[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 131 (Monday, July 10, 1995)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 35513-35521]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-16595]



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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Parts 650 and 651

[Docket No. 950622165-5165-01; I.D. 060595D]
RIN 0648-AI03


Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery; Framework Adjustment 6 and 
Northeast Multispecies Fishery; Framework Adjustment 11; Modifies 
Demarcation Line To Monitor Vessel Activity

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: NMFS issues this final rule to implement Framework Adjustment 
11 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan (Multispecies 
FMP) and Framework Adjustment 6 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery 
Management Plan (Scallop FMP). This action modifies a demarcation line 
in the current regulations that is used to monitor vessel activity. The 
intent of this action is to enhance enforcement capability.

EFFECTIVE DATE: August 9, 1995.

ADDRESSES: Copies of Framework Adjustments 6 to the Scallop FMP and 11 
to the Multispecies FMP and copies of Amendment 4 to the Scallop FMP 
and Amendment 5 to the Multispecies FMP, their regulatory impact 
reviews, initial regulatory flexibility analyses (IRFA), and final and 
supplemental environmental impact statements are available from Douglas 
Marshall, Executive Director, New England Fishery Management Council 
(Council), Suntaug Office Park, 5 Broadway (U.S. Rte. 1), Saugus, MA 
01906-1097; telephone: 617-231-0422.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Myles Raizin, Resource Policy Analyst, 
508-281-9104.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Final regulations implementing Amendment 5 
to the Multispecies FMP and Amendment 4 to the Scallop FMP were 
published on March 1, 1994 (59 FR 9872), and January 19, 1994 (59 FR 
2757), respectively. These amendments established effort control 
programs that allocated a certain number of days during which a vessel 
may fish for regulated multispecies or scallops. These programs are 
referred to as days-at-sea (DAS) programs. The DAS programs require a 
demarcation line to determine when a vessel leaves port to initiate a 
fishing trip so that the vessel's DAS can be traced electronically 
using a vessel tracking device. The framework adjustments implemented 
by this rule modify the existing vessel tracking system (VTS) 
demarcation line which is based on the International Regulations for 
Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) line. The modified line, 
referred to as the Vessel Tracking System Demarcation Line (VTSDL), is 
a continuous line formed by connecting 50 specified coordinates that 
parallel the east coast of the United States from the Canadian border 
to South Carolina.
    NMFS' Office of Enforcement in the Northeast Region has the 
responsibility for implementing, monitoring, and enforcing the DAS 
program. During the development of this monitoring program, NMFS 
enforcement discovered that the COLREGS demarcation line specified in 
the regulations for multispecies and scallops would not be functional 
in the electronic system because the line is discontinuous and often 
described only in narrative terms.
    The Council and NMFS initially believed that the COLREGS 
demarcation line would be an optimal boundary for this purpose because 
it was preexisting and appeared to be a reasonable distance from shore. 
This line is used to delineate the waters upon which mariners must 
comply with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at 
Sea (33 CFR part 80), and those waters upon which mariners shall comply 
with the Inland Navigation Rules. Since the COLREGS demarcation line is 
actually a series of disjointed lines, a vessel could breach the 
COLREGS line undetected.
    NMFS determined that in order to be functional for the computerized 
VTS, the line would have to be defined in terms of latitude/longitude 
coordinates. The VTSDL forms a continuous line allowing NMFS 
enforcement to monitor the entire coastline from Maine to South 
Carolina. Therefore, a vessel embarking on or returning from a fishing 
trip must cross the VTSDL, thus, triggering or ceasing a DAS. 
Accordingly, NMFS requested that the Council modify the regulations to 
define the line in terms of latitude/longitude coordinates.
Justification for Final Rule

    The Council developed Framework Adjustment 11 to the Multispecies 
FMP and Framework Adjustment 6 to the Scallop FMP to amend the 
regulations. These adjustments comply with all procedural requirements 
set forth in 50 CFR 650.40 and 651.40, which are the provisions of the 
implementing regulations for the Scallop FMP and 

[[Page 35514]]
Multispecies FMP governing framework modifications to management 
measures. The Council requested publication of the management measures 
as a final rule after considering the required factors set forth at 
Secs. 650.40(d) and 651.40(d).

