  42[deg]20[min] N          (\2\)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The intersection of 70[deg]00[min] W longitude and the northwest
  facing shoreline of Cape Cod, Massachusetts
\2\ The intersection of 42[deg]00[min] N latitude and the U.S.-Canada
  Maritime Boundary.

    (ii) Cape Cod Catch Cap Area. The Cape Cod Catch Cap Area is 
composed of Greater Atlantic Region Statistical Area 521, and is 
defined by the following points connected in the order listed by 
straight lines unless otherwise noted:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Point            Latitude            Longitude            Note
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A..............  (\1\)               70[deg]00[min] W
B..............  42[deg]20[min] N    70[deg]00[min] W
C..............  42[deg]20[min] N    68[deg]50[min] W
D..............  41[deg]00[min] N    68[deg]50[min] W
E..............  41[deg]00[min] N    69[deg]30[min] W
F..............  41[deg]10[min] N    69[deg]30[min] W
G..............  41[deg]10[min] N    69[deg]50[min] W
H..............  41[deg]20[min] N    69[deg]50[min] W
I..............  41[deg]20[min] N    (\2\)               (\3\)
J..............  (\4\)               70[deg]00[min] W    (\3\)
K..............  (\5\)               70[deg]00[min] W    (\6\)
A..............  (\1\)               70[deg]00[min] W    (\6\)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The intersection of 70[deg]00[min] W longitude and the northeast-
  facing shoreline of Cape Cod, Massachusetts
\2\ The intersection of 41[deg]20[min] N latitude and the northeast-
  facing shoreline of Nantucket Island.
\3\ From Point I to Point J along the northeast-facing shoreline of
  Nantucket Island.
\4\ The intersection of 70[deg]00[min] W longitude and the northeast-
  facing shoreline of Nantucket Island.
\5\ The intersection of 70[deg]00[min] W longitude and the south-facing
  shoreline of mainland Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
\6\ From Point K back to Point A along the east-facing shoreline of Cape
  Cod, Massachusetts.

    (iii) Georges Bank Catch Cap Area. The Georges Bank Catch Cap Area 
is composed of the portions of Greater Atlantic Region Statistical Areas 
522, 525, 526, 541, 542, 543, 561, 562, and 640 in U.S. waters, 
and is defined by the following points, connected in the

[[Page 969]]

order listed by straight lines unless otherwise noted:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Point            Latitude            Longitude            Note
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A..............  (\1\)               70[deg]00[min] W
B..............  (\2\)               70[deg]00[min] W    (\3\)
C..............  41[deg]20[min] N    (\4\)               (\3\)
D..............  41[deg]20[min] N    69[deg]50[min] W
E..............  41[deg]10[min] N    69[deg]50[min] W
F..............  41[deg]10[min] N    69[deg]30[min] W
G..............  41[deg]00[min] N    69[deg]30[min] W
H..............  41[deg]00[min] N    68[deg]50[min] W
I..............  42[deg]20[min] N    68[deg]50[min] W
J..............  42[deg]20[min] N    (\5\)               (\6\)
A..............  (\1\)               70[deg]00[min] W    (\6\)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The intersection of 70[deg]00[min] W longitude and the outer limit
  of the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone.
\2\ The intersection of 70[deg]00[min] W longitude and the south-facing
  shoreline of Nantucket Island.
\3\ From Point B to Point C along the south- and east-facing shorelines
  of Nantucket Island.
\4\ The intersection of 41[deg]20[min] N latitude and the northeast-
  facing shoreline of Nantucket Island.
\5\ The intersection of 42[deg]20[min] N latitude and the U.S.-Canada
  Maritime Boundary.
\6\ From Point J back to Point A along the U.S.-Canada Maritime Boundary
  and the outer limit of the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone.

    (iv) Southern New England/Mid-Atlantic Catch Cap Area. The 
coordinates of this area are the same as Management Area 2 (South 
Coastal Area), as specified in paragraph (f)(2) of this section.
    (8) River herring and shad catch cap closure areas--(i) Gulf of 
Maine Catch Cap Closure Area. The coordinates of this area are the same 
as the Gulf of Maine Catch Cap Area, as specified in paragraph (f)(7)(i) 
of this section.
    (ii) Cape Cod Catch Cap Closure Area. The coordinates of this area 
are the same as the Cape Cod Catch Cap Area, as specified in paragraph 
(f)(7)(ii) of this section.
    (iii) Georges Bank Catch Cap Closure Area. The coordinates of this 
area are the same as the Georges Bank Catch Cap Area, as specified in 
paragraph (f)(7)(iii) of this section.
    (iv) Southern New England/Mid-Atlantic Catch Cap Closure Area. The 
Southern New England/Mid-Atlantic Catch Cap Closure Area is composed of 
the portions of Greater Atlantic Region Statistical Areas 537, 538, 
539, 611, 612, 613, 614, 615, 616, 621, 622, 623, 625, 626, 
627, 631, 632, 635, and 636 in US waters, and is defined by the 
following coordinates, connected by straight lines in the order listed 
unless otherwise noted:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Point            Latitude            Longitude            Note
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A..............  35[deg]00[min] N    (\1\)
B..............  35[deg]00[min] N    74[deg]00[min] W
C..............  37[deg]00[min] N    74[deg]00[min] W
D..............  37[deg]00[min] N    73[deg]00[min] W
E..............  38[deg]00[min] N    73[deg]00[min] W
F..............  38[deg]00[min] N    72[deg]00[min] W
G..............  39[deg]00[min] N    72[deg]00[min] W
H..............  39[deg]00[min] N    71[deg]40[min] W
I..............  39[deg]50[min] N    71[deg]40[min] W
J..............  39[deg]50[min] N    70[deg]00[min] W
K..............  (\2\)               70[deg]00[min] W    (\3\)
A..............  35[deg]00[min] N    (\1\)               (\3\)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The intersection of 35[deg]00[min] N latitude and the mainland
  shoreline of North Carolina.
\2\ The intersection of 70[deg]00[min] W longitude and the south-facing
  shoreline of mainland Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
\3\ From Point K back to Point A along the mainland shoreline of the
  United States.

    (g) All aspects of the following measures can be modified through 
the specifications process:
    (1) AMs;
    (2) Possession limits;
    (3) River Herring Monitoring/Avoidance Areas; and
    (4) River herring and shad catch caps.

[72 FR 11277, Mar. 12, 2007, as amended at 73 FR 4757, Jan. 28, 2008; 76 
FR 11379, Mar. 2, 2011; 76 FR 81850, Dec. 29, 2011; 79 FR 8815, Feb. 13, 
2014; 79 FR 71968, Dec. 4, 2014; 80 FR 37197, June 30, 2015; 81 FR 
19054, Apr. 4, 2016; 85 FR 26885, May 6, 2020; 86 FR 1825, Jan. 11, 
2021]



Sec. 648.201  AMs and harvest controls.

    (a) AMs--(1) Herring sub-ACLs and ACL--(i) Possession Limit 
Adjustments--(A) Areas 1A and 1B Possession Limit Adjustment. If NMFS 
projects that catch from Area 1A or 1B will reach 92 percent of the 
annual sub-ACL allocated to Area 1A or Area 1B, before the end of the 
fishing year, or 92 percent of the Area 1A sub-ACL allocated to the 
seasonal period as set forth in paragraph (d) of this section, beginning 
the date the catch is projected to reach 92 percent of the sub-ACL, 
vessels may not attempt or do any of the following: Fish for, possess, 
transfer, receive, land, or sell more than 2,000 lb (907.2 kg) of 
Atlantic herring per trip in or from the applicable area, and from 
landing herring more than once per calendar day, except as provided in 
paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section. NMFS shall implement these 
restrictions in accordance with the APA.
    (B) Areas 2 and 3--(1) Possession Limit Adjustment--Phase 1. If NMFS 
projects that catch from Area 2 or Area 3 will reach 90 percent of the 
annual sub-ACL allocated to Area 2 or Area 3 before the

[[Page 970]]

end of the fishing year, beginning the date the catch is projected to 
reach 90 percent of the applicable sub-ACL, vessels may not attempt or 
do any of the following: Fish for, possess, transfer, receive, land, or 
sell more than 40,000 lb (18,143.7 kg) of Atlantic herring per trip in 
or from the applicable area, and from landing herring more than once per 
calendar day, except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this 
section. Based on catch projections in relation to the amount of catch 
available between the applicable 90 percent (Phase 1) and 98 percent 
(Phase 2) sub-ACL adjustment thresholds, NMFS may bypass implementing 
this Phase 1, 40,000-lb (18,143.7-kg) possession limit and instead 
implement the Phase 2, 2,000-lb (907.2-kg) possession limit described at 
Sec. 648.201(a)(1)(i)(B)(2) as warranted to avoid impracticable 
transitions from Phase 1 to Phase 2 thresholds, avoid overages, or 
reduce the risk of exceeding the ABC. NMFS shall implement these 
restrictions in accordance with the APA.
    (2) Possession Limit Adjustment--Phase 2. If NMFS projects that 
catch will reach 98 percent of the annual sub-ACL allocated to Area 2 or 
Area 3 before the end of the fishing year, beginning the date the catch 
is projected to reach 98 percent of the sub-ACL, vessels may not attempt 
or do any of the following: Fish for, possess, transfer, receive, land, 
or sell more than 2,000 lb (907.2 kg) of Atlantic herring per trip in 
the applicable area, and from landing herring more than once per 
calendar day, except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this 
section. Based on catch projections, NMFS may implement this Phase 2, 
2,000-lb (907.2-kg) possession limit without first implementing the 
Phase 1, 40,000-lb (18,143.7-kg) possession limit described at Sec. 
648.201(a)(1)(i)(B)(1) as warranted to avoid impracticable transitions 
from Phase 1 to Phase 2 thresholds, avoid overages, or reduce the risk 
of exceeding the ABC. NMFS shall implement these restrictions in 
accordance with the APA.
    (ii) Herring fishery closure. If NMFS projects that catch will reach 
95 percent of the ACL before the end of the fishing year, beginning the 
date the catch is projected to reach 95 percent of the ACL, vessels may 
not attempt or do any of the following: Fish for, possess, transfer, 
receive, land, or sell more than 2,000 lb (907.2 kg) of Atlantic herring 
per trip in all herring management areas, and from landing herring more 
than once per calendar day, except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c) 
of this section. NMFS shall implement these restrictions in accordance 
with the APA.
    (2) When the Regional Administrator has determined that the GOM and/
or GB incidental catch cap for haddock in Sec. 648.90(a)(4)(iii)(D) has 
been caught, no vessel issued a Federal Atlantic herring permit and 
fishing with midwater trawl gear in the applicable Accountability 
Measure (AM) Area, i.e., the Herring GOM Haddock AM Area or Herring GB 
Haddock AM Area, as defined in Sec. 648.86(a)(3)(ii)(A)(2) and (3) of 
this part, may fish for, possess, transfer, receive, land, or sell 
herring in excess of 2,000 lb (907.2 kg) per trip in or from the 
applicable AM Area, and from landing herring more than once per calendar 
day, unless all herring possessed and landed by a vessel were caught 
outside the applicable AM Area and the vessel's gear is not available 
for immediate use as defined in Sec. 648.2 while transiting the 
applicable AM Area. Upon this determination, the haddock possession 
limit is reduced to 0 lb (0 kg) in the applicable AM area for a vessel 
issued a Federal Atlantic herring permit and fishing with midwater trawl 
gear or for a vessel issued a Category A or B Herring Permit fishing on 
a declared herring trip, regardless of area fished or gear used, in the 
applicable AM area, unless the vessel also possesses a Northeast 
multispecies permit and is operating on a declared (consistent with 
Sec. 648.10(g)) Northeast multispecies trip.
    (3) ACL and sub-ACL overage deductions. (i) If NMFS determines that 
total catch exceeded an Atlantic herring sub-ACL by 10 percent or less 
and the ACL was not exceeded in a given fishing year, then NMFS shall 
not deduct any amount of the overage from the applicable sub-ACL or ACL 
in the fishing year following total catch determination.
    (ii) If NMFS determines that total catch exceeded an Atlantic 
herring

[[Page 971]]

sub-ACL by greater than 10 percent and the ACL was not exceeded in a 
given fishing year, then NMFS shall subtract the amount of the overage 
above 10 percent from the ACL and applicable sub-ACL in the fishing year 
following total catch determination. For example, if catch exceeded the 
Area 1A sub-ACL by 15 percent in Year 1 and the ACL was not exceeded, 
the amount equal to the 5 percent overage would be deducted from the ACL 
and Area 1A sub-ACL in Year 3.
    (iii) If NMFS determines that total catch exceeded an Atlantic 
herring sub-ACL by any amount and the ACL was also exceeded in a given 
fishing year, then NMFS shall subtract the full amount of the sub-ACL 
overage from the applicable sub-ACL, and the full amount of the ACL 
overage from the ACL, in the fishing year following total catch 
determination. For example, if catch exceeded the Area 1A sub-ACL by 15 
percent and the ACL by 5 percent in Year 1, the amount equal to the 15-
percent overage would be deducted from the Area 1A sub-ACL and the 
amount equal to the 5-percent overage would be deducted from the ACL in 
Year 3.
    (iv) If NMFS determines that total catch exceeded the Atlantic 
herring ACL and no herring sub-ACLs were exceeded in a given fishing 
year, then NMFS shall subtract the full amount of the overage from the 
ACL in the fishing year following total catch determination. For 
example, if catch exceeded the herring ACL by 2 percent in Year 1, the 
amount equal to the 2-percent overage would be deducted from the ACL in 
Year 3, and no sub-ACLs would be reduced.
    (v) NMFS shall make overage determinations and implement any changes 
to ACLs or sub-ACLs, through notification in the Federal Register, and 
if possible, prior to the start of the fishing year during which the 
reduction would occur.
    (4) River herring and shad catch cap. (i) The catch from all trips 
that land more than 6,600 lb (3 mt) of herring shall apply to the river 
herring and shad catch cap in the herring fishery. Caps by gear and by 
area shall be established through the specifications process described 
in Sec. 648.201.
    (ii) Beginning on the date that NMFS projects that river herring and 
shad catch will reach 95 percent of a catch cap for specified gear 
applicable to an area specified in Sec. 648.200(f)(7) for the remainder 
of the fishing year, vessels may not attempt or do any of the following: 
Fish for, possess, transfer, receive, land, or sell more than 2,000 lb 
(907.2 kg) of Atlantic herring per trip using the applicable gear in the 
applicable catch cap closure area, specified in Sec. 648.200(f)(8), and 
from landing herring more than once per calendar day, except as provided 
in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section. NMFS shall implement these 
restrictions in accordance with the APA.
    (b) A vessel may transit an area that is limited to the 2,000-lb 
(907.2-kg) limit or 40,000-lb (18,143.7-kg) limit specified in paragraph 
(a) of this section with greater than 2,000 lb (907.2 kg) or greater 
than 40,000 lb (18,143.7 kg) of herring on board, provided such herring 
were caught in an area or areas not subject to the 2,000-lb (907.2-kg) 
limit or 40,000-lb (18,143.7-kg) limit specified in paragraph (a) of 
this section, and that all fishing gear is stowed and not available for 
immediate use as defined in Sec. 648.2, and provided the vessel is 
issued a vessel permit appropriate to the amount of herring on board and 
the area where the herring was harvested.
    (c) A vessel may land an area that is limited to the 2,000-lb 
(907.2-kg) limit or 40,000-lb (18,143.7-kg) limit specified in paragraph 
(a) of this section with greater than 2,000 lb (907.2 kg) or greater 
than 40,000 lb (18,143.7 kg) of herring on board, provided such herring 
were caught in an area or areas not subject to the 2,000-lb (907.2-kg) 
limit or 40,000-lb (18,143.7-kg) limit specified in paragraph (a) of 
this section, and that all fishing gear is stowed and not available for 
immediate use as defined in Sec. 648.2, and provided the vessel is 
issued a vessel permit appropriate to the amount of herring on board and 
the area where the herring was harvested.
    (d) Seasonal sub-ACL periods. The sub-ACL for each herring 
management area may be divided into seasonal periods by month. Seasonal 
sub-ACLs for herring management areas, including the specification of 
the seasonal periods, shall be set through the annual specification

[[Page 972]]

process described at Sec. 648.200. The seasonal allocation of sub-ACLs 
are as follows:
    (1) Area 1A: Zero percent available for harvest during January-May; 
100 percent available for harvest during June-December.
    (2) Area 1B: 100 percent available for harvest during January-
December.
    (3) Area 2: 100 percent available for harvest during January-
December.
    (4) Area 3: 100 percent available for harvest during January-
December.
    (e) A vessel may transit an area that has zero percent sub-ACL 
available for harvest specified in paragraph (d) of this section with 
herring on board, provided such herring were caught in an area or areas 
with sub-ACL available specified in paragraph (d) of this section, that 
all fishing gear is stowed and not available for immediate use as 
defined in Sec. 648.2, and the vessel is issued a permit that 
authorizes the amount of herring on board for the area where the herring 
was harvested.
    (f) Up to 500 mt of the Area 1A sub-ACL shall be allocated for the 
fixed gear fisheries in Area 1A (weirs and stop seines) that occur west 
of 67[deg]16.8[min] W. long (Cutler, Maine). This set-aside shall be 
available for harvest by fixed gear within the specified area until 
November 1 of each fishing year. Any portion of this allocation that has 
not been utilized by November 1 shall be restored to the sub-ACL 
allocation for Area 1A.
    (g) Carryover. (1) Subject to the conditions described in this 
paragraph (g), unharvested catch in a herring management area in a 
fishing year (up to 10 percent of that area's sub-ACL) shall be carried 
over and added to the sub-ACL for that herring management area for the 
fishing year following the year when total catch is determined. For 
example, NMFS will determine total catch from Year 1 during Year 2, and 
will add carryover to the applicable sub-ACL(s) in Year 3. All such 
carryover shall be based on the herring management area's initial sub-
ACL allocation for Year 1, not the sub-ACL for Year 1 as increased by 
carryover or decreased by an overage deduction, as specified in 
paragraph (a)(3) of this section. All herring caught from a herring 
management area shall count against that area's sub-ACL, as increased by 
carryover. For example, if 100 mt of herring is added as carryover from 
Year 1 to a 5,000 mt sub-ACL in Year 3, catch in that management area 
would be tracked against a total sub-ACL of 5,100 mt. NMFS shall add 
sub-ACL carryover only if catch does not exceed the Year 1 ACL, 
specified consistent with Sec. 648.200(b)(3). The ACL, consistent with 
Sec. 648.200(b)(3), shall not be increased by carryover specified in 
this paragraph (g).
    (2) [Reserved]
    (h) If NMFS determines that the New Brunswick weir fishery landed 
less than 2,722 mt of herring through October 1, NMFS will subtract 
1,000 mt from management uncertainty and reallocate that 1,000 mt to the 
ACL and Area 1A sub-ACL. NMFS will notify the Council of this adjustment 
and publish the adjustment in the Federal Register.

[76 FR 11380, Mar. 2, 2011, as amended at 76 FR 56999, Sept. 15, 2011; 
78 FR 26169, May 3, 2013; 78 FR 61837, Oct. 4, 2013; 79 FR 52580, Sept. 
4, 2014; 79 FR 71971, Dec. 4, 2014; 81 FR 19054, Apr. 4, 2016; 81 FR 
75739, Nov. 1, 2016; 85 FR 26886, May 6, 2020; 86 FR 17085, Apr. 1, 
2021; 87 FR 42967, July 19, 2022; 88 FR 17402, Mar. 23, 2023]



Sec. 648.202  Season and area restrictions.

    (a) Midwater Trawl Restricted Areas. (1) Area 1A. Federally 
permitted vessels fishing may not use, deploy, or fish with midwater 
trawl gear in Area 1A from June 1 September 30 of each fishing year. A 
vessel with midwater trawl gear on board may transit Area 1A from June 
1-September 30, provided such midwater trawl gear is stowed and not 
available for immediate use as defined in Sec. 648.2. Vessels may use 
any authorized gear type to harvest herring in Area 1A from October 1-
May 31.
    (2) [Reserved]
    (b) Fishing in Northeast Multispecies Closed Areas. (1) No vessel 
issued an Atlantic herring permit and fishing with midwater trawl gear, 
may fish for, possess or land fish in or from the Closed Areas, 
including Cashes Ledge Closure Area, Western GOM Closure Area, Closed 
Area I North (February 1-April 15), and Closed Area II, as defined in 
Sec. 648.81(a)(3), (4), and (5) and (c)(3) and (4), respectively, 
unless it has declared

[[Page 973]]

first its intent to fish in the Closed Areas as required by Sec. 
648.11(m)(1), and is carrying onboard an observer.
    (2) No vessel issued an Atlantic herring permit and fishing with 
midwater trawl gear, when fishing any part of a midwater trawl tow in 
the Closed Areas, may slip or operationally discard catch, as defined at 
Sec. 648.2, except in the following circumstances:
    (i) The vessel operator has determined, and the preponderance of 
available evidence indicates that, there is a compelling safety reason; 
or
    (ii) A mechanical failure, including gear damage, precludes bringing 
some or all of the catch on board the vessel for inspection; or,
    (iii) The vessel operator determines that pumping becomes impossible 
as a result of spiny dogfish clogging the pump intake. The vessel 
operator shall take reasonable measures, such as strapping and splitting 
the net, to remove all fish which can be pumped from the net prior to 
release.
    (3) Vessels may make test tows without pumping catch on board if the 
net is re-set without releasing its contents provided that all catch 
from test tows is available to the observer to sample when the next tow 
is brought on board.
    (4) If catch is slipped or operational discarded by a vessel, the 
vessel operator must:
    (i) Stop fishing and immediately exit the Closed Areas. Once the 
vessel has exited the Closed Areas, it may continue to fish, but may not 
fish inside the Closed Areas for the remainder of that trip.
    (ii) Complete and sign a Released Catch Affidavit detailing: The 
vessel name and permit number; the VTR serial number; where, when, and 
for what reason the catch was released; the estimated weight of each 
species brought on board or released on that tow. A completed affidavit 
must be submitted to NMFS within 48 hr of the end of the trip.
    (iii) Report slippage events on the Atlantic herring daily VMS catch 
report and indicate the reason for slipping catch if the vessel was 
issued a limited access herring permit.
    (iv) Comply with the measures to address slippage specified in Sec. 
648.11(m)(7)(iv) through (vi) if the vessel was issued a Category A or B 
Herring Permit.

[72 FR 11277, Mar. 12, 2007, as amended at 79 FR 8816, Feb. 13, 2014; 79 
FR 52580, Sept. 4, 2014; 81 FR 19054, Apr. 4, 2016; 83 FR 15275, Apr. 9, 
2018; 85 FR 7442, Feb. 7, 2020; 85 FR 26886, May 6, 2020; 86 FR 1825, 
Jan. 11, 2021; 86 FR 17086, Apr. 1, 2021; 87 FR 75890, Dec. 9, 2022; 88 
FR 17402, Mar. 23, 2023]



Sec. 648.203  Gear restrictions.

    (a) Midwater trawl gear may only be used by a vessel issued a valid 
herring permit in the GOM/GB Exemption Area as defined in Sec. 
648.80(a)(17), provided it complies with the midwater trawl gear 
exemption requirements specified under the NE multispecies regulations 
at Sec. 648.80(d), including issuance of a Letter of Authorization.
    (b) Purse seine gear may only be used by a vessel issued a valid 
herring permit in the GOM/GB Exemption Area as defined in Sec. 
648.80(a)(17), provided it complies with the purse seine exemption 
requirements specified under the NE multispecies requirements at Sec. 
648.80(e), including issuance of a Letter of Authorization.

[72 FR 11277, Mar. 12, 2007, as amended at 83 FR 15275, Apr. 9, 2018]



Sec. 648.204  Possession restrictions.

    (a) A vessel must be issued and possess a valid limited access 
herring permit (i.e., Category A, B, or C) or Category E Herring Permit 
(as defined in Sec. 648.4(a)(10)(iv) and (v)) to fish for, possess, or 
land more than 6,600 lb (3 mt) of Atlantic herring from any herring 
management area in the EEZ. A vessel must abide by any harvest 
restriction specified in Sec. 648.201 that has been implemented.
    (1) A vessel issued a Category A Herring Permit may fish for, 
possess, or land Atlantic herring with no possession restriction from 
any of the herring management areas defined in Sec. 648.200(f), 
provided none of the accountability measures or harvest restrictions 
specified in Sec. 648.201 have been implemented.
    (2) A vessel issued only a Category B Herring Permit may fish for, 
possess, or land Atlantic herring with no possession restriction only 
from Area 2 or

[[Page 974]]

Area 3, as defined in Sec. 648.200(f), provided none of the 
accountability measures or harvest restrictions specified in Sec. 
648.201 have been implemented. Such a vessel may fish in Area 1 only if 
issued a Category C or D Herring Permit, and only as authorized by the 
respective permit.
    (3) A vessel issued a Category C Herring Permit may fish for, 
possess, or land up to, but no more than, 55,000 lb (25 mt) of Atlantic 
herring in any calendar day, and is limited to one landing of herring 
per calendar day, from any management area defined in Sec. 648.200(f), 
provided none of the accountability measures or harvest restrictions 
specified in Sec. 648.201 have been implemented.
    (4) A vessel issued a Category D Herring Permit may fish for, 
possess, or land up to, but no more than, 6,600 lb (3 mt) of Atlantic 
herring from any herring management area per trip, and is limited to one 
landing of herring per calendar day, provided none of the accountability 
measures or harvest restrictions specified in Sec. 648.201 have been 
implemented.
    (5) A vessel issued a Category E Herring Permit may fish for, 
possess, or land up to, but no more than, 20,000 lb (9 mt) of Atlantic 
herring from only Area 2 or Area 3, as defined in Sec. 648.200(f), per 
trip, and is limited to one landing of herring per calendar day, 
provided none of the accountability measures or harvest restrictions 
specified in Sec. 648.201 have been implemented.
    (6) A vessel issued a herring permit may possess herring roe 
provided that the carcasses of the herring from which it came are not 
discarded at sea.
    (b) Each vessel working cooperatively in the herring fishery, 
including vessels pair trawling, purse seining, and transferring herring 
at-sea, must be issued a valid herring permit to fish for, possess, or 
land Atlantic herring and are subject to the most restrictive herring 
possession limit associated with the permits issued to vessels working 
cooperatively.

[72 FR 11277, Mar. 12, 2007, as amended at 76 FR 11380, Mar. 2, 2011; 79 
FR 8816, Feb. 13, 2014; 79 FR 71972, Dec. 4, 2014; 85 FR 26886, May 6, 
2020]



Sec. 648.205  VMS requirements.

    The owner or operator any vessel issued a limited access herring 
permit (i.e., Category A, B, or C) or Category E Herring Permit, with 
the exception of fixed gear fishermen, must install and operate a VMS 
unit consistent with the requirements of Sec. 648.9. The VMS unit must 
be installed on board, and must be operable before the vessel may begin 
fishing. Atlantic herring carrier vessels are not required to have VMS 
(See Sec. 648.10(m) for VMS notification requirements.).

[85 FR 26886, May 6, 2020]



Sec. 648.206  Framework provisions.

    (a) Framework adjustment process. In response to the triennial 
review, or at any other time, the Council may initiate action to add or 
adjust management measures if it finds that action is necessary to meet 
or be consistent with the goals and objectives of the Atlantic Herring 
FMP, or to address gear conflicts as defined under Sec. 600.10 of this 
chapter.
    (1) Adjustment process. After a management action has been 
initiated, the Council shall develop and analyze appropriate management 
measures over the span of at least two Council meetings. The Council may 
delegate authority to the Herring Oversight Committee to conduct an 
initial review of the options being considered. The Oversight Committee 
shall review the options and relevant information, consider public 
comment, and make a recommendation to the Council.
    (2) After the first framework meeting, the Council may refer the 
issue back to the Herring Oversight Committee for further consideration, 
make adjustments to the measures that were proposed, or approve of the 
measures and begin developing the necessary documents to support the 
framework adjustments. If the Council approves the proposed framework 
adjustments, the Council shall identify, at this meeting, a preferred 
alternative and/or identify the possible alternatives.
    (3) A framework document shall be prepared that discusses and shows 
the impacts of the alternatives. It shall be available to the public 
prior to the second or final framework meeting.

[[Page 975]]

    (4) After developing management actions and receiving public 
testimony, the Council shall make a recommendation to NMFS. The 
Council's recommendation must include supporting rationale and, if 
changes to the management measures are recommended, an analysis of 
impacts and a recommendation to NMFS on whether to issue the management 
measures as a final rule. If the Council recommends that the management 
measures should be issued as a final rule, the Council must consider at 
least the following factors and provide support and analysis for each 
factor considered:
    (i) Whether the availability of data on which the recommended 
management measures are based allows for adequate time to publish a 
proposed rule, and whether regulations have to be in place for an entire 
harvest/fishing season.
    (ii) Whether there has been adequate notice and opportunity for 
participation by the public and members of the affected industry in the 
development of the Council's recommended management measures.
    (iii) Whether there is an immediate need to protect the resource or 
to impose management measures to resolve gear conflicts.
    (iv) Whether there will be a continuing evaluation of management 
measures adopted following their implementation as a final rule.
    (5) If the Council's recommendation to NMFS includes adjustments or 
additions to management measures, after reviewing the Council's 
recommendation and supporting information NMFS may:
    (i) Concur with the Council's recommended management measures and 
determine that the recommended management measures should be published 
as a final rule in the Federal Register based on the factors specified 
in paragraphs (c)(4)(i)-(iv) of this section.
    (ii) Concur with the Council's recommendation and determine that the 
recommended management measures should be first published as a proposed 
rule in the Federal Register. After additional public comment, if NMFS 
concurs with the Council's recommendation, the measures shall be issued 
as a final rule in the Federal Register.
    (iii) If NMFS does not concur, the Council shall be notified in 
writing of the reasons for the non-concurrence.
    (b) Possible framework adjustment measures. Measures that may be 
changed or implemented through framework action include:
    (1) Management area boundaries or additional management areas;
    (2) Size, timing, or location of new or existing spawning area 
closures;
    (3) Closed areas, including midwater trawl restricted areas, other 
than spawning closures;
    (4) Restrictions in the amount of fishing time;
    (5) A days-at-sea system;
    (6) Adjustments to specifications;
    (7) Adjustments to the Canadian catch deducted when determining 
specifications;
    (8) Distribution of the ACL;
    (9) Gear restrictions (such as mesh size, etc.) or requirements 
(such as bycatch-reduction devices, etc.);
    (10) Vessel size or horsepower restrictions;
    (11) Closed seasons;
    (12) Minimum fish size;
    (13) Trip limits;
    (14) Seasonal, area, or industry sector quotas;
    (15) Measures to describe and identify essential fish habitat (EFH), 
fishing gear management measures to protect EFH, and designation of 
habitat areas of particular concern within EFH;
    (16) Measures to facilitate aquaculture, such as minimum fish sizes, 
gear restrictions, minimum mesh sizes, possession limits, tagging 
requirements, monitoring requirements, reporting requirements, permit 
restrictions, area closures, establishment of special management areas 
or zones, and any other measures included in the FMP;
    (17) Changes to the overfishing definition;
    (18) Vessel monitoring system requirements;
    (19) Limits or restrictions on the harvest of herring for specific 
uses;
    (20) Quota monitoring tools, such as vessel, operator, or dealer 
reporting requirements;

[[Page 976]]

    (21) Permit and vessel upgrading restrictions;
    (22) Implementation of measures to reduce gear conflicts, such as 
mandatory monitoring of a radio channel by fishing vessels, gear 
location reporting by fixed gear fishermen, mandatory plotting of gear 
by mobile fishermen, standards of operation when conflict occurs, fixed 
gear marking or setting practices; gear restrictions for certain areas, 
vessel monitoring systems, restrictions on the maximum number of fishing 
vessels, and special permitting conditions;
    (23) Limited entry or controlled access system;
    (24) Specification of the amount of herring to be used for roe
    (25) In-season adjustments to ACLs;
    (26) Measures to address bycatch and bycatch monitoring;
    (27) Requirements for a herring processor survey;
    (28) ACL set-aside amounts, provisions, adjustments;
    (29) Changes, as appropriate, to the SBRM, including the CV-based 
performance standard, the means by which discard data are collected/
obtained, fishery stratification, the process for prioritizing observer 
sea-day allocations, reports, and/or industry-funded observers or 
observer set aside programs;
    (30) AMs;
    (31) Changes to vessel trip notification and declaration 
requirements;
    (32) Adjustments to measures to address slippage, including sampling 
requirements;
    (33) River Herring Monitoring/Avoidance Areas;
    (34) Provisions for river herring catch avoidance program, including 
adjustments to the mechanism and process for tracking fleet activity, 
reporting catch events, compiling data, and notifying the fleet of 
changes to the area(s); the definition/duration of `test tows,' if test 
tows would be utilized to determine the extent of river herring catch in 
a particular area(s); the threshold for river herring catch that would 
trigger the need for vessels to be alerted and move out of the area(s); 
the distance that vessels would be required to move from the area(s); 
and the time that vessels would be required to remain out of the 
area(s).
    (35) Changes to criteria/provisions for access to Northeast 
Multispecies Closed Areas;
    (36) River herring and shad catch caps, including species-specific 
caps, and vessels, permits, trips, gears, and areas to which caps apply;
    (37) River herring and shad Catch Cap Areas and Catch Cap Closure 
Areas;
    (38) Modifications to the ABC control rule, including, but not 
limited to, control rule parameters, if a quantitative stock assessment 
is not available, if the projections are producing ABCs that are not 
justified or consistent with available information, or if the stock 
requires a rebuilding program; and
    (39) Any other measure currently included in the FMP.
    (c) Emergency action. Nothing in this section is meant to derogate 
from the authority of the Secretary to take emergency action under 
section 305(e) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act.

[72 FR 11277, Mar. 12, 2007, as amended at 73 FR 4757, Jan. 28, 2008; 76 
FR 11380, Mar. 2, 2011; 76 FR 81850, Dec. 29, 2011; 79 FR 8817, Feb. 13, 
2014; 79 FR 71972, Dec. 4, 2014; 80 FR 37197, June 30, 2015; 86 FR 1825, 
Jan. 11, 2021]



Sec. 648.207  Herring Research Set-Aside (RSA).

    (a) NMFS shall publish a Request for Proposals (RFP) in the Federal 
Register, consistent with procedures and requirements established by 
NMFS, to solicit proposals from industry for the upcoming 3 fishing 
years, based on research priorities identified by the Council.
    (b) Proposals submitted in response to the RFP must include the 
following information, as well as any other specific information 
required within the RFP: A project summary that includes the project 
goals and objectives, the relationship of the proposed research to 
herring research priorities and/or management needs, project design, 
participants other than the applicant, funding needs, breakdown of 
costs, and the vessel(s) for which authorization is requested to conduct 
research activities.
    (c) NMFS shall convene a review panel, including technical experts, 
to review proposals submitted in response

[[Page 977]]

to the RFP. Each panel member shall recommend which research proposals 
should be authorized to utilize RSA, based on the selection criteria 
described in the RFP.
    (d) NMFS shall consider each panel member's recommendation, provide 
final approval of the projects and the Regional Administrator may, when 
appropriate, exempt selected vessel(s) from regulations specified in 
each of the respective FMPs through written notification to the project 
proponent.
    (e) The grant awards approved under the RFPs shall be for the 
upcoming 3 fishing years, unless the Council identifies new/different 
research priorities during the interim years and decides to publish a 
second RFP. Proposals to fund research that would start prior to, or 
that would end after the fishing year, are not eligible for 
consideration. The RSA must be utilized in the same fishing year in 
which it was distributed (i.e., RSA and compensation trips cannot be 
rolled over into future years). However, the money generated from the 
RSA may be rolled over into, or used to fund research in future years, 
consistent with the multi-year proposal.
    (f) Whenever possible, research proposals shall be reviewed and 
approved prior to the publication of final quota specifications for the 
upcoming fishing years. In the event that the approved proposals do not 
make use of any or all of the set-asides, the unutilized portion of the 
set-aside shall be reallocated back to its respective management area(s) 
when the final specifications are published. If there is unutilized set-
aside available, NMFS, at the request of the Council, could publish 
another RFP for either the second or third years of the 3-year 
specifications. In this case, NMFS shall release the unutilized portion 
of the RSA back to its respective management area(s) for the first year 
of the specifications and any other year that yields unutilized set-
aside after an additional RFP is published. The Council also may decide 
not to publish another RFP, in which case NMFS may release the 
unutilized portion of the set-aside back to its respective management 
area(s) for all 3 fishing years covered by the specifications.
    (g) If a proposal is approved, but a final award is not made by 
NMFS, or if NMFS determines that the allocated RSA cannot be utilized by 
a project, NMFS shall reallocate the unallocated or unused amount of the 
RSA to the respective sub-ACL, in accordance with the APA, provided that 
the RSA can be available for harvest before the end of the fishing year 
for which the RSA is specified.
    (h) Any RSA reallocated under paragraphs (f) and (g) of this section 
may not be used solely as compensation for research.
    (i) Researchers may apply for the use of more than one herring RAS 
allocation for individual research projects, and may request that the 
set-aside be collected separately from the research trip or as part of 
the research trip. The research compensation trips do not necessarily 
have to be conducted by the same vessel, but must be conducted in the 
management area from which the set-aside was derived.
    (j) No more than 50 percent of the allocated set-aside may be taken 
before the research begins. If a research project is terminated for any 
reason prior to completion, any funds collected from the catch sold to 
pay for research expenses must be refunded to U.S. Treasury.
    (k) NMFS shall provide authorization of the research activities to 
specific vessels by letter of acknowledgement, letter of authorization, 
or Exempted Fishing Permit issued by the Regional Administrator, which 
must be kept on board the vessel.
    (l) Upon completion of herring research projects approved under this 
part, researchers must provide the Council and NMFS with a report of 
research findings, which must include: A detailed description of methods 
of data collection and analysis; a discussion of results and any 
relevant conclusions presented in a format that is understandable to a 
non-technical audience; and a detailed final accounting of all funds 
used to conduct the herring research.

[72 FR 11277, Mar. 12, 2007, as amended at 76 FR 11381, Mar. 2, 2011]

[[Page 978]]



       Subpart L_Management Measures for the Spiny Dogfish Fishery

    Source: 65 FR 1570, Jan. 11, 2000, unless otherwise noted.



Sec. 648.230  Spiny dogfish Annual Catch Limits (ACLs).

    (a) The Spiny Dogfish Monitoring Committee shall recommend to the 
Joint Spiny Dogfish Committee, an ACL for the commercial spiny dogfish 
fishery, which shall equal to the domestic ABC (i.e., the ABC minus 
Canadian catch) recommended by the SSC as specified in Sec. 648.20.
    (1) Periodicity. The spiny dogfish ACL may be established on an 
annual basis for up to 5 years at a time, dependent on whether the SSC 
provides single or multiple-year ABC recommendations.
    (2) [Reserved]
    (b) Performance review. The Spiny Dogfish Monitoring Committee shall 
conduct a detailed review of fishery performance relative to the ACL at 
least every 5 years.
    (1) If an ACL is exceeded with a frequency greater than 25 percent 
(i.e., more than once in 4 years or any 2 consecutive years), the Spiny 
Dogfish Monitoring Committee will review fishery performance information 
and make recommendations to the Councils for changes in measures 
intended to ensure ACLs are not exceeded as frequently.
    (2) The Councils may specify more frequent or more specific ACL 
performance review criteria as part of a stock rebuilding plan following 
a determination that the spiny dogfish stock has become overfished.
    (3) Performance reviews shall not substitute for annual reviews that 
occur to ascertain if prior year ACLs have been exceeded, but may be 
conducted in conjunction with such reviews.

[76 FR 60642, Sept. 29, 2011]



Sec. 648.231  Spiny dogfish Annual Catch Target (ACT) and 
Total Allowable Level of Landings (TAL).

    (a) The Spiny Dogfish Monitoring Committee shall identify and review 
the relevant sources of management uncertainty to recommend an ACT and a 
TAL for the fishery as part of the spiny dogfish specification process 
specified in Sec. 648.232. The Spiny Dogfish Monitoring Committee 
recommendations shall identify the specific sources of management 
uncertainty that were considered, technical approaches to mitigating 
these sources of uncertainty, domestic commercial and recreational 
discards, and any additional relevant information considered in the ACT 
and TAL recommendation process.
    (1) The ACT shall be identified as less than or equal to the ACL.
    (2) The Spiny Dogfish Monitoring Committee shall recommend a TAL to 
the Joint Spiny Dogfish Committee, which accounts for domestic 
commercial and recreational discards (ACT minus domestic dead discards). 
The TAL is equivalent to the annual coastwide commercial quota.
    (b) Periodicity. The TAL may be established on an annual basis for 
up to 5 years at a time, dependent on whether the SSC provides single or 
multiple year ABC recommendations.
    (c) Performance review. The Spiny Dogfish Monitoring Committee shall 
conduct a detailed review of fishery performance relative to TALs in 
conjunction with any ACL performance review, as outlined in Sec. 
648.230(b).

[76 FR 60642, Sept. 29, 2011]



Sec. 648.232  Spiny dogfish specifications.

    (a) Commercial quota and other specification measures. The Spiny 
Dogfish Monitoring Committee shall recommend to the Joint Spiny Dogfish 
Committee a TAL (i.e., annual coastwide commercial quota) and any other 
measures, including those in paragraphs (a)(1) through (8) of this 
section, that are necessary to ensure that the commercial ACL will not 
be exceeded in any fishing year (May 1-April 30), for a period of 1-5 
fishing years. If research quota is specified as described in paragraph 
(f) of this section, the effective commercial quota will be those 
commercial landings available after the deduction for the research 
quota. The measures that may be recommended include, but are not limited 
to:
    (1) Minimum or maximum fish sizes;

[[Page 979]]

    (2) Seasons;
    (3) Mesh size restrictions;
    (4) Trip limits;
    (5) Research quota set from a range of 0 to 3 percent of the 
commercial quota;
    (6) Changes, as appropriate, to the SBRM, including the CV-based 
performance standard, the means by which discard data are collected/
obtained, fishery stratification, the process for prioritizing observer 
sea-day allocations, reports, and/or industry-funded observers or 
observer set aside programs;
    (7) Other gear restrictions; and
    (8) Changes to AMs and ACT control rules.
    (b) Joint Spiny Dogfish Committee recommendation. The Councils' 
Joint Spiny Dogfish Committee shall review the recommendations of the 
Spiny Dogfish Monitoring Committee. Based on these recommendations, 
requests for research quota, and any public comments, the Joint Spiny 
Dogfish Committee shall recommend to the Councils a TAL, and possibly 
other measures, including those specified in paragraphs (a)(1) through 
(8) of this section, necessary to ensure that the ACL specified in Sec. 
648.230 will not be exceeded in any fishing year (May 1-April 30), for a 
period of 1-5 fishing years.
    (c) Council recommendations. (1) The Councils shall review these 
recommendations and, based on the recommendations and any public 
comments, recommend to the Regional Administrator a TAL and other 
measures necessary to ensure that the ACL specified in Sec. 648.230 
will not be exceeded in any fishing year, for a period of 1-5 fishing 
years. The Councils' recommendations must include supporting 
documentation, as appropriate, concerning the environmental, economic, 
and other impacts of the recommendations. The Regional Administrator 
shall initiate a review of these recommendations and may modify the 
recommended quota and other management measures to ensure that the ACL 
specified in Sec. 648.230 will not be exceeded in any fishing year, for 
a period of 1-5 fishing years. The Regional Administrator may modify the 
Councils' recommendations using any of the measures that were not 
rejected by both Councils.
    (2) After such review, NMFS shall publish a proposed rule in the 
Federal Register specifying a TAL, adjustments to ACL, ACT, and TAL 
resulting from the accountability measures specified in Sec. 648.233, 
and other measures necessary to ensure that the ACL will not be exceeded 
in any fishing year, for a period of 1-5 fishing years. After 
considering public comments, NMFS shall publish a final rule in the 
Federal Register to implement the TAL and other measures.
    (3) If the annual specifications are not published in the Federal 
Register prior to the start of the fishing year, the previous year's 
annual specifications will remain in effect. The previous year's 
specifications will be replaced by the current year's specifications as 
of the effective date of the final rule implementing the current year's 
specifications.
    (d) [Reserved]
    (e) Landings applied against the commercial quota. All spiny dogfish 
landed for a commercial purpose in the states from Maine through Florida 
shall be applied against the annual coastwide commercial quota, 
regardless of where the spiny dogfish were harvested.
    (f) Research quota. See Sec. 648.22(g).

[76 FR 60642, Sept. 29, 2011, as amended at 76 FR 81850, Dec. 29, 2011; 
79 FR 41143, July 15, 2014; 80 FR 37197, June 30, 2015]



Sec. 648.233  Spiny dogfish Accountability Measures (AMs).

    (a) Commercial EEZ closure. The Regional Administrator shall 
determine the date by which the annual coastwide quota described in 
Sec. 648.232 will be harvested and shall close the EEZ to fishing for 
spiny dogfish on that date for the remainder of the fishing year by 
publishing notification in the Federal Register. Upon the closure date, 
and for the remainder of the fishing year, no vessel may fish for or 
possess spiny dogfish in the EEZ, nor may vessels issued a spiny dogfish 
permit under this part land spiny dogfish, nor may dealers issued a 
Federal permit purchase spiny dogfish from vessels issued a spiny 
dogfish permit under this part.
    (b) ACL overage evaluation. The ACL will be evaluated based on a 
single-

[[Page 980]]

year examination of total catch (including both landings and dead 
discards) to determine if the ACL has been exceeded.
    (c) Overage repayment. In the event that the ACL has been exceeded 
in a given fishing year, the exact amount in pounds by which the ACL was 
exceeded shall be deducted, as soon as possible from a subsequent single 
fishing year ACL.

[76 FR 60643, Sept. 29, 2011, as amended at 79 FR 41144, July 15, 2014]



Sec. 648.234  Gear restrictions. [Reserved]



Sec. 648.235  Spiny dogfish possession and landing restrictions.

    (a) Possession limit. Vessels issued a valid Federal spiny dogfish 
permit under Sec. 648.4(a)(11) may:
    (1) Possess up to 7,500 lb (3,402 kg) of spiny dogfish per trip; and
    (2) Land only one trip of spiny dogfish per calendar day.
    (b) Regulations governing the harvest, possession, landing, 
purchase, and sale of shark fins are found at part 600, subpart N, of 
this chapter.

[76 FR 60643, Sept. 29, 2011, as amended at 78 FR 25864, May 3, 2013; 79 
FR 41144, July 15, 2014; 79 FR 46378, Aug. 8, 2014; 81 FR 53960, Aug. 
15, 2016; 87 FR 20350, Apr. 7, 2022]



Sec. 648.236  Special Management Zones. [Reserved]



Sec. Sec. 648.237-648.238  [Reserved]



Sec. 648.239  Spiny dogfish framework adjustments to management measures.

    (a) Within season management action. The Councils may, at any time, 
initiate action to add or adjust management measures if they find that 
action is necessary to meet or be consistent with the goals and 
objectives of the Spiny Dogfish FMP.
    (1) Adjustment process. After the Councils initiate a management 
action, they shall develop and analyze appropriate management actions 
over the span of at least two Council meetings. The Councils shall 
provide the public with advance notice of the availability of both the 
proposals and the analysis for comment prior to, and at, the second 
Council meeting. The Councils' recommendation on adjustments or 
additions to management measures must come from one or more of the 
following categories: Adjustments within existing ABC control rule 
levels; adjustments to the existing MAFMC risk policy; introduction of 
new AMs, including sub-ACTs; minimum fish size; maximum fish size; gear 
requirements, restrictions, or prohibitions (including, but not limited 
to, mesh size restrictions and net limits); regional gear restrictions; 
permitting restrictions, and reporting requirements; recreational 
fishery measures (including possession and size limits and season and 
area restrictions); commercial season and area restrictions; commercial 
trip or possession limits; fin weight to spiny dogfish landing weight 
restrictions; onboard observer requirements; commercial quota system 
(including commercial quota allocation procedures and possible quota 
set-asides to mitigate bycatch, conduct scientific research, or for 
other purposes); recreational harvest limit; annual quota specification 
process; FMP Monitoring Committee composition and process; description 
and identification of essential fish habitat; description and 
identification of habitat areas of particular concern; overfishing 
definition and related thresholds and targets; regional season 
restrictions (including option to split seasons); restrictions on vessel 
size (length and GRT) or shaft horsepower; target quotas; measures to 
mitigate marine mammal entanglements and interactions; regional 
management; changes to the SBRM, including the CV-based performance 
standard, the means by which discard data are collected/obtained, 
fishery stratification, the process for prioritizing observer sea-day 
allocations, reports, and/or industry-funded observers or observer set 
aside programs; any other management measures currently included in the 
Spiny Dogfish FMP; and measures to regulate aquaculture projects. 
Measures that require significant departures from previously 
contemplated measures or that are otherwise introducing new concepts may 
require an amendment of the FMP instead of a framework adjustment.
    (2) Councils' recommendation. After developing management actions 
and receiving public testimony, the Councils

[[Page 981]]

shall make a recommendation approved by a majority of each Council's 
members, present and voting, to the Regional Administrator. The 
Councils' recommendation must include supporting rationale, an analysis 
of impacts and, if management measures are recommended, a recommendation 
to the Regional Administrator on whether to issue the management 
measures as a final rule. If the Councils recommend that the management 
measures should be issued as a final rule, they must consider at least 
the following factors and provide support and analysis for each factor 
considered:
    (i) Whether the availability of data on which the recommended 
management measures are based allows for adequate time to publish a 
proposed rule and whether regulations have to be in place for an entire 
harvest/fishing season;
    (ii) Whether there has been adequate notice and opportunity for 
participation by the public and members of the affected industry in the 
development of the Councils' recommended management measures;
    (iii) Whether there is an immediate need to protect the resource; 
and
    (iv) Whether there will be a continuing evaluation of management 
measures adopted following their implementation as a final rule;
    (3) NMFS action. If the Councils' recommendation includes 
adjustments or additions to management measures, then:
    (i) If NMFS concurs with the Councils' recommended management 
measures and determines that the recommended management measures should 
be issued as a final rule based on the factors specified in paragraph 
(b)(2) of this section, then the measures will be issued as a final rule 
in the Federal Register.
    (ii) If NMFS concurs with the Councils' recommendation and 
determines that the recommended management measures should be published 
first as a proposed rule, then the measures will be published as a 
proposed rule in the Federal Register. After additional public comment, 
if NMFS concurs with the Councils' recommendation, then the measures 
will be issued as a final rule in the Federal Register.
    (iii) If NMFS does not concur, the Councils will be notified in 
writing of the reasons for the non-concurrence.
    (iv) Framework actions can be taken only in the case where both 
Councils approve the proposed measure.
    (b) Emergency action. Nothing in this section is meant to derogate 
from the authority of the Secretary to take emergency action under 
section 305(e) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act.

[76 FR 60643, Sept. 29, 2011, as amended at 76 FR 81850, Dec. 29, 2011; 
80 FR 37197, June 30, 2015]



Subpart M_Management Measures for the Atlantic Deep-Sea Red Crab Fishery

    Source: 67 FR 63233, Oct. 10, 2002, unless otherwise noted.



Sec. 648.260  Specifications.

    (a) Review and specifications process.
    (1)--(3) [Reserved]
    (4) The PDT, after its review of the available information on the 
status of the stock and the fishery, may recommend to the Council any 
measures necessary to assure that the specifications will not be 
exceeded, as well as changes to the appropriate specifications.
    (5) Taking into account the annual review and/or SAFE Report 
described in paragraph (b) of this section, the advice of the SSC, and 
any other relevant information, the Red Crab PDT may also recommend to 
the Red Crab Committee and Council changes to stock status determination 
criteria and associated thresholds based on the best scientific 
information available, including information from peer-reviewed stock 
assessments of red crab. These adjustments may be included in the 
Council's specifications for the red crab fishery.
    (6)(i) The Council shall review the recommendations of the Red Crab 
PDT, Red Crab Committee, and SSC, any public comment received thereon, 
and any other relevant information, and make a recommendation to the 
Regional Administrator on appropriate specifications and any measures 
necessary to assure that the specifications will not be exceeded.

[[Page 982]]

    (ii) The Council's recommendation must include supporting 
documentation, as appropriate, concerning the environmental, economic, 
and social impacts of the recommendations. The Regional Administrator 
shall consider the recommendations and publish a rule in the Federal 
Register proposing specifications and associated measures, consistent 
with the Administrative Procedure Act.
    (iii) The Regional Administrator may propose specifications 
different than those recommended by the Council. If the specifications 
published in the Federal Register differ from those recommended by the 
Council, the reasons for any differences must be clearly stated and the 
revised specifications must satisfy the criteria set forth in this 
section, the FMP, and other applicable laws.
    (iv) If the final specifications are not published in the Federal 
Register for the start of the fishing year, the previous year's 
specifications shall remain in effect until superseded by the final rule 
implementing the current year's specifications, to ensure that there is 
no lapse in regulations while new specifications are completed.
    (b) [Reserved]

[76 FR 60383, Sept. 29, 2011, as amended at 76 FR 81850, Dec. 29, 2011; 
80 FR 37198, June 30, 2015; 85 FR 20616, Apr. 14, 2020]



Sec. 648.261  Framework adjustment process.

    (a) To implement a framework adjustment for the Red Crab FMP, the 
Council shall develop and analyze proposed actions over the span of at 
least two Council meetings and provide advance public notice of the 
availability of both the proposals and the analyses. Opportunity to 
provide written and oral comments shall be provided throughout the 
process before the Council submits its recommendations to the Regional 
Administrator.
    (1) In response to an annual review of the status of the fishery or 
the resource by the Red Crab PDT, or at any other time, the Council may 
recommend adjustments to any of the measures proposed by the Red Crab 
FMP, including the SBRM. The Red Crab Oversight Committee may request 
that the Council initiate a framework adjustment. Framework adjustments 
shall require one initial meeting (the agenda must include notification 
of the impending proposal for a framework adjustment) and one final 
Council meeting. After a management action has been initiated, the 
Council shall develop and analyze appropriate management actions within 
the scope identified below. The Council may refer the proposed 
adjustments to the Red Crab Committee for further deliberation and 
review. Upon receiving the recommendations of the Oversight Committee, 
the Council shall publish notice of its intent to take action and 
provide the public with any relevant analyses and opportunity to comment 
on any possible actions. After receiving public comment, the Council 
must take action (to approve, modify, disapprove, or table) on the 
recommendation at the Council meeting following the meeting at which it 
first received the recommendations. Documentation and analyses for the 
framework adjustment shall be available at least 2 weeks before the 
final meeting.
    (2) After developing management actions and receiving public 
testimony, the Council may make a recommendation to the Regional 
Administrator. The Council's recommendation shall include supporting 
rationale, an analysis of impacts required under paragraph (a)(1) of 
this section and a recommendation to the Regional Administrator on 
whether to issue the management measures as a final rule. If the Council 
recommends that the management measures should be issued directly as a 
final rule, the Council shall consider at least the following factors 
and provide support and analysis for each factor considered:
    (i) Whether the availability of data on which the recommended 
management measures are based allows for adequate time to publish a 
proposed rule, and whether regulations have to be in place for an entire 
harvest/fishing season;
    (ii) Whether there has been adequate notice and opportunity for 
participation by the public and members of the affected industry in the 
development of the Council's recommended management measures;

[[Page 983]]

    (iii) Whether there is an immediate need to protect the resource or 
to impose management measures to resolve gear conflicts;
    (iv) Whether there will be a continuing evaluation of management 
measures adopted following their implementation as a final rule.
    (3) If the Regional Administrator concurs with the Council's 
recommended management measures, they shall be published in the Federal 
Register. If the Council's recommendation is first published as a 
proposed rule and the Regional Administrator concurs with the Council's 
recommendation after receiving additional public comment, the measures 
shall then be published as a final rule in the Federal Register.
    (4) If the Regional Administrator approves the Council's 
recommendations, the Secretary may, for good cause found under the 
standard of the Administrative Procedure Act, waive the requirement for 
a proposed rule and opportunity for public comment in the Federal 
Register. The Secretary, in so doing, shall publish only the final rule. 
Submission of recommendations does not preclude the Secretary from 
deciding to provide additional opportunity for prior notice and comment 
in the Federal Register.
    (5) The Regional Administrator may approve, disapprove, or partially 
disapprove the Council's recommendation. If the Regional Administrator 
does not approve the Council's specific recommendation, the Regional 
Administrator must notify the Council in writing of the reasons for the 
action prior to the first Council meeting following publication of such 
decision.
    (b) [Reserved]

[67 FR 63233, Oct. 10, 2002, as amended at 80 FR 37198, June 30, 2015]



Sec. 648.262  Accountability measures for red crab limited access vessels.

    (a) Closure authority. NMFS shall close the EEZ to fishing for red 
crab in excess of the incidental limit by commercial vessels for the 
remainder of the fishing year if the Regional Administrator determines 
that the TAL has been harvested. Upon notification of the closure, a 
vessel issued a limited access red crab permit may not fish for, catch, 
possess, transport, land, sell, trade, or barter, in excess of 500 lb 
(226.8 kg) of red crab, or its equivalent in weight as specified at 
Sec. 648.263(a)(2)(i) and (ii), per fishing trip in or from the Red 
Crab Management Unit.
    (b) Adjustment for an overage. (1) If NMFS determines that the TAL 
was exceeded in a given fishing year, the exact amount of the landings 
overage will be deducted, as soon as is practicable, from a subsequent 
single fishing year's TAL, through notification consistent with the 
Administrative Procedure Act.
    (2) If NMFS determines that the ACL was exceeded in a given fishing 
year, the exact amount of an overage that was not already deducted from 
the TAL under paragraph (b)(i) of this section will be deducted, as soon 
as is practicable, from a subsequent single fishing year's TAL, through 
notification consistent with the Administrative Procedure Act.

[76 FR 60383, Sept. 29, 2011]



Sec. 648.263  Red crab possession and landing restrictions.

    (a) Vessels issued limited access red crab permits. (1) [Reserved]
    (2) Conversion to whole crab weight. (i) For red crab that is landed 
in half sections, with all gills and other detritus still intact, the 
recovery rate is 64 percent of a whole red crab, which is equal to the 
weight of red crab half sections multiplied by 1.56.
    (ii) For red crab that is landed in half sections, with all gills 
and other detritus removed, the recovery rate is 58 percent of a whole 
red crab, which is equal to the weight of red crab half sections 
multiplied by 1.72.
    (3) Female red crab restriction. A vessel may not fish for, catch, 
possess, transport, land, sell, trade, or barter, female red crabs in 
excess of one standard U.S. fish tote of incidentally caught female red 
crabs per trip when fishing under a red crab DAS.
    (4) Full-processing prohibition. No person may fully process at sea, 
possess, or land, fully-processed red crab.
    (5) Mutilation restriction. A vessel may not retain, possess, or 
land red crab claws and legs separate from crab bodies in excess of one 
standard U.S. fish

[[Page 984]]

tote per trip when fishing on a dedicated red crab trip.
    (b) Vessels issued red crab incidental catch permits--(1) Possession 
and landing restrictions. A vessel or operator of a vessel that has been 
issued a red crab incidental catch permit, or a vessel issued a limited 
access red crab permit not on a dedicated red crab trip, as defined in 
Sec. 648.2, may catch, possess, transport, land, sell, trade, or 
barter, up to 500 lb (226.8 kg) of red crab, or its equivalent in weight 
as specified at paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (ii) of this section, per 
fishing trip in or from the Red Crab Management Unit.
    (2) Full-processing prohibition. No person may fully process at sea, 
possess, or land, fully-processed red crab.
    (3) Mutilation restrictions. (i) A vessel may not retain, possess, 
or land red crab claws and legs separate from crab bodies.
    (ii) A vessel may not retain, possess, or land more than two claws 
and eight legs per crab.

[67 FR 63233, Oct. 10, 2002, as amended at 74 FR 20557, May 4, 2009; 76 
FR 60384, Sept. 29, 2011]



Sec. 648.264  Gear requirements/restrictions.

    (a) Limited access red crab permitted vessels. (1) Limited access 
red crab vessel may not harvest red crab from any fishing gear other 
than red crab traps/pots, marked as specified by paragraph (a)(5) of 
this section.
    (2) A vessel owner or operator of a vessel that holds a valid 
limited access red crab permit may fish with, deploy, possess, haul, 
harvest red crab from, or carry on board a vessel, up to a total of 600 
traps/pots when fishing for, catching, or landing red crab. A vessel 
owner is required to declare, on the annual permit application, the 
maximum number of traps/pots used per string and the maximum number of 
strings employed, such that the product of the maximum number of traps/
pots per string and the maximum number of strings declared is no more 
than 600 traps/pots. The vessel is restricted to the product of the 
maximum number of traps/pots per string multiplied by the maximum number 
of strings declared on the annual vessel permit application.
    (3) Parlor traps/pots. No person may haul or remove lobster, red 
crab or fish from parlor traps/pots when fishing under a red crab DAS.
    (4) Maximum trap/pot size. The maximum allowable red crab trap/pot 
size of red crab traps/pots used or deployed on a red crab DAS is 18 
cubic feet (0.51 cubic meters) in volume. Red crab traps/pots may be 
rectangular, trapezoidal or conical only, unless other red crab trap/pot 
designs whose volume does not exceed 18 cubic feet (0.51 cubic meters) 
are authorized by the Regional Administrator.
    (5) Gear markings. The following is required on all buoys used at 
the end of each red crab trawl:
    (i) The letters ``RC'' in letters at least 3 inches (7.62 cm) in 
height must be painted on top of each buoy.
    (ii) The vessel's permit number in numerals at least 3 inches (7.62 
cm) in height must be painted on the side of each buoy to clearly 
identify the vessel.
    (iii) The number of each trap trawl relative to the total number of 
trawls used by the vessel (i.e., ``3 of 6'') must be painted in numerals 
at least 3 inches (7.62 cm) in height on the side of each buoy.
    (iv) High flyers and radar reflectors are required on each trap 
trawl.
    (6) Additional gear requirements. (i) Vessels must comply with the 
gear regulations found at Sec. 229.32 of this title.
    (ii) Red crab traps/pots, fished in 200 fathoms (365.8 m) or less by 
a vessel issued a limited access lobster permit under Sec. 697.4(a), 
must comply with the trap tagging requirements specified at Sec. 
697.19.
    (b) [Reserved]

[67 FR 63233, Oct. 10, 2002, as amended at 72 FR 57194, Oct. 5, 2007; 76 
FR 60384, Sept. 29, 2011]



   Subpart N_Management Measures for the Golden Tilefish and Blueline 
                           Tilefish Fisheries

    Source: 66 FR 49145, Sept. 26, 2001, unless otherwise noted.

[[Page 985]]



Sec. 648.290  Tilefish Annual Catch Limits (ACL).

    (a) Golden tilefish. The Tilefish Monitoring Committee shall 
recommend to the MAFMC an ACL for the commercial golden tilefish 
fishery, which shall be equal to the ABC recommended by the SSC.
    (1) [Reserved]
    (2) Periodicity. The tilefish commercial ACL may be established on 
an annual basis for up to three years at a time, dependent on whether 
the SSC provides single or multiple-year ABC recommendations.
    (b) Blueline tilefish. The Tilefish Monitoring Committee shall 
recommend to the MAFMC separate ACLs for the commercial and recreational 
blueline tilefish fisheries, the sum total of which shall be equal to 
the ABC recommended by the SSC.
    (1) Sector allocations. The ACL for the commercial sector of the 
blueline tilefish fishery shall be 27 percent of the ABC, and the ACL 
for the recreational sector of the fishery shall be 73 percent of the 
ABC.
    (2) Periodicity. The blueline tilefish commercial and recreational 
ACLs may be established on an annual basis for up to three years at a 
time, dependent on whether the SSC provides single or multiple-year ABC 
recommendations.
    (c) Performance review. The Tilefish Monitoring Committee shall 
conduct a detailed review of golden tilefish and blueline tilefish 
fishery performance relative to the appropriate sector ACLs at least 
every 5 years.
    (1) If an ACL is exceeded with a frequency greater than 25 percent 
(i.e., more than once in 4 years or in any 2 consecutive years), the 
Tilefish Monitoring Committee will review fishery performance 
information and make recommendations to the MAFMC for changes in 
measures intended to ensure ACLs are not as frequently exceeded.
    (2) The MAFMC may specify more frequent or more specific ACL 
performance review criteria as part of a stock rebuilding plan following 
a determination that either the golden tilefish or blueline tilefish 
stock has become overfished.
    (3) Performance reviews shall not substitute for annual reviews that 
occur to ascertain if prior year ACLs have been exceeded, but may be 
conducted in conjunction with such reviews.

[82 FR 52857, Nov. 15, 2017]



Sec. 648.291  Tilefish Annual Catch Targets (ACT).

    (a) Golden tilefish. The Tilefish Monitoring Committee shall 
identify and review the relevant sources of management uncertainty to 
recommend ACTs for the individual fishing quota (IFQ) and incidental 
sectors of the fishery as part of the golden tilefish specification 
process. The Tilefish Monitoring Committee recommendations shall 
identify the specific sources of management uncertainty that were 
considered, technical approaches to mitigating these sources of 
uncertainty, and any additional relevant information considered in the 
ACT recommendation process.
    (1) ACT allocation. (i) The ACT shall be less than or equal to the 
ACL.
    (ii) The Tilefish Monitoring Committee shall include the fishing 
mortality associated with the recreational fishery in its ACT 
recommendations only if this source of mortality has not already been 
accounted for in the ABC recommended by the SSC.
    (iii) The Tilefish Monitoring Committee shall allocate 5 percent of 
the ACT to the incidental sector of the fishery and the remaining 95 
percent to the IFQ sector.
    (2) Periodicity. ACTs may be established on an annual basis for up 
to three years at a time, dependent on whether the SSC provides single 
or multiple-year ABC recommendations.
    (b) Blueline tilefish. The Tilefish Monitoring Committee shall 
identify and review the relevant sources of management uncertainty to 
recommend ACTs for the commercial and recreational fishing sectors as 
part of the blueline tilefish specification process. The Tilefish 
Monitoring Committee recommendations shall identify the specific sources 
of management uncertainty that were considered, technical approaches to 
mitigating these sources of uncertainty, and any additional relevant 
information considered in the ACT recommendation process.
    (1) Sectors. Commercial and recreational specific ACTs shall be less

[[Page 986]]

than or equal to the sector-specific ACLs. The Tilefish Monitoring 
Committee shall recommend any reduction in catch necessary to address 
sector-specific management uncertainty, consistent with paragraph (b) of 
this section.
    (2) Periodicity. ACTs may be established on an annual basis for up 
to three years at a time, dependent on whether the SSC provides single 
or multiple-year ABC recommendations.
    (c) Performance review. The Tilefish Monitoring Committee shall 
conduct a detailed review of golden tilefish and blueline tilefish 
fishery performance relative to the appropriate ACTs in conjunction with 
any ACL performance review, as outlined in Sec. 648.290(c)(1) through 
(3).

[82 FR 52857, Nov. 15, 2017, as amended at 83 FR 10806, Mar. 13, 2018]



Sec. 648.292  Tilefish specifications.

    (a) Golden Tilefish. The golden tilefish fishing year is the 12-
month period beginning with January 1, annually.
    (1) Annual specification process. The Tilefish Monitoring Committee 
shall review the ABC recommendation of the SSC, golden tilefish landings 
and discards information, and any other relevant available data to 
determine if the golden tilefish ACL, ACT, or total allowable landings 
(TAL) for the IFQ and/or incidental sectors of the fishery require 
modification to respond to any changes to the golden tilefish stock's 
biological reference points or to ensure any applicable rebuilding 
schedule is maintained. The Monitoring Committee will consider whether 
any additional management measures or revisions to existing measures are 
necessary to ensure that the IFQ and/or incidental TAL will not be 
exceeded. Based on that review, the Monitoring Committee will recommend 
the golden tilefish ACL, ACTs, and TALs to the Tilefish Committee of the 
MAFMC. Based on these recommendations and any public comment received, 
the Tilefish Committee shall recommend to the MAFMC the appropriate 
golden tilefish ACL, ACT, TAL, and other management measures for both 
the IFQ and the incidental sectors of the fishery for a single fishing 
year or up to the maximum number of years needed to be consistent with 
the Northeast Regional Coordinating Council-approved stock assessment 
schedule. The MAFMC shall review these recommendations and any public 
comments received, and recommend to the Regional Administrator, at least 
120 days prior to the beginning of the next fishing year, the 
appropriate golden tilefish ACL, ACT, TAL, the percentage of TAL 
allocated to research quota, and any management measures to ensure that 
the TAL will not be exceeded, for both the IFQ and the incidental 
sectors of the fishery, for the next fishing year, or up to the maximum 
number of fishing years consistent with the Northeast Regional 
Coordinating Council-approved stock assessment schedule. The MAFMC's 
recommendations must include supporting documentation, as appropriate, 
concerning the environmental and economic impacts of the 
recommendations. The Regional Administrator shall review these 
recommendations and, after such review, NMFS will publish a proposed 
rule in the Federal Register specifying the annual golden tilefish ACL, 
ACT, TAL, and any management measures to ensure that the TAL will not be 
exceeded for the upcoming fishing year or years for both the IFQ and the 
incidental sectors of the fishery. After considering public comments, 
NMFS will publish a final rule in the Federal Register to implement the 
golden tilefish ACL, ACTs, TALs and any management measures. The 
previous year's specifications will remain effective unless revised 
through the specification process and/or the research quota process 
described in paragraph (a)(5) of this section. NMFS will issue 
notification in the Federal Register if the previous year's 
specifications will not be changed.
    (2) Total Allowable Landings (TAL). (i) The TALs for both the IFQ 
and the incidental sectors of the fishery for each fishing year will be 
specified pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) of this section.
    (ii) The sum of the sector-specific TAL and the estimated sector-
specific discards shall be less than or equal to the ACT for that sector 
of the fishery.
    (3) TAL allocation. For each fishing year, up to 3 percent of the 
incidental and IFQ TALs may be set aside for the

[[Page 987]]

purpose of funding research. The remaining IFQ TAL will be allocated to 
the individual IFQ permit holders as described in Sec. 648.294(a).
    (4) Adjustments to the quota. If the incidental harvest exceeds the 
incidental TAL for a given fishing year, the incidental trip limit 
specified at Sec. 648.295(a)(2) may be reduced in the following fishing 
year. If an adjustment is required, a notification of adjustment of the 
quota will be published in the Federal Register.
    (5) Research quota. See Sec. 648.22(g).
    (b) Blueline tilefish. The blueline tilefish fishing year is the 
calendar year beginning on January 1, annually.
    (1) Recommended measures. Based on annual review, the Tilefish 
Monitoring Committee shall recommend to the Tilefish Committee of the 
MAFMC measures to ensure that the ACLs specified by the process outlined 
in Sec. 648.290(b), including:
    (i) Total Allowable Landings (TAL) for both the commercial and 
recreational sectors for each fishing year, where the sum of the TAL and 
sector-specific estimated discards shall be less than or equal to the 
sector ACT;
    (ii) Research quota for both the commercial and recreational sectors 
set from a range of 0 to three percent of the TAL, as described in 
paragraph (b)(3) of this section;
    (iii) Commercial trip limit;
    (iv) Commercial minimum fish size;
    (v) Recreational possession limit;
    (vi) Recreational minimum fish size;
    (vii) Recreational season;
    (viii) Retention requirements; and/or
    (ix) Any other measure needed to ensure the ACLs are not exceeded.
    (2) Annual specification process. The Tilefish Committee of the 
MAFMC shall review the recommendations of the Tilefish Monitoring 
Committee. Based on these recommendations and any public comment 
received, the Tilefish Committee shall recommend to the MAFMC the 
appropriate ACL, ACT, TAL, and other management measures for the 
blueline tilefish commercial and recreational sectors for a single 
fishing year or up to three years. The MAFMC shall review these 
recommendations and any public comments received, and recommend to the 
Regional Administrator, at least 120 days prior to the beginning of the 
next fishing year, the appropriate blueline tilefish ACLs, ACTs, TALs, 
the percentage of TAL allocated to research quota, and any management 
measures to ensure that the sector ACLs will not be exceeded, for the 
next fishing year, or up to three fishing years. The MAFMC's 
recommendations must include supporting documentation, as appropriate, 
concerning the environmental and economic impacts of the 
recommendations. The Regional Administrator shall review these 
recommendations, and after such review, NMFS will publish a proposed 
rule in the Federal Register specifying the annual blueline tilefish 
ACL, ACT, TAL and any management measures for the blueline tilefish 
commercial and recreational sectors to ensure that the sector ACLs will 
not be exceeded for the upcoming fishing year or years. After 
considering public comments, NMFS will publish a final rule in the 
Federal Register to implement the blueline tilefish commercial and 
recreational ACLs, ACTs, TALs and any management measures. The previous 
year's specifications will remain effective unless revised through the 
specification process and/or the research quota process described in 
paragraph (b)(3) of this section. NMFS will issue notification in the 
Federal Register if the previous year's specifications will not be 
changed.
    (3) Research quota. See Sec. 648.22(g).

[82 FR 52858, Nov. 15, 2017, as amended at 83 FR 10806, Mar. 13, 2018; 
87 FR 67832, Nov. 10, 2022]



Sec. 648.293  Tilefish accountability measures.

    (a) Golden tilefish--(1) Commercial incidental fishery closure. See 
Sec. 648.295(a)(3).
    (2) Commercial ACL overage evaluation. If the golden tilefish ACL is 
exceeded, the amount of the ACL overage that cannot be directly 
attributed to IFQ allocation holders having exceeded their IFQ 
allocation will be deducted from the golden tilefish ACL in the 
following fishing year. All overages directly attributable to IFQ 
allocation holders will be deducted from the appropriate IFQ 
allocation(s) in the subsequent fishing year, as required by Sec. 
648.294(f).

[[Page 988]]

    (b) Blueline tilefish--(1) Commercial fishery closure. See Sec. 
648.295(b)(2).
    (2) Commercial ACL overage evaluation. The commercial sector ACL 
will be evaluated based on a single-year examination of total catch 
(landings and discards).
    (i) Commercial landings overage repayment. Landings in excess of the 
commercial ACL will be deducted from the commercial ACL for the 
following year.
    (ii) Non-landing accountability measure. In the event that the 
commercial ACL has been exceeded and the overage has not been 
accommodated through the landings-based AM, then the exact amount by 
which the commercial ACL was exceeded, in pounds, will be deducted, as 
soon as possible, from the applicable subsequent single fishing year 
commercial ACL.
    (3) Recreational ACL overage evaluation. The recreational sector ACL 
will be evaluated based on a three-year moving average comparison of 
total catch (landings and discards). Both landings and dead discards 
will be evaluated in determining if the three-year average recreational 
sector ACL has been exceeded. The three-year moving average will be 
phased in over the first three years, beginning with 2017: Total 
recreational total catch from 2017 will be compared to the 2017 
recreational sector ACL; the average total catch from both 2017 and 2018 
will be compared to the average of the 2017 and 2018 recreational sector 
ACLs; the average total catch from 2017, 2018, and 2019 will be compared 
to the average of the 2017, 2018, and 2019 recreational sector ACLs and, 
for all subsequent years, the preceding three-year average recreational 
total catch will be compared to the preceding three-year average 
recreational sector ACL.
    (4) Recreational accountability measures (AM). If the recreational 
ACL is exceeded, then the following procedure will be followed:
    (i) If biomass is below threshold, the stock is under rebuilding, or 
biological reference points are unknown. If the most recent estimate of 
biomass is below the BMSY threshold (i.e., B/BMSY 
is less than 0.5), the stock is under a rebuilding plan, or the 
biological reference points (B or BMSY) are unknown, and the 
recreational ACL has been exceeded, then the exact amount, in pounds, by 
which the most recent year's recreational catch estimate exceeded the 
most recent year's recreational ACL will be deducted in the following 
fishing year, or as soon as possible thereafter, once catch data are 
available, from the recreational ACT, as a single-year adjustment. 
Changes to management measures would also be considered through the 
specifications process to avoid future overages.
    (ii) If biomass is above the threshold, but below the target, and 
the stock is not under rebuilding. If the most recent estimate of 
biomass is above the biomass threshold (B/BMSY is greater 
than 0.5), but below the biomass target (B/BMSY is less than 
1.0), and the stock is not under a rebuilding plan, then the following 
AMs will apply:
    (A) If the recreational ACL has been exceeded. If the Recreational 
ACL has been exceeded, then adjustments to the recreational management 
measures, taking into account the performance of the measures and 
conditions that precipitated the overage, will be made in the following 
fishing year, or as soon as possible thereafter, once catch data are 
available, as a single-year adjustment.
    (B) If the ABC has been exceeded. If the ABC has been exceeded, then 
a single-year adjustment to the recreational ACT will be made in the 
following fishing year, or as soon as possible thereafter, once catch 
data are available, as described below. In addition, adjustments to the 
recreational management measures, taking into account the performance of 
the measures and conditions that precipitated the overage, will be made 
in the following year.
    (1) Adjustment to recreational ACT. If an adjustment to the 
following year's recreational ACT is required, then the ACT will be 
reduced by the exact amount, in pounds, of the product of the overage, 
defined as the difference between the recreational catch and the 
recreational ACL, and the payback coefficient.
    (2) Payback coefficient. The payback coefficient is the difference 
between the most recent estimate of biomass

[[Page 989]]

and BMSY (i.e., BMSY-B) divided by one-half of 
BMSY.
    (iii) If biomass is above target. If the most recent estimate of 
biomass is above BMSY (i.e., B/BMSY is greater 
than 1.0), then adjustments to the recreational management measures, 
taking into account the performance of the measures and conditions that 
precipitated the overage, will be made in the following fishing year, or 
as soon as possible thereafter, once catch data are available, as a 
single-year adjustment.

[82 FR 52859, Nov. 15, 2017, as amended at 83 FR 10807, Mar. 13, 2018]



Sec. 648.294  Golden tilefish individual fishing quota (IFQ) program.

    (a) IFQ allocation permits. (1) After adjustments for incidental 
catch, research set-asides, and overages, as appropriate, pursuant to 
Sec. 648.292(a)(3), the Regional Administrator shall divide the 
remaining golden tilefish TAL among the IFQ quota shareholders who held 
IFQ quota share as of September 1 of a given fishing year. Allocations 
shall be made by applying the IFQ quota share percentages that exist on 
September 1 of a given fishing year to the IFQ TAL pursuant to Sec. 
648.292(a)(3), subject to any deductions for overages pursuant to 
paragraph (f) of this section. Amounts of IFQ allocation of 0.5 lb (0.23 
kg) or smaller created by this calculation shall be rounded downward to 
the nearest whole number, and amounts of IFQ allocation greater than 0.5 
lb (0.23 kg) shall be rounded upward to the nearest whole number, so 
that annual IFQ allocations are specified in whole pounds.
    (2) Allocations shall be issued in the form of an annual IFQ 
allocation permit. The IFQ allocation permit shall specify the quota 
share percentage held by the IFQ allocation permit holder and the total 
pounds of golden tilefish that the IFQ allocation permit holder is 
authorized to harvest.
    (3) In order to be eligible to hold tilefish IFQ allocation, an 
individual must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien. 
Businesses or other entities that wish to hold allocation must be 
eligible to own a documented vessel under the terms of 46 U.S.C. 
12103(b).
    (b) Application--(1) General. Applicants for a permit under this 
section must submit a completed application on an appropriate form 
obtained from NMFS. The application must be filled out completely and 
signed by the applicant. Each application must include a declaration of 
all interests in IFQ quota shares and IFQ allocations, as defined in 
Sec. 648.2, listed by IFQ allocation permit number, and must list all 
Federal vessel permit numbers for all vessels that an applicant owns or 
leases that would be authorized to possess golden tilefish pursuant to 
the IFQ allocation permit. The Regional Administrator will notify the 
applicant of any deficiency in the application.
    (i) [Reserved]
    (ii) Renewal applications. Applications to renew an IFQ allocation 
permit must be received by September 15 to be processed in time for the 
November 1 start of the next fishing year. Renewal applications received 
after this date may not be approved, and a new permit may not be issued 
before the start of the next fishing year. An IFQ allocation permit 
holder must renew his/her IFQ allocation permit on an annual basis by 
submitting an application for such permit prior to the end of the 
fishing year for which the permit is required. Failure to renew an IFQ 
allocation permit in any fishing year will result in any IFQ quota share 
held by that IFQ allocation permit holder to be considered abandoned and 
relinquished.
    (2) Issuance. Except as provided in subpart D of 15 CFR part 904, 
and provided an application for such permit is submitted by September 
15, as specified in paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of this section, NMFS shall 
issue annual IFQ allocation permits on or before October 31 to those who 
hold IFQ quota share as of September 1 of the current fishing year. From 
September 1 through October 31, permanent transfer of IFQ quota share is 
not permitted, as described in paragraph (e)(4) of this section.
    (3) Duration. An annual IFQ allocation permit is valid until October 
31 of each fishing year unless it is suspended, modified, or revoked 
pursuant to 15 CFR part 904; revised due to a transfer of all or part of 
the IFQ quota share or annual IFQ allocation under

[[Page 990]]

paragraph (e) of this section; or suspended for non-payment of the cost 
recovery fee as described in paragraph (h)(4) of this section.
    (4) IFQ vessel. (i) All Federal vessel permit numbers listed on the 
IFQ allocation permit are authorized to possess golden tilefish pursuant 
to the IFQ allocation permit.
    (ii) An IFQ allocation permit holder who wishes to authorize an 
additional vessel(s) to possess golden tilefish pursuant to the IFQ 
allocation permit must send written notification to NMFS. This 
notification must include:
    (A) The vessel name and permit number, and
    (B) The dates on which the IFQ allocation permit holder desires the 
vessel to be authorized to land golden tilefish pursuant to the IFQ 
allocation permit.
    (iii) A vessel listed on the IFQ allocation permit is authorized to 
possess golden tilefish pursuant to the subject permit, until the end of 
the fishing year or until NMFS receives written notification from the 
IFQ allocation permit holder to remove the vessel.
    (iv) A single vessel may not be listed on more than one IFQ 
allocation permit at the same time.
    (v) A copy of the IFQ allocation permit must be carried on board 
each vessel so authorized to possess IFQ golden tilefish.
    (5) Alteration. An annual IFQ allocation permit that is altered, 
erased, or mutilated is invalid.
    (6) Replacement. The Regional Administrator may issue a replacement 
permit upon written application of the annual IFQ allocation permit 
holder.
    (7) Transfer. The annual IFQ allocation permit is valid only for the 
person to whom it is issued. All or part of the IFQ quota share or the 
annual IFQ allocation specified in the IFQ allocation permit may be 
transferred in accordance with paragraph (e) of this section.
    (8) Abandonment or voluntary relinquishment. Any IFQ allocation 
permit that is voluntarily relinquished to the Regional Administrator, 
or deemed to have been voluntarily relinquished for failure to pay a 
recoverable cost fee, in accordance with the requirements specified in 
paragraph (h)(2) of this section, or for failure to renew in accordance 
with paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of this section, shall not be reissued or 
renewed in a subsequent year.
    (c)-(d) [Reserved]
    (e) Transferring IFQ allocations--(1) Temporary transfers. Unless 
otherwise restricted by the provisions in paragraph (e)(3) of this 
section, the initial holder of an annual IFQ allocation may transfer the 
entire annual IFQ allocation, or a portion of the annual IFQ allocation, 
to any person or entity eligible to hold tilefish IFQ allocation under 
paragraph (a)(3) of this section. Annual IFQ allocation transfers shall 
be effective only for the fishing year in which the transfer is 
requested and processed, unless the applicant specifically requests that 
the transfer be processed for the subsequent fishing year. The Regional 
Administrator has final approval authority for all annual IFQ allocation 
transfer requests. The approval of a temporary transfer may be rescinded 
if the Regional Administrator finds that an emergency has rendered the 
lessee unable to fish for the transferred annual IFQ allocation, but 
only if none of the transferred allocation has been landed.
    (2) Permanent transfers. Unless otherwise restricted by the 
provisions in paragraph (e)(3) of this section, and subject to final 
approval by the Regional Administrator, a holder of IFQ quota share may 
permanently transfer the entire IFQ quota share allocation, or a portion 
of the IFQ quota share allocation, to any person or entity eligible to 
hold tilefish IFQ allocation under paragraph (a)(3) of this section.
    (3) IFQ allocation transfer restrictions. (i) If annual IFQ 
allocation is temporarily transferred to any eligible person or entity, 
it may not be transferred again within the same fishing year, unless the 
transfer is rescinded due to an emergency, as described in paragraph 
(e)(1) of this section.
    (ii) A transfer of IFQ allocation or quota share will not be 
approved by the Regional Administrator if it would result in an entity 
holding, or having an interest in, a percentage of IFQ allocation 
exceeding 49 percent of the total golden tilefish adjusted TAL.
    (iii) For the purpose of calculating the appropriate IFQ cost 
recovery fee, if the holder of an IFQ allocation leases additional IFQ 
allocation, the quantity

[[Page 991]]

and value of golden tilefish landings made after the date the lease is 
approved by the Regional Administrator are attributed to the transferred 
quota before being attributed to the allocation holder's base IFQ 
allocation, if any exists. In the event of multiple leases, landings 
would be attributed to the leased allocations in the order the leases 
were approved by the Regional Administrator. As described in paragraph 
(h) of this section, a tilefish IFQ quota share allocation holder shall 
incur a cost recovery fee, based on the value of landings of golden 
tilefish authorized under the allocation holder's annual tilefish IFQ 
allocation, including allocation that is leased to another IFQ 
allocation permit holder.
    (4) Application for an IFQ allocation transfer. Any IFQ allocation 
permit holder applying for either permanent transfer of IFQ quota share 
or temporary transfer of annual IFQ allocation must submit a completed 
IFQ Allocation Transfer Form, available from NMFS. The IFQ Allocation 
Transfer Form must be submitted to the NMFS Greater Atlantic Regional 
Fisheries Office at least 30 days before the date on which the applicant 
desires to have the IFQ allocation transfer effective. The Regional 
Administrator shall notify the applicants of any deficiency in the 
application pursuant to this section. Applications for permanent IFQ 
quota share allocation transfers must be received by September 1 to be 
processed and effective before annual IFQ allocations are issued for the 
next fishing year. Applications for temporary IFQ allocation transfers 
must be received by October 10 to be processed for the current fishing 
year.
    (i) Application information requirements. An application to transfer 
IFQ allocation must include the following information: The type of 
transfer (either temporary or permanent); the signature of both parties 
involved; the price paid for the transfer; a declaration of the 
recipient's eligibility to receive IFQ allocation; the amount of 
allocation or quota share to be transferred; and a declaration, by IFQ 
allocation permit number, of all the IFQ allocations in which the person 
or entity receiving the IFQ allocation has an interest. The person or 
entity receiving the IFQ allocation must indicate the permit numbers of 
all federally permitted vessels that will possess or land the IFQ 
allocation. Information obtained from the IFQ Allocation Transfer Form 
is confidential pursuant to 16 U.S.C. 1881a.
    (ii) Approval of IFQ transfer application. Unless an application to 
transfer IFQ quota share and/or annual IFQ allocation is denied 
according to paragraph (e)(4)(iii) of this section, the Regional 
Administrator shall issue confirmation of application approval in the 
form of a new or updated IFQ allocation permit to the parties involved 
in the transfer within 30 days of receipt of a completed application.
    (iii) Denial of IFQ transfer application. The Regional Administrator 
may reject an application to transfer IFQ quota share or annual IFQ 
allocation for the following reasons: The application is incomplete; the 
transferor does not possess a valid tilefish IFQ allocation permit; the 
transferor's or transferee's vessel or tilefish IFQ allocation permit 
has been sanctioned pursuant to an enforcement proceeding under 15 CFR 
part 904; the transfer would result in the transferee having a tilefish 
IFQ allocation or holding IFQ quota share that exceeds 49 percent of the 
adjusted TAL allocated to IFQ allocation permit holders; the transfer is 
to a person or entity that is not eligible to hold tilefish IFQ 
allocation under paragraph (a)(3) of this section; the transferor or 
transferee is delinquent in payment of an IFQ cost recovery fee as 
described in paragraph (h)(4) of this section; or any other failure to 
meet the requirements of this subpart. Upon denial of an application to 
transfer IFQ allocation, the Regional Administrator shall send a letter 
to the applicant describing the reason(s) for the denial. The decision 
by the Regional Administrator is the final decision of the Department of 
Commerce; there is no opportunity for an administrative appeal.
    (f) IFQ allocation overages. If an IFQ allocation is exceeded, 
including by amounts of golden tilefish landed by a lessee in excess of 
a temporary transfer of IFQ allocation, the amount of the overage will 
be deducted from the IFQ

[[Page 992]]

shareholder's allocation in the subsequent fishing year(s). If an IFQ 
allocation overage is not deducted from the appropriate allocation 
before the IFQ allocation permit is issued for the subsequent fishing 
year, a revised IFQ allocation permit reflecting the deduction of the 
overage shall be issued by NMFS. If the allocation cannot be reduced in 
the subsequent fishing year because the full allocation has already been 
landed or transferred, the IFQ allocation permit will indicate a reduced 
allocation for the amount of the overage in the next fishing year.
    (g) IFQ allocation acquisition restriction. No person or entity may 
acquire more than 49 percent of the annual adjusted golden tilefish TAL, 
specified pursuant to Sec. 648.294, at any point during a fishing year. 
For purposes of this paragraph, acquisition includes any permanent 
transfer of IFQ quota share or temporary transfer of annual IFQ 
allocation. The calculation of IFQ allocation for purposes of the 
restriction on acquisition includes IFQ allocation interests held by: A 
company in which the IFQ holder is a shareholder, officer, or partner; 
an immediate family member; or a company in which the IFQ holder is a 
part owner or partner.
    (h) IFQ cost recovery. As required under section 304(d)(2)(A)(i) of 
the Magnuson-Stevens Act, the Regional Administrator shall collect a fee 
to recover the actual costs directly related to the management, data 
collection and analysis, and enforcement of the tilefish IFQ program.
    (1) Payment responsibility. Each tilefish IFQ allocation permit 
holder with quota share shall incur a cost recovery fee annually, based 
on the value of landings of golden tilefish authorized under his/her 
tilefish IFQ allocation, including allocation that he/she leases to 
another IFQ allocation permit holder. The tilefish IFQ allocation permit 
holder is responsible for paying the fee assessed by NMFS.
    (2) IFQ fee determination. The tilefish IFQ cost recovery billing 
period runs annually from January 1 through December 31.
    (i) Determination of total recoverable costs. The Regional 
Administrator shall determine the actual costs directly associated with 
the management, data collection and analysis, and enforcement of the 
tilefish IFQ program incurred by NMFS during the cost recovery billing 
period.
    (ii) Calculating fee percentage. The recoverable costs determined by 
the Regional Administrator will be divided by the total ex-vessel value 
of all golden tilefish IFQ landings during the cost recovery billing 
period to derive a fee percentage. Each IFQ allocation permit holder 
with quota share will be assessed a fee based on the fee percentage 
multiplied by the total ex-vessel value of all landings under his/her 
IFQ allocation permit, including landings of allocation that was leased 
to another IFQ allocation permit holder.
    (A) The ex-vessel value for each pound of golden tilefish landed by 
an IFQ allocation permit holder shall be determined from Northeast 
Federal dealer reports submitted to NMFS, which include the price per 
pound paid to the vessel at the time of dealer purchase.
    (B) The cost recovery fee percentage shall not exceed three percent 
of the total value of golden tilefish landings, as required under 
section 304(d)(2)(B) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act.
    (3) Fee payment procedure. NMFS will create an annual IFQ allocation 
bill for each cost recovery billing period and provide it to IFQ 
allocation permit holders with quota share. The bill will include 
information regarding the amount and value of IFQ allocation landed 
during the prior cost recovery billing period, and the associated cost 
recovery fees.
    (i) Payment due date. An IFQ allocation permit holder who has 
incurred a cost recovery fee must pay the fee to NMFS within 45 days of 
the date of the bill.
    (ii) Payment submission method. Cost recovery payments shall be made 
electronically via the Federal Web portal, www.pay.gov, or other 
Internet sites designated by the Regional Administrator. Instructions 
for electronic payment shall be available on both the payment Web site 
and the cost recovery fee bill. Electronic payment options shall include 
payment via a credit card, as specified in the cost recovery bill, or 
via direct automated clearing house (ACH) withdrawal from a

[[Page 993]]

designated checking account. Alternatively, payment by check may be 
authorized by Regional Administrator if he/she determines that 
electronic payment is not practicable.
    (4) Payment compliance. If an IFQ allocation permit holder does not 
submit full payment by the due date described in paragraph (h)(3)(i) of 
this section, the Regional Administrator may:
    (i) At any time thereafter, notify the IFQ allocation permit holder 
in writing that his/her IFQ allocation permit is suspended, thereby 
prohibiting landings of tilefish above the incidental limit, as 
specified at Sec. 648.295(a).
    (ii) Disapprove any transfer of annual tilefish allocation or quota 
share to or from the IFQ allocation permit holder as described in 
paragraph (e)(4)(iii) of this section, until such time as the amount due 
is paid.
    (iii) Deny renewal of the IFQ allocation permit if it had not yet 
been issued for the current year, or deny renewal of the IFQ allocation 
permit for the following year.
    (iv) If the fee amount is not appealed, the Regional Administrator 
may issue a Final Administrative Determination (FAD) as described in 
paragraph (h)(5) of this section, based upon available information.
    (5) Appeal of IFQ fee amount. If a tilefish IFQ allocation permit 
holder disagrees with the fee amount determined by NMFS, he/she may 
appeal the cost recovery bill.
    (i) IFQ fee appeals must be submitted to NMFS in writing before the 
due date described in paragraph (h)(3)(i) of this section.
    (ii) The IFQ allocation permit holder shall have the burden of 
demonstrating that the fee amount calculated by NMFS is incorrect and 
what the correct amount is.
    (iii) If a request to appeal is submitted on time, the Regional 
Administrator shall notify the IFQ allocation permit holder in writing, 
acknowledging the appeal and providing 30 days to submit any additional 
relevant documentation supporting an alternative fee amount.
    (iv) While the IFQ fee is under appeal and the tilefish IFQ 
allocation permit is suspended, as described in paragraph (h)(4) of this 
section, the IFQ allocation permit holder may request a Letter of 
Authorization to fish until the appeal is concluded. Any tilefish landed 
pursuant to the above authorization will count against the IFQ 
allocation permit, if issued.
    (v) Final Administrative Determination (FAD). Based on a review of 
available information, including any documentation submitted by the IFQ 
allocation permit holder in support of the appropriateness of a 
different fee amount, the Regional Administrator shall determine whether 
there is a reasonable basis upon which to conclude that an alternate fee 
amount is correct. This determination shall be set forth in a FAD that 
is signed by the Regional Administrator. A FAD shall be the final 
decision of the Department of Commerce.
    (A) The IFQ allocation permit holder shall have 30 days from the 
date of the FAD to comply with the terms of the FAD.
    (B) If the IFQ allocation permit holder does not comply with the 
terms of the FAD within this period, the Regional Administrator shall:
    (1) Refer the matter to the appropriate authorities within the U.S. 
Department of the Treasury for purposes of collection; and
    (2) Cancel any Letter of Authorization to fish that had been issued 
during the appeal.
    (vi) If NMFS does not receive full payment of an IFQ cost recovery 
fee prior to the end of the cost recovery billing period immediately 
following the one for which the fee was incurred, the subject IFQ 
allocation permit and any associated IFQ quota share shall be deemed to 
have been voluntarily relinquished pursuant to paragraph (b)(8) of this 
section.
    (6) Annual cost recovery report. NMFS will publish annually a report 
on the status of the tilefish IFQ cost recovery program. The report will 
provide details of the costs incurred by NMFS for the management, 
enforcement, and data collection and analysis associated with the 
tilefish IFQ program during the prior cost recovery billing period, and 
other relevant information at the discretion of the Regional 
Administrator.