Public Comment

    The framework adjustments were developed and analyzed at Council 
meetings on March 29 and May 18, 1995. The Council provided the public 
with advance notice of both the proposed change to the line and the 
reasons for the change, and the opportunity to comment on them prior to 
and at the Council meetings.
    One comment was received at the March 29, 1995, meeting regarding 
two coordinates off the coast of Maine. The commenter believed the 
coordinates would allow excessive groundfishing inside the demarcation 
line in down-east Maine. The Council concurred and revised the two 
coordinates and added a third, so that the line is drawn closer to 
shore. No comments were received at the May 18, 1995, meeting.
    NMFS concurs with the framework adjustments because the replacement 
of the COLREGS line with the VTSDL will enhance the ability to monitor 
and enforce the DAS programs, thus providing immediate and increased 
protection for the scallop and multispecies resources.

Classification

    The Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, NOAA (AA), finds there 
is good cause to waive prior notice and opportunity for comments under 
5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B). Public meetings held by the Council to discuss the 
management measures of Framework Adjustment 6 to the Scallop FMP and 
Framework Adjustment 11 to the Multispecies FMP provided adequate prior 
notice and opportunity for public comment to be made and considered, 
making additional prior notice and opportunity for public comment 
unnecessary.
    Because no proposed rule is required, this action is exempt from 
the requirements to prepare an IRFA under the Regulatory Flexibility 
Act. As a result, a regulatory flexibility analysis was not prepared.
    This final rule has been determined to be not significant for 
purposes of E.O. 12866.

List of Subjects

50 CFR Part 650

    Fisheries, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

50 CFR Part 651

    Fisheries, Fishing, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

    Dated: June 29, 1995.
Gary Matlock,
Acting Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries 
Service.

    For the reasons set out in the preamble, 50 CFR parts 650 and 651 
are amended as follows:

PART 650--ATLANTIC SEA SCALLOP FISHERY

    1. The authority citation for part 650 continues to read as 
follows:

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


Sec. 650.2  [Amended]

    2. In Sec. 650.2, the definition of ``COLREGS Demarcation Lines'' 
is removed.
    3. In Sec. 650.24, existing paragraph (c)(2)(ii) is redesignated as 
paragraph (c)(2)(iii); a new paragraph (c)(2)(ii) is added; and 
paragraph (c)(2)(i) is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 650.24  Days-at-sea (DAS) allocations.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (2) * * *
    (i) DAS for vessels that are under the VTS monitoring system 
described in Sec. 650.26(a) are counted beginning with the first hourly 
location signal received showing that the vessel crossed the Vessel 
Tracking System Demarcation Line leaving port and ending with the first 
hourly location signal received showing that the vessel crossed the 
Vessel Tracking System Demarcation Line upon its return to port.
    (ii) Vessel Tracking System Demarcation Line. The Vessel Tracking 
System Demarcation Line is defined by straight lines connecting the 
following points in the order stated (See Figures 3 and 4 to part 650):