[[Page 994]]

    (i) Periodic review of the IFQ program. A formal review of the IFQ 
program must be conducted by the MAFMC within 5 years of the effective 
date of the final regulations. Thereafter, it shall be incorporated into 
every scheduled MAFMC review of the FMP (i.e., future amendments or 
frameworks), but no less frequently than every 7 years.

[78 FR 49187, Aug. 13, 2013, as amended at 82 FR 52859, Nov. 15, 2017; 
83 FR 10807, Mar. 13, 2018]



Sec. 648.295  Tilefish commercial trip limits and landing condition.

    (a) Golden tilefish--(1) IFQ landings. Any golden tilefish landed by 
a vessel fishing under an IFQ allocation permit as specified at Sec. 
648.294(a), on a given fishing trip, count as landings under the IFQ 
allocation permit.
    (2) Incidental trip limit for vessels not fishing under an IFQ 
allocation. Any vessel of the United States fishing under a tilefish 
vessel permit, as described at Sec. 648.4(a)(12), unless the vessel is 
fishing under a tilefish IFQ allocation permit, is prohibited from 
possessing more than:
    (i) 500 lb (226.8 kg) of golden tilefish at any time, or
    (ii) 50 percent, by weight, of the total of all species being 
landed; whichever is less.
    (3) In-season closure of the incidental fishery. The Regional 
Administrator will monitor the harvest of the golden tilefish incidental 
TAL based on dealer reports and other available information, and shall 
determine the date when the incidental golden tilefish TAL has been 
landed. The Regional Administrator shall publish a notice in the Federal 
Register notifying vessel and dealer permit holders that, effective upon 
a specific date, the incidental golden tilefish fishery is closed for 
the remainder of the fishing year.
    (b) Blueline tilefish--(1) Commercial possession limit. Any vessel 
of the United States fishing under a tilefish permit, as described at 
Sec. 648.4(a)(12), is prohibited from possessing more than 500 lb (227 
kg) of gutted blueline tilefish per trip in or from the Tilefish 
Management Unit.
    (2) In-season adjustment of possession limit. The Regional 
Administrator will monitor the harvest of the blueline tilefish 
commercial TAL based on dealer reports and other available information.
    (i) When 70 percent of the blueline tilefish commercial TAL will be 
landed, the Regional Administrator may publish a notice in the Federal 
Register notifying vessel and dealer permit holders that, effective upon 
a specific date, the blueline tilefish commercial possession limit is 
reduced to 300 lb (136 kg) of gutted blueline tilefish per trip in or 
from the Tilefish Management Unit.
    (ii) When 100 percent of the blueline tilefish commercial TAL will 
be landed, the Regional Administrator will publish a notice in the 
Federal Register notifying vessel and dealer permit holders that, 
effective upon a specific date, the blueline tilefish commercial fishery 
is closed for the remainder of the fishing year. No vessel may retain or 
land blueline tilefish in or from the Tilefish Management Unit after the 
announced closure date.
    (c) Landing condition. Commercial golden or blueline tilefish must 
be landed with head and fins naturally attached, but may be gutted.

[82 FR 52860, Nov. 15, 2017, as amended at 83 FR 10807, Mar. 13, 2018; 
84 FR 3342, Feb. 12, 2019]



Sec. 648.296  Tilefish recreational possession limits and 
gear restrictions.

    (a) Golden tilefish. (1) The recreational tilefish possession limit 
for charter/party and private recreational anglers is eight golden 
tilefish per angler per trip. Any vessel engaged in recreational fishing 
for golden tilefish may not retain golden tilefish, unless issued a 
valid Federal charter/party permit, pursuant to Sec. 648.4(a)(12)(ii), 
or a valid Federal private recreational tilefish permit issued pursuant 
to Sec. 648.4(a)(12)(iv).
    (2) Any vessel engaged in recreational fishing may not retain golden 
tilefish, unless exclusively using rod and reel fishing gear, with a 
maximum limit of five hooks per rod. Anglers may use either a manual or 
an electric reel.
    (b) Blueline tilefish. The recreational blueline tilefish fishery is 
open May 1

[[Page 995]]

through October 31, and closed November 1 through April 30.
    (1) Private recreational vessels. Anglers fishing onboard a vessel 
issued a Federal private recreational tilefish permit pursuant to Sec. 
648.4(a)(12)(iv), may land up to three blueline tilefish per person per 
trip.
    (2) Uninspected for-hire vessels. Anglers fishing onboard a for-hire 
vessel under a tilefish charter/party vessel permit issued pursuant to 
Sec. 648.4(a)(12), which has not been issued a valid U.S. Coast Guard 
Certificate of Inspection may land up to five blueline tilefish per 
person per trip.
    (3) Inspected for-hire vessels. Anglers fishing onboard a for-hire 
vessel under a tilefish charter/party vessel permit issued pursuant to 
Sec. 648.4(a)(12), which has been issued a valid U.S. Coast Guard 
Certificate of Inspection may land up to seven blueline tilefish per 
person per trip.
    (c) Enforcement. Tilefish harvested by vessels subject to the 
possession limits with more than one person on board may be pooled in 
one or more containers. Compliance with the golden tilefish possession 
limit will be determined by dividing the number of golden tilefish on 
board by the number of persons on board. Compliance with the blueline 
tilefish possession limit will be determined by dividing the number of 
blueline tilefish on board by the number of persons on board. The 
captain and crew of a party or charter boat are not counted in 
determining the possession limit. If there is a violation of the 
possession limit on board a vessel carrying more than one person, the 
violation shall be deemed to have been committed by the owner and 
operator of the vessel.

[82 FR 52861, Nov. 15, 2017, as amended at 83 FR 10807, Mar. 13, 2018; 
84 FR 3342, Feb. 12, 2019; 85 FR 43152, July 15, 2020]



Sec. 648.297  Tilefish gear restricted areas.

    No vessel of the United States may fish with bottom-tending mobile 
gear within the areas bounded by the following coordinates:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            N. lat.                          W. long.
                    Canyon                     -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 Degrees      Min      Seconds    Degrees      Min      Seconds
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oceanographer.................................       40.0       29.0       50.0       68.0       10.0       30.0
                                                     40.0       29.0       30.0       68.0        8.0       34.8
                                                     40.0       25.0       51.6       68.0        6.0       36.0
                                                     40.0       22.0       22.8       68.0        6.0       50.4
                                                     40.0       19.0       40.8       68.0        4.0       48.0
                                                     40.0       19.0        5.0       68.0        2.0       19.0
                                                     40.0       16.0       41.0       68.0        1.0       16.0
                                                     40.0       14.0       28.0       68.0       11.0       28.0
Lydonia.......................................       40.0       31.0       55.2       67.0       43.0        1.2
                                                     40.0       28.0       52.0       67.0       38.0       43.0
                                                     40.0       21.0       39.6       67.0       37.0        4.8
                                                     40.0       21.0        4.0       67.0       43.0        1.0
                                                     40.0       26.0       32.0       67.0       40.0       57.0
                                                     40.0       28.0       31.0       67.0       43.0        0.0
Veatch........................................       40.0        0.0       40.0       69.0       37.0        8.0
                                                     40.0        0.0       41.0       69.0       35.0       25.0
                                                     39.0       54.0       43.0       69.0       33.0       54.0
                                                     39.0       54.0       43.0       69.0       40.0       52.0
Norfolk.......................................       37.0        5.0       50.0       74.0       45.0       34.0
                                                     37.0        6.0       58.0       74.0       40.0       48.0
                                                     37.0        4.0       31.0       74.0       37.0       46.0
                                                     37.0        4.0        1.0       74.0       33.0       50.0
                                                     36.0       58.0       37.0       74.0       36.0       58.0
                                                     37.0        4.0       26.0       74.0       41.0        2.0
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[76 FR 60647, Sept. 29, 2011]



Sec. 648.299  Tilefish framework specifications.

    (a) Within-season management action. The MAFMC may, at any time, 
initiate action to add or adjust management measures if it finds that 
action is necessary to meet or be consistent with the goals and 
objectives of the Tilefish FMP.
    (1) Specific management measures. The following specific management 
measures may be adjusted at any time

[[Page 996]]

through the framework adjustment process:
    (i) Minimum fish size;
    (ii) Minimum hook size;
    (iii) Closed seasons;
    (iv) Closed areas;
    (v) Gear restrictions or prohibitions;
    (vi) Permitting restrictions;
    (vii) Gear limits;
    (viii) Trip limits;
    (ix) Adjustments within existing ABC control rule levels;
    (x) Adjustments to the existing MAFMC risk policy;
    (xi) Introduction of new AMs, including sub ACTs;
    (xii) Annual specification quota setting process;
    (xiii) Tilefish FMP Monitoring Committee composition and process;
    (xiv) Description and identification of EFH;
    (xv) Fishing gear management measures that impact EFH;
    (xvi) Habitat areas of particular concern;
    (xvii) Set-aside quotas for scientific research;
    (xviii) Changes, as appropriate, to the SBRM, including the CV-based 
performance standard, the means by which discard data are collected/
obtained, fishery stratification, the process for prioritizing observer 
sea-day allocations, reports, and/or industry-funded observers or 
observer set aside programs;
    (xix) Recreational management measures, including the bag limit, 
minimum fish size limit, seasons, and gear restrictions or prohibitions;
    (xx) Golden tilefish IFQ program review components, including 
capacity reduction, safety at sea issues, transferability rules, 
ownership concentration caps, permit and reporting requirements, and fee 
and cost-recovery issues;
    (xxi) Blueline tilefish recreational permitting and reporting 
requirements previously considered by the MAFMC; and
    (xxii) Blueline tilefish allocations to the commercial and 
recreational sectors of the fishery within the range of allocation 
alternatives considered by the MAFMC in Amendment 6.
    (xxiii) Measures that require significant departures from previously 
contemplated measures or that are otherwise introducing new concepts may 
require a formal amendment of the FMP instead of a framework adjustment.
    (2) Adjustment process. If the MAFMC determines that an adjustment 
to management measures is necessary to meet the goals and objectives of 
the FMP, it will recommend, develop, and analyze appropriate management 
actions over the span of at least two MAFMC meetings. The MAFMC will 
provide the public with advance notice of the availability of the 
recommendation, appropriate justifications and economic and biological 
analyses, and opportunity to comment on the proposed adjustments prior 
to and at the second MAFMC meeting on that framework action.
    (3) MAFMC recommendation. After developing management actions and 
receiving public testimony, the MAFMC will make a recommendation to the 
Regional Administrator. The MAFMC's recommendation must include 
supporting rationale and, if management measures are recommended, an 
analysis of impacts and a recommendation to the Regional Administrator 
on whether to issue the management measures as a final rule. If the 
MAFMC recommends that the management measures should be issued as a 
final rule, it must consider at least the following factors and provide 
support and analysis for each factor considered:
    (i) Whether the availability of data on which the recommended 
management measures are based allows for adequate time to publish a 
proposed rule, and whether regulations have to be in place for an entire 
harvest/fishing season;
    (ii) Whether there has been adequate notice and opportunity for 
participation by the public and members of the affected industry in the 
development of the MAFMC's recommended management measures;
    (iii) Whether there is an immediate need to protect the resource; 
and
    (iv) Whether there will be a continuing evaluation of management 
measures adopted following their implementation as a final rule.
    (4) Regional Administrator action. If the MAFMC's recommendation 
includes adjustments or additions to

[[Page 997]]

management measures and, after reviewing the MAFMC's recommendation and 
supporting information:
    (i) If the Regional Administrator concurs with the MAFMC's 
recommended management measures and determines that the recommended 
management measures should be issued as a final rule based on the 
factors specified in paragraphs (a)(2) and (a)(3) of this section, the 
measures will be issued as a final rule in the Federal Register.
    (ii) If the Regional Administrator concurs with the MAFMC's 
recommendation and determines that the recommended management measures 
should be published first as a proposed rule, the measures will be 
published as a proposed rule in the Federal Register. After additional 
public comment, if the Regional Administrator concurs with the MAFMC's 
recommendation, the measures will be issued as a final rule in the 
Federal Register.
    (iii) If the Regional Administrator does not concur with the MAFMC's 
recommendation, the MAFMC will be notified in writing of the reasons for 
the non-concurrence.
    (b) Emergency action. Nothing in this section is meant to derogate 
from the authority of the Secretary to take emergency action under 
section 305(e) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act.

[76 FR 60648, Sept. 29, 2011, as amended at 76 FR 81850, Dec. 29, 2011; 
80 FR 37199, June 30, 2015; 82 FR 52861, Nov. 15, 2017]



    Subpart O_Management Measures for the NE Skate Complex Fisheries

    Source: 68 FR 49701, Aug. 19, 2003, unless otherwise noted.



Sec. 648.320  Skate FMP review and monitoring.

    (a) Annual review and specifications process. The Council, its Skate 
Plan Development Team (PDT), and its Skate Advisory Panel shall monitor 
the status of the fishery and the skate resources.
    (1) The Skate PDT shall meet at least annually to review the status 
of the species in the skate complex. At a minimum, this review shall 
include annual updates to survey indices, fishery landings and discards; 
a re-evaluation of stock status based on the updated survey indices and 
the FMP's overfishing definitions; and a determination of whether any of 
the accountability measures specified under Sec. 648.323 were 
triggered. The review shall also include an analysis of changes to other 
FMPs (e.g., Northeast Multispecies, Monkfish, Atlantic Scallops, etc.) 
that may impact skate stocks, and describe the anticipated impacts of 
those changes on the skate fishery.
    (2) If new and/or additional information becomes available, the 
Skate PDT shall consider it during this annual review. Based on this 
review, the Skate PDT shall provide guidance to the Skate Committee and 
the Council regarding the need to adjust measures in the Skate FMP to 
better achieve the FMP's objectives. After considering guidance, the 
Council may submit to NMFS its recommendations for changes to management 
measures, as appropriate, through the specifications process described 
in this section, the framework process specified in Sec. 648.321, or 
through an amendment to the FMP.
    (3) For overfished skate species, the Skate PDT and the Council 
shall monitor the trawl survey index as a proxy for stock biomass. As 
long as the 3-year average of the appropriate weight per tow increases 
above the average for the previous 3 years, it is assumed that the stock 
is rebuilding to target levels. If the 3-year average of the appropriate 
survey mean weight per tow declines below the average for the previous 3 
years, then the Council shall take management action to ensure that 
stock rebuilding will achieve target levels.
    (4) Based on the annual review described above and/or the Stock 
Assessment and Fishery Evaluation (SAFE) Report described in paragraph 
(b) of this section, recommendations for acceptable biological catch 
(ABC) from the Scientific and Statistical Committee, and any other 
relevant information, the Skate PDT shall recommend to the Skate 
Committee and Council the following annual specifications for harvest of 
skates: An annual catch limit (ACL) for the skate complex set less than 
or equal to ABC; an

[[Page 998]]

annual catch target (ACT) for the skate complex set less than or equal 
to 90 percent of the ACL; and total allowable landings (TAL) necessary 
to meet the objectives of the FMP in each fishing year (May 1-April 30), 
specified for a period of up to 2 fishing years.
    (5) Recommended measures. The Skate PDT shall also recommend 
management measures to the Skate Committee and Council to assure that 
the specifications are not exceeded. Recommended measures should 
include, but are not limited to:
    (i) Possession limits in each fishery;
    (ii) In-season possession limit triggers for the wing and/or bait 
fisheries;
    (iii) Required adjustments to in-season possession limit trigger 
percentages or the ACL-ACT buffer, based on the accountability measures 
specified at Sec. 648.323; and
    (iv) Changes, as appropriate, to the SBRM, including the CV-based 
performance standard, the means by which discard data are collected/
obtained, fishery stratification, the process for prioritizing observer 
sea-day allocations, reports, and/or industry-funded observers or 
observer set aside programs.
    (6) Taking into account the annual review and/or SAFE Report 
described in paragraph (b) of this section, the advice of the Scientific 
and Statistical Committee, and any other relevant information, the Skate 
PDT may also recommend to the Skate Committee and Council changes to 
stock status determination criteria and associated thresholds based on 
the best scientific information available, including information from 
peer-reviewed stock assessments of the skate complex and its component 
species. These adjustments may be included in the Council's 
specifications for the skate fisheries.
    (7) Council recommendation. The Council shall review the 
recommendations of the Skate PDT, Skate Committee, and Scientific and 
Statistical Committee, any public comment received thereon, and any 
other relevant information, and make a recommendation to the Regional 
Administrator on appropriate specifications and any measures necessary 
to assure that the specifications will not be exceeded. The Council's 
recommendation must include supporting documentation, as appropriate, 
concerning the environmental, economic, and social impacts of the 
recommendations. The Regional Administrator shall consider the 
recommendations and publish a rule in the Federal Register proposing 
specifications and associated measures, consistent with the 
Administrative Procedure Act. The Regional Administrator may propose 
specifications different than those recommended by the Council. If the 
specifications published in the Federal Register differ from those 
recommended by the Council, the reasons for any differences must be 
clearly stated and the revised specifications must satisfy the criteria 
set forth in this section, the FMP, and other applicable laws. If the 
final specifications are not published in the Federal Register for the 
start of the fishing year, the previous year's specifications shall 
remain in effect until superseded by the final rule implementing the 
current year's specifications, to ensure that there is no lapse in 
regulations while new specifications are completed.
    (b) Biennial SAFE Report--(1) The Skate PDT shall prepare a biennial 
Stock Assessment and Fishery Evaluation (SAFE) Report for the NE skate 
complex. The SAFE Report shall be the primary vehicle for the 
presentation of all updated biological and socio-economic information 
regarding the NE skate complex and its associated fisheries. The SAFE 
Report shall provide source data for any adjustments to the management 
measures that may be needed to continue to meet the goals and objectives 
of the FMP.
    (2) In any year in which a SAFE Report is not completed by the Skate 
PDT, the annual review process described in paragraph (a) of this 
section shall be used to recommend any necessary adjustments to 
specifications and/or management measures in the FMP.

[75 FR 34058, June 16, 2010, as amended at 80 FR 37199, June 30, 2015; 
84 FR 4375, Feb. 15, 2019]



Sec. 648.321  Framework adjustment process.

    (a) Adjustment process. To implement a framework adjustment for the 
Skate

[[Page 999]]

FMP, the Council shall develop and analyze proposed actions over the 
span of at least two Council meetings (the initial meeting agenda must 
include notification of the impending proposal for a framework 
adjustment) and provide advance public notice of the availability of 
both the proposals and the analyses. Opportunity to provide written and 
oral comments shall be provided throughout the process before the 
Council submits its recommendations to the Regional Administrator.
    (1) Council review and analyses. In response to the annual review, 
or at any other time, the Council may initiate action to add or adjust 
management measures if it finds that action is necessary to meet or be 
consistent with the goals and objectives of the Skate FMP. After a 
framework action has been initiated, the Council shall develop and 
analyze appropriate management actions within the scope of measures 
specified in paragraph (b) of this section. The Council shall publish 
notice of its intent to take action and provide the public with any 
relevant analyses and opportunity to comment on any possible actions. 
Documentation and analyses for the framework adjustment shall be 
available at least 1 week before the final meeting.
    (2) Council recommendation. After developing management actions and 
receiving public testimony, the Council may make a recommendation to the 
Regional Administrator. The Council's recommendation shall include 
supporting rationale, an analysis of impacts required under paragraph 
(a)(1) of this section, and a recommendation to the Regional 
Administrator on whether to issue the management measures as a final 
rule. If the Council recommends that the framework measures should be 
issued directly as a final rule, without opportunity for public notice 
and comment, the Council shall consider at least the following factors 
and provide support and analysis for each factor considered:
    (i) Whether the availability of data on which the recommended 
management measures are based allows for adequate time to publish a 
proposed rule, and whether regulations have to be in place for an entire 
harvest/fishing season;
    (ii) Whether there has been adequate notice and opportunity for 
participation by the public and members of the affected industry in the 
development of the Council's recommended management measures;
    (iii) Whether there is an immediate need to protect the resource or 
to impose management measures to resolve gear conflicts; and
    (iv) Whether there will be a continuing evaluation of management 
measures adopted following their implementation as a final rule.
    (3) The Regional Administrator may publish the recommended framework 
measures in the Federal Register. If the Council's recommendation is 
first published as a proposed rule and the Regional Administrator 
concurs with the Council's recommendation after receiving additional 
public comment, the measures shall then be published as a final rule in 
the Federal Register.
    (4) If the Regional Administrator approves the Council's 
recommendations, the Secretary may, for good cause found under the 
standard of the Administrative Procedure Act, waive the requirement for 
a proposed rule and opportunity for public comment in the Federal 
Register. The Secretary, in so doing, shall publish only the final rule. 
Submission of recommendations does not preclude the Secretary from 
deciding to provide additional opportunity for prior notice and comment 
in the Federal Register.
    (5) The Regional Administrator may approve, disapprove, or partially 
approve the Council's recommendation. If the Regional Administrator does 
not approve the Council's specific recommendation, the Regional 
Administrator must notify the Council in writing of the reasons for the 
action prior to the first Council meeting following publication of such 
decision.
    (b) Possible framework adjustment measures. Measures that may be 
changed or implemented through framework action, provided that any 
corresponding management adjustments can also be implemented through a 
framework adjustment, include:
    (1) Skate permitting and reporting;
    (2) Skate overfishing definitions and related targets and 
thresholds;

[[Page 1000]]

    (3) Prohibitions on possession and/or landing of individual skate 
species;
    (4) Skate possession limits;
    (5) Skate closed areas (and consideration of exempted gears and 
fisheries);
    (6) Seasonal skate fishery restrictions and specifications;
    (7) Target TACs for individual skate species;
    (8) Hard TACs/quotas for skates, including species-specific quotas, 
fishery quotas, and/or quotas for non-directed fisheries;
    (9) Establishment of a mechanism for TAC set-asides to conduct 
scientific research, or for other reasons;
    (10) Onboard observer requirements;
    (11) Gear modifications, requirements, restrictions, and/or 
prohibitions;
    (12) Minimum and/or maximum sizes for skates;
    (13) Adjustments to exemption area requirements, area coordinates, 
and/or management lines established by the FMP;
    (14) Measures to address protected species issues, if necessary;
    (15) Description and identification of EFH;
    (16) Description and identification of habitat areas of particular 
concern;
    (17) Measures to protect EFH;
    (18) OY and/or MSY specifications;
    (19) Changes to the accountability measures described at Sec. 
648.323;
    (20) Changes to TAL allocation proportions to the skate wing and 
bait fisheries;
    (21) Changes to seasonal quotas in the skate bait or wing fisheries;
    (22) Reduction of the baseline 25-percent ACL-ACT buffer to less 
than 25 percent;
    (23) Changes to catch monitoring procedures; and
    (24) Changes, as appropriate, to the SBRM, including the CV-based 
performance standard, the means by which discard data are collected/
obtained, fishery stratification, the process for prioritizing observer 
sea-day allocations, reports, and/or industry-funded observers or 
observer set aside programs.
    (c) Emergency action. Nothing in this section is meant to derogate 
from the authority of the Secretary to take emergency action under 
section 305(c) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act.

[75 FR 34059, June 16, 2010, as amended at 80 FR 37199, June 30, 2015]



Sec. 648.322  Skate allocation, possession, and landing provisions.

    (a) Allocation of TAL. (1) A total of 66.5 percent of the annual 
skate complex TAL shall be allocated to the skate wing fishery. All 
skate products that are landed in wing form, for the skate wing market, 
or classified by Federal dealers as food as required under Sec. 
648.7(a)(1)(i), shall count against the skate wing fishery TAL. The 
annual skate wing fishery TAL shall be allocated in two seasonal quota 
periods as follows:
    (i) Season 1--May 1 through August 31, 57 percent of the annual 
skate wing fishery TAL shall be allocated;
    (ii) Season 2--September 1 through April 30, the remainder of the 
annual skate wing fishery TAL not landed in Season 1 shall be allocated.
    (2) A total of 33.5 percent of the annual TAL shall be allocated to 
the skate bait fishery. All skate products that are landed for the skate 
bait market, or classified by Federal dealers as bait as required under 
Sec. 648.7(a)(1)(i), shall count against the skate bait fishery TAL. 
The annual skate bait fishery TAL shall be allocated in three seasonal 
quota periods as follows:
    (i) Season 1-May 1 through July 31, 30.8 percent of the annual skate 
bait fishery TAL shall be allocated;
    (ii) Season 2-August 1 through October 31, 37.1 percent of the 
annual skate bait fishery TAL shall be allocated; and
    (iii) Season 3-November 1 through April 30, the remainder of the 
annual skate bait fishery TAL not landed in Seasons 1 or 2 shall be 
allocated.
    (b) Skate wing possession and landing limits--(1) Vessels fishing 
under an Atlantic sea scallop, NE multispecies, or monkfish DAS. (i) A 
vessel or operator of a vessel that has been issued a valid Federal 
skate permit under this part, and fishes under an Atlantic sea scallop, 
NE multispecies, or monkfish DAS as specified at Sec. Sec. 648.53, 
648.82, and 648.92, respectively, unless otherwise exempted under Sec. 
648.80 or paragraph (c) of this section, may fish for, possess,

[[Page 1001]]

and/or land up to the allowable trip limits specified as follows: Up to 
3,000 lb (1,361 kg) of skate wings (6,810 lb (3,089 kg) whole weight) 
per trip in Season 1 (May 1 through August 31), and 5,000 lb (2,268 kg) 
of skate wings (11,350 lb (5,148 kg) whole weight) per trip in Season 2 
(September 1 through April 30), or any prorated combination of the 
allowable landing forms defined at paragraph (b)(5) of this section.
    (ii) When fishing under the possession limits specified in paragraph 
(b)(1)(i) of this section, a vessel is allowed to possess and land up to 
750 lb (340 kg) of barndoor skate wings (1,702 lb (772 kg) whole weight) 
per trip in Season 1, and 1,250 lb (567 kg) of barndoor skate wings 
(2,837 lb (1,287 kg) whole weight) per trip in Season 2. The possession 
limits for barndoor skate wings are included within the overall 
possession limit (i.e., total pounds of skate wings on board, including 
barndoor skate wings, are not allowed to exceed 3,000 lb (1,361 kg) in 
Season 1 and 5,000 lb (2,268 kg) in Season 2). Vessels are prohibited 
from discarding any skate wings when in possession of barndoor skate 
wings. Barndoor skate wings and carcasses on board a vessel subject to 
this possession limit must be separated from other species of fish and 
stored so as to be readily available for inspection.
    (2) NE multispecies Category B DAS. A vessel fishing on a declared 
NE multispecies Category B DAS described under Sec. 648.85(b), is 
limited to no more than 220 lb (100 kg) of skate wings (500 lb (227 kg) 
whole weight) per trip, or any prorated combination of the allowable 
landing forms defined at paragraph (b)(5) of this section. These vessels 
may not possess or land barndoor skate, or any other prohibited skate 
species (see Sec. 648.14(v)(2) and paragraph (g) of this section).
    (3) In-season adjustment of skate wing possession limits. The 
Regional Administrator has the authority, through a notice in the 
Federal Register consistent with the Administrative Procedure Act, to 
reduce the skate wing possession limit to 500 lb (227 kg) of skate wings 
(1,135 lb (515 kg) whole weight) or any prorated combination of the 
allowable landing forms defined at paragraph (b)(5) of this section) for 
the remainder of the applicable quota season. When the incidental 
possession limit is implemented, a vessel is allowed to possess and land 
up to 125 lb (57 kg) of barndoor skate wings (284 lb (129 kg) whole 
weight) per trip. The possession limits for barndoor skate wings are 
included within the overall possession limit (i.e., total pounds of 
skate wings on board, including barndoor skate wings, are not allowed to 
exceed 500 lb). Vessels are prohibited from discarding any skate wings 
when in possession of barndoor skate wings. Barndoor skate wings and 
carcasses on board a vessel subject to this possession limit must be 
separated from other species of fish and stored so as to be readily 
available for inspection. The in-season adjustment of skate wing 
possession limits will be implemented under the following circumstances:
    (i) When 85 percent of the Season 1 skate wing quota is projected to 
be landed between May 1 and August 17, the Regional Administrator shall 
reduce the skate wing possession limit to the incidental level described 
in paragraph (b)(3) of this section.
    (ii) When 85 percent of the Season 1 skate wing quota is projected 
to be landed between August 18 and August 31, the Regional Administrator 
may reduce the skate wing possession limit to the incidental level 
described in paragraph (b)(3) of this section.
    (iii) When 85 percent of the annual skate wing fishery TAL is 
projected to be landed in Season 2, the Regional Administrator may 
reduce the skate wing possession limit to the incidental level described 
in paragraph (b)(3) of this section, unless such a reduction would be 
expected to prevent attainment of the annual TAL.
    (4) Incidental possession limit for vessels not under a DAS. A 
vessel issued a Federal skate permit that is not fishing under an 
Atlantic sea scallop, NE multispecies, or monkfish DAS as specified at 
Sec. Sec. 648.53, 648.82, and 648.92, respectively, or is a limited 
access multispecies vessel participating in an approved sector described 
under Sec. 648.87 but not fishing on one of the DAS specified at Sec. 
648.53, Sec. 648.82, or Sec. 648.92, may retain up to 500 lb (227 kg) 
of skate wings or 1,135 lb (515 kg) of whole skate, or any prorated 
combination of the allowable landing forms defined at

[[Page 1002]]

paragraph (b)(5) of this section. These vessels may not possess or land 
barndoor skate, or any other prohibited skate species (see Sec. 
648.14(v)(2) and paragraph (g) of this section).
    (5) Allowable forms of skate landings. Except for vessels fishing 
under a skate bait letter of authorization as specified at paragraph (c) 
of this section, a vessel may possess and/or land skates as wings only 
(wings removed from the body of the skate and the remaining carcass 
discarded), wings with associated carcasses possessed separately (wings 
removed from the body of the skate but the associated carcass retained 
on board the vessel), or in whole (intact) form, or any combination of 
the three, provided that the weight of the skate carcasses on board the 
vessel does not exceed 1.27 times the weight of skate wings on board. 
When any combination of skate wings, carcasses, and whole skates are 
possessed and/or landed, the applicable possession or landing limit 
shall be based on the whole weight limit, in which any wings are 
converted to whole weight using the wing to whole weight conversion 
factor of 2.27. For example, if the vessel possesses 100 lb (45.4 kg) of 
skate wings, the whole weight equivalent would be 227 lb (103.0 kg) of 
whole skates (100 lb (45.4 kg) x 2.27), and the vessel could possess up 
to 127 lb (57.6 kg) of skate carcasses (100 lb (45.4 kg) of skate wings 
x 1.27). A vessel may not possess and/or land skate carcasses and only 
whole skates.
    (c) Bait Letter of Authorization (LOA). A skate vessel owner or 
operator under this part may request and receive from the Regional 
Administrator an exemption from the skate wing possession limit 
restrictions for a minimum of 7 consecutive days, provided that when the 
vessel is fishing pursuant to the terms of authorization at least the 
following requirements and conditions are met:
    (1) The vessel owner or operator obtains and retains onboard the 
vessel a valid LOA. LOAs are available upon request from the Regional 
Administrator.
    (2) The vessel owner or operator fishes for, possesses, or lands 
skates only for use as bait.
    (3) The vessel owner or operator possesses or lands no more than 
25,000 lb (11,340 kg) of whole skates per trip.
    (4) The vessel owner or operator possesses or lands only whole 
skates less than 23 inches (58.42 cm) total length, and does not possess 
or land any skate wings.
    (5) Vessels that choose to possess or land skate wings during the 
participation period of this letter of authorization must comply with 
possession limit restrictions under paragraph (b) of this section for 
all skates or skate parts on board. Vessels possessing skate wings in 
compliance with the possession limit restrictions under paragraph (b) of 
this section may fish for, possess, or land skates for uses other than 
bait.
    (6) The vessel owner or operator complies with the transfer at sea 
requirements at Sec. 648.13(h).
    (d) In-season adjustment of skate bait possession limits. When the 
Regional Administrator projects that 90 percent of the skate bait 
fishery seasonal quota has been landed in Seasons 1 or 2, or 80 percent 
of the annual skate bait fishery TAL has been landed, the Regional 
Administrator shall, through a notice in the Federal Register consistent 
with the Administrative Procedure Act, reduce the skate bait trip limit 
to 8,000 lb (3,629 kg) of whole skates for the remainder of the quota 
period, unless such a reduction would be expected to prevent attainment 
of the seasonal quota or annual TAL.
    (e) In-season closure of skate bait fishery. When the Regional 
Administrator projects that 100 percent of the skate bait fishery TAL 
will be landed, the Regional Administrator shall, through a notice in 
the Federal Register consistent with the Administrative Procedure Act, 
close the skate bait fishery, unless such a closure would be expected to 
prevent attainment of the annual TAL. During a skate bait fishery 
closure all skate bait LOAs as described in paragraph (c) of this 
section are void. All skates harvested and landed during a skate bait 
fishery closure will be attributed towards the skate-wing TAL as 
described in this section.
    (f) Removal of in-season possession limit reductions. If it is 
determined that an in-season trip limit reduction as described in 
paragraphs (d) and (e) of this

[[Page 1003]]

section could prohibit the skate bait fishery from achieving its annual 
TAL, the in-season possession limit reduction may be removed.
    (g) Prohibitions on possession of skates. A vessel fishing in the 
EEZ portion of the Skate Management Unit may not:
    (1) Retain, possess, or land thorny skates taken in or from the EEZ 
portion of the Skate Management Unit.
    (2) Retain, possess, or land barndoor skates taken in or from the 
EEZ portion of the skate management unit when fishing under a bait 
letter of authorization as described in paragraph (c) of this section; 
when fishing under a NE multispecies Category B DAS as described under 
paragraph (b) of this section; when fishing under the incidental skate 
possession limit for vessels not under a DAS as described in paragraph 
(b)(4) of this section; or when fishing in a NE multispecies DAS 
exemption program that allows the possession of skate or skate parts in 
an amount not to exceed 10 percent by weight of all other species on 
board, as specified in Sec. 648.80(b)(3)(ii), without a NE multispecies 
or monkfish DAS.
    (3) Discard any skate wings when in possession of barndoor skate 
wings.
    (4) Retain, possess, or land smooth skates taken in or from the GOM 
RMA described at Sec. 648.80(a)(1)(i).

[75 FR 34060, June 16, 2010, as amended at 76 FR 28331, May 17, 2011; 77 
FR 25100, Apr. 27, 2012; 81 FR 54747, Aug. 17, 2016; 83 FR 6135, Feb. 
13, 2018; 83 FR 48988, Sept. 28, 2018; 85 FR 23242, Apr. 27, 2020]



Sec. 648.323  Accountability measures.

    (a) TAL overages. If the skate wing fishery TAL or skate bait 
fishery TAL is determined to have been exceeded by more than 5 percent 
in any given year based upon, but not limited to, available landings 
information, the Regional Administrator shall reduce the in-season 
possession limit trigger for that fishery, as specified at Sec. 
648.322(b) and (d), in the next fishing year by 1 percent for each 1 
percent of TAL overage, consistent with the Administrative Procedure 
Act.
    (b) ACL overages. (1) If the ACL is determined to have been exceeded 
in any given year, based upon, but not limited to, available landings 
and discard information, the percent buffer between ACL and ACT shall be 
increased by 1 percent for each 1-percent ACL overage in the second 
fishing year following the fishing year in which the ACL overage 
occurred, through either the specifications or framework adjustment 
process described under Sec. Sec. 648.320 and 648.321.
    (2) If the Council fails to initiate action to correct an ACL 
overage through the specifications or framework adjustment process, 
consistent with paragraph (b)(1) of this section, the Regional 
Administrator shall implement the required adjustment, as described 
under paragraph (b)(1) of this section, consistent with the 
Administrative Procedure Act.

[75 FR 34061, June 16, 2010, as amended at 84 FR 4376, Feb. 15, 2019]



                  Subpart P_Mid-Atlantic Forage Species

    Source: 82 FR 40733, Aug. 28, 2017, unless otherwise noted.



Sec. 648.350  Mid-Atlantic forage species landing limits.

    (a) Mid-Atlantic forage species. There is no annual landing limit 
for Mid-Atlantic forage species, as defined at Sec. 648.2.
    (b) [Reserved]

[82 FR 40733, Aug. 28, 2017, as amended at 85 FR 47117, Aug. 4, 2020]



Sec. 648.351  Mid-Atlantic forage species possession limits.

    (a) Mid-Atlantic forage species. Unless otherwise prohibited in 
Sec. 648.80, a vessel issued a valid commercial permit in accordance 
with Sec. 648.4 may fish for, possess, and land up to 1,700 lb (771.11 
kg) of all Mid-Atlantic forage species combined per trip in or from the 
EEZ portion of the Mid-Atlantic Forage Species Management Unit, as 
defined in paragraph (b) of this section. A vessel not issued a permit 
in accordance with Sec. 648.4 that is fishing exclusively in state 
waters is exempt from the possession limits specified in this section.
    (b) Mid-Atlantic Forage Species Management Unit. The Mid-Atlantic 
Forage Species Management Unit is the area of the Atlantic Ocean that is 
bounded on the southeast by the outer limit of the U.S. EEZ; bounded on 
the south by

[[Page 1004]]

35[deg]15.3[min] N lat. (the approximate latitude of Cape Hatteras, NC); 
bounded on the west and north by the coastline of the United States; and 
bounded on the northeast by the following points, connected in the order 
listed by straight lines:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Point                    Latitude            Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1...............................  40[deg]59.32[min]   73[deg]39.62[min]
                                   N                   W
2...............................  40[deg]59.02[min]   73[deg]39.41[min]
                                   N                   W
3...............................  40[deg]57.05[min]   73[deg]36.78[min]
                                   N                   W
4...............................  40[deg]57.87[min]   73[deg]32.85[min]
                                   N                   W
5...............................  40[deg]59.78[min]   73[deg]23.70[min]
                                   N                   W
6...............................  41[deg]1.57[min] N  73[deg]15.00[min]
                                                       W
7...............................  41[deg]3.40[min] N  73[deg]6.10[min] W
8...............................  41[deg]4.65[min] N  73[deg]0.00[min] W
9...............................  41[deg]6.67[min] N  72[deg]50.00[min]
                                                       W
10..............................  41[deg]8.69[min] N  72[deg]40.00[min]
                                                       W
11..............................  41[deg]10.79[min]   72[deg]29.45[min]
                                   N                   W
12..............................  41[deg]12.22[min]   72[deg]22.25[min]
                                   N                   W
13..............................  41[deg]13.57[min]   72[deg]15.38[min]
                                   N                   W
14..............................  41[deg]14.94[min]   72[deg]8.35[min] W
                                   N
15..............................  41[deg]15.52[min]   72[deg]5.41[min] W
                                   N
16..............................  41[deg]17.43[min]   72[deg]1.18[min] W
                                   N
17..............................  41[deg]18.62[min]   71[deg]55.80[min]
                                   N                   W
18..............................  41[deg]18.27[min]   71[deg]54.47[min]
                                   N                   W
19..............................  41[deg]10.31[min]   71[deg]46.44[min]
                                   N                   W
20..............................  41[deg]2.35[min] N  71[deg]38.43[min]
                                                       W
21..............................  40[deg]54.37[min]   71[deg]30.45[min]
                                   N                   W
22..............................  40[deg]46.39[min]   71[deg]22.51[min]
                                   N                   W
23..............................  40[deg]38.39[min]   71[deg]14.60[min]
                                   N                   W
24..............................  40[deg]30.39[min]   71[deg]6.72[min] W
                                   N
25..............................  40[deg]22.38[min]   70[deg]58.87[min]
                                   N                   W
26..............................  40[deg]14.36[min]   70[deg]51.05[min]
                                   N                   W
27..............................  40[deg]6.33[min] N  70[deg]43.27[min]
                                                       W
28..............................  39[deg]58.29[min]   70[deg]35.51[min]
                                   N                   W
29..............................  39[deg]50.24[min]   70[deg]27.78[min]
                                   N                   W
30..............................  39[deg]42.18[min]   70[deg]20.09[min]
                                   N                   W
31..............................  39[deg]34.11[min]   70[deg]12.42[min]
                                   N                   W
32..............................  39[deg]26.04[min]   70[deg]4.78[min] W
                                   N
33..............................  39[deg]17.96[min]   69[deg]57.18[min]
                                   N                   W
34..............................  39[deg]9.86[min] N  69[deg]49.6[min] W
35..............................  39[deg]1.77[min] N  69[deg]42.05[min]
                                                       W
36..............................  38[deg]53.66[min]   69[deg]34.53[min]
                                   N                   W
37..............................  38[deg]45.54[min]   69[deg]27.03[min]
                                   N                   W
38..............................  38[deg]37.42[min]   69[deg]19.57[min]
                                   N                   W
39..............................  38[deg]29.29[min]   69[deg]12.13[min]
                                   N                   W
40..............................  38[deg]21.15[min]   69[deg]4.73[min] W
                                   N
41..............................  38[deg]13.00[min]   68[deg]57.35[min]
                                   N                   W
42..............................  38[deg]4.84[min] N  68[deg]49.99[min]
                                                       W
43 *............................  38[deg]2.21[min] N  68[deg]47.62[min]
                                                       W
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Point 43 falls on the U.S. EEZ.

    (c) Transiting. Any vessel issued a valid permit in accordance with 
Sec. 648.4 may transit the Mid-Atlantic Forage Species Management Unit, 
as defined in paragraph (b) of this section, with an amount of Mid-
Atlantic forage species on board that exceeds the possession limits 
specified in paragraph (a) of this section to land in a port in a state 
that is outside of the Mid-Atlantic Forage Species Management Unit, 
provided that those species were harvested outside of the Mid-Atlantic 
Forage Species Management Unit and that all gear is stowed and not 
available for immediate use as defined in Sec. 648.2.
    (d) Transiting. Any vessel issued a valid permit in accordance with 
Sec. 648.4 may transit the Mid-Atlantic Forage Species Management Unit, 
as defined in paragraph (c) of this section, with an amount of Mid-
Atlantic forage species or Atlantic chub mackerel on board that exceeds 
the possession limits specified in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this 
section, respectively, to land in a port in a state that is outside of 
the Mid-Atlantic Forage Species Management Unit, provided that those 
species were harvested outside of the Mid-Atlantic Forage Species 
Management Unit and that all gear is stowed and not available for 
immediate use as defined in Sec. 648.2. The transitting provisions 
specified in this paragraph (d) for a vessel possessing Atlantic chub 
mackerel are effective through December 31, 2020.

[82 FR 40733, Aug. 28, 2017, as amended at 85 FR 47117, Aug. 4, 2020]



Sec. 648.352  Mid-Atlantic forage species framework measures.

    (a) General. The MAFMC may, at any time, initiate action to add or 
revise management measures if it finds that action is necessary to meet 
or be consistent with the goals and objectives of the Atlantic Mackerel, 
Squid, and Butterfish FMP; the Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog FMP; 
the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass FMP; the Atlantic Bluefish 
FMP; the Spiny Dogfish FMP; and Tilefish FMPs.
    (b) Adjustment process. The MAFMC shall develop and analyze 
appropriate management actions over the span of at least two MAFMC 
meetings. The MAFMC must provide the public with advance notice of the 
availability of the recommendation(s), appropriate justification(s) and 
economic and biological analyses, and the opportunity to comment on the 
proposed adjustment(s) at its first meeting, prior to its second 
meeting, and at its second meeting. The MAFMC's recommendations on 
adjustments or additions to management measures must come from one or 
more of the following categories: The list of Mid-Atlantic forage

[[Page 1005]]

species, possession limits, annual landing limits, and any other measure 
currently included in the applicable FMPs specified in paragraph (a) of 
this section. Issues that require significant departures from previously 
contemplated measures or that are otherwise introducing new concepts may 
require an amendment of the FMPs instead of a framework adjustment.
    (c) MAFMC recommendation. See Sec. 648.110(a)(2).
    (d) NMFS action. See Sec. 648.110(a)(3).
    (e) Emergency actions. See Sec. 648.110(a)(4).



              Subpart Q_Habitat-Related Management Measures

    Source: 83 FR 15275, Apr. 9, 2018, unless otherwise noted.



Sec. 648.370  Habitat Management Areas.

    Unless otherwise specified, no fishing vessel or person on a fishing 
vessel may fish with bottom-tending mobile gear in the areas defined in 
this section. Copies of charts depicting these areas are available from 
the Regional Administrator upon request.
    (a) Eastern Maine Habitat Management Area. The Eastern Maine HMA is 
bounded on the northwest by the outer limit of Maine state waters, and 
bounded on all other sides by straight lines connecting the following 
points in the order stated:

                            Eastern Maine HMA
------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Point                   N latitude          W longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
EMH1 \1\......................  44[deg]07.65[min] N  68[deg]10.64[min] W
EMH2..........................  44[deg]02.50[min] N  68[deg]06.10[min] W
EMH3..........................  43[deg]51.00[min] N  68[deg]33.90[min] W
EMH4 \1\......................  43[deg]56.62[min] N  68[deg]38.12[min] W
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Points 1 and 4 are intended to fall along the outer limit of Maine
  state waters.

    (b) Jeffreys Bank Habitat Management Area. The Jeffreys Bank HMA is 
defined by straight lines connecting the following points in the order 
stated:

                            Jeffreys Bank HMA
------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Point                   N latitude          W longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
JBH1..........................  43[deg]31[min] N     68[deg]37[min] W
JBH2..........................  43[deg]20[min] N     68[deg]37[min] W
JBH3..........................  43[deg]20[min] N     68[deg]55[min] W
JBH4..........................  43[deg]31[min] N     68[deg]55[min] W
JBH1..........................  43[deg]31[min] N     68[deg]37[min] W
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (c) Cashes Ledge Habitat Management Area. The Cashes Ledge HMA is 
defined by straight lines connecting the following points in the order 
stated:

                            Cashes Ledge HMA
------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Point                   N latitude          W longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLH1..........................  43[deg]01.0[min] N   69[deg]00.0[min] W
CLH2..........................  43[deg]01.0[min] N   68[deg]52.0[min] W
CLH3..........................  42[deg]45.0[min] N   68[deg]52.0[min] W
CLH4..........................  42[deg]45.0[min] N   69[deg]00.0[min] W
CLH1..........................  43[deg]01.0[min] N   69[deg]00.0[min] W
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (d) Fippennies Ledge Habitat Management Area. The Fippennies Ledge 
HMA is defined by straight lines connecting the following points in the 
order stated:

                          Fippennies Ledge HMA
------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Point                   N latitude          W longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
FLH1..........................  42[deg]50.0[min] N   69[deg]17.0[min] W
FLH2..........................  42[deg]44.0[min] N   69[deg]14.0[min] W
FLH3..........................  42[deg]44.0[min] N   69[deg]18.0[min] W
FLH4..........................  42[deg]50.0[min] N   69[deg]21.0[min] W
FLH1..........................  42[deg]50.0[min] N   69[deg]17.0[min] W
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (e) Ammen Rock Habitat Management Area. (1) The Ammen Rock HMA is 
defined by straight lines connecting the following points in the order 
stated:

                             Ammen Rock HMA
------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Point                   N latitude          W longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ARH1..........................  42[deg]55.5[min] N   68[deg]57.0[min] W
ARH2..........................  42[deg]52.5[min] N   68[deg]55.0[min] W
ARH3..........................  42[deg]52.5[min] N   68[deg]57.0[min] W
ARH4..........................  42[deg]55.5[min] N   68[deg]59.0[min] W
ARH1..........................  42[deg]55.5[min] N   68[deg]57.0[min] W
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) No fishing vessel, including private and for-hire recreational 
fishing vessels, may fish in the Ammen Rock HMA, except for vessels 
fishing exclusively with lobster traps, as defined in Sec. 697.2.
    (f) Western Gulf of Maine Habitat Management Area--(1) Coordinates. 
The Western GOM HMA is defined by the straight lines connecting the 
following points in the order stated:

         Table 6 to Paragraph (f)(1)--Western Gulf of Maine HMA
------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Point                   N latitude          W longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
WGMH1...........................  43[deg]15[min] N    70[deg]15[min] W
WGMH2...........................  42[deg]15[min] N    70[deg]15[min] W
WGMH3...........................  42[deg]15[min] N    70[deg]00[min] W
WGMH4...........................  43[deg]15[min] N    70[deg]00[min] W

[[Page 1006]]

 
WGMH1...........................  43[deg]15[min] N    70[deg]15[min] W
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) Western Gulf of Maine Shrimp Exemption Area. Vessels fishing 
with shrimp trawls under the Small Mesh Northern Shrimp Fishery 
Exemption specified at Sec. 648.80(a)(5) may fish within the Western 
Gulf of Maine HMA Shrimp Exemption Area which is defined by the straight 
lines connecting the following points in the order stated:

               Western Gulf of Maine Shrimp Exemption Area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Point                   N latitude          W longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
SEA1..........................  43[deg]15[min] N     70[deg] W
SEA2..........................  43[deg]13[min] N     70[deg] W
SEA3..........................  43[deg]13[min] N     70[deg]05[min] W
SEA4..........................  43[deg]09[min] N     70[deg]05[min] W
SEA5..........................  43[deg]09[min] N     70[deg]08[min] W
SEA6..........................  42[deg]55[min] N     70[deg]08[min] W
SEA7..........................  42[deg]55[min] N     70[deg]15[min] W
SEA8..........................  43[deg]15[min] N     70[deg]15[min] W
SEA1..........................  43[deg]15[min] N     70[deg] W
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (g) Closed Area II Habitat Closure Area. The Closed Area II Habitat 
Closure Area is defined by the straight lines, except where otherwise 
noted, connecting the following points in the order stated:

                                       Closed Area II Habitat Closure Area
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Point                           N latitude                  W longitude               Notes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CIIH1................................  42[deg]10[min] N             67[deg]20[min] W
CIIH2................................  42[deg]10[min] N             67[deg]9.38[min] W                  (\1 2\)
CIIH3................................  42[deg]00[min] N             67[deg]0.63[min] W                  (\2 3\)
CIIH4................................  42[deg]00[min] N             67[deg]10[min] W
CIIH5................................  41[deg]50[min] N             67[deg]10[min] W
CIIH6................................  41[deg]50[min] N             67[deg]20[min] W
CIIH1................................  42[deg]10[min] N             67[deg]20[min] W
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Point CIIH2 represents the intersection of 42[deg]10[min] N lat. and the U.S.-Canada Maritime Boundary.
\2\ From Point CIIH2 to Point CIIH3 along the U.S.-Canada Maritime Boundary.
\3\ Point CIIH3 represents the intersection of 42[deg]00[min] N lat. and the U.S.-Canada maritime Boundary.

    (h) Great South Channel Habitat Management Area. (1) Coordinates. 
The Great South Channel HMA is defined by the straight lines connecting 
the following points in the order stated:

                         Great South Channel HMA
------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Point                   N latitude          W longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
GSCH1.........................  41[deg]30.3[min] N   69[deg]31.0[min] W
GSCH2.........................  41[deg]0.00[min] N   69[deg]18.5[min] W
GSCH3.........................  40[deg]51.7[min] N   69[deg]18.5[min] W
GSCH4.........................  40[deg]51.6[min] N   69[deg]48.9[min] W
GSCH5.........................  41[deg]30.2[min] N   69[deg]49.3[min] W
GSCH1.........................  41[deg]30.3[min] N   69[deg]31.0[min] W
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) Atlantic Surfclam and Mussel Dredge Exemption Areas. (i) Dredge 
Exemption Area Requirements. A vessel may fish in one or more of the 
Dredge Exemption Areas below, provided the area is open and the vessel 
meets the following requirements:
    (A) Holds a federal Atlantic surfclam vessel permit.
    (B) Has been issued a Letter of Authorization to fish in the Great 
South Channel HMA from the Regional Administrator.
    (C) Has a NMFS-approved VMS unit capable of automatically 
transmitting a signal indicating the vessel's accurate position at least 
once every 5 minutes while in or near the Great South Channel HMA.
    (D) Declares each trip into the HMA through the VMS and fishes 
exclusively inside HMA dredge exemption areas on such trips.
    (E) When fishing for surfclams in an HMA exemption area, uses only 
hydraulic clam dredge gear.
    (F) When fishing for blue mussels in an HMA exemption area, any 
dredge on board the vessel does not exceed 8 ft (2.4 m), measured at the 
widest point in the bail of the dredge, and the vessel does not possess, 
or land any species of fish other than blue mussels.
    (ii) McBlair Dredge Exemption Area. (A) The McBlair Dredge Exemption 
Area is defined by the following points connected in the order listed by 
straight lines:

[[Page 1007]]



                      McBlair Dredge Exemption Area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Point                   Longitude             Latitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.............................  69[deg]49.255[min]   41[deg]25.878[min]
                                 W                    N
2.............................  69[deg]46.951[min]   41[deg]25.878[min]
                                 W                    N
3.............................  69[deg]46.951[min]   41[deg]19.34[min] N
                                 W
4.............................  69[deg]49.187[min]   41[deg]19.34[min] N
                                 W
1.............................  69[deg]49.255[min]   41[deg]25.878[min]
                                 W                    N
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (B) The McBlair Dredge Exemption Area is open year-round.
    (iii) Old South Dredge Exemption Area. (A) The Old South Dredge 
Exemption Area is defined by the following points connected in the order 
listed by straight lines:

                     Old South Dredge Exemption Area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Point                   Longitude             Latitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.............................  69[deg]47[min] W     41[deg]15[min] N
2.............................  69[deg]44[min] W     41[deg]15[min] N
3.............................  69[deg]44.22[min] W  41[deg]10.432[min]
                                                      N
4.............................  69[deg]45[min] W     41[deg]7[min] N
5.............................  69[deg]47[min] W     41[deg]7[min] N
6.............................  69[deg]47[min] W     41[deg]11[min] N
7.............................  69[deg]49.101[min]   41[deg]11[min] N
                                 W
8.............................  69[deg]49.116[min]   41[deg]12.5[min] N
                                 W
9.............................  69[deg]47[min] W     41[deg]12.5[min] N
1.............................  69[deg]47[min] W     41[deg]15[min] N
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (B) The Old South Dredge Exemption Area is open from May 1-October 
31, and closed to all mobile bottom-tending gear November 1-April 30.
    (iv) Fishing Rip Dredge Exemption Area. (A) The Fishing Rip Dredge 
Exemption Area is defined by the following points connected in the order 
listed by straight lines:

                    Fishing Rip Dredge Exemption Area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Point                   Longitude             Latitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.............................  69[deg]28.829[min]   41[deg]10.963[min]
                                 W                    N
2.............................  69[deg]27.106[min]   41[deg]10.485[min]
                                 W                    N
3.............................  69[deg]29.311[min]   41[deg]6.699[min] N
                                 W
4.............................  69[deg]27.034[min]   41[deg]6.609[min] N
                                 W
5.............................  69[deg]27.376[min]   41[deg]3.198[min] N
                                 W
6.............................  69[deg]29.905[min]   41[deg]1.297[min] N
                                 W
7.............................  69[deg]32.579[min]   41[deg]5.368[min] N
                                 W
8.............................  69[deg]31.193[min]   41[deg]7.356[min] N
                                 W
1.............................  69[deg]28.829[min]   41[deg]10.963[min]
                                 W                    N
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (B) The Fishing Rip Dredge Exemption Area is open year-round.
    (i) Transiting. Unless otherwise restricted, a vessel may transit 
the habitat management areas described in this section provided that its 
gear is stowed and not available for immediate use as defined in Sec. 
648.2.
    (j) Other habitat protection measures. The Inshore Gulf of Maine/
Georges Bank Restricted Roller Gear Area described in Sec. 
648.80(a)(3)(vii) is considered a habitat protection measure and the 
restrictions outlined in that section apply to all bottom trawl gear.
    (k) Review of habitat management measures. The New England Fishery 
Management Council will develop a strategic process to evaluate the 
boundaries, scope, characteristics, and timing of habitat and spawning 
protection areas to facilitate review of these areas at 10-year 
intervals.

[83 FR 15275, Apr. 9, 2018, as amended at 85 FR 29876, May 19, 2020; 88 
FR 17402, Mar. 23, 2023]



Sec. 648.371  Dedicated Habitat Research Areas.

    (a) Dedicated Habitat Research Area (DHRA) topics. The areas defined 
in this section are intended to facilitate coordinated research on gear 
impacts, habitat recovery, natural disturbance, and productivity.
    (b) Stellwagen Dedicated Habitat Research Area. (1) The Stellwagen 
DHRA is defined by the straight lines connecting the following points in 
the order stated:

                             Stellwagen DHRA
------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Point                   N latitude          W longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
SDHRA1........................  42[deg]15.0[min] N   70[deg]00.0[min] W
SDHRA2........................  42[deg]15.0[min] N   70[deg]15.0[min] W
SDHRA3........................  42[deg]45.2[min] N   70[deg]15.0[min] W
SDHRA4........................  42[deg]46.0[min] N   70[deg]13.0[min] W
SDHRA5........................  42[deg]46.0[min] N   70[deg]00.0[min] W
SDHRA1........................  42[deg]15.0[min] N   70[deg]00.0[min] W
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) Vessels fishing with bottom-tending mobile gear, sink gillnet 
gear, or demersal longline gear are prohibited from fishing in the 
Stellwagen DHRA, unless otherwise exempted.
    (c) Georges Bank Dedicated Habitat Research Area. (1) The Georges 
Bank DHRA is defined by straight lines connecting the following points 
in the order stated:

                            Georges Bank DHRA
------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Point                    Latitude            Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
GBDHRA1.......................  40[deg]54.95[min] N  68[deg]53.37[min] W
GBDHRA2.......................  40[deg]58[min] N     68[deg]30[min] W
GBDHRA3.......................  40[deg]45[min] N     68[deg]30[min] W
GBDHRA4.......................  40[deg]45[min] N     68[deg]45[min] W
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) Vessels fishing with bottom-tending mobile gear are prohibited 
from

[[Page 1008]]

fishing in the Georges Bank DHRA, unless otherwise exempted.
    (d) Transiting. Unless otherwise restricted or specified in this 
paragraph (d), a vessel may transit the Dedicated Habitat Research Areas 
of this section provided that its prohibited gear is stowed and not 
available for immediate use as defined in Sec. 648.2.
    (e) Dedicated Habitat Research Areas review. (1) The Regional 
Administrator shall initiate a review of the DHRAs defined in this 
section three years after implementation.
    (2) After initiation of the review and consultation with the New 
England Fishery Management Council, the Regional Administrator may 
remove a DHRA. The following criteria will be used to determine if DHRA 
should be maintained:
    (i) Documentation of active and ongoing research in the DHRA area, 
in the form of data records, cruise reports or inventory samples with 
analytical objectives focused on the DHRA topics, described in paragraph 
(a) of this section; and
    (ii) Documentation of pending or approved proposals or funding 
requests (including ship time requests), with objectives specific to the 
DHRA topics, described in paragraph (a) of this section.
    (3) The Regional Administrator will make any such determination in 
accordance with the APA through notification in the Federal Register.
    (f) Jordan Basin Dedicated Habitat Research Area. (1) The Jordan 
Basin DHRA is defined by the following coordinates, connected in the 
order listed by straight lines:

                       Table 3 to Paragraph (f)(1)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Point                      Longitude       Latitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
DHRA1...................................  -67[deg]51.38[  43[deg]27.47[m
                                                    min]             in]
DHRA2...................................  -67[deg]47.38[  43[deg]27.46[m
                                                    min]             in]
DHRA3...................................  -67[deg]47.18[  43[deg]16.92[m
                                                    min]             in]
DHRA4...................................  -67[deg]51.05[  43[deg]17.05[m
                                                    min]             in]
DHRA1...................................  -67[deg]51.38[  43[deg]27.47[m
                                                    min]             in]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) Fishing vessels, regardless of gear type, may fish within the 
Jordan Basin DHRA.

[83 FR 15275, Apr. 9, 2018, as amended at 86 FR 33558, June 25, 2021]



Sec. 648.372  Frank R. Lautenberg Deep-Sea Coral Protection Area.

    (a) Restrictions. No vessel may fish with bottom-tending gear within 
the Frank R. Lautenberg Deep-Sea Coral Protection Area described in this 
section, unless transiting pursuant to paragraph (d) of this section, 
fishing lobster trap gear in accordance with Sec. 697.21 of this 
chapter, or fishing red crab trap gear in accordance with Sec. 648.264. 
Bottom-tending gear includes but is not limited to bottom-tending otter 
trawls, bottom-tending beam trawls, hydraulic dredges, non-hydraulic 
dredges, bottom-tending seines, bottom longlines, pots and traps, and 
sink or anchored gillnets. The Frank R. Lautenberg Deep-Sea Coral 
Protection Area consists of the Broad and Discrete Deep-Sea Coral Zones 
defined in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section.
    (b) Broad Deep-Sea Coral Zone. The Broad Deep-Sea Coral Zone is 
bounded on the east by the outer limit of the U.S. Exclusive Economic 
Zone, and bounded on all other sides by straight lines connecting the 
following points in the order stated (copies of a chart depicting this 
area are available from the Regional Administrator upon request). An 
asterisk (*) in the Discrete Zone column means the point is shared with 
a Discrete Deep-Sea Coral Zone, as defined in paragraph (c) of this 
section.

                                                   Broad Zone
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Point                            Latitude                    Longitude            Discrete zone
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................  36[deg]33.02[min] N          71[deg]29.33[min] W
2....................................  36[deg]33.02[min] N          72[deg]00[min] W
3....................................  36[deg]33.02[min] N          73[deg]00[min] W
4....................................  36[deg]33.02[min] N          74[deg]00[min] W
5....................................  36[deg]33.02[min] N          74[deg]42.14[min] W
6....................................  36[deg]34.44[min] N          74[deg]42.23[min] W
7....................................  36[deg]35.53[min] N          74[deg]41.59[min] W
8....................................  36[deg]37.69[min] N          74[deg]41.51[min] W
9....................................  36[deg]42.09[min] N          74[deg]39.07[min] W

[[Page 1009]]

 
10...................................  36[deg]45.18[min] N          74[deg]38[min] W
11...................................  36[deg]45.69[min] N          74[deg]38.55[min] W
12...................................  36[deg]49.17[min] N          74[deg]38.31[min] W
13...................................  36[deg]49.56[min] N          74[deg]37.77[min] W
14...................................  36[deg]51.21[min] N          74[deg]37.81[min] W
15...................................  36[deg]51.78[min] N          74[deg]37.43[min] W
16...................................  36[deg]58.51[min] N          74[deg]36.51[min] W                     (*)
17...................................  36[deg]58.62[min] N          74[deg]36.97[min] W                     (*)
18...................................  37[deg]4.43[min] N           74[deg]41.03[min] W                     (*)
19...................................  37[deg]5.83[min] N           74[deg]45.57[min] W                     (*)
20...................................  37[deg]6.97[min] N           74[deg]40.8[min] W                      (*)
21...................................  37[deg]4.52[min] N           74[deg]37.77[min] W                     (*)
22...................................  37[deg]4.02[min] N           74[deg]33.83[min] W                     (*)
23...................................  37[deg]4.52[min] N           74[deg]33.51[min] W                     (*)
24...................................  37[deg]4.4[min] N            74[deg]33.11[min] W                     (*)
25...................................  37[deg]7.38[min] N           74[deg]31.95[min] W
26...................................  37[deg]8.32[min] N           74[deg]32.4[min] W
27...................................  37[deg]8.51[min] N           74[deg]31.38[min] W
28...................................  37[deg]9.44[min] N           74[deg]31.5[min] W
29...................................  37[deg]16.83[min] N          74[deg]28.58[min] W
30...................................  37[deg]17.81[min] N          74[deg]27.67[min] W
31...................................  37[deg]18.72[min] N          74[deg]28.22[min] W
32...................................  37[deg]22.74[min] N          74[deg]26.24[min] W                     (*)
33...................................  37[deg]22.87[min] N          74[deg]26.16[min] W                     (*)
34...................................  37[deg]24.44[min] N          74[deg]28.57[min] W                     (*)
35...................................  37[deg]24.67[min] N          74[deg]29.71[min] W                     (*)
36...................................  37[deg]25.93[min] N          74[deg]30.13[min] W                     (*)
37...................................  37[deg]27.25[min] N          74[deg]30.2[min] W                      (*)
38...................................  37[deg]28.6[min] N           74[deg]30.6[min] W                      (*)
39...................................  37[deg]29.43[min] N          74[deg]30.29[min] W                     (*)
40...................................  37[deg]29.53[min] N          74[deg]29.95[min] W                     (*)
41...................................  37[deg]27.68[min] N          74[deg]28.82[min] W                     (*)
42...................................  37[deg]27.06[min] N          74[deg]28.76[min] W                     (*)
43...................................  37[deg]26.39[min] N          74[deg]27.76[min] W                     (*)
44...................................  37[deg]26.3[min] N           74[deg]26.87[min] W                     (*)
45...................................  37[deg]25.69[min] N          74[deg]25.63[min] W                     (*)
46...................................  37[deg]25.83[min] N          74[deg]24.22[min] W                     (*)
47...................................  37[deg]25.68[min] N          74[deg]24.03[min] W                     (*)
48...................................  37[deg]28.04[min] N          74[deg]23.17[min] W
49...................................  37[deg]27.72[min] N          74[deg]22.34[min] W
50...................................  37[deg]30.13[min] N          74[deg]17.77[min] W
51...................................  37[deg]33.83[min] N          74[deg]17.47[min] W
52...................................  37[deg]35.48[min] N          74[deg]14.84[min] W
53...................................  37[deg]36.99[min] N          74[deg]14.01[min] W
54...................................  37[deg]37.23[min] N          74[deg]13.02[min] W
55...................................  37[deg]42.85[min] N          74[deg]9.97[min] W
56...................................  37[deg]43.5[min] N           74[deg]8.79[min] W
57...................................  37[deg]45.22[min] N          74[deg]9.2[min] W
58...................................  37[deg]45.15[min] N          74[deg]7.24[min] W                      (*)
59...................................  37[deg]45.88[min] N          74[deg]7.44[min] W                      (*)
60...................................  37[deg]46.7[min] N           74[deg]5.98[min] W                      (*)
61...................................  37[deg]49.62[min] N          74[deg]6.03[min] W                      (*)
62...................................  37[deg]51.25[min] N          74[deg]5.48[min] W                      (*)
63...................................  37[deg]51.99[min] N          74[deg]4.51[min] W                      (*)
64...................................  37[deg]51.37[min] N          74[deg]3.3[min] W                       (*)
65...................................  37[deg]50.63[min] N          74[deg]2.69[min] W                      (*)
66...................................  37[deg]49.62[min] N          74[deg]2.28[min] W                      (*)
67...................................  37[deg]50.28[min] N          74[deg]0.67[min] W                      (*)
68...................................  37[deg]53.68[min] N          73[deg]57.41[min] W                     (*)
69...................................  37[deg]55.07[min] N          73[deg]57.27[min] W                     (*)
70...................................  38[deg]3.29[min] N           73[deg]49.1[min] W                      (*)
71...................................  38[deg]6.19[min] N           73[deg]51.59[min] W                     (*)
72...................................  38[deg]7.67[min] N           73[deg]52.19[min] W                     (*)
73...................................  38[deg]9.04[min] N           73[deg]52.39[min] W                     (*)
74...................................  38[deg]10.1[min] N           73[deg]52.32[min] W                     (*)
75...................................  38[deg]11.98[min] N          73[deg]52.65[min] W                     (*)
76...................................  38[deg]13.74[min] N          73[deg]50.73[min] W                     (*)
77...................................  38[deg]13.15[min] N          73[deg]49.77[min] W                     (*)
78...................................  38[deg]10.92[min] N          73[deg]50.37[min] W                     (*)
79...................................  38[deg]10.2[min] N           73[deg]49.63[min] W                     (*)
80...................................  38[deg]9.26[min] N           73[deg]49.68[min] W                     (*)
81...................................  38[deg]8.38[min] N           73[deg]49.51[min] W                     (*)

[[Page 1010]]

 
82...................................  38[deg]7.59[min] N           73[deg]47.91[min] W                     (*)
83...................................  38[deg]6.96[min] N           73[deg]47.25[min] W                     (*)
84...................................  38[deg]6.51[min] N           73[deg]46.99[min] W                     (*)
85...................................  38[deg]5.69[min] N           73[deg]45.56[min] W                     (*)
86...................................  38[deg]6.35[min] N           73[deg]44.8[min] W                      (*)
87...................................  38[deg]7.5[min] N            73[deg]45.2[min] W                      (*)
88...................................  38[deg]9.24[min] N           73[deg]42.61[min] W                     (*)
89...................................  38[deg]9.41[min] N           73[deg]41.63[min] W
90...................................  38[deg]15.13[min] N          73[deg]37.58[min] W
91...................................  38[deg]15.25[min] N          73[deg]36.2[min] W                      (*)
92...................................  38[deg]16.19[min] N          73[deg]36.91[min] W                     (*)
93...................................  38[deg]16.89[min] N          73[deg]36.66[min] W                     (*)
94...................................  38[deg]16.91[min] N          73[deg]36.35[min] W                     (*)
95...................................  38[deg]17.63[min] N          73[deg]35.35[min] W                     (*)
96...................................  38[deg]18.55[min] N          73[deg]34.44[min] W                     (*)
97...................................  38[deg]18.38[min] N          73[deg]33.4[min] W                      (*)
98...................................  38[deg]19.04[min] N          73[deg]33.02[min] W                     (*)
99...................................  38[deg]25.08[min] N          73[deg]34.99[min] W                     (*)
100..................................  38[deg]26.32[min] N          73[deg]33.44[min] W                     (*)
101..................................  38[deg]29.72[min] N          73[deg]30.65[min] W                     (*)
102..................................  38[deg]28.65[min] N          73[deg]29.37[min] W                     (*)
103..................................  38[deg]25.53[min] N          73[deg]30.94[min] W                     (*)
104..................................  38[deg]25.26[min] N          73[deg]29.97[min] W                     (*)
105..................................  38[deg]23.75[min] N          73[deg]30.16[min] W                     (*)
106..................................  38[deg]23.47[min] N          73[deg]29.7[min] W                      (*)
107..................................  38[deg]22.76[min] N          73[deg]29.34[min] W                     (*)
108..................................  38[deg]22.5[min] N           73[deg]27.63[min] W                     (*)
109..................................  38[deg]21.59[min] N          73[deg]26.87[min] W                     (*)
110..................................  38[deg]23.07[min] N          73[deg]24.11[min] W
111..................................  38[deg]25.83[min] N          73[deg]22.39[min] W
112..................................  38[deg]25.97[min] N          73[deg]21.43[min] W
113..................................  38[deg]34.14[min] N          73[deg]11.14[min] W                     (*)
114..................................  38[deg]35.1[min] N           73[deg]10.43[min] W                     (*)
115..................................  38[deg]35.94[min] N          73[deg]11.25[min] W                     (*)
116..................................  38[deg]37.57[min] N          73[deg]10.49[min] W                     (*)
117..................................  38[deg]37.21[min] N          73[deg]9.41[min] W                      (*)
118..................................  38[deg]36.72[min] N          73[deg]8.85[min] W                      (*)
119..................................  38[deg]43[min] N             73[deg]1.24[min] W                      (*)
120..................................  38[deg]43.66[min] N          73[deg]0.36[min] W                      (*)
121..................................  38[deg]45[min] N             73[deg]0.27[min] W                      (*)
122..................................  38[deg]46.68[min] N          73[deg]1.07[min] W                      (*)
123..................................  38[deg]47.54[min] N          73[deg]2.24[min] W                      (*)
124..................................  38[deg]47.84[min] N          73[deg]2.24[min] W                      (*)
125..................................  38[deg]49.03[min] N          73[deg]1.53[min] W                      (*)
126..................................  38[deg]48.45[min] N          73[deg]1[min] W                         (*)
127..................................  38[deg]49.15[min] N          72[deg]58.98[min] W                     (*)
128..................................  38[deg]48.03[min] N          72[deg]56.7[min] W                      (*)
129..................................  38[deg]49.84[min] N          72[deg]55.54[min] W                     (*)
130..................................  38[deg]52.4[min] N           72[deg]52.5[min] W                      (*)
131..................................  38[deg]53.87[min] N          72[deg]53.36[min] W                     (*)
132..................................  38[deg]54.17[min] N          72[deg]52.58[min] W                     (*)
133..................................  38[deg]54.7[min] N           72[deg]50.26[min] W                     (*)
134..................................  38[deg]57.2[min] N           72[deg]47.74[min] W                     (*)
135..................................  38[deg]58.64[min] N          72[deg]48.35[min] W                     (*)
136..................................  38[deg]59.3[min] N           72[deg]47.86[min] W                     (*)
137..................................  38[deg]59.22[min] N          72[deg]46.69[min] W                     (*)
138..................................  39[deg]0.13[min] N           72[deg]45.47[min] W                     (*)
139..................................  39[deg]1.69[min] N           72[deg]45.74[min] W                     (*)
140..................................  39[deg]1.49[min] N           72[deg]43.67[min] W                     (*)
141..................................  39[deg]3.9[min] N            72[deg]40.83[min] W                     (*)
142..................................  39[deg]7.35[min] N           72[deg]41.26[min] W                     (*)
143..................................  39[deg]7.16[min] N           72[deg]37.21[min] W                     (*)
144..................................  39[deg]6.52[min] N           72[deg]35.78[min] W                     (*)
145..................................  39[deg]11.73[min] N          72[deg]25.4[min] W                      (*)
146..................................  39[deg]11.76[min] N          72[deg]22.33[min] W
147..................................  39[deg]19.08[min] N          72[deg]9.56[min] W                      (*)
148..................................  39[deg]25.17[min] N          72[deg]13.03[min] W                     (*)
149..................................  39[deg]28.8[min] N           72[deg]17.39[min] W                     (*)
150..................................  39[deg]30.16[min] N          72[deg]20.41[min] W                     (*)
151..................................  39[deg]31.38[min] N          72[deg]23.86[min] W                     (*)
152..................................  39[deg]32.55[min] N          72[deg]25.07[min] W                     (*)
153..................................  39[deg]34.57[min] N          72[deg]25.18[min] W                     (*)

[[Page 1011]]

 
154..................................  39[deg]34.53[min] N          72[deg]24.23[min] W                     (*)
155..................................  39[deg]33.17[min] N          72[deg]24.1[min] W                      (*)
156..................................  39[deg]32.07[min] N          72[deg]22.77[min] W                     (*)
157..................................  39[deg]32.17[min] N          72[deg]22.08[min] W                     (*)
158..................................  39[deg]30.3[min] N           72[deg]15.71[min] W                     (*)
159..................................  39[deg]29.49[min] N          72[deg]14.3[min] W                      (*)
160..................................  39[deg]29.44[min] N          72[deg]13.24[min] W                     (*)
161..................................  39[deg]27.63[min] N          72[deg]5.87[min] W                      (*)
162..................................  39[deg]28.26[min] N          72[deg]2.2[min] W                       (*)
163..................................  39[deg]29.88[min] N          72[deg]3.51[min] W                      (*)
164..................................  39[deg]30.57[min] N          72[deg]3.47[min] W                      (*)
165..................................  39[deg]31.28[min] N          72[deg]2.63[min] W                      (*)
166..................................  39[deg]31.46[min] N          72[deg]1.41[min] W                      (*)
167..................................  39[deg]37.15[min] N          71[deg]55.85[min] W                     (*)
168..................................  39[deg]39.77[min] N          71[deg]53.7[min] W                      (*)
169..................................  39[deg]41.5[min] N           71[deg]51.89[min] W
170..................................  39[deg]43.84[min] N          71[deg]44.85[min] W                     (*)
171..................................  39[deg]48.01[min] N          71[deg]45.19[min] W                     (*)
172..................................  39[deg]49.97[min] N          71[deg]39.29[min] W                     (*)
173..................................  39[deg]55.08[min] N          71[deg]18.62[min] W                     (*)
174..................................  39[deg]55.99[min] N          71[deg]16.07[min] W                     (*)
175..................................  39[deg]57.04[min] N          70[deg]50.01[min] W
176..................................  39[deg]55.07[min] N          70[deg]32.42[min] W
177..................................  39[deg]50.24[min] N          70[deg]27.78[min] W
178..................................  39[deg]42.18[min] N          70[deg]20.09[min] W
179..................................  39[deg]34.11[min] N          70[deg]12.42[min] W
180..................................  39[deg]26.04[min] N          70[deg]4.78[min] W
181..................................  39[deg]17.96[min] N          69[deg]57.18[min] W
182..................................  39[deg]9.87[min] N           69[deg]49.6[min] W
183..................................  39[deg]1.77[min] N           69[deg]42.05[min] W
184..................................  38[deg]53.66[min] N          69[deg]34.53[min] W
185..................................  38[deg]45.54[min] N          69[deg]27.03[min] W
186..................................  38[deg]37.42[min] N          69[deg]19.57[min] W
187..................................  38[deg]29.29[min] N          69[deg]12.13[min] W
188..................................  38[deg]21.15[min] N          69[deg]4.73[min] W
189..................................  38[deg]13[min] N             68[deg]57.35[min] W
190..................................  38[deg]4.84[min] N           68[deg]49.99[min] W
191..................................  38[deg]2.21[min] N           68[deg]47.62[min] W          ...............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (c) Discrete Deep-Sea Coral Zones--(1) Block Canyon. Block Canyon 
discrete deep-sea coral zone is defined by straight lines connecting the 
following points in the order stated (copies of a chart depicting this 
area are available from the Regional Administrator upon request). An 
asterisk (*) in the Broad Zone column means the point is shared with the 
Broad Deep-Sea Coral Zone, as defined in paragraph (b) of this section.

                                                  Block Canyon
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Point                            Latitude                    Longitude              Broad zone
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................  39[deg]55.08[min] N          71[deg]18.62[min] W                     (*)
2....................................  39[deg]55.99[min] N          71[deg]16.07[min] W                     (*)
3....................................  39[deg]49.51[min] N          71[deg]12.12[min] W
4....................................  39[deg]38.09[min] N          71[deg]9.5[min] W
5....................................  39[deg]37.4[min] N           71[deg]11.87[min] W
6....................................  39[deg]47.26[min] N          71[deg]17.38[min] W
7....................................  39[deg]52.6[min] N           71[deg]17.51[min] W
1....................................  39[deg]55.08[min] N          71[deg]18.62[min] W                     (*)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) Ryan and McMaster Canyons. Ryan and McMaster Canyons discrete 
deep-sea coral zone is defined by straight lines connecting the 
following points in the order stated (copies of a chart depicting this 
area are available from the Regional Administrator upon request). An 
asterisk (*) in the Broad Zone column means the point is shared with

[[Page 1012]]

the Broad Deep-sea Coral Zone, as defined in paragraph (b) of this 
section.

                                            Ryan and McMaster Canyons
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Point                            Latitude                    Longitude              Broad zone
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................  39[deg]43.84[min] N          71[deg]44.85[min] W                     (*)
2....................................  39[deg]48.01[min] N          71[deg]45.19[min] W                     (*)
3....................................  39[deg]49.97[min] N          71[deg]39.29[min] W                     (*)
4....................................  39[deg]48.29[min] N          71[deg]37.18[min] W
5....................................  39[deg]42.96[min] N          71[deg]35.01[min] W
6....................................  39[deg]33.43[min] N          71[deg]27.91[min] W
7....................................  39[deg]31.75[min] N          71[deg]30.77[min] W
8....................................  39[deg]34.46[min] N          71[deg]35.68[min] W
9....................................  39[deg]40.12[min] N          71[deg]42.36[min] W
1....................................  39[deg]43.84[min] N          71[deg]44.85[min] W                     (*)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (3) Emery and Uchupi Canyons. Emery and Uchupi Canyons discrete 
deep-sea coral zone is defined by straight lines connecting the 
following points in the order stated (copies of a chart depicting this 
area are available from the Regional Administrator upon request). An 
asterisk (*) in the Broad Zone column means the point is shared with the 
Broad Deep-sea Coral Zone, as defined in paragraph (b) of this section.

                                            Emery and Uchupi Canyons
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Point                            Latitude                    Longitude              Broad zone
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................  39[deg]37.15[min] N          71[deg]55.85[min] W                     (*)
2....................................  39[deg]39.77[min] N          71[deg]53.7[min] W                      (*)
3....................................  39[deg]39.55[min] N          71[deg]47.68[min] W
4....................................  39[deg]30.78[min] N          71[deg]36.24[min] W
5....................................  39[deg]27.26[min] N          71[deg]39.13[min] W
6....................................  39[deg]28.99[min] N          71[deg]45.47[min] W
7....................................  39[deg]33.91[min] N          71[deg]52.61[min] W
1....................................  39[deg]37.15[min] N          71[deg]55.85[min] W                     (*)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (4) Jones and Babylon Canyons. Jones and Babylon Canyons discrete 
deep-sea coral zone is defined by straight lines connecting the 
following points in the order stated (copies of a chart depicting this 
area are available from the Regional Administrator upon request). An 
asterisk (*) in the Broad Zone column means the point is shared with the 
Broad Deep-sea Coral Zone, as defined in paragraph (b) of this section.

                                            Jones and Babylon Canyons
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Point                            Latitude                    Longitude              Broad zone
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................  39[deg]28.26[min] N          72[deg]2.2[min] W                       (*)
2....................................  39[deg]29.88[min] N          72[deg]3.51[min] W                      (*)
3....................................  39[deg]30.57[min] N          72[deg]3.47[min] W                      (*)
4....................................  39[deg]31.28[min] N          72[deg]2.63[min] W                      (*)
5....................................  39[deg]31.46[min] N          72[deg]1.41[min] W                      (*)
6....................................  39[deg]30.37[min] N          71[deg]57.72[min] W
7....................................  39[deg]30.63[min] N          71[deg]55.13[min] W
8....................................  39[deg]23.81[min] N          71[deg]48.15[min] W
9....................................  39[deg]23[min] N             71[deg]52.48[min] W
1....................................  39[deg]28.26[min] N          72[deg]2.2[min] W                       (*)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (5) Hudson Canyon. Hudson Canyon discrete deep-sea coral zone is 
defined by straight lines connecting the following points in the order 
stated (copies of a chart depicting this area are available from the 
Regional Administrator upon request). An asterisk (*) in the Broad Zone 
column means the

[[Page 1013]]

point is shared with the Broad Deep-Sea Coral Zone, as defined in 
paragraph (b) of this section.

                                                  Hudson Canyon
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Point                            Latitude                    Longitude              Broad zone
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................  39[deg]19.08[min] N          72[deg]9.56[min] W                      (*)
2....................................  39[deg]25.17[min] N          72[deg]13.03[min] W                     (*)
3....................................  39[deg]28.8[min] N           72[deg]17.39[min] W                     (*)
4....................................  39[deg]30.16[min] N          72[deg]20.41[min] W                     (*)
5....................................  39[deg]31.38[min] N          72[deg]23.86[min] W                     (*)
6....................................  39[deg]32.55[min] N          72[deg]25.07[min] W                     (*)
7....................................  39[deg]34.57[min] N          72[deg]25.18[min] W                     (*)
8....................................  39[deg]34.53[min] N          72[deg]24.23[min] W                     (*)
9....................................  39[deg]33.17[min] N          72[deg]24.1[min] W                      (*)
10...................................  39[deg]32.07[min] N          72[deg]22.77[min] W                     (*)
11...................................  39[deg]32.17[min] N          72[deg]22.08[min] W                     (*)
12...................................  39[deg]30.3[min] N           72[deg]15.71[min] W                     (*)
13...................................  39[deg]29.49[min] N          72[deg]14.3[min] W                      (*)
14...................................  39[deg]29.44[min] N          72[deg]13.24[min] W                     (*)
15...................................  39[deg]27.63[min] N          72[deg]5.87[min] W                      (*)
16...................................  39[deg]13.93[min] N          71[deg]48.44[min] W
17...................................  39[deg]10.39[min] N          71[deg]52.98[min] W
18...................................  39[deg]14.27[min] N          72[deg]3.09[min] W
1....................................  39[deg]19.08[min] N          72[deg]9.56[min] W                      (*)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (6) Mey-Lindenkohl Slope. Mey-Lindenkohl Slope discrete deep-sea 
coral zone is defined by straight lines connecting the following points 
in the order stated (copies of a chart depicting this area are available 
from the Regional Administrator upon request). An asterisk (*) in the 
Broad Zone column means the point is shared with the Broad Deep-Sea 
Coral Zone, as defined in paragraph (b) of this section.

                                              Mey-Lindenkohl Slope
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Point                            Latitude                    Longitude              Broad zone
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................  38[deg]43[min] N             73[deg]1.24[min] W                      (*)
2....................................  38[deg]43.66[min] N          73[deg]0.36[min] W                      (*)
3....................................  38[deg]45[min] N             73[deg]0.27[min] W                      (*)
4....................................  38[deg]46.68[min] N          73[deg]1.07[min] W                      (*)
5....................................  38[deg]47.54[min] N          73[deg]2.24[min] W                      (*)
6....................................  38[deg]47.84[min] N          73[deg]2.24[min] W                      (*)
7....................................  38[deg]49.03[min] N          73[deg]1.53[min] W                      (*)
8....................................  38[deg]48.45[min] N          73[deg]1[min] W                         (*)
9....................................  38[deg]49.15[min] N          72[deg]58.98[min] W                     (*)
10...................................  38[deg]48.03[min] N          72[deg]56.7[min] W                      (*)
11...................................  38[deg]49.84[min] N          72[deg]55.54[min] W                     (*)
12...................................  38[deg]52.4[min] N           72[deg]52.5[min] W                      (*)
13...................................  38[deg]53.87[min] N          72[deg]53.36[min] W                     (*)
14...................................  38[deg]54.17[min] N          72[deg]52.58[min] W                     (*)
15...................................  38[deg]54.7[min] N           72[deg]50.26[min] W                     (*)
16...................................  38[deg]57.2[min] N           72[deg]47.74[min] W                     (*)
17...................................  38[deg]58.64[min] N          72[deg]48.35[min] W                     (*)
18...................................  38[deg]59.3[min] N           72[deg]47.86[min] W                     (*)
19...................................  38[deg]59.22[min] N          72[deg]46.69[min] W                     (*)
20...................................  39[deg]0.13[min] N           72[deg]45.47[min] W                     (*)
21...................................  39[deg]1.69[min] N           72[deg]45.74[min] W                     (*)
22...................................  39[deg]1.49[min] N           72[deg]43.67[min] W                     (*)
23...................................  39[deg]3.9[min] N            72[deg]40.83[min] W                     (*)
24...................................  39[deg]7.35[min] N           72[deg]41.26[min] W                     (*)
25...................................  39[deg]7.16[min] N           72[deg]37.21[min] W                     (*)
26...................................  39[deg]6.52[min] N           72[deg]35.78[min] W                     (*)
27...................................  39[deg]11.73[min] N          72[deg]25.4[min] W                      (*)
28...................................  38[deg]58.85[min] N          72[deg]11.78[min] W
29...................................  38[deg]32.39[min] N          72[deg]47.69[min] W
30...................................  38[deg]34.88[min] N          72[deg]53.78[min] W
1....................................  38[deg]43[min] N             73[deg]1.24[min] W                      (*)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 1014]]

    (7) Spencer Canyon. Spencer Canyon discrete deep-sea coral zone is 
defined by straight lines connecting the following points in the order 
stated (copies of a chart depicting this area are available from the 
Regional Administrator upon request). An asterisk (*) in the Broad Zone 
column means the point is shared with the Broad Deep-Sea Coral Zone, as 
defined in paragraph (b) of this section.

                                                 Spencer Canyon
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Point                            Latitude                    Longitude              Broad zone
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................  38[deg]34.14[min] N          73[deg]11.14[min] W                     (*)
2....................................  38[deg]35.1[min] N           73[deg]10.43[min] W                     (*)
3....................................  38[deg]35.94[min] N          73[deg]11.25[min] W                     (*)
4....................................  38[deg]37.57[min] N          73[deg]10.49[min] W                     (*)
5....................................  38[deg]37.21[min] N          73[deg]9.41[min] W                      (*)
6....................................  38[deg]36.72[min] N          73[deg]8.85[min] W                      (*)
7....................................  38[deg]36.59[min] N          73[deg]8.25[min] W
8....................................  38[deg]28.94[min] N          72[deg]58.96[min] W
9....................................  38[deg]26.45[min] N          73[deg]3.24[min] W
1....................................  38[deg]34.14[min] N          73[deg]11.14[min] W                     (*)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (8) Wilmington Canyon. Wilmington Canyon discrete deep-sea coral 
zone is defined by straight lines connecting the following points in the 
order stated (copies of a chart depicting this area are available from 
the Regional Administrator upon request). An asterisk (*) in the Broad 
Zone column means the point is shared with the Broad Deep-sea Coral 
Zone, as defined in paragraph (b) of this section.

                                                Wilmington Canyon
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Point                            Latitude                    Longitude              Broad zone
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................  38[deg]19.04[min] N          73[deg]33.02[min] W                     (*)
2....................................  38[deg]25.08[min] N          73[deg]34.99[min] W                     (*)
3....................................  38[deg]26.32[min] N          73[deg]33.44[min] W                     (*)
4....................................  38[deg]29.72[min] N          73[deg]30.65[min] W                     (*)
5....................................  38[deg]28.65[min] N          73[deg]29.37[min] W                     (*)
6....................................  38[deg]25.53[min] N          73[deg]30.94[min] W                     (*)
7....................................  38[deg]25.26[min] N          73[deg]29.97[min] W                     (*)
8....................................  38[deg]23.75[min] N          73[deg]30.16[min] W                     (*)
9....................................  38[deg]23.47[min] N          73[deg]29.7[min] W                      (*)
10...................................  38[deg]22.76[min] N          73[deg]29.34[min] W                     (*)
11...................................  38[deg]22.5[min] N           73[deg]27.63[min] W                     (*)
12...................................  38[deg]21.59[min] N          73[deg]26.87[min] W                     (*)
13...................................  38[deg]18.52[min] N          73[deg]22.95[min] W
14...................................  38[deg]14.41[min] N          73[deg]16.64[min] W
15...................................  38[deg]13.23[min] N          73[deg]17.32[min] W
16...................................  38[deg]15.79[min] N          73[deg]26.38[min] W
1....................................  38[deg]19.04[min] N          73[deg]33.02[min] W                     (*)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (9) North Heyes and South Wilmington Canyons. North Heyes and South 
Wilmington Canyons discrete deep-sea coral zone is defined by straight 
lines connecting the following points in the order stated (copies of a 
chart depicting this area are available from the Regional Administrator 
upon request). An asterisk (*) in the Broad Zone column means the point 
is shared with the Broad Deep-Sea Coral Zone, as defined in paragraph 
(b) of this section.

                                    North Heyes and South Wilmington Canyons
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Point                            Latitude                    Longitude              Broad zone
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................  38[deg]15.25[min] N          73[deg]36.2[min] W                      (*)
2....................................  38[deg]16.19[min] N          73[deg]36.91[min] W                     (*)
3....................................  38[deg]16.89[min] N          73[deg]36.66[min] W                     (*)
4....................................  38[deg]16.91[min] N          73[deg]36.35[min] W                     (*)

[[Page 1015]]

 
5....................................  38[deg]17.63[min] N          73[deg]35.35[min] W                     (*)
6....................................  38[deg]18.55[min] N          73[deg]34.44[min] W                     (*)
7....................................  38[deg]18.38[min] N          73[deg]33.4[min] W                      (*)
8....................................  38[deg]19.04[min] N          73[deg]33.02[min] W                     (*)
9....................................  38[deg]15.79[min] N          73[deg]26.38[min] W
10...................................  38[deg]14.98[min] N          73[deg]24.73[min] W
11...................................  38[deg]12.32[min] N          73[deg]21.22[min] W
12...................................  38[deg]11.06[min] N          73[deg]22.21[min] W
13...................................  38[deg]11.13[min] N          73[deg]28.72[min] W
1....................................  38[deg]15.25[min] N          73[deg]36.2[min] W                      (*)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (10) South Vries Canyon. South Vries Canyon discrete deep-sea coral 
zone is defined by straight lines connecting the following points in the 
order stated (copies of a chart depicting this area are available from 
the Regional Administrator upon request). An asterisk (*) in the Broad 
Zone column means the point is shared with the Broad Deep-Sea Coral 
Zone, as defined in paragraph (b) of this section.

                                               South Vries Canyon
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Point                            Latitude                    Longitude              Broad zone
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................  38[deg]6.35[min] N           73[deg]44.8[min] W                      (*)
2....................................  38[deg]7.5[min] N            73[deg]45.2[min] W                      (*)
3....................................  38[deg]9.24[min] N           73[deg]42.61[min] W                     (*)
4....................................  38[deg]3.22[min] N           73[deg]29.22[min] W
5....................................  38[deg]2.38[min] N           73[deg]29.78[min] W
6....................................  38[deg]2.54[min] N           73[deg]36.73[min] W
1....................................  38[deg]6.35[min] N           73[deg]44.8[min] W                      (*)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (11) Baltimore Canyon. Baltimore Canyon discrete deep-sea coral zone 
is defined by straight lines connecting the following points in the 
order stated (copies of a chart depicting this area are available from 
the Regional Administrator upon request). An asterisk (*) in the Broad 
Zone column means the point is shared with the Broad Deep-Sea Coral 
Zone, as defined in paragraph (b) of this section.