                 Vessel Tracking System Demarcation Line                
------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Description                 Longitude           Latitude    
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. Northern terminus point         45 deg.03' N.      66 deg.47' W.    
 (Canada land mass).                                                    
 2. A point east of West Quoddy     44 deg.48.9' N.    66 deg.56.1' W.  
 Head Light.                                                            
 3. A point east of Little River    44 deg.39.0' N.    67 deg.10.5' W.  
 Light.                                                                 
 4. Whistle Buoy ``8BI'' (SSE of    44 deg.13.6' N.    68 deg.10.8' W.  
 Baker Island).                                                         
 5. Isle au Haut Light............  44 deg.03.9' N.    68 deg.39.1' W.  
 6. Pemaquid Point Light..........  43 deg.50.2' N.    69 deg.30.4' W.  
 7. A point west of Halfway Rock..  43 deg.38.0' N.    70 deg.05.0' W.  
 8. A point east of Cape Neddick    43 deg.09.9' N.    70 deg.34.5' W.  
 Light.                                                                 
 9. Merrimack River Entrance        42 deg.48.6' N.    70 deg.47.1' W.  
 ``MR'' Whistle Buoy.                                                   
10. Halibut Point Gong Buoy         42 deg.42.0' N.    70 deg.37.5' W.  
 ``1AHP''.                                                              
11. Connecting reference point....  42 deg.40' N.      70 deg.30' W.    
12. Whistle Buoy ``2'' off Eastern  42 deg.34.3' N.    70 deg.39.8' W.  
 Point.                                                                 
13. The Graves Light (Boston).....  42 deg.21.9' N.    70 deg.52.2' W.  
14. Minots Ledge Light............  42 deg.16.2' N.    70 deg.45.6' W.  
15. Farnham Rock Lighted Bell Buoy  42 deg.05.6' N.    70 deg.36.5' W.  
16. Cape Cod Canal Bell Buoy        41 deg.48.9' N.    70 deg.27.7' W.  
 ``CC''.                                                                
17. A point inside Cape Cod Bay...  41 deg.48.9' N.    70 deg.05' W.    
18. Race Point Lighted Bell Buoy    42 deg.04.9' N.    70 deg.16.8' W.  
 ``RP''.                                                                
19. Peaked Hill Bar Whistle Buoy    42 deg.07.0' N.    70 deg.06.2' W.  
 ``2PH''.                                                               
20. Connecting point, off Nauset    41 deg.50' N.      69 deg.53' W.    
 Light.                                                                 
21. A point south of Chatham ``C''  41 deg.38' N.      69 deg.55.2' W.  
 Whistle Buoy.                                                          
22. A point in eastern Vineyard     41 deg.30' N.      70 deg.33' W.    
 Sound.                                                                 
23. A point east of Martha's        41 deg.22.2' N.    70 deg.24.6' W.  
 Vineyard.                                                              
24. A point east of Great Pt.       41 deg.23.4' N.    69 deg.57' W.    
 Light, Nantucket.                                                      
25. A point SE of Sankaty Head,     41 deg.13' N.      69 deg.57' W.    
 Nantucket.                                                             
26. A point west of Nantucket.....  41 deg.15.6' N.    70 deg.25.2' W.  
27. Squibnocket Lighted Bell Buoy   41 deg.15.7' N.    70 deg.46.3' W.  
 ``1''.                                                                 

[[Page 35515]]
                                                                        
28. Wilbur Point (on Sconticut      41 deg.35.2' N.    70 deg.51.2' W.  
 Neck).                                                                 
29. Mishaum Point (on Smith Neck).  41 deg.31.0' N.    70 deg.57.2' W.  
30. Sakonnet Entrance Lighted       41 deg.25.7' N.    71 deg.13.4' W.  
 Whistle Buoy ``SR''.                                                   
31. Point Judith Lighted Whistle    41 deg.19.3' N.    71 deg.28.6' W.  
 Buoy ``2''.                                                            
32. A point off Block Island        41 deg.08.2' N.    71 deg.32.1' W.  
 Southeast Light.                                                       
33. Shinnecock Inlet Lighted        40 deg.49.0' N.    72 deg.28.6' W.  
 Whistle Buoy ``SH''.                                                   
34. Scotland Horn Buoy ``S'', off   40 deg.26.5' N.    73 deg.55.0' W.  
 Sandy Hook (NJ).                                                       
35. Barnegat Lighted Gong Buoy      39 deg.45.5' N.    73 deg.59.5' W.  
 ``2''.                                                                 
36. A point east of Atlantic City   39 deg.21.9' N.    74 deg.22.7' W.  
 Light.                                                                 
37. A point east of Hereford Inlet  39 deg.00.4' N.    74 deg.46' W.    
 Light.                                                                 
38. A point east of Cape Henlopen   38 deg.47' N.      75 deg.04' W.    
 Light.                                                                 
39. A point east of Fenwick Island  38 deg.27.1' N.    75 deg.02' W.    
 Light.                                                                 
40. A point NE of Assateague        38 deg.00' N.      75 deg.13' W.    
 Island (VA).                                                           
41. Wachapreague Inlet Lighted      37 deg.35.0' N.    75 deg.33.7' W.  
 Whistle Buoy ``A''.                                                    
42. A point NE of Cape Henry......  36 deg.55.6' N.    75 deg.58.5' W.  
43. A point east of Currituck       36 deg.22.6' N.    75 deg.48' W.    
 Beach Light.                                                           
44. Oregon Inlet (NC) Whistle Buoy  35 deg.48.5' N.    75 deg.30' W.    
45. Wimble Shoals, east of          35 deg.36' N.      75 deg.26' W.    
 Chicamacomico.                                                         
46. A point SE of Cape Hatteras     35 deg.12.5' N.    75 deg.30' W.    
 Light.                                                                 
47. Hatteras Inlet Entrance Buoy    35 deg.10' N.      75 deg.46' W.    
 ``HI''.                                                                
48. Ocracoke Inlet Whistle Buoy     35 deg.01.5' N.    76 deg.00.5' W.  
 ``OC''.                                                                
49. A point east of Cape Lookout    34 deg.36.5' N.    76 deg.30' W.    
 Light.                                                                 
50. Southern terminus point.......  34 deg.35' N.      76 deg.41' W.    
------------------------------------------------------------------------