                                                Baltimore Canyon
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Point                            Latitude                    Longitude              Broad zone
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................  38[deg]3.29[min] N           73[deg]49.1[min] W                      (*)
2....................................  38[deg]6.19[min] N           73[deg]51.59[min] W                     (*)
3....................................  38[deg]7.67[min] N           73[deg]52.19[min] W                     (*)
4....................................  38[deg]9.04[min] N           73[deg]52.39[min] W                     (*)
5....................................  38[deg]10.1[min] N           73[deg]52.32[min] W                     (*)
6....................................  38[deg]11.98[min] N          73[deg]52.65[min] W                     (*)
7....................................  38[deg]13.74[min] N          73[deg]50.73[min] W                     (*)
8....................................  38[deg]13.15[min] N          73[deg]49.77[min] W                     (*)
9....................................  38[deg]10.92[min] N          73[deg]50.37[min] W                     (*)
10...................................  38[deg]10.2[min] N           73[deg]49.63[min] W                     (*)
11...................................  38[deg]9.26[min] N           73[deg]49.68[min] W                     (*)
12...................................  38[deg]8.38[min] N           73[deg]49.51[min] W                     (*)
13...................................  38[deg]7.59[min] N           73[deg]47.91[min] W                     (*)
14...................................  38[deg]6.96[min] N           73[deg]47.25[min] W                     (*)
15...................................  38[deg]6.51[min] N           73[deg]46.99[min] W                     (*)
16...................................  38[deg]5.69[min] N           73[deg]45.56[min] W                     (*)
17...................................  38[deg]6.35[min] N           73[deg]44.8[min] W                      (*)
18...................................  38[deg]2.54[min] N           73[deg]36.73[min] W
19...................................  37[deg]59.19[min] N          73[deg]40.67[min] W
1....................................  38[deg]3.29[min] N           73[deg]49.1[min] W                      (*)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 1016]]

    (12) Warr and Phoenix Canyon Complex. Warr and Phoenix Canyon 
Complex discrete deep-sea coral zone is defined by straight lines 
connecting the following points in the order stated (copies of a chart 
depicting this area are available from the Regional Administrator upon 
request). An asterisk (*) in the Broad Zone column means the point is 
shared with the Broad Deep-Sea Coral Zone, as defined in paragraph (b) 
of this section.

                                         Warr and Phoenix Canyon Complex
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Point                            Latitude                    Longitude              Broad zone
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................  37[deg]53.68[min] N          73[deg]57.41[min] W                     (*)
2....................................  37[deg]55.07[min] N          73[deg]57.27[min] W                     (*)
3....................................  38[deg]3.29[min] N           73[deg]49.1[min] W                      (*)
4....................................  37[deg]59.19[min] N          73[deg]40.67[min] W
5....................................  37[deg]52.5[min] N           73[deg]35.28[min] W
6....................................  37[deg]50.92[min] N          73[deg]36.59[min] W
7....................................  37[deg]49.84[min] N          73[deg]47.11[min] W
1....................................  37[deg]53.68[min] N          73[deg]57.41[min] W                     (*)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (13) Accomac and Leonard Canyons. Accomac and Leonard Canyons 
discrete deep-sea coral zone is defined by straight lines connecting the 
following points in the order stated (copies of a chart depicting this 
area are available from the Regional Administrator upon request). An 
asterisk (*) in the Broad Zone column means the point is shared with the 
Broad Deep-Sea Coral Zone, as defined in paragraph (b) of this section.

                                           Accomac and Leonard Canyons
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Point                            Latitude                    Longitude              Broad zone
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................  37[deg]45.15[min] N          74[deg]7.24[min] W                      (*)
2....................................  37[deg]45.88[min] N          74[deg]7.44[min] W                      (*)
3....................................  37[deg]46.7[min] N           74[deg]5.98[min] W                      (*)
4....................................  37[deg]49.62[min] N          74[deg]6.03[min] W                      (*)
5....................................  37[deg]51.25[min] N          74[deg]5.48[min] W                      (*)
6....................................  37[deg]51.99[min] N          74[deg]4.51[min] W                      (*)
7....................................  37[deg]51.37[min] N          74[deg]3.3[min] W                       (*)
8....................................  37[deg]50.63[min] N          74[deg]2.69[min] W                      (*)
9....................................  37[deg]49.62[min] N          74[deg]2.28[min] W                      (*)
10...................................  37[deg]50.28[min] N          74[deg]0.67[min] W                      (*)
11...................................  37[deg]50.2[min] N           74[deg]0.17[min] W
12...................................  37[deg]50.52[min] N          73[deg]58.59[min] W
13...................................  37[deg]50.99[min] N          73[deg]57.17[min] W
14...................................  37[deg]50.4[min] N           73[deg]52.35[min] W
15...................................  37[deg]42.76[min] N          73[deg]44.86[min] W
16...................................  37[deg]39.96[min] N          73[deg]48.32[min] W
17...................................  37[deg]40.04[min] N          73[deg]58.25[min] W
18...................................  37[deg]44.14[min] N          74[deg]6.96[min] W
1....................................  37[deg]45.15[min] N          74[deg]7.24[min] W                      (*)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (14) Washington Canyon. Washington Canyon discrete deep-sea coral 
zone is defined by straight lines connecting the following points in the 
order stated (copies of a chart depicting this area are available from 
the Regional Administrator upon request). An asterisk (*) in the Broad 
Zone column means the point is shared with the Broad Deep-Sea Coral 
Zone, as defined in paragraph (b) of this section.

                                                Washington Canyon
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Point                            Latitude                    Longitude              Broad zone
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................  37[deg]22.74[min] N          74[deg]26.24[min] W                     (*)
2....................................  37[deg]22.87[min] N          74[deg]26.16[min] W                     (*)
3....................................  37[deg]24.44[min] N          74[deg]28.57[min] W                     (*)
4....................................  37[deg]24.67[min] N          74[deg]29.71[min] W                     (*)

[[Page 1017]]

 
5....................................  37[deg]25.93[min] N          74[deg]30.13[min] W                     (*)
6....................................  37[deg]27.25[min] N          74[deg]30.2[min] W                      (*)
7....................................  37[deg]28.6[min] N           74[deg]30.6[min] W                      (*)
8....................................  37[deg]29.43[min] N          74[deg]30.29[min] W                     (*)
9....................................  37[deg]29.53[min] N          74[deg]29.95[min] W                     (*)
10...................................  37[deg]27.68[min] N          74[deg]28.82[min] W                     (*)
11...................................  37[deg]27.06[min] N          74[deg]28.76[min] W                     (*)
12...................................  37[deg]26.39[min] N          74[deg]27.76[min] W                     (*)
13...................................  37[deg]26.3[min] N           74[deg]26.87[min] W                     (*)
14...................................  37[deg]25.69[min] N          74[deg]25.63[min] W                     (*)
15...................................  37[deg]25.83[min] N          74[deg]24.22[min] W                     (*)
16...................................  37[deg]25.68[min] N          74[deg]24.03[min] W                     (*)
17...................................  37[deg]25.08[min] N          74[deg]23.29[min] W
18...................................  37[deg]16.81[min] N          73[deg]52.13[min] W
19...................................  37[deg]11.27[min] N          73[deg]54.05[min] W
20...................................  37[deg]15.73[min] N          74[deg]12.2[min] W
1....................................  37[deg]22.74[min] N          74[deg]26.24[min] W                     (*)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (15) Norfolk Canyon. Norfolk Canyon discrete deep-sea coral zone is 
defined by straight lines connecting the following points in the order 
stated (copies of a chart depicting this area are available from the 
Regional Administrator upon request). An asterisk (*) in the Broad Zone 
column means the point is shared with the Broad Deep-Sea Coral Zone, as 
defined in paragraph (b) of this section.

                                                 Norfolk Canyon
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Point                            Latitude                    Longitude              Broad zone
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................  36[deg]58.51[min] N          74[deg]36.51[min] W                     (*)
2....................................  36[deg]58.62[min] N          74[deg]36.97[min] W                     (*)
3....................................  37[deg]4.43[min] N           74[deg]41.03[min] W                     (*)
4....................................  37[deg]5.83[min] N           74[deg]45.57[min] W                     (*)
5....................................  37[deg]6.97[min] N           74[deg]40.8[min] W                      (*)
6....................................  37[deg]4.52[min] N           74[deg]37.77[min] W                     (*)
7....................................  37[deg]4.02[min] N           74[deg]33.83[min] W                     (*)
8....................................  37[deg]4.52[min] N           74[deg]33.51[min] W                     (*)
9....................................  37[deg]4.40[min] N           74[deg]33.11[min] W                     (*)
10...................................  37[deg]4.16[min] N           74[deg]32.37[min] W
11...................................  37[deg]4.40[min] N           74[deg]30.58[min] W
12...................................  37[deg]3.65[min] N           74[deg]3.66[min] W
13...................................  36[deg]57.75[min] N          74[deg]3.61[min] W
14...................................  36[deg]59.77[min] N          74[deg]30[min] W
15...................................  36[deg]58.23[min] N          74[deg]32.95[min] W
16...................................  36[deg]57.99[min] N          74[deg]34.18[min] W
1....................................  36[deg]58.51[min] N          74[deg]36.51[min] W                     (*)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (d) Transiting. Vessels may transit the Broad and Discrete Deep-Sea 
Coral Zones defined in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, provided 
bottom-tending trawl nets are out of the water and stowed on the reel 
and any other fishing gear that is prohibited in these areas is onboard, 
out of the water, and not deployed. Fishing gear is not required to meet 
the definition of ``not available for immediate use'' in Sec. 648.2, 
when a vessel transits the Broad and Discrete Deep-Sea Coral Zones.



Sec. 648.373  New England Deep-Sea Coral Protection Areas

    (a) Georges Bank Deep-Sea Coral Protection Area. (1) No vessel may 
fish with bottom-tending gear within the Georges Bank Deep-Sea Coral 
Protection Area described in this section, unless transiting pursuant to 
paragraph (d) of this section or fishing red crab trap gear in 
accordance with Sec. 648.264. Bottom-tending gear includes, but is not 
limited to, bottom-tending otter trawls, bottom-tending beam trawls, 
hydraulic dredges, non-hydraulic

[[Page 1018]]

dredges, bottom-tending seines, bottom longlines, pots and traps, and 
sink or anchored gillnets.
    (2) The Georges Bank Deep-Sea Coral Protection Area is bound on the 
west by the New England/Mid-Atlantic Inter-council Boundary line 
(detailed in paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this section); bound on the north by 
a simplified line (detailed in paragraph (a)(2)(ii) of this section) 
following the 600m depth contour along the southern flank of Georges 
Bank; and bound on the east and south by the U.S.-Canada Maritime 
Boundary and the outer limit of the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone 
(detailed in paragraph (a)(2)(iii) of this section).
    (i) The western boundary is defined by the following coordinates, 
connected in the order listed, south to north, by straight lines:

                                         Table 1 to Paragraph (a)(2)(i)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              Point                                  Longitude       Latitude          Note
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1...............................................................  -68[deg]47.62[  38[deg]2.21[mi           (\1\)
                                                                            min]              n]
2...............................................................  -68[deg]49.99[  38[deg]4.84[mi
                                                                            min]              n]
3...............................................................  -68[deg]57.35[  38[deg]13.00[m
                                                                            min]             in]
4...............................................................  -69[deg]4.73[m  38[deg]21.15[m
                                                                             in]             in]
5...............................................................  -69[deg]12.13[  38[deg]29.29[m
                                                                            min]             in]
6...............................................................  -69[deg]19.57[  38[deg]37.42[m
                                                                            min]             in]
7...............................................................  -69[deg]27.03[  38[deg]45.54[m
                                                                            min]             in]
8...............................................................  -69[deg]34.53[  38[deg]53.66[m
                                                                            min]             in]
9...............................................................  -69[deg]42.05[  39[deg]1.77[mi
                                                                            min]              n]
10..............................................................  -69[deg]49.60[  39[deg]9.86[mi
                                                                            min]              n]
11..............................................................  -69[deg]57.18[  39[deg]17.96[m
                                                                            min]             in]
12..............................................................  -70[deg]4.78[m  39[deg]26.04[m
                                                                             in]             in]
13..............................................................  -70[deg]12.42[  39[deg]34.11[m
                                                                            min]             in]
14..............................................................  -70[deg]20.09[  39[deg]42.18[m
                                                                            min]             in]
15..............................................................  -70[deg]27.78[  39[deg]50.24[m
                                                                            min]             in]
16..............................................................  -70[deg]31.64[  39[deg]54.26[m
                                                                            min]             in]
17..............................................................  -70[deg]32.09[  39[deg]54.72[m           (\2\)
                                                                            min]             in]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:
(\1\) POINT 1 represents the outer limit of the US EEZ.
(\2\) POINT 17 represents where the western and northern boundaries meet.

    (ii) The northern (nearshore) boundary is defined by the following 
coordinates, connected in the order listed, west to east, by straight 
lines.

                                         Table 2 to Paragraph (a)(2)(ii)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              Point                                  Longitude       Latitude          Note
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
17..............................................................  -70[deg]32.09[  39[deg]54.72[m           (\3\)
                                                                            min]             in]
18..............................................................  -70[deg]29.83[  39[deg]59.78[m
                                                                            min]             in]
19..............................................................  -70[deg]28.72[  39[deg]54.41[m
                                                                            min]             in]
20..............................................................  -70[deg]27.52[  39[deg]53.44[m
                                                                            min]             in]
21..............................................................  -70[deg]26.05[  39[deg]53.13[m
                                                                            min]             in]
22..............................................................  -70[deg]23.81[  39[deg]53.13[m
                                                                            min]             in]
23..............................................................  -70[deg]22.44[  39[deg]53.72[m
                                                                            min]             in]
24..............................................................  -70[deg]21.97[  39[deg]54.94[m
                                                                            min]             in]
25..............................................................  -70[deg]20.12[  39[deg]53.97[m
                                                                            min]             in]
26..............................................................  -70[deg]16.98[  39[deg]53.60[m
                                                                            min]             in]
27..............................................................  -70[deg]17.35[  39[deg]54.55[m
                                                                            min]             in]
28..............................................................  -70[deg]16.99[  39[deg]54.77[m
                                                                            min]             in]
29..............................................................  -70[deg]17.55[  39[deg]57.01[m
                                                                            min]             in]
30..............................................................  -70[deg]16.69[  39[deg]57.06[m
                                                                            min]             in]
31..............................................................  -70[deg]14.54[  39[deg]57.75[m
                                                                            min]             in]
32..............................................................  -70[deg]13.64[  39[deg]58.44[m
                                                                            min]             in]
33..............................................................  -70[deg]12.58[  39[deg]58.82[m
                                                                            min]             in]
34..............................................................  -70[deg]12.16[  39[deg]58.32[m
                                                                            min]             in]
35..............................................................  -70[deg]13.85[  39[deg]56.68[m
                                                                            min]             in]
36..............................................................  -70[deg]14.29[  39[deg]56.56[m
                                                                            min]             in]
37..............................................................  -70[deg]12.51[  39[deg]55.18[m
                                                                            min]             in]
38..............................................................  -70[deg]11.17[  39[deg]55.2[mi
                                                                            min]              n]
39..............................................................  -70[deg]11.19[  39[deg]54.34[m
                                                                            min]             in]
40..............................................................  -70[deg]10.33[  39[deg]53.64[m
                                                                            min]             in]
41..............................................................  -70[deg]7.98[m  39[deg]54.17[m
                                                                             in]             in]
42..............................................................  -70[deg]6.99[m  39[deg]54.94[m
                                                                             in]             in]
43..............................................................  -70[deg]6.56[m  39[deg]53.85[m
                                                                             in]             in]
44..............................................................  -70[deg]4.99[m  39[deg]53.24[m
                                                                             in]             in]
45..............................................................  -70[deg]02.97[  39[deg]52.62[m
                                                                            min]             in]
46..............................................................  -70[deg]02.70[  39[deg]53.66[m
                                                                            min]             in]
47..............................................................  -70[deg]01.24[  39[deg]54.69[m
                                                                            min]             in]
48..............................................................  -70[deg]00.34[  39[deg]53.26[m
                                                                            min]             in]
49..............................................................  -69[deg]59.41[  39[deg]52.49[m
                                                                            min]             in]
50..............................................................  -69[deg]57.88[  39[deg]52.61[m
                                                                            min]             in]
51..............................................................  -69[deg]57.05[  39[deg]53.05[m
                                                                            min]             in]
52..............................................................  -69[deg]56.35[  39[deg]53.59[m
                                                                            min]             in]
53..............................................................  -69[deg]56.11[  39[deg]54.94[m
                                                                            min]             in]
54..............................................................  -69[deg]55.76[  39[deg]55.08[m
                                                                            min]             in]
55..............................................................  -69[deg]54.62[  39[deg]53.23[m
                                                                            min]             in]
56..............................................................  -69[deg]53.02[  39[deg]54.29[m
                                                                            min]             in]

[[Page 1019]]

 
57..............................................................  -69[deg]52.21[  39[deg]54.39[m
                                                                            min]             in]
58..............................................................  -69[deg]52.34[  39[deg]53.64[m
                                                                            min]             in]
59..............................................................  -69[deg]50.97[  39[deg]53.36[m
                                                                            min]             in]
60..............................................................  -69[deg]50.65[  39[deg]53.73[m
                                                                            min]             in]
61..............................................................  -69[deg]49.45[  39[deg]52.85[m
                                                                            min]             in]
62..............................................................  -69[deg]49.63[  39[deg]52.32[m
                                                                            min]             in]
63..............................................................  -69[deg]48.88[  39[deg]52.96[m
                                                                            min]             in]
64..............................................................  -69[deg]47.91[  39[deg]52.54[m
                                                                            min]             in]
65..............................................................  -69[deg]48.06[  39[deg]51.85[m
                                                                            min]             in]
66..............................................................  -69[deg]42.35[  39[deg]52.03[m
                                                                            min]             in]
67..............................................................  -69[deg]42.19[  39[deg]52.68[m
                                                                            min]             in]
68..............................................................  -69[deg]41.32[  39[deg]52.27[m
                                                                            min]             in]
69..............................................................  -69[deg]39.66[  39[deg]52.33[m
                                                                            min]             in]
70..............................................................  -69[deg]40.03[  39[deg]53.03[m
                                                                            min]             in]
71..............................................................  -69[deg]39.34[  39[deg]53.81[m
                                                                            min]             in]
72..............................................................  -69[deg]38.51[  39[deg]53.04[m
                                                                            min]             in]
73..............................................................  -69[deg]38.11[  39[deg]53.27[m
                                                                            min]             in]
74..............................................................  -69[deg]37.59[  39[deg]52.38[m
                                                                            min]             in]
75..............................................................  -69[deg]36.93[  39[deg]51.89[m
                                                                            min]             in]
76..............................................................  -69[deg]36.99[  39[deg]53.42[m
                                                                            min]             in]
77..............................................................  -69[deg]37.44[  39[deg]53.85[m
                                                                            min]             in]
78..............................................................  -69[deg]37.02[  39[deg]54.34[m
                                                                            min]             in]
79..............................................................  -69[deg]37.52[  39[deg]55.59[m
                                                                            min]             in]
80..............................................................  -69[deg]37.01[  39[deg]57.70[m
                                                                            min]             in]
81..............................................................  -69[deg]36.71[  39[deg]56.34[m
                                                                            min]             in]
82..............................................................  -69[deg]36.27[  39[deg]55.53[m
                                                                            min]             in]
83..............................................................  -69[deg]34.57[  39[deg]54.60[m
                                                                            min]             in]
84..............................................................  -69[deg]33.63[  39[deg]52.98[m
                                                                            min]             in]
85..............................................................  -69[deg]32.47[  39[deg]52.93[m
                                                                            min]             in]
86..............................................................  -69[deg]31.87[  39[deg]53.95[m
                                                                            min]             in]
87..............................................................  -69[deg]30.29[  39[deg]53.10[m
                                                                            min]             in]
88..............................................................  -69[deg]29.48[  39[deg]53.43[m
                                                                            min]             in]
89..............................................................  -69[deg]28.95[  39[deg]54.14[m
                                                                            min]             in]
90..............................................................  -69[deg]27.35[  39[deg]54.43[m
                                                                            min]             in]
91..............................................................  -69[deg]27.56[  39[deg]53.86[m
                                                                            min]             in]
92..............................................................  -69[deg]26.77[  39[deg]53.38[m
                                                                            min]             in]
93..............................................................  -69[deg]26.07[  39[deg]53.97[m
                                                                            min]             in]
94..............................................................  -69[deg]25.88[  39[deg]53.50[m
                                                                            min]             in]
95..............................................................  -69[deg]24.94[  39[deg]53.79[m
                                                                            min]             in]
96..............................................................  -69[deg]24.47[  39[deg]53.50[m
                                                                            min]             in]
97..............................................................  -69[deg]23.95[  39[deg]54.81[m
                                                                            min]             in]
98..............................................................  -69[deg]23.32[  39[deg]54.05[m
                                                                            min]             in]
99..............................................................  -69[deg]21.95[  39[deg]54.09[m
                                                                            min]             in]
100.............................................................  -69[deg]21.07[  39[deg]54.38[m
                                                                            min]             in]
101.............................................................  -69[deg]20.72[  39[deg]54.97[m
                                                                            min]             in]
102.............................................................  -69[deg]19.83[  39[deg]54.78[m
                                                                            min]             in]
103.............................................................  -69[deg]19.16[  39[deg]55.00[m
                                                                            min]             in]
104.............................................................  -69[deg]18.60[  39[deg]56.03[m
                                                                            min]             in]
105.............................................................  -69[deg]18.28[  39[deg]55.46[m
                                                                            min]             in]
106.............................................................  -69[deg]17.12[  39[deg]55.53[m
                                                                            min]             in]
107.............................................................  -69[deg]16.92[  39[deg]56.20[m
                                                                            min]             in]
108.............................................................  -69[deg]16.27[  39[deg]55.87[m
                                                                            min]             in]
109.............................................................  -69[deg]15.58[  39[deg]56.29[m
                                                                            min]             in]
110.............................................................  -69[deg]14.44[  39[deg]57.54[m
                                                                            min]             in]
111.............................................................  -69[deg]13.82[  39[deg]57.37[m
                                                                            min]             in]
112.............................................................  -69[deg]13.47[  39[deg]58.01[m
                                                                            min]             in]
113.............................................................  -69[deg]12.44[  39[deg]56.95[m
                                                                            min]             in]
114.............................................................  -69[deg]12.06[  39[deg]57.69[m
                                                                            min]             in]
115.............................................................  -69[deg]11.10[  39[deg]56.69[m
                                                                            min]             in]
116.............................................................  -69[deg]10.92[  39[deg]57.04[m
                                                                            min]             in]
117.............................................................  -69[deg]10.86[  39[deg]58.26[m
                                                                            min]             in]
118.............................................................  -69[deg]10.40[  39[deg]58.14[m
                                                                            min]             in]
119.............................................................  -69[deg]10.07[  39[deg]59.85[m
                                                                            min]             in]
120.............................................................  -69[deg]08.70[  39[deg]59.01[m
                                                                            min]             in]
121.............................................................  -69[deg]07.72[  39[deg]59.00[m
                                                                            min]             in]
122.............................................................  -69[deg]07.97[  39[deg]58.50[m
                                                                            min]             in]
123.............................................................  -69[deg]07.00[  39[deg]57.74[m
                                                                            min]             in]
124.............................................................  -69[deg]06.31[  39[deg]57.59[m
                                                                            min]             in]
125.............................................................  -69[deg]05.31[  39[deg]58.82[m
                                                                            min]             in]
126.............................................................  -69[deg]04.61[  39[deg]58.14[m
                                                                            min]             in]
127.............................................................  -69[deg]04.44[  39[deg]58.88[m
                                                                            min]             in]
128.............................................................  -69[deg]03.89[  39[deg]58.95[m
                                                                            min]             in]

[[Page 1020]]

 
129.............................................................  -69[deg]04.27[  40[deg]00.04[m
                                                                            min]             in]
130.............................................................  -69[deg]03.33[  40[deg]00.15[m
                                                                            min]             in]
131.............................................................  -69[deg]03.04[  40[deg]00.45[m
                                                                            min]             in]
132.............................................................  -69[deg]03.43[  40[deg]02.96[m
                                                                            min]             in]
133.............................................................  -69[deg]02.67[  40[deg]04.10[m
                                                                            min]             in]
134.............................................................  -69[deg]03.34[  40[deg]05.17[m
                                                                            min]             in]
135.............................................................  -69[deg]02.91[  40[deg]05.86[m
                                                                            min]             in]
136.............................................................  -69[deg]02.12[  40[deg]04.15[m
                                                                            min]             in]
137.............................................................  -69[deg]01.85[  40[deg]02.32[m
                                                                            min]             in]
138.............................................................  -69[deg]01.28[  40[deg]01.87[m
                                                                            min]             in]
139.............................................................  -69[deg]00.75[  40[deg]01.92[m
                                                                            min]             in]
140.............................................................  -68[deg]59.76[  40[deg]00.83[m
                                                                            min]             in]
141.............................................................  -68[deg]59.08[  40[deg]01.51[m
                                                                            min]             in]
142.............................................................  -68[deg]58.63[  40[deg]00.89[m
                                                                            min]             in]
143.............................................................  -68[deg]57.67[  40[deg]00.45[m
                                                                            min]             in]
144.............................................................  -68[deg]56.65[  40[deg]00.44[m
                                                                            min]             in]
145.............................................................  -68[deg]56.3[m  40[deg]00.92[m
                                                                             in]             in]
146.............................................................  -68[deg]55.27[  40[deg]00.56[m
                                                                            min]             in]
147.............................................................  -68[deg]55.34[  40[deg]01.22[m
                                                                            min]             in]
148.............................................................  -68[deg]53.97[  40[deg]01.40[m
                                                                            min]             in]
149.............................................................  -68[deg]53.58[  40[deg]00.82[m
                                                                            min]             in]
150.............................................................  -68[deg]53.14[  40[deg]01.24[m
                                                                            min]             in]
151.............................................................  -68[deg]52.73[  40[deg]00.99[m
                                                                            min]             in]
152.............................................................  -68[deg]51.53[  40[deg]02.81[m
                                                                            min]             in]
153.............................................................  -68[deg]50.76[  40[deg]03.08[m
                                                                            min]             in]
154.............................................................  -68[deg]50.10[  40[deg]03.77[m
                                                                            min]             in]
155.............................................................  -68[deg]50.40[  40[deg]04.73[m
                                                                            min]             in]
156.............................................................  -68[deg]48.94[  40[deg]04.35[m
                                                                            min]             in]
157.............................................................  -68[deg]49.05[  40[deg]05.84[m
                                                                            min]             in]
158.............................................................  -68[deg]48.11[  40[deg]05.05[m
                                                                            min]             in]
159.............................................................  -68[deg]47.58[  40[deg]03.99[m
                                                                            min]             in]
160.............................................................  -68[deg]47.90[  40[deg]03.25[m
                                                                            min]             in]
161.............................................................  -68[deg]47.71[  40[deg]02.93[m
                                                                            min]             in]
162.............................................................  -68[deg]46.96[  40[deg]03.36[m
                                                                            min]             in]
163.............................................................  -68[deg]46.51[  40[deg]04.02[m
                                                                            min]             in]
164.............................................................  -68[deg]46.21[  40[deg]03.41[m
                                                                            min]             in]
165.............................................................  -68[deg]45.61[  40[deg]03.36[m
                                                                            min]             in]
166.............................................................  -68[deg]45.44[  40[deg]03.86[m
                                                                            min]             in]
167.............................................................  -68[deg]45.08[  40[deg]03.60[m
                                                                            min]             in]
168.............................................................  -68[deg]45.11[  40[deg]04.24[m
                                                                            min]             in]
169.............................................................  -68[deg]44.63[  40[deg]04.06[m
                                                                            min]             in]
170.............................................................  -68[deg]44.12[  40[deg]04.58[m
                                                                            min]             in]
171.............................................................  -68[deg]43.78[  40[deg]02.68[m
                                                                            min]             in]
172.............................................................  -68[deg]42.97[  40[deg]03.02[m
                                                                            min]             in]
173.............................................................  -68[deg]42.28[  40[deg]01.90[m
                                                                            min]             in]
174.............................................................  -68[deg]41.01[  40[deg]02.72[m
                                                                            min]             in]
175.............................................................  -68[deg]41.16[  40[deg]03.54[m
                                                                            min]             in]
176.............................................................  -68[deg]41.50[  40[deg]04.04[m
                                                                            min]             in]
177.............................................................  -68[deg]41.06[  40[deg]04.02[m
                                                                            min]             in]
178.............................................................  -68[deg]40.15[  40[deg]05.30[m
                                                                            min]             in]
179.............................................................  -68[deg]39.31[  40[deg]04.19[m
                                                                            min]             in]
180.............................................................  -68[deg]38.69[  40[deg]04.57[m
                                                                            min]             in]
181.............................................................  -68[deg]37.78[  40[deg]03.47[m
                                                                            min]             in]
182.............................................................  -68[deg]37.07[  40[deg]04.08[m
                                                                            min]             in]
183.............................................................  -68[deg]36.76[  40[deg]03.68[m
                                                                            min]             in]
184.............................................................  -68[deg]36.36[  40[deg]04.02[m
                                                                            min]             in]
185.............................................................  -68[deg]36.55[  40[deg]04.82[m
                                                                            min]             in]
186.............................................................  -68[deg]35.91[  40[deg]05.56[m
                                                                            min]             in]
187.............................................................  -68[deg]35.16[  40[deg]04.83[m
                                                                            min]             in]
188.............................................................  -68[deg]33.63[  40[deg]04.04[m
                                                                            min]             in]
189.............................................................  -68[deg]32.76[  40[deg]04.76[m
                                                                            min]             in]
190.............................................................  -68[deg]32.44[  40[deg]05.91[m
                                                                            min]             in]
191.............................................................  -68[deg]31.58[  40[deg]05.48[m
                                                                            min]             in]
192.............................................................  -68[deg]30.88[  40[deg]05.81[m
                                                                            min]             in]
193.............................................................  -68[deg]30.89[  40[deg]06.29[m
                                                                            min]             in]
194.............................................................  -68[deg]30.29[  40[deg]06.40[m
                                                                            min]             in]
195.............................................................  -68[deg]31.11[  40[deg]06.95[m
                                                                            min]             in]
196.............................................................  -68[deg]30.46[  40[deg]07.60[m
                                                                            min]             in]
197.............................................................  -68[deg]30.46[  40[deg]08.19[m
                                                                            min]             in]
198.............................................................  -68[deg]29.29[  40[deg]08.05[m
                                                                            min]             in]
199.............................................................  -68[deg]29.48[  40[deg]09.55[m
                                                                            min]             in]
200.............................................................  -68[deg]30.08[  40[deg]11.48[m
                                                                            min]             in]

[[Page 1021]]

 
201.............................................................  -68[deg]28.16[  40[deg]10.69[m
                                                                            min]             in]
202.............................................................  -68[deg]27.41[  40[deg]10.95[m
                                                                            min]             in]
203.............................................................  -68[deg]27.66[  40[deg]10.26[m
                                                                            min]             in]
204.............................................................  -68[deg]26.67[  40[deg]09.09[m
                                                                            min]             in]
205.............................................................  -68[deg]26.81[  40[deg]07.63[m
                                                                            min]             in]
206.............................................................  -68[deg]25.20[  40[deg]06.46[m
                                                                            min]             in]
207.............................................................  -68[deg]24.46[  40[deg]06.12[m
                                                                            min]             in]
208.............................................................  -68[deg]24.07[  40[deg]07.70[m
                                                                            min]             in]
209.............................................................  -68[deg]23.39[  40[deg]07.29[m
                                                                            min]             in]
210.............................................................  -68[deg]22.17[  40[deg]07.15[m
                                                                            min]             in]
211.............................................................  -68[deg]21.86[  40[deg]08.26[m
                                                                            min]             in]
212.............................................................  -68[deg]22.03[  40[deg]08.77[m
                                                                            min]             in]
213.............................................................  -68[deg]21.58[  40[deg]08.86[m
                                                                            min]             in]
214.............................................................  -68[deg]20.52[  40[deg]09.57[m
                                                                            min]             in]
215.............................................................  -68[deg]19.88[  40[deg]09.36[m
                                                                            min]             in]
216.............................................................  -68[deg]19.14[  40[deg]10.44[m
                                                                            min]             in]
217.............................................................  -68[deg]18.51[  40[deg]10.02[m
                                                                            min]             in]
218.............................................................  -68[deg]17.72[  40[deg]09.64[m
                                                                            min]             in]
219.............................................................  -68[deg]17.76[  40[deg]10.66[m
                                                                            min]             in]
220.............................................................  -68[deg]16.86[  40[deg]10.68[m
                                                                            min]             in]
221.............................................................  -68[deg]16.78[  40[deg]11.65[m
                                                                            min]             in]
222.............................................................  -68[deg]16.70[  40[deg]12.27[m
                                                                            min]             in]
223.............................................................  -68[deg]16.81[  40[deg]13.24[m
                                                                            min]             in]
224.............................................................  -68[deg]16.29[  40[deg]14.68[m
                                                                            min]             in]
225.............................................................  -68[deg]14.75[  40[deg]13.04[m
                                                                            min]             in]
226.............................................................  -68[deg]14.00[  40[deg]12.79[m
                                                                            min]             in]
227.............................................................  -68[deg]13.88[  40[deg]12.21[m
                                                                            min]             in]
228.............................................................  -68[deg]13.14[  40[deg]11.49[m
                                                                            min]             in]
229.............................................................  -68[deg]13.30[  40[deg]12.07[m
                                                                            min]             in]
230.............................................................  -68[deg]12.84[  40[deg]12.48[m
                                                                            min]             in]
231.............................................................  -68[deg]12.54[  40[deg]13.08[m
                                                                            min]             in]
232.............................................................  -68[deg]12.20[  40[deg]12.80[m
                                                                            min]             in]
233.............................................................  -68[deg]11.51[  40[deg]13.48[m
                                                                            min]             in]
234.............................................................  -68[deg]10.65[  40[deg]12.05[m
                                                                            min]             in]
235.............................................................  -68[deg]10.05[  40[deg]13.00[m
                                                                            min]             in]
236.............................................................  -68[deg]08.65[  40[deg]12.16[m
                                                                            min]             in]
237.............................................................  -68[deg]08.33[  40[deg]13.06[m
                                                                            min]             in]
238.............................................................  -68[deg]08.60[  40[deg]14.17[m
                                                                            min]             in]
239.............................................................  -68[deg]08.15[  40[deg]15.30[m
                                                                            min]             in]
240.............................................................  -68[deg]08.33[  40[deg]15.56[m
                                                                            min]             in]
241.............................................................  -68[deg]09.02[  40[deg]16.17[m
                                                                            min]             in]
242.............................................................  -68[deg]08.73[  40[deg]16.56[m
                                                                            min]             in]
243.............................................................  -68[deg]09.02[  40[deg]17.94[m
                                                                            min]             in]
244.............................................................  -68[deg]08.82[  40[deg]18.63[m
                                                                            min]             in]
245.............................................................  -68[deg]09.14[  40[deg]21.96[m
                                                                            min]             in]
246.............................................................  -68[deg]09.19[  40[deg]22.96[m
                                                                            min]             in]
247.............................................................  -68[deg]07.89[  40[deg]24.16[m
                                                                            min]             in]
248.............................................................  -68[deg]08.53[  40[deg]22.91[m
                                                                            min]             in]
249.............................................................  -68[deg]08.36[  40[deg]21.85[m
                                                                            min]             in]
250.............................................................  -68[deg]07.94[  40[deg]20.88[m
                                                                            min]             in]
251.............................................................  -68[deg]07.22[  40[deg]19.75[m
                                                                            min]             in]
252.............................................................  -68[deg]06.28[  40[deg]17.81[m
                                                                            min]             in]
253.............................................................  -68[deg]05.00[  40[deg]16.41[m
                                                                            min]             in]
254.............................................................  -68[deg]03.61[  40[deg]17.70[m
                                                                            min]             in]
255.............................................................  -68[deg]03.27[  40[deg]15.88[m
                                                                            min]             in]
256.............................................................  -68[deg]02.93[  40[deg]15.07[m
                                                                            min]             in]
257.............................................................  -68[deg]01.95[  40[deg]14.69[m
                                                                            min]             in]
258.............................................................  -68[deg]00.78[  40[deg]15.22[m
                                                                            min]             in]
259.............................................................  -68[deg]00.67[  40[deg]15.85[m
                                                                            min]             in]
260.............................................................  -67[deg]59.14[  40[deg]14.75[m
                                                                            min]             in]
261.............................................................  -67[deg]58.80[  40[deg]15.83[m
                                                                            min]             in]
262.............................................................  -67[deg]58.28[  40[deg]15.58[m
                                                                            min]             in]
263.............................................................  -67[deg]57.85[  40[deg]16.63[m
                                                                            min]             in]
264.............................................................  -67[deg]57.58[  40[deg]17.38[m
                                                                            min]             in]
265.............................................................  -67[deg]56.51[  40[deg]16.19[m
                                                                            min]             in]
266.............................................................  -67[deg]55.99[  40[deg]16.45[m
                                                                            min]             in]
267.............................................................  -67[deg]55.23[  40[deg]14.90[m
                                                                            min]             in]
268.............................................................  -67[deg]54.31[  40[deg]16.24[m
                                                                            min]             in]
269.............................................................  -67[deg]53.88[  40[deg]17.41[m
                                                                            min]             in]
270.............................................................  -67[deg]52.96[  40[deg]16.95[m
                                                                            min]             in]
271.............................................................  -67[deg]52.29[  40[deg]17.18[m
                                                                            min]             in]
272.............................................................  -67[deg]52.46[  40[deg]19.25[m
                                                                            min]             in]

[[Page 1022]]

 
273.............................................................  -67[deg]52.26[  40[deg]19.59[m
                                                                            min]             in]
274.............................................................  -67[deg]52.88[  40[deg]20.05[m
                                                                            min]             in]
275.............................................................  -67[deg]52.54[  40[deg]20.86[m
                                                                            min]             in]
276.............................................................  -67[deg]53.31[  40[deg]21.24[m
                                                                            min]             in]
277.............................................................  -67[deg]53.07[  40[deg]22.08[m
                                                                            min]             in]
278.............................................................  -67[deg]51.62[  40[deg]21.24[m
                                                                            min]             in]
279.............................................................  -67[deg]51.26[  40[deg]20.48[m
                                                                            min]             in]
280.............................................................  -67[deg]49.97[  40[deg]18.81[m
                                                                            min]             in]
281.............................................................  -67[deg]49.29[  40[deg]18.78[m
                                                                            min]             in]
282.............................................................  -67[deg]49.49[  40[deg]18.49[m
                                                                            min]             in]
283.............................................................  -67[deg]49.40[  40[deg]18.13[m
                                                                            min]             in]
284.............................................................  -67[deg]49.12[  40[deg]18.09[m
                                                                            min]             in]
285.............................................................  -67[deg]47.94[  40[deg]15.79[m
                                                                            min]             in]
286.............................................................  -67[deg]46.47[  40[deg]16.00[m
                                                                            min]             in]
287.............................................................  -67[deg]46.23[  40[deg]16.37[m
                                                                            min]             in]
288.............................................................  -67[deg]45.61[  40[deg]16.18[m
                                                                            min]             in]
289.............................................................  -67[deg]45.80[  40[deg]16.54[m
                                                                            min]             in]
290.............................................................  -67[deg]45.66[  40[deg]17.53[m
                                                                            min]             in]
291.............................................................  -67[deg]45.34[  40[deg]18.75[m
                                                                            min]             in]
292.............................................................  -67[deg]44.52[  40[deg]18.25[m
                                                                            min]             in]
293.............................................................  -67[deg]44.13[  40[deg]18.39[m
                                                                            min]             in]
294.............................................................  -67[deg]43.50[  40[deg]18.84[m
                                                                            min]             in]
295.............................................................  -67[deg]43.42[  40[deg]18.00[m
                                                                            min]             in]
296.............................................................  -67[deg]42.81[  40[deg]18.27[m
                                                                            min]             in]
297.............................................................  -67[deg]42.61[  40[deg]17.62[m
                                                                            min]             in]
298.............................................................  -67[deg]41.69[  40[deg]17.88[m
                                                                            min]             in]
299.............................................................  -67[deg]41.81[  40[deg]19.20[m
                                                                            min]             in]
300.............................................................  -67[deg]42.61[  40[deg]20.29[m
                                                                            min]             in]
301.............................................................  -67[deg]39.96[  40[deg]22.27[m
                                                                            min]             in]
302.............................................................  -67[deg]40.38[  40[deg]24.07[m
                                                                            min]             in]
303.............................................................  -67[deg]39.92[  40[deg]25.32[m
                                                                            min]             in]
304.............................................................  -67[deg]39.77[  40[deg]24.13[m
                                                                            min]             in]
305.............................................................  -67[deg]39.64[  40[deg]23.12[m
                                                                            min]             in]
306.............................................................  -67[deg]39.20[  40[deg]21.31[m
                                                                            min]             in]
307.............................................................  -67[deg]39.88[  40[deg]20.41[m
                                                                            min]             in]
308.............................................................  -67[deg]39.06[  40[deg]19.39[m
                                                                            min]             in]
309.............................................................  -67[deg]37.75[  40[deg]18.86[m
                                                                            min]             in]
310.............................................................  -67[deg]37.54[  40[deg]19.41[m
                                                                            min]             in]
311.............................................................  -67[deg]36.18[  40[deg]19.12[m
                                                                            min]             in]
312.............................................................  -67[deg]35.49[  40[deg]20.23[m
                                                                            min]             in]
313.............................................................  -67[deg]34.74[  40[deg]19.65[m
                                                                            min]             in]
314.............................................................  -67[deg]34.16[  40[deg]21.13[m
                                                                            min]             in]
315.............................................................  -67[deg]33.06[  40[deg]20.46[m
                                                                            min]             in]
316.............................................................  -67[deg]32.36[  40[deg]21.41[m
                                                                            min]             in]
317.............................................................  -67[deg]31.99[  40[deg]20.77[m
                                                                            min]             in]
318.............................................................  -67[deg]30.93[  40[deg]20.91[m
                                                                            min]             in]
319.............................................................  -67[deg]30.69[  40[deg]20.52[m
                                                                            min]             in]
320.............................................................  -67[deg]30.02[  40[deg]21.66[m
                                                                            min]             in]
321.............................................................  -67[deg]29.38[  40[deg]21.09[m
                                                                            min]             in]
322.............................................................  -67[deg]28.94[  40[deg]21.57[m
                                                                            min]             in]
323.............................................................  -67[deg]28.35[  40[deg]22.81[m
                                                                            min]             in]
324.............................................................  -67[deg]27.79[  40[deg]22.19[m
                                                                            min]             in]
325.............................................................  -67[deg]26.75[  40[deg]21.57[m
                                                                            min]             in]
326.............................................................  -67[deg]25.66[  40[deg]22.31[m
                                                                            min]             in]
327.............................................................  -67[deg]25.43[  40[deg]22.61[m
                                                                            min]             in]
328.............................................................  -67[deg]25.30[  40[deg]23.42[m
                                                                            min]             in]
329.............................................................  -67[deg]25.36[  40[deg]24.34[m
                                                                            min]             in]
330.............................................................  -67[deg]25.16[  40[deg]24.64[m
                                                                            min]             in]
331.............................................................  -67[deg]25.53[  40[deg]24.93[m
                                                                            min]             in]
332.............................................................  -67[deg]24.73[  40[deg]25.43[m
                                                                            min]             in]
333.............................................................  -67[deg]24.13[  40[deg]27.58[m
                                                                            min]             in]
334.............................................................  -67[deg]23.69[  40[deg]24.23[m
                                                                            min]             in]
335.............................................................  -67[deg]22.74[  40[deg]23.27[m
                                                                            min]             in]
336.............................................................  -67[deg]21.70[  40[deg]23.12[m
                                                                            min]             in]
337.............................................................  -67[deg]21.33[  40[deg]23.77[m
                                                                            min]             in]
338.............................................................  -67[deg]20.68[  40[deg]23.40[m
                                                                            min]             in]
339.............................................................  -67[deg]20.05[  40[deg]24.39[m
                                                                            min]             in]
340.............................................................  -67[deg]19.11[  40[deg]23.85[m
                                                                            min]             in]
341.............................................................  -67[deg]18.75[  40[deg]25.17[m
                                                                            min]             in]
342.............................................................  -67[deg]18.09[  40[deg]24.77[m
                                                                            min]             in]
343.............................................................  -67[deg]17.32[  40[deg]25.14[m
                                                                            min]             in]
344.............................................................  -67[deg]17.33[  40[deg]25.59[m
                                                                            min]             in]

[[Page 1023]]