* * * * *

Figures 3 and 4 to Part 650 [Amended]

    4. Figures 3 and 4 to part 650 are added to read as follows:

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PART 651--NORTHEAST MULTISPECIES FISHERY

    5. The authority citation for part 651 continues to read as 
follows:

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


Sec. 651.2  [Amended]

    6. In Sec. 651.2, the definition of ``COLREGS Demarcation Lines'' 
is removed.
    7. In Sec. 651.22, paragraph (b)(3)(iv) is redesignated as 
paragraph (b)(3)(v); a new paragraph (b)(3)(iv) is added; and paragraph 
(b)(3)(iii) is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 651.22  Effort-control program for limited access vessels.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (3) * * *
    (iii) Accrual of DAS. DAS for vessels that are under the VTS 
monitoring system described in Sec. 651.29(a) are counted beginning 
with the first hourly location signal received showing that the vessel 
crossed the Vessel Tracking System Demarcation Line leaving port and 
ending with the first hourly location signal received showing that the 
vessel crossed the Vessel Tracking System Demarcation Line upon its 
return to port.
    (iv) Vessel Tracking System Demarcation Line. The Vessel Tracking 
System Demarcation Line is defined as straight lines connecting the 
following points in the order stated (See Figures 6 and 7 to part 651):

                 Vessel Tracking System Demarcation Line                
------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Description                 Longitude           Latitude    
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Northern terminus point (Canada  45 deg.03' N.      66 deg.47' W.    
 land mass).                                                            
2. A point east of West Quoddy      44 deg.48.9' N.    66 deg.56.1' W.  
 Head Light.                                                            
3. A point east of Little River     44 deg.39.0' N.    67 deg.10.5' W.  
 Light.                                                                 
4. Whistle Buoy ``8BI'' (SSE of     44 deg.13.6' N.    68 deg.10.8' W.  
 Baker Island).                                                         
5. Isle au Haut Light.............  44 deg.03.9' N.    68 deg.39.1' W.  
6. Pemaquid Point Light...........  43 deg.50.2' N.    69 deg.30.4' W.  
7. A point west of Halfway Rock...  43 deg.38.0' N.    70 deg.05.0' W.  
8. A point east of Cape Neddick     43 deg.09.9' N.    70 deg.34.5' W.  
 Light.                                                                 
9. Merrimack River Entrance ``MR''  42 deg.48.6' N.    70 deg.47.1' W.  
 Whistle Buoy.                                                          
10. Halibut Point Gong Buoy         42 deg.42.0' N.    70 deg.37.5' W.  
 ``1AHP''.                                                              
11. Connecting reference point....  42 deg.40' N.      70 deg.30' W.    
12. Whistle Buoy ``2'' off Eastern  42 deg.34.3' N.    70 deg.39.8' W.  
 Point.                                                                 
13. The Graves Light (Boston).....  42 deg.21.9' N.    70 deg.52.2' W.  
14. Minots Ledge Light............  42 deg.16.2' N.    70 deg.45.6' W.  
15. Farnham Rock Lighted Bell Buoy  42 deg.05.6' N.    70 deg.36.5' W.  
16. Cape Cod Canal Bell Buoy        41 deg.48.9' N.    70 deg.27.7' W.  
 ``CC''.                                                                
17. A point inside Cape Cod Bay...  41 deg.48.9' N.    70 deg.05' W.    
18. Race Point Lighted Bell Buoy    42 deg.04.9' N.    70 deg.16.8' W.  
 ``RP''.                                                                
19. Peaked Hill Bar Whistle Buoy    42 deg.07.0' N.    70 deg.06.2' W.  
 ``2PH''.                                                               
20. Connecting point, off Nauset    41 deg.50' N.      69 deg.53' W.    
 Light.                                                                 
21. A point south of Chatham ``C''  41 deg.38' N.      69 deg.55.2' W.  
 Whistle Buoy.                                                          
22. A point in eastern Vineyard     41 deg.30' N.      70 deg.33' W.    