 
345.............................................................  -67[deg]16.37[  40[deg]25.50[m
                                                                            min]             in]
346.............................................................  -67[deg]15.62[  40[deg]25.40[m
                                                                            min]             in]
347.............................................................  -67[deg]15.19[  40[deg]25.64[m
                                                                            min]             in]
348.............................................................  -67[deg]14.76[  40[deg]26.24[m
                                                                            min]             in]
349.............................................................  -67[deg]14.99[  40[deg]26.93[m
                                                                            min]             in]
350.............................................................  -67[deg]13.99[  40[deg]26.63[m
                                                                            min]             in]
351.............................................................  -67[deg]13.29[  40[deg]27.31[m
                                                                            min]             in]
352.............................................................  -67[deg]12.58[  40[deg]26.87[m
                                                                            min]             in]
353.............................................................  -67[deg]12.77[  40[deg]27.74[m
                                                                            min]             in]
354.............................................................  -67[deg]12.23[  40[deg]28.01[m
                                                                            min]             in]
355.............................................................  -67[deg]12.05[  40[deg]27.56[m
                                                                            min]             in]
356.............................................................  -67[deg]11.37[  40[deg]27.75[m
                                                                            min]             in]
357.............................................................  -67[deg]10.84[  40[deg]27.12[m
                                                                            min]             in]
358.............................................................  -67[deg]10.19[  40[deg]27.14[m
                                                                            min]             in]
359.............................................................  -67[deg]09.05[  40[deg]28.84[m
                                                                            min]             in]
360.............................................................  -67[deg]07.83[  40[deg]28.25[m
                                                                            min]             in]
361.............................................................  -67[deg]07.55[  40[deg]28.65[m
                                                                            min]             in]
362.............................................................  -67[deg]07.58[  40[deg]29.49[m
                                                                            min]             in]
363.............................................................  -67[deg]05.80[  40[deg]28.71[m
                                                                            min]             in]
364.............................................................  -67[deg]04.83[  40[deg]29.41[m
                                                                            min]             in]
365.............................................................  -67[deg]04.52[  40[deg]29.86[m
                                                                            min]             in]
366.............................................................  -67[deg]03.56[  40[deg]29.83[m
                                                                            min]             in]
367.............................................................  -67[deg]03.27[  40[deg]31.27[m
                                                                            min]             in]
368.............................................................  -67[deg]01.67[  40[deg]30.25[m
                                                                            min]             in]
369.............................................................  -67[deg]00.06[  40[deg]31.03[m
                                                                            min]             in]
370.............................................................  -66[deg]59.48[  40[deg]31.63[m
                                                                            min]             in]
371.............................................................  -67[deg]00.01[  40[deg]32.61[m
                                                                            min]             in]
372.............................................................  -66[deg]59.56[  40[deg]32.78[m
                                                                            min]             in]
373.............................................................  -67[deg]00.34[  40[deg]34.03[m
                                                                            min]             in]
374.............................................................  -67[deg]01.15[  40[deg]34.92[m
                                                                            min]             in]
375.............................................................  -67[deg]01.25[  40[deg]36.83[m
                                                                            min]             in]
376.............................................................  -66[deg]59.94[  40[deg]35.55[m
                                                                            min]             in]
377.............................................................  -66[deg]59.40[  40[deg]35.40[m
                                                                            min]             in]
378.............................................................  -66[deg]58.89[  40[deg]35.52[m
                                                                            min]             in]
379.............................................................  -66[deg]58.73[  40[deg]34.91[m
                                                                            min]             in]
380.............................................................  -66[deg]58.44[  40[deg]34.94[m
                                                                            min]             in]
381.............................................................  -66[deg]58.13[  40[deg]35.50[m
                                                                            min]             in]
382.............................................................  -66[deg]57.52[  40[deg]34.93[m
                                                                            min]             in]
383.............................................................  -66[deg]57.43[  40[deg]35.42[m
                                                                            min]             in]
384.............................................................  -66[deg]56.72[  40[deg]35.16[m
                                                                            min]             in]
385.............................................................  -66[deg]56.44[  40[deg]35.81[m
                                                                            min]             in]
386.............................................................  -66[deg]56.09[  40[deg]35.36[m
                                                                            min]             in]
387.............................................................  -66[deg]55.56[  40[deg]35.65[m
                                                                            min]             in]
388.............................................................  -66[deg]55.61[  40[deg]34.90[m
                                                                            min]             in]
389.............................................................  -66[deg]54.85[  40[deg]34.42[m
                                                                            min]             in]
390.............................................................  -66[deg]54.68[  40[deg]35.40[m
                                                                            min]             in]
391.............................................................  -66[deg]52.45[  40[deg]36.18[m
                                                                            min]             in]
392.............................................................  -66[deg]52.51[  40[deg]36.80[m
                                                                            min]             in]
393.............................................................  -66[deg]51.93[  40[deg]36.82[m
                                                                            min]             in]
394.............................................................  -66[deg]51.88[  40[deg]37.40[m
                                                                            min]             in]
395.............................................................  -66[deg]51.38[  40[deg]37.30[m
                                                                            min]             in]
396.............................................................  -66[deg]51.44[  40[deg]37.81[m
                                                                            min]             in]
397.............................................................  -66[deg]50.36[  40[deg]37.77[m
                                                                            min]             in]
398.............................................................  -66[deg]50.78[  40[deg]38.81[m
                                                                            min]             in]
399.............................................................  -66[deg]49.27[  40[deg]38.41[m
                                                                            min]             in]
400.............................................................  -66[deg]48.84[  40[deg]38.70[m
                                                                            min]             in]
401.............................................................  -66[deg]49.25[  40[deg]39.85[m
                                                                            min]             in]
402.............................................................  -66[deg]47.92[  40[deg]39.57[m
                                                                            min]             in]
403.............................................................  -66[deg]47.83[  40[deg]39.82[m
                                                                            min]             in]
404.............................................................  -66[deg]47.79[  40[deg]40.82[m
                                                                            min]             in]
405.............................................................  -66[deg]46.91[  40[deg]40.33[m
                                                                            min]             in]
406.............................................................  -66[deg]46.02[  40[deg]40.07[m
                                                                            min]             in]
407.............................................................  -66[deg]45.89[  40[deg]41.47[m
                                                                            min]             in]
408.............................................................  -66[deg]44.79[  40[deg]41.19[m
                                                                            min]             in]
409.............................................................  -66[deg]44.30[  40[deg]41.37[m
                                                                            min]             in]
410.............................................................  -66[deg]44.17[  40[deg]42.32[m
                                                                            min]             in]
411.............................................................  -66[deg]43.43[  40[deg]42.42[m
                                                                            min]             in]
412.............................................................  -66[deg]42.39[  40[deg]42.67[m
                                                                            min]             in]
413.............................................................  -66[deg]42.87[  40[deg]44.75[m
                                                                            min]             in]
414.............................................................  -66[deg]42.49[  40[deg]45.21[m
                                                                            min]             in]
415.............................................................  -66[deg]42.67[  40[deg]45.83[m
                                                                            min]             in]
416.............................................................  -66[deg]43.02[  40[deg]46.23[m
                                                                            min]             in]

[[Page 1024]]

 
417.............................................................  -66[deg]41.12[  40[deg]45.96[m
                                                                            min]             in]
418.............................................................  -66[deg]40.98[  40[deg]45.61[m
                                                                            min]             in]
419.............................................................  -66[deg]40.63[  40[deg]45.35[m
                                                                            min]             in]
420.............................................................  -66[deg]39.37[  40[deg]45.98[m
                                                                            min]             in]
421.............................................................  -66[deg]39.74[  40[deg]46.65[m
                                                                            min]             in]
422.............................................................  -66[deg]39.99[  40[deg]46.93[m
                                                                            min]             in]
423.............................................................  -66[deg]39.23[  40[deg]46.97[m
                                                                            min]             in]
424.............................................................  -66[deg]38.17[  40[deg]47.99[m
                                                                            min]             in]
425.............................................................  -66[deg]37.69[  40[deg]47.13[m
                                                                            min]             in]
426.............................................................  -66[deg]36.94[  40[deg]47.36[m
                                                                            min]             in]
427.............................................................  -66[deg]37.05[  40[deg]47.83[m
                                                                            min]             in]
428.............................................................  -66[deg]36.49[  40[deg]47.87[m
                                                                            min]             in]
429.............................................................  -66[deg]36.12[  40[deg]48.59[m
                                                                            min]             in]
430.............................................................  -66[deg]35.63[  40[deg]48.13[m
                                                                            min]             in]
431.............................................................  -66[deg]35.30[  40[deg]48.35[m
                                                                            min]             in]
432.............................................................  -66[deg]35.35[  40[deg]49.96[m
                                                                            min]             in]
433.............................................................  -66[deg]34.96[  40[deg]50.30[m
                                                                            min]             in]
434.............................................................  -66[deg]34.50[  40[deg]50.33[m
                                                                            min]             in]
435.............................................................  -66[deg]34.26[  40[deg]50.91[m
                                                                            min]             in]
436.............................................................  -66[deg]34.76[  40[deg]51.34[m
                                                                            min]             in]
437.............................................................  -66[deg]33.57[  40[deg]51.38[m
                                                                            min]             in]
438.............................................................  -66[deg]34.29[  40[deg]52.10[m
                                                                            min]             in]
439.............................................................  -66[deg]33.55[  40[deg]52.16[m
                                                                            min]             in]
440.............................................................  -66[deg]33.32[  40[deg]52.70[m
                                                                            min]             in]
441.............................................................  -66[deg]32.88[  40[deg]52.69[m
                                                                            min]             in]
442.............................................................  -66[deg]32.62[  40[deg]51.96[m
                                                                            min]             in]
443.............................................................  -66[deg]32.01[  40[deg]51.53[m
                                                                            min]             in]
444.............................................................  -66[deg]30.28[  40[deg]53.07[m
                                                                            min]             in]
445.............................................................  -66[deg]30.69[  40[deg]53.61[m
                                                                            min]             in]
446.............................................................  -66[deg]30.15[  40[deg]53.84[m
                                                                            min]             in]
447.............................................................  -66[deg]30.14[  40[deg]54.17[m
                                                                            min]             in]
448.............................................................  -66[deg]30.67[  40[deg]54.62[m
                                                                            min]             in]
449.............................................................  -66[deg]28.81[  40[deg]54.47[m
                                                                            min]             in]
450.............................................................  -66[deg]28.84[  40[deg]55.04[m
                                                                            min]             in]
451.............................................................  -66[deg]28.16[  40[deg]55.03[m
                                                                            min]             in]
452.............................................................  -66[deg]27.30[  40[deg]55.99[m
                                                                            min]             in]
453.............................................................  -66[deg]25.16[  40[deg]58.14[m
                                                                            min]             in]
454.............................................................  -66[deg]24.11[  40[deg]59.64[m
                                                                            min]             in]
455.............................................................  -66[deg]24.37[  41[deg]00.32[m
                                                                            min]             in]
456.............................................................  -66[deg]23.57[  41[deg]00.33[m
                                                                            min]             in]
457.............................................................  -66[deg]22.61[  41[deg]01.68[m
                                                                            min]             in]
458.............................................................  -66[deg]23.05[  41[deg]02.64[m
                                                                            min]             in]
459.............................................................  -66[deg]24.77[  41[deg]03.86[m
                                                                            min]             in]
460.............................................................  -66[deg]24.03[  41[deg]04.11[m
                                                                            min]             in]
461.............................................................  -66[deg]24.60[  41[deg]04.95[m
                                                                            min]             in]
462.............................................................  -66[deg]22.60[  41[deg]04.23[m
                                                                            min]             in]
463.............................................................  -66[deg]21.17[  41[deg]04.35[m
                                                                            min]             in]
464.............................................................  -66[deg]21.11[  41[deg]05.02[m
                                                                            min]             in]
465.............................................................  -66[deg]19.77[  41[deg]04.45[m
                                                                            min]             in]
466.............................................................  -66[deg]18.07[  41[deg]06.00[m
                                                                            min]             in]
467.............................................................  -66[deg]18.24[  41[deg]07.82[m
                                                                            min]             in]
468.............................................................  -66[deg]17.07[  41[deg]08.68[m
                                                                            min]             in]
469.............................................................  -66[deg]16.90[  41[deg]08.93[m
                                                                            min]             in]
470.............................................................  -66[deg]16.86[  41[deg]08.98[m           (\4\)
                                                                            min]             in]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:
(\3\) POINT 17 represents where the western and northern boundaries meet.
(\4\) POINT 470 represents the U.S.-Canada Maritime Boundary.

    (iii) The eastern and southern boundary (from Point 470) follows the 
U.S.-Canada Maritime Boundary southeasterly to its intersection with the 
outer limit of the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone. The boundary then 
follows the outer limit of the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone 
southwesterly back to its origin at POINT 01.
    (b) Mount Desert Rock Coral Protection Area. (1) No vessel may fish 
with bottom-tending mobile gear, as defined in Sec. 648.2, within the 
Mount Desert Rock Coral Protection Area described in this section, 
unless transiting pursuant to paragraph (d) of this section. Bottom-
tending mobile gear includes, but is not limited to, otter trawls, beam

[[Page 1025]]

trawls, hydraulic dredges, non-hydraulic dredges, and seines (with the 
exception of a purse seine).
    (2) The Mount Desert Rock Coral Protection Area is defined by the 
following coordinates, connected in the order listed by straight lines:

                       Table 3 to Paragraph (b)(2)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Point                      Longitude       Latitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
MDR1....................................  -68[deg]13.16[  43[deg]56.99[m
                                                    min]             in]
MDR2....................................  -68[deg]12.00[  43[deg]57.00[m
                                                    min]             in]
MDR3....................................  -68[deg]11.45[  43[deg]56.17[m
                                                    min]             in]
MDR4....................................  -68[deg]12.21[  43[deg]52.62[m
                                                    min]             in]
MDR5....................................  -68[deg]14.32[  43[deg]52.11[m
                                                    min]             in]
MDR1....................................  -68[deg]13.16[  43[deg]56.99[m
                                                    min]             in]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (c) Outer Schoodic Ridge Coral Protection Area. (1) No vessel may 
fish with bottom-tending mobile gear, as defined in Sec. 648.2, within 
the Outer Schoodic Ridge Coral Protection Area described in this 
section, unless transiting pursuant to paragraph (d) of this section. 
Bottom-tending mobile gear includes, but is not limited to, otter 
trawls, beam trawls, hydraulic dredges, non-hydraulic dredges, and 
seines (with the exception of a purse seine).
    (2) The Outer Schoodic Ridge Coral Protection Area is defined by the 
following coordinates, connected in the order listed by straight lines:

                       Table 4 to Paragraph (c)(2)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Point                      Longitude       Latitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
OSR1....................................  -67[deg]35.60[  44[deg]13.49[m
                                                    min]             in]
OSR2....................................  -67[deg]33.10[  44[deg]12.56[m
                                                    min]             in]
OSR3....................................  -67[deg]39.70[  44[deg]02.48[m
                                                    min]             in]
OSR4....................................  -67[deg]42.29[  44[deg]03.48[m
                                                    min]             in]
OSR1....................................  -67[deg]35.60[  44[deg]13.49[m
                                                    min]             in]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (d) Transiting. Vessels may transit the New England Deep-Sea Coral 
Management Areas defined in this section, provided bottom-tending trawl 
nets are out of the water and stowed on the reel and any other fishing 
gear that is prohibited in these areas is onboard, out of the water, and 
not deployed. Fishing gear is not required to meet the definition of 
``not available for immediate use'' in Sec. 648.2, when a vessel 
transits the New England Deep-Sea Coral Management Areas.
    (e) Framework adjustments. The Council may at any time initiate a 
framework adjustment to add or adjust management measures within the New 
England Deep-Sea Coral Management Areas if it finds that action is 
necessary to meet or be consistent with the goals and objectives of 
those areas. The Council shall develop and analyze appropriate 
management actions over the span of at least two Council meetings. The 
Council shall provide the public with advance notice of the availability 
of both the proposals and the analyses, and opportunity to comment on 
them prior to and at the second Council meeting. Measures that may be 
changed or implemented through framework action include:
    (1) Adding, revising, or removing coral areas;
    (2) Changing fishing restrictions in coral areas; and
    (3) Developing new, or changing existing, coral area fishery access 
or exploratory fishing programs.

[86 FR 33558, June 25, 2021]





                        Sec. Figure 1 to Part 648

[[Page 1026]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR02MY12.001


[77 FR 26127, May 2, 2012]

                        PARTS 655	659 [RESERVED]

[[Page 1027]]



                              FINDING AIDS




  --------------------------------------------------------------------

  A list of CFR titles, subtitles, chapters, subchapters and parts and 
an alphabetical list of agencies publishing in the CFR are included in 
the CFR Index and Finding Aids volume to the Code of Federal Regulations 
which is published separately and revised annually.



  Table of CFR Titles and Chapters
  Alphabetical List of Agencies Appearing in the CFR
  List of CFR Sections Affected
  

[[Page 1029]]



                    Table of CFR Titles and Chapters




                     (Revised as of October 1, 2023)

                      Title 1--General Provisions

         I  Administrative Committee of the Federal Register 
                (Parts 1--49)
        II  Office of the Federal Register (Parts 50--299)
       III  Administrative Conference of the United States (Parts 
                300--399)
        IV  Miscellaneous Agencies (Parts 400--599)
        VI  National Capital Planning Commission (Parts 600--699)

                    Title 2--Grants and Agreements

            Subtitle A--Office of Management and Budget Guidance 
                for Grants and Agreements
         I  Office of Management and Budget Governmentwide 
                Guidance for Grants and Agreements (Parts 2--199)
        II  Office of Management and Budget Guidance (Parts 200--
                299)
            Subtitle B--Federal Agency Regulations for Grants and 
                Agreements
       III  Department of Health and Human Services (Parts 300--
                399)
        IV  Department of Agriculture (Parts 400--499)
        VI  Department of State (Parts 600--699)
       VII  Agency for International Development (Parts 700--799)
      VIII  Department of Veterans Affairs (Parts 800--899)
        IX  Department of Energy (Parts 900--999)
         X  Department of the Treasury (Parts 1000--1099)
        XI  Department of Defense (Parts 1100--1199)
       XII  Department of Transportation (Parts 1200--1299)
      XIII  Department of Commerce (Parts 1300--1399)
       XIV  Department of the Interior (Parts 1400--1499)
        XV  Environmental Protection Agency (Parts 1500--1599)
     XVIII  National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Parts 
                1800--1899)
        XX  United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (Parts 
                2000--2099)
      XXII  Corporation for National and Community Service (Parts 
                2200--2299)
     XXIII  Social Security Administration (Parts 2300--2399)
      XXIV  Department of Housing and Urban Development (Parts 
                2400--2499)
       XXV  National Science Foundation (Parts 2500--2599)
      XXVI  National Archives and Records Administration (Parts 
                2600--2699)

[[Page 1030]]

     XXVII  Small Business Administration (Parts 2700--2799)
    XXVIII  Department of Justice (Parts 2800--2899)
      XXIX  Department of Labor (Parts 2900--2999)
       XXX  Department of Homeland Security (Parts 3000--3099)
      XXXI  Institute of Museum and Library Services (Parts 3100--
                3199)
     XXXII  National Endowment for the Arts (Parts 3200--3299)
    XXXIII  National Endowment for the Humanities (Parts 3300--
                3399)
     XXXIV  Department of Education (Parts 3400--3499)
      XXXV  Export-Import Bank of the United States (Parts 3500--
                3599)
     XXXVI  Office of National Drug Control Policy, Executive 
                Office of the President (Parts 3600--3699)
    XXXVII  Peace Corps (Parts 3700--3799)
     LVIII  Election Assistance Commission (Parts 5800--5899)
       LIX  Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council (Parts 5900--
                5999)
        LX  Federal Communications Commission (Parts 6000--6099)

                        Title 3--The President

         I  Executive Office of the President (Parts 100--199)

                           Title 4--Accounts

         I  Government Accountability Office (Parts 1--199)

                   Title 5--Administrative Personnel

         I  Office of Personnel Management (Parts 1--1199)
        II  Merit Systems Protection Board (Parts 1200--1299)
       III  Office of Management and Budget (Parts 1300--1399)
        IV  Office of Personnel Management and Office of the 
                Director of National Intelligence (Parts 1400--
                1499)
         V  The International Organizations Employees Loyalty 
                Board (Parts 1500--1599)
        VI  Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (Parts 
                1600--1699)
      VIII  Office of Special Counsel (Parts 1800--1899)
        IX  Appalachian Regional Commission (Parts 1900--1999)
        XI  Armed Forces Retirement Home (Parts 2100--2199)
       XIV  Federal Labor Relations Authority, General Counsel of 
                the Federal Labor Relations Authority and Federal 
                Service Impasses Panel (Parts 2400--2499)
       XVI  Office of Government Ethics (Parts 2600--2699)
       XXI  Department of the Treasury (Parts 3100--3199)
      XXII  Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (Parts 3200--
                3299)
     XXIII  Department of Energy (Parts 3300--3399)
      XXIV  Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Parts 3400--
                3499)
       XXV  Department of the Interior (Parts 3500--3599)

[[Page 1031]]

      XXVI  Department of Defense (Parts 3600--3699)
    XXVIII  Department of Justice (Parts 3800--3899)
      XXIX  Federal Communications Commission (Parts 3900--3999)
       XXX  Farm Credit System Insurance Corporation (Parts 4000--
                4099)
      XXXI  Farm Credit Administration (Parts 4100--4199)
    XXXIII  U.S. International Development Finance Corporation 
                (Parts 4300--4399)
     XXXIV  Securities and Exchange Commission (Parts 4400--4499)
      XXXV  Office of Personnel Management (Parts 4500--4599)
     XXXVI  Department of Homeland Security (Parts 4600--4699)
    XXXVII  Federal Election Commission (Parts 4700--4799)
        XL  Interstate Commerce Commission (Parts 5000--5099)
       XLI  Commodity Futures Trading Commission (Parts 5100--
                5199)
      XLII  Department of Labor (Parts 5200--5299)
     XLIII  National Science Foundation (Parts 5300--5399)
       XLV  Department of Health and Human Services (Parts 5500--
                5599)
      XLVI  Postal Rate Commission (Parts 5600--5699)
     XLVII  Federal Trade Commission (Parts 5700--5799)
    XLVIII  Nuclear Regulatory Commission (Parts 5800--5899)
      XLIX  Federal Labor Relations Authority (Parts 5900--5999)
         L  Department of Transportation (Parts 6000--6099)
       LII  Export-Import Bank of the United States (Parts 6200--
                6299)
      LIII  Department of Education (Parts 6300--6399)
       LIV  Environmental Protection Agency (Parts 6400--6499)
        LV  National Endowment for the Arts (Parts 6500--6599)
       LVI  National Endowment for the Humanities (Parts 6600--
                6699)
      LVII  General Services Administration (Parts 6700--6799)
     LVIII  Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System 
                (Parts 6800--6899)
       LIX  National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Parts 
                6900--6999)
        LX  United States Postal Service (Parts 7000--7099)
       LXI  National Labor Relations Board (Parts 7100--7199)
      LXII  Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (Parts 7200--
                7299)
     LXIII  Inter-American Foundation (Parts 7300--7399)
      LXIV  Merit Systems Protection Board (Parts 7400--7499)
       LXV  Department of Housing and Urban Development (Parts 
                7500--7599)
      LXVI  National Archives and Records Administration (Parts 
                7600--7699)
     LXVII  Institute of Museum and Library Services (Parts 7700--
                7799)
    LXVIII  Commission on Civil Rights (Parts 7800--7899)
      LXIX  Tennessee Valley Authority (Parts 7900--7999)
       LXX  Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency for the 
                District of Columbia (Parts 8000--8099)
      LXXI  Consumer Product Safety Commission (Parts 8100--8199)

[[Page 1032]]

    LXXIII  Department of Agriculture (Parts 8300--8399)
     LXXIV  Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission 
                (Parts 8400--8499)
     LXXVI  Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (Parts 
                8600--8699)
    LXXVII  Office of Management and Budget (Parts 8700--8799)
      LXXX  Federal Housing Finance Agency (Parts 9000--9099)
   LXXXIII  Special Inspector General for Afghanistan 
                Reconstruction (Parts 9300--9399)
    LXXXIV  Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection (Parts 9400--
                9499)
    LXXXVI  National Credit Union Administration (Parts 9600--
                9699)
     XCVII  Department of Homeland Security Human Resources 
                Management System (Department of Homeland 
                Security--Office of Personnel Management) (Parts 
                9700--9799)
    XCVIII  Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and 
                Efficiency (Parts 9800--9899)
      XCIX  Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization 
                Commission (Parts 9900--9999)
         C  National Council on Disability (Parts 10000--10049)
        CI  National Mediation Board (Parts 10100--10199)
       CII  U.S. Office of Special Counsel (Parts 10200--10299)
       CIV  Office of the Intellectual Property Enforcement 
                Coordinator (Part 10400--10499)

                      Title 6--Domestic Security

         I  Department of Homeland Security, Office of the 
                Secretary (Parts 1--199)
         X  Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board (Parts 
                1000--1099)

                         Title 7--Agriculture

            Subtitle A--Office of the Secretary of Agriculture 
                (Parts 0--26)
            Subtitle B--Regulations of the Department of 
                Agriculture
         I  Agricultural Marketing Service (Standards, 
                Inspections, Marketing Practices), Department of 
                Agriculture (Parts 27--209)
        II  Food and Nutrition Service, Department of Agriculture 
                (Parts 210--299)
       III  Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Department 
                of Agriculture (Parts 300--399)
        IV  Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, Department of 
                Agriculture (Parts 400--499)
         V  Agricultural Research Service, Department of 
                Agriculture (Parts 500--599)
        VI  Natural Resources Conservation Service, Department of 
                Agriculture (Parts 600--699)
       VII  Farm Service Agency, Department of Agriculture (Parts 
                700--799)

[[Page 1033]]

      VIII  Agricultural Marketing Service (Federal Grain 
                Inspection Service, Fair Trade Practices Program), 
                Department of Agriculture (Parts 800--899)
        IX  Agricultural Marketing Service (Marketing Agreements 
                and Orders; Fruits, Vegetables, Nuts), Department 
                of Agriculture (Parts 900--999)
         X  Agricultural Marketing Service (Marketing Agreements 
                and Orders; Milk), Department of Agriculture 
                (Parts 1000--1199)
        XI  Agricultural Marketing Service (Marketing Agreements 
                and Orders; Miscellaneous Commodities), Department 
                of Agriculture (Parts 1200--1299)
       XIV  Commodity Credit Corporation, Department of 
                Agriculture (Parts 1400--1499)
        XV  Foreign Agricultural Service, Department of 
                Agriculture (Parts 1500--1599)
       XVI  [Reserved]
      XVII  Rural Utilities Service, Department of Agriculture 
                (Parts 1700--1799)
     XVIII  Rural Housing Service, Rural Business-Cooperative 
                Service, Rural Utilities Service, and Farm Service 
                Agency, Department of Agriculture (Parts 1800--
                2099)
        XX  [Reserved]
       XXV  Office of Advocacy and Outreach, Department of 
                Agriculture (Parts 2500--2599)
      XXVI  Office of Inspector General, Department of Agriculture 
                (Parts 2600--2699)
     XXVII  Office of Information Resources Management, Department 
                of Agriculture (Parts 2700--2799)
    XXVIII  Office of Operations, Department of Agriculture (Parts 
                2800--2899)
      XXIX  Office of Energy Policy and New Uses, Department of 
                Agriculture (Parts 2900--2999)
       XXX  Office of the Chief Financial Officer, Department of 
                Agriculture (Parts 3000--3099)
      XXXI  Office of Environmental Quality, Department of 
                Agriculture (Parts 3100--3199)
     XXXII  Office of Procurement and Property Management, 
                Department of Agriculture (Parts 3200--3299)
    XXXIII  Office of Transportation, Department of Agriculture 
                (Parts 3300--3399)
     XXXIV  National Institute of Food and Agriculture (Parts 
                3400--3499)
      XXXV  Rural Housing Service, Department of Agriculture 
                (Parts 3500--3599)
     XXXVI  National Agricultural Statistics Service, Department 
                of Agriculture (Parts 3600--3699)
    XXXVII  Economic Research Service, Department of Agriculture 
                (Parts 3700--3799)
   XXXVIII  World Agricultural Outlook Board, Department of 
                Agriculture (Parts 3800--3899)
       XLI  [Reserved]

[[Page 1034]]

      XLII  Rural Business-Cooperative Service and Rural Utilities 
                Service, Department of Agriculture (Parts 4200--
                4299)
         L  Rural Business-Cooperative Service, and Rural 
                Utilities Service, Department of Agriculture 
                (Parts 5000--5099)

                    Title 8--Aliens and Nationality

         I  Department of Homeland Security (Parts 1--499)
         V  Executive Office for Immigration Review, Department of 
                Justice (Parts 1000--1399)

                 Title 9--Animals and Animal Products

         I  Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Department 
                of Agriculture (Parts 1--199)
        II  Agricultural Marketing Service (Fair Trade Practices 
                Program), Department of Agriculture (Parts 200--
                299)
       III  Food Safety and Inspection Service, Department of 
                Agriculture (Parts 300--599)

                           Title 10--Energy

         I  Nuclear Regulatory Commission (Parts 0--199)
        II  Department of Energy (Parts 200--699)
       III  Department of Energy (Parts 700--999)
         X  Department of Energy (General Provisions) (Parts 
                1000--1099)
      XIII  Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board (Parts 1300--
                1399)
      XVII  Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board (Parts 1700--
                1799)
     XVIII  Northeast Interstate Low-Level Radioactive Waste 
                Commission (Parts 1800--1899)

                      Title 11--Federal Elections

         I  Federal Election Commission (Parts 1--9099)
        II  Election Assistance Commission (Parts 9400--9499)

                      Title 12--Banks and Banking

         I  Comptroller of the Currency, Department of the 
                Treasury (Parts 1--199)
        II  Federal Reserve System (Parts 200--299)
       III  Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (Parts 300--399)
        IV  Export-Import Bank of the United States (Parts 400--
                499)
         V  [Reserved]
        VI  Farm Credit Administration (Parts 600--699)
       VII  National Credit Union Administration (Parts 700--799)
      VIII  Federal Financing Bank (Parts 800--899)
        IX  (Parts 900--999) [Reserved]

[[Page 1035]]

         X  Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (Parts 1000--
                1099)
        XI  Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council 
                (Parts 1100--1199)
       XII  Federal Housing Finance Agency (Parts 1200--1299)
      XIII  Financial Stability Oversight Council (Parts 1300--
                1399)
       XIV  Farm Credit System Insurance Corporation (Parts 1400--
                1499)
        XV  Department of the Treasury (Parts 1500--1599)
       XVI  Office of Financial Research, Department of the 
                Treasury (Parts 1600--1699)
      XVII  Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight, 
                Department of Housing and Urban Development (Parts 
                1700--1799)
     XVIII  Community Development Financial Institutions Fund, 
                Department of the Treasury (Parts 1800--1899)

               Title 13--Business Credit and Assistance

         I  Small Business Administration (Parts 1--199)
       III  Economic Development Administration, Department of 
                Commerce (Parts 300--399)
        IV  Emergency Steel Guarantee Loan Board (Parts 400--499)
         V  Emergency Oil and Gas Guaranteed Loan Board (Parts 
                500--599)

                    Title 14--Aeronautics and Space

         I  Federal Aviation Administration, Department of 
                Transportation (Parts 1--199)
        II  Office of the Secretary, Department of Transportation 
                (Aviation Proceedings) (Parts 200--399)
       III  Commercial Space Transportation, Federal Aviation 
                Administration, Department of Transportation 
                (Parts 400--1199)
         V  National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Parts 
                1200--1299)
        VI  Air Transportation System Stabilization (Parts 1300--
                1399)

                 Title 15--Commerce and Foreign Trade

            Subtitle A--Office of the Secretary of Commerce (Parts 
                0--29)
            Subtitle B--Regulations Relating to Commerce and 
                Foreign Trade
         I  Bureau of the Census, Department of Commerce (Parts 
                30--199)
        II  National Institute of Standards and Technology, 
                Department of Commerce (Parts 200--299)
       III  International Trade Administration, Department of 
                Commerce (Parts 300--399)
        IV  Foreign-Trade Zones Board, Department of Commerce 
                (Parts 400--499)
       VII  Bureau of Industry and Security, Department of 
                Commerce (Parts 700--799)

[[Page 1036]]

      VIII  Bureau of Economic Analysis, Department of Commerce 
                (Parts 800--899)
        IX  National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 
                Department of Commerce (Parts 900--999)
        XI  National Technical Information Service, Department of 
                Commerce (Parts 1100--1199)
      XIII  East-West Foreign Trade Board (Parts 1300--1399)
       XIV  Minority Business Development Agency (Parts 1400--
                1499)
        XV  Office of the Under-Secretary for Economic Affairs, 
                Department of Commerce (Parts 1500--1599)
            Subtitle C--Regulations Relating to Foreign Trade 
                Agreements
        XX  Office of the United States Trade Representative 
                (Parts 2000--2099)
            Subtitle D--Regulations Relating to Telecommunications 
                and Information
     XXIII  National Telecommunications and Information 
                Administration, Department of Commerce (Parts 
                2300--2399) [Reserved]

                    Title 16--Commercial Practices

         I  Federal Trade Commission (Parts 0--999)
        II  Consumer Product Safety Commission (Parts 1000--1799)

             Title 17--Commodity and Securities Exchanges

         I  Commodity Futures Trading Commission (Parts 1--199)
        II  Securities and Exchange Commission (Parts 200--399)
        IV  Department of the Treasury (Parts 400--499)

          Title 18--Conservation of Power and Water Resources

         I  Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Department of 
                Energy (Parts 1--399)
       III  Delaware River Basin Commission (Parts 400--499)
        VI  Water Resources Council (Parts 700--799)
      VIII  Susquehanna River Basin Commission (Parts 800--899)
      XIII  Tennessee Valley Authority (Parts 1300--1399)

                       Title 19--Customs Duties

         I  U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of 
                Homeland Security; Department of the Treasury 
                (Parts 0--199)
        II  United States International Trade Commission (Parts 
                200--299)
       III  International Trade Administration, Department of 
                Commerce (Parts 300--399)
        IV  U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Department 
                of Homeland Security (Parts 400--599) [Reserved]

[[Page 1037]]

                     Title 20--Employees' Benefits

         I  Office of Workers' Compensation Programs, Department 
                of Labor (Parts 1--199)
        II  Railroad Retirement Board (Parts 200--399)
       III  Social Security Administration (Parts 400--499)
        IV  Employees' Compensation Appeals Board, Department of 
                Labor (Parts 500--599)
         V  Employment and Training Administration, Department of 
                Labor (Parts 600--699)
        VI  Office of Workers' Compensation Programs, Department 
                of Labor (Parts 700--799)
       VII  Benefits Review Board, Department of Labor (Parts 
                800--899)
      VIII  Joint Board for the Enrollment of Actuaries (Parts 
                900--999)
        IX  Office of the Assistant Secretary for Veterans' 
                Employment and Training Service, Department of 
                Labor (Parts 1000--1099)

                       Title 21--Food and Drugs

         I  Food and Drug Administration, Department of Health and 
                Human Services (Parts 1--1299)
        II  Drug Enforcement Administration, Department of Justice 
                (Parts 1300--1399)
       III  Office of National Drug Control Policy (Parts 1400--
                1499)

                      Title 22--Foreign Relations

         I  Department of State (Parts 1--199)
        II  Agency for International Development (Parts 200--299)
       III  Peace Corps (Parts 300--399)
        IV  International Joint Commission, United States and 
                Canada (Parts 400--499)
         V  United States Agency for Global Media (Parts 500--599)
       VII  U.S. International Development Finance Corporation 
                (Parts 700--799)
        IX  Foreign Service Grievance Board (Parts 900--999)
         X  Inter-American Foundation (Parts 1000--1099)
        XI  International Boundary and Water Commission, United 
                States and Mexico, United States Section (Parts 
                1100--1199)
       XII  United States International Development Cooperation 
                Agency (Parts 1200--1299)
      XIII  Millennium Challenge Corporation (Parts 1300--1399)
       XIV  Foreign Service Labor Relations Board; Federal Labor 
                Relations Authority; General Counsel of the 
                Federal Labor Relations Authority; and the Foreign 
                Service Impasse Disputes Panel (Parts 1400--1499)
        XV  African Development Foundation (Parts 1500--1599)
       XVI  Japan-United States Friendship Commission (Parts 
                1600--1699)
      XVII  United States Institute of Peace (Parts 1700--1799)

[[Page 1038]]

                          Title 23--Highways

         I  Federal Highway Administration, Department of 
                Transportation (Parts 1--999)
        II  National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and 
                Federal Highway Administration, Department of 
                Transportation (Parts 1200--1299)
       III  National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 
                Department of Transportation (Parts 1300--1399)

                Title 24--Housing and Urban Development

            Subtitle A--Office of the Secretary, Department of 
                Housing and Urban Development (Parts 0--99)
            Subtitle B--Regulations Relating to Housing and Urban 
                Development
         I  Office of Assistant Secretary for Equal Opportunity, 
                Department of Housing and Urban Development (Parts 
                100--199)
        II  Office of Assistant Secretary for Housing-Federal 
                Housing Commissioner, Department of Housing and 
                Urban Development (Parts 200--299)
       III  Government National Mortgage Association, Department 
                of Housing and Urban Development (Parts 300--399)
        IV  Office of Housing and Office of Multifamily Housing 
                Assistance Restructuring, Department of Housing 
                and Urban Development (Parts 400--499)
         V  Office of Assistant Secretary for Community Planning 
                and Development, Department of Housing and Urban 
                Development (Parts 500--599)
        VI  Office of Assistant Secretary for Community Planning 
                and Development, Department of Housing and Urban 
                Development (Parts 600--699) [Reserved]
       VII  Office of the Secretary, Department of Housing and 
                Urban Development (Housing Assistance Programs and 
                Public and Indian Housing Programs) (Parts 700--
                799)
      VIII  Office of the Assistant Secretary for Housing--Federal 
                Housing Commissioner, Department of Housing and 
                Urban Development (Section 8 Housing Assistance 
                Programs, Section 202 Direct Loan Program, Section 
                202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program and 
                Section 811 Supportive Housing for Persons With 
                Disabilities Program) (Parts 800--899)
        IX  Office of Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian 
                Housing, Department of Housing and Urban 
                Development (Parts 900--1699)
         X  Office of Assistant Secretary for Housing--Federal 
                Housing Commissioner, Department of Housing and 
                Urban Development (Interstate Land Sales 
                Registration Program) (Parts 1700--1799) 
                [Reserved]
       XII  Office of Inspector General, Department of Housing and 
                Urban Development (Parts 2000--2099)
        XV  Emergency Mortgage Insurance and Loan Programs, 
                Department of Housing and Urban Development (Parts 
                2700--2799) [Reserved]

[[Page 1039]]

        XX  Office of Assistant Secretary for Housing--Federal 
                Housing Commissioner, Department of Housing and 
                Urban Development (Parts 3200--3899)
      XXIV  Board of Directors of the HOPE for Homeowners Program 
                (Parts 4000--4099) [Reserved]
       XXV  Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation (Parts 4100--
                4199)

                           Title 25--Indians

         I  Bureau of Indian Affairs, Department of the Interior 
                (Parts 1--299)
        II  Indian Arts and Crafts Board, Department of the 
                Interior (Parts 300--399)
       III  National Indian Gaming Commission, Department of the 
                Interior (Parts 500--599)
        IV  Office of Navajo and Hopi Indian Relocation (Parts 
                700--899)
         V  Bureau of Indian Affairs, Department of the Interior, 
                and Indian Health Service, Department of Health 
                and Human Services (Part 900--999)
        VI  Office of the Assistant Secretary, Indian Affairs, 
                Department of the Interior (Parts 1000--1199)
       VII  Office of the Special Trustee for American Indians, 
                Department of the Interior (Parts 1200--1299)

                      Title 26--Internal Revenue

         I  Internal Revenue Service, Department of the Treasury 
                (Parts 1--End)

           Title 27--Alcohol, Tobacco Products and Firearms

         I  Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, Department 
                of the Treasury (Parts 1--399)
        II  Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, 
                Department of Justice (Parts 400--799)

                   Title 28--Judicial Administration

         I  Department of Justice (Parts 0--299)
       III  Federal Prison Industries, Inc., Department of Justice 
                (Parts 300--399)
         V  Bureau of Prisons, Department of Justice (Parts 500--
                599)
        VI  Offices of Independent Counsel, Department of Justice 
                (Parts 600--699)
       VII  Office of Independent Counsel (Parts 700--799)
      VIII  Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency for the 
                District of Columbia (Parts 800--899)
        IX  National Crime Prevention and Privacy Compact Council 
                (Parts 900--999)

[[Page 1040]]

        XI  Department of Justice and Department of State (Parts 
                1100--1199)

                            Title 29--Labor

            Subtitle A--Office of the Secretary of Labor (Parts 
                0--99)
            Subtitle B--Regulations Relating to Labor
         I  National Labor Relations Board (Parts 100--199)
        II  Office of Labor-Management Standards, Department of 
                Labor (Parts 200--299)
       III  National Railroad Adjustment Board (Parts 300--399)
        IV  Office of Labor-Management Standards, Department of 
                Labor (Parts 400--499)
         V  Wage and Hour Division, Department of Labor (Parts 
                500--899)
        IX  Construction Industry Collective Bargaining Commission 
                (Parts 900--999)
         X  National Mediation Board (Parts 1200--1299)
       XII  Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (Parts 
                1400--1499)
       XIV  Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (Parts 1600--
                1699)
      XVII  Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 
                Department of Labor (Parts 1900--1999)
        XX  Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission 
                (Parts 2200--2499)
       XXV  Employee Benefits Security Administration, Department 
                of Labor (Parts 2500--2599)
     XXVII  Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission 
                (Parts 2700--2799)
        XL  Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (Parts 4000--
                4999)

                      Title 30--Mineral Resources

         I  Mine Safety and Health Administration, Department of 
                Labor (Parts 1--199)
        II  Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, 
                Department of the Interior (Parts 200--299)
        IV  Geological Survey, Department of the Interior (Parts 
                400--499)
         V  Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Department of the 
                Interior (Parts 500--599)
       VII  Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, 
                Department of the Interior (Parts 700--999)
       XII  Office of Natural Resources Revenue, Department of the 
                Interior (Parts 1200--1299)

                 Title 31--Money and Finance: Treasury

            Subtitle A--Office of the Secretary of the Treasury 
                (Parts 0--50)
            Subtitle B--Regulations Relating to Money and Finance

[[Page 1041]]

         I  Monetary Offices, Department of the Treasury (Parts 
                51--199)
        II  Fiscal Service, Department of the Treasury (Parts 
                200--399)
        IV  Secret Service, Department of the Treasury (Parts 
                400--499)
         V  Office of Foreign Assets Control, Department of the 
                Treasury (Parts 500--599)
        VI  Bureau of Engraving and Printing, Department of the 
                Treasury (Parts 600--699)
       VII  Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, Department of 
                the Treasury (Parts 700--799)
      VIII  Office of Investment Security, Department of the 
                Treasury (Parts 800--899)
        IX  Federal Claims Collection Standards (Department of the 
                Treasury--Department of Justice) (Parts 900--999)
         X  Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, Department of 
                the Treasury (Parts 1000--1099)

                      Title 32--National Defense

            Subtitle A--Department of Defense
         I  Office of the Secretary of Defense (Parts 1--399)
         V  Department of the Army (Parts 400--699)
        VI  Department of the Navy (Parts 700--799)
       VII  Department of the Air Force (Parts 800--1099)
            Subtitle B--Other Regulations Relating to National 
                Defense
       XII  Department of Defense, Defense Logistics Agency (Parts 
                1200--1299)
       XVI  Selective Service System (Parts 1600--1699)
      XVII  Office of the Director of National Intelligence (Parts 
                1700--1799)
     XVIII  National Counterintelligence Center (Parts 1800--1899)
       XIX  Central Intelligence Agency (Parts 1900--1999)
        XX  Information Security Oversight Office, National 
                Archives and Records Administration (Parts 2000--
                2099)
       XXI  National Security Council (Parts 2100--2199)
      XXIV  Office of Science and Technology Policy (Parts 2400--
                2499)
     XXVII  Office for Micronesian Status Negotiations (Parts 
                2700--2799)
    XXVIII  Office of the Vice President of the United States 
                (Parts 2800--2899)

               Title 33--Navigation and Navigable Waters

         I  Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security (Parts 
                1--199)
        II  Corps of Engineers, Department of the Army, Department 
                of Defense (Parts 200--399)
        IV  Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development 
                Corporation, Department of Transportation (Parts 
                400--499)

[[Page 1042]]

                          Title 34--Education

            Subtitle A--Office of the Secretary, Department of 
                Education (Parts 1--99)
            Subtitle B--Regulations of the Offices of the 
                Department of Education
         I  Office for Civil Rights, Department of Education 
                (Parts 100--199)
        II  Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, 
                Department of Education (Parts 200--299)
       III  Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative 
                Services, Department of Education (Parts 300--399)
        IV  Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education, 
                Department of Education (Parts 400--499)
         V  Office of Bilingual Education and Minority Languages 
                Affairs, Department of Education (Parts 500--599) 
                [Reserved]
        VI  Office of Postsecondary Education, Department of 
                Education (Parts 600--699)
       VII  Office of Educational Research and Improvement, 
                Department of Education (Parts 700--799) 
                [Reserved]
            Subtitle C--Regulations Relating to Education
        XI  [Reserved]
       XII  National Council on Disability (Parts 1200--1299)

                          Title 35 [Reserved]

             Title 36--Parks, Forests, and Public Property

         I  National Park Service, Department of the Interior 
                (Parts 1--199)
        II  Forest Service, Department of Agriculture (Parts 200--
                299)
       III  Corps of Engineers, Department of the Army (Parts 
                300--399)
        IV  American Battle Monuments Commission (Parts 400--499)
         V  Smithsonian Institution (Parts 500--599)
        VI  [Reserved]
       VII  Library of Congress (Parts 700--799)
      VIII  Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (Parts 800--
                899)
        IX  Pennsylvania Avenue Development Corporation (Parts 
                900--999)
         X  Presidio Trust (Parts 1000--1099)
        XI  Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance 
                Board (Parts 1100--1199)
       XII  National Archives and Records Administration (Parts 
                1200--1299)
        XV  Oklahoma City National Memorial Trust (Parts 1500--
                1599)
       XVI  Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National 
                Environmental Policy Foundation (Parts 1600--1699)

             Title 37--Patents, Trademarks, and Copyrights

         I  United States Patent and Trademark Office, Department 
                of Commerce (Parts 1--199)
        II  U.S. Copyright Office, Library of Congress (Parts 
                200--299)

[[Page 1043]]

       III  Copyright Royalty Board, Library of Congress (Parts 
                300--399)
        IV  National Institute of Standards and Technology, 
                Department of Commerce (Parts 400--599)

           Title 38--Pensions, Bonuses, and Veterans' Relief

         I  Department of Veterans Affairs (Parts 0--199)
        II  Armed Forces Retirement Home (Parts 200--299)

                       Title 39--Postal Service

         I  United States Postal Service (Parts 1--999)
       III  Postal Regulatory Commission (Parts 3000--3099)

                  Title 40--Protection of Environment

         I  Environmental Protection Agency (Parts 1--1099)
        IV  Environmental Protection Agency and Department of 
                Justice (Parts 1400--1499)
         V  Council on Environmental Quality (Parts 1500--1599)
        VI  Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (Parts 
                1600--1699)
       VII  Environmental Protection Agency and Department of 
                Defense; Uniform National Discharge Standards for 
                Vessels of the Armed Forces (Parts 1700--1799)
      VIII  Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council (Parts 1800--
                1899)
        IX  Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council (Part 
                1900)

          Title 41--Public Contracts and Property Management

            Subtitle A--Federal Procurement Regulations System 
                [Note]
            Subtitle B--Other Provisions Relating to Public 
                Contracts
        50  Public Contracts, Department of Labor (Parts 50-1--50-
                999)
        51  Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or 
                Severely Disabled (Parts 51-1--51-99)
        60  Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, Equal 
                Employment Opportunity, Department of Labor (Parts 
                60-1--60-999)
        61  Office of the Assistant Secretary for Veterans' 
                Employment and Training Service, Department of 
                Labor (Parts 61-1--61-999)
   62--100  [Reserved]
            Subtitle C--Federal Property Management Regulations 
                System
       101  Federal Property Management Regulations (Parts 101-1--
                101-99)
       102  Federal Management Regulation (Parts 102-1--102-299)
  103--104  (Parts 103-001--104-099) [Reserved]
       105  General Services Administration (Parts 105-1--105-999)

[[Page 1044]]

       109  Department of Energy Property Management Regulations 
                (Parts 109-1--109-99)
       114  Department of the Interior (Parts 114-1--114-99)
       115  Environmental Protection Agency (Parts 115-1--115-99)
       128  Department of Justice (Parts 128-1--128-99)
  129--200  [Reserved]
            Subtitle D--Federal Acquisition Supply Chain Security
       201  Federal Acquisition Security Council (Parts 201-1--
                201-99)
            Subtitle E [Reserved]
            Subtitle F--Federal Travel Regulation System
       300  General (Parts 300-1--300-99)
       301  Temporary Duty (TDY) Travel Allowances (Parts 301-1--
                301-99)
       302  Relocation Allowances (Parts 302-1--302-99)
       303  Payment of Expenses Connected with the Death of 
                Certain Employees (Part 303-1--303-99)
       304  Payment of Travel Expenses from a Non-Federal Source 
                (Parts 304-1--304-99)

                        Title 42--Public Health

         I  Public Health Service, Department of Health and Human 
                Services (Parts 1--199)
   II--III  [Reserved]
        IV  Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Department 
                of Health and Human Services (Parts 400--699)
         V  Office of Inspector General-Health Care, Department of 
                Health and Human Services (Parts 1000--1099)

                   Title 43--Public Lands: Interior

            Subtitle A--Office of the Secretary of the Interior 
                (Parts 1--199)
            Subtitle B--Regulations Relating to Public Lands
         I  Bureau of Reclamation, Department of the Interior 
                (Parts 400--999)
        II  Bureau of Land Management, Department of the Interior 
                (Parts 1000--9999)
       III  Utah Reclamation Mitigation and Conservation 
                Commission (Parts 10000--10099)

             Title 44--Emergency Management and Assistance

         I  Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of 
                Homeland Security (Parts 0--399)
        IV  Department of Commerce and Department of 
                Transportation (Parts 400--499)

[[Page 1045]]

                       Title 45--Public Welfare

            Subtitle A--Department of Health and Human Services 
                (Parts 1--199)
            Subtitle B--Regulations Relating to Public Welfare
        II  Office of Family Assistance (Assistance Programs), 
                Administration for Children and Families, 
                Department of Health and Human Services (Parts 
                200--299)
       III  Office of Child Support Enforcement (Child Support 
                Enforcement Program), Administration for Children 
                and Families, Department of Health and Human 
                Services (Parts 300--399)
        IV  Office of Refugee Resettlement, Administration for 
                Children and Families, Department of Health and 
                Human Services (Parts 400--499)
         V  Foreign Claims Settlement Commission of the United 
                States, Department of Justice (Parts 500--599)
        VI  National Science Foundation (Parts 600--699)
       VII  Commission on Civil Rights (Parts 700--799)
      VIII  Office of Personnel Management (Parts 800--899)
        IX  Denali Commission (Parts 900--999)
         X  Office of Community Services, Administration for 
                Children and Families, Department of Health and 
                Human Services (Parts 1000--1099)
        XI  National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities 
                (Parts 1100--1199)
       XII  Corporation for National and Community Service (Parts 
                1200--1299)
      XIII  Administration for Children and Families, Department 
                of Health and Human Services (Parts 1300--1399)
       XVI  Legal Services Corporation (Parts 1600--1699)
      XVII  National Commission on Libraries and Information 
                Science (Parts 1700--1799)
     XVIII  Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation (Parts 1800--
                1899)
       XXI  Commission of Fine Arts (Parts 2100--2199)
     XXIII  Arctic Research Commission (Parts 2300--2399)
      XXIV  James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation (Parts 
                2400--2499)
       XXV  Corporation for National and Community Service (Parts 
                2500--2599)

                          Title 46--Shipping

         I  Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security (Parts 
                1--199)
        II  Maritime Administration, Department of Transportation 
                (Parts 200--399)
       III  Coast Guard (Great Lakes Pilotage), Department of 
                Homeland Security (Parts 400--499)
        IV  Federal Maritime Commission (Parts 500--599)

[[Page 1046]]

                      Title 47--Telecommunication

         I  Federal Communications Commission (Parts 0--199)
        II  Office of Science and Technology Policy and National 
                Security Council (Parts 200--299)
       III  National Telecommunications and Information 
                Administration, Department of Commerce (Parts 
                300--399)
        IV  National Telecommunications and Information 
                Administration, Department of Commerce, and 
                National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 
                Department of Transportation (Parts 400--499)
         V  The First Responder Network Authority (Parts 500--599)

           Title 48--Federal Acquisition Regulations System

         1  Federal Acquisition Regulation (Parts 1--99)
         2  Defense Acquisition Regulations System, Department of 
                Defense (Parts 200--299)
         3  Department of Health and Human Services (Parts 300--
                399)
         4  Department of Agriculture (Parts 400--499)
         5  General Services Administration (Parts 500--599)
         6  Department of State (Parts 600--699)
         7  Agency for International Development (Parts 700--799)
         8  Department of Veterans Affairs (Parts 800--899)
         9  Department of Energy (Parts 900--999)
        10  Department of the Treasury (Parts 1000--1099)
        12  Department of Transportation (Parts 1200--1299)
        13  Department of Commerce (Parts 1300--1399)
        14  Department of the Interior (Parts 1400--1499)
        15  Environmental Protection Agency (Parts 1500--1599)
        16  Office of Personnel Management, Federal Employees 
                Health Benefits Acquisition Regulation (Parts 
                1600--1699)
        17  Office of Personnel Management (Parts 1700--1799)
        18  National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Parts 
                1800--1899)
        19  Broadcasting Board of Governors (Parts 1900--1999)
        20  Nuclear Regulatory Commission (Parts 2000--2099)
        21  Office of Personnel Management, Federal Employees 
                Group Life Insurance Federal Acquisition 
                Regulation (Parts 2100--2199)
        23  Social Security Administration (Parts 2300--2399)
        24  Department of Housing and Urban Development (Parts 
                2400--2499)
        25  National Science Foundation (Parts 2500--2599)
        28  Department of Justice (Parts 2800--2899)
        29  Department of Labor (Parts 2900--2999)
        30  Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security 
                Acquisition Regulation (HSAR) (Parts 3000--3099)
        34  Department of Education Acquisition Regulation (Parts 
                3400--3499)

[[Page 1047]]

        51  Department of the Army Acquisition Regulations (Parts 
                5100--5199) [Reserved]
        52  Department of the Navy Acquisition Regulations (Parts 
                5200--5299)
        53  Department of the Air Force Federal Acquisition 
                Regulation Supplement (Parts 5300--5399) 
                [Reserved]
        54  Defense Logistics Agency, Department of Defense (Parts 
                5400--5499)
        57  African Development Foundation (Parts 5700--5799)
        61  Civilian Board of Contract Appeals, General Services 
                Administration (Parts 6100--6199)
        99  Cost Accounting Standards Board, Office of Federal 
                Procurement Policy, Office of Management and 
                Budget (Parts 9900--9999)

                       Title 49--Transportation

            Subtitle A--Office of the Secretary of Transportation 
                (Parts 1--99)
            Subtitle B--Other Regulations Relating to 
                Transportation
         I  Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety 
                Administration, Department of Transportation 
                (Parts 100--199)
        II  Federal Railroad Administration, Department of 
                Transportation (Parts 200--299)
       III  Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 
                Department of Transportation (Parts 300--399)
        IV  Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security (Parts 
                400--499)
         V  National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 
                Department of Transportation (Parts 500--599)
        VI  Federal Transit Administration, Department of 
                Transportation (Parts 600--699)
       VII  National Railroad Passenger Corporation (AMTRAK) 
                (Parts 700--799)
      VIII  National Transportation Safety Board (Parts 800--999)
         X  Surface Transportation Board (Parts 1000--1399)
        XI  Research and Innovative Technology Administration, 
                Department of Transportation (Parts 1400--1499) 
                [Reserved]
       XII  Transportation Security Administration, Department of 
                Homeland Security (Parts 1500--1699)

                   Title 50--Wildlife and Fisheries

         I  United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of 
                the Interior (Parts 1--199)
        II  National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic 
                and Atmospheric Administration, Department of 
                Commerce (Parts 200--299)
       III  International Fishing and Related Activities (Parts 
                300--399)

[[Page 1048]]

        IV  Joint Regulations (United States Fish and Wildlife 
                Service, Department of the Interior and National 
                Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and 
                Atmospheric Administration, Department of 
                Commerce); Endangered Species Committee 
                Regulations (Parts 400--499)
         V  Marine Mammal Commission (Parts 500--599)
        VI  Fishery Conservation and Management, National Oceanic 
                and Atmospheric Administration, Department of 
                Commerce (Parts 600--699)

[[Page 1049]]





           Alphabetical List of Agencies Appearing in the CFR




                     (Revised as of October 1, 2023)

                                                  CFR Title, Subtitle or 
                     Agency                               Chapter

Administrative Conference of the United States    1, III
Advisory Council on Historic Preservation         36, VIII
Advocacy and Outreach, Office of                  7, XXV
Afghanistan Reconstruction, Special Inspector     5, LXXXIII
     General for
African Development Foundation                    22, XV
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 57
Agency for International Development              2, VII; 22, II
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 7
Agricultural Marketing Service                    7, I, VIII, IX, X, XI; 9, 
                                                  II
Agricultural Research Service                     7, V
Agriculture, Department of                        2, IV; 5, LXXIII
  Advocacy and Outreach, Office of                7, XXV
  Agricultural Marketing Service                  7, I, VIII, IX, X, XI; 9, 
                                                  II
  Agricultural Research Service                   7, V
  Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service      7, III; 9, I
  Chief Financial Officer, Office of              7, XXX
  Commodity Credit Corporation                    7, XIV
  Economic Research Service                       7, XXXVII
  Energy Policy and New Uses, Office of           2, IX; 7, XXIX
  Environmental Quality, Office of                7, XXXI
  Farm Service Agency                             7, VII, XVIII
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 4
  Federal Crop Insurance Corporation              7, IV
  Food and Nutrition Service                      7, II
  Food Safety and Inspection Service              9, III
  Foreign Agricultural Service                    7, XV
  Forest Service                                  36, II
  Information Resources Management, Office of     7, XXVII
  Inspector General, Office of                    7, XXVI
  National Agricultural Library                   7, XLI
  National Agricultural Statistics Service        7, XXXVI
  National Institute of Food and Agriculture      7, XXXIV
  Natural Resources Conservation Service          7, VI
  Operations, Office of                           7, XXVIII
  Procurement and Property Management, Office of  7, XXXII
  Rural Business-Cooperative Service              7, XVIII, XLII
  Rural Development Administration                7, XLII
  Rural Housing Service                           7, XVIII, XXXV
  Rural Utilities Service                         7, XVII, XVIII, XLII
  Secretary of Agriculture, Office of             7, Subtitle A
  Transportation, Office of                       7, XXXIII
  World Agricultural Outlook Board                7, XXXVIII
Air Force, Department of                          32, VII
  Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement       48, 53
Air Transportation Stabilization Board            14, VI
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau          27, I
Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives,       27, II
     Bureau of
AMTRAK                                            49, VII
American Battle Monuments Commission              36, IV
American Indians, Office of the Special Trustee   25, VII
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service        7, III; 9, I
Appalachian Regional Commission                   5, IX
Architectural and Transportation Barriers         36, XI
   Compliance Board
[[Page 1050]]

Arctic Research Commission                        45, XXIII
Armed Forces Retirement Home                      5, XI; 38, II
Army, Department of                               32, V
  Engineers, Corps of                             33, II; 36, III
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 51
Benefits Review Board                             20, VII
Bilingual Education and Minority Languages        34, V
     Affairs, Office of
Blind or Severely Disabled, Committee for         41, 51
     Purchase from People Who Are
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 19
Career, Technical, and Adult Education, Office    34, IV
     of
Census Bureau                                     15, I
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services          42, IV
Central Intelligence Agency                       32, XIX
Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board    40, VI
Chief Financial Officer, Office of                7, XXX
Child Support Enforcement, Office of              45, III
Children and Families, Administration for         45, II, III, IV, X, XIII
Civil Rights, Commission on                       5, LXVIII; 45, VII
Civil Rights, Office for                          34, I
Coast Guard                                       33, I; 46, I; 49, IV
Coast Guard (Great Lakes Pilotage)                46, III
Commerce, Department of                           2, XIII; 44, IV; 50, VI
  Census Bureau                                   15, I
  Economic Affairs, Office of the Under-          15, XV
       Secretary for
  Economic Analysis, Bureau of                    15, VIII
  Economic Development Administration             13, III
  Emergency Management and Assistance             44, IV
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 13
  Foreign-Trade Zones Board                       15, IV
  Industry and Security, Bureau of                15, VII
  International Trade Administration              15, III; 19, III
  National Institute of Standards and Technology  15, II; 37, IV
  National Marine Fisheries Service               50, II, IV
  National Oceanic and Atmospheric                15, IX; 50, II, III, IV, 
       Administration                             VI
  National Technical Information Service          15, XI
  National Telecommunications and Information     15, XXIII; 47, III, IV
       Administration
  National Weather Service                        15, IX
  Patent and Trademark Office, United States      37, I
  Secretary of Commerce, Office of                15, Subtitle A
Commercial Space Transportation                   14, III
Commodity Credit Corporation                      7, XIV
Commodity Futures Trading Commission              5, XLI; 17, I
Community Planning and Development, Office of     24, V, VI
     Assistant Secretary for
Community Services, Office of                     45, X
Comptroller of the Currency                       12, I
Construction Industry Collective Bargaining       29, IX
     Commission
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau              5, LXXXIV; 12, X
Consumer Product Safety Commission                5, LXXI; 16, II
Copyright Royalty Board                           37, III
Corporation for National and Community Service    2, XXII; 45, XII, XXV
Cost Accounting Standards Board                   48, 99
Council on Environmental Quality                  40, V
Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity    5, XCVIII
     and Efficiency
Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency    5, LXX; 28, VIII
     for the District of Columbia
Customs and Border Protection                     19, I
Defense, Department of                            2, XI; 5, XXVI; 32, 
                                                  Subtitle A; 40, VII
  Advanced Research Projects Agency               32, I
  Air Force Department                            32, VII
  Army Department                                 32, V; 33, II; 36, III; 
                                                  48, 51
  Defense Acquisition Regulations System          48, 2
  Defense Intelligence Agency                     32, I

[[Page 1051]]

  Defense Logistics Agency                        32, I, XII; 48, 54
  Engineers, Corps of                             33, II; 36, III
  National Imagery and Mapping Agency             32, I
  Navy, Department of                             32, VI; 48, 52
  Secretary of Defense, Office of                 2, XI; 32, I
Defense Contract Audit Agency                     32, I
Defense Intelligence Agency                       32, I
Defense Logistics Agency                          32, XII; 48, 54
Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board           10, XVII
Delaware River Basin Commission                   18, III
Denali Commission                                 45, IX
Disability, National Council on                   5, C; 34, XII
District of Columbia, Court Services and          5, LXX; 28, VIII
     Offender Supervision Agency for the
Drug Enforcement Administration                   21, II
East-West Foreign Trade Board                     15, XIII
Economic Affairs, Office of the Under-Secretary   15, XV
     for
Economic Analysis, Bureau of                      15, VIII
Economic Development Administration               13, III
Economic Research Service                         7, XXXVII
Education, Department of                          2, XXXIV; 5, LIII
  Bilingual Education and Minority Languages      34, V
       Affairs, Office of
  Career, Technical, and Adult Education, Office  34, IV
       of
  Civil Rights, Office for                        34, I
  Educational Research and Improvement, Office    34, VII
       of
  Elementary and Secondary Education, Office of   34, II
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 34
  Postsecondary Education, Office of              34, VI
  Secretary of Education, Office of               34, Subtitle A
  Special Education and Rehabilitative Services,  34, III
       Office of
Educational Research and Improvement, Office of   34, VII
Election Assistance Commission                    2, LVIII; 11, II
Elementary and Secondary Education, Office of     34, II
Emergency Oil and Gas Guaranteed Loan Board       13, V
Emergency Steel Guarantee Loan Board              13, IV
Employee Benefits Security Administration         29, XXV
Employees' Compensation Appeals Board             20, IV
Employees Loyalty Board                           5, V
Employment and Training Administration            20, V
Employment Policy, National Commission for        1, IV
Employment Standards Administration               20, VI
Endangered Species Committee                      50, IV
Energy, Department of                             2, IX; 5, XXIII; 10, II, 
                                                  III, X
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 9
  Federal Energy Regulatory Commission            5, XXIV; 18, I
  Property Management Regulations                 41, 109
Energy, Office of                                 7, XXIX
Engineers, Corps of                               33, II; 36, III
Engraving and Printing, Bureau of                 31, VI
Environmental Protection Agency                   2, XV; 5, LIV; 40, I, IV, 
                                                  VII
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 15
  Property Management Regulations                 41, 115
Environmental Quality, Office of                  7, XXXI
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission           5, LXII; 29, XIV
Equal Opportunity, Office of Assistant Secretary  24, I
     for
Executive Office of the President                 3, I
  Environmental Quality, Council on               40, V
  Management and Budget, Office of                2, Subtitle A; 5, III, 
                                                  LXXVII; 14, VI; 48, 99
  National Drug Control Policy, Office of         2, XXXVI; 21, III
  National Security Council                       32, XXI; 47, II
  Presidential Documents                          3
  Science and Technology Policy, Office of        32, XXIV; 47, II
  Trade Representative, Office of the United      15, XX
     States
[[Page 1052]]

Export-Import Bank of the United States           2, XXXV; 5, LII; 12, IV
Family Assistance, Office of                      45, II
Farm Credit Administration                        5, XXXI; 12, VI
Farm Credit System Insurance Corporation          5, XXX; 12, XIV
Farm Service Agency                               7, VII, XVIII
Federal Acquisition Regulation                    48, 1
Federal Acquisition Security Council              41, 201
Federal Aviation Administration                   14, I
  Commercial Space Transportation                 14, III
Federal Claims Collection Standards               31, IX
Federal Communications Commission                 2, LX; 5, XXIX; 47, I
Federal Contract Compliance Programs, Office of   41, 60
Federal Crop Insurance Corporation                7, IV
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation             5, XXII; 12, III
Federal Election Commission                       5, XXXVII; 11, I
Federal Emergency Management Agency               44, I
Federal Employees Group Life Insurance Federal    48, 21
     Acquisition Regulation
Federal Employees Health Benefits Acquisition     48, 16
     Regulation
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission              5, XXIV; 18, I
Federal Financial Institutions Examination        12, XI
     Council
Federal Financing Bank                            12, VIII
Federal Highway Administration                    23, I, II
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation            1, IV
Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight Office       12, XVII
Federal Housing Finance Agency                    5, LXXX; 12, XII
Federal Labor Relations Authority                 5, XIV, XLIX; 22, XIV
Federal Law Enforcement Training Center           31, VII
Federal Management Regulation                     41, 102
Federal Maritime Commission                       46, IV
Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service        29, XII
Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission  5, LXXIV; 29, XXVII
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration       49, III
Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council   40, IX
Federal Prison Industries, Inc.                   28, III
Federal Procurement Policy Office                 48, 99
Federal Property Management Regulations           41, 101
Federal Railroad Administration                   49, II
Federal Register, Administrative Committee of     1, I
Federal Register, Office of                       1, II
Federal Reserve System                            12, II
  Board of Governors                              5, LVIII
Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board        5, VI, LXXVI
Federal Service Impasses Panel                    5, XIV
Federal Trade Commission                          5, XLVII; 16, I
Federal Transit Administration                    49, VI
Federal Travel Regulation System                  41, Subtitle F
Financial Crimes Enforcement Network              31, X
Financial Research Office                         12, XVI
Financial Stability Oversight Council             12, XIII
Fine Arts, Commission of                          45, XXI
Fiscal Service                                    31, II
Fish and Wildlife Service, United States          50, I, IV
Food and Drug Administration                      21, I
Food and Nutrition Service                        7, II
Food Safety and Inspection Service                9, III
Foreign Agricultural Service                      7, XV
Foreign Assets Control, Office of                 31, V
Foreign Claims Settlement Commission of the       45, V
     United States
Foreign Service Grievance Board                   22, IX
Foreign Service Impasse Disputes Panel            22, XIV
Foreign Service Labor Relations Board             22, XIV
Foreign-Trade Zones Board                         15, IV
Forest Service                                    36, II
General Services Administration                   5, LVII; 41, 105
  Contract Appeals, Board of                      48, 61
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 5

[[Page 1053]]

  Federal Management Regulation                   41, 102
  Federal Property Management Regulations         41, 101
  Federal Travel Regulation System                41, Subtitle F
  General                                         41, 300
  Payment From a Non-Federal Source for Travel    41, 304
       Expenses
  Payment of Expenses Connected With the Death    41, 303
       of Certain Employees
  Relocation Allowances                           41, 302
  Temporary Duty (TDY) Travel Allowances          41, 301
Geological Survey                                 30, IV
Government Accountability Office                  4, I
Government Ethics, Office of                      5, XVI
Government National Mortgage Association          24, III
Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards          7, VIII; 9, II
     Administration
Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development       33, IV
     Corporation
Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council          2, LIX; 40, VIII
Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation            45, XVIII
Health and Human Services, Department of          2, III; 5, XLV; 45, 
                                                  Subtitle A
  Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services        42, IV
  Child Support Enforcement, Office of            45, III
  Children and Families, Administration for       45, II, III, IV, X, XIII
  Community Services, Office of                   45, X
  Family Assistance, Office of                    45, II
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 3
  Food and Drug Administration                    21, I
  Indian Health Service                           25, V
  Inspector General (Health Care), Office of      42, V
  Public Health Service                           42, I
  Refugee Resettlement, Office of                 45, IV
Homeland Security, Department of                  2, XXX; 5, XXXVI; 6, I; 8, 
                                                  I
  Coast Guard                                     33, I; 46, I; 49, IV
  Coast Guard (Great Lakes Pilotage)              46, III
  Customs and Border Protection                   19, I
  Federal Emergency Management Agency             44, I
  Human Resources Management and Labor Relations  5, XCVII
       Systems
  Immigration and Customs Enforcement Bureau      19, IV
  Transportation Security Administration          49, XII
HOPE for Homeowners Program, Board of Directors   24, XXIV
     of
Housing and Urban Development, Department of      2, XXIV; 5, LXV; 24, 
                                                  Subtitle B
  Community Planning and Development, Office of   24, V, VI
       Assistant Secretary for
  Equal Opportunity, Office of Assistant          24, I
       Secretary for
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 24
  Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight, Office    12, XVII
       of
  Government National Mortgage Association        24, III
  Housing--Federal Housing Commissioner, Office   24, II, VIII, X, XX
       of Assistant Secretary for
  Housing, Office of, and Multifamily Housing     24, IV
       Assistance Restructuring, Office of
  Inspector General, Office of                    24, XII
  Public and Indian Housing, Office of Assistant  24, IX
       Secretary for
  Secretary, Office of                            24, Subtitle A, VII
Housing--Federal Housing Commissioner, Office of  24, II, VIII, X, XX
     Assistant Secretary for
Housing, Office of, and Multifamily Housing       24, IV
     Assistance Restructuring, Office of
Immigration and Customs Enforcement Bureau        19, IV
Immigration Review, Executive Office for          8, V
Independent Counsel, Office of                    28, VII
Independent Counsel, Offices of                   28, VI
Indian Affairs, Bureau of                         25, I, V
Indian Affairs, Office of the Assistant           25, VI
     Secretary
Indian Arts and Crafts Board                      25, II

[[Page 1054]]

Indian Health Service                             25, V
Industry and Security, Bureau of                  15, VII
Information Resources Management, Office of       7, XXVII
Information Security Oversight Office, National   32, XX
     Archives and Records Administration
Inspector General
  Agriculture Department                          7, XXVI
  Health and Human Services Department            42, V
  Housing and Urban Development Department        24, XII, XV
Institute of Peace, United States                 22, XVII
Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator,    5, CIV
     Office of
Inter-American Foundation                         5, LXIII; 22, X
Interior, Department of                           2, XIV
  American Indians, Office of the Special         25, VII
       Trustee
  Endangered Species Committee                    50, IV
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 14
  Federal Property Management Regulations System  41, 114
  Fish and Wildlife Service, United States        50, I, IV
  Geological Survey                               30, IV
  Indian Affairs, Bureau of                       25, I, V
  Indian Affairs, Office of the Assistant         25, VI
       Secretary
  Indian Arts and Crafts Board                    25, II
  Land Management, Bureau of                      43, II
  National Indian Gaming Commission               25, III
  National Park Service                           36, I
  Natural Resource Revenue, Office of             30, XII
  Ocean Energy Management, Bureau of              30, V
  Reclamation, Bureau of                          43, I
  Safety and Environmental Enforcement, Bureau    30, II
       of
  Secretary of the Interior, Office of            2, XIV; 43, Subtitle A
  Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement,     30, VII
       Office of
Internal Revenue Service                          26, I
International Boundary and Water Commission,      22, XI
     United States and Mexico, United States 
     Section
International Development, United States Agency   22, II
     for
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 7
International Development Cooperation Agency,     22, XII
     United States
International Development Finance Corporation,    5, XXXIII; 22, VII
     U.S.
International Joint Commission, United States     22, IV
     and Canada
International Organizations Employees Loyalty     5, V
     Board
International Trade Administration                15, III; 19, III
International Trade Commission, United States     19, II
Interstate Commerce Commission                    5, XL
Investment Security, Office of                    31, VIII
James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation      45, XXIV
Japan-United States Friendship Commission         22, XVI
Joint Board for the Enrollment of Actuaries       20, VIII
Justice, Department of                            2, XXVIII; 5, XXVIII; 28, 
                                                  I, XI; 40, IV
  Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives,     27, II
       Bureau of
  Drug Enforcement Administration                 21, II
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 28
  Federal Claims Collection Standards             31, IX
  Federal Prison Industries, Inc.                 28, III
  Foreign Claims Settlement Commission of the     45, V
       United States
  Immigration Review, Executive Office for        8, V
  Independent Counsel, Offices of                 28, VI
  Prisons, Bureau of                              28, V
  Property Management Regulations                 41, 128
Labor, Department of                              2, XXIX; 5, XLII
  Benefits Review Board                           20, VII
  Employee Benefits Security Administration       29, XXV
  Employees' Compensation Appeals Board           20, IV
  Employment and Training Administration          20, V
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 29

[[Page 1055]]

  Federal Contract Compliance Programs, Office    41, 60
       of
  Federal Procurement Regulations System          41, 50
  Labor-Management Standards, Office of           29, II, IV
  Mine Safety and Health Administration           30, I
  Occupational Safety and Health Administration   29, XVII
  Public Contracts                                41, 50
  Secretary of Labor, Office of                   29, Subtitle A
  Veterans' Employment and Training Service,      41, 61; 20, IX
       Office of the Assistant Secretary for
  Wage and Hour Division                          29, V
  Workers' Compensation Programs, Office of       20, I, VI
Labor-Management Standards, Office of             29, II, IV
Land Management, Bureau of                        43, II
Legal Services Corporation                        45, XVI
Libraries and Information Science, National       45, XVII
     Commission on
Library of Congress                               36, VII
  Copyright Royalty Board                         37, III
  U.S. Copyright Office                           37, II
Management and Budget, Office of                  5, III, LXXVII; 14, VI; 
                                                  48, 99
Marine Mammal Commission                          50, V
Maritime Administration                           46, II
Merit Systems Protection Board                    5, II, LXIV
Micronesian Status Negotiations, Office for       32, XXVII
Military Compensation and Retirement              5, XCIX
     Modernization Commission
Millennium Challenge Corporation                  22, XIII
Mine Safety and Health Administration             30, I
Minority Business Development Agency              15, XIV
Miscellaneous Agencies                            1, IV
Monetary Offices                                  31, I
Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in     36, XVI
     National Environmental Policy Foundation
Museum and Library Services, Institute of         2, XXXI
National Aeronautics and Space Administration     2, XVIII; 5, LIX; 14, V
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 18
National Agricultural Library                     7, XLI
National Agricultural Statistics Service          7, XXXVI
National and Community Service, Corporation for   2, XXII; 45, XII, XXV
National Archives and Records Administration      2, XXVI; 5, LXVI; 36, XII
  Information Security Oversight Office           32, XX
National Capital Planning Commission              1, IV, VI
National Counterintelligence Center               32, XVIII
National Credit Union Administration              5, LXXXVI; 12, VII
National Crime Prevention and Privacy Compact     28, IX
     Council
National Drug Control Policy, Office of           2, XXXVI; 21, III
National Endowment for the Arts                   2, XXXII
National Endowment for the Humanities             2, XXXIII
National Foundation on the Arts and the           45, XI
     Humanities
National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency           32, I
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration    23, II, III; 47, VI; 49, V
National Imagery and Mapping Agency               32, I
National Indian Gaming Commission                 25, III
National Institute of Food and Agriculture        7, XXXIV
National Institute of Standards and Technology    15, II; 37, IV
National Intelligence, Office of Director of      5, IV; 32, XVII
National Labor Relations Board                    5, LXI; 29, I
National Marine Fisheries Service                 50, II, IV
National Mediation Board                          5, CI; 29, X
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration   15, IX; 50, II, III, IV, 
                                                  VI
National Park Service                             36, I
National Railroad Adjustment Board                29, III
National Railroad Passenger Corporation (AMTRAK)  49, VII
National Science Foundation                       2, XXV; 5, XLIII; 45, VI
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 25
National Security Council                         32, XXI; 47, II

[[Page 1056]]

National Technical Information Service            15, XI
National Telecommunications and Information       15, XXIII; 47, III, IV, V
     Administration
National Transportation Safety Board              49, VIII
Natural Resource Revenue, Office of               30, XII
Natural Resources Conservation Service            7, VI
Navajo and Hopi Indian Relocation, Office of      25, IV
Navy, Department of                               32, VI
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 52
Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation             24, XXV
Northeast Interstate Low-Level Radioactive Waste  10, XVIII
     Commission
Nuclear Regulatory Commission                     2, XX; 5, XLVIII; 10, I
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 20
Occupational Safety and Health Administration     29, XVII
Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission  29, XX
Ocean Energy Management, Bureau of                30, V
Oklahoma City National Memorial Trust             36, XV
Operations Office                                 7, XXVIII
Patent and Trademark Office, United States        37, I
Payment From a Non-Federal Source for Travel      41, 304
     Expenses
Payment of Expenses Connected With the Death of   41, 303
     Certain Employees
Peace Corps                                       2, XXXVII; 22, III
Pennsylvania Avenue Development Corporation       36, IX
Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation              29, XL
Personnel Management, Office of                   5, I, IV, XXXV; 45, VIII
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 17
  Federal Employees Group Life Insurance Federal  48, 21
       Acquisition Regulation
  Federal Employees Health Benefits Acquisition   48, 16
       Regulation
  Human Resources Management and Labor Relations  5, XCVII
       Systems, Department of Homeland Security
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety           49, I
     Administration
Postal Regulatory Commission                      5, XLVI; 39, III
Postal Service, United States                     5, LX; 39, I
Postsecondary Education, Office of                34, VI
President's Commission on White House             1, IV
     Fellowships
Presidential Documents                            3
Presidio Trust                                    36, X
Prisons, Bureau of                                28, V
Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board       6, X
Procurement and Property Management, Office of    7, XXXII
Public and Indian Housing, Office of Assistant    24, IX
     Secretary for
Public Contracts, Department of Labor             41, 50
Public Health Service                             42, I
Railroad Retirement Board                         20, II
Reclamation, Bureau of                            43, I
Refugee Resettlement, Office of                   45, IV
Relocation Allowances                             41, 302
Research and Innovative Technology                49, XI
     Administration
Rural Business-Cooperative Service                7, XVIII, XLII, L
Rural Development Administration                  7, XLII
Rural Housing Service                             7, XVIII, XXXV, L
Rural Utilities Service                           7, XVII, XVIII, XLII, L
Safety and Environmental Enforcement, Bureau of   30, II
Science and Technology Policy, Office of          32, XXIV; 47, II
Secret Service                                    31, IV
Securities and Exchange Commission                5, XXXIV; 17, II
Selective Service System                          32, XVI
Small Business Administration                     2, XXVII; 13, I
Smithsonian Institution                           36, V
Social Security Administration                    2, XXIII; 20, III; 48, 23
Soldiers' and Airmen's Home, United States        5, XI
Special Counsel, Office of                        5, VIII
Special Education and Rehabilitative Services,    34, III
     Office of
State, Department of                              2, VI; 22, I; 28, XI

[[Page 1057]]

  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 6
Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement,       30, VII
     Office of
Surface Transportation Board                      49, X
Susquehanna River Basin Commission                18, VIII
Tennessee Valley Authority                        5, LXIX; 18, XIII
Trade Representative, United States, Office of    15, XX
Transportation, Department of                     2, XII; 5, L
  Commercial Space Transportation                 14, III
  Emergency Management and Assistance             44, IV
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 12
  Federal Aviation Administration                 14, I
  Federal Highway Administration                  23, I, II
  Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration     49, III
  Federal Railroad Administration                 49, II
  Federal Transit Administration                  49, VI
  Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development     33, IV
       Corporation
  Maritime Administration                         46, II
  National Highway Traffic Safety Administration  23, II, III; 47, IV; 49, V
  Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety         49, I
       Administration
  Secretary of Transportation, Office of          14, II; 49, Subtitle A
  Transportation Statistics Bureau                49, XI
Transportation, Office of                         7, XXXIII
Transportation Security Administration            49, XII
Transportation Statistics Bureau                  49, XI
Travel Allowances, Temporary Duty (TDY)           41, 301
Treasury, Department of the                       2, X; 5, XXI; 12, XV; 17, 
                                                  IV; 31, IX
  Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau        27, I
  Community Development Financial Institutions    12, XVIII
       Fund
  Comptroller of the Currency                     12, I
  Customs and Border Protection                   19, I
  Engraving and Printing, Bureau of               31, VI
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 10
  Federal Claims Collection Standards             31, IX
  Federal Law Enforcement Training Center         31, VII
  Financial Crimes Enforcement Network            31, X
  Fiscal Service                                  31, II
  Foreign Assets Control, Office of               31, V
  Internal Revenue Service                        26, I
  Investment Security, Office of                  31, VIII
  Monetary Offices                                31, I
  Secret Service                                  31, IV
  Secretary of the Treasury, Office of            31, Subtitle A
Truman, Harry S. Scholarship Foundation           45, XVIII
United States Agency for Global Media             22, V
United States and Canada, International Joint     22, IV
     Commission
United States and Mexico, International Boundary  22, XI
     and Water Commission, United States Section
U.S. Copyright Office                             37, II
U.S. Office of Special Counsel                    5, CII
Utah Reclamation Mitigation and Conservation      43, III
     Commission
Veterans Affairs, Department of                   2, VIII; 38, I
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 8
Veterans' Employment and Training Service,        41, 61; 20, IX
     Office of the Assistant Secretary for
Vice President of the United States, Office of    32, XXVIII
Wage and Hour Division                            29, V
Water Resources Council                           18, VI
Workers' Compensation Programs, Office of         20, I, VII
World Agricultural Outlook Board                  7, XXXVIII

[[Page 1059]]



List of CFR Sections Affected



All changes in this volume of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) that 
were made by documents published in the Federal Register since January 
1, 2018 are enumerated in the following list. Entries indicate the 
nature of the changes effected. Page numbers refer to Federal Register 
pages. The user should consult the entries for chapters, parts and 
subparts as well as sections for revisions.
For changes to this volume of the CFR prior to this listing, consult the 
annual edition of the monthly List of CFR Sections Affected (LSA). The 
LSA is available at www.govinfo.gov. For changes to this volume of the 
CFR prior to 2001, see the ``List of CFR Sections Affected, 1949-1963, 
1964-1972, 1973-1985, and 1986-2000'' published in 11 separate volumes. 
The ``List of CFR Sections Affected 1986-2000'' is available at 
www.govinfo.gov.

                                  2018

50 CFR
                                                                   83 FR
                                                                    Page
Chapter VI
600.725 (v) table amended..........................................29046
622 Temporary regulations....2931, 3403, 3404, 5571, 7636, 12280, 12281, 
         14202, 17623, 17942, 22601, 23825, 24944, 27300, 28169, 34951, 
         40156, 40458, 41018, 42449, 43557, 43796, 50295, 51390, 52330, 
         53823, 55107, 55292, 55293, 55975, 57339, 62735, 63813, 64480, 
                                                            64748, 66635
622.4 (g)(1) revised...............................................64034
622.7 (h) added....................................................13428
622.21 (a)(4) revised; (a)(6) added................................27299
622.22 (a)(4) revised; (a)(9) added................................27300
622.26 (a) revised; eff. in part 1-1-19............................27300
622.34 (c) revised.................................................13428
622.35 (b)(3) amended...............................................5212
622.37 (a)(5) and (b)(1) revised...................................29044
622.38 (b)(4) revised..............................................29044
622.39 (a)(2)(ii) revised..........................................13428
622.41 (a)(2)(iii) revised.........................................13428
    (j) amended....................................................22212
    (o) amended....................................................29044
622.55 (c)(2)(iii) revised.........................................29046
622.181 (b)(2) removed; (c)(2) added...............................35434
622.183 (b)(5)(i) revised..........................................35435
622.184 (b) removed.................................................1309
622.185 (a)(4) revised..............................................1309
622.187 (b)(4) revised..............................................1309
    (b)(9) revised.................................................35435
622.190 (a)(2)(i), (ii), and (iii) stayed to 7-1-18; (a)(2)(iv), 
        (v), and (vi) added (temporary)...............................70
    Temporary regulation at 83 FR 70 eff. date extended through 1-
3-19...............................................................28387
    (a)(2)(i), (ii), and (iii) revised.............................62512
622.191 (a)(13) added...............................................1309
    (a)(9) revised.................................................35435
622.193 (a)(1)(i), (ii), (iii), and (2) stayed to 7-1-18; 
        (a)(1)(iv), (v), (vi), and (3) added (temporary)..............70
    (o) revised.....................................................1309
    Temporary regulation at 83 FR 70 eff. date extended through 1-
3-19...............................................................28387
    (y) revised....................................................35435
    (d) revised....................................................35437
    (a)(1)(i), (ii), (iii), and (2) revised........................62512
622.404 (d) added..................................................29047
622.407 (c) revised................................................29047
622.411 Revised....................................................29047
635 Temporary regulations.......9232, 10802, 12141, 17110, 18230, 21744, 
         21936, 22602, 30884, 33870, 35566, 37446, 38664, 42607, 47843, 
           50857, 52169, 55108, 55638, 57340, 60776, 62512, 65571, 67140

[[Page 1060]]

635 Fishing season notification....................................60777
635.2 Amended......................................................33150
635.4 (a)(3), (6), (8), (c)(2), (d)(4), (e)(2), (3), (4), (f)(1), 
        (2), (4), (5), (g)(2), (h)(1)(iii), (2), (l)(2)(ii)(A), 
        (B), (C), (iii) through (ix), and (m)(2) revised...........33151
635.5 (a)(5)(ii), (b)(1)(i), and (c)(2) revised....................33153
635.6 (b)(1)(ii) and (c)(1) revised................................33153
635.8 (a)(1), (3), (c)(2), and (3) revised.........................33153
635.9 (e)(4) revised...............................................33154
635.14 (b)(1) revised..............................................33154
635.15 (c)(3)(iv), (k) introductory text, and (4)(iii) revised.....33154
635.19 (e)(4) revised..............................................33154
635.20 (e)(2) stayed; (e)(6) and (7) added; eff. 3-2-18 through 8-
        29-18; interim..............................................8949
    (b) revised....................................................33154
    Regulation at 83 FR 8949 eff. date extended to 3-3-19..........42452
    (c)(3) revised.................................................51397
635.21 (a)(4) and (c)(1)(iv) added; interim.........................8949
    (b)(1), (c)(3), (4), (5)(ii)(C)(1), (iii)(A), (B) introductory 
text, (iv), (d)(1)(iii)(D), (2)(ii), (g)(1), (2), and (3) revised 
                                                                   33154
    Regulation at 83 FR 8949 eff. date extended to 3-3-19..........42452
635.22 (c)(1), (5), (d), and (f) introductory text revised.........33155
635.23 (a)(2) and (4) revised......................................33156
635.24 (a)(4)(i) and (iii) stayed; (a)(4)(v) and (vi) added; 
        interim.....................................................8949
    (a)(8)(iii) revised............................................31684
    Regulation at 83 FR 8949 eff. date extended to 3-3-19..........42452
635.27 (b)(1) introductory text, (c)(1)(i)(A), (B), and (d)(1) 
        revised....................................................33156
    (a) introductory text, (1)(i), (2), (3), (4)(i), (5), (6), 
(7)(i), (ii), (10)(iii), and (e)(1) revised........................51398
635.28 (b)(2) and (3) revised......................................31684
    (a)(3) introductory text, (b)(1)(iv), (7), (c)(3), and (d) 
revised............................................................33157
635.31 (d)(2) revised..............................................33157
635.34 (c) introductory text revised...............................33157
635.40 (b)(1) introductory text revised; (b)(3) removed............33157
635.71 (d)(27), (28), and (29) added; interim.......................8950
    (a)(53), (b)(20), (36), (37), (38), (40), (e)(10), and (11) 
revised............................................................33157
    Regulation at 83 FR 8950 eff. date extended to 3-3-19..........42452
648 Temporary regulations...3405, 5735, 6797, 8635, 11146, 11428, 12502, 
         15754, 18985, 19461, 28388, 30887, 40157, 40684, 47845, 53399, 
         53824, 54055, 54264, 55640, 60372, 61568, 64481, 65574, 66160, 
                                                            66161, 67142
    Technical correction.....................................4165, 28545
    Fishery management measures...4849, 5212, 8764, 18965, 19462, 34492, 
                                                                   42450
648.2 Amended...............................................15261, 64263
648.4 (a)(5) revised...............................................64263
648.7 (b)(2)(ii) removed...........................................10806
    (a)(1), (b)(3)(iii), and (f)(2)(i) revised.....................64265
648.10 (f) introductory text, (2) introductory text, and (4)(i) 
        revised....................................................12861
    (b)(9), (10), (11), (e)(5)(i), (o), and (p) revised; (b)(12) 
added..............................................................64266
648.11 (m)(1) revised..............................................15262
    (g)(2)(ii) revised.............................................17307
    (n)(2) introductory text, (3)(i), and (ii) revised.............64266
648.13 (a) revised.................................................64267
648.14 (u)(2)(vi) and (viii) revised; (u)(2)(ix) added.............10806
    (i)(1)(iii)(A)(1)(ii), (iv), (viii)(A), (B), (3)(iii)(C), and 
(D) revised; (i)(2)(iii)(E) added..................................12861
    (b)(10), (i)(1)(vi)(A)(1), (2), (k)(6)(i)(E), (ii)(A)(5), 
(7)(i)(A) through (D), (F), (ii), (12)(iii)(B), (16)(iii)(B), 
(r)(2)(v), and (vi) revised; (b)(11) and (12) added; (k)(7)(i)(E) 
and (G) removed....................................................15262
    (i)(1)(vi)(A), (2)(vi)(B), (C), (ix), (3)(v)(E), (4)(ii)(A), 
and (B) revised; (i)(2)(x), (4)(v), and (vi) added.................17307
    (k)(16)(viii) and (ix) added...................................18983
    (k)(18) and (20) revised.......................................19002
    (v)(2) and (4) revised.........................................48987

[[Page 1061]]

    (g)(1)(i), (ii)(B), (2)(i), (ii)(A), (D), (F), (iii)(A), (v) 
heading, (A), and (vi) revised; (g)(2)(ii)(H) added................64267
    (g)(2)(ii)(F) removed..........................................65314
648.17 (a)(3) added................................................48987
648.20 Revised.....................................................15512
648.22 (a), (b)(1)(i)(B), (c)(3), and (6) revised..................64267
648.24 (c)(1) revised..............................................64268
    (b)(1)(i) revised..............................................65315
648.25 (a)(4)(i) revised...........................................64268
648.26 (b), (c), and (d) revised...................................64268
    (a)(1) introductory text and (2) revised.......................65315
648.27 Removed.....................................................15263
648.53 (a)(8), (b)(3), (c) introductory text, (d), and (h)(2)(v) 
        revised....................................................17308
648.56 (c) and (d) revised.........................................12862
648.58 Added.......................................................15263
    Removed........................................................17309
648.59 (a) introductory text revised...............................15263
    (a) introductory text, (2), (3), (b)(3)(i)(B), (ii), (c), (e), 
and (g)(3)(v) revised..............................................17309
648.60 (c)(1) revised..............................................15263
    (a)(1), (3), (c), (e), and (f) revised; (a)(2) and (b) 
removed; (g) and (h) added.........................................17311
648.61 Heading revised; (c) added..................................15263
    Removed........................................................17311
648.62 (a)(2), (3), (4), (b), (c), and (d) revised; (a)(5) added 
                                                                   12862
648.64 Revised.....................................................17311
648.65 Removed.....................................................17313
648.80 (a)(9)(i)(A), (11) introductory text, (i)(C), (12), (13) 
        introductory text, (14) introductory text, (15) 
        introductory text, (16) introductory text, (18) 
        introductory text, (19) introductory text, (d)(2) 
        introductory text, (i), (5), and (g)(6) revised; 
        (b)(11)(ii)(D) removed.....................................15264
    (b)(3)(ii) revised.............................................48987
648.81 Revised.....................................................15266
    (a)(4) and (f)(4) revised......................................17313
648.82 (n)(2)(i) revised...........................................19002
648.86 (d)(1)(i) introductory text, (ii) introductory text, and 
        (iii) introductory text revised; (d)(1)(v) added; eff. 6-
        14-18 to 4-30-19...........................................27716
648.87 (c)(2)(i) introductory text and (ii)(B) revised.............15274
648.89 (e)(1) revised; (e)(2) removed..............................15275
    (b) and (c) revised............................................18983
    (g) added......................................................19002
648.90 (a)(5)(i)(D)(1)(iii) added (temporary).......................8365
    (a)(5)(i)(E) removed; (a)(5)(i)(D)(1) through (4) redesignated 
as (a)(5)(i)(E) through (H) and revised; (a)(5)(iv)(C) added.......19002
648.103 (b)(3) revised.............................................53826
648.105 Revised....................................................24947
648.107 (a) introductory text revised..............................24947
648.122 (c)(1) revised.............................................17315
648.123 (a)(2)(ii) revised.........................................17315
    (b) revised....................................................53827
648.125 (a)(1) and (5) revised.....................................17315
    (a)(1) and (5) revised.........................................64487
648.143 (b) revised................................................53827
648.146 Stayed; eff. 2-1-18 through 2-28-18.........................4604
    Revised.................................................24947, 64487
648.148 (a) introductory text and (b) revised......................31692
648.150 Added; eff. 2-1-18 through 2-28-18..........................4604
648.202 (b)(1) revised.............................................15275
648.203 (a) revised................................................15275
648.291 (a) introductory text and (1) revised......................10806
648.292 (a)(1) through (4) revised.................................10806
648.293 (a)(1) revised.............................................10807
648.294 (b)(4) revised.............................................10807
648.295 Heading, (a), and (b)(1) revised; (c) added................10807
648.296 Heading and (a) revised....................................10807
648.322 (c), (d), and (e) revised; (f) and (g) added................6135
    (b) and (g) revised............................................48988
648.370--648.372 (Subpart Q) Added.................................15275

                                  2019

50 CFR
                                                                   84 FR
                                                                    Page
Chapter VI
600.725 (v) table amended...........................................4736
600.1510 (a) revised...............................................14887
600.1512 Removed; new 600.1512 redesignated from 600.1514..........14887

[[Page 1062]]