 Sound.                                                                 
23. A point east of Martha's        41 deg.22.2' N.    70 deg.24.6' W.  
 Vineyard.                                                              
24. A point east of Great Pt.       41 deg.23.4' N.    69 deg.57' W.    
 Light, Nantucket.                                                      
25. A point SE of Sankaty Head,     41 deg.13' N.      69 deg.57' W.    
 Nantucket.                                                             
26. A point west of Nantucket.....  41 deg.15.6' N.    70 deg.25.2' W.  
27. Squibnocket Lighted Bell Buoy   41 deg.15.7' N.    70 deg.46.3' W.  
 ``1''.                                                                 
28. Wilbur Point (on Sconticut      41 deg.35.2' N.    70 deg.51.2' W.  
 Neck).                                                                 
29. Mishaum Point (on Smith Neck).  41 deg.31.0' N.    70 deg.57.2' W.  
30. Sakonnet Entrance Lighted       41 deg.25.7' N.    71 deg.13.4' W.  
 Whistle Buoy ``SR''.                                                   
31. Point Judith Lighted Whistle    41 deg.19.3' N.    71 deg.28.6' W.  
 Buoy ``2''.                                                            
32. A point off Block Island        41 deg.08.2' N.    71 deg.32.1' W.  
 Southeast Light.                                                       
33. Shinnecock Inlet Lighted        40 deg.49.0' N.    72 deg.28.6' W.  
 Whistle Buoy ``SH''.                                                   
34. Scotland Horn Buoy ``S'', off   40 deg.26.5' N.    73 deg.55.0' W.  
 Sandy Hook (NJ).                                                       
35. Barnegat Lighted Gong Buoy      39 deg.45.5' N.    73 deg.59.5' W.  
 ``2''.                                                                 
36. A point east of Atlantic City   39 deg.21.9' N.    74 deg.22.7' W.  
 Light.                                                                 
37. A point east of Hereford Inlet  39 deg.00.4' N.    74 deg.46' W.    
 Light.                                                                 
38. A point east of Cape Henlopen   38 deg.47' N.      75 deg.04' W.    
 Light.                                                                 
39. A point east of Fenwick Island  38 deg.27.1' N.    75 deg.02' W.    
 Light.                                                                 
40. A point NE of Assateague        38 deg.00' N.      75 deg.13' W.    
 Island (VA).                                                           
41. Wachapreague Inlet Lighted      37 deg.35.0' N.    75 deg.33.7' W.  
 Whistle Buoy ``A''.                                                    
42. A point NE of Cape Henry......  36 deg.55.6' N.    75 deg.58.5' W.  
43. A point east of Currituck       36 deg.22.6' N.    75 deg.48' W.    
 Beach Light.                                                           
44. Oregon Inlet (NC) Whistle Buoy  35 deg.48.5' N.    75 deg.30' W.    
45. Wimble Shoals, east of          35 deg.36' N.      75 deg.26' W.    
 Chicamacomico.                                                         
46. A point SE of Cape Hatteras     35 deg.12.5' N.    75 deg.30' W.    
 Light.                                                                 
47. Hatteras Inlet Entrance Buoy    35 deg.10' N.      75 deg.46' W.    
 ``HI''.                                                                
48. Ocracoke Inlet Whistle Buoy     35 deg.01.5' N.    76 deg.00.5' W.  
 ``OC''.                                                                
49. A point east of Cape Lookout    34 deg.36.5' N.    76 deg.30' W.    
 Light.                                                                 
50. Southern terminus point.......  34 deg.35' N.      76 deg.41' W.    
------------------------------------------------------------------------


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Figures 6 and 7 to Part 651 [Amended]

    8. Figures 6 and 7 to part 651 are added and the caption is added 
to Figure 4 to part 651 to read ``Figure 4 to part 651--Sink Gillnet 
Closure Areas''.

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[FR Doc. 95-16595 Filed 7-7-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-C