600.1513 Removed; new 600.1513 redesignated from 600.1515..........14887
600.1514 Redesignated as 600.1512; new 600.1514 redesignated from 
        600.1516...................................................14887
600.1515 Redesignated as 600.1513; new 600.1515 redesignated from 
        600.1517...................................................14887
600.1516 Redesignated as 600.1514; new 600.1516 redesignated from 
        600.1518...................................................14887
600.1517 Redesignated as 600.1515..................................14887
600.1518 Redesignated as 600.1516..................................14887
622 Temporary regulations.......407, 1631, 2759, 3723, 5955, 7827, 8825, 
          8997, 10995, 10996, 15986, 19728, 22073, 26022, 27974, 32648, 
         35339, 36478, 37148, 43725, 43726, 45437, 45687, 45924, 50333, 
           50334, 57367, 60344, 61568, 64227, 65019, 67674, 68058, 70904
622 Technical correction...........................................43526
622.1 Table 1 amended...............................................4736
622.29 (a)(1) revised; (b) added...................................22385
622.29 (a)(1)(ii) revised..........................................67238
622.39 (a)(1)(i) and (2)(i) revised.................................7830
    (a)(1)(iii)(C) stayed; (a)(1)(iii)(D) added; eff. 5-17-19 
through 11-13-19...................................................22391
    (a)(1)(iii)(C) reinstated and revised; (a)(1)(iii)(D) removed; 
eff. 10-31-19......................................................52038
622.41 (p) and (q)(2)(iii) revised..................................7830
    (e) stayed; (r) added; eff. 5-17-19 through 11-13-19...........22391
    (e) reinstated and revised; (r) removed; eff. 10-31-19.........52038
622.42 Introductory text revised; (b) added........................22386
622.179 (a)(1) revised; (b) added..................................67238
622.190 (a)(4)(i), (ii), and (5) revised...........................14024
622.193 (e)(2) amended; (f)(2)(iv) revised.........................14025
622.194 Introductory text revised; (b) added.......................67238
622.375 (a)(2) revised..............................................4736
622.377 (b)(2)(vi)(C) revised......................................47904
622.380 (a)(1) revised; (a)(2) removed..............................4736
622.381 (a) revised.................................................4736
622.382 (a) heading revised; (a)(1)(vi) removed.....................4736
622.384 (d)(2) removed..............................................4736
622.385 (c) removed.................................................4736
    (a)(1)(ii) introductory text, (A), and (B) revised; 
(a)(1)(iii) added..................................................47904
    (a)(1)(ii)(C), (D), (iii)(C), and (D) stayed; (a)(1)(ii)(E) 
and (iii)(E) added (temporary).....................................51438
622.388 (f) removed.................................................4737
622.400 (a)(1)(i) revised..........................................37151
622.402 (a) and (c)(1) revised.....................................37151
622.403 (b)(3)(i) revised..........................................37152
622.404 (e) and (f) added..........................................37152
622.405 (b)(2)(i) revised..........................................37152
622.408 (b) revised................................................37152
622.412 Introductory text revised..................................37152
622.413 (b) introductory text, (2), (3), (4), and (c) introductory 
        text revised; (b)(5), (6), and (7) redesignated as (b)(6), 
        (7), and (8); new (b)(5) added.............................37152
622.415 Revised....................................................37153
622 Appendix F amended.............................................22386
    Appendix F corrected...........................................25009
    Appendix G amended..............................................4737
    Appendix F revised.............................................67238
635 Temporary regulations...3724, 6701, 7302, 9719, 12524, 20296, 22734, 
         25707, 29088, 29808, 30954, 33008, 35340, 38143, 39208, 39774, 
           39978, 42827, 47440, 48566, 48791, 52806, 54522, 55507, 63812
635 Fishery management measures....................................65690
635.2 Amended................................................5376, 56137
635.20 (e)(2) reinstated and revised; (e)(6) added..................5376
635.21 (a)(4), (c)(1)(iv), (d)(5), and (g)(6) added; (f)(2), (3), 
        (k)(1), and (2) revised.....................................5376
635.22 (c)(1) revised; (c)(7) added.................................5376
635.24 (a)(4)(i) and (iii) reinstated and revised...................5377
635.30 (c)(4) revised...............................................5377
635.31 (b) revised.................................................56137
635.71 (d)(22), (23), (27), (28), and (29) revised..................5377
648 Temporary regulations......1632, 2463, 5377, 6703, 8625, 8826, 8998, 
          8999, 10719, 15526, 17754, 17926, 20820, 26766, 27741, 30038, 
         43527, 48081, 51438, 52039, 53065, 54041, 54790, 58339, 59588, 
                                              63814, 65706, 66630, 68797
648 Fishery management measures........2760, 10267, 21723, 22392, 37778, 
                                                            59735, 68348
648 Technical correction...........................................20820

[[Page 1063]]

648.10 (k)(2) revised; (k)(3) amended..............................34814
648.14 (u)(2)(x) added..............................................3342
    (i)(2)(viii) removed; (i)(4)(i)(C) and (5)(iii) revised........11441
    (p)(2)(ii)(B) removed..........................................31745
    (a)(7) and (k)(17) revised.....................................34814
648.14 (n)(1)(i), (o)(1) introductory text, (p)(1) introductory 
        text, (i), (v), and (2) introductory text revised..........65702
648.17 (a)(1) revised..............................................34814
648.21 (c) revised.................................................58058
648.24 (b)(1) and (6) revised......................................58058
648.26 (a)(1)(i), (ii), (iii), and (2) revised.....................58059
648.52 (g) revised.................................................11442
648.53 (b)(4) added; (a)(6)(iii), (8), (b)(3), (c)(1), (2), 
        (h)(4)(ii), and (iii) revised..............................11442
648.59 (b)(3)(i)(B), (c), (d), (e), (g)(3)(v), and (4)(i) revised; 
        (b)(3)(ii)(A), (B), and (g)(3)(iv) added...................11443
648.62 (b)(1) and (c) revised......................................11445
648.81 (a)(6) added................................................68799
648.82 (k)(3)(iii) revised.........................................34814
648.85 (a)(3)(v)(A)(3), (b)(6)(iv)(I), and (7)(vi)(D) revised......34814
648.87 (d) revised.................................................17926
    (b)(1)(vi) introductory text and (A) revised...................34815
648.89 (b)(1), (c)(1), and (2) revised.............................32654
648.90 (a)(4)(iii)(C) and (5)(iv)(B) revised; (a)(5)(iv)(D) added 
                                                                   34815
648.102 (a)(7), (d)(2)(ii), (iii), and (iv) revised................65702
648.104 Heading, (b), and (c) revised..............................65702
648.105 Revised....................................................65702
648.106 (a) revised................................................65703
648.107 (a) introductory text revised..............................31745
648.107 (a) introductory text and (b) revised......................65703
648.111 Added......................................................65703
648.126 (b) revised................................................65703
648.127 Revised....................................................65703
648.128 (a) revised................................................65703
648.131 Added......................................................65703
648.142 Revised....................................................65704
648.144 (a)(1)(ii) revised.........................................65705
648.145 (a) revised................................................65705
648.146 Revised....................................................65705
648.147 Heading, (b), and (c) revised..............................65705
648.150 Added......................................................65705
648.295 (b)(1) and (2) revised......................................3342
648.296 (b) introductory text added.................................3342
648.320 (a)(4) revised..............................................4375
648.323 (b) heading revised.........................................4376

                                  2020

50 CFR
                                                                   85 FR
                                                                    Page
Chapter VI
Chapter VI Notification............................................60079
600 Temporary regulations...................................17285, 59199
600.235 (a) amended; (b)(5), (6), (7), and (c)(4) redesignated as 
        (b)(6), (7), (8), and (c)(7); new (b)(5), new (c)(4), (5), 
        (6), and (f)(6) added; heading, new (b)(8), (c)(3), (f) 
        introductory text, (1), (g)(2), and (h) revised; eff. 10-
        13-20......................................................56182
600.705 (f) revised................................................15392
600.725 (v) table amended............................................849
600.1500--600.1516 (Subpart Q) Revised.............................40921
622 Temporary regulations........5169, 9398, 10624, 11861, 13070, 14171, 
         14602, 16006, 19396, 36165, 44218, 44219, 47304, 52055, 54513, 
                  54942, 54943, 60385, 60386, 70085, 75917, 78792, 79135
622.1 (d) Table 1 amended...........................................6823
622.1 Table 1 amended..............................................10339
622.1 Regulation at 85 FR 10339 eff. date delayed to 1-4-21........47917
622.2 Amended.......................................................6823
622.3 (f) added.....................................................6823
622.13 (g) revised.................................................10339
622.13 Regulation at 85 FR 10339 eff. date delayed to 1-4-21.......47917
622.20 (b)(1) introductory text revised; (b)(1)(v) added...........22045
622.20 (b)(1)(ii)(A)(2) revised....................................44017
622.23 Added........................................................6823
622.26 (b) revised; eff. in part 1-5-21 and in part indefinitely 
                                                                   44017
622.34 (b) revised..................................................6824
622.34 (d) revised.................................................20613
622.37 (a)(1) revised...............................................6824
622.38 (b)(3) revised...............................................6824
622.39 (a)(2)(i)(B) and (C) revised.................................6824
622.41 (q)(2)(i) amended; (q)(2)(iii) revised.......................6824

[[Page 1064]]

622.41 (q)(2)(iii)(B) revised.......................................9687
622.41 (l) revised.................................................73240
622.43 (a) revised.................................................20614
622.53 (a)(2)(i)(B) and (ii) revised................................6818
622.55 (d)(1) revised...............................................6818
622.60 (a) and (b) revised..........................................6819
622.74 Revised.....................................................65746
622.176 (b) revised................................................10339
622.176 Regulation at 85 FR 10339 eff. date delayed to 1-4-21......47917
622.182 (c) removed................................................36171
622.183 (b)(1) revised..............................................6827
622.183 (b)(5)(iii) removed........................................64980
622.184 (c) removed.................................................4594
622.185 (a)(3) and (c)(2) revised; (c)(6) added.....................4594
622.185 (a)(3) and (c)(2) revised..................................11309
622.187 (b)(8) revised.............................................11309
622.188 (a)(2) revised; (a)(3) and (4) added.......................36171
622.190 (a)(1), (3), and (6) revised................................4594
622.191 (a)(4), (5), (6), and (10) revised; (a)(14) added...........4594
622.191 (a)(15) added...............................................6828
622.191 (a)(6) stayed; (a)(16) added; eff. 9-17-20 through 3-16-21
                                                                   57985
622.192 (h) revised.................................................6828
622.192 Correction: (f) removed....................................73643
622.193 (z)(1)(i), (2)(i), and (3) amended.........................43147
622.206 (a)(2)(iii) revised........................................67310
622.270--622.281 (Subpart M) Heading revised.......................10340
622.270--622.281 (Subpart M) Regulation at 85 FR 10340 eff. date 
        delayed to 1-4-21..........................................47917
622.271 (b) revised................................................10340
622.271 Regulation at 85 FR 10340 eff. date delayed to 1-4-21......47917
622.281 Introductory text revised..................................10340
622.281 Regulation at 85 FR 10340 eff. date delayed to 1-4-21......47917
622.371 (b) revised................................................22045
622.373 (a) revised; (f) added.....................................22045
622.373 (c)(1) revised.............................................44019
622.374 (b) revised................................................10340
622.374 (b) revised; eff. date delayed indefinitely in part........44019
622.374 Regulation at 85 FR 10340 eff. date delayed to 1-4-21......47917
622.380 (a)(1) revised.............................................10331
622.382 (a)(1)(i)(A) and (B) stayed; (a)(1)(i)(C) added; eff. 9-
        17-20 through 3-16-21......................................57985
622.385 (a)(1)(ii)(C) and (iii)(C) revised; (a)(1)(ii)(D) and 
        (iii)(D) removed...........................................55594
622 Appendix B revised.............................................20614
622 Appendix B amended.............................................36165
635 Temporary regulations......14, 17, 6828, 10341, 10993, 14802, 21789, 
         26365, 31414, 37390, 38091, 48120, 57783, 59445, 61638, 61872, 
                         61872, 64411, 68798, 71270, 75918, 79136, 81837
635 Fishery management measures......................43148, 77007, 83832
635.2 Amended......................................................18841
635.14 Removed.....................................................18841
635.15 (c)(3)(ii) revised..........................................18841
635.21 (b)(2), (c)(1)(i), (2) introductory text, (i), (ii), (iii), 
        (3), and (5)(iii)(B) revised; (c)(2)(iv), (v), and (vi) 
        removed; (c)(2)(vii) redesignated as (c)(2)(iv); new 
        (c)(2)(iv)(D), new (E), new (F), new (G), and (5)(ii)(C)( 
        1) amended; (c)(5)(iii)(C) added...........................18841
635.21 (a)(3)(i) revised; (a)(3)(v) added..........................65749
635.71 (a)(31), (54), (57), (58), and (b)(36) through (40) revised
                                                                   18843
648 Temporary regulations.......6446, 16570, 18873, 22374, 23229, 29345, 
         31706, 35209, 44021, 47102, 52056, 54514, 55595, 56534, 57785, 
           62613, 67683, 74266, 79139, 81152, 81154, 81155, 82944, 82946
648 Fishery management measures....3855, 4595, 8199, 8765, 11309, 13074, 
                                       13552, 33579, 48476, 48477, 52056
648 Notification...................................................63460
648 Specifications.................................................81421
648.1 (a) revised..................................................47109
648.2 Amended.........................................7430, 29876, 47109
648.4 (a)(2)(ii)(G)(1)(ii) revised.................................17761
648.4 (a)(10)(ii), (iv)(A), (B), (C), and (v) revised; (a)(10)(vi) 
        removed....................................................26880
648.4 (a)(12)(iii), (c)(2)(i)(A), and (B) added....................43151
648.4 (a)(5) introductory text, (iii)(B), (C), (H), (I), (v), 
        (15), and (c)(2)(vii) revised..............................47110
648.5 (a) revised..................................................47111
648.6 (a)(1) revised...............................................47111
648.7 (b)(2)(i) revised.............................................7430
648.7 (b)(2)(i), (3)(i) introductory text, and (A) revised.........26882

[[Page 1065]]

648.7 (b)(1)(i) and (iii) revised; (b)(1)(iv) and (f)(2)(iv) added
                                                                   43151
648.7 (a)(1) introductory text, (b)(1)(i) introductory text, and 
        (3)(ii) revised............................................47111
648.7 Correction: (b)(1)(i) introductory text revised..............50794
648.7 (b)(1), (c), (d), and (f)(2) revised; (e)(2) removed; eff. 
        11-20-21...................................................71576
648.8 (f) added....................................................43152
648.10 (f)(4)(iii) revised..........................................2324
648.10 (h)(1) introductory text revised; eff. 10-19-20.............57987
648.10 (f)(4)(i) introductory text amended..........................7442
648.10 (f)(4)(i) revised...........................................17761
648.10 (b)(8) and (m) revised......................................26882
648.10 (n) revised.................................................47111
648.11 Revised......................................................7431
648.11 (a), (m)(1)(i) introductory text, (ii) introductory text, 
        (iv), (2)(i), (iii) introductory text, (7)(iv), (v), and 
        (vi) revised...............................................26882
648.11 (a) revised.................................................43152
648.11 (n)(1)(ii), (iii), and (iv) revised.........................47112
648.12 Introductory text revised...................................47112
648.14 (k)(5)(i) revised............................................2324
648.14 (e), (r)(1)(vi)(A), (2)(v), and (viii) through (xii) 
        revised; (r)(2)(xiii) and (xiv) added.......................7441
648.14 (i)(1)(ix)(B), (C), (k)(2)(iii), and (iv) amended............7442
648.14 (i)(1)(iii)(A)(4) and (5) added; (i)(1)(iv)(E) and 
        (3)(i)(B) removed; (i)(4)(i)(G) revised....................17761
648.14 (k)(1)(i)(D), (r)(1)(vi)(A), (vii)(D), (E), (viii)(B), (C), 
        (2)(i) through (iv), and (ix) through (xiv) revised; 
        (r)(1)(viii)(D) removed....................................26883
648.14 (u)(1)(iii)(C) added; (u)(2)(i)(C) revised..................43152
648.14 (k)(6)(ii)(B), (11)(i)(A)(4), (11)(vi), (12)(i)(B), and 
        (12)(ii) revised; (k)(12)(vi) removed; (k)(12)(vii) 
        redesignated as (k)(12)(vi)................................44221
648.14 (g)(1)(i), (ii)(A), (2) introductory text, (ii)(C), (D), 
        (F), (G), (v) introductory text, (A), (3) introductory 
        text, (ii), (iii), (4), and (w) revised....................47112
648.15 (d) and (e) revised.........................................26884
648.18 Revised.....................................................47113
648.20--648.26 (Subpart B) Heading revised.........................47113
648.21 (b)(1), (2), and (c)(1) revised.............................81154
648.22 Heading, (a) introductory text, (2), (3), (b)(2) 
        introductory text, (i), (ii), (iv)(A) introductory text, 
        (1), (2), (v) introductory text, (A), (3)(v), (vii), (c) 
        introductory text, (1)(ii), (2), (3), (6), (9), and (d)(1) 
        revised; (a)(5) and (b)(5) added...........................47113
648.23 (a)(2)(ii) revised..........................................47115
648.24 (b) introductory text, (1)(i)(B), (2), (3), (4) 
        introductory text, (5), (6), (c)(3), (5), and (d) revised; 
        (e) added..................................................47115
648.25 Heading and (a) introductory text revised...................47116
648.26 (a)(1) and (2)(i)(B) revised; (e) added.....................47116
648.51 (b)(1) revised...............................................2324
648.51 (c)(4) and (e)(3)(iii) amended...............................7442
648.51 (c)(1) and (e)(3)(iv) added; (c)(2) amended.................17761
648.52 (b) and (c) revised.........................................17761
648.53 (a)(8), (b)(3), and (h)(5)(i) revised.......................17762
648.53 (h)(2)(v)(A) stayed; (h)(2)(v)(B) added; eff. 6-1-20 
        through 11-28-20...........................................33029
648.56 (f) stayed; (i) added; eff. 6-1-20 through 11-28-20.........33029
648.59 (b)(2) amended...............................................7442
648.59 (b)(3)(i)(B), (ii), (c), (e), and (g)(3)(v) revised.........17762
648.59 (b)(3)(i)(B)(1)(ii), (2)(ii), and (c) stayed; 
        (b)(3)(i)(B)(1)(iii) revised; (b)(3)(i)(B)(2)(iv) and (h) 
        added; eff. 6-1-20 through 11-28-20........................33029
648.60 Revised.....................................................17764
648.60 (f) stayed; (i) added; eff. 6-1-20 through 11-28-20.........33030
648.62 (a) introductory text revised................................2324
648.62 (b)(1) revised; (e) added...................................17766
648.80 (a)(3)(vi), (b)(2)(vi), and (h) revised; (a)(11), (18), and 
        (b)(11) removed.............................................2324
648.80 (a)(6)(i)(B), (10)(i)(D), (b)(3)(ii), and (h)(3)(iii)(A) 
        revised; eff. 10-19-20.....................................57987

[[Page 1066]]

648.80 (d)(3) and (e)(2)(ii) amended; (d)(5) and (e)(5) revised.....7442
648.80 (d)(4), (5), (6), (e)(4), (5), and (6) revised..............26884
648.80 (b)(3)(i) revised; (c)(5)(iii) added........................47116
648.81 (a)(5)(ii)(C) revised.......................................44221
648.82 (e)(3) revised..............................................44221
648.82 (a)(1), (2), and (k)(4)(iii) stayed; (a)(3), (4), and 
        (k)(4)(xii) added; eff. 12-31-20 to 6-29-21................86852
648.83 (b)(4) revised..............................................26885
648.84 (f) added...................................................13073
648.85 (b)(7) removed; (b)(8) redesignated as new (b)(7)...........44222
648.85 (b)(5)(ii) revised; (b)(6)(iv)(J)(2)(iii) added.............45807
648.86 (a)(3)(ii)(A)(1) revised.....................................7442
648.86 (a)(3)(i), (ii)(A)(1), and (k) revised......................26885
648.87 (b)(1)(i)(C)(1)(iii) added; eff. 12-31-20 to 6-29-21........86852
648.89 (c)(1) and (2) revised; interim.............................49605
648.90 (a)(5)(v) revised...........................................13074
648.90 (a)(5)(i)(E)(5) revised.....................................45807
648.90 (b)(5)(iii) revised.........................................52277
648.102 (d)(2) introductory text revised...........................36803
648.102 (c)(1) revised.............................................80666
648.107 (a) introductory text revised..............................36803
648.164 (a) and (b) stayed; (c) and (d) added; interim; eff. 2-28-
        20 through 8-26-20.........................................11865
648.164 (a) and (b) reinstated and revised; (c) and (d) removed....38798
648.200 (a), (b)(1), and (c) revised...............................26885
648.201 (a)(2), (g), and (h) revised...............................26886
648.202 (b)(4)(iv) amended..........................................7442
648.202 (b)(4)(iv) revised.........................................26886
648.204 (a) revised................................................26886
648.205 Revised....................................................26887
648.260 (a) introductory text, (1), (2), (3), and (b) revised; 
        (a)(6) heading removed; eff. 5-14-20 through 2-28-21.......20616
648.296 (a)(1) and (b)(1) revised..................................43152
648.322 (b)(1)(i), (ii), and (c)(3) revised........................23242
648.350--648.352 (Subpart P) Heading revised.......................47117
648.350 Heading revised............................................47117
648.351 Heading, (a), (b), and (c) revised.........................47117
648.352 Heading revised............................................47117
648.370 (h)(2) revised.............................................29876

                                  2021

50 CFR
                                                                   86 FR
                                                                    Page
Chapter VI
600 Temporary regulations..........................................16307
622 Temporary regulations.........7815, 7977, 8876, 10183, 14549, 15430, 
         17080, 17751, 29209, 30393, 33911, 40787, 40961, 43117, 50287, 
         50861, 51276, 52103, 52104, 54657, 54871, 54872, 60373, 62492, 
                                                     64082, 70985, 71392
622.4 (g)(1) amended...............................................72856
622.20 (a)(1)(ii) amended..........................................72856
622.21 (a)(3)(i), (b)(1), (11)(i), and (ii)(A) introductory text 
        amended....................................................72857
622.21 (a)(3)(iii) revised.........................................11154
622.22 (a)(3)(iii) revised.........................................11154
622.22 (a)(3)(i), (b)(1), and (11)(i) amended......................72857
622.26 Regulation at 85 FR 44017 eff. date delayed to 12-13-21.....51014
622.26 Regulation at 85 FR 44017 eff. date delayed until 3-1-22....60374
622.34 (a) heading, (2), and (3) revised; (a) introductory text 
        added; (a)(5) and (6) removed..............................38417
622.38 (c) revised.................................................11155
622.39 (a)(1)(vi) revised..........................................34161
622.41 (b)(1) and (2)(iii) amended.................................34161
622.41 (k) revised.................................................72857
622.182 (e) and (f) added..........................................17319
622.374 Regulation at 85 FR 44019 eff. date delayed to 12-13-21....51014
622.374 Regulation at 85 FR 44017 eff. date delayed until 3-1-22 
                                                                   60374
622.382 (a)(2) revised.............................................11155
622 Appendix A amended.............................................24745
635 Temporary regulations.......8717, 12291, 12548, 13491, 16075, 22895, 
         24359, 26424, 27814, 36669, 43118, 43420, 47395, 51016, 53010, 
                  53011, 53012, 54659, 54873, 66975, 71393, 72532, 72857
635 Fishery management measures....................................62737
635.1 (b) revised..................................................42744
635.2 Amended......................................................43428
635.23 (a)(1), (3), and (c)(1) through (3) revised; (c)(4) added 
                                                                   43428

[[Page 1067]]

635.24 (a)(4)(iv), (b)(3), (4) introductory text, and (iii) 
        revised; (b)(4)(iv) removed; (b)(5) added..................22894
648 Fishery management measures........8559, 16077, 16078, 23633, 26186, 
         28292, 36671, 48608, 54873, 54875, 61714, 67360, 68569, 71838, 
                                              72533, 72534, 72859, 74381
648 Temporary regulations......13823, 14012, 17551, 21961, 24745, 32651, 
         33552, 48608, 49929, 51277, 52104, 56657, 57376, 58595, 59872, 
                                                     62958, 67877, 71180
648 Notification...................................................60374
648 Technical correction...........................................70986
648.2 Amended................................................1823, 22908
648.7 (f)(1)(ii) added.............................................38588
648.11 (h)(1), (4)(ii), (5)(ii)(C), (iv)(A), (vi), (vii)(A), (G), 
        (i)(1), (2), (3)(ii), (4)(iii), (5), (k)(4)(i), (m)(1)(v), 
        (2)(iii)(C), and (4)(i) revised.............................1823
648.14 (r)(1)(vi)(H) and (I) added..................................1824
648.14 (r)(1)(ii)(B) revised; interim..............................17085
648.14 (k)(14)(x) revised; (k)(14)(xii) and (xiii) added...........22908
648.14 (i)(2)(vi)(B) and (3)(v)(E) revised; interim................27048
648.14 (b)(13) through (15) added..................................33558
648.14 (k)(21) added...............................................40366
648.21 (c)(1) revised; (c)(3) added................................66981
648.24 (a)(2) revised..............................................38588
648.51 (f)(1) revised; interim.....................................27048
648.53 (a)(8), (b)(3), (c)(1), and (2) revised; interim............27049
648.56 (i) removed; interim........................................27049
648.59 (a)(2), (b)(3)(i)(B), (ii)(B), (c), (e), (g)(1), and (3)(v) 
        revised; (b)(3)(ii)(A)(2) and (h) removed; 
        (b)(3)(i)(B)(1)(ii), (2)(ii), and (c) stay lifted; interim
                                                                   27049
648.60 (b), (c), and (d) revised; (f) stay lifted; (f) and (i) 
        removed; interim...........................................27051
648.62 (b)(1), (2), (c), and (e) revised; interim..................27052
648.81 (a)(6) removed..............................................62494
648.85 (e) added...................................................40366
648.87 (b)(1)(v)(B) introductory text, (1) introductory text, (4) 
        introductory text, (i)(D) through (J), (ii) introductory 
        text, (A)(6), (B) through (D), (G), (H)(1), (5)(iii)(A), 
        (B)(2), and (iv)(B) revised; (b)(4)(ii)(H)(4) and 
        (b)(4)(iv) added...........................................22908
648.87 (c)(2)(ii)(B) through (D) revised; (c)(2)(ii)(E) added......40368
648.107 (a) introductory text revised..............................24361
648.161 Heading and (a) revised....................................66981
648.162 (b), (d), (f), and (g) revised.............................66981
648.200 (b)(1) through (3) revised..................................1825
648.201 (a)(1)(i), (ii), (b), (c), (d)(2), (g)(1), (2), and (h) 
        revised; interim...........................................17085
648.202 (a) revised.................................................1825
648.202 (a)(1) and (2) introductory text revised; interim..........17086
648.206 (b)(3), (37), and (38) revised; (b)(39) added...............1825
648.371 (d) revised; (f) added.....................................33558
648.373 Added......................................................33558

                                  2022

50 CFR
                                                                   87 FR
                                                                    Page
Chapter VI
600.725 (v) table amended; eff. 10-13-22...........................56213
600.725 (v) table amended..........................................59997
600.748 Added......................................................54909
622 Temporary regulations.......51, 53, 886, 11596, 14419, 18275, 18739, 
         21813, 24454, 29236, 31190, 34811, 36771, 38008, 40458, 48610, 
           52859, 53415, 5341661540, 66608, 68382, 74013, 76125, 77526, 
                                                                   78875
622.1 (c) revised; Table 1 amended; eff. 10-13-22..................56214
622.2 Amended.......................................................2357
622.2 Amended; eff. 10-13-22.......................................56215
622.4 Introductory text, (b), and (f)(1) revised; eff. 10-13-22....56215
622.5 Introductory text, (a), and (b) introductory text revised; 
        eff. 10-13-22..............................................56215
622.6 Introductory text, (a)(1), and (2) revised; eff. 10-13-22....56215
622.8 Revised; eff. 10-13-22.......................................56216
622.9 Introductory text and (b) revised; eff. 10-13-22.............56216

[[Page 1068]]

622.10 Introductory text and (b) revised; eff. 10-13-22............56216
622.11 Revised; eff. 10-13-22......................................56216
622.12 Removed; eff. 10-13-22......................................56216
622.19 Redesignated from 622.413; (a), (b)(7), and (8) revised; 
        eff. 10-13-22..............................................56216
622.23 (a)(1)(ii) revised..........................................74020
622.30 Introductory text revised; (c) added.........................2357
622.34 (h) added; (c) suspended; eff. 7-25-22 through 1-23-23......44031
622.39 (a)(1)(iii)(C) revised...............................25590, 40743
622.39 (a)(1)(i) and (2)(i) revised................................74020
622.41 (c)(1) amended; (c)(2)(iv) revised...................25590, 40743
622.41 (q)(2)(iii)(B) amended; (q)(2)(iii)(C) revised..............74021
622.55 (c) introductory text and (2) amended; eff. 10-13-22........56237
622.182 Correction: (a)(2) table redesignated as (a)(2) table 2; 
        new table 2 revised........................................23149
622.183 (b)(9) added...............................................77747
622.187 (b)(6) and (c)(2) revised..................................77747
622.190 (a) introductory text, (6)(i), and (ii) revised............77747
622.191 (a)(4)(i) and (ii) revised.................................77748
622.193 (v)(1)(ii) and (2) revised; (v)(3) added...................77748
622.270 (a)(1), (2), and (b)(1) revised; (c) removed...............19018
622.272 (a)(1) revised; (a)(2) added...............................19018
622.277 (a)(1)(i) revised..........................................19018
622.278 (a) revised................................................19019
622.280 (a)(1)(i) and (b)(1)(i) amended; (a)(2) and (b)(2) 
        revised; (a)(3) added......................................19019
622.380 (a)(1)(ii) revised.........................................63966
622.382 Correction: (a)(1)(v) revised..............................23150
622.382 (a)(1)(i)(B) amended; eff. 10-13-22........................56237
622.382 (b) added..................................................63966
622.383 Removed....................................................63966
622.384 (d)(1) and (e)(2) revised..................................63966
622.384 (b)(1)(i) through (iii) revised............................74990
622.385 (c) added..................................................63966
622.386 (c) revised................................................63966
622.388 (e)(1)(ii), (2)(ii)(A), and (iii) revised..................63966
622.388 (a)(1)(ii) and (2) revised.................................74990
622.400 (a)(1)(i) amended; eff. 10-13-22...........................56237
622.402 (a)(1), (2), (3), and (c)(1) amended; eff. 10-13-22........56237
622.403 (b)(3)(i) amended; eff. 10-13-22...........................56237
622.404 (c) and (f) amended; eff. 10-13-22.........................56237
622.405 (b)(2)(i) amended; eff. 10-13-22...........................56237
622.409 (a) introductory text and (2) revised; eff. 10-13-22.......56217
622.413 Redesignated as 622.19; eff. 10-13-22......................56216
622.430--622.447 (Subpart S) Revised; eff. 10-13-22................56217
622.470--622.487 (Subpart T) Revised; eff. 10-13-22................56217
622.490--622.497 (Subpart V) Removed; eff. 10-13-22................56236
622.505--622.522 (Subpart U) Revised; eff. 10-13-22................56217
622.522 Appendix A revised; eff. 10-13-22..........................56236
635 Temporary regulations.........5737, 8432, 8983, 26299, 30838, 32094, 
         33056, 39383, 43447, 49532, 54910, 54912, 57648, 60938, 64720, 
                                                            73504, 76427
635 Inseason adjustments.............................38673, 38675, 68104
635 Fishery management measures....................................42373
635.2 Amended...............................................11324, 59997
635.4 (a)(10), (h)(1)(iv), and (n)(2) revised......................11324
635.4 (d)(1), (2), and (j)(3) revised; (d)(5) removed..............59998
635.5 (a)(4) and (d) revised.......................................11324
635.5 (a)(3), (6), and (b)(2)(i)(A) revised........................59998
635.9 (a), (b)(2) introductory text, (c)(1)(ii), (6), and (e) 
        revised; (c)(7) added......................................59998
635.15 Revised.....................................................59999
635.19 (c)(1) revised..............................................11324
635.19 (b) revised.................................................60003
635.20 (c)(6) revised..............................................39382
635.21 (d)(1)(iii)(D) revised......................................11324
635.21 (c)(1)(iv) revised..........................................39382
635.21 (c)(2)(iv) introductory text, (5)(iii)(B), and (C) 
        introductory text revised; (e) removed; (f) through (k) 
        redesignated as new (e) through (j)........................60004
635.22 (a)(2) and (3) revised......................................11324
635.22 (c)(2) revised; (c)(8) added................................39382
635.22 (c)(1) revised..............................................60004

[[Page 1069]]

635.23 (e) removed; (f) and (g) redesignated as new (e) and (f); 
        (a)(4), (b)(3), (d), new (e) introductory text, and new 
        (2) revised; new (e)(3) added..............................60004
635.24 (a)(4) introductory text, (v), and (8)(vii) added; 
        (a)(4)(i), (iii), (8)(v), and (vi) revised.................39382
635.24 (a)(4)(i) and (iii) revised.................................60005
635.27 (a)(1)(i) introductory text revised.........................11324
635.27 (a) introductory text, (1)(i), (2), (3), (4)(i), (5), 
        (7)(i), (ii), and (c)(1) revised...........................33055
635.27 (b)(4)(i) revised; (b)(4)(v) added..........................39383
635.27 (a)(4) removed; (a)(5) through (10) redesignated as new 
        (a)(4) through (9); (a) introductory text, (1)(i), (ii), 
        (2), (3), new (4), new (5), new (6)(i), new (ii), new (8), 
        new (9)(i), new (ii), and new (v) revised..................60005
635.28 (a)(1) and (2) revised......................................60006
635.29 (c) removed.................................................60006
635.31 (a)(1) revised..............................................60006
635.34 (b) revised.................................................60007
635.54 Introductory text revised...................................11325
635.69 (a) introductory text, (1), (4), (5), (e)(4) introductory 
        text, and (ii) revised.....................................60007
635.71 (a)(14), (37), (b)(3), (8) through (10), (17), (30), (31), 
        (33) through (36), (39) through (41), (46) through (59), 
        (c)(7), (d)(13), (22), (23), (25), (28), (e)(11), and (17) 
        revised; (b)(18) and (20) through (22) removed.............60007
648 Temporary regulations...887, 1700, 7046, 10716, 15155, 47644, 59340, 
                                                            64722, 67829
648 Fishery management measures.........2557, 5739, 10716, 18276, 23767, 
         24066, 24875, 32327, 36248, 39002, 40139, 43219, 66245, 70751, 
                                                            74021, 78011
648 Specifications...........................................3697, 27952
648 Notification.......................17023, 48449, 50273, 74991, 78876
648.2 Amended.........................................1696, 67832, 75876
648.4 (a)(5)(i)(A)(1) revised......................................48448
648.7 (b)(1) introductory text revised.............................48448
648.10 (f)(4)(i) revised...........................................75877
648.11 (k)(1), (2)(i), (5) introductory text, (i) introductory 
        text, (ii), and (6) revised; (k)(2)(iii) and (5)(i)(C) 
        added......................................................18283
648.11 (h)(3)(vii) revised.........................................54909
648.11 (l)(5) added................................................75877
648.11 (a), (b), (d), (h)(1), (3)(vii), (ix), (x), (5)(i) through 
        (iv), (vi), (vii), (7), (i) heading, (1), (2), (3)(i), 
        (4)(ii), (5), (6), (j), (k)(4)(i), (ii), (l), (m)(1)(i) 
        introductory text, (v), (2)(iii)(A), (4)(i), (6) 
        introductory text, and (n)(2) introductory text revised; 
        (h)(5) introductory text and (i)(7) added..................75877
648.13 (f)(1)(ii)(B), (2)(ii), (5), and (6) revised................42966
648.14 (i)(1)(iii), (x), (2)(vi) heading, (vi) through (c) 
        (3)(iv)(B), (v)(C), (D), (4)(i)(A), (C), (ii)(A), (B), and 
        (5)(iii) revised; (i)(3)(iii)(C), (D), (4)(i)(B), (D), 
        (G), (H), (5)(ii), and (6) removed..........................1696
648.14 (k)(16)(v) revised..........................................42388
648.14 (c)(1)(ii)(B) and (vii)(A) revised; (c)(1)(iv)(F) added.....42966
648.14 (j)(3)(viii) added..........................................71529
648.14 (a)(7), (e), (i)(1)(ix)(B), (k)(3), (14)(ix) through (xvi), 
        and (r)(2)(v) revised; (a)(10) heading removed; 
        (k)(14)(xiv) through (xvi) added...........................75885
648.24 (a)(2) revised..............................................48448
648.51 (c)(4) and (e)(3)(iii) revised..............................75886
648.52 (a) through (f) revised......................................1696
648.52 (g) revised; (h) added......................................18284
648.53 (a)(3)(ii), (8), (g)(1), (h)(3)(i)(A), (B), (5)(i), 
        (ii)(A), and (iii) revised; (a)(9) added....................1697
648.53 (a)(7), (9), (b)(1), and (3) revised........................18284
648.55 (a)(1) and (f) introductory text revised.....................1699
648.56 (d) revised..................................................1699
648.59 Heading, (a) introductory text, (3), (b)(4), (g)(3)(i), and 
        (4)(ii) revised.............................................1699
648.59 (a)(2), (3), (b)(3) heading, (i)(B), (ii), (c), and 
        (g)(3)(v) revised..........................................18285

[[Page 1070]]

648.60 (b)(2)(ii) removed; (g) Table 7 and (h) Table 8 
        redesignated as (g) Table 6 and (h) Table 7; (i) and (j) 
        added......................................................18287
648.60 (a) removed; (b)(1) Table 2, (c) Table 3, (d) Table 4, (e) 
        Table 5, (g) Table 6, (h) Table 7, (i) Table 8, and (j) 
        Table 9 redesignated as (b)(1) Table 1, (c) Table 2, (d) 
        Table 3, (c) Table 4, (g) Table 5, (h) Table 4, (i) Table 
        7, and (j) Table 8.........................................18287
648.62 (a)(2), (3), (5), and (b) revised; (a)(4) and (c) removed 
                                                                   18287
648.72 (a) introductory text, (1) introductory text, and (b) 
        revised....................................................71529
648.74 (a)(2) added; (b)(3) revised................................71529
648.80 (a)(15)(i)(F) revised........................................3696
648.80 (d)(3) and (e)(2)(ii) revised...............................75886
648.85 Correction: (c)(1)(ii) introductory text and (B) revised.....8990
648.83 (a)(1) revised..............................................75886
648.85 (e)(1)(viii)(C) revised.....................................75887
648.86 (d)(1)(v) added..............................................3696
648.86 (d)(1)(i) revised; (d)(1)(ii) removed........................5407
648.86 (d)(1)(vi) added............................................42388
648.86 Introductory text and (a)(3)(ii)(A)(1) revised..............75887
648.87 (b)(4)(i)(G) revised........................................54909
648.87 (b)(1) introductory text, (v) through (viii), (2), and (3) 
        amended; (b)(1)(ix), (4), and (5) removed..................75888
648.89 (b) heading, (1), (c) Table 2, Table 3, and (g) revised.....42388
648.89 (b)(1) Table 1, (c)(1)(i) Table 2, and (2) Table 3 revised; 
        (c)(1) introductory text, (i), and (2) amended.............53697
648.90 (b)(2) introductory text and (i) revised.....................3696
648.90 (b)(5)(iii) revised..........................................5407
648.90 (a)(3)(i), (4)(i) introductory text, and (iii)(D)(1) 
        revised....................................................42390
648.90 (a)(2)(iii) and (iv) and (a)(4)(i)(B) revised...............75889
648.100 (a)(1) revised.............................................68929
648.104 (b) revised................................................35116
648.107 (a) introductory text revised..............................35116
648.110 (a)(1) revised.............................................68929
648.120 (a)(1) revised.............................................68930
648.126 (b) revised................................................35116
648.130 (a)(1) revised.............................................68930
648.140 (a)(1) revised.............................................68930
648.145 (a) revised................................................35116
648.146 Revised....................................................35116
648.147 (b) revised................................................35116
648.151 Added......................................................35117
648.201 (a)(1)(i) introductory text, (A), (B)(1), (2), (ii), (2), 
        (3), (4)(ii), (b), (c), and (g)(1) revised; (g)(2) removed
                                                                   42967
648.202 (b)(1) revised.............................................75890
648.235 (a)(1) revised.............................................20350
648.292 (a) introductory text and (1) revised......................67832

                                  2023

  (Regulations published from January 1, 2023, through October 1, 2023)

50 CFR
                                                                   88 FR
                                                                    Page
Chapter VI
600.725 (v) table amended..........................................46695
622 Temporary regulations.......7626, 11397, 18442, 20079, 32142, 32976, 
         33838, 40121, 42882, 45369, 50806, 55585, 59810, 61984, 62301, 
                                                            65626, 65627
622.2 Amended......................................................46695
622.19 (b)(1) removed..............................................29847
622.20 (b)(1)(v) revised...........................................42272
622.23 (a)(1)(ii) revised..........................................37478
622.34 (e) suspended; (i) added; eff. 5-3-23 until 10-30-2023......27708
622.39 (a)(1)(iii)(B) suspended; (a)(1)(iii)(D) added; eff. 5-3-23 
        until 10-30-2023...........................................27708
622.39 (a)(1)(i) and (2)(i) revised................................37478
622.39 (a)(1)(v) and (2)(ii) revised...............................39201
622.41 (j) amended.................................................24923
622.41 (d) suspended; (r) added; eff. 5-3-23 until 10-30-2023......27708
622.41 (q)(2)(iii)(B) revised; (q)(2)(iii)(C) amended..............37478
622.41 (a)(1)(iii) and (2)(iii) revised............................39201
622.43 (b) revised.................................................50065
622.43 Regulation at 88 FR 50065 eff. date corrected to 9-1-23.....56527
622.183 (b)(10) added; eff. 10-26-23...............................65822
622.184 Removed; eff. 10-26-23.....................................65822
622.185 (c)(5) revised; eff. 10-26-23..............................65822

[[Page 1071]]

622.187 (b)(2)(i) revised; eff. 10-23-23...........................65146
622.190 (a) introductory text and (7) revised; eff. 10-23-23.......65146
622.190 (a)(3) revised; eff. 10-26-23..............................65822
622.191 (a)(7) revised; eff. 10-23-23..............................65146
622.191 (a)(5) revised; eff. 10-26-23..............................65823
622.193 (c) revised; eff. 10-23-23.................................65146
622.193 (k) heading revised; eff. 10-26-23.........................65823
622.373 (f) revised................................................42272
622.378 (a) revised; eff. 10-10-23.................................61477
622.381 Revised....................................................29847
622.382 (a)(1)(i) revised..........................................29847
622.384 (b)(2) introductory text, (i), and (ii) revised............29848
622.388 (b)(1)(iii), (2)(i), and (3) revised.......................29848
622.440 (c) revised................................................16195
622.440 (a)(2) Table 2 revised.....................................46695
622.480 (c) revised................................................16196
622.515 (c) revised................................................16196
635 Temporary regulations........786, 10058, 11820, 17742, 28430, 30234, 
         33839, 34454, 37175, 42272, 45369, 48136, 50807, 53812, 56777, 
                                                            64385, 64831
648 Fishery management measures.........788, 21930, 27709, 44063, 51737, 
                                                            59469, 63861
648 Temporary regulations.........2271, 2859, 3317, 21927, 24494, 24713, 
           25557, 26502, 31193, 39793, 50065, 50808, 56544, 60597, 61477
648 Specifications..................................................2551
648 Notification...................................................65823
648.2 Amended......................................................19565
648.4 (a)(5)(i)(A)(1) added........................................48392
648.7 (b)(1) added; interim........................................17402
648.7 (b)(1) introductory text, (i) introductory text, and (iii) 
        revised....................................................58522
648.10 (g)(3)(ii) revised..........................................54497
648.11 (h)(3)(vii)(A) revised......................................56542
648.14 (g)(1)(ii) and (4) revised; (g)(1)(iii) added................6670
648.14 (r)(1)(vi)(H) and (I) removed; interim......................17402
648.14 (i)(1)(i), (ii), (iv)(A), (B), (vi)(A)(2), (2)(ii)(A), (B) 
        introductory text, (iii)(B), (iv)(B), (D), and (3)(v)(E) 
        revised....................................................19565
648.14 (m)(2)(i) and (3)(ii) revised...............................54497
648.21 (c)(2) revised...............................................6670
648.24 (b)(1)(i) through (iii) revised..............................6670
648.24 (a)(2) added................................................48392
648.26 (a)(1) introductory text, (i) through (iv), and (2) 
        revised; (a)(3) added.......................................6670
648.51 (a)(2)(ii) and (b)(4)(v) revised.............................7628
648.51 (a) introductory text and (f)(1) revised....................19566
648.52 (a) through (f) revised.....................................19566
648.53 (a)(9) and (b)(3) revised...................................19566
648.59 (a)(2) (3), (b)(3)(i), (6)(ii), (c), (e)(1) and (2), 
        (g)(1), (3)(v), and (4)(ii) revised........................19567
648.60 (b), (c), (g), (i), and (j) revised; (d), (e), and (h) 
        removed; (k) added.........................................19568
648.62 (b)(1) revised..............................................19569
648.80 (c)(2)(i), (ii), and (f)(2) introductory text revised........7628
648.80 (a)(13)(i)(B) revised.......................................54497
648.86 I revised...................................................56543
648.86 Correction: Amendatory instruction 3 amended................58113
648.87 (b)(1)(i)(A) revised; (c)(2)(i) introductory text amended; 
        I(2)(i)(A) and (B) removed.................................56543
648.87 Correction: Amendatory instruction 4b amended...............58113
648.89 (b)(1) Table 1, (c)(1)(i) Table 2, and (2) Table 3 revised 
                                                                   54906
648.90 (a)(2)(iv) and (5)(iv)(B) through (D) removed; 
        (a)(4)(iii)(A), (B), (F), (H) introductory text, (1)(i), 
        (2), and (5)(ii) revised; (a)(5)(i)(D) amended.............56543
648.91 (c)(1)(iii) and (iv) revised; (c)(1)(v) and (vi) added......54498
648.92 (b)(1)(i) through (v), (2)(ii), (iii)(B), and (c)(1)(ii)(A) 
        revised; (b)(1)(vi) added..................................54498
648.94 (f) removed.................................................54499
648.95 (e)(3) revised..............................................54499
648.100 (a) introductory text, (b) introductory text, and (1) 
        revised....................................................14507
648.101 (a) introductory text, (1), and (b) revised................14507
648.102 (a) introductory text, (6), (11), (b), and (d) revised.....14507
648.103 (c), (d)(1), and (2)(ii) revised...........................14508
648.104 (b) revised................................................55418

[[Page 1072]]

648.105 Revised....................................................55418
648.106 (a) revised................................................55418
648.107 (a) introductory text revised..............................55418
648.108 (a)(2) revised..............................................7628
648.120 (a) introductory text, (b) introductory text, and (1) 
        revised....................................................14508
648.121 (a) introductory text, (1), and (b) revised................14509
648.122 (a) introductory text, (7), (14), and (b) revised..........14509
648.123 (c), (d) introductory text, (1), (2)(ii) introductory 
        text, and (A) revised......................................14509
648.125 (a)(2) revised..............................................7628
648.127 Revised....................................................55419
648.128 (a) revised................................................55419
648.140 (a) introductory text, (b) introductory text, and (1) 
        revised....................................................14509
648.141 (a) introductory text, (1), and (b) revised................14510
648.142 (a) introductory text, (7), (10), (b), (d) introductory 
        text, (1), and (2)(i) through (iv) revised.................14510
648.143 (c) and (d) revised........................................14510
648.145 (a) revised...................................................15
648.146 Revised................................................15, 55419
648.147 (b) revised............................................15, 55419
648.151 Revised....................................................55419
648.160 (b) revised................................................14511
648.162 (a) introductory text and (c) revised......................14511
648.163 (a), (d), and (f) revised..................................14511
648.201 (h) revised; interim.......................................17402
648.202 (a)(2) removed; (b)(4)(iv) revised; interim................17402
648.370 (f)(1) table amended; interim..............................17402


                                  [all